Rapid Laboratory sample quality and transport systems consultant

Request for Consultant Services Proposal (RFP)
Solicitation Title: STRIDES SOUTH SUDAN: Rapid Laboratory
sample quality and transport systems
consultant
Solicitation Number: FY26-103433-STRIDES-SOUTH-SUDAN-
Consultant-RFP-002
Submit Questions and Proposal to: STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org
Date of Issue of RFP: Thursday, 9 April 2026
Date Questions from Supplier Due: Monday, 13 April 2026, by 5:00PM EST
Date Answers due from FHI 360: Wednesday, 15 April 2026
Date Proposal Due: Tuesday, 21 April 2026, by 11:59PM EST
Approximate Timeframe Consultant Early May 2026
Agreement Issued to Successful
Candidate(s):
Method of Submittal:
Respond via e-mail with the attached documents in MS Word / pdf format.
The Consultant agrees to hold the 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.
Contract Term: Estimated Early May - Late June/July 2026
Background
The STRIDES program (Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems), funded by the
U.S. Department of State, supports countries to strengthen surveillance systems and
laboratory networks essential for global health security (GHS) and polio eradication. For GHS,
STRIDES prioritizes strengthening detection capacity and laboratory systems for priority
pathogens, including zoonotic diseases at national and subnational levels across human and
animal health laboratories, while expanding access to quality laboratory services for
diseases of public health importance. A critical component of polio surveillance is ensuring
that stool and environmental samples are collected, handled, transported, and received at
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designated laboratories in accordance with Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)
protocols.
In many settings, including fragile and resource-constrained contexts such as South Sudan,
challenges persist in laboratory diagnostic capability, quality management system,
maintaining sample integrity, adhering to biosafety and biosecurity standards, and ensuring
timely transport through an effective reverse cold chain. These challenges can compromise
sample adequacy, delay laboratory confirmation, and weaken early detection of poliovirus
transmission. STRIDES will therefore conduct a rapid mapping, desk-based assessment to
identify operational gaps in laboratory operations including diagnostic functionality, quality
management system (i.e. organization and management, staff capacity, equipment, supply
chain system, laboratory information management system), sample management, quality
and referral pathways, biosafety and biosecurity practices, environmental surveillance (ES)
procedures, and transport systems to inform targeted improvements and capacity
strengthening.
Objective & Purpose of Consultancy
The STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity is seeking
Rapid Laboratory sample quality and transport systems consultant to conduct mapping and
a rapid desk-based assessment of laboratory operations including diagnostic functionality,
quality management system, sample management, quality and referral pathways, biosafety
and biosecurity practices, environmental surveillance procedures, and reverse cold chain
and transport systems to identify operational gaps affecting the adequacy, timeliness, and
completeness of samples arriving at laboratories including the polio laboratory, in line with
GPEI and other global standards (such as ISO, CLSI and U.S. CDC).
Note:
* All aspects of the laboratory quality management system should be addressed i.e.
diagnostic functionality, organization and management, staff capacity, equipment,
facility, biosafety, biosecurity, sample management, supply chain system, laboratory
information management system.
* For GHS, STRIDES will implement activities in laboratories supported by non-
governmental organizations (NGOs), the private sector, faith-based organizations
(FBOs), and other USG-funded entities.
For Polio, samples are NOT processed by anyone except WHO certified labs for polio.
Scope of Work
The consultant will undertake the following tasks:
Task 1: Inception and Planning
* Conduct mapping of existing human and animal laboratory and surveillance systems,
including partners/stakeholders, networks, data flows, and ongoing initiatives
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related to GHS and GPEI.
* Review key and relevant documentation including GHS and GPEI laboratory and
surveillance protocols, national guidelines, prior assessments, and standard
operating procedures (SOPs) related to laboratory operations including diagnostic
functionality, quality management system, sample management (collection,
handling, and transport), and biosafety and biosecurity practices.
* Develop a concise assessment plan, including methodology, key indicators, and data
sources.
* Align with STRIDES and key partners/stakeholders on scope, priority areas, and
available data sources.
Task 2: Desk Review of Laboratory Operations, Quality Management System, Sample
Quality and Laboratory Reception Data
* For GHS, review available laboratory data and records on laboratory operations
including diagnostic functionality, quality management system, sample management
(collection, handling, and transport), and biosafety and biosecurity practices.
* For polio, review available laboratory data and records on sample receipt,
including:
o Stool adequacy and condition upon arrival.
o Timeliness of sample transport.
o Completeness and accuracy of accompanying documentation.
* Identify trends, bottlenecks, and inconsistencies affecting all components of
laboratory operations including sample quality and performance.
Task 3: Review of Sample Collection, Handling, and Documentation Practices
* Assess current practices and protocols for:
o Sample collection and handling for high-priority pathogens, including those
of zoonotic origin.
o Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) stool sample collection and handling.
o Environmental surveillance (ES) sample collection and consistency.
o Documentation, labeling, and chain-of-custody procedures.
* Identify gaps in adherence to global standards and GPEI protocols.
Task 4: Assessment of Reverse Cold Chain and Transport Systems
* Evaluate systems and workflows for domestic and international sample transport,
including:
o Reverse cold chain management (ice packs, cold boxes, temperature control).
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o Transport routes, timelines, and coordination mechanisms.
o Constraints related to logistics, infrastructure, or security.
* Identify key risks affecting timeliness and integrity of samples.
Task 5: Biosafety, Biosecurity and Environmental Surveillance (ES) Procedures
Review
* Review biosafety and biosecurity practices related to sample handling, packaging,
and transport.
* Assess compliance with biosafety and biosecurity standards in line with global and
polio laboratory requirements.
* Review ES site procedures, sampling techniques, and operational consistency.
Task 6: Analysis and Recommendations
* Synthesize findings to identify systemic, operational, and capacity-related gaps.
* Develop prioritized, actionable recommendations, including:
o Targeted refresher trainings (e.g., diagnostic, quality management system,
sample collection, cold chain, biosafety and biosecurity).
o Corrective actions to improve all components of laboratory operations
including sample quality and transport efficiency.
o Identification of counties or sites requiring enhanced diagnostic capacity,
quality management system, biosafety, biosecurity, or ES support.
* Validate findings and recommendations with STRIDES and key
partners/stakeholders.
Level of effort/ Deliverable
Milestones Deliverable Dates of Estimated Deliverable
service level of payments
effort Level
of effort in
days
Inception Methodology, tools, Due 2 days 10%
Report and workplan, and stakeholder within 7
Assessment engagement plan days of
Plan contract
start
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Desk Review Analysis of all components of Due 10 days 30%
Summary laboratory operations within 15
including diagnostic capacity, days of
quality management system, contract
sample quality data and start
transport performance
Identification of key trends
and preliminary gaps
Draft Rapid Consolidated findings across Due 20 days 30%
Assessment all components of laboratory within 35
Report operations including days of
diagnostic capacity, quality contract
management system, sample start
quality, biosafety and
biosecurity, ES procedures,
and transport systems
Preliminary
recommendations and
priority areas for
intervention
Final Incorporating stakeholder Due 10 days 30%
Assessment feedback Includes training within 45
Report and priorities, corrective actions, days of
Prioritized and geographic targeting contract
Action Plan start
Total 42 Days
Estimated LoE
Period of Performance:
Early May 2026 to Late June/July 2026
Location of Work and travel requirement:
* South Sudan,
* Travel: Travel expectations vary based on the candidate's location.
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Candidates based in South Sudan should anticipate approximately 20-30%
local travel
Candidates based outside South Sudan will be expected to undertake
international/ regional travel to South Sudan, as required to support
implementation.
Qualifications
The consultant must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
* Education: Advanced degree (Master's or higher) in Public Health, Epidemiology,
Laboratory Sciences, Microbiology, Global Health, or a related field is required.
* Year of Experience: Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in
polio eradication, GHS, laboratory systems, biosafety/biosecurity, public health
surveillance, or a closely related global health field.
* Language: Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability
to produce high-quality technical reports
Experience:
* Demonstrated experience with polio and GHS laboratory systems, AFP and
environmental surveillance (ES), and/or specimen collection and transport systems,
including reverse cold chain processes.
* Proven experience conducting technical assessments, desk reviews, or system
evaluations, particularly related to laboratory operations, sample quality, or
surveillance performance.
* Experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, or low-resource settings, preferably
in sub-Saharan Africa and/or South Sudan.
* Familiarity with Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) protocols, global standards
(ISO, CLSI and U.S CDC) including standards for sample adequacy, timeliness,
biosafety, and documentation.
Preferred Qualifications:
o Experience supporting or collaborating with GPEI and GHS partners, national
polio programs, or U.S. Government-funded health programs.
o Strong analytical skills with demonstrated ability to translate technical
findings into practical, actionable recommendations.
o Prior experience assessing or strengthening biosafety and biosecurity
practices, cold chain systems, and laboratory sample transport workflows in
settings similar to South Sudan.
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Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria
* Award will be based upon best value (a combination of qualifications and proposed
daily rate).
* Payment will be based upon Level of Effort (LOE) with reimbursement for approved
related budgeted expenses.
Applicants are also welcome to submit their CV into FHI 360's global consultant database for
future consideration outside of this RFP: Consult@FHI360
Required Documentation: Proposals must include the following components:
* Completed USAID1420 Biodata Form
* CV with country experience listed and updated to no less than 3 months prior to
* submission of proposal
* Cover letter (letter shall summarize the consultant's qualifications and explain why
they should be added to the pool as well as rate of pay).
* Written response addressing the needs listed in the SOW.
* Estimated budget, in Excel format, to complete the work as indicated in this RFP
FHI 360 Disclaimers
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* 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 solicitation
* FHI 360 reserves the right 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 solicitation, or issue
multiple awards based on the solicitation activities
* FHI 360 reserves the right to waive minor proposal deficiencies that can be corrected
prior to award determination to promote competition
* FHI 360's supplier terms and conditions can be found here while our consultant terms
and conditions can be found here
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