Human-Centered Design Partner to Translate Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Insights into People Centered Communications and Strategies in Kenya Q&A

Request for Proposals (RFP)
Solicitation Title: Human-Centered Design Partner to Translate
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Insights into People
Centered Communications and Strategies in
Kenya
Solicitation Number: LIDIA-07202601
Submit Questions and Proposal to: Emily Hoppes, ehoppes@fhi360.org
Date of Issue of RFP: July 15, 2026
Date Questions from Offeror Due: July 22, 2026
Date Answers due from FHI 360: July 24, 2026
Date Proposal Due: August 7, 2026
Approximate Timeframe Agreement August 28, 2026
Issued to Successful Offeror(s):
Method of Submittal:
Respond via e-mail with attached document in pdf format. Pricing should be provided in
Excel format unless otherwise specified.
Quote Validity:
The Offeror agrees to hold the costs/prices in its offer firm for 90 days from the date
specified for the receipt of offers unless another time is specified in the addendum of the
RFP.
Background on FHI 360:
FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources and relationships so
people everywhere have access to the opportunities they need to lead full and healthy lives.
With collaborations in over 60 countries, we work directly with local leaders to advance
social and economic equity, improve health and well-being, respond to humanitarian crises
and strengthen community resilience. We share data-driven insights and scalable tools that
expand access and equity so communities can effectively address complex challenges,
respond to shocks and achieve thriving futures. To learn more, visit fhi360.org.
Background on CRDI:
The Contraceptive Research, Development, and Introduction division (CRDI) at FHI 360 is a
multidisciplinary team of more than 30 researchers and technical experts with
extensive, broad and deep experience dedicated to expanding access to desirable,
Request for Proposal 1

affordable, quality, voluntary family planning options to better meet people's changing
needs and desires throughout their reproductive lives.
I. Project Background
Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) can significantly affect women's physical, social, and
emotional well-being, yet access to effective treatment remains limited in many low-
resource settings. Recent data collected by FHI 360 and its partners indicates substantial
unmet demand for HMB relief among women in Kenya and Nigeria. The hormonal
intrauterine device (HIUD) is a highly effective contraceptive method, which is also an
effective treatment for HMB.
FHI 360 and its partners are conducting an ongoing HIUD user cohort study documenting
long-term continuation rates and factors influencing discontinuation of the HIUD, called the
Longitudinal Investigation of Dynamics of IUD use in Africa, or "LIDIA" Study. FHI 360 and
its partners are initiating a new qualitative sub-study focused on HMB with participants in
the LIDIA Study. The sub-study will employ a two-phase, iterative co-design approach
grounded in the principles of Human-Centered Design (HCD). Phase 1, also referred to as
the "Inquiry Phase," includes focus group discussions (FGDs) to better understand
women's lived experiences with HMB, their care-seeking behaviors, and their perceptions
of the HIUD as a treatment for HMB. The FGDs will also explore healthcare providers'
knowledge, counseling practices, and attitudes toward HMB treatment. Phase 2, also
referred to as the "Ideation Phase," includes participatory workshops to co-design
communication, counseling, and service delivery solutions that address barriers to HMB
care and support greater awareness and access to HIUDs as a treatment option. The
concepts and prototypes resulting from the sub-study will be designed for women,
providers, and health systems, and will be used in future testing and implementation
activities.
II. Scope of Work
Purpose
The subcontractor shall support implementation of the FGDs ("Inquiry Phase") and lead the
co-design workshops ("Ideation Phase) in Kenya under the LIDIA HMB Sub-Study. The
purpose of this scope of work is to generate insights into women's lived experiences with
heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB), provider practices and attitudes, and to co-design
people-centered communication strategies to improve access to and uptake of the
hormonal intrauterine device (HIUD) for HMB treatment.
The subcontractor will provide input into the Inquiry Phase (qualitative research via focus
group discussions) and will lead the Ideation Phase (co-design workshops and prototype
development), in accordance with the approved study protocol, ethical guidelines, and
direction from FHI 360.
Tasks
The subcontractor will be expected to perform the following tasks:
Request for Proposal 2

* Review and support finalization of FGD guides in English and Dholuo in
collaboration with FHI 360 and partners.
* Comprehensively review FGD findings to inform co-design workshop content and
design
* As needed, translate study tools and materials for co-design workshops into
Kiswahili and Dholuo
* Lead planning and logistics for 3 co-design workshops; one per study group: current
or recent HIUD users, non-HIUD users, HIUD providers (FHI 360 and partners will
recruit participants)
* Develop co-design workshop schedule, activities, tools (e.g., journey mapping,
storytelling, idea generation exercises) and ensure adaptation to local context
* Facilitate participatory workshops using HCD methods
* Provide refreshments/meal during workshops and participant compensation at end
of workshop in accordance with local expectations
* Based on workshop results, generate insights related to user journeys for HMB care,
barriers and facilitators to HIUD use for HMB treatment, and messaging and
communication preferences
* Document outputs including photos, notes, and participant-generated materials
* Synthesize workshop findings into a final report with artifacts and actionable
insights
* Co-develop prototype communication materials, product value propositions, and
messaging strategies based on workshop findings with FHI 360 and partners
* Support preparation for, and actively participate in, stakeholder engagement,
including disseminating findings to in-country stakeholders (e.g., MOH, technical
working groups). We anticipate two dissemination events: one for each of the
Inquiry (virtual) and Ideation Phases (in-person).
Anticipated Deliverables and Timeline
Anticipated deliverables will be submitted electronically to FHI 360.
Deliverable Description Target Date
Execution of subcontract and mutual agreement on
1. Contract Signing Upon execution
workplan
Provide feedback on study protocol and draft FGD
2. Study Tool Inputs 30 September 2026
discussion guides
Assist in developing dissemination materials and actively
3. Dissemination Inputs participate in virtual dissemination event for Inquiry 31 May 2027
Phase
4. Co-Design Workshops Completion of workshop plan, including schedule,
31 May 2027
Plans activities, and tools
5. Co-Design Workshops
Completion of 3 workshops 16 August 2027
Completed
Request for Proposal 3

Provide package of workshop photos, notes, and
6. Package of final workshop participant-generated materials and synthesize
31 August 2027
materials and report workshop findings into a final report
7. Prototype Materials Completion of communication prototypes outputs 31 October 2027
Assist in developing dissemination materials and actively
8. Dissemination Inputs participate in final dissemination event for Ideation 30 November 2027
Phase
Location of Work: The work will be conducted remotely and in coordination with FHI 360
staff and partners in both the US and Kenya. The co-design workshops and final
dissemination event are anticipated to take place in Homa Bay. The selected Offeror should
be able to conduct activities in Kenya directly (and with the US remotely).
Travel: Travel is expected as part of this subcontract. Offerors should budget for and
manage travel required to conduct co-design workshops and participate in the final
dissemination event in Homa Bay, as proposed in their approach. Activities are anticipated
to take place between August 2026 and November 2027, with exact timing to be finalized
in collaboration with FHI 360.
III. Timetable and Address for Submission
Proposals are due no later than 5:00 PM EAT on 7 August 2026.
Required documentation must be submitted electronically in PDF format to:
Emily Hoppes
ehoppes@fhi360.org
Questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted no later than 22 July 2026.
Responses to all questions are expected to be shared with Offerors by 24 July 2026.
Late submissions will not be considered.
IV. Qualifications
Required Qualifications
Offerors should demonstrate:
* Experience applying human-centered design methodologies in global health, public
health, or related fields.
* Experience conducting qualitative research and synthesizing insights into
actionable concepts, interventions, or communication approaches.
* Experience facilitating co-creation and prototyping activities.
* Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including healthcare providers,
community members, and health system actors.
* Strong project management and communication skills.
Request for Proposal 4

* Ability to conduct work in Kenya and should be able to conduct participant
engagement and activities in relevant languages, including Dholuo, with English and
Kiswahili used as appropriate. Experience working in Home Bay is preferred.
* Ability to comply with FHI 360 General Terms and Conditions as well as Gates
Foundation Terms and Conditions.
Preferred Qualifications
* Experience in sexual and reproductive health, women's health, menstrual health,
contraception, or related areas.
* Experience designing health provider-facing and client-facing communication or
service delivery interventions.
* Experience working with donor-funded research or implementation projects.
V. Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following
criteria:
1. Proposed approaches and plan (50%)
2. Cost of the services (20%)
3. Experience in performing similar work in the past (20%)
4. Client references (10%)
VI. Required Documentation: Proposals must include the following components:
1. Technical Proposal (maximum 3 pages) that includes:
* Understanding of the project objectives and context
* Proposed approach and methodology for the activities described in the above Scope
of Work
* Description of how the Offeror will engage users and stakeholders throughout the
design process
* Relevant risks, assumptions, and recommendations
2. Organizational Experience and Qualifications
* Overview of the organization
* Examples of relevant HCD projects
* Two relevant case studies or work samples
* Proposed team structure and roles
* CVs/resumes of key staff
3. Budget Proposal
* Detailed budget and budget narrative/justification
4. References
* Contact information for at least three clients for similar work
Request for Proposal 5

VII. Withdrawal of Proposals
Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice, email or facsimile received at any time
before award.
VIII. False Statements in Offer
Offerors must provide full, accurate and complete information as required by this solicitation
and its attachments.
IX. FHI 360 Disclaimers
* FHI 360 may cancel the solicitation and not award
* FHI 360 may reject any or all responses received
* Issuance of the solicitation does not constitute an award commitment by FHI 360
* FHI 360 reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on failure of the offeror to follow
solicitation instructions
* FHI 360 will not compensate any offeror for responding to this solicitation
* FHI 360 reserves the right to issue an award based on initial evaluation of offers without further
discussion
* FHI 360 may choose to award only part of the activities in the solicitation, or issue multiple
awards based on the solicitation activities
* FHI 360 has the right to rescind an RFP or rescind an award prior to the signing of a subcontract
due to any unforeseen changes in the direction of FHI 360's client, be it funding or
programmatic
* FHI 360 reserves the right to waive minor proposal deficiencies that can be corrected prior to
award determination to promote competition
* FHI 360 may contact offerors to confirm contact person, address, and that proposal was
submitted for this solicitation
* Sample Gates Foundation terms and conditions can be found here
Request for Proposal 6