SAII ASSOCIATES LTD/GTE
(AN ASSOCIATE COMPANY OF CHEMONICS INTERNATIONAL INC.)
USAID GLOBAL HEALTH SUPPLY CHAIN PROGRAM
PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
NATIONAL INTEGRATED SPECIMEN REFERRAL NETWORK (NISRN) INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
1. BACKGROUND
USAID awarded the Global Health Supply Chain Program – Procurement and Supply Management project (GHSC_PSM) to Chemonics International Inc., the parent company of SAII Associates Ltd/Gte, as the lead contractor. The project provides procurement and supply chain management support to initiatives such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiatives ( PMI), Population and Reproductive Health, and maternal and Child Health.
The primary goal of this global project is to ensure a continuous supply of health commodities for United States Government (USG)-funded public health programs worldwide, including Nigeria. GHSC-PSM also aims to build the capacity of government organizations, agencies, and healthcare facilities to manage these supplies effectively. SAII Associates Ltd/Gte is implementing GHSC-PSM in Nigeria.
The Diagnostics Network Optimization (DNO) for Viral Load (VL), Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), CD4, and tuberculosis (TB) has significantly increased the volume of specimens and results handled by the specimen referral network. Between 2018 and 2023, the number of samples managed by the national Integrated Specimen Referral Network (NiSRN) third-party logistics agents rose from 600,000 to over two million annually, with a corresponding increase in results. These numbers are expected to continue growing as efforts to treat more people living with HIV/AIDS intensify and the network expands to include other diseases.
An efficient system to track samples and results end to end is essential. The large volume of data generated needs timely analysis and must be presented in an understandable and usable format for stakeholders. Previously, the NiSRN project used a manual, excel-based system for data management, which had limitations. While this system improved the turnaround time (TAT) for sample pickup and result, it still required enhancements to improve accountability for laboratory samples and result.
As the network grows, there is a need for real-time visibility and a better data management platform. To address this, the NiSRN Information Management System (NiMS) was created and launched its first phase on October 1, 2020, in the FCT and Nasarawa State. NiMS has since expanded to cover all 36 states and the FCT, improving sample-to- result linkage from 24% in Q1 FY21 to over 85% by FY22. However, the current NiMS platform faces challenges with data quality, causing delays in data cleaning, processing and invoicing.
To improve data quality and verification, the NiMS development team conducted a field visit in October 2021, to observe the sample movement process across various facilities. This visit provided valuable insights for developing a new system to address these issues.
NiMS 2.0 is proposed to enhance the current system and introduce new features, which are basically.
- Invoicing and POD Verification: Eliminating the paper and manual system for Proof of Delivery (POD) verification to streamline payment processes through automation. This feature will create invoices, manage price calculation logic, and verify the digital proof of delivery of samples moved and results returned in the network.
- Logistics app (3PL carrier mobile app): introducing an android-powered app for shipment pickup/drop-off, ePOD printing, route management, and shipment and sample management. The enhancement will also include improvements on the current modules in NiMS 1.0 or the use of innovative ideas to re-engineer the features and incorporate them into the proposal NiMS 2.0, as listed below:
- Ordering management module: manages order data structure, business logic, reporting, dashboard and categories.
- Specimen logistics movement management: oversees the movement of specimens through the network
- 3pl management: manages 3pl accounts, system structures, functionality, privileges and roles
- Users management: Handlers user accounts privileges and roles.
- Dashboard and reporting: centralized modules for reporting, data visualization and export
SAII Associates Ltd/Gte/GHSC-PSM is seeking to partner with a software development company with proven track record in developing, deploying and managing digital solutions in the public health or supply chain sectors. The selected company must have experience in creating multi-platform solution, including mobile app, Pos apps, IoT, web apps and desktop applications. These solutions must function seamlessly both online and offline. Additionally, the company should have expertise in long-term hosting, maintaining availability and accessibility and providing timely and consistent support to personnel using the deployed digital solution across all 36states and the FCT.
The chosen software development company will be required to respond to an RFP covering solution design models, cost estimates and development timelines for a digital solution named NiMS. The full scope of work will be disclosed to the selected company following a thorough evaluation of their response to the Expression of Interest
Please note: this is NOT a request for proposal. GHSC-PSM is seeking to identify and pre-select organizations to receive the RFP based on the criteria outlined above
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of the EOI is to identify software development companies interested in partnering with GHSC-PSM to develop multi-platform logistics digital solutions for the integrated specimen referral network (NiSRN) within the public health supply chain. This includes building mobile apps, POS apps, IoT, web apps and desktop applications
3. PREQUALIFICATION CRITERIA
Companies and organization interested in receiving a copy of the RFP shall submit the following documents and information outlined below. GHSC_PSM will select pre-qualified vendors based on the documentation submitted who will be invited to take part in training sessions (pre-offertory’s conference) where they will be instructed on the requirements of the scope of work, the cost implications and guidance on how they could become eligible offerors when an RFP is released.
| S/N | Requested documentation |
| 1. | Summary profile of company or organization, include the type (e.g. non-governmental, public voluntary, faith-based organization, limited liability, etc.); core area of specialization of the organization or company, ownership, contact person and details, (one page) |
| 2 | Summary of current key-high-level employees, along with concise resumes of staff with proven expertise in developing, deploying and managing large-scale multi-platform digital solution (including mobile app, POS apps, IoT, web apps and desktop applications) within the private or public health supply chain |
| 3 | Company/organization’s summary of past performance, technical expertise and experience in developing, deploying and managing large-scale multi-platform digital solution, with at-least one to two years of proven experience. |
| 4. | Detailed proof of large-scale multi-platform digital solution either developed or offered as a service or currently under management for clients. These submission should be readily accessible |
| 5 | Evidence of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for developing, deploying and managing digital platform, including technical technical documentation for digital tool developed or offered as a service to clients or the public |
| 6 | Proof of business registration in Nigeria, and relevant license with regulatory organizations for staff |
| 7 | Last one-two years(s) (depends on years of existence) audited financial statements. |
4. PROCUREMENT STEPS:
| S/N | Activity | Proposed Dates |
| 1 | Issuance of EOI | 02 July 2024 |
| 2 | Final date to express interest (EOI) | 16 July 2024 |
| 3. | Evaluation of EOI | 19 July 2024 |
| 4. | RFP Pre-Offeror Virtual Conference | 22 July 2024 |
| 5 | RFP release date | 25 July 2024 |
| 6 | Final date for question about RPF | 01 Aug 2024 |
| 7 | Answer to question about RPF | 02 Aug 2024 |
| 8 | Final date for submission of proposals | 8 Aug 2024 |
| 9 | Evaluation of proposals/negotiation | 8 Aug-15 Aug 2024 |
| 10 | Estimated date for award of subcontracts | 28 Aug 2024 |
Please note: the selected software Development Company or organization will implement and adhere to the digital development global practice and standard for developing, deploying and managing NiMS 2.0. These standards will follow principles of trustworthiness, inclusiveness, sustainability, scalability, interoperability, safety and security and data privacy. Under the supervision and guidance of GHSC-PSM in Nigeria, the selected company will help build national capacity by establishing a sustainable outsourced model for the integrated sample referral network. This will be done accordance with the National Medical Laboratory Strategic Plan (2015-2019), national policies on specimen transport and all related policy document and guidelines for the National Integrated Sample Referral Network (NISRN).
5. CONTACT INFORMATION
Please submit an expression of interest no later than 16th July 2024. Email to PSMNigeriaAdminQuotes@ghsc-psm.org
The EOI must align with request documentation.
Please note: this is not a request for proposal (RPF). Responses to this call for expressions of interest are not binding on GHSC-PSM and do not obligate GHSC-PSM to issue a solicitation, nor does it commit GHSC-PSM to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of comments or EOI. Should GHSC-PSM issues an RFP, only organization that meet the criteria outlined above and as presented in responses to the EOI will be considered.