Polio Surveillance Consultants: Uganda (STRIDES)

Request for Consultant Services Proposal (RFP)
Solicitation Title: STRIDES District Polio Surveillance Consultants
Solicitation Number: FY26-103433-STRIDES-Uganda-Consultant-RFP-001
Submit Proposal and Questions to: uganda.procurement@fhi360.org
Date of Issue of RFP: Wednesday, September 9, 2026
Date Questions Due: Friday, September 11, 2026 by 5:00 PM EAT
Date FHI 360 Responds to Questions: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
Date Proposal Due: Friday, September 18, 2026 by 5:00 PM EAT
Approximate Date Consultant Contract
September 2026
Issued to Successful Candidate(s):
Method of Submittal:
Respond via e-mail to uganda.procurement@fhi360.org with the attached documents in MS Word
/ pdf format. Pricing should be provided in Excel format unless otherwise specified.
The Consultant agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 90 days from the date specified for the
receipt of offers, unless another time is specified in the addendum of the RFP.
Contract Period of Performance: September 2026 - December 2026
Background:
The STRIDES program (Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems), funded by the U.S.
Department of State, supports countries to strengthen surveillance systems critical to global
health security and polio eradication. As part of its polio portfolio, STRIDES is supporting efforts to
improve the quality and performance of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance and
environmental surveillance (ES) systems in alignment with Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI)
standards.
Despite ongoing partner support, persistent gaps remain in AFP case detection, investigation,
specimen collection and transport, ES functionality, reporting pathways, and data quality in select
geographic areas. A rapid, multi-partner surveillance system assessment is required to identify
root causes of underperformance and inform targeted, evidence-based interventions in priority
counties. This assessment will directly support STRIDES' objective to strengthen surveillance
systems and improve early detection of poliovirus transmission.
Objective & Purpose of Consultancy:
The Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity is seeking 4 District
polio surveillance consultants to lead polio surveillance activities. The clustered district polio
surveillance consultants will work under the day-to-day guidance and supervision of the STRIDES
Project Director. They will provide technical support to an assigned zone for AFP and environmental
surveillance activities, including active case search, supervise reporting sites, support AFP case
investigation, strengthen implementation of standard surveillance protocols in coordination with
existing surveillance structures, support coordination of any outbreak response activities, and
evaluate outbreak response activities. This position is field based, and the officer is expected to
work very closely with District health officer (DHO).
Consultant Solicitation
September 2026

Scope of Work:
The consultant will work under the direction of STRIDES Uganda leadership in collaboration with
UNEPI and GPEI partners to support the following surveillance systems assessment activities:
General
* Provide technical support to the regional community health Department at the regional
referral hospitals, District health management teams (DHMT), and UNEPI in planning,
implementation, supervision and monitoring of AFP and environmental surveillance
activities.
* Assist in training and building the capacity of district, Health facility and community-based
AFP surveillance and response focal persons.
* Catalyze and support the rapid and effective implementation of proven strategies to reduce
emergence and circulation of polio virus.
* Undertake any other related responsibilities as assigned by supervisors.
Detailed duties and responsibilities
Coordination and Partner Engagement
1. Closely collaborate with government counterparts and multiple levels, UNEPI team and
GPEI partners in strengthening Polio surveillance system.
2. Conduct district level surveillance and review meetings with the government and polio
partners.
3. Closely collaborate with government counterparts (national /regional polio Emergency
Operation Centers (PHEOC) and GPEI partners in identifying, planning and implementing
polio outbreak response activities.
Surveillance and Case Detection
4. Identify and engage special populations including hard to reach, hard to serve
communities, cross- border areas and establish locally functioning surveillance
mechanisms to promptly detect events/outbreaks and monitor trends related to Polio.
5. Keep database of health facilities and other potentially active sites for AFP, jointly make
active site prioritization, district risk assessment for polio and develop and implement risk
mitigation activities as part of surveillance enhancement in the outbreak and risk areas.
6. Make priority-based and well-documented (using mobile/electronic platform) regular active
case search and integrated supportive supervision visits to focal sites including hard to
reach areas, refugee or IDP camps and conduct AFP investigations and 60-day follow-ups.
7. Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly surveillance reports are prepared and transmitted to the
next higher level.
Reporting and Documentation
9. Assist in the writing and submission of complete technical reports to the Uganda National
Polio Eradication Program documenting all the processes of outbreak responses,
surveillance (active and passive) and other activities undertaken.
Consultant Solicitation
September 2026

12. Verify, conduct detailed analyses, and facilitate timely submission of epidemiological,
surveillance and outbreak response reports to FHI360 and partners National Polio within
the recommended timeframe.
Training, Supervision, and Monitoring
13. Support supervision, on-the-job training and monitoring of polio surveillance activities
ensuring adherence to guidelines, standard case definitions and tools used.
Logistics and Supplies
14. Support logistics and ensure appropriate surveillance supplies and equipment are
available at every level (case definitions, case investigation forms, stool cups/specimen
bottles, vaccine carriers, etc.)
General Duties
15. Carry out any other assignments assigned by supervisors.
Deliverables and Timeline:
Key Activities Deliverable LOE
1. Conduct regular active case Active case search reports 7 days
searches for AFP and other submitted through ODK and
priority VPDs in health facilities, monthly reports, including
communities, private clinics, suspected AFP cases identified
traditional healers, and other investigated, and reported
reporting sites. clinics,
traditional healers, and other
reporting sites
2. Support the investigation, AFP case investigation reports 6 days
validation, and follow-up of AFP completed and submitted within
cases in collaboration with recommended timelines, with
district health teams and documented follow-up actions
surveillance focal persons
3. Map, identify, and engage
Updated mapping of special
special populations, including
populations and surveillance focal
hard-to-reach communities, 4 days
points with evidence of engagement
refugee settlements, nomadic
and functional community-based
groups, and internally displaced
surveillance networks.
populations (IDPs).
Consultant Solicitation
September 2026

4. Maintain and regularly
update a database of
Updated surveillance site database
surveillance sites, health 3 days
submitted monthly, including
facilities, community
reporting status and priority areas
informants, and other reporting
requiring follow-up.
locations within assigned
districts.
5. Conduct integrated
Supervision reports documenting
supportive supervision visits to
findings, corrective actions, 6.25 days
surveillance focal sites and
mentorship sessions conducted,
provide on-the-job mentorship
and improvements achieved.
on AFP surveillance standards
and reporting.
6. Strengthen community-
based surveillance by orienting Community surveillance reports
community informants and showing active informant networks, 6.25 days
ensuring prompt reporting of alerts generated, and actions taken.
AFP alerts and rumors.
7. Monitor AFP surveillance
performance indicators and Monthly surveillance performance
support districts to address analyses and action plans 3.75 days
gaps in case detection, developed to address identified
reporting, investigation, and gaps.
specimen collection.
8. Support the availability and
appropriate use of surveillance
Inventory monitoring reports and
tools and supplies, including 3.5 days
documentation of distribution,
case definitions, investigation
utilization, and replenishment of
forms, stool collection kits,
surveillance commodities.
specimen tracking forms, and
vaccine carriers.
9. Support capacity building of
health workers and surveillance Training reports, attendance 6.25 days
focal persons through formal records, pre/post-test results, and
training, orientations, and on- mentorship documentation.
the-job mentorship.
Consultant Solicitation
September 2026

10. Participate in district,
Meeting reports, action trackers,
regional, and national
6.25 days
and evidence of technical
surveillance review meetings
contributions to surveillance
and collaborate with Ministry of
improvement initiatives.
Health, UNEPI, WHO, UNICEF,
and other GPEI partners.
11. Prepare and submit timely
Complete surveillance reports
daily, weekly, monthly, and
submitted within agreed timelines, 6.25 days
quarterly surveillance reports,
with quality data analysis and
including analyses,
recommendations.
achievements, challenges, and
recommendations.
12. Compile and submit a 1.5 days
comprehensive end-of-
assignment technical report
highlighting activities
conducted, surveillance
achievements
Total Estimated LoE 60 days
Period of Performance:
Estimated September 28, 2026, to December 31, 2026
Location and Travel Requirements:
Travel to health facilities.
The Consultant will be based in Uganda for the duration of the engagement, with travel to the
following locations.
* Location:
District Surrounding Districts
Mbarara City, Mbarara, Rwampala and
Mbarara
1 Isingiro
2 Gulu Gulu city,Gulu,Omoro Oyam
Fortpotal City, Kabalore, Ntoroko, Kasese
Kabarole
3 and Bundibugyo
4 Kampala Mukono and Wakiso
5 Mbale Mbale City, Mbale, Sironko & Bududa
Timetable and Address for Submission:
Interested applicants should submit proposals to uganda.procurement@fhi360.org.
Questions are due no later than Friday, September 11, 2026, by 5:00 PM EAT. Questions should
be submitted via email to uganda.procurement@fhi360.org
Consultant Solicitation
September 2026

Proposals are due no later than Friday September 18, 2026 by 5:00 PM EAT. Required
documentation listed below must be emailed to uganda.procurement@fhi360.org
Qualifications:
The consultant must meet the following minimum eligibility requirements:
1. Medical Doctor (MD) from a well-recognized University of Medical Science or College /
or BSc Degree in Public Health or Nursing from a well-recognized university or college.
* Preferred qualifications:
1. Postgraduate qualifications in epidemiology, field epidemiology, public health, Global
Health, pediatrics, or any related health science specialties.
2. Prior experience working as an NSTOP or STOP Polio International or with GPEI
partners, Ministries of Health, or U.S. Government-funded programs.
3. Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate findings into practical, actionable
recommendations.
4. Residency in the targeted or adjacent to the subregion where polio disease
surveillance activities will take place strongly preferred.
* Specific experience in:
1. Demonstrated experience supporting AFP surveillance, environmental surveillance, or
integrated disease surveillance systems, preferably aligned with Global Polio
Eradication Initiative (GPEI) standards.
2. Familiarity with surveillance data systems, reporting pathways, and sample collection
and transport processes, including reverse cold chain considerations.
3. Minimum of 5 years working in the field of clinical or nursing, disease surveillance, and
immunization.
4. Direct experience in polio surveillance and polio preventive and outbreak response
vaccination campaigns; experience working with WHO, other UN agencies, and other
international organizations.
* Skills:
1. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to produce
high-quality technical reports.
2. Knowing local languages of the assigned district is an added advantage.
Evaluation Criteria:
Proposals will be evaluated in accordance with the following criteria:
* Award will be based upon best value (a combination of qualifications and proposed daily
rate).
* Payment will be based upon Level of Effort (LOE) with reimbursement for approved related
budgeted expenses.
Applicants are also welcome to submit their CV into FHI 360's global consultant database for
future consideration outside of this RFP: Consult@FHI360
Consultant Solicitation
September 2026

Required documentation:
* Completed USAID1420 Biodata Form
* CV with country experience listed and updated to no less than 3 months prior to
submission of proposal.
* Cover letter shall summarize the consultant's qualifications and explain why they should
be added to the pool as well as rate of pay.
* Written response addressing the needs listed in the SOW.
* A budget in Excel format showing the proposed daily rate in UGX, the number of days
proposed against each task area within a total level of effort not exceeding 90 working days,
and the total proposed cost. The budget should cover professional fees only.
* Confirmation of availability for the full period of performance, September 30th , 2026 to 31st
Dec 2026, including availability to deliver 90 working days of effort
FHI 360 Disclaimers
* FHI 360 may perform a background check on any selected Consultant candidates.
* 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.
* FHI 360's consultant terms and conditions can be found here.
Consultant Solicitation
September 2026