Technical Support to Strengthen Frontline Outbreak Detection and Response Capacities

Request for Proposals
Request for Proposals for Technical and Operational Support to Strengthen Frontline
Outbreak Detection and Response Capacities
Solicitation Number: 2026-015-Thailand-Outbreak
To: Prospective Organizations
From: STRIDES Project Management
Contract Title: Technical Support to Strengthen Frontline Outbreak Detection and
Response Capacities
Location: Thailand
Date Issued: April 24, 2026
Questions Due: May 4, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Responses Posted: May 7, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Submission Deadline: May 25, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Submission Email: STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org
Introduction
The Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity implemented by
FHI 360 invites qualified organizations to submit proposals to support the implementation
of global health security (GHS) activities in Thailand. 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 GHS priorities. In
Southeast Asia, STRIDES is implemented in close coordination with the Government of
Thailand, U.S. Embassy Bangkok, and other regional entities to strengthen laboratory
systems, surveillance, and outbreak preparedness with regional spillover benefits across
Asia.
STRIDES has four core objectives:
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.
1

This RFP and any subsequent subcontract focus on STRIDES' third objective. Specifically,
any work conducted as a result of this RFP will strengthen frontline and communitylevel
capacities to detect, verify, and respond to priority public health threats through a
multisectoral approach. The scope includes assessing essential competencies among
human and animal health volunteers, developing simplified crosssectoral competency
frameworks, and producing and piloting foundational outbreakresponse training
materials. Activities will emphasize communitybased surveillance, basic risk assessment,
reporting pathways, biosafety principles, and coordination across sectors, with
engagement of university networks, national health actors, and relevant authorities.
STRIDES Scope of Work
STRIDES activities in Southeast Asia will implement a Government of Thailand-led, multi-
sectoral, and tailored technical strategy aligned with Thailand's National Action Plan for
Health Security (NAPHS 2023-2027) and priority gaps identified through recent JEE 2022
and State Parties Annual Self-Assessment Reporting 2024 assessments. The Activity
strengthens core public health capabilities in disease detection, reporting, and coordinated
response with a deliberate focus on high-risk border provinces. These locations are
characterized by intense cross-border mobility, migratory labor flows, zoonotic spillover
risks, and recurring infectious disease outbreaks. By enhancing early warning systems,
strengthening Point-of-Entry (PoE) surveillance, and equipping provincial Rapid Response
Teams (RRT) and Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) with integrated tools and protocols,
STRIDES will enable Thailand to detect outbreaks earlier and respond with faster, evidence-
driven, multisectoral action.
Central to this approach is strengthening Thailand's integrated laboratory and surveillance
systems across human and animal health sectors. STRIDES will work with key Thai
institutions, including the Department of Disease Control (DDC), the Department of Medical
Sciences (DMSC), Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Center (TRC-EIDCC),
Chulalongkorn University, and laboratories under the Department of Livestock
Development (DLD) to expand molecular diagnostics and genomic surveillance for priority
pathogens. Support will include upgrading critical infrastructure, reinforcing quality
assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) systems, and expanding surveillance for high-risk
zoonoses and priority pathogens, including wastewater-based surveillance where
appropriate. These improvements will increase Thailand's ability to generate accurate and
timely laboratory data and integrate it effectively into national surveillance systems to
inform real-time risk assessments and targeted public health measures.
Complementing these national-level investments, STRIDES will bolster emergency
preparedness, multisectoral coordination, and community engagement, ensuring that the
region can manage public health threats efficiently. STRIDES' work includes strengthening
incident management systems and conducting simulation exercises with human health,
veterinary, border, immigration, and customs authorities. Expanding regionally, STRIDES
contributes to health security resilience by strengthening cross-border surveillance,
2

laboratory cooperation, and multisectoral workforce development across the Greater
Mekong Subregion and ASEAN platforms. Leveraging Thailand's technical expertise and
strategic geographic position, activities support the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Animal
Health and Zoonoses (ACCAHZ) and bilateral coordination mechanisms with Cambodia, the
Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR), and Myanmar to improve data sharing, joint
outbreak investigation protocols, and PoE readiness. Regional laboratory quality assurance,
training, and genomic surveillance collaboration builds on Thailand's leadership within the
region. Through strategic partnerships, STRIDES will help cultivate a regional multisectoral
workforce skilled in outbreak investigation, biosafety and biosecurity, field epidemiology,
and meeting 7-1-7 performance benchmarks.
Subcontract Implementation Approach and Scope of Work
Applicants should propose a technical and financial approach to implement the scope of
work and achieve the illustrative results defined in this RFP based on their institutional
strengths, technical expertise, and operational presence in Thailand and/or the Southeast
Asia region. Consortium applications are acceptable where partners demonstrate
complementary expertise, clearly defined roles, and effective coordination and governance
mechanisms.
Objective 3: Enhance Data Management, Interoperability, and Use for Decision-
Making
STRIDES will identify a local subcontractor to conduct a targeted assessment, primarily in
Thailand, to identify the essential competencies frontline health volunteers and
community-level responders need to detect, verify, and respond to priority public health
threats.
The selected subcontractor will engage regional partners through virtual consultations to
ensure regional relevance while maintaining cost feasibility. Working with university
networks and national health actors from the human and animal health sectors, the
subcontractor will develop simplified assessment tools, including structured questionnaires
and short interview guides, to evaluate foundational capacities in surveillance, basic risk
assessment, reporting pathways, and multisectoral coordination. Pilot testing of these tools
will be conducted in selected communities in Thailand to assess existing skills, knowledge
gaps, and resource constraints. Findings from the assessment will inform the development
of a concise cross-sectoral competency framework tailored for frontline volunteers. This
framework will highlight priority gaps, outline practical and achievable training pathways,
and draw on relevant elements of global guidance, such as the Asia Pacific Strategy for
Emerging Diseases and Public Health Emergencies and WOAH workforce development
recommendations. The resulting framework will serve as the foundation for a streamlined
multisectoral training package that can be adapted and expanded by country partners as
resources permit.
Based on the findings from Task 3.2.1a, STRIDES local subcontractor (TBC) will develop a
3

foundational set of multisectoral outbreak-response training materials for frontline health
volunteers. In place of a full regional curriculum, the subcontractor will produce a concise,
introductory training package using a Training of Trainers (ToT) approach that includes core
instructional content and a small number of practical scenarios appropriate for
community-level responders. A short, self-paced online module in both Thai and English
will be developed to provide essential knowledge on outbreak detection, community-based
surveillance, basic epidemiology, biosafety and biosecurity principles, and multisectoral
coordination. The module will be designed for accessibility, ease of use, and low-bandwidth
environments through the Southeast Asia One Health Workforce Academies platform.
Complementing the online module, the subcontractor will prepare a limited set of in-
person training materials, including a facilitator guide and simplified exercises that
reinforce foundational outbreak-response competencies. All materials will be structured
for ease of adaptation by university networks, provincial health offices, livestock services,
and other multisectoral partners. This streamlined package will establish a practical base
that countries may later expand into more advanced training with additional funding.
STRIDES subcontractor will pilot the online module and a short in-person training session
with frontline personnel in Thailand, focusing on participants from the human and animal
health sectors. Given the reduced budget, pilot implementation in Lao PDR and Vietnam
will not be conducted in-country; instead, regional partners may participate virtually to
provide feedback on adaptability and relevance. The pilot will emphasize core
competencies in outbreak detection, reporting channels, preliminary risk assessment, basic
biosafety and biosecurity, and coordinated response with local authorities. The
subcontractor will collect structured feedback from participants, facilitators, and relevant
national and provincial health actors to evaluate the clarity, usability, and practicality of the
training content. Based on this feedback, the STRIDES subcontractor will make targeted
refinements to finalize a concise, scalable training package suitable for adoption by
national partners and future rollout under STRIDES-supported initiatives.
Deliverables
The table below provides illustrative examples of key deliverables and performance
indicators aligned with the STRIDES Thailand/Asia Regional Scope of Work. These
indicators are subject to revision, and additional indicators may be incorporated as the
implementation plan is finalized.
Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables Illustrative Performance Indicators
Simplified assessment tools Number of simplified assessment
Objective 3:
tools finalized, validated by health
Enhance Data
actors, and approved.
Management,
Assessment Reports Number of targeted assessments
Interoperability,
completed in Thailand.
and Use for
Multisectoral competency Number of multisectoral competency
Decision-Making
framework(s) frameworks formally endorsed.
4

Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables Illustrative Performance Indicators
Foundational multisectoral training Number of complete training
package packages (agenda, facilitator guide,
participant materials) developed and
reviewed by technical experts.
Short online training module(s) Number of online training modules
developed and available in at least
two languages (including Thai).
Basic in-person training materials Number of in-person training
and training reports materials developed and used in at
least one official training session.
Pilot training in Thailand reports Number of pilot training courses
conducted in Thailand.
Post-training feedback reports Number of post-training feedback
collected from trainees using
standardized evaluation forms.
Refined, revised, and finalized Number of revised training packages
training package(s) finalized, incorporating documented
feedback, and approved by the
project.
Proposed Timeline and Key Outputs Template
To be completed by prospective applicant(s) as part of their proposal. Prospective Applicant(s)
are encouraged to propose changes or alternative timelines, key outputs, and milestones to the
table below in their proposals. If a prospective applicant is submitting a proposal for one or
more objectives, then applicants should revise this timeline accordingly and highlight which
objective(s) they are applying to implement.
Illustrative Objectives, Deliverables, Timeline, and Key Outputs
Objective / Deliverable Timeline Key Outputs / Milestones
* Inception and coordination meetings conducted
with STRIDES leadership and key Thailand
partners (DLD, DDC, National Institute of Animal
Health (NIAH), and relevant ministries).
Start-Up and Planning Month 1 * Priority laboratories, provinces, and surveillance
systems confirmed in consultation with DLD and
partners.
* Baseline indicators, assessment tools, and
monitoring framework finalized.
5

Objective / Deliverable Timeline Key Outputs / Milestones
* Simplified assessment tools developed and piloted
in selected Thai communities.
* Targeted assessment findings and priority
competency gaps documented.
* Concise cross-sectoral frontline competency
framework developed.
Technical Support to
* Introductory multisectoral outbreak response
Strengthen Frontline Months
training package created.
Outbreak Detection and 2-6
* Self-paced online training module finalized (Thai
Response Capacities
and English).
* In person training materials prepared.
* Pilot training conducted in Thailand with virtual
regional feedback.
* Training package refined and finalized for scalable
future use.
* Final technical and financial reports submitted to
FHI 360 and the U.S. Department of State.
* Sustainability and transition plan developed and
endorsed by national counterparts to
institutionalize strengthened systems and
Final Reporting,
December practices.
Knowledge Sharing, and
2026 * Case studies, lessons learned, and data
Transition
visualizations compiled for dissemination through
national and regional GHS platforms.
* Recommendations and sustainability 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
subcontract(s) to the successful applicant(s). Cost Plus Fixed Fee Level-of-Effort
Term subcontracts 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. Applicants should
consider this when budgeting for staffing and personal costs.
* The timeline is indicative; applicant(s) may propose adjustments but must justify
them in their proposal.
QUALIFICATION
1. Applicants must be a non-governmental organization (NGO), community-based
organization (CBO), for-profit, or similar local organization that is legally registered
and operating in Thailand. Organizations with a strong track record in technical
6

support in one or more of the following areas: adult learning and curriculum
development, multisectoral One Health workforce training, community-level health
worker capacity building, and/or competency framework design. Local
organizations that are locally owned and operated and U.S. small businesses
are strongly encouraged to apply.
2. Public International Organizations (PIOs) are not eligible to apply for or receive
awards under this RFP. Proposals submitted by PIOs will not be considered.
3. Applicant(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.
4. Applicant(s) must demonstrate experience working collaboratively with the DLD,
DDC, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, NIAH, other multisectoral public
agencies, and/or regional entities, community-level health actors, and, where
relevant, the private sector.
5. Applicant(s) must have proven systems in place to ensure the timely and high-
quality delivery of technical services, materials, and reports as outlined in the scope
of work.
6. Applicant(s) must be able to field and manage a team of qualified technical
personnel with expertise relevant to the scope of work and the objective areas
applied for, including laboratory systems, surveillance, epidemiology, data
management, and outbreak response.
7. Compliance and Risk Management
o Ability to comply with U.S. government financial management, data
protection, cybersecurity, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting standards.
o Systems in place for safeguarding sensitive health and surveillance data in
accordance with relevant national and international laws.
INFORMATION REQUIRED IN THE RESPONSE
All organizations wishing to participate in this procurement process must submit a
complete application not exceeding 10 pages. The information provided will be used to
assess your organization's technical and management capacity, experience, and suitability
for selection. Interested applicants must submit the following documents:
1. Organizational Profile (Included in the 10-page restriction) - A detailed
description of your organization, including number of staff, years of operation,
7

systems for quality assurance, and experience working with FHI 360 or other
governmental or non-governmental organizations on similar projects (please
include brochures or other relevant materials).
2. Key Personnel (not to exceed 2 pages not included in the 10-page restriction) -
A summary list of technical and professional staff who will work on this assignment,
including their qualifications and relevant experience aligned to the scope of work
(e.g., laboratory strengthening, surveillance, data systems, outbreak response,
monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL)).
3. Technical Proposal (not to exceed 10 pages) - A detailed technical narrative and
proposed work plan outlining how the contractor proposes to deliver the technical
support described in the scope of work. This should include key milestones,
activities, deliverables, and a timeline for the 6-month period. The proposal should
also address how the organization will ensure coordination with FHI 360 and
relevant government counterparts. Technical proposals should be submitted in PDF
and WORD formats with the solicitation number and objectives which the applicant
seeks to perform clearly indicated.
4. Budget Proposal - Proposers must submit a detailed budget using the attached
EXCEL file (Attachment A) that includes unit costs, staff salaries, and all other
anticipated expenses, delineated by objective accompanied by a comprehensive
budget narrative in PDF and Word format that explains the cost basis for each line
item organized by objective, and provides clear justification for all budget elements.
The financial proposal must cover all costs required to complete the scope of work
outlined above, including unburdened daily rates for each staff member assigned to
the project and a breakdown of direct and indirect costs delineated by objective.
The budget should clearly present these rates and associated costs using
transparent formulas and detailed justifications. The accompanying budget
narrative must describe the roles and responsibilities of assigned staff and the LOE
represented in days, explain the rationale for proposed direct and indirect costs,
and demonstrate how the proposed rates and fee represent competitive pricing and
value for money. Both the budget and narrative should be sufficiently detailed to
enable a thorough cost analysis.
5. Relevant Project References (1 page not included in the 10-page technical
application limit) - A list of recent projects (within the past three years) of similar
scope and complexity. Please include a brief description of each project, the
contract amount, and contact details (email and phone) for a reference person.
6. Evidence of Past Performance (3 pages included in the 10-page technical
application) - Documentation demonstrating at least three years of relevant
experience delivering similar technical support.
7. Legal Registration - Proof of legal registration in Thailand.
8. Contact Information - Full name, physical address, email, and telephone contact
for the organization.
9. Other Supporting Documents (not to exceed 2 pages not included in the 10-
page technical application) - Any additional documents that demonstrate your
8

organization's qualifications and capacity to deliver the scope of work (e.g.,
certifications, endorsements as relevant).
Instructions for Submission
Interested organizations are invited to submit a technical and cost proposal in response
to this RFP to provide capacity strengthening and technical support under the STRIDES
activity in Thailand.
Technical Proposal
* The technical proposal must not exceed 10 pages, excluding annexes (e.g.,
resumes, organizational charts, past performance references, and other supporting
documents).
* The proposal must be submitted in English, using 12-point font (Calibri), with 1-
inch margins on all sides.
* The technical proposal should cover:
o A clear description of the approach, methodology, and work plan to achieve
the stated objectives within a 6-month period of performance.
o An organizational capacity statement, including relevant experience and
capabilities.
o A staffing plan, including key personnel and their roles in delivering the
scope of work.
o A risk mitigation plan, outlining potential challenges and strategies to
address them.
o A description of monitoring, evaluation, and learning approaches to track
progress and results.
Cost Proposal
* Applicants must submit a budget for all costs and the level of effort necessary to
complete the stated scope of work above. Financial proposals should include
unburdened daily rates for all staff assigned to work on this project. The budget
should clearly indicate unburdened daily rates for staff, total amount of staff time by
labor category for ALL proposed staff, direct and indirect costs with relevant
formulas, and detailed cost justifications in a budget narrative. The budget and
budget narrative must be clear and detailed enough to justify proposed costs,
duties of assigned staff, and direct and indirect costs proposed, with costs for each
objective clearly indicated. The budget narrative should include a discussion of why
the proposed budget costs reflect competitive pricing and value for money.
Applicants are free to propose a reasonable fee rate for their services. The cost
proposal must clearly separate direct costs, indirect costs, and any proposed fee.
* The total value of all subcontract(s) issued will not exceed $200,000.
* Payments will be made in local currency, but the financial proposal must delineate
the cost in both US Dollars and local currency.
* The cost proposal must provide a detailed, itemized budget in US Dollars and local
currency, including a budget narrative that explains cost assumptions.
9

* The budget should align with the proposed work plan and 6-month period of
performance and be in an Excel format.
* A budget narrative must be in WORD and PDF format.
Submission Process
* Proposals must be submitted electronically in PDF, Word and Excel as directed
above format to the designated email address: STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org.
* The subject line of the submission email should read: RFP Submission - STRIDES
Solicitation 2026-015-Thailand.
* All submissions must be received no later than May 25, 2026, 23:59 Eastern
Daylight Time.
* Late submissions may be considered at the discretion of FHI 360.
Questions
* Any questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing to
STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org no later than May 4, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight
Time. Email questions must have the following in the heading. RFP Questions -
STRIDES - Solicitation 2026-015-Thailand-Outbreak
* Responses to questions will be shared with all prospective applicants.
Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
1. Technical capacity and expertise of the applicant as assessed against the
proposed objectives - 50%.
2. Price/cost-effectiveness of the proposed budget as assessed against the
proposed objectives- 25%.
3. Management, past performance, and organizational capacity as assessed
against the proposed objective - 25%.
DEADLINE
All responses to this tender must be received no later than May 25, 2026, 23:59 Eastern
Daylight Time. The proposals shall be typed following the directions above and shall be
signed by the applicant or by a person duly authorized to bind the applicant to the
contract. Any offers received after this date and time may not be accepted and shall be
considered non-responsive. FHI 360 will not compensate offerors for its preparation of
response to this tender.
All inquiries and requests for information affecting this tender must be submitted by e-mail
to STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org with the subject line RFP Submission - STRIDES
Solicitation 2026-015-Thailand. Inquiries and answers to inquiries will be shared with all
offerors. Verbal or telephone responses will not be accepted.
Please note, this tender represents only a definition of requirements and does not legally
obligate FHI 360. Only the execution of a written contract shall obligate FHI 360 in accordance
with the terms and conditions contained in such contract.
10