Technical Support to Improve Global Health Security Systems - MOD 3 Tender for GHS Fiji - 3.16.2026

Request for Proposals
Request for Proposals for Technical Support to Improve Global Health Security
Solicitation Number: 2026-013-Fiji
To: Prospective Organizations
From: FHI 360 STRIDES PROJECT TEAM
Contract Title: Technical Support to Improve Global Health Security Systems
Location: Fiji
Date Issued: February 2, 2026
Questions Due: February 9, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Responses Posted: February 13, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Submission Deadline: March 2, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Submission Email: STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org
INTRODUCTION
FHI 360, under the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity,
invites qualified organizations to submit proposals to support the implementation of Global
Health Security (GHS) activities in Fiji. STRIDES is a U.S. Department of State-funded global
initiative designed to strengthen national and subnational systems to prevent, detect, and
respond to infectious disease threats in alignment with the International Health Regulations
(IHR 2005) and U.S. Government global health security priorities.
In Fiji, STRIDES is implemented in close coordination with the Government of Fiji and U.S.
Embassy Suva to strengthen laboratory systems, surveillance, and outbreak preparedness with
regional spillover benefits across the Pacific Islands. Fiji occupies a critical role as a regional
health, transportation, and logistics hub for the Pacific. While the country has achieved notable
public health successes-including the elimination of measles, rubella, and trachoma as public
health problems-it continues to face recurrent and emerging infectious disease threats.
Dengue and leptospirosis occur annually with increasing intensity linked to climate variability,
urbanization, and extreme weather events. Fiji is also confronting a rapidly expanding HIV
epidemic associated with intravenous drug use, alongside persistent risks from zoonotic
diseases and the potential introduction of highly pathogenic avian influenza. These threats
place sustained pressure on laboratory capacity, surveillance systems, biosafety and biosecurity
practices, and coordinated emergency response mechanisms.
Fiji has not yet completed a Joint External Evaluation (JEE); however, recent State Parties Self-
Assessment Annual Report (SPAR) scores indicate moderate but uneven capacity across core
detection and response domains, including laboratory testing capacity, diagnostic network
effectiveness, analysis and information sharing, and health emergency management. These
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findings underscore the need for targeted investments to strengthen national laboratory
systems, improve interoperability between laboratory and surveillance platforms, reinforce
biosafety and biosecurity, and enhance preparedness for rapid outbreak detection and
response-particularly at subnational levels and points of entry.
Through STRIDES, FHI 360 provides focused technical support, capacity strengthening, and
systems-based support in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services
(MHMS), the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways (MoA), the Biosecurity Authority of Fiji
(BAF), and other national health actors. The activity emphasizes Fiji's cross-sectoral approach,
strengthening coordination across human, animal, and environmental health sectors and
reinforcing existing national systems rather than creating parallel structures. STRIDES is
deliberately designed to complement and add value to ongoing investments by regional and
bilateral partners-including SPC, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and multilateral development
banks-while avoiding duplication and promoting sustainability.
This Request for Proposals seeks qualified local, regional, or international partners to propose
technically sound, feasible, and sustainable approaches that advance STRIDES' four core
objectives in Fiji:
1. Strengthen detection capacity and systems across human and animal laboratory
networks, including biosafety and biosecurity.
2. Develop and enhance event-based and indicator-based surveillance systems for
timely detection of public health threats.
3. Improve data collection, analysis, interoperability, and reporting to support
evidence-based decision-making and outbreak response.
4. Provide targeted technical and operational support during outbreaks, including
surge assistance to laboratories and surveillance systems.
Successful applicants will demonstrate relevant experience in laboratory systems
strengthening, surveillance and data systems, biosafety and biosecurity, outbreak preparedness
and response, or multisectoral coordination in Fiji or comparable small-island, resource-
constrained, or climate-vulnerable settings. Proposed activities must align with Fiji's national
priorities, leverage existing platforms and investments, and contribute to durable institutional
capacity and self-reliance. Through this solicitation, STRIDES aims to strengthen Fiji's ability to
rapidly detect, investigate, and respond to infectious disease threats-protecting public health
nationally, reinforcing regional preparedness across the Pacific, and contributing to U.S. and
global health security objectives.
Project Overview: STRIDES Activity in Fiji
Fiji's health security landscape is shaped by recurrent infectious disease threats, climate
vulnerability, geographic dispersion, and constrained health system capacity across national
and subnational levels. While Fiji has achieved important public health milestones-including
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the elimination of measles, rubella, and trachoma as public health problems-the country
continues to experience endemic and emerging infectious diseases such as dengue,
leptospirosis, and a rapidly expanding HIV epidemic, alongside ongoing zoonotic and biosecurity
risks. These challenges place sustained pressure on disease surveillance systems, laboratory
networks, biosafety and biosecurity practices, data interoperability, and coordinated
emergency response mechanisms that are essential for effective implementation of the
International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
Fiji has not yet completed a Joint External Evaluation (JEE); however, recent State Parties Self-
Assessment Annual Report (SPAR) scores indicate moderate but uneven capacity across core
detection and response domains, including laboratory testing capacity, effective national
diagnostic networks, analysis and information sharing, and health emergency management.
These findings underscore the need for targeted system strengthening to improve early
detection, ensure safe and reliable laboratory operations, enhance the use of surveillance data,
and enable timely and coordinated outbreak response-particularly in the context of climate-
driven shocks and natural disasters that regularly disrupt health service delivery.
As a regional health, transportation, and logistics hub for the Pacific Islands, Fiji plays a pivotal
role in regional health security. Strengthening Fiji's infectious disease detection and response
systems will not only protect its population but also generate spillover benefits for neighboring
Pacific Island countries that rely on Fiji's reference laboratories, training institutions, and
outbreak response capacity. Investments in Fiji therefore contribute directly to regional
preparedness and to containing health threats closer to their source.
In response to these needs, the STRIDES Activity-funded by the U.S. Department of State-
supports the Government of Fiji to advance national and regional global health security
priorities. STRIDES works in close collaboration with the MHMS, the MoA, the BAF, and other
national health actors to strengthen systems under a cross-sectoral framework that integrates
human, animal, and environmental health. The Activity is designed to complement and add
value to existing initiatives supported by regional and bilateral partners, including SPC,
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and multilateral development banks, while avoiding duplication
and reinforcing national ownership and sustainability.
The STRIDES Activity in Fiji focuses on operationalizing sustainable, government-led systems
that enhance national and subnational capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to zoonotic and
emerging infectious diseases. Emphasis is placed on strengthening laboratory systems and
biosafety and biosecurity, improving event-based and indicator-based surveillance, enhancing
data use and interoperability across platforms, and ensuring readiness to mount rapid and
effective outbreak responses.
Through this Request for Proposals, FHI 360 seeks qualified local, regional, and international
organizations to implement technical support and capacity-strengthening activities that directly
contribute to the four STRIDES objectives in Fiji:
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1. Strengthen detection capacity and laboratory systems at national and subnational
levels for both human and animal health networks, including improvements in biosafety
and biosecurity, diagnostic quality, and access to essential laboratory services.
2. Develop and strengthen sustainable surveillance systems, integrating event-based and
indicator-based surveillance approaches to enable timely detection and reporting of
public health threats.
3. Enhance data collection, analysis, interoperability, and reporting, supporting evidence-
based decision-making across surveillance, laboratory, and emergency response
functions.
4. Provide targeted outbreak detection and response support, including surge technical
support, laboratory and surveillance support, and strengthened coordination and
logistics during public health emergencies.
Applicants may propose to implement one or more of the above objectives based on their
technical expertise, institutional capacity, and ability to operate effectively within Fiji's context.
FHI 360 anticipates awarding one or more agreements to partners demonstrating strong
alignment with STRIDES' technical priorities, the Government of Fiji's health security objectives,
and its cross-sectoral, systems-strengthening approach.
By strengthening laboratory networks, surveillance integration, and outbreak response
readiness, STRIDES will support Fiji to build a more resilient, coordinated, and sustainable
foundation for national and regional health security-protecting communities in Fiji and across
the Pacific from current and future infectious disease threats.
Technical Description of the Work to Be Performed
STRIDES Scope of Work
In collaboration with the Government of Fiji, the MHMS, the MoA, the BAF, and other relevant
national health actors, the STRIDES Activity will provide targeted technical support to
strengthen Fiji's capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to zoonotic and emerging infectious
disease threats. Implementation will be grounded in a cross-sectoral approach that integrates
human, animal, and environmental health systems and reinforces existing government-led
platforms.
Building on recent SPAR findings and national consultations, STRIDES will address priority gaps
in national laboratory systems, biosafety and biosecurity, event-based and indicator-based
surveillance, data use and interoperability, and health emergency management. Activities will
focus on strengthening national and subnational systems, improving functionality and
coordination across sectors, and ensuring that detection and response capacities are resilient to
climate shocks and natural disasters that regularly affect Fiji.
The Activity will coordinate closely with existing national frameworks and ongoing regional and
bilateral initiatives to ensure complementarity, avoid duplication, and maximize synergies.
STRIDES will work through government systems at national and subnational levels to
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institutionalize improvements, promote sustainability, and support local ownership.
Engagement with regional partners (e.g., SPC), academic institutions, community-based
organizations, and the private sector will be undertaken where appropriate to leverage existing
expertise and resources.
Under the technical leadership of FHI 360, STRIDES will deliver a combination of technical
support, training and mentorship, systems strengthening, and limited, targeted procurement of
laboratory and outbreak response commodities (subject to approval) to support durable
improvements in Fiji's global health security capacity.
Global Health Security (GHS) Objectives
STRIDES seeks qualified contractor(s) to implement activities that advance the following four
GHS objectives in Fiji:
1. Strengthen detection capacity and laboratory systems for human and animal health
networks, including improvements in diagnostic capability, biosafety and biosecurity,
quality management systems, and access to essential laboratory services.
2. Develop and strengthen sustainable surveillance systems, integrating event-based and
indicator-based surveillance to enable timely detection, reporting, and response to
public health threats.
3. Enhance data collection, analysis, interoperability, and reporting across laboratory,
surveillance, and emergency response systems to support evidence-based decision-
making.
4. Provide targeted outbreak detection and response support, including surge technical
support, multisectoral coordination, simulation exercises, and limited procurement of
essential outbreak response commodities.
STRIDES will emphasize system-level, sustainable interventions that reduce the risk and impact
of zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases through early detection, timely notification, and
coordinated response. Two overarching results are anticipated:
1. Reduced risks and impacts of infectious disease threats in Fiji.
2. Functional national systems for early warning, detection, reporting, and coordinated
outbreak response.
Expected Results by Technical Area
Zoonotic Disease and Cross-Sectoral Coordination
Strengthened surveillance for priority zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases across
human and animal health sectors.
Improved multisectoral coordination among MHMS, MoA, and BAF, including regular
joint analysis and information-sharing.
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Enhanced field epidemiology and laboratory capacity among national and subnational
health and veterinary officers.
Operationalized community- and facility-level surveillance mechanisms linked to
national systems.
Improved evidence-based decision-making supported by interoperable data systems
and routine analysis.
Functional and trained multisectoral rapid response mechanisms capable of surge
deployment during outbreaks.
Strengthened preparedness and coordination at points of entry and during climate-
related emergencies.
National Laboratory Systems
Strengthened diagnostic capacity within Fiji's public health, divisional, and animal health
laboratories.
Improved biosafety and biosecurity practices, including risk assessments, SOPs, training,
and governance mechanisms.
Standardized laboratory protocols and strengthened participation in external quality
assurance programs for priority pathogens.
Improved equipment maintenance, certification, and supply chain management for
laboratory commodities.
Strengthened specimen referral and transport networks, including cold chain and chain-
of-custody practices.
Enhanced interoperability between laboratory information systems and surveillance
platforms for timely reporting and outbreak notification.
Surveillance and Data Systems
Integrated event-based and indicator-based surveillance systems across human and
animal health sectors.
Updated SOPs, job aids, and reporting workflows for priority diseases and public health
events.
Strengthened capacity of surveillance officers and data analysts in data visualization,
epidemiologic analysis, and the use of existing digital platforms.
Improved use of surveillance and laboratory data for routine analysis, alerts, and
outbreak decision-making.
Strengthened interoperability and data exchange between laboratory, surveillance, and
emergency operations systems.
Outbreak Detection and Response
Improved readiness to mount timely and coordinated outbreak responses through
strengthened systems and protocols.
Conducted tabletop or functional simulation exercises aligned with IHR principles to test
detection, coordination, and response mechanisms.
Strengthened logistics and supply chain coordination for outbreak response, including
access to diagnostics, PPE, and essential commodities.
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Enhanced national capacity to independently mobilize personnel, supplies, and technical
expertise during public health emergencies.
Implementation Approach
Applicants may propose a technical and financial approach for one or more of the STRIDES
objectives based on their institutional strengths, technical expertise, and operational presence
in Fiji and/or the Pacific region. Consortium applications are acceptable where partners
demonstrate complementary expertise, clearly defined roles, and effective coordination and
governance mechanisms.
Proposed activities must align with the STRIDES Fiji Scope of Work, SPAR-identified priority
capacities, and national strategies under the leadership of the MHMS, the MoA, and the BAF.
Applicants should clearly articulate how proposed interventions will strengthen national and
subnational systems for laboratory detection, surveillance, data use and interoperability, and
outbreak response-emphasizing sustainability, government ownership, systems integration,
and alignment with ongoing regional and bilateral Global Health Security initiatives.
Objective 1: Strengthen Detection Capacity and Laboratory Systems for Human and Animal
Health Networks
Applicants may propose activities that include, but are not limited to:
Provide targeted technical support, training, and mentorship to public health, divisional,
and animal health laboratories to strengthen diagnostic capacity, biosafety and
biosecurity, and quality management systems.
Conduct participatory biosafety and biosecurity risk assessments across priority
laboratories to identify gaps in infrastructure, procedures, equipment, and workforce
capacity, and support development and implementation of corrective action plans in
coordination with MHMS, MoA, and BAF.
Support standardization and implementation of laboratory quality management systems
and participation in external quality assurance programs for priority pathogens.
Support limited, targeted procurement (subject to approval) of essential diagnostic
equipment, reagents, and consumables to address critical gaps in laboratory detection
capacity.
Strengthen specimen collection, packaging, transportation, and referral systems,
including cold-chain management, chain-of-custody procedures, and turnaround time
optimization.
Support equipment installation, certification, preventive maintenance planning, and
training of staff in safe operation and asset management.
Facilitate interoperability between laboratory information systems and national
surveillance platforms to enable timely reporting and coordinated decision-making.
Coordinate closely with regional and bilateral partners supporting laboratory
strengthening in Fiji to ensure complementarity and avoid duplication.
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Objective 2: Develop Integrated and Sustainable Surveillance Systems Using Event-Based and
Indicator-Based Approaches
Applicants may propose activities that include, but are not limited to:
Strengthen integration of event-based surveillance (EBS) and indicator-based
surveillance (IBS) within Fiji's national surveillance architecture to support early
detection and rapid response.
Support multisectoral surveillance coordination among MHMS, MoA, and BAF through
routine information-sharing, joint analysis, and development of shared surveillance
products.
Develop, update, and disseminate surveillance SOPs, job aids, reporting workflows, and
case definitions for priority infectious and zoonotic diseases, consistent with IHR (2005)
principles.
Strengthen feedback loops linking laboratory results, field epidemiology data, and
community- or facility-level alerts to national decision-makers.
Build capacity of surveillance officers, field epidemiologists, and relevant frontline staff
in outbreak detection, risk assessment, reporting, and use of surveillance data.
Strengthen community- and facility-level surveillance mechanisms and ensure signals
from high-risk settings are systematically captured and escalated through national
systems.
Support improved visualization and routine analysis of surveillance data to inform
operational decision-making.
Coordinate with complementary partner initiatives to ensure coherence between
community-based surveillance efforts and national systems.
Objective 3: Enhance Data Management, Interoperability, and Use for Decision-Making
Applicants may propose activities that include, but are not limited to:
Strengthen interoperability between laboratory, surveillance, and emergency response
data systems managed by MHMS, MoA, and BAF.
Support improved use of existing digital platforms for electronic clinical reporting,
laboratory data management, and data visualization to inform outbreak detection and
response.
Provide technical support and training to data analysts, epidemiologists, and decision-
makers in data management, epidemiologic analysis, and visualization tools.
Standardize data collection tools, reporting formats, and information-sharing protocols
across sectors to improve data quality, timeliness, and usability.
Strengthen institutional capacity for data governance, analytics, and routine reporting
to promote sustained use of data for public health action.
Facilitate joint data review sessions and analytic workshops to promote harmonized
interpretation and use of surveillance and laboratory data across ministries.
Objective 4: Provide Targeted Outbreak Detection and Response Assistance
Applicants may propose activities that include, but are not limited to:
Provide surge strategic assistance to support laboratory, surveillance, and coordination
functions during infectious disease outbreaks.
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Support national and subnational readiness through tabletop or functional simulation
exercises aligned with IHR principles to test detection, coordination, and response
systems.
Strengthen emergency logistics and communication protocols, clarifying roles and
responsibilities for mobilization of personnel, diagnostics, PPE, and other essential
supplies during outbreaks.
Support joint outbreak investigations, coordination mechanisms, and after-action
reviews to capture lessons learned and inform preparedness planning.
Strengthen supply chain coordination for outbreak response commodities, including
diagnostics, PPE, and laboratory consumables.
Support integration of outbreak response activities within existing national emergency
management and health emergency operations frameworks.
Ensure close coordination with U.S. Embassy Suva, regional partners, and ongoing
emergency response initiatives to maximize efficiency and coverage.
Deliverables
The table below provides illustrative examples of key deliverables and performance indicators
aligned with the STRIDES Fiji Scope of Work. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional
or alternative deliverables and indicators that demonstrate measurable progress toward
achieving the project's objectives and improving national and subnational health security
capacity in Fiji.
Illustrative Performance
Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables
Indicators
Biosafety and biosecurity (BSS) * Number and proportion of
assessment reports for priority public STRIDES-supported
health, divisional, and animal health laboratories with completed
laboratories, including prioritized BSS assessments in the past 12
improvement and mitigation plans. months.
* Training curricula and modules * Number and proportion of
developed on BSS, diagnostic laboratories implementing
techniques, quality management QMS and participating in EQA
Objective 1: Strengthen systems (QMS), and specimen programs.
Detection Capacity and collection, packaging, transport, and * Percentage of trained
Laboratory Systems for storage for priority pathogens. laboratory staff demonstrating
Human and Animal Health * Laboratory personnel trained and correct application of QA/QC
Networks mentored on QA/QC, BSS, and and BSS protocols.
diagnostic protocols aligned with * Percentage of priority
national and international standards. laboratories reporting results
* External Quality Assurance (EQA) within established national
participation initiated or expanded for turnaround times.
priority testing areas. * Number and proportion of
* Limited, targeted procurement laboratories with functional,
(subject to approval) and distribution maintained, and certified
of essential reagents, diagnostic kits, critical equipment.
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Illustrative Performance
Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables
Indicators
and consumables to address critical * Percentage of laboratory
detection gaps. results shared with
* Preventive maintenance plans and surveillance systems within
certification records established for agreed timelines.
key laboratory equipment, including
biosafety cabinets where applicable.
* Laboratory information systems
strengthened and linked with national
surveillance platforms to support
timely reporting.
* Updated surveillance SOPs, job aids,
and reporting workflows integrating
event-based surveillance (EBS) and
indicator-based surveillance (IBS). * Number of surveillance
* Training sessions conducted for personnel trained on updated
surveillance officers, field SOPs and reporting tools.
epidemiologists, and relevant frontline * Percentage of supported
staff at national and subnational levels. surveillance units submitting
* Operationalized multisectoral timely EBS and IBS reports.
coordination mechanisms among * Number of multisectoral
Objective 2: Develop
MHMS, MoA, and BAF, including coordination meetings or joint
Integrated and Sustainable
routine joint analysis and information- surveillance products
Surveillance Systems Using
sharing products. produced per quarter.
Event-Based and Indicator-
* Improved visualization and routine * Percentage of verified alerts
Based Approaches
analysis products (e.g., bulletins, or signals escalated from
summaries, dashboards) generated subnational to national level
from surveillance data. within defined timeframes.
* Strengthened facility- and * Number of surveillance
community-level signal detection analyses used to inform
mechanisms linked to national operational or response
reporting channels. decisions.
* Regular multisectoral surveillance
coordination meetings convened and
documented.
* Data-sharing and interoperability
* Percentage of supported
protocols developed or updated across
laboratories and surveillance
laboratory, surveillance, and
units reporting through
Objective 3: Enhance Data emergency response systems managed
interoperable systems.
Management, by MHMS, MoA, and BAF.
* Number of personnel trained
Interoperability, and Use for * Enhanced use of existing digital
in data analysis and
Decision-Making platforms for electronic clinical,
visualization.
laboratory, and surveillance reporting
* Number of routine data
to support outbreak detection and
products (reports, dashboards,
response.
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