Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Platform or Functional Equivalent

Agency:	FHI 360
State:	District of Columbia
Type of Government:	State & Local
NAICS Category:	541512 - Computer Systems Design Services 541519 - Other Computer Related Services
Posted Date:	Aug 12, 2026
Due Date:	Sep 2, 2026
Solicitation No:	FY26-103433-STRIDES-ZAMBIA-RFQ-006_RFQ_02
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Description

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Platform or Functional Equivalent
RFQ No.: FY26-103433-STRIDES-ZAMBIA-RFQ-006_RFQ_02

Issue date: 12 Aug, 2026
Closing date: 2 Sep, 2026

Solicitation file(s):
RFQ STRIDES Zambia Genomic Sequencer.pdf (273 KB)
ATTACHMENT A - FHI 360 Technical Assurance Questionnaire.docx (65 KB)
ATTACHMENT B - Bidder Compliance and Equivalency Matrix.xlsx (18 KB)

Attachment Preview

Request for Quotation

Solicitation Title:

Solicitation Number:

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Platform or

functional equivalent

FY26-103433-STRIDES-ZAMBIA-RFQ-006

Submit Questions and Quote:

STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org

Date of Issue of RFQ:

Wednesday, 12 August 2026

Date Questions from Supplier Due:

Friday, 21 August 2026

Date Answers due from FHI 360:

Wednesday, 26 August 2026

Date Proposal Due:

Approximate Timeframe an Agreement

Issued to Successful Suppliers:

Wednesday, 2 September 2026, by 5:00PM Eastern

Daylight Time

October 2026: Pending Client Approval

Method of Submittal:

Respond via e-mail with attached document in MS Word / pdf format.

Quote Validity:

The Supplier agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 180 days from the date specified for the

receipt of offers unless another time is specified in the addendum of the RFQ.

Attachments to RFQ:

A: FHI 360 Technology Questionnaire

B: Bidder Compliance and Equivalency Matrix

1. Background

The Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) is Zambia’s national reference laboratory for

animal health, processing approximately 120,000 samples annually across priority diseases such as

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), African Swine Fever (ASF), avian influenza, anthrax, rabies, and

Antimicrobial Resistant (AMR). With the expansion of provincial laboratories, sample volumes and

geographic coverage have increased, necessitating more advanced diagnostic capabilities, including

genomic characterization. However, CVRI currently faces critical gaps in genomic surveillance and

relies on external laboratories for sequencing, resulting in delays of up to three months and limiting

timely outbreak response. These constraints, coupled with limited infrastructure and

bioinformatics capacity, hinder effective disease tracking and have led to delayed characterization

of outbreaks and reduced ability to detect emerging pathogens in real time.

2. Mission Objective

The objective of this procurement is to strengthen genomic surveillance capacity at CVRI by

establishing and operationalizing in-country sequencing capabilities. This will enable timely

genomic characterization of priority animal and zoonotic pathogens, enhance molecular

epidemiology, and support real-time outbreak detection and response while strengthening

bioinformatics systems and staff capacity. Ultimately, the initiative aims to position CVRI as a

national and regional hub for genomic surveillance under the One Health approach.

3. Expected Results

This procurement will enable:

• Enhanced diagnostic capacity through in-country genomic sequencing.

• Reduced turnaround time for faster outbreak detection and response.

• Improved molecular epidemiology for animal diseases.

• Strengthened bioinformatics and data integration systems.

• Increased national and regional genomic surveillance capacity.

• Improved control of zoonotic and transboundary diseases.

• Strengthened capacity building, research, and partnerships.

4. Technical Specifications and Justification

Quantity

One (1) high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform or equivalent sequencing

system that meets or exceeds the minimum performance requirements stated in this RFQ

Justification for Selection

A next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform has been selected for procurement consideration

because of its high throughput, scalability, rapid turnaround time, and integrated bioinformatics

capabilities which will enable CVRI to generate high-quality genomic data in-house, reducing

dependence on external laboratories and accelerating evidence-based decision-making during

disease outbreaks. Furthermore, the platform supports a wide range of applications including

whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, pathogen evolution studies, vaccine research, and

wildlife forensics, aligning with CVRI’s mandate to support animal health, public health, research,

and the One Health agenda. The investment will enhance national preparedness, strengthen

research output, and unlock valuable genomic information from existing archived samples to

improve disease intelligence and health outcomes.

Technical Specifications

Suppliers may propose a high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform that meets

or exceeds the minimum performance requirements described below. The specifications are

intended to define required functionality and performance outcomes rather than proprietary

product features or manufacturer-specific configurations.

Requirement Category

Instrument Configuration

Sequencing Performance

Scalability

Read Length

Minimum Requirement

Self-contained next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform with

integrated or compatible secondary analysis capabilities

sufficient to support genomic surveillance, pathogen

characterization, outbreak investigations, and routine

sequencing workflows.

Capable of generating high-throughput sequencing data suitable

for whole-genome sequencing, targeted sequencing,

metagenomics, transcriptomics, and other molecular

applications relevant to public health and research.

Capable of supporting both low-volume and high-volume

sequencing projects, allowing laboratories to scale throughput

according to changing testing and surveillance demands.

Must support multiple sequencing read configurations,

including short-read and paired-end sequencing applications

required for microbial, viral, and animal genomics studies.

Data

Workflow Automation

Integrated Data Analysis

Compute

Data Output and Compatibility

Bandwidth for network

connection

Application Support

Operating Environment

Safety and Regulatory

Compliance

Instrument Monitoring and

Software and User Interface

Service and Technical Support

Training

Warranty

Product safety and

Must consistently generate high-quality sequencing data with

industry-standard accuracy metrics suitable for genomic

surveillance, public health research, and advanced molecular

analyses.

Must provide automated or streamlined workflow processes

that minimize manual intervention and reduce opportunities

for user error during sequencing runs.

Must include onboard, local, or cloud-enabled bioinformatics

capabilities for primary and secondary data analysis, including

sequence alignment, variant detection, quality assessment, and

data processing.

Capable of generating, processing, storing, and managing large

sequencing datasets produced through routine and high-

throughput sequencing activities.

Must generate industry-standard data formats compatible with

commonly used laboratory information management systems

(LIMS), bioinformatics pipelines, and public genomic databases.

Must support secure network connectivity with sufficient

throughput to enable rapid transfer of sequencing data for local

and cloud-based analysis, including a minimum sustained data

transfer capability of approximately 200 MB/s for sequencing

data uploads and 5 MB/s for instrument monitoring and

operational data transmission

Must support a broad range of sequencing applications

including pathogen whole-genome sequencing, antimicrobial

resistance surveillance, outbreak investigation, metagenomics,

transcriptomics, and related genomics applications.

Must operate reliably in standard laboratory environments with

appropriate temperature and humidity tolerances suitable for

public health and research laboratories.

Must comply with internationally recognized electrical,

laboratory, laser, and equipment safety standards and provide

evidence of applicable certifications.

Must provide system monitoring, performance diagnostics,

error reporting, and preventive maintenance features to

support operational reliability and minimize downtime.

Must include an intuitive user interface for instrument control,

run setup, monitoring, quality assessment, and data

management.

Supplier must provide installation, commissioning, warranty

coverage, maintenance support, software updates, and access to

qualified technical assistance.

Supplier must provide comprehensive onsite user training

covering instrument operation, routine maintenance,

troubleshooting, quality assurance, and basic bioinformatics

workflows.

Minimum one-year comprehensive warranty covering parts,

labor, software, and technical support following installation and

acceptance.

NRTL Certified

compliance

Future

Technology Review

IEC 61010-1 CE Marked

FCC/IC Approved

System should support future expansion of sequencing capacity,

software functionality, and analytical capabilities as laboratory

requirements evolve.

All software as part of a system will be reviewed by FHI 360’s

Digital Technology Team before procuring. Review Attachment

A and provide responses to our Questionnaire in your proposal

response.

Table 1: Bidder Compliance and Equivalency Matrix (See Attachment B) to complete

compliance matrix.

Bidders shall complete and submit the following compliance matrix as part of their proposal.

Failure to provide a completed matrix may result in the proposal being considered non-responsive.

RFQ

Requirement

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Platform or Functional Equivalent

Description

Attachment Preview

See Also