Technical Support to Improve Global Health Security Systems in Brazil

Request for Proposals
Request for Proposals for Technical Support to Improve Global Health Security
Solicitation Number: 2026-012-Brazil
To: Prospective Organizations
From: FHI360 STRIDES PROJECT TEAM
Contract Title: Technical Support to Improve Global Health Security Systems
Location: Brazil
Date Issued: February 23, 2026
Questions Due: March 2, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Responses Posted: March 6, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Submission Deadline: March 24, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Submission Email: STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org
INTRODUCTION
FHI 360, under the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity,
invites qualified organizations to submit proposals to support the implementation of Global
Health Security (GHS) activities in Brazil. 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 international health standards and
regulations and U.S. Government global health security priorities. In Brazil, STRIDES is
implemented in close coordination with the Government of Brazil and the U.S. Embassy to
reinforce laboratory systems, surveillance, and outbreak response in support of national,
regional, and global health security.
Through STRIDES, FHI 360 and partners provide targeted strategic assistance, capacity
strengthening, and systems-based support in collaboration with multisectoral government
entities-including Ministries of Health and Agriculture-as well as key multilateral, regional,
and national health partners to strengthen core global health security capacities. The Activity
emphasizes a cross-sectoral approach, reinforcing coordination across human, animal, and
ecological health sectors and strengthening existing government-led systems rather than
creating parallel structures. STRIDES is deliberately designed to complement and add value to
ongoing investments by U.S. Government agencies and regional and multilateral partners,
including Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Pan American Health Organization
(PAHO), and the Pandemic Fund-supported PROTECT initiative, while avoiding duplication and
promoting self-reliance.
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This Request for Proposals seeks qualified local, regional, or international partners to propose
technically sound, feasible, and sustainable approaches that advance STRIDES' four core
objectives in Brazil:
1. Strengthen detection capacity and systems for both human and animal laboratory
networks and increase access to quality laboratory services for diseases of public health
importance.
2. Develop sustainable surveillance systems, using event-based (EBS) and indicator-based
surveillance (IBS) systems to detect events of significance for public health and health
security.
3. Develop and strengthen host country capacity in data collection, analysis and
reporting for actionable disease prevention and response decision making.
4. Provide targeted technical surveillance and detection assistance during an outbreak.
Successful applicants will demonstrate relevant expertise in the following areas: laboratory
systems strengthening, surveillance and data systems, outbreak response, and multisectoral
coordination in Brazil or comparable large, diverse, and resource-variable settings. Proposed
activities must align with Brazil's national priorities, leverage existing platforms and
investments, and contribute to durable institutional capacity and self-reliance.
Through this solicitation, STRIDES aims to strengthen Brazil's ability to rapidly detect,
investigate, and respond to infectious disease threats - protecting public health nationally,
reducing regional and global spillover risks, and advancing U.S. and global health security
objectives.
Project Overview: STRIDES Activity in Brazil
Brazil's health security landscape is defined by recurrent and emerging infectious disease
threats, vast geographic and ecological diversity, and uneven health system capacity across
national, state, and municipal levels. As South America's largest country and a regional anchor
with extensive land borders, major ports of entry, and high population mobility, Brazil plays a
critical role in preventing, detecting, and containing transnational health threats. Despite
significant progress in public health infrastructure and surveillance, Brazil continues to
experience complex and overlapping risks, including coronavirus disease, Zika virus, yellow
fever, avian influenza, measles resurgence, and sustained increases in arboviral diseases such as
dengue, chikungunya, and Oropouche. These pressures expose structural vulnerabilities in
laboratory networks, surveillance integration, biosafety and biosecurity practices, infection
prevention and control, data interoperability, and coordinated emergency response.
Brazil completed its first voluntary external assessment of health security capacities in 2024,
complemented by the 2025 annual self-assessment under the Global Health Security
Framework. Findings indicate uneven performance across core technical areas. While
laboratory systems at national and state reference levels demonstrate moderate to strong
capacity, gaps persist in subnational diagnostic readiness, specimen referral and transport,
biosafety and biosecurity oversight, and integration of laboratory data with surveillance
platforms. Additional weaknesses were identified in zoonotic disease surveillance, health
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service readiness, risk communication and community engagement, and points of entry. These
findings underscore the need for targeted investments to strengthen early detection, ensure
safe and reliable laboratory operations, and enable timely, coordinated outbreak response.
The Brazilian Legal Amazon-comprising nine states-represents a central geographic priority
for STRIDES. Remote and riverine communities, long transport distances, limited laboratory
access, and high biodiversity create elevated risks of zoonotic spillover and delayed outbreak
detection. Economic activities such as agriculture, mining, logging, and increased interaction
between humans, animals, and the environment further amplify these risks. Strengthening
laboratory networks, surveillance systems, specimen transport logistics, and multisectoral data
integration in the Legal Amazon is therefore essential -- not only for Brazil's national health
security -- but also for reducing regional and global spillover risks.
In response to these needs, the STRIDES Activity-funded by the United States Department of
State-supports the Government of Brazil (GOB) to advance national and regional global health
security priorities. STRIDES works in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of
Agriculture, national public health research and laboratory institutions, and Brazil's
interministerial coordination mechanisms to strengthen integrated approaches that link
human, animal, and ecological health. The Activity is designed to reinforce government-led
systems, complement ongoing investments supported by the United States Government and
multilateral partners, and avoid duplication while promoting self-reliance and national
ownership.
The STRIDES Activity in Brazil focuses on operationalizing durable, government-led systems that
enhance national and subnational capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to zoonotic and
emerging infectious diseases. Emphasis is placed on strengthening laboratory systems and
biosafety and biosecurity, improving event-based and routine disease surveillance, enhancing
data use and interoperability across health sectors, and supporting, coordinated, and effective
outbreak responses.
FHI 360 anticipates awarding one or more agreements to partners demonstrating strong
alignment with STRIDES technical priorities and four core objectives in Brazil, the Government
of Brazil's health security objectives, and its systems-strengthening approach.
By strengthening laboratory networks, surveillance integration, data use, and outbreak
response, STRIDES will support Brazil in building a more resilient, coordinated, and sustainable
foundation for national and regional health security-protecting communities within Brazil and
reducing the risk of infectious disease threats spreading across the region and globally.
Technical Description of the Work to Be Performed
STRIDES Scope of Work
Between February 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027, STRIDES will implement GHS program
interventions, focusing activities in the Brazilian Legal Amazon and major urban centers to
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prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Manaus and Belem have been selected as initial
priority sites based on epidemiologic risk, spillover potential in the Legal Amazon, and logistical
and operational feasibility. Both urban areas serve as regional hubs linking remote areas to
national and international networks, making them strategically important for early detection,
laboratory strengthening, workforce development, and timely data flow. Finalization of
program geographies will be done in consultation with GoB and US government
(USG)counterparts.
STRIDES' technical approach in Brazil focuses on strengthening core national and subnational
capacities to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious diseases, guided by gaps identified
through the 2024 VEE and 2025 SPAR. STRIDES will prioritize improvements in surveillance,
laboratory networks, biosafety and biosecurity (BSS) and multisectoral coordination across key
health ministries and entities. Special emphasis will be placed on the Brazilian Legal Amazon,
where remoteness, limited diagnostics, and high zoonotic risk contribute to delayed outbreak
detection. Through targeted technical support, capacity strengthening, and operational
support, STRIDES will enhance IBS and EBS, improve specimen transport and diagnostic
capacity, and expand community and multisectoral engagement in high-risk areas.
Implementation will be closely coordinated with national institutions such as Centro de
Informacoes Estrategicas em Vigilancia em Saude (CIEVS), state health secretariats, the Ministry
of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, Brazil's national reference institute for public health research,
laboratory science, training, and innovation (Fundacao Oswaldo Cruz [Fiocruz]), the MOH's
Interinstitutional Technical Committee for One Health, and other health partners. STRIDES will
ensure complementarity with ongoing USG investments, including CDC-supported laboratory,
surveillance and IPC initiatives, and the regional Pandemic Fund's Pandemic Response
Optimization Through Engaged Communities and Territories (PROTECT) project. STRIDES will
incorporate robust monitoring, evaluation, and learning mechanisms to ensure accountability,
inform adaptive management, and support Brazil in institutionalizing sustainable health
security systems. Through this integrated approach, STRIDES will help strengthen Brazil's ability
to detect and contain emerging threats, contributing to regional stability and advancing U.S.
national security interests.
Global Health Security Objectives
STRIDES seeks qualified contractor(s) to implement activities that advance the four
aforementioned global health security objectives in Brazil.
STRIDES will emphasize system-level, sustainable interventions that reduce the risk and impact
of zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases through early detection, timely notification, and
coordinated response.
Two overarching results are anticipated:
1. Reduced risk and impact of infectious disease threats in Brazil.
2. Functional national and subnational systems for early warning, detection, reporting, and
coordinated outbreak response.
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Expected Results by Technical Area:
Zoonotic Disease Surveillance and Multisectoral Coordination
* Strengthened surveillance for priority zoonotic and emerging infectious diseases across
human and animal health sectors.
* Improved coordination among human, animal and ecological health ministries and other
relevant government institutions, including routine joint analysis and information
sharing.
* Enhanced epidemiology and laboratory capacity, with an emphasis on health and
veterinary personnel in the Brazilian Legal Amazon.
* Operationalized community- and facility-level detection mechanisms linked to
surveillance systems, with a focus on the Brazilian Legal Amazon.
* Improved evidence-based decision-making supported by integrated data systems and
routine analytic products.
* Strengthened multisectoral rapid response mechanisms capable of surge deployment
during outbreaks.
Laboratory Systems, with an emphasis on the Brazilian Legal Amazon
* Strengthened diagnostic capacity within public health and animal health laboratories
testing priority pathogens, with a focus on laboratories in the Brazilian Legal Amazon.
* Improved biosafety and biosecurity practices, including risk assessments, standard
operating procedures, training, and governance mechanisms.
* Standardized laboratory protocols and strengthened participation in quality assurance
and performance monitoring activities.
* Improved laboratory equipment maintenance, certification, and commodity
management systems.
* Strengthened specimen referral and transport networks, including cold chain
management and chain-of-custody procedures.
* Enhanced integration of laboratory information with surveillance systems to support
timely reporting and outbreak notification.
Surveillance and Data Systems
* Integrated event-based and routine disease surveillance systems across human and
animal health sectors.
* Updated reporting workflows, guidance, and tools for priority diseases and public health
events.
* Strengthened capacity of surveillance officers and analysts in epidemiologic analysis,
data visualization, and applied use of surveillance information.
* Improved use of surveillance and laboratory data for routine monitoring, alerts, and
outbreak decision-making.
* Strengthened data exchange and interoperability across laboratory, surveillance, and
emergency response platforms.
Outbreak Detection and Response
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* Improved readiness to mount timely, coordinated outbreak responses
* Targeted logistical and material support provided for the timely detection and
containment of priority pathogens during outbreaks and response activities.
Implementation Approach
Applicants should propose a technical approach for achieving STRIDES stated objectives,
drawing on their institutional strengths, technical expertise, and operational presence in Brazil.
Consortium applications are encouraged where partners demonstrate complementary
capabilities, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and effective coordination, governance,
and accountability mechanisms suited to Brazil's federal system and decentralized health
architecture.
Activities must adhere with the STRIDES Brazil Scope of Work (SOW), address priority gaps
identified in relevant health security assessments, and align with national strategies led by the
Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, and other relevant federal, state, and municipal
authorities. Applicants should clearly articulate how proposed interventions will strengthen
systems for laboratory detection, surveillance, data integration and use, and outbreak
response-emphasizing self-reliance, government ownership, integration, and alignment with
ongoing USG, bilateral, and multilateral global health security investments. Proposed
approaches must engage relevant GOB ministries and seek to implement tasks jointly, or
support the GOB in leading the implementation of designated tasks, wherever possible.
Particular attention should be given to high-risk and resource-constrained settings, including
priority states within the Brazilian Legal Amazon, such as Amazonas and Para.
Applicants are expected to implement activities in accordance with the approved workplan.1
Illustrative activities aligned to each of the four key objectives are included below.
Objective 1: Strengthen Detection Capacity and Laboratory Systems for Human and Animal
Health Networks
* Organize an inception workshop/meeting bringing together STRIDES country
implementing partners, relevant government agencies, and key external global health
actors to establish a shared understanding of the workplan framework before
implementation begins.
* Conduct a comprehensive mapping and rapid assessment of diagnostic capacity across
selected Central Public Health Laboratories (LACENs) and municipal human and
veterinary health laboratories.
* Consolidate and validate findings and recommendations with host country government
and partners.
* Provide strategic support to strengthen Quality Management Systems (QMS) in selected
state and municipal human and veterinary laboratories testing priority pathogens and
zoonoses.
1 The STRIDES Brazil workplan is pending donor approval and is subject to change based on final approval.
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* Support GoB to co-develop and deliver a standardized Training of Trainers (ToT) based
training package for priority pathogens for LACENs and municipal human and veterinary
laboratories on diagnostic techniques (molecular and non-molecular) including data
management.
* Support GoB to co-develop and deliver a standardized ToT-based training package for
priority pathogens for LACENs and priority municipal human and veterinary laboratories
on QMS practices.
* Together with STRIDES technical staff, develop and deliver a standardized Biosafety and
Biosecurity (BSS) ToT-based training package for priority pathogens for LACENs and
municipal human and veterinary laboratories.
* Support GoB to establish and support a BSS Technical Working Group (TWG) under the
multisectoral Interinstitutional Committee.
* SStrengthen secure specimen routing and chain-of-custody systems across human and
animal laboratories.
* Strengthen Brazil's national LIMS (Gerenciador de Ambiente Laboratorial - GAL), to
enable secure, role-based data access and timely results reporting.
* Conduct a needs assessment in priority laboratories and produce an action plan for
targeted procurement of critical reagents, diagnostic kits, consumables, and personal
protective equipment (PPE).
Objective 2: Develop Integrated and Sustainable Surveillance Systems Using Event-Based and
Routine Approaches
* Conduct a rapid surveillance evaluation of human and animal disease reporting systems
for IBS and EBS in priority locations, identified in consultation with key partners.
* Support GoB to convene one working group with representative partners to discuss the
findings of the surveillance evaluation and to develop a plan and roadmap to implement
improvements to IBS/EBS in priority locations that were identified in the evaluation.
* Develop SOPs, job aids, and provide virtual mentorship to staff implementing IBS/EBS to
improve geographic coverage, data timeliness and quality.
* Support GoB to disseminate standardized IBS/EBS guidance and conduct a Training of
Trainers (ToT) workshop for surveillance staff from priority locations.
* Support GoB to conduct training and ongoing mentorship directly to state-level
epidemiologists and data analysts to strengthen the practical use of routine indicator-
based and event-based surveillance data for public health action.
* Support GoB to provide targeted training and ongoing mentorship to Community Health
Agents (Agentes Comunitarios de Saude [ACS]) and municipal surveillance focal points in
Manaus and Belem to strengthen EBS/IBS.
* Support GoB to establish and convene a formal, multi-partner TWG bringing together
developers and users of Brazil's georeferenced zoonotic surveillance system (SISS-Geo)
for community-based surveillance.
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* Establish a schedule of regular, structured coordination meetings among SISSGeo
developers, surveillance system owners (GAL/LIMS, SINAN, SIVEPGripe), and
implementing partners, aligned with the TWG governance framework.
* Support identified partners in the data management, analysis, and dissemination of
findings to relevant agencies, and sensitization and training within ministries.
* Establish/strengthen rapid alert channels (e.g., WhatsApp emergency groups, SMS-
based notifications, and standardized escalation protocols) between LACENs, municipal
health secretariats, state CIEVS units, MoH CIEVS, and MAPA.
* Support GoB to facilitate regular multisectoral coordination between government
agencies and health partners.
Objective 3: Enhance Data Management, Interoperability, and Use for Decision-Making
* Conduct a rapid assessment of internet connectivity and Wi-Fi access in priority
laboratories and surveillance units to identify gaps affecting real-time data entry and
system interoperability across multisectoral surveillance platforms.
* Support GoB to implement mentorship program with priority labs to strengthen the
performance and use of GAL in priority LACENs and municipal human and veterinary
laboratories to improve data quality, interoperability, and real-time reporting.
Objective 4: Provide Targeted Outbreak Detection and Response Assistance
* Support GoB to lead and coordinate rapid outbreak response operations through
technical and multisectoral coordination support. Provide targeted logistical and
material support for the timely detection and containment of priority pathogens during
outbreaks and response activities.
Deliverables
The table below provides illustrative examples of key deliverables and performance indicators
aligned with the STRIDES Brazil SOW. Applicants are encouraged to propose additional or
alternative deliverables and indicators that demonstrate measurable progress toward achieving
STRIDES objectives and strengthening national and subnational health security capacity,
particularly in high-risk and resource-constrained settings, including priority states in the
Brazilian Legal Amazon, such as Amazonas and Para.
Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables Illustrative Performance Indicators
* Inception workshop conducted, * # of technical outputs
Shared understanding of STRIDES produced with STRIDES
objectives, roles, and activity support
Objective 1: Strengthen
linkages established, Coordination * # and proportion of STRIDES-
Detection Capacity and
and communication mechanisms supported laboratories
Laboratory Systems for
clarified and harmonized. included with a completed
Human and Animal
* Assessment report with laboratory assessment in line
Health Networks
prioritized gaps, risk rankings; with appropriate national/
facility specific corrective action international standards within
recommendations. the past 12 months
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Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables Illustrative Performance Indicators
* Consolidated findings and * # of STRIDES-supported sites
recommendations validated with with a BSS risk assessment
host country government and conducted within the last 12
partners. months
* Selected laboratories that are * # and proportion of
testing priority pathogens and laboratories that have been
zoonoses have strengthened supported by STRIDES to
QMS. implement quality
* Validated oversight tool with management systems
standardized inspection * # and proportion of supported
checklists; trained assessors. laboratories that have the
* A standardized training package staff to be able to perform all
on diagnostic techniques is tests appropriate for their tier
delivered. Post-training as designated in the national
mentorship and supervision laboratory plan
mechanisms are established. * # and proportion of
* A standardized training package professionals who are trained
on QMS is delivered. Post-training to assess, minimize, and
mentorship and supervision mitigate BSS risk
mechanisms are established. * # of TWG meetings
* A standardized training package * # and % of supported
on BSS is delivered. Post-training laboratories that have
mentorship and supervision adequate commodity
mechanisms are established. management systems to
* TWG TORs; membership roster; perform all tests appropriate
active leadership network for their tier as designated in
established; shared tools and best the national laboratory plan
practices repository.
* Secure specimen routing and
chain-of-custody (CoC) systems
are strengthened.
* Updated and standardized
multisectoral SOPs, data
management and security
procedures.
* Laboratory and transport
personnel are trained on
biosafety, logistics, and data
management protocols.
* Post-training mentorship and
supervision mechanism
established.
* Technical review/assessment of
user access rules, data security
procedures, metadata
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Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables Illustrative Performance Indicators
requirements, improved reporting
pathways to authorities.
* Implementation roadmap
developed.
* Needs assessment and action
plan.
* Final evaluation identifying gaps
* # of technical outputs
and areas for improvements to be
produced with STRIDES
made for IBS and EBS capabilities.
support
* TWG held with a final roadmap
* # of multisectoral
developed; meeting minutes.
coordination meetings
* Materials developed; report on
supported by STRIDES to
staff virtually mentored.
disseminate surveillance data
* ToT workshop and follow-up
and early warning, alert, and
reports.
response system (EWARS)
* Training and follow-up
Objective 2: Develop information
mentorship reports.
Integrated and * # of workforce members
* Training report.
Sustainable Surveillance trained in event verification
* TWG held, meeting minutes.
Systems Using Event- and investigation in STRIDES-
* Quarterly meeting minutes.
Based and Indicator- supported trainings
* Staff supported, increased use of
Based Approaches * # of workforce trained in data
surveillance.
management, analysis, and
* Standardized alert and
reporting with STRIDES
escalations protocol and SOP
support
disseminated to all participating
* # of rapid alert channels
units; functional rapid alert
(WhatsApp/SMS groups)
groups established connective
established and actively used
CIEVS, LACENs, priority hospitals,
by surveillance and laboratory
and surveillance teams.
teams
* Quarterly multisectoral
* # of TWG meetings
coordination meeting reports.
* % of targeted labs enabled
with WiFi connectivity
* Rapid assessment with * # and % of targeted labs
Objective 3: Enhance improvement plan. submitting timely and
Data Management, * Quarterly reports documenting complete LIMS data
Interoperability, and Use improvements in timeliness, * # and proportion of supported
for Decision-Making completeness, and integration of sites at which surveillance data
laboratory data. are routinely entered and/or
transmitted electronically to a
national surveillance system
* GoB is strengthened to lead and
Objective 4: Provide * # of outbreaks identified or
coordinate rapid outbreak
Targeted Outbreak confirmed through country or
response.
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