External trainer service from an internationally recognized Institution to provide genome sequencing training for local laboratory specialists for EpiC Tajikistan project

Request for Proposal (RFP)

Organizational Background

FHI 360 is a global organization that mobilizes research, resources, and relationships so people everywhere have access to the opportunities they need to lead full and healthy lives. With collaborations in over 60 countries, we work directly with local leaders to advance social and economic equity, improve health and well-being, respond to humanitarian crises, and strengthen community resilience. We share data-driven insights and scalable tools that expand access and equity so communities can effectively address complex challenges, respond to shocks, and achieve thriving futures.

Project Background

Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC), an eight-year global project funded by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the U.S. Government (USG) that provides strategic technical assistance and direct service delivery to achieve HIV epidemic control among all at-risk populations; strengthen global health security (GHS), including outbreak response; improve mother, newborn and child health (MNCH), address malaria; and nutrition. Currently in Tajikistan, EpiC is implementing HIV, GHS, and MNCH and Nutrition projects.

Purpose: As part of its efforts in Tajikistan, the EpiC project will support the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of the Population of the Republic of Tajikistan (MOHSPP) in strengthening national genomic sequencing capacity for pandemic preparedness, outbreak detection, and infectious disease surveillance. EpiC plans to conduct a five-day hands-on genomic sequencing workshop for specialists from the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) and the Tajik Scientific Research Institute of Preventive Medicine, complemented by procurement of reagents and supplies, post-training mentorship, and technical assistance to support integration of genomic sequencing into routine national surveillance and outbreak investigation systems. The purpose of this RFP is to engage a qualified company/organization or individuals with relevant background to develop and implement genomic sequencing training and related technical support activities in alignment with international standards and national public health priorities.

Scope of work

Develop and deliver a five-day genomic sequencing training workshop adapted to the local context for laboratory specialists from the NRL and the Tajik Scientific Research Institute of Preventive Medicine, including a detailed agenda, presentations, SOPs, and training materials.

Provide intensive hands on practice sessions covering sample preparation, sequencing workflows, sequencing equipment operation, quality assurance and quality control procedures, data analysis, and interpretation of genomic sequencing results.

Procure and provide reagents and consumables required for hands on sequencing training using existing sequencing equipment at the National Reference Laboratory and the Tajik Scientific Research Institute of Preventive Medicine.

Supply qualified international and/or regional trainers with demonstrated experience in genomic sequencing, molecular diagnostics, and bioinformatics.

Advise on strengthening genomic sequencing workflows, specimen referral pathways, data management, bioinformatics analysis, and result sharing mechanisms to integrate genomic sequencing into routine national surveillance and outbreak investigations.

Provide post training mentorship and technical consultations to the NRL and Tajik Scientific Research Institute of Preventive Medicine to support sustainable implementation of genomic sequencing systems.

Support integration of genomic sequencing outputs into national surveillance systems and outbreak responses.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

At least five years of demonstrated experience in genomic sequencing, molecular diagnostics, or genomic surveillance systems.

Proven track record in delivering genomic sequencing training programs and/or training of trainers (ToT) initiatives with hands on components.

Technical expertise in sequencing workflows, quality management, genomic data analysis, bioinformatics, and interpretation of pathogen genomic data.

Experience supporting public health laboratories, national reference laboratories, or ministries of health in pandemic preparedness or outbreak response programs.

Capacity to deploy qualified international and/or regional sequencing specialists and trainers.

Fluency in Russian required; English language proficiency is preferred.

Contract mechanism:

Service Agreement with a fixed price in U.S. dollars for foreign vendors and in Tajik somoni for local vendors, will be concluded with the candidate whose proposal most closely matches the requirements described in this request.

Deliverables/Milestones & Planned due Dates:

Location of Work

Dushanbe. No travel is anticipated under this assignment.

Terms of payment:

Payments shall be made based on performance, according to the working schedule. FHI 360 reserves the right to withhold all or a portion of payment if performance is unsatisfactory, if work/output is incomplete, not delivered, or for failure to meet deadlines.

Required Documentation: Applications must include the following components:

Technical proposal describing the training methodology, sequencing expertise, and implementation approach, along with a detailed workplan and proposed schedule.

Financial proposal itemizing costs for training, travel, personnel, reagents, and supplies.

CVs of proposed trainers/technical experts demonstrating relevant experience in genomic sequencing and training.

Proof of legal registration of the organization in its country of registration (for foreign vendors) or Tajikistan (for local vendors).

Relevant certifications or accreditations in genomic sequencing, molecular diagnostics, or laboratory training.

Examples of previous assignments or training workshops conducted in genomic sequencing or related fields.

Evaluation Criteria: The proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:

Proposed technical and financial proposal (60%).

Trainers' CV and experience in the relevant area (40%).

Response deadline & format:

Responses to this RFP should be submitted by email to with the Subject line: External trainer service to provide genome sequencing training.

Responses must be received no later than July 02, 2026, 5:00 PM Dushanbe time. Proposals received after this date and time may not be accepted and shall be considered non-responsive.

FHI 360 Disclaimers

FHI 360 may perform a background check on any selected vendors

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