Request for Consultant Services Proposal (RFP): International Consultant for provision of Technical Support and Quality Assurance……

Solicitation Title: International Consultant for provision of Technical Support and Quality Assurance to the USAID End TB Tajikistan Activity project

Solicitation Number: TB-25-004

Date Proposal Due: January 27, 2025

Approximate Timeframe Consultant Contract Issued to Successful Candidate(s): Agreement may be issued on/about February 15 – September 30, 2025.

Quote Validity: The Consultant agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90 days from the date specified for the receipt of offers, unless another time is specified in the addendum of the RFP.

Background

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing- creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

Project Background

The USAID End Tuberculosis (TB) Tajikistan Activity is based in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to advance evidence-based solutions to increase early TB detection, improve treatment access and cure, and halt the cycle of transmission to prevent TB and drug-resistant TB. To achieve these overarching aims, the USAID End Tuberculosis Tajikistan Activity will implement a locally led people and community-centered care model to reach every person with TB, enhanced by digital technology and strategic innovations to improve TB systems and services. This five-year activity will reach all health system levels to support the Government of Tajikistan’s goal to end TB.

Scope of work

FHI 360 is seeking a qualified International Consultant to provide comprehensive technical assistance to the USAID End Tuberculosis Tajikistan Activity Project. The consultant will be responsible for delivering evidence-based scientific and research support, drafting high-quality reports, and ensuring the quality assurance of technical documents. Additionally, the consultant will lead the development and submission of technical products, offer deliverable-based backstopping assistance to the Activity technical team, and provide on-demand support to the Chief of Party (COP). This role requires a strong background in technical consultancy, with an emphasis on evidence-based approaches and precision in technical documentation.

Key Responsibilities of International Consultant include but are not limited to the following:

• Draft and submit reports highlighting the Activity’s achievements and impacts on TB and TBI case detection strategies.
• Document the expansion of access to pediatric TB case detection using innovative solutions.
• Develop reports on the establishment and utilization of a national chest X-ray database integrated with CAD4TB/AI technology.
• Support capacity-building efforts for NTP, local communities, and international development partners through training and tools development.
• Strengthen the operational capacity of Republican and Regional TB Conciliums.
• Contribute to the development of country-level TB and TBI Cascade Dashboards.
• Review, improve, and finalize technical products, including protocols, SOPs, training materials, and success stories.
• Collaborate with the FHI 360 Asia Pacific Regional Office Strategic Information team to ensure all technical and knowledge products comply with FHI 360’s ethical standards and quality assurance requirements.
• Assist in preparing and submitting monthly, quarterly, and annual reports for high-level review.

Deliverables:

1. Task:
   1. To draft and submit Activity experience, achievement and long-term impacts on establishment national wide TB and TB Infection (TBI) case detection strategy by using unified reporting tool and digital solutions:
      1. Cross-sectoral coordination with MOHSPP, NTP, PHC, SSES, WHO and USAID
      2. Personal Card
      3. Printed and Online TBI and TPT registers
      4. ASIL
   2. Deliverable(s) and Products
      1. The article and storytelling about Activity sustainability-focused innovation on development a unified TB and TBI detection registering and reporting
   3. Technical Assistance Beneficiary(ies) and Contributor(s)
      1. TB Screening and TPT Advisor
      2. MERL Advisor
      3. Digital Health Advisor
   4. Number of days and period of performance
      1. 2 days
      2. February 2025
2. Task:
   1. To draft and submit Activity experience, achievement and long-term impacts on expanding access to pediatric TB case detection
   2. Deliverable(s) and Products
      1. The article and storytelling about Activity impact on introducing innovative SOS GX testing on children stool
   3. Technical Assistance Beneficiary(ies) and Contributor(s)
      1. Diagnostic and Laboratory Advisor
   4. Number of days and period of performance
      1. 2 days
      2. March 2025
3. Task:
   1. To draft and submit the Activity achievements and impacts on establishment the country data base on CXR by ensuring connectivity and use of UPCR with CAD4TB/AI
      1. NTP IT Landscape monitoring
      2. NTP UPXR data base analyses
      3. NTP Internet Connectivity Assurance
      4. NTP Guidebook for CAD4TBAI use with UPXR
   2. Deliverable(s) and Products
      1. The article and storytelling about Activity developments on using innovative TB testing for better screening
   3. Technical Assistance Beneficiary(ies) and Contributor(s)
      1. IT Specialist
      2. Digital Health Advisor
   4. Number of days and period of performance
      1. 2 days
      2. March 2025
4. Task:
   1. To draft and submit the Activity capacity building for NTP, local communities and international development partners (STOP TB Partnership and MSF)
      1. Lab trainings10-colours GX management
      2. Treatment trainings
      3. TB and TBI detection trainings
      4. Personal Card trainings
      5. ASIL trainings
      6. Capacity Building Analytical Dashboard
   2. Deliverable(s) and Products
      1. The article and storytelling about Activity experience on country-level client-oriented capacity building
   3. Technical Assistance Beneficiary(ies) and Contributor(s)
      1. Trainings Supervision Manager
      2. MERL Officer
   4. Number of days and period of performance
      1. 2 days
      2. May 2025
5. Task:
   1. To draft and submit the Activity technical assistance and achievements on strengthening the capacity of republican and regional TB Concilium
      1. Secretaries of TB Concilium’s
      2. Excell Concilium Decisions Tracker
      3. Recover telemedicine and introducing online TB Concilium meetings
      4. Enhancing IT Connectivity for better management
   2. Deliverable(s) and Products
      1. The article and storytelling about Activity experience and impacts
   3. Technical Assistance Beneficiary(ies) and Contributor(s)
      1. Treatment and Clinical Monitoring and Patients Support Advisor
      2. Digital Health Advisor
   4. Number of days and period of performance
      1. 2 days
      2. June 2025
6. Task:
   1. To draft and submit the Activity pioneering innovation on development country TB and TBI Cascade Dashboards
   2. Deliverable(s) and Products
      1. The article and storytelling about Activity experience and impacts
   3. Technical Assistance Beneficiary(ies) and Contributor(s)
      1. TB Screening and TPT Advisor
      2. Digital Health Advisor
   4. Number of days and period of performance
      1. 2 days
      2. August 2025
7. Task:
   1. To review, improve and finalize content of technical products such as protocols, TB related training materials, clinical and treatment guidebooks, SOPs, success stories, abstracts, assessments methodology and articles developing by the Activity team
   2. Deliverable(s) and Products
      1. 2 assessments methodology
      2. 2 assessments reports
      3. 2 SOP for TBCI and TBI and TPT
   3. Technical Assistance Beneficiary(ies) and Contributor(s)
      1. Communications Specialist
      2. Advisors Team
   4. Number of days and period of performance
      1. 12 days
      2. February-August 2025
8. Task:
   1. To assist MERL and technical teams to draft and submit monthly updates and quarterlyannual reports for high-level review by COP, APRO SI and Portfolio Director
   2. Deliverable(s) and Products
      1. 6 monthly updates
      2. 3 quarterly narrative reports
      3. Annual narrative report
   3. Technical Assistance Beneficiary(ies) and Contributor(s)
      1. MERL Advisor
      2. MERL Officer
      3. Data Base Specialist
   4. Number of days and period of performance
      1. 20 days
      2. January – August 2025 (2 days per month)
      3. September 2025 (4 days)

TOTAL = 44 Days

Location of Work

Work will be performed remotely. The consultant must have access to reliable internet access and are available for periodic virtual meetings with project team in Dushanbe, Tajikistan (UTC +5) time zone.

Travel

Travel(s) within the country is not anticipated.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in public health, medicine, epidemiology, health policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in public health, with a focus on tuberculosis (TB) programs or infectious diseases.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing evidence-based strategies, policies, and technical documents for TB case detection and treatment.
• Demonstrated ability to work with international stakeholders, including government ministries, donor agencies (e.g., USAID), WHO, and other global health organizations.
• In-depth knowledge of TB prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and infection control strategies.
• Familiarity with digital health tools, including CAD4TB/AI, chest X-ray databases, and TB reporting systems.
• Strong ability to draft high-quality technical reports, success stories, protocols, and assessments.
• Experience in preparing and submitting donor reports, including monthly, quarterly, and annual updates.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, including government officials, technical experts, and development partners.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Shortlisting of Candidates: Candidates will be shortlisted based on how well they meet the minimum qualifications and requirements for the position, as demonstrated in their cover letter and CV/resume.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: The evaluation will focus on achieving the best value by considering a combination of the following factors:
  • Educational Background (20%): Relevance and level of academic qualifications related to the role.
  • Relevant Professional Experience (40%): Depth and breadth of experience in areas aligned with the responsibilities outlined in the scope of work.
  • Knowledge of Country Context and USAID Requirements (10%)
  • Proposed Daily Rate (30%): Competitiveness of the consultancy fee, ensuring alignment with industry standards and the candidate’s expertise.
• Interview and Reference Checks: Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. References may be consulted to verify the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.

FHI 360 is committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment. FHI 360 strongly encourages candidates of diverse backgrounds to apply, including across the spectrum of sex, age, gender identity, disability, race, colour, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law. FHI 360 also aims to meet any reasonable accommodations that an applicant requires.

FHI 360 Disclaimers

• FHI 360 may perform a background check on any selected Consultant candidates.
• FHI 360 may cancel the solicitation and not award.
• FHI 360 may reject any or all responses received.
• Issuance of the solicitation does not constitute an award commitment by FHI 360.
• FHI 360 reserves the right to disqualify any offer based on failure of the offeror to follow solicitation instructions.
• FHI 360 will not compensate any offeror for responding to solicitation.
• FHI 360 reserves the right to issue award based on initial evaluation of offers without further discussion.
• FHI 360 may choose to award only part of the activities in the solicitation, or issue multiple awards based on the solicitation activities.
• FHI 360 reserves the right to waive minor proposal deficiencies that can be corrected prior to award determination to promote competition.
• FHI 360’s supplier terms and conditions can be found here while our consultant terms and conditions can be found here

How to apply

Method of Submittal

Respond via email with attachments in PDF or RTF formats (MS Word). Questions about the solicitation may be submitted according to the above. No phone calls will be accepted to inquire about the position.

Required Documentation

Proposals must include the following components:

• Applicant’s CV/Resume.
• Cover letter outlining relevant experience and proposed daily rate in USD.
• Relevant Certifications and Credentials.
• 2 references, including contact information.

Timetable and Address for Submission

Proposals are due no later than 17:00 Tajikistan Local Time (UTC +5) on January 27, 2025. Required documentation listed above should be submitted in PDF or Microsoft Word format and must be e-mailed to Procurement.TB.TJ@fhi360.org

Clarificatory questions are accepted no later than January 24, 2025, by email Procurement.TB.TJ@fhi360.org