Audit and Assurance Services
Framework Description
KCS's Audit and Assurance Services framework (Y23030) gives public bodies access to internal audit and counter fraud expertise through two lots: Lot 1, Internal Audit and Assurance, and Lot 2, Counter Fraud and Investigation. Applications for this framework, let under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, are closed, so the supplier list is fixed for its term, and it ends on 30 April 2027 with no extension option.
Context & Use Case
Councils, schools, academy trusts and other public bodies use it when they need an independent internal audit function, or extra capacity for specific reviews such as IT audit. Lot 2 meets demand for fraud risk assessment and investigation where an organisation lacks in-house specialists. Contracts tend to be annual audit plans or one-off assignments.
Scope of Services
Lot 1: Internal Audit and Assurance Lot 2: Counter Fraud and Investigation Internal audit of controls and processes Computer (IT) audit
Lots
Lot 1: Internal Audit and Assurance; Lot 2: Counter Fraud and Investigation
Who Can Apply
Suits accountancy firms, internal audit providers and counter fraud specialists with public sector clients. Suppliers not already on the framework cannot join; with the end date of 30 April 2027 close, a KCS re-tender is likely soon, and that is the realistic way in.
Buyer Benefits
Buyers get independent auditors and investigators who have already been checked for qualifications and capacity, and can appoint them without a full tender. Separating internal audit from counter fraud lets them choose specialists for sensitive investigations while keeping a regular audit provider for the annual plan.
Next Steps
Watch KCS's website and Find a Tender now for the successor to this framework, as the current one ends on 30 April 2027. Prepare evidence for the lot you'd target: public sector audit plans delivered, team qualifications, fraud cases handled and quality assurance. Incumbent suppliers should check how long existing call-off contracts can run beyond the end date.
How Athena Can Help
With the re-tender close, Athena would move fast. Our bid/no-bid decision tools help you choose between internal audit, counter fraud or both, and our tender response specialists write the quality answers, build win themes from your public sector track record and price day rates to win.
If the timing slips, our registration and pipeline service lines up other audit and assurance frameworks so your team isn't waiting on one opportunity.
