Call for Expressions of Interest - Grant to Provide Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support, Jamaica

MEETING TARGETS AND MAINTAINING
EPIDEMIC CONTROL (EPIC) PROJECT
COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NO.
7200AA19CA00002
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF
INTEREST (EOI)
GRANT TO PROVIDE LABORATORY
ACCREDITATION READINESS SUPPORT -
JAMAICA
EOI-EPICJA01/2026
LAUNCH DATE: AUGUST 19, 2026
DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 11, 2026

Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project. Call for Expressions of Interest - Grant to
provide Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support, Jamaica.
This resource is made possible by the generous support of the United States Government. The contents are the responsibility of
the EpiC project and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Government. EpiC is a global cooperative agreement
(7200AA19CA00002) led by FHI 360 with core partners Right to Care, Palladium International, and Population Services
International (PSI).
EpiC Jamaica - Call for Expressions of Interest: Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support

I. Background
FHI 360 is a nonprofit organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so that people
everywhere can access the opportunities they need to lead full, healthy lives.
Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) is a global health project funded by the
United States Government. EpiC is led by FHI 360 with core partners, Right to Care (RTC), Palladium
International, and Population Services International (PSI), and also draws upon regional and local
partners. The project receives Global Health Security funding to strengthen global, regional, and
local public health systems, building on broad experience and existing capabilities that align with GHS
priorities, National Action Plans for Health Security (NAPHS), and US Government goals.
Under the EpiC Jamaica program, the Ministry of Health and Wellness (MoHW) has requested support
for the preparation of three local laboratories to meet the requirements for ISO 15189 accreditation by
the Jamaica National Agency for Accreditation (JANAAC). The MoHW has identified the laboratories at
May Pen Hospital, Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, and Port Antonio Hospital as priorities for this activity.
Initial information suggests that these labs are in different stages of preparedness for accreditation and
will therefore require interventions that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each.
EpiC therefore seeks a suitably qualified organization to assist each of the three labs to achieve
accreditation readiness. This includes the following steps: conducting baseline assessments, developing
workplans, training laboratory staff, and auditing each facility for accreditation readiness. The successful
candidate must have experience completing all four of the steps described above in Jamaica. Candidates
without this experience will not be eligible for this opportunity.
II. Scope of Work
Working in close collaboration with the EpiC team, MoHW, the National Public Health Lab (NPHL), and
the designated public labs, and using the suggested timelines as a guide, the sub-partner will carry out
the following activities:
2.1 Conduct a baseline assessment and gap analysis in each of the three labs. (November
2026 - January 2027)
Using the Standard Accreditation Checklist of JANAAC, the sub-partner will conduct on-
site baseline assessments at each of the three designated labs concurrently. This
baseline assessment will identify the strengths, weaknesses, gaps, and prioritized
improvement areas across the 12 essential elements of the ISO 15189 quality system.
2.2 Develop a detailed workplan for each lab outlining the internal changes that are
required for accreditation. (February 2027)
Working with the facilities' teams and MoHW, use the findings of the assessments
described in 2.1 to develop a detailed workplan to address the identified gaps in each
lab. The workplan will include the required actions for addressing each gap, including
appropriate benchmarks for reaching the required standards.
EpiC Jamaica - Call for Expressions of Interest: Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support

2.3 Provide tailored support at the three laboratories to address identified weaknesses.
(March - September 2027)
Guided by the findings of the assessment, provide virtual and in-person technical support
to the facilities to address the identified weaknesses. The specific activities to be
implemented at each lab facility and the frequency of visits will be guided by their specific
needs and rate of improvement.
Candidates should describe their approach to implementing the selected activities,
including who would lead each activity, anticipated duration, and materials to be used in
their application. Illustrative activities may include but are not limited to:
- Training of staff through classroom sessions and virtual and on-site mentoring;
- Development/revision of documentation of quality management (QMS) standards,
creation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), policies, and guidelines;
- Establishment of document control, record management, and audit systems;
- Development of quality assurance and quality control protocols;
- Implementation of biosafety, biosecurity, and risk management procedures.
2.4 Internal audits and assessment of changes in internal systems/processes required for
accreditation. (July - August 2027)
The selected sub-award partner will conduct periodic internal audits aligned with
applicable accreditation standards to measure progress towards meeting the
accreditation requirements. These audits will identify non-conforming areas and
recommend appropriate corrective actions to be taken before the formal external
evaluation by the accreditation body.
2.5 Procurement of small laboratory supplies such as PPE, measuring gauges for the
targeted facilities and other items as needed. EpiC has designated an amount to be set
aside in the budget for this activity, as actual procurement will be based on needs
identified during the assessment process. (February - August 2027)
2.6 Submission of a Final Report that includes individual reports on the three facilities as
annexes. Additionally, the selected candidate will be required to deliver a presentation
on the accreditation readiness of each laboratory to the key stakeholders of the facility.
(September 2027)
III. Geographic Scope
This activity will support accreditation readiness for the laboratories at May Pen Hospital, Clarendon,
Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, Westmoreland, and Port Antonio Hospital, Portland.
IV. Anticipated Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance is November 2026 - September 2027 (10 months).
EpiC Jamaica - Call for Expressions of Interest: Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support

V. Funding Availability
EpiC anticipates awarding a cost-reimbursable grant of up to JMD 80,000,000 under this project. This
includes a sum of JMD 7,000,000 for the procurement of small laboratory supplies such as PPE and
measuring gauges, etc. Applicants should budget based on their historic operational costs, geographic
reach and targets in their applications. Applicants should understand that submitted budgets are
illustrative and if awarded a grant, budgets will be revised based on identified final targets and scope.
VI. Eligibility Criteria and Selection
To be eligible for funding under this EOI, the candidate must meet all the following minimum eligibility
criteria identified below:
* Must be duly registered in Jamaica.
* Demonstrated experience conducting baseline assessments, developing workplans, conducting
trainings, and facilitating audits of Jamaican laboratory systems for accreditation.
* Two years of experience implementing activities with government of Jamaica and/or international
donor funding.
* Must have or be in the process of obtaining a UEI number at https://sam.gov/content/home.
* Organization must be not be a debarred entity ineligible of receiving federal funds
Any organization that does not meet these minimum eligibility criteria will not be considered.
Applications will undergo a preliminary review for completeness and responsiveness. Incomplete
applications, applications judged to be unresponsive to the EOI, and applications submitted after the
due date and time may be considered ineligible and may not be considered for an award.
VII. Application Instructions
1. EOI Submission Format
Applications should be submitted in English, using the template provided, and should be no
longer than 12 pages, excluding the budget in local currency (Jamaican Dollars) and annexes.
2. Attachments
All documents to be submitted include:
1) Completed EOI Submission Form (use template linked here
2) Certificate of Registration or Incorporation,
3) Budget and Budget Narrative (use templates linked below)
Budget Narrative
Budget Template
Applicants should prepare and submit a proposed budget in local currency (JMD) in
accordance with their proposed interventions for the 10-month period of performance
(November 2026 to September 2027).
Applicants should prepare and submit a Budget Narrative providing information on
how unit costs and numbers of units were calculated. Applicants should review the
EpiC Jamaica - Call for Expressions of Interest: Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support

attached Budget Narrative Guidance for suggestions concerning how the narrative
should be detailed to explain cost reasonableness for the proposed budget.
4) CVs of proposed Project Implementation Team listed in Section 3 (G) of the
organization's application.
VIII. Application Submission Process and Timeline
Questions on this call for EOIs must be submitted to jamaica.epicprocurement@fhi360.org by 4:00
p.m. Jamaica Time on August 25, 2026.
FHI 360 will hold a question-and-answer session via Teams from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Jamaica time
on August 28, 2026. The session will be held by webinar, and during this time FHI 360 will respond to
questions on the call for EOI, including those submitted to the above email address. Applicants must
register for the webinar by sending an email to jamaica.epicprocurement@fhi360.org by August 25,
2026. The meeting link for the webinar will be emailed to registered applicants by August 26, 2026.
Responses to questions will also be shared with all the webinar participants immediately following
the session.
Completed EOIs are due to FHI 360 by 4 p.m. Jamaica time on September 11, 2026. Applications
must be submitted by email to jamaica.epicprocurement@fhi360.org to be considered.
Applications should be submitted in Microsoft Word (using the template provided) and Excel (for
the budget, using the template provided). The Budget Narrative should also be in Microsoft Word.
Please do not include attachments over 15 MB. In the subject line of the email, please indicate
"EpiC Jamaica EOI - [name of your organization]". Only one application may be submitted per
organization.
After the EOI review process, FHI 360 may contact Applicants with questions to clarify aspects of
their application.
Table 2 below provides a summary of key dates in this process.
Table 2. Key dates for EOI process
Milestone Dates (all times are local time)
Questions on EOI due to jamaica.epicprocurement@fhi360.org August 25, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
Registration for Q&A Webinar due to August 25, 2026
jamaica.epicprocurement@fhi360.org
Meeting link shared to registrants for Q&A Webinar August 26, 2026
Q&A Webinar August 28, 2026
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
EOIs due to jamaica.epicprocurement@fhi360.org September 11, 2026 by 4:00 p.m.
EpiC Jamaica - Call for Expressions of Interest: Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support

IX. Evaluation Criteria
All applications will be objectively reviewed and scored against the criteria provided in Table 3.
Table 3. Evaluation criteria for applications
Criteria Points
ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND: 20
* The Applicant clearly demonstrates experience conducting baseline
assessments, developing workplans, conducting trainings, and facilitating
audits of Jamaican laboratory systems for accreditation.
* The Applicant has implemented similar donor-funded projects in the past in the
technical areas indicated and has included clear examples.
MANAGEMENT APPROACH: 30
* The application demonstrates that the organization has sufficient quality
technical expertise (or additional support budgeted in the application) to
deliver the activities in the SOW.
* The application includes a management structure and team capable of
managing USG funds, and project startup.
TECHNICAL APPROACH: 35
* The technical approach is clear, complete, and responsive to the objectives and
the requirements of the SOW.
* The technical approach is based on best practices, and is likely to achieve the
project's objectives.
* The technical approach clearly articulates what activities will be conducted,
how, where, and by whom and with a clear timeline.
COST 15
* Proposed costs are allowable, allocable, and reasonable, in relation to the
activities and anticipated results.
* Clear budget notes are provided for each item of cost, and detailed calculations
are provided, and are sufficient.
TOTAL 100
X. Additional Information and Disclaimers
This information is provided to aid Applicants in the preparation of their applications.
DUE DILIGENCE
FHI 360 will notify applicants in writing of the status of proposals submitted under this EOI once the
evaluation process has been completed. All applicant organizations shortlisted by the Technical
Evaluation Committee will participate in a due diligence process to assess the organization's technical
and administrative capacity to implement the grant, as well as to verify that the organization has the
necessary financial and administrative systems in place to properly account for grant funds. Shortlisted
applicants will also receive support from the EpiC team to finalize project descriptions, budgets, and
budget narratives, and to gather the relevant supporting documentation for their grant.
EpiC Jamaica - Call for Expressions of Interest: Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support

At a later stage, applicant organizations that receive notification of their shortlisting must provide the
following supporting documentation:
* Financial Pre-Award Assessment (PAT). FHI 360 requires that organizations receiving grants
undergo a PAT. The PAT is a standard part of the grant process. It allows FHI 360 to assess the
risk associated with transferring assets or funds to recipient organizations. During the PAT
process, FHI 360 will interview potential grant recipients to learn more about their systems and
procedures and to help determine the organization's capacity to manage the activities to be
implemented under this grant.
* Signed Mandatory Certifications.
* FFATA Certification.
* PHFFA Certification.
* Audited financial statements, if available.
* Detailed budget and budget narrative.
* Final project description.
Once the above information has been submitted and reviewed, EpiC Jamaica will request grant approval
from the Department of State (DOS). EpiC's ability to award any grant under this program is contingent
upon DOS's approval.
CONTRACT MECHANISM
FHI 360 anticipates awarding a cost-reimbursable grant. The grantee(s) will be selected based on best
value according to the criteria above.
DISCLAIMERS
* Applicants will not be reimbursed for the cost incurred in preparation and submission of an
application. All preparation and submission costs are at the Applicant's expense;
* FHI 360 may cancel this EOI and not award;
* FHI 360 may reject any or all responses received;
* Issuance of this EOI does not constitute award commitment by FHI 360;
* FHI 360 reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on Applicant's failure to follow EOI
instructions;
* FHI 360 will not reimburse Applicants for costs incurred in preparation and submission of an
application;
* FHI 360 reserves the right to independently negotiate with any Applicant, or to issue award
based on initial evaluation of offers without further discussion;
* FHI 360 may choose to award only part of the activities in the EOI, or issue multiple awards
based on the solicitation activities;
* FHI 360 reserves the right to check an Applicant's donor references; and
FHI 360 reserves the right to waive minor application deficiencies that can be corrected prior to
award determination to promote competition.
CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST NOT AN OFFER
This call for EOI represents only a definition of requirements. It is merely an invitation for submission of
applications and does not legally obligate FHI 360 to accept any of the submitted applications in whole
or in part, nor is FHI 360 obligated to select the lowest priced application. FHI 360 has no contractual
obligations with any Applicants based upon issuance of this call for EOI. It is not an offer to contract.
EpiC Jamaica - Call for Expressions of Interest: Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support

Only the execution of a written award shall obligate FHI 360, in accordance with the terms and
conditions contained in such award.
DISCUSSIONS AND AWARD
FHI 360 reserves the right to seek clarifications, enter into discussions or negotiations, or to make award
on initial submissions without discussions or negotiations of any kind. FHI 360 reserves the right to
exclude from further consideration any applications at any time, including after discussions or
negotiations have been entered into.
FALSE STATEMENTS IN OFFER
Applicants must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this call for EOI and its
attachments. At any time that FHI 360 determines that an Applicant has provided false statements in
the EOI, FHI 360 may reject the EOI without further consideration. This call for EOI and any resulting
award shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the U.S. Government except in cases where
they contradict local law. The English language version of this call for EOI and any resulting award shall
govern. Notices and responses pursuant to the provisions of this call for EOI will be in English.
OFFER VERIFICATION
FHI 360 may contact Applicants to confirm contact person, address, application amount and to confirm
that the application was submitted for this call for EOI.
RESERVED RIGHTS
* All call for EOI responses become the property of FHI 360 and FHI 360 reserves the right in its
sole discretion to disqualify any offer based on Applicant failure to follow solicitation
instructions;
* FHI 360 reserves the right to waive any deviations by Applicants from the requirements of this
call for EOI that in FHI 360's opinion are considered not to be material defects requiring
rejection or disqualification; or where such a waiver will promote increased competition;
* Extend the time for submission of all call for EOI responses after notification to all Applicants;
* Terminate or modify the call for EOI process at any time and re-issue the call for EOI to
whomever FHI 360 deems appropriate;
* FHI 360 reserves the right to issue an award based on the initial evaluation of offers without
discussion;
* Award only part of the activities in the call for EOI or issue multiple awards based on call for EOI
activities.
* The awardee must have or be in the process of obtaining a UEI number. Additional assistance
will be provided, as needed, during negotiations with prospective awardees.
* FHI 360 reserves the right to request audited financial statements from the selected
Applicant(s).
* At the conclusion of the evaluation process, any selected firm will be required to complete a
Financial Pre-Award Assessment in order for FHI 360 to ascertain that the organization has the
capacity to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of the proposed subaward. As
part of the Pre-Award Assessment process the firm will also be requested to submit their
incorporated papers, certificate of registration and/or Tax Registration Number (TRN), audit
reports and/or financial statements. Applicants may be asked to submit additional
documentation to illustrate that the organization has the financial capacity to implement the
EpiC Jamaica - Call for Expressions of Interest: Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support

subaward. Site visits may be conducted by FHI 360 staff to evaluate the organization in these
areas.
CERTIFICATION OF INDEPENDENT PRICE DETERMINATION
(a) The Applicant certifies that--
1) The prices in this EOI have been arrived at independently, without, for the purpose of restricting
competition, any consultation, communication, or agreement with any other Applicant,
including but not limited to subsidiaries or other entities in which Applicant has any ownership
or other interests, or any competitor relating to (i) those prices, (ii) the intention to submit an
offer, or (iii) the methods or factors used to calculate the prices offered;
2) The prices in this application have not been and will not be knowingly disclosed by the
Applicant, directly or indirectly, to any other Applicant, including but not limited to subsidiaries
or other entities in which Applicant has any ownership or other interests, or any competitor
before bid opening (in the case of a sealed bid solicitation) or award (in the case of a negotiated
or competitive call for EOI) unless otherwise required by law; and
3) No attempt has been made or will be made by the Applicant to induce any other concern or
individual to submit or not to submit an application for the purpose of restricting competition or
influencing the competitive environment.
(b) Each signature on the application (if any) is considered to be a certification by the signatory that the
signatory--
1) Is the person in the Applicant's organization responsible for determining the prices being
offered in this application, and that the signatory has not participated and will not participate in
any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above; or
2) Has been authorized, in writing, to act as agent for the principals of the Applicant in certifying
that those principals have not participated, and will not participate in any action contrary to
subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above;
3) As an authorized agent, does certify that the principals of the Applicant have not participated,
and will not participate, in any action contrary to subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above;
4) As an agent, has not personally participated, and will not participate, in any action contrary to
subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(3) above.
(c) Applicant understands and agrees that --
1) violation of this certification will result in immediate disqualification from this call for EOI
without recourse and may result in disqualification from future solicitations; and
2) discovery of any violation after award to the Applicant will result in the termination of the
award for default.
CALL FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FIRM GUARANTEE
All information submitted in connection with this call for EOI will be valid for six (6) months from the call
for EOI due date. This includes, but is not limited to, cost, pricing, terms and conditions, service levels,
and all other information. If your organization is awarded a subaward, all information in the call for EOI
and the negotiation process is contractually binding.
WITHDRAWALS OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTERESTS
Applicants may withdraw EOIs by written notice via email received at any time before award. EOIs may
be withdrawn in person by an Applicant or his/her authorized representative, if the representative's
identity is made known and the representative signs a receipt for the application before award.
EpiC Jamaica - Call for Expressions of Interest: Laboratory Accreditation Readiness Support