ThaiNGO

Request for Consultant Services Proposal (RFP)

Background

The Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) activity implemented by FHI 360, invites qualified individual/organizations to submit proposals to conduct standardized proficiency testing and continuous quality improvement. This project has been focused on national, reference and high-performing laboratories within the human health sector across Asian countries.  It seeks to enhance diagnostic accuracy, promote harmonization of laboratory practices, and support regional efforts in AMR surveillance and control.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) continues to pose a significant threat to global public health, undermining the effective prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. Strengthening laboratory capacity is a critical component in addressing AMR, particularly in ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of diagnostic and surveillance data to support interventions across countries. The National Institute of Health (NIH) serves as the proficiency testing (PT) provider, particularly for AMR, and is responsible for the scheme design, preparation and distribution of PT materials to participating laboratories.

Scope of Work

To strengthen laboratory capacity for the detection of priority pathogenic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to enhance priority pathogen surveillance across Asian countries through the implementation of a Standardized External Quality Assessment (EQA) program.

This activity aims to: 

• To strengthen laboratory capacity for the detection of priority pathogenic bacteria and AMR 
• To implement a standardized EQA program to assess and continuously improve laboratory performance
• To promote harmonized laboratory practices and improve the accuracy, reliability, and comparability of AMR surveillance data
• To support strengthened priority pathogen and AMR surveillance across participating countries

Activity and Anticipated LOE 

Deliverables/Milestones and Required Outputs: 

Location of Work: National Institute of Health of Thailand (NIH), Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, Bangkok Thailand

Travel: No travel required

Timetable and Address for Submission

Proposals are due no later than 4:00 PM (Thailand time) on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. 

Required documentation listed below must be e-mailed to Procurement.STRIDES.th@fhi360.org  

Qualifications:  

• At least 10 years of relevant experience in laboratory diagnostics, microbiology, AMR, EQA, or proficiency testing
• Demonstrated experience in implementing or supporting EQA/PT programs for clinical, public health, or reference laboratories
• A qualified technical expert with expertise in bacteriology, AMR, laboratory quality management, and EQA/PT
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory quality improvement and performance assessment, including identification of gaps and recommendations for corrective actions
• Adequate technical and laboratory capacity to support the required EQA/PT activities and ensure appropriate quality and biosafety practices
• Previous experience working with national/reference laboratories, government institutions, or international organizations is preferred
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and deliver the required activities and deliverables within the agreed timeline
• Ability to coordinate effectively with the NIH as the PT provider and participating laboratories
• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple participating laboratories and maintain clear communication and documentation throughout the activity

Evaluation Criteria: Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:

Evaluation will be based on past experiences, technical expertise in AMR, bacteriology, priority pathogen detection, laboratory diagnostics, EQA/PT, and laboratory quality improvement. Ability to coordinate multiple laboratories, manage timelines, documentation, communication, and deliverables

Required Documentation: Proposals must include the following components:

• Technical Proposal responding to the Statement of Work (SOW), including proposed methodology and work plan.
• Financial Proposal, including the completed and signed Quotation Submission Form.
• CV or portfolio in English demonstrating the skills and knowledge to provide this service or similar past experiences.
• Company profile and business registration documents (for firms, if applicable)

All documents must be submitted in English and signed by an authorized representative, where applicable. 

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

Please refer to Annex 1: Quotation Submission Form in the attached PDF file for details and submission requirements.