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Background

Global Fund is funding a 33-month RSSH Grant which commenced on 1st April 2021, with NACA as the Principal Recipient and NCDC in collaboration with the FMOH/MLSD as Sub Recipient for the Laboratory Systems Strengthening component. As part of the efforts to strengthen integrated referral of biological samples in the country, there is support for implementation of recommendations of National Integrated Sample Referral Network (NiSRN) evaluation. These recommendations, with the ultimate goal of providing improved access to qualitative medical laboratory testing services which are equitable and cost-effective, considered the full integration and further expansion of the existing sample referral network across all disease areas. To successfully implement the recommendations generated from the outcome of the NiSRN evaluation, the movement of samples through a more robust, cost-effective and sustainable system is considered. Hence, the implementation of integrated sample movement through the use of a government owned postal service organization in two states (Abia and Taraba states) of the federation for pilot integrated sample transportation.

Currently, an integrated sample transfer network is currently being implemented in Nigeria using third party logistics (3PLS) service providers to collect and deliver diagnostic clinical samples from health facilities to various testing laboratories across the country, and to collect results from testing laboratories and return to health facilities. The clinical samples include dried blood spot (DBS) for Early Infant Infection of HIV diagnosis, whole blood plasma for viral load and or CD4, whereas TB samples utilize Sputum, and malaria clinical samples utilize whole blood or slides for microscopy and detection as well as speciation of malaria parasites. The integrity of samples for diagnostic tests must be adequately maintained through proper sample collection, labelling, picking packaging, transportation, and storage in temperature-controlled environments to ensure quality and acceptable results are generated and reported.

This system has been successfully implemented leading to shortened turn-around times (TAT) for results delivery and subsequently resulting in timely initiation of treatment for clients. The systems include collection, packaging, transportation and storage practices. However, while the system currently addresses the needs of HIV and to a certain extent TB and COVID, there are still fragmented disease referral networks.

It is against this backdrop that NACA seeks to engage a technical service organization (TSO) to provide the needed technical support and handholding for government owned postal service organization during the period of the pilot and strategic guidance on the implementation of all NiSRN related activities under the RSSH II grant.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES/SOW

The TSO will be engaged to support and facilitate the following;

1.     Review of existing NISRN frameworks and develop robust framework for NiSRN implementation in the country including elaborating strategies to optimize the system.

2.    Support the harmonization of existing data on Sample referral and convene a 1-day stakeholders meeting to develop an M&E framework alongside the M & E consultant

3.    Support the training of end users on use of pilot tools (2 batches of training in each pilot states)

4.    Develop and implement nationwide mapping strategy for specimen referral (starting with Abia and Taraba states);

5.    Guide implementation by government owned postal service organization during the pilot of a sustainable and integrated specimen transportation systemat the national level and also in Abia and Taraba states (i.e. participate in periodic team meetings to review tasks, timeframes, priorities, challenges, etc.) to enable effective and efficient transportation of specimens from referring health facilities to the various testing laboratories in the two pilot states (Abia & Taraba).

6.    Support the capacity building of facility staff on Sample Management and develop relevant SOPs; This training will be done for facility staffs involved with sample management in Abia and Taraba states

7.    Carry out the analysis of the pilot report in consultation with FMOH/MLSD, NCDC and NACA and pass final recommendations for adoptions to national stakeholders and the NLTWG.

8.     

9.    Support the implementation of all the NiSRN related activities

DELIVERABLES/ OUTPUTS:

·         Develop a robust framework for NiSRN implementation in the country within 2 months

·         M&E framework to monitor implementation and performance of NiSRN activities

·         In collaboration with the national logistics organization, develop and implement mapping strategy for specimen referral in the two pilot states based on the information provided by the Implementing Partners in the states within 2 months

·          

·         Analysis of the pilot report in consultation by December 2023

·         In collaboration with other stakeholders, carry out the training on integrated sample transport and management for facility personnel and personnels of the national logistics organization.

·         A framework document formalizing the specimen referral and transport network

·         A booklet with SOPs for procedures across all stages of the sample referral process

·         Final consultancy report including recommendations for optimizing integrated specimen referral and transport system

TIMELINE, REPORTING AND QUALITY CONTROL FOR THE ASSIGNMENT:

·         The consultancy is for a period of 7 months

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

a.   Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Form CAC1.1 or CAC02 and CAC07.

b.   Evidence of Company’s Income Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years (2019, 2020 and 2021) valid till 31st December, 2022.Minimum

c.   Turnover of N10 million for the Three (3) referenced years cumulatively;

d.  Evidence of Pension Clearance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2022

e.   Evidence of Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2022.

f.    Evidence of current Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2022;

g.   Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring on 31/12/2022 issued by the BPP.

h.   Sworn Affidavit:

a.    Certifying that the company is not in receivership, insolvency or bankruptcy. Stating that no officer of NACA or Bureau of Public Procurement is a

b.    Director or Shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder.

c.     Also, that none of the Directors of the Company has been convicted for a criminal offence in relation to fraud or financial impropriety in any court in Nigeria or elsewhere.

d.    And that all information presented in the bid is true and correct in all particulars.

i.      Company’s Audited Account for the last three (3) years (2019, 2020 and

2021)

j.      Reference Letter from a reputable commercial bank within the period of the advert indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed;

k.    Company’s profile with the Curriculum Vitae of the Key Staff to be deployed for the consultancy, including copies of their Academic/ Professional qualifications;

l.      Verifiable document of 3 similar jobs executed in the last Ten (10) years including Letter of Award and completion certificates

m.   The minimum validity period of the Tender should be One Hundred and Twenty (120) Days:

n.    Signed Cover letter attached to the technical submission with the company’s letter head. Any submission without a cover letter will be disqualified:

                      i.        Copies of staff academic certificates should be provided by firm in their submission

TECHNICAL STAFF REQUIRED FOR TECHNICAL EVALUATION

The minimum required qualification and experience of professional staff are as follows:

Key expert qualifications and competence for assignment

The proposed technical service organization (TSO) team shall comprise a minimum of eight (8) key experts and well-established project management structure.  The service provider should take responsibility of the project and deliver the project with clear directives on the selection of sites, participants and structure by NACA, FMOH/MLSD and NCDC. The TSO should be able to interact with key stakeholders in the health sector in Nigeria to ensure the successful implementation of the pilot. Each key expert should be clearly designated.

The team must be proficient in English.

The minimum qualifications of the key experts required for the assignment are as follows:

Key Expert 1 – Team/Project Lead

Education

• First Degree in the field of Monitoring, evaluation, epidemiology, surveillance, project management and heath programs implementation or in a field related to the scope of the assignment.

• Postgraduate Qualifications / Professional Certifications in the field of Project Management,

Service Management or any other related field would be an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in the field of Project Management

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in management / supervision of operations and support for

large scale project implementation preferably in the field of sample referral or supply chain management

Written evidence for experience claimed in the form of reference letters from the client should be provided in the technical proposal.

Skills and competencies:

• Strong leadership and planning skills.

• Strong understanding of needs and issues of non-profit companies.

• Strong analytical skills.

Language

• Excellent written and spoken English is required. Report writing skills is a must.

Key Expert 2 – Finance Manager

Education

• A degree in Financial Management or Accounting or closely related field(s).

• Professional Certifications in Financial Management or Accounting

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the NGO sector and in the financial management of a project of similar scope and value.

Key Expert 3 & 4 – Finance Officer (X2)

Education

• A degree in Financial Management or Accounting or closely related field(s).

• Professional Certifications in Financial Management or Accounting

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in the NGO sector and in the financial management of a project of similar scope and value.

Key expert 5 – M&E Specialist:

·         Bachelor’s degree in epidemiology, biostatistics, public health, information management, economics, or relevant subject matter with at least  4 years professional experience in M&E and data analysis in Public Health Experience working or managing and using LIMS would be an advantage.

·         Experience in data collection, analysis, management, and development of reports. (We have different types of data collection analysis. Please give precise examples in relation to the job role). (Microsoft excel, SPSS, STATA, GraphPad Prism, etc .)

·         Minimum of 5 years’ experience working in the NGO sector and in the M&E field of a project of similar scope and value.

Key expert 6 – Senior Technical Advisor required for National coordination to be embedded at NIPOST national office.

·         A minimum of post-graduate degree or other advanced university degree in the field of health laboratory sciences, public health or related field.

• At least 7 years’ Experience or proven record in designing and implementation of laboratory transport systems within the region;
• Strong analytical skills will be required for this work;
• Participation in evaluation of laboratory systems in the region or internationally in particular lab specimen transportation systems will be an added advantage;
• Project Experience working with the Global Fund and other Donor agencies
• Experience in designing and strengthening integrated specimen referral system and conducting a situational assessment of sample transportation network. Preferred
• Strong knowledge on disease control programs and public health laboratory issues in low- and middle-income countries
• Skills in other relevant areas such as cost analysis and GIS.
• Experience in designing and strengthening integrated specimen referral system and conducting a situational assessment of sample transportation network in low- and middle-income countries.
• Demonstrated ability of planning, reviewing, analyzing and report writing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Key expert 7 & 8 – State Technical Advisor (x2) to be engaged and embedded at NIPOST state offices in Abia and Taraba

·         A Master’s Degree in public health or health related; and Certification in laboratory or logistics and supply chain management

·         At least 5 years’ Experience or proven record in designing and implementation of laboratory transport systems within the region

• Strong analytical skills will be required for this work;
• Participation in evaluation of laboratory systems in the region or internationally in particular lab specimen transportation systems will be an added advantage;
• Project Experience working with the GlobalFund and other Donor agencies
• Experience in designing and strengthening integrated specimen referral system and conducting a situational assessment of sample transportation network. Preferred
• Strong knowledge on disease control programs and public health laboratory issues in low- and middle-income countries
• Skills in other relevant areas such as cost analysis and GIS.
• Experience in designing and strengthening integrated specimen referral system and conducting a situational assessment of sample transportation network in low- and middle-income countries would be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated ability of planning, reviewing, analyzing and report writing.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Although 8 profiles are presented, the assignment may be completed by more than 8 personnel.

BREAKDOWN OF ACTIVITIES

https://naca.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SRN-List-of-Activities-1.pdf

COLLECTION OF REQUESTS FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) DOCUMENT

https://naca.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/SBD-TSO-FOR-NISRN-NIPOST.pdf

SUBMISSION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS

Prospective consulting firms are to submit two (2) hard copies (one original & another copy) of the requested documents and financial bid. Thereafter, the Tenderer shall enclose the original in one (1) envelope and all the copy of the Tender in another envelope, duly marking the envelopes as “ ENGAGEMENT OF TECHNICAL SUPPORT ORGANISATION TO SUPPORT A GOVERNMENT OWNED POSTAL SERVICE FOR A PILOT INTEGRATED SAMPLE REFERRAL IN ABIA AND TARABA STATES” and “FINANCIAL.” The two (2) envelopes shall then be enclosed and sealed in one (1) single outer envelope after registration using the NACA bid register.  Vendors are expected to register their submission into the bid register and place their submission in the assigned Bid Box at the front of the reception of the Agency.

a.    Prospective bidders can submit their documents as a Joint Venture with relevant documents provided in line with the requirements stated in the SBD.

2.   DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION

The deadline for the submission of Tender should not be later than 12 noon of 28^th April, 2023. Clarification can be obtained at the Office of the Head of Procurement, Ground Floor, NACA main building, 3 Ziguinchor Street. Wuse Zone 4. Abuja. The bids will be opened immediately after close of submission.

3.    GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Bids must be in English Language and signed by an official authorized by the bidder;
2. Bids submitted after the deadline for submission would be rejected;
3. NACA reserves the right to evaluate and award per line item and in the event of exigency, NACA may vary the quantities/quality of the items during the time of evaluation, award and execution of contract with respect to this invitation to tender;

iv.   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.

12.0   ADDRESS FOR INFORMATION AND SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Attention:

Head Procurement

National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) 

Ground Floor Room 1.08

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

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +234-9-4613726-9 Fax: +234 94613700

13.0 GLOBAL FUND CODE OF CONDUCT

You shall get acquainted with the global fund code of conduct for suppliers using this link below: https://www.theglobalfund.org/media/3275/corporate_codeofconductforsuppliers_policy_en.pdf

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

14.    Notes/Disclaimer

i.   Late submissions will not be accepted.

ii.  NACA shall verify any or all documents and claims made by applicants and will disqualify   consultants with falsified documents and claims.

iii. If it is determined that submitted documents and claims have been falsified, the consultant may face prosecution in a court of Law.

ii.  NACA shall not be held responsible for any disqualified proposal as a result of any omission or deletion relating to the submission guidelines.

iii. 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.

iv. 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.