Request for Proposals for Strengthening Animal Health Laboratory Capacity, Thailand Surveillance Systems, and Outbreak Response at the National Institute of Animal Health (NIAH), Department of Livestock Development

Request for Proposals
Request for Proposals for Strengthening Animal Health Laboratory Capacity,
Surveillance Systems, and Outbreak Response at the National Institute of
Animal Health (NIAH), Department of Livestock Development, Thailand
Solicitation Number: 2026-017-Thailand
To: Prospective Organizations
From: STRIDES Thailand
Contract Title: Technical Support to Strengthen Animal Health Laboratory
Capacity, Surveillance Systems, and Outbreak Response at the National
Institute of Animal Health (NIAH), Department of Livestock Development,
Thailand
Location: Thailand
Date Issued: May 21, 2026
Questions Due: May 29, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Responses Posted: June 5, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Submission Deadline: June 26, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Daylight Time
Submission Email: STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org
Introduction
The Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity
implemented by FHI 360 invites qualified organizations to submit proposals to
support the implementation of global health security (GHS) activities in Thailand.
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.
STRIDES has four core objectives:
1. Strengthen detection capacity and systems across human and
animal laboratory networks, including biosafety and biosecurity.
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2. Develop and enhance event-based and indicator-based surveillance
systems for timely detection of public health threats.
3. Improve data collection, analysis, interoperability, and reporting to
support evidence-based decision-making and outbreak response.
4. Provide targeted technical and operational support during
outbreaks, including surge assistance to laboratories and
surveillance systems.
This request for proposals (RFP), and any subsequent subcontract, focuses on the
intersection between animal and human disease management systems, laboratory
networks, zoonotic diseases, outbreak response, multisectoral health security
coordination, biosafety and security (BSS), and engagement with the Thailand
Department of Livestock Development (DLD).
STRIDES Scope of Work
STRIDES activities in Southeast Asia will implement a government of Thailand-led,
multi-sectoral, and tailored technical strategy aligned with Thailand's National
Action Plan for Health Security (NAPHS 2023-2027) and priority gaps identified
through the 2022 Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and 2024 State Parties Annual Self-
Assessment Report (SPAR). The Activity strengthens core public health capabilities
in disease detection, reporting, and coordinated response with a deliberate focus
on high-risk border provinces. These locations are characterized by intense cross-
border mobility, migratory labor flows, zoonotic spillover risks, and recurring
infectious disease outbreaks. By enhancing early warning systems, strengthening
Point-of-Entry (PoE) surveillance, and equipping provincial rapid response teams
(RRT) and Emergency Operations Centers (EOC) with integrated tools and protocols,
STRIDES will enable Thailand to detect outbreaks earlier and respond with faster,
evidence-driven, multisectoral action.
Central to this approach is strengthening Thailand's integrated laboratory and
surveillance systems across human and animal health sectors. STRIDES will work
with key Thai institutions, including the Department of Disease Control (DDC), the
Department of Medical Sciences (DMSC), Thai Red Cross Emerging Infectious
Diseases Clinical Center (TRC-EIDCC), Chulalongkorn University, and laboratories
under the DLD to expand molecular diagnostics and genomic surveillance for
priority pathogens. Support will include upgrading critical infrastructure, reinforcing
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quality assurance (QA)/quality control (QC) systems, and expanding surveillance for
high-risk zoonoses and priority pathogens, including wastewater-based surveillance
where appropriate. These improvements will increase Thailand's ability to generate
accurate and timely laboratory data and integrate it effectively into national
surveillance systems to inform real-time risk assessments and targeted public
health measures.
Complementing these national-level investments, STRIDES will bolster emergency
preparedness, multisectoral coordination, and community engagement, ensuring
that the region can manage public health threats efficiently. STRIDES' work includes
strengthening incident management systems and conducting simulation exercises
with human health, veterinary, border, immigration, and customs authorities.
Expanding regionally, STRIDES contributes to health security resilience by
strengthening cross-border surveillance, laboratory cooperation, and multisectoral
workforce development across the Greater Mekong Subregion and ASEAN
platforms. Leveraging Thailand's technical expertise and strategic geographic
position, activities support the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Animal Health and
Zoonoses (ACCAHZ) and bilateral coordination mechanisms with Cambodia, the Lao
People's Democratic Republic (PDR), and Myanmar to improve data sharing, joint
outbreak investigation protocols, and PoE readiness. Regional laboratory quality
assurance, training, and genomic surveillance collaboration builds on Thailand's
leadership within the region. Through strategic partnerships, STRIDES will help
cultivate a regional multisectoral workforce skilled in outbreak investigation,
biosafety, field epidemiology, and meeting 7-1-7 performance benchmarks.
Implementation Approach
Applicants should propose a technical and financial approach to implement the
scope of work and achieve the illustrative results defined in this RFP based on their
institutional strengths, technical expertise, and operational presence in Thailand
and/or the Southeast Asia region. Consortium applications are acceptable where
partners demonstrate complementary expertise, clearly defined roles, and effective
coordination and governance mechanisms.
Objective 1: Strengthen Detection Capacity and Laboratory Systems for
Human and Animal Health Networks
Reserved
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Objective 2: Develop Integrated and Sustainable Surveillance Systems Using
Event-Based and Indicator-Based Approaches
Applicants may propose activities that include, but are not limited to:
* Provide targeted technical support to the DLD to institutionalize the 7-1-7
framework for detecting, reporting, and responding to high-risk zoonotic
disease events in livestock. This task will strengthen DLD's capacity to identify
priority signals within 7 days, initiate investigation within 1 day, and
implement effective control measures within 7 days. Support may include
adapting 7-1-7 tools for livestock outbreak contexts, orienting provincial and
district veterinary teams on application of the framework, and establishing
mechanisms for rapid information flow between DLD, DDC, and cross-
sectoral partners during potential spillover events. This effort will enhance
early detection, accelerate response, and mitigate the risk of zoonotic
transmission to humans and wider animal populations.
Objective 3: Enhance Data Management, Interoperability, and Use for
Decision-Making
Reserved
Objective 4: Provide Targeted Outbreak Detection and Response Assistance
Applicants may propose activities that include, but are not limited to:
* Conduct an in-depth assessment of DLD's readiness to host the ASEAN
Coordinating Centre for Animal Health and Zoonoses (ACCAHZ). The review
will examine institutional structures, regional coordination workflows, rapid
reporting mechanisms, data and knowledge-management functions, human
resources, operational SOPs, information communications and technology
(ICT) systems, and surge/event-response capacity. Findings will identify
priority capacity gaps and guide the development of a structured roadmap
for DLD to assume full hosting responsibilities.
* Provide targeted technical support to strengthen DLD's capacity to manage
ACCAHZ's day-to-day operations, including coordination with ASEAN Member
States, consolidation of regional outbreak intelligence, facilitation of
multisectoral communication, and organization of technical or emergency
coordination meetings. Short-term experts (e.g., coordination specialists,
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epidemiologists, data analysts) will be deployed during high-demand periods
to reinforce ACCAHZ's operational readiness under DLD leadership.
* Support DLD and ACCAHZ to refine and institutionalize regional SOPs for
outbreak notification, information exchange, specimen referral, rapid risk
assessment, and activation of cross-border joint investigations. Assistance
will also include strengthening governance processes, reporting templates,
regional situation-monitoring dashboards, and meeting facilitation tools. All
tools will align with ASEAN frameworks and be adapted to regional realities,
including wildlife-livestock-human interfaces, migrant mobility, and informal
border-crossing dynamics.
* Enhance Thailand's regional Field Epidemiology Training Program for
Veterinarians (R-FETPV) as a regional hub that equips veterinarians and other
multi-sectoral responders with the skills needed to prevent, detect, and
respond to zoonotic threats before they spill over into human populations.
Support will enable international trainees to participate in the program,
supported by strengthened hosting systems including transparent selection,
clear orientation, streamlined logistics, and accessible English-learning
materials to ensure they can integrate quickly and learn effectively. Provide
focused assistance to update and deliver high-impact modules on zoonotic
outbreak investigation, rapid risk assessment, cross-border coordination,
surveillance signal interpretation, and field epidemiology decision-making
under emergency conditions. Facilitate high-quality practicums linked to real
or simulated outbreaks, ensuring trainees receive structured mentorship and
hands-on experience responding to threats with direct human-health
implications. These investments will build a capable regional workforce that
can mitigate spillover risks and safeguard communities from emerging
infectious diseases.
* Support DLD and the R-FETPV Secretariat to strengthen mechanisms for
mobilizing R-FETPV graduates, including international cohorts for rapid
deployment in cross-border and regional outbreak investigations. Establish a
streamlined graduate roster, improve communication channels with national
and regional EOCs, and facilitate participation of trainees and graduates in
regional simulation exercises (e.g., ASEAN, FAO/WOAH). Document lessons
learned and recommend strategies to more fully integrate R-FETPV-trained
veterinarians into regional rapid-response systems, ensuring they can
contribute effectively to preventing zoonotic spillovers and protecting human
health.
* Conduct a focused assessment to identify epidemiology and surveillance skill
gaps among newly recruited veterinarians, veterinary assistants, and
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livestock volunteers. Use the findings to develop two complementary training
packages: a standardized basic veterinary epidemiology curriculum for new
veterinarians and a competency-based field surveillance package for
veterinary assistants. Together, these curricula will strengthen foundational
skills in surveillance, outbreak investigation, sampling, field biosafety and
biosecurity, and reporting using DLD-approved tools.
* Training will be delivered through a blended model that includes e-learning
modules and national orientation sessions for new veterinarians, combined
with practical provincial-level training for veterinary assistants and
volunteers. STRIDES will reinforce early detection and introduce clear and
standardized reporting and escalation pathways for priority diseases to
enhance the timeliness and accuracy of community-level surveillance.
* Institutionalize the training packages within DLD's onboarding and
continuous learning systems to ensure long-term usage. Integrate trained
veterinary assistants into provincial RRT workflows to support field
verification and sample collection. Provide annual content updates and
periodic refresher training to maintain alignment with updated SOPs, digital
tools, and lessons learned from actual outbreak responses. Continuously
monitor improvements in reporting quality and workforce performance
across provinces.
* Conduct a comprehensive readiness assessment of the central and selected
provincial DLD EOCs to evaluate infrastructure, data systems, communication
workflows, and coordination mechanisms. Use the assessment findings to
strengthen incident management procedures by updating activation triggers,
clarifying roles and responsibilities, improving information flows, and
aligning documentation processes with the national EOC framework.
* Upgrade the physical and digital infrastructure of DLD EOC wall rooms by
installing multi-screen displays, video conferencing capabilities, situation
monitoring boards, and integrated digital tools. Develop real-time
dashboards that consolidate surveillance data, laboratory results, field
investigation updates, and risk maps to enhance situational awareness and
support timely operational decision-making.
* Train central and provincial EOC personnel in emergency preparedness,
incident management, emergency operations, data interpretation, and
multisector coordination. Conduct table-top and functional simulation
exercises (SimEx) to test EOC activation procedures, communication
pathways, and operational readiness. Use after-action reviews (AAR) to
document lessons learned and update SOPs for continuous improvement.
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Deliverables
The table below provides illustrative examples of key deliverables and performance
indicators aligned with the STRIDES Thailand/Asia Regional Scope of Work. These
indicators are subject to revision, and additional indicators may be incorporated as
the implementation plan is finalized.
Illustrative Performance
Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables
Indicators
Objective 1: None None
Strengthen
Detection
Capacity and
Laboratory
Systems for
Human and
Animal Health
Networks
* 7-1-7 timeliness tools adapted for
livestock outbreak detection,
Objective 2: * Number of adapted 7-1-7
reporting, and response, including
Develop tools developed for use in the
materials tailored to DLD operational
Integrated and livestock sector.
contexts.
Sustainable * Number of DLD officers
* DLD national and subnational staff
Surveillance oriented on implementation
oriented on application of the 7-1-7
Systems Using of the 7-1-7 timeliness
framework for priority zoonotic
Event-Based and framework for priority
diseases, including use of adapted
Indicator-Based zoonotic diseases.
tools and procedures for rapid
Approaches
information sharing with DDC and
other cross-sectoral partners.
Objective 3:
Enhance Data
Management,
None None
Interoperability,
and Use for
Decision-Making
Objective 4: * Coordination processes documented
Provide Targeted and supported for ACCAHZ * Number of technical
Outbreak operations. support deployments
Detection and * Surge technical experts deployed, as
Response needed, to support ACCAHZ priority
Assistance functions.
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Illustrative Performance
Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables
Indicators
* Updated SOPs and operational tools
reviewed, finalized, and endorsed by
* Number of SOPs updated
relevant global health security actors.
* Regional reporting and
* Regional reporting and coordination
coordination mechanisms
mechanisms established or refined to
established
support timely information sharing
and coordination.
* International trainee hosting
processes reviewed and updated, * Number of international
including documented procedures trainees supported by
and roles. STRIDES
* Updated training modules delivered * Number of modules
to participating international trainees. updated/delivered
* Field practicums implemented with * Number of field
structured mentorship for practicums completed
international trainees.
* Graduate roster developed and
regularly updated.
* Communication channels established
or strengthened to support * Number of technical
coordination with graduates and outputs produced with
trainees. STRIDES support
* Trainees and graduates deployed in
regional exercises or outbreak
investigations, as appropriate.
* Number of assessment
reports with support from
STRIDES
* Assessment report completed * Number of standardized
identifying epidemiology and basic veterinary
surveillance skill gaps. epidemiology curriculum
* Standardized basic veterinary developed with support
epidemiology curriculum from STRIDES
* Competency-based surveillance * Number of competency-
training package for veterinary based surveillance
assistants. training packages for
veterinary assistants
developed with support
from STRIDES
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Illustrative Performance
Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables
Indicators
* E-learning modules for veterinary
workforce capacity building.
* Number and proportion
* Orientation training curriculum for
of targeted professionals
newly appointed veterinarians.
trained to prevent, detect,
* Provincial-level training curriculum for
and response to
veterinary assistants.
infectious disease threat
* Standardized reporting and escalation
with support from
pathways documented and
STRIDES
disseminated for use within routine
operations.
* Training packages integrated or
aligned with the DLD onboarding * Number of veterinary
system for relevant personnel. assistants integrated into
* Veterinary assistants incorporated RRTs
into Rapid Response Team (RRT) * Number and proportion
workflows, with roles and procedures of routine surveillance
defined. reports for priority
* Annual refresher training delivered to diseases submitted on
veterinary assistants and relevant time (according to
staff. national reporting
* Monitoring mechanisms established guideline) at the national
to track training delivery and follow- and subnational levels
up.
* DLD EOC readiness assessment
report finalized.
* Number of EOCs
* Incident management procedures
assessed
reviewed and aligned with the
national DLD EOC framework.
* DLD EOC wall room infrastructure
updated to support incident
* Number of EOCs
management functions.
upgraded
* Multi-screen dashboards configured
* Number of dashboards
and operational, integrating real-time
deployed
surveillance, laboratory, and field
investigation data.
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Illustrative Performance
Objective Illustrative Key Deliverables
Indicators
* Number of surveillance
workforce trained in data
* DLD EOC staff trained on the Incident
management, analysis,
Management System (IMS) and EOC
and reporting with
operations.
STRIDES support.
* Table-top and functional exercises
* Number of national multi-
conducted to test EOC readiness.
sectoral biological-hazard
* After-Action Reports (AARs)
emergency preparedness
documented, with priority
measures, including
improvement actions identified and
emergency response
applied where feasible.
plan, developed by
STRIDES support.
Proposed Timeline and Key Outputs Template
To be completed by prospective applicant(s) as part of their proposal. Prospective
Applicant(s) are encouraged to propose changes or alternative timelines, key outputs,
and milestones to the table below in their proposals. If a prospective applicant is
submitting a proposal for one or more objectives, then applicants should revise this
timeline accordingly and highlight which objective(s) they are applying to implement.
Illustrative Objectives, Deliverables, Timeline, and Key Outputs
Objective / Deliverable Timeline Key Outputs / Milestones
* Inception and coordination meetings conducted
with STRIDES leadership and key Thailand partners
Phase 1: Start-Up and
Month 1 (DLD, DDC, NIAH, and relevant ministries).
Planning
* Baseline indicators, assessment tools, and
monitoring framework finalized.
Objective 1: Strengthen
Detection Capacity and None
Laboratory Systems
* 7-1-7 timeliness framework adapted for livestock
Objective 2: Develop
outbreak detection and response within DLD
Integrated and Months 2-
operational systems.
Sustainable Surveillance 6
* Practical tools and guidance materials developed
Systems
for implementation of 7-1-7 in the livestock sector
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