ThaiNGO

Request for Price Quotation (RPQ)

Facilitator for Strengthening Subnational Genomic Surveillance Capacity and Integrated

Workflow for Early Detection of Emerging and Zoonotic Diseases in Thailand  

Organization: STRIDES Thailand Project, Family Health International (FHI 360)

Issue Date: 23 June 2026

Response Deadline: 24 June 2026

Job Details:

• Position: Facilitator for serving as a Lead Instructor for Bioinformatics Training Related to 16S DNA Sequencing and Metagenomic Sequencing Sessions 
• Period of Performance: 29 June 2026 – 2 July 2026

Background:

The Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) project, implemented by FHI 360, invites qualified individual/organizations to submit proposals to facilitate a 4-day training “Strengthening Subnational Genomic Surveillance Capacity and Integrated Workflow for Early Detection of Emerging and Zoonotic Threats in Thailand” at Office of Disease Prevention and Control (ODPC) Region 2, Phitsanulok province during 29 June 2026 – 2 July 2026.

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 global health security 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. 

The STRIDES project aims to strengthen genomic surveillance capacity at the subnational level is critical for improving early detection and timely response to emerging and zoonotic diseases. Offices of Disease Prevention and Control (ODPC) play a key role as frontline institutions responsible for detecting public health events, particularly in areas with increased population mobility and risk of cross-border transmission. Advances in genomic approaches, including metagenomics and 16S sequencing, have enhanced the ability to detect a wide range of pathogens and better understand transmission dynamics. However, gaps remain in applying these technologies within routine public health practice at the subnational level, particularly in translating laboratory outputs into actionable insights for surveillance and response. This 4-day training aims to support and strengthen existing genomic surveillance capacity at ODPC Region 2 by enhancing technical skills, introducing practical workflow approaches, and demonstrating how genomic data can inform outbreak detection and public health decision-making.

Purpose and Details:

The purpose of this 4-day strengthening of the subnational genomic surveillance capacity training will bring together representatives from ODPC Region 1-3, Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious Diseases Clinical Center (TRC-EIDCC), Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute (BIDI), Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), National Institute of Animal Health (NIAH),  to strengthen subnational genomic surveillance capacity at Office of Disease Prevention and Control (ODPC) Region 2 through training, practical workflow development, and demonstration of genomic data use in public health surveillance. This activity aims to: 

1. Strengthening technical capacity of subnational laboratory personnel in genomic sequencing (metagenomic and 16S) and bioinformatics analysis, 
2. Developing and pilot practical genomic surveillance workflow, from sample collection to data analysis, suitable for subnational implementation, 
3. Demonstrating how genomic can be used to support early detection and decision-making in alignment with the 7-1-7 framework, 
4. Strengthening collaboration between ODPC Region 2, national institutions (public and animal health sectors), and academic partners to contribute to Thailand’s genomic surveillance network, and 

The objective of this consultancy is to serve as the lead instructor for bioinformatics training related to 16S DNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. Responsibilities include preparation of training datasets, bioinformatics workflows, and instructional materials; delivery of lectures and hands-on training on sequence data analysis, taxonomic classification, quality assessment, interpretation of results, and troubleshooting. In addition, serve as a laboratory group facilitator during 16S DNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing practical sessions. Responsibilities include guiding participants through laboratory workflows, providing technical support during hands-on exercises, assisting with data generation and quality control procedures, and facilitating discussion on the application of sequencing technologies for public health surveillance.

Activities detail:

• 1-day preparation of training materials and coordination with organizer and FHI 360 team 
• Facilitate 3-hours lecture and hands-on training on bioinformatics analysis for 16S DNA sequencing 
• Facilitate 2-hours lecture and hands-on training on bioinformatics analysis for metagenomic sequencing
• Facilitate 3-hours laboratory practical sessions on 16S DNA sequencing
• Facilitate 3-hours laboratory practical sessions on metagenomic sequencing

Deliverables and Required Outputs:

• Training Preparation and Work Plan 
  • Prepare training materials, datasets, bioinformatics workflows, and practical exercises
• Technical Training Delivery
  • Facilitate 3-hours lecture and hands-on training on bioinformatics analysis for 16S DNA sequencing on 1 July 2026
  • Facilitate 2-hours lecture and hands-on training on bioinformatics analysis for metagenomic sequencing on 2 July 2026 

• Facilitation of laboratory practical sessions
  • Facilitate 3-hours laboratory practical sessions on 16S DNA sequencing on 30 June 2026 
  • Facilitate 3-hours laboratory practical sessions on metagenomic sequencing on 1 July 2026

Vendor Qualifications:

• Advanced knowledge of molecular biology, genomics, microbiology, bioinformatics, public health, veterinary science, or a related field
• Demonstrated expertise in 16S DNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing workflows and analysis
• Experience analyzing next-generation sequencing (NGS) data using commonly used bioinformatics tools and pipelines
• Experience in bioinformatics analysis related to microbial genomics, metagenomics, or pathogen detection
• Strong knowledge of bioinformatics analysis workflows, including sequence quality assessment, taxonomic classification, data interpretation, and troubleshooting
• Hands-on experience with laboratory workflows for 16S DNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing. 
• Knowledge of sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, library preparation, sequencing workflows, and quality control procedures.
• Experience working with government agencies, academic institutions, research organizations, or international development partners.

Submission documents

• CV or portfolio in English demonstrating the skills and knowledge to provide this service or similar past experiences.
• Quotation Submission Form duly completed and signed (Annex 1)

Response deadline and format:

1. Response to this RPQ should be submitted by email to 1 email address.

a. Email to STRIDES Thailand procurement team at: Procurement.STRIDES.th@fhi360.org 

2. All files in pdf format.

3. The proposal submitted should be valid at least 30 days (or more) from the submission date.

4. The deadline for submission is 24 June 2026 at 17.00 (Thailand time). Any proposal received after the deadline will not be accepted.

Evaluation

Evaluation will be based on past experiences, expertise on 16S DNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing, and bioinformatics analysis.

Reserved Rights

All RPQ responses become the property of FHI 360, who reserves the right in its sole discretion to:

• Disqualify any offer based on offer or failure to follow solicitation instructions.
• Reserve the right to award based on the initial evaluation of offers without discussion.
• FHI 360 will not compensate vendors for preparation of their response to this RPQ.
• Issuance of this RPQ is not a guarantee that FHI 360 will award a purchase order.

Disclaimers

The vender to be selected to perform this work is subject to all the terms and conditions set forth at this web location[https://www.fhi360.org/partner-us/business-opportunities]. Consultant/ Supplier’s delivery of products, performance of services, or issuance of invoices in connection with this purchase order/consultant agreement establishes Consultant/Supplier’s agreement to the Terms, including, the safeguarding policy [ https://www.fhi360.org/about-us/compliance-office.

Please find the details of the Request for Price Quotation (RPQ) available at the link below.

RPQ_SOW_Facilitator 2 - lead instructor for bioinformatics training related to 16S DNA sequencing and metagenomic sequencing.