Technical Support to Improve Global Health Security Systems in Sierra Leone

Request for Proposals
Request for Proposals for Technical Support to Improve Global Health Security
Solicitation Number: 2026-018-Sierra Leone
To: Prospective Organizations
From: FHI 360 STRIDES ACTIVITY TEAM
Contract Title: Technical Support to Improve Global Health Security Systems
Location: SIERRA LEONE
Date Issued: June 18, 2026
Questions Due: June 25, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Responses Posted: July 1, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Submission Deadline: July 20, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Submission Email: STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org
Introduction and Project Overview: STRIDES Activity in Sierra Leone
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 Sierra Leone. STRIDES is funded by the U.S. Department of State and aims to
strengthen national and subnational capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease
threats in alignment with international standards and U.S. Government global health security priorities.
Sierra Leone remains vulnerable to public health emergencies due to recurrent outbreaks and ongoing
health system constraints. Past events-including cholera, Ebola, Lassa fever, COVID-19, and mpox-
have exposed persistent gaps in laboratory capacity, surveillance integration, emergency response
coordination, and multisectoral information sharing. While the Government of Sierra Leone has
strengthened its health security systems through the National Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS),
the establishment of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), and the expansion of electronic
surveillance systems, the country's 2023 Joint External Evaluation (JEE) identified continued gaps across
prevention, detection, and response capacities. Key challenges include limited surge capacity,
suboptimal incident management systems, fragmented data use, and insufficient integration across
human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
STRIDES is designed to address these gaps by strengthening laboratory networks, integrated surveillance
systems, data architecture, and outbreak response capabilities. The Activity emphasizes system
integration, improved data use for decision-making, and stronger One Health coordination, while
building institutional capacity and supporting sustainable, government-led systems. Implementation will
be national in scope, with targeted support in high-priority districts identified jointly with NPHA based
on risk and system needs.
FHI 360 seeks a qualified subcontractor with demonstrated in-country presence to support Activity
implementation in close coordination with NPHA, Government of Sierra Leone ministries, US Embassy,
Freetown, STRIDES technical teams, and U.S. Government-funded partners, including the Meeting
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Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) and Reaching Impact, Saturation and Epidemic Control
(RISE) projects. Applicants should demonstrate relevant technical expertise and propose approaches
that are feasible, aligned with national priorities, and designed to strengthen existing systems without
duplicating partner efforts. Through this effort, STRIDES aims to enhance Sierra Leone's capacity for
timely detection, investigation, and response to infectious disease threats, contributing to national
resilience and broader regional and global health security objectives.
Global Health Security (GHS) Objectives
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 Sierra Leone:
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.
Contractors may propose implementing one or more of the above objectives based on their technical
expertise, institutional capacity, and ability to operate effectively within Sierra Leone's context. FHI 360
anticipates awarding one or more subcontractors to partners demonstrating strong alignment with
STRIDES' technical priorities, the Government of Sierra Leone's health security objectives, and its cross-
sectoral, systems-strengthening approach.
By strengthening laboratory networks, surveillance integration, and outbreak response readiness,
STRIDES will support Sierra Leone to build a more resilient, coordinated, and lasting foundation for
national and regional health security - protecting communities in Sierra Leone from current and future
infectious disease threats.
Technical Description of the Work to Be Performed - STRIDES Scope of Work
Applicants may propose activities across one or more of the following thematic areas. Proposals should
clearly articulate how activities complement, not replicate, ongoing EpiC and RISE investments.
A. Outbreak Preparedness, Detection, and Response Systems
* Strengthen national and subnational coordination structures, including Incident Management
System and Emergency Operation Center functionality.
* Support integration of disease specific response platforms into routine epidemic preparedness
mechanisms.
* Enhance surveillance data analysis, visualization, and use for decision making.
* Support simulation exercises, after -action reviews (AARs), and rapid risk assessments (RRAs).
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B. National Laboratory Systems Strengthening
* Improve laboratory network functionality, including specimen referral, biosafety, and quality
management.
* Support implementation of laboratory quality management systems aligned with International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15189:2022.
* Introduce or strengthen diagnostics, including multiplex or genomic approaches, where aligned
with national plans.
* Strengthen linkages between laboratories, surveillance, and emergency response.
C. Zoonotic Disease and One Health Surveillance
* Strengthen integrated surveillance across human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
* Support hotspot mapping, targeted surveillance, and risk assessments for priority zoonoses.
* Enhance surveillance at border points and in border communities through coordination with
neighboring countries.
* Build capacity of wildlife, veterinary, and district surveillance personnel.
D. Risk Communication and Community Engagement
* Strengthen community based detection, reporting, and referral systems.
* Support development and dissemination of evidence based, culturally appropriate public health
messaging.
* Promote community led approaches that improve trust, ownership, and compliance with public
health measures.
* Support communication products linked to surveillance, preparedness, and traveler health.
STRIDES will coordinate closely with national frameworks and ongoing regional and bilateral initiatives
to ensure complementarity, avoid duplication, and maximize the impact of investments. Activities will
be implemented through existing government systems at national and subnational levels to reinforce
institutional capacity, support local ownership, and promote long-term self-reliance. Where appropriate,
STRIDES will also engage regional partners, academic institutions, community-based organizations, and
the private sector to leverage technical expertise and strengthen implementation.
Under the technical leadership of FHI 360, STRIDES will deliver a combination of targeted technical
support, training and mentorship, and systems strengthening. Limited and strategic procurement of
laboratory and outbreak response commodities may be undertaken, subject to U.S. Department of State
approval, to address critical gaps and support lasting improvements in capacity.
STRIDES Sierra Leone will be implemented through a partnership model that integrates regional
technical oversight with in-country execution through a lead local subcontractor. The subcontractor will
work closely with NPHA and relevant government entities, supported by NGOs, universities, and
specialized technical partners as needed. Implementation will prioritize strengthening government-led
systems, including use of hub-and-spoke laboratory mentorship models, and will be closely coordinated
with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, EpiC, and RISE to ensure aligned, efficient, and delivery
of GHS interventions.
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Technical Management Model
The STRIDES technical oversight model will ensure a unified "One STRIDES" approach, with FHI 360
providing overall leadership in subcontract management, compliance, and coordination. As the prime
partner, FHI 360 will oversee contractual performance, ensure adherence to donor and Activity
requirements, and align all partners through shared governance structures, workplans, and reporting
processes. It will act as the central convener, coordinating engagement with the Government of Sierra
Leone and ensuring that implementation remains consistent with STRIDES' global standards and
priorities.
Within this framework, PATH and Black & Veatch (B&V) serve as core technical partners, providing
specialized expertise in surveillance/data systems and biosafety/biosecurity, respectively. Working
closely with the Sierra Leone-based subcontractor(s), they will offer technical guidance, tools, and
mentorship to ensure interventions are evidence-based and aligned with international best practices.
The subcontractor will lead day-to-day implementation while engaging in routine coordination, joint
planning, and technical reviews with FHI 360 and consortium partners, and will be responsible for timely
reporting and incorporation of feedback, ensuring integrated, high-quality delivery across all program
areas.
Implementation Approach
Contractors 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 Sierra Leone
and/or the West Africa region. Consortium proposals are acceptable where partners demonstrate
complementary expertise, clearly defined roles, and effective coordination and governance
mechanisms.
Proposed activities must align with the STRIDES Sierra Leone Scope of Work, State Parties Annual Self-
Assessment Report (SPAR)-identified priority capacities, and national strategies under the leadership of
the NPHA, Directorate of Primary Health Care (DPHC), Directorate of Policy, Planning, and Information
(DPPI), Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC), District Health Management Team
(DHMT), Epidemic Preparedness Rapid Response Group (EPRG), and relevant human and animal health
sector counterparts. 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 self-reliance, government ownership, systems integration, and
alignment with ongoing regional and bilateral GHS initiatives.
Contractors must clearly describe:
* Objective 1: Approach to strengthening laboratory systems without duplicating EpiC-supported
diagnostic expansion
* Objective 2: Strategy for integrating surveillance systems and aligning with existing eIDSR/DHIS2
platforms
* Objective 3: Approach to enabling higher-order analytics, interoperability, and governance (not
system duplication)
* Objective 4: Flexible surge support model aligned with national response mechanisms
All approaches must demonstrate:
* Technical soundness
* Feasibility within timeframe and resources
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* Self-reliance through government ownership
* Explicit non-duplication with EpiC and RISE
Objective 1: Strengthen Detection Capacity and Laboratory Systems for Human and Animal Health
Networks
Contractors 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 NPHA, DPPI,
MECC, DHMT, EPRG, and relevant human and animal health sector counterparts.
* 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 GHS work in Sierra Leone to
ensure complementarity and avoid duplication.
Objective 2: Develop Integrated and Sustainable Surveillance Systems Using Event-Based and
Indicator-Based Approaches
Contractors may propose activities that include, but are not limited to:
* Strengthen integration of event-based surveillance (EBS) and indicator-based surveillance (IBS)
within Sierra Leone's national surveillance architecture to support early detection and rapid
response.
* Support multisectoral surveillance coordination among NPHA, DPHC, DPPI, MECC, DHMT, EPRG,
and relevant human and animal health sector counterparts 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 international standards
and 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.
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* 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
Contractors may propose activities that include, but are not limited to:
* Strengthen interoperability between laboratory, surveillance, and emergency response data
systems managed by NPHA, DPHC, DPPI, MECC, DHMT, EPRG, and relevant human and animal
health sector counterparts.
* 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
Contractors 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.
* Support national and subnational readiness through tabletop or functional simulation exercises
aligned with international standards and principles to test detection, coordination, and response
systems.
* Strengthen emergency logistics and communication protocols, clarifying roles and
responsibilities for mobilization of personnel, diagnostics, 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,
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 Freetown, 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 Sierra Leone Scope of Work. Contractors are encouraged to propose additional or
alternative deliverables and indicators that demonstrate measurable progress toward achieving the
Activity's objectives and improving national and subnational health security capacity in Sierra Leone.
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Objective Illustrative Deliverable Performance Indicator
* National integrated diagnostic # of national diagnostic
network plan developed and network plans developed
validated and endorsed
% of laboratories
* QMS and laboratory
demonstrating progress
accreditation roadmap
toward accreditation
implemented in priority labs
standards
Objective 1: Strengthen Detection
* National EQA framework # and % of laboratories
Capacity and Laboratory Systems
established and enrollment in participating in EQA/PT
for Human and Animal Health
EQA/PT schemes programs
Networks
* AMR reference laboratory SOPs # of AMR reference
and reporting systems functions established or
established strengthened
* Biosafety and biosecurity (BSS)
policies, SOPs, and incident # and % of laboratories
reporting framework implementing BSS protocols
established and in use
* National integrated surveillance
Strategy approved and
strategy developed and
disseminated (Y/N)
approved
* Surveillance SOPs, tools, and % of SOPs/tools
reporting systems harmonized implemented nationally
Objective 2: Develop Integrated
and Sustainable Surveillance * Surveillance system landscape Assessment report
Systems Using Event-Based and and gap assessment completed validated by NPHA
Indicator-Based Approaches
* Field-tested and finalized % of tools field tested and
surveillance tools rolled out adopted
* Higher-order surveillance # of analytic outputs
analytics and 7-1-7 tracking produced using STRIDES
tools developed tools
* National HIS mapping and
# of system linkages
interoperability roadmap
established or expanded
developed
* Data governance and data- Data governance
Objective 3: Enhance Data
sharing framework finalized framework approved (Y/N)
Management, Interoperability, and
* National data quality assurance # and % of sites
Use for Decision-Making
(DQA) tools and processes implementing DQA
implemented processes
* Routine data-to-action reviews # of quarterly data-to-action
institutionalized meetings conducted
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* Genomic surveillance and
# of workforce trained in
bioinformatics workflows
genomic data analysis
established
* National roster of technical
Roster developed and
experts for outbreak response
maintained (Y/N)
established
* Rapid technical response
# of outbreaks supported
support provided during
Objective 4: Provide Targeted with STRIDES assistance
outbreaks
Outbreak Detection and Response
* Outbreak analytics products
Assistance # of analytic outputs used in
(risk assessments, briefs)
decision-making
generated
# of AAR/IAR reports
* AARs and intra-action reviews
completed with
(IARs) completed
recommendations
Note: Applicants are encouraged to propose additional deliverables and indicators demonstrating
measurable and sustainable improvements in national and subnational GHS capacity.
Proposed Timeline and Key Outputs Template
To be completed by prospective contractor(s) as part of their proposal. Prospective Contractor(s)
are encouraged to propose changes or alternative timelines, key outputs, and milestones to the
table below in their proposals. If a prospective contractor is submitting a proposal for one or
more objectives, then contractor(s) should revise this timeline accordingly and highlight which
objective(s) they are applying to implement.
Illustrative Objectives, Deliverables, Timeline, and Key Outputs
Objective Timeline Key Outputs/Milestones
* Country-level inception and coordination meetings held with
the NPHA, DPHC, DPPI, Ministry of Environment and Climate
Change, DHMT, EPRG.
* STRIDES Sierra Leone Year 1 Work Plan finalized and approved
by FHI 360, U.S. Embassy Freetown, and Government of Sierra
Phase 1: Start-Up and Month Leone counterparts.
Planning 1 - 2 * Technical, MEL, and administrative teams mobilized; local
implementing partner coordination structures established.
* Priority geographies, laboratories, and surveillance networks
confirmed based on SPAR findings and national consultations.
* Baseline indicators, assessment tools, and data collection
plans finalized.
* National integrated diagnostic network plan developed,
Objective 1: Laboratory Months
validated, and endorsed, including defined laboratory tiers,
Systems 2 - 7
priority pathogens, and referral pathways
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* Laboratory QMS and accreditation roadmap developed and
initiated, with targeted laboratories beginning mentorship and
quality improvement activities
* National EQA framework and AMR reference functions
established, with initial laboratory enrollment in proficiency
testing and reporting systems
* BSS policies, SOPs, and implementation framework developed,
reviewed, and endorsed
* QMS, EQA, AMR, and BSS systems operationalized across
priority laboratories, with documented progress toward
quality standards and system integration
* Surveillance landscape assessment completed, including
system mapping and gap analysis
* National integrated surveillance strategy developed, validated,
and approved by NPHA
Objective 2: Surveillance Months * Harmonized surveillance SOPs, tools, and reporting workflows
Systems 3 - 9 finalized, field tested, and prepared for rollout
* SOPs and tools rolled out with initial training, mentorship, and
supportive supervision implemented
* 7-1-7 analytics frameworks developed, piloted, and integrated
into routine surveillance review and decision-making
* Health Information Systems (HIS) mapping completed,
including system inventory, data flows, and interoperability
gaps
* Data governance and data-sharing frameworks developed,
validated, and approved by NPHA and relevant ministries
Objective 3: Data Months * Interoperability roadmap finalized, outlining standards, data
Systems and Analytics 4 - 10 exchange mechanisms, and phased implementation approach
* DQA tools and processes developed, validated, and rolled out
with initial training and supervision
* Genomic surveillance and bioinformatics workflows
established, piloted, and operationalized for priority
pathogens
* Consultant roster for outbreak detection and response
developed, validated, and operationalized
* Standardized outbreak analytics products (e.g., risk
assessments, briefs, dashboards) developed and integrated
into national workflows
Objective 4: Outbreak Months * Surge technical support mechanisms activated as needed, with
Detection and Response 5 - 12 rapid deployment of laboratory, surveillance, and response
expertise during outbreaks
* AARs and IARs conducted following outbreaks, with findings
documented and disseminated
* Joint outbreak response reports and situation updates
produced and shared with national counterparts and FHI 360.
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* Final technical and financial reports submitted to FHI 360 and
the U.S. Department of State.
* Self-reliance and transition plans developed and endorsed by
national counterparts to institutionalize strengthened systems
Final Reporting,
Month and practices.
Knowledge Sharing, and
12 * Case studies, lessons learned, and data visualizations compiled
Transition
for dissemination through national and regional GHS
platforms.
* Recommendations and self-reliance actions incorporated into
subsequent work planning cycles.
Notes for Prospective Contractors:
* FHI 360 may issue one or more Cost Plus Fixed Fee Level-of-Effort Term contract(s) to the
successful contractor(s). Cost Plus Fixed Fee Level-of-Effort Term contracts will specify a level of
effort for a stated time period. If the performance is considered satisfactory by FHI 360, the
fixed fee is payable at the expiration of the agreed-upon period once the level of effort specified
in the contract has been expended in performing the contract work. Contractors should consider
this when budgeting for staffing and personal costs.
* The timeline is indicative; contractor(s) may propose adjustments but must justify them in their
proposal. Contractors submitting for one or more objectives must clearly delineate the
objectives they are submitting a proposal and budget for.
QUALIFICATION
1. Contractors must be a legally registered non-governmental organization (NGO), community-
based organization (CBO), for-profit, or similar local organization operating in Sierra Leone. For
consortium applications, the prime organization must be registered and currently operating in
Sierra Leone and will be responsible for determining whether its consortium partners meet
local registration requirements. Organizations with a strong track record in technical support in
one or more of the following areas: strengthening infectious disease detection, surveillance,
laboratory systems, and cross-sectoral initiatives will be prioritized. Local organizations that are
locally owned and operated and U.S. small businesses are strongly encouraged to apply.
2. Public International Organizations (PIOs), government or government-affiliated entities,
parastatal organizations, government-funded universities, and multilateral organizations to
which the United States is not a signatory are not eligible to apply for or receive subcontracts
under this RFP. Proposals submitted by such organizations will not be considered.
3. Contractor(s) must have demonstrated experience implementing, monitoring, and evaluating
projects of similar scope and complexity, specifically in areas related to the objective areas listed
in the scope of work above:
o Strengthening laboratory capacity (including upgrades to meet biosafety/biosecurity
standards, quality management systems, and support for laboratory human resources).
o Improving disease surveillance systems, including event-based and indicator-based
surveillance.
o Supporting data collection, analysis, and reporting systems that inform public health
decision-making.
o Providing technical support during public health emergencies or infectious disease
outbreaks.
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