ENGAGEMENT OF CONSULTANTS TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PILOT INTEGRATED SPECIMEN REFERRAL USING NIGERIAN POSTAL SERVICE (NIPOST) IN ABIA AND TARABA STATES

NATIONAL AGENCY FOR THE CONTROL OF AIDS (NACA)

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

ENGAGEMENT OF CONSULTANTS TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PILOT INTEGRATED SPECIMEN REFERRAL USING NIGERIAN POSTAL SERVICE (NIPOST) IN ABIA AND TARABA STATES

27^th May, 2025

INTRODUCTION

The Global Fund GC6 Grant spanned from 1st April 2021 through 31st December 2023 with NACA being the Principal Recipient and NCDC in collaboration with FMOH-MLSD as Sub Recipient for the Laboratory Systems Strengthening component. As part of the efforts to strengthen referral of biological specimens in the country, there was support for the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in two (2) states (Abia and Taraba). Following the end of the grant in December 2023 and as approved by the Global Fund, the implementation of the Laboratory systems component is to remain with NACA as the PR and FMOH-MLSD as the SR for Laboratory Systems on the ongoing C19RM grant from January 2024 through December 2025.

In the Laboratory Systems component of the grant, there is continued funding to support the implementation of pilot integrated specimen referral using the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in the 2 states. This initiative is aimed at optimizing the transportation of biological specimens, improving result retrieval efficiency, and strengthening laboratory logistics in Nigeria’s public health system. Given the critical role of effective specimen referral in disease diagnosis and surveillance, it is imperative that this pilot is implemented with strong technical and operational oversight.

To ensure the successful execution of this initiative, the engagement of qualified consultants is necessary to provide specialized expertise in laboratory systems, program coordination, monitoring and evaluation, as well as financial reconciliation. These consultants in collaboration with the Ministries of Health in the two states will play a crucial role in ensuring that specimen transportation is properly monitored, data is accurately reported, key stakeholders are effectively engaged, and financial reconciliation processes are conducted in compliance with donor requirements.

Given the strategic importance of this pilot program and the need to commence implementation without delays, NACA is seeking to engage eight (8) consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States.

Pre-qualification requirement

To qualify for consideration, interested consultants are required to submit CVs including the underlisted documents below:

Cover Letter
Recent copy of CV
Copies of all qualifications certificate indicated in the CV
Relevant experiences and supporting documents

Consultant profile

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

CONSULTANTS TO SUPPORT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PILOT INTEGRATED SPECIMEN REFERRAL USING NIGERIAN POSTAL SERVICE (NIPOST) IN ABIA AND TARABA STATES

Consultant – Technical Specialist (Laboratory Systems)

Location: Embedded at NIPOST National Office for National Coordination of the pilot integrated specimen referral using NIPOST in Abia and Taraba states

Reporting Line: Global Fund Technical Advisor – Laboratory Systems, NACA C19RM/HIV

Role Summary: Support the GF/Technical Advisor – Lab Systems NACA C19RM/HIV Project to provide operational and technical support and guidance to 2 State Technical Specialists on implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in Abia and Taraba states.

Job Description:

Maintain a weekly and monthly record of the number of samples transported, result retrieved from PCR and GeneXpert Labs, disease reference laboratories and GeneXpert functionality status for the periodic NiSRN Stakeholder meetings.
Submit quarterly, monthly, weekly report on pilot implementation data, achievements and performance improvement plans along with the state (Abia, Taraba) NiSRN officers.
Lead the continued discussions on interoperability between NACA, Stakeholders and NIPOST on eN-LIS and NIPOST tracking system/database for the collection of real time data and tracking of all NiSRN sample and result transport activities.
Support the review of national strategic plans, SOPs, Guidelines, checklists, Operational documents, and data reporting templates that guide integrated specimen referral network operations.
Provide support in the collection of laboratory logistics data using national HIV/AIDS and TB laboratory logistics tools that can inform resupplies, quantification, funding and procurement decisions.
Responsible for building and the maintenance of a NiSRN facility list database of supported health facilities in the integrated specimen referral network for Viral load, EID/DBS, CD4, sputum and other specimen.
Review invoices submitted by the sample transport organization by State Technical Specialists and ensure that their invoicing is in strict compliance with organizational, Donors and contractual requirements.
Perform other tasks as directed by GF/Technical Advisor – Lab Systems NACA C19RM/HIV Project
Support the achievement of the overall pilot goals as required to ensure good outcomes.

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory sciences from a recognized university.
Registered Member of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)
An advanced degree in Health or Supply Chain related field will be an added advantage
At least 7 years of experience in designing and implementing laboratory transport systems.
Experience working on a Global Fund or donor-funded project as an added advantage
Strong analytical skill, advance knowledge of the use of Microsoft suites, fluency in English as well as presentation skill are required
Ability to multitask with meaningful engagement of stakeholders to resolve challenges
Strong analytical skills and expertise in laboratory system evaluations, particularly in specimen transportation.
Strong knowledge of disease control programs and public health laboratory issues in low- and middle-income countries.
Additional skills in cost analysis and GIS are preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Consultant – Program Optimizer x 2 (Laboratory Systems)

Location: Embedded in NACA HQ to support National coordination

Reporting Line: Technical Specialist – Laboratory Systems

Role Summary: The Program Optimizer will support the timely implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral in Abia and Taraba states and track performance indicators.

Job Description:

Support the Managing of the Programme delivery of the pilot, implementing the agreed Programme plan and transition modality plan
Analyze and escalate new programme risks
Supports the Technical Specialist to communicate programme status to national stakeholders including the NLTWG
Supports the continued partnership development through the identification, targeting and cultivation of relationships with appropriate national stakeholders
Manage existing national stakeholders and partner relations, with regular and scheduled feedback, to ensure continued success of the pilot and beyond
To support the tracking of implementation and absorption rates (programme budget).
To ensure there is a strong link between programme activities, deliverables and budgets.
To work with the Finance Officer to ensure the timely production of monthly financial reports for specimen referral and other Lab Systems interventions

Qualifications and Experience:

– First degree or equivalent in basic science, public health, monitoring and evaluation, epidemiology, surveillance, project management, or a related field.

– Postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications in project management are an advantage.

– Minimum of 3 years of experience in project management.

Consultant – Reconciliation Officer (Laboratory Systems) – (2 Positions)

Location: Embedded at NIPOST state offices in Abia (1) and Taraba (1) States

Reporting Line: Technical Specialist – Laboratory Systems

Role Summary: The Reconciliation Officer will support the timely collation and review of all supporting documents for specimen movement by dispatch riders and subsequent retirement for post service payment to NIPOST by the Project.

Job Description:

Reconciling payments requests from the specimen transport organization to ensure the supporting documentation reflects the correct service provided
Payment schedule/request reconciliations
Collate supporting documentation (waybill, sample/results manifest etc.) for timely retirement
Supporting the month-end postpaid and retirement process
Support the generation of month end reports
Scan the retirement document (waybill, sample/results manifest etc.) to the Program Optimizer at NACA HQ for retirement and payment processing.
Follow up and track payments that are due to ensure timely retirement.
Interface with the dispatch riders for collation and filing of retirement document to facilitate month end reports and post payment for services.
Performs other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

– Degree in basic science or financial management, accounting, or a closely related field.

– Minimum of 2 years of experience working in the NGO sector.

M&E Specialist (Laboratory Systems)

Location: NACA HQ

Reporting Line: Global Fund Technical Advisor – Laboratory Systems, NACA C19RM/HIV

Role Summary: Supports the Team to provide operational and technical support for all pilot integrated specimen referral activities in Abia and Taraba states monitoring and evaluation activities.

Job Description

Supports the implementation of the M&E plan to track the effectiveness and efficiency of the pilot integrated sample transfer network.
Provide periodic reports on performance indices to the FMOH/MLSD, NACA and National technical working group including other information that may be requested
Provide technical support in conducting the mid line and end line assessments and evaluation for the pilot at the proposed timelines.
Track the performance of the specimen referral organization to ensure optimal quality of service is provided based on agreed standard.
Track equipment functionality and capacity throughout the entire network.
Participate in capacity building of health facility staff and NIPOST on sample data collection and management.
Document, and supervise procedures for data cleaning, quality checks, analysis, and archiving of pilot data.
Support the initiative for the interoperability of the NIPOST data tracking system and the eN-LIS.
Lead and supervise the data management activities including data collection, processing and analysis to facilitate prompt reporting.
Lead the periodic conduct of data quality audit in coordination with national stakeholders.
Support design, implementation and documentation for MIS and related projects /activities.
Provide technical support on MIS platforms to facilitates user access to supply chain data for analysis and information.
Support training and capacity development activities for MIS application users.
Supervise a team of MIS Associates, interns, and consultants to ensure timely achievement of project deliverables.
Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor

Qualifications and Experience:

– Bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, information management, or economics.

– Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation.

– Experience managing and using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is an advantage.

– Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS, STATA, or GraphPad Prism.

– Minimum of 4 years of experience in the NGO sector in the M&E field.

State Technical Specialist (Laboratory Systems) – (2 Positions)

Location: Embedded at NIPOST state offices in Abia (1) and Taraba (1) States

Reporting Line: Technical Specialist – Laboratory Systems

Role Summary: Coordinate the implementation of the pilot integrated specimen referral and results delivery network across Abia (1) and Taraba (1) states.

Job Description:

Ensure samples are collected from all designated health facilities (spokes)/ hub sites and transported to the Regional PCR or reference laboratory
Ensure SOPs, Laboratory manuals, guidelines and forms are available and are appropriately utilized at health facilities, sample processing and storage hub, referral and testing laboratories
Periodically carry out spot checks on NIPOST facilities and cooling devices used by dispatch riders to ensure compliance with standard requirement
Ensures diligent record keeping by the sample transport organization for samples movements and result retrieval back to the requesting service delivery points
Carry out bi-weekly samples and results audits to ensure all samples are tested and results/reports generated are delivered to the requesting facility/hubs/Implementing Partners
Monthly, review submitted data from sample transport organization with those of PCR/reference laboratory sites as justification for payment.
Collaborate with STS in the other pilot state for effective management of the pilot
Collate Abia/Taraba states specimen referral reports, review and provide weekly and monthly summary of samples transfer and result returns
Maintain partner relationships and coordination among stakeholders in the two pilot states
The State Technical Specialist will work closely with all implementing partners operating in the region

Qualifications and Experience:

– Master’s degree in public health or a related field; certification in laboratory or logistics and supply chain management is preferred.

– At least 5 years of experience in designing and implementing laboratory transport systems.

– Strong analytical skills and experience in laboratory system evaluations, particularly specimen transportation systems.

– Experience working with the Global Fund and other donor agencies.

– Expertise in designing and strengthening integrated specimen referral systems.

– Strong knowledge of disease control programs and public health laboratory issues.

– Additional skills in cost analysis and GIS are preferred.

– Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

DURATION OF CONSULTANCIES

The duration for the consultancy services is for six (6) months.

REMUNERATION

He/she will be paid competitive fees for the duration of the consultancy at a rate based on the current rate for consultants depending on qualification and experience.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) will make available the necessary documents and reports and other information concerning this assignment. You may obtain additional information at the following address: National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) Ground Floor No. 3 Zinguinchor Street, Beside AEDC Office, Wuse zone 4, Abuja Procurement office

A candidate will be selected based on GF Fixed Budget and individual qualifications (Curriculum Vitae and Experience)

₦1,216,000.00 per month for Technical Specialist (Laboratory Systems)
₦425,000.00 per month for Program Optimizer x 2 (Laboratory Systems
₦300,000.00 per month for Reconciliation Officer (Laboratory Systems) – (2 Positions)
₦850,000.00 per month for M&E Specialist (Laboratory Systems)
₦600,000.00 per month for State Technical Specialist (Laboratory Systems) – (2 Positions)
INSTRUCTIONS TO SUPPLIERS

Submission of Quotations

Sealing and marking of Quotations

The suppliers shall submit the original and one copy of their quotation in two separate sealed envelopes, one marked “original” and one marked “copy”. The two envelopes shall then be enclosed in one single outer envelope. Both the inner and outer envelopes shall be addressed as follows:

(a) to the Purchaser as indicated in the Request for Quotations; and

(b) bearing the Project name (if applicable), the title and number of the Quotation as indicated in the Request for Quotations.

Deadline for the Submission of Quotations

Quotations must be received by the Purchaser at the address specified in below at the latest time and date specified in the Request for Quotations.

Any quotation received by the Purchaser after the deadline for the submission specified below shall be returned unopened to the supplier.

Evaluation and Comparison of Quotations

The Purchaser shall evaluate and compare the Quotations as follows:

· Examine if the quotation conforms to technical specifications and the required delivery time.

· Verify any arithmetical errors. For example, if the quotation in figures is different from the quotation in words, the amount in words shall prevail. If there is a discrepancy between the unit price and the total price that is obtained by multiplying the unit price and quantity, the unit price shall prevail, and the total price shall be corrected.

· Tabulate the Quotations thus arrived at.

Award of Contract

The Purchaser shall award the contract to the supplier whose quotation has been determined to be substantially responsive to the requirements of the Request for Quotations and the lowest evaluated price, i.e., based on the quality of the items quoted for in accordance with the specifications.

Notification of Award

Notification of the award shall constitute the formation of the contract. This Notification shall be sent by registered mail, inviting the supplier to deliver the goods in accordance with the conditions of the Request for Quotations.

Signing of the Contract

Within Ten (10) days following the notification of the award, the Purchaser shall sign and date the Form of Contract and send it back to the Supplier

Fraud and Corruption

Code of Conduct

Whistle blowing and channel of reporting grievances and infractions.

The personnel of the Purchaser and the Suppliers shall adhere to the highest ethical standards, both during the selection process and throughout the execution of the contract. In pursuance of this principle, they shall abstain at all times from corruption or fraudulent practices. Corruption and fraudulent practices are defined as follows:

(i) “corrupt practice” means the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting, directly or indirectly, of anything of value to influence the action of an official in the selection process or in contract execution;

(ii) “fraudulent practice” means a misrepresentation or omission of facts in order to influence a selection process or the execution of a contract;

(iii) “Collusive practices” means a scheme or arrangement between two or more suppliers with or without the knowledge of the Purchaser, designed to establish prices at artificial, noncompetitive levels;

(iv) “Coercive practice” means harming or threatening to harm, directly or indirectly, persons or their property to influence the procurement proceedings, or affect the execution of a Contract.

(v) The Purchaser shall reject a proposal for award if it determines that the Supplier recommended for award has, directly or through an agent, engaged in corrupt, fraudulent, collusive or coercive practices in competing for the contract in question.

“The Global Fund Code of Conduct for Suppliers”

Suppliers are advised to get acquainted with the global fund code of conduct for suppliers via the link provided below:

https://www.theglobalfund.org/media/3275/corporate_codeofconductforsuppliers_policy_en.pdf

“Whistle blowing Policy”

Suppliers are encouraged to send information on any infraction or grievances to the dedicated email account: [email protected]

or [email protected]

Accepting this invitation shall serve as an acknowledgement and agreement to abide by the Global Fund Code of Conduct for Suppliers.

GUIDELINE FOR SUBMISSION AND OPENING OF CVS

The detailed CV must be in English Language and submitted in two (2) hard copies one original & one copy) of the requested CV. The two copies shall then be enclosed and sealed in one (1) single outer envelope and clearly marked at the topmost right corner “Engagement of Consultants to Support Implementation of the Pilot Integrated Specimen Referral Using Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) in Abia and Taraba States” and the Name, Address, Email and Phone Number of the Consultant boldly written at the back of the envelope, with acknowledgement to NACA office at the address below.

Deadline for Submission: The deadline for the submission of proposal should not be later than Tuesday, 10^th June, 2025 by 12 noon. The submission(s) received will be opened immediately after closing at NACA Conference Room in the presence of consultants that choose to attend.

ADDRESS FOR INFORMATION AND SUBMISSION OF CVs

Attention:

Head Procurement

National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA)

Ground Floor Room 1.0

No. 3 Zinguinchor Street, Beside AEDC Office, Wuse zone 4, Abuja

Email: [email protected]

Scoring Citeria for the Technical Specialist (Laboratory Systems)

Evaluation Criteria		MAX. POINTS ALLOCATED
S/N	Technical Specialist (Laboratory Systems)
S/N	Specific experience of the Consultant relevant to the assignment. You must have at least 7 years of similar job experience:
1	Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory sciences from a recognized university.	10
2	Registered Member of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN)	10
3	An advanced degree in Health or Supply Chain related field will be an added advantage	10
4	At least 7 years of experience in designing and implementing laboratory transport systems	15
5	Experience working on a Global Fund or donor-funded project as an added advantage	15
6	Strong analytical skill, advance knowledge of the use of Microsoft suites, fluency in English as well as presentation skill are required	5
8	Ability to multitask with meaningful engagement of stakeholders to resolve challenges	5
9	Strong analytical skills and expertise in laboratory system evaluations,	15
10	Strong knowledge of disease control programs and public health laboratory issues in low- and middle-income countries.	10
11	Additional skills in cost analysis and GIS are preferred.	5
GRAND-TOTAL		100

Scoring Citeria for the Program Optimizer x 2 (Laboratory Systems)

Evaluation Criteria		MAX. POINTS ALLOCATED
S/N	Experience of the Consultant
	Specific experience of the Consultant relevant to the assignment. You must have at least 3 years of similar job experience:
1	First degree or equivalent in basic science, public health, monitoring and evaluation, epidemiology, surveillance, project management, or a related field	25
2	· Postgraduate qualifications or professional certifications in project management are an advantage	30
3	· Minimum of 3 years of experience in project management	45
GRAND-TOTAL		100

Scoring Criteria for the Reconciliation Officer (Laboratory Systems) – (2 Positions)

Evaluation Criteria		MAX. POINTS ALLOCATED
S/N	Experience of the Firm
	Specific experience of the Consultant relevant to the assignment. You must have at least 2 years of similar job experience:
1	Degree in basic science or financial management, accounting, or a closely related field.	45
2	· Minimum of 2 years of experience working in the NGO sector	55
GRAND-TOTAL		100

Scoring Citeria for the M&E Specialist (Laboratory Systems)

Evaluation Criteria		MAX. POINTS ALLOCATED
S/N	Experience of the Firm
S/N	Specific experience of the Consultant relevant to the assignment. You must have at least 4 years of similar job experience:
1	Bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, information management, or economics.	10
2	Minimum of 4 years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation and in the NGO sector in the M&E field.	40
3	· Experience managing and using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) is an advantage.	30
4	Proficiency in tools such as Microsoft Excel, SPSS, STATA, or GraphPad Prism.	20
GRAND-TOTAL		100

Scoring Citeria for the State Technical Specialist (Laboratory Systems) – (2 Positions)

Evaluation Criteria		MAX. POINTS ALLOCATED
S/N	Experience of the Firm
S/N	Specific experience of the Consultant relevant to the assignment. You must have at least 5 years of similar job experience:
1	Master’s degree in public health or a related field; certification in laboratory or logistics and supply chain management is preferred.	10
2	At least 5 years of experience in designing and implementing laboratory transport systems.	25
3	· Strong analytical skills and experience in laboratory system evaluations, particularly specimen transportation systems.	15
4	Experience working with the Global Fund and other donor agencies.	15
5	Expertise in designing and strengthening integrated specimen referral systems.	10
6	Strong knowledge of disease control programs and public health laboratory issues.	15
7	Additional skills in cost analysis and GIS are preferred.	5
8	Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.	5
GRAND-TOTAL		100

NOTES/DISCLAIMER

Late submissions will not be accepted.
NACA shall verify any or all documents and claims made by applicants and will disqualify consultants with falsified documents and claims.
If it is determined that submitted documents and claims have been falsified, the consultant may face prosecution in a court of Law.
NACA shall not be held responsible for any disqualified proposal as a result of any omission or deletion relating to the submission guidelines.
This advertisement shall not be construe a contract to any Consultant, nor shall it entitle any Consultant submitting documents to claim any indemnity from NACA.
NACA is not bound to shortlist any Consultant and reserves the right to annul the bidding process at any time without incurring any liabilities or providing reason.

Signed

Management.