REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)
FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A USSD-ENABLED DISPATCH AND VOUCHER PAYMENT PLATFORM UNDER NEMSAS
Objectives
The primary objective of this initiative is to deploy a USSD-based emergency dispatch and voucher payment system that bridges the digital divide and reaches underserved populations. By utilizing a toll-free, multilingual USSD short code, the system will allow users to request emergency transport services using any mobile phone without internet access. The solution will support rapid dispatch through real-time SMS notifications to Emergency Transport Operators (ETOs) and nearby Health Facilities (HFs). It will also ensure transparency and accountability by automating voucher code generation and trip verification, which in turn triggers payment to the ETOs. Additionally, the system will generate data-driven reports and dashboards to support decision-making and provide a digital pathway for unlocking the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) under prioritized maternal and child health interventions.
Scope of Work
1. USSD Infrastructure Setup
– Configure a dedicated, toll-free short code.
– Secure USSD, SMS, and voice session credits with telcos.
2. Software Design & Integration
– Support for English, Pidgin, Yoruba, Hausa, and Igbo.
– Menu prompts for type of emergency (labour, maternal, or newborn).
– Manual location capture.
– Phone number capture.
– Integration with the dispatch platform.
3. Verification & Payment Automation
– Enable USSD-based trip verification.
– Trigger automated N10,000 payments per verified transport.
– Generate audit-ready reports for SEMSAS and NEMSAS.
Deliverables
– Fully functional USSD dispatch platform.
– Voucher generation and payment engine.
– Real-time dashboards and periodic reporting templates.
– Training manuals and onboarding of all actors.
– Deployment report with screenshots and test logs.
Key Qualifications
The selected implementation partner must demonstrate:
– Proven experience in mobile-based public health platforms.
– Telco integration and short code provisioning.
– Expertise in real-time system development and reporting.
– Experience working with national or subnational health agencies.
Reporting & Coordination
The implementation team will report to the Organization.
Beneficiaries & BHCPF Linkage
Direct beneficiaries include pregnant women, newborns, and healthcare workers in rural communities. The platform also enables disbursement and accountability of BHCPF under MAMII interventions by digitizing and tracking emergency transport access and payments.
Timeline
– Project duration: 4–6 weeks from date of fund disbursement.
– Submission timeline: TOR and proposal submission to Finaquest Office – within 3 working days of approval.
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MILESTONE
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SERVICE
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ACTIVITIES
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DELIVERABLE
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1
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USSD Interconnection
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• Configuration with Telcos
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• Toll-free USSD Session Credit
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• Toll-free Voice Credit
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• Toll-Free SMS Notification Credit
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• A dedicated, active, toll-free short-code accessible via USSD into the emergency dispatch system.
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• Pre-funded USSD/SMS session credits to ensure uninterrupted emergency access for users.
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2
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USSD Platform Design and Development
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• Design of intuitive and multilingual USSD interaction.
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• Development of the USSD menu engine, including logic for session persistence and branching.
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• Real-Time USSD Transaction APIs
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• System Integration
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• Design of intuitive and multilingual USSD interaction flows optimized for low-bandwidth usage.
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• Request form capturing emergency type, phone number, and manual location input.
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• Enables citizens to lodge emergency transport requests directly via mobile phone without internet access.
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Real-Time SMS Enabled Notifications
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• Configuration with Telcos
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• SMS Notification Credit
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• ETO & HF Dispatch Notifications
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• Patient Notification
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• Real-time SMS dispatch alerts to all available Emergency Transport Operators (ETOs) and Health Facilities within that ward/community with emergency details and patient info.
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• SMS confirmation sent to the patient with driver status.
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• Notice to the patient/caregiver once a dispatch match is found and an ETO is en route.
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3
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Central Dispatch Platform & Workflow Engine
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• Design of the Emergency Dispatch Application Architecture
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• Development of the core application engineering & modular service
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• Emergency Dispatch Workflow Engine
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• Voucher Code Distribution Engine
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• Quality Assurance & Validation
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• Enterprise System Integration
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• Application Infrastructure Hosting
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• Functional, technical design documentation, User Interface (UI) mockups, and user journey flows.
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• Web-based dispatch application with core modules (Requests, ETO Management, Voucher code auto-generation, report, claims tracking/payment), Emergency transport logic, and workflow automation.
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• Engineered workflow logic for handling assigning and updating emergency dispatches in real time.
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• Subsystem for issuing, redeeming, and validating voucher codes.
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• Test cases, test scripts, and User Acceptance Testing (UAT).
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• Integrated APIs for USSD gateway, SMS gateway.
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• Hosting and deployment for the USSD and core application on a secure cloud environment.
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Reporting and Dashboard
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• Reports Configuration & Customization
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• Business Intelligence (BI) Tool License
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• Visualization of real-time dispatch performance and emergency metrics for administrators.
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• Configured reports for dispatch performance, response time, and trip validation.
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• Custom dashboards for SEMSAS/NEMSAS monitoring.
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• Exportable formats (PDF, Excel) for biweekly claims and audit reports.
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4
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Training & Logistics
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• Onboarding & Support
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• Health Facility Workflow Training
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• Administrator Training
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• User Training Workshop
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• Logistics to Kano (airfare and 5 days)
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• Local Transport
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• Train-the-Trainer Capacity Development Program.
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• Train Community Emergency Medical Transport Technical Officers (CEMTTOs) and ETOs.
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• Training materials (manuals, guides), user accounts, and system access credentials for regular and admin users.
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• Train health workers on the code confirmation process, USSD usage, and escalation protocol.
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• Admin users trained on system configuration, reporting, and user management.
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• Air travel tickets, 5-day accommodation and meal plan, Transport arrangements within Kano, and Vehicle hire or stipends for intra-city movement for the training team.
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Note:
Kindly submit hard copies of your proposals to:
FINAQUEST INTEGRATED RESOURCES LIMITED
Flat 1, Plot 3680, Erie Crescent, Off Nile Street, Maitama District, Abuja