Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Platform or Functional Equivalent

Request for Quotation
Solicitation Title: Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Platform or
functional equivalent
Solicitation Number: FY26-103433-STRIDES-ZAMBIA-RFQ-006
Submit Questions and Quote: STRIDESProcurement@fhi360.org
Date of Issue of RFQ: Wednesday, 12 August 2026
Date Questions from Supplier Due: Friday, 21 August 2026
Date Answers due from FHI 360: Wednesday, 26 August 2026
Date Proposal Due: Wednesday, 2 September 2026, by 5:00PM Eastern
Daylight Time
Approximate Timeframe an Agreement October 2026: Pending Client Approval
Issued to Successful Suppliers:
Method of Submittal:
Respond via e-mail with attached document in MS Word / pdf format.
Quote Validity:
The Supplier agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 180 days from the date specified for the
receipt of offers unless another time is specified in the addendum of the RFQ.
Attachments to RFQ:
A: FHI 360 Technology Questionnaire
B: Bidder Compliance and Equivalency Matrix
1. Background
The Central Veterinary Research Institute (CVRI) is Zambia's national reference laboratory for
animal health, processing approximately 120,000 samples annually across priority diseases such as
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), African Swine Fever (ASF), avian influenza, anthrax, rabies, and
Antimicrobial Resistant (AMR). With the expansion of provincial laboratories, sample volumes and
geographic coverage have increased, necessitating more advanced diagnostic capabilities, including
genomic characterization. However, CVRI currently faces critical gaps in genomic surveillance and
relies on external laboratories for sequencing, resulting in delays of up to three months and limiting
timely outbreak response. These constraints, coupled with limited infrastructure and
bioinformatics capacity, hinder effective disease tracking and have led to delayed characterization
of outbreaks and reduced ability to detect emerging pathogens in real time.
2. Mission Objective
The objective of this procurement is to strengthen genomic surveillance capacity at CVRI by
establishing and operationalizing in-country sequencing capabilities. This will enable timely
genomic characterization of priority animal and zoonotic pathogens, enhance molecular
epidemiology, and support real-time outbreak detection and response while strengthening
bioinformatics systems and staff capacity. Ultimately, the initiative aims to position CVRI as a
national and regional hub for genomic surveillance under the One Health approach.

3. Expected Results
This procurement will enable:
* Enhanced diagnostic capacity through in-country genomic sequencing.
* Reduced turnaround time for faster outbreak detection and response.
* Improved molecular epidemiology for animal diseases.
* Strengthened bioinformatics and data integration systems.
* Increased national and regional genomic surveillance capacity.
* Improved control of zoonotic and transboundary diseases.
* Strengthened capacity building, research, and partnerships.
4. Technical Specifications and Justification
Quantity
One (1) high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform or equivalent sequencing
system that meets or exceeds the minimum performance requirements stated in this RFQ
Justification for Selection
A next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform has been selected for procurement consideration
because of its high throughput, scalability, rapid turnaround time, and integrated bioinformatics
capabilities which will enable CVRI to generate high-quality genomic data in-house, reducing
dependence on external laboratories and accelerating evidence-based decision-making during
disease outbreaks. Furthermore, the platform supports a wide range of applications including
whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, pathogen evolution studies, vaccine research, and
wildlife forensics, aligning with CVRI's mandate to support animal health, public health, research,
and the One Health agenda. The investment will enhance national preparedness, strengthen
research output, and unlock valuable genomic information from existing archived samples to
improve disease intelligence and health outcomes.
Technical Specifications
Suppliers may propose a high-throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform that meets
or exceeds the minimum performance requirements described below. The specifications are
intended to define required functionality and performance outcomes rather than proprietary
product features or manufacturer-specific configurations.
Requirement Category Minimum Requirement
Instrument Configuration Self-contained next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform with
integrated or compatible secondary analysis capabilities
sufficient to support genomic surveillance, pathogen
characterization, outbreak investigations, and routine
sequencing workflows.
Sequencing Performance Capable of generating high-throughput sequencing data suitable
for whole-genome sequencing, targeted sequencing,
metagenomics, transcriptomics, and other molecular
applications relevant to public health and research.
Scalability Capable of supporting both low-volume and high-volume
sequencing projects, allowing laboratories to scale throughput
according to changing testing and surveillance demands.
Read Length Must support multiple sequencing read configurations,
including short-read and paired-end sequencing applications
required for microbial, viral, and animal genomics studies.
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Data Must consistently generate high-quality sequencing data with
industry-standard accuracy metrics suitable for genomic
surveillance, public health research, and advanced molecular
analyses.
Workflow Automation Must provide automated or streamlined workflow processes
that minimize manual intervention and reduce opportunities
for user error during sequencing runs.
Integrated Data Analysis Must include onboard, local, or cloud-enabled bioinformatics
capabilities for primary and secondary data analysis, including
sequence alignment, variant detection, quality assessment, and
data processing.
Compute Capable of generating, processing, storing, and managing large
sequencing datasets produced through routine and high-
throughput sequencing activities.
Data Output and Compatibility Must generate industry-standard data formats compatible with
commonly used laboratory information management systems
(LIMS), bioinformatics pipelines, and public genomic databases.
Bandwidth for network Must support secure network connectivity with sufficient
connection throughput to enable rapid transfer of sequencing data for local
and cloud-based analysis, including a minimum sustained data
transfer capability of approximately 200 MB/s for sequencing
data uploads and 5 MB/s for instrument monitoring and
o perational data transmission
Application Support Must support a broad range of sequencing applications
including pathogen whole-genome sequencing, antimicrobial
resistance surveillance, outbreak investigation, metagenomics,
transcriptomics, and related genomics applications.
Operating Environment Must operate reliably in standard laboratory environments with
appropriate temperature and humidity tolerances suitable for
public health and research laboratories.
Safety and Regulatory Must comply with internationally recognized electrical,
Compliance laboratory, laser, and equipment safety standards and provide
evidence of applicable certifications.
Instrument Monitoring and Must provide system monitoring, performance diagnostics,
error reporting, and preventive maintenance features to
support operational reliability and minimize downtime.
Software and User Interface Must include an intuitive user interface for instrument control,
run setup, monitoring, quality assessment, and data
management.
Service and Technical Support Supplier must provide installation, commissioning, warranty
coverage, maintenance support, software updates, and access to
qualified technical assistance.
Training Supplier must provide comprehensive onsite user training
covering instrument operation, routine maintenance,
troubleshooting, quality assurance, and basic bioinformatics
workflows.
Warranty Minimum one-year comprehensive warranty covering parts,
labor, software, and technical support following installation and
acceptance.
Product safety and NRTL Certified
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compliance IEC 61010-1 CE Marked
FCC/IC Approved
Future System should support future expansion of sequencing capacity,
software functionality, and analytical capabilities as laboratory
requirements evolve.
Technology Review All software as part of a system will be reviewed by FHI 360's
Digital Technology Team before procuring. Review Attachment
A and provide responses to our Questionnaire in your proposal
response.
Table 1: Bidder Compliance and Equivalency Matrix (See Attachment B) to complete
compliance matrix.
Bidders shall complete and submit the following compliance matrix as part of their proposal.
Failure to provide a completed matrix may result in the proposal being considered non-responsive.
RFQ Minimum Requirement Bidder's Compliance Reference to
Requirement Proposed (Yes/No) Supporting
Category Specification Documentation
Instrument Self-contained next-
Configuration generation sequencing
(NGS) platform with
integrated or compatible
secondary analysis
capabilities sufficient to
support genomic
surveillance, pathogen
characterization, outbreak
investigations, and routine
sequencing workflows.
Sequencing Capable of generating high-
Performance throughput sequencing
data suitable for whole-
genome sequencing,
targeted sequencing,
metagenomics,
transcriptomics, and other
molecular applications
relevant to public health
and research.
Scalability Capable of supporting both
low-volume and high-
volume sequencing
projects, allowing
laboratories to scale
throughput according to
changing testing and
surveillance demands.
Read Length Must support multiple
Flexibility sequencing read
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RFQ Minimum Requirement Bidder's Compliance Reference to
Requirement Proposed (Yes/No) Supporting
Category Specification Documentation
configurations, including
short-read and paired-end
sequencing applications
required for microbial,
viral, and animal genomics
studies.
Data Quality Must consistently generate
high-quality sequencing
data with industry-
standard accuracy metrics
suitable for genomic
surveillance, public health
research, and advanced
molecular analyses.
Workflow Must provide automated or
Automation streamlined workflow
processes that minimize
manual intervention and
reduce opportunities for
user error during
sequencing runs.
Integrated Must include onboard,
Data Analysis local, or cloud-enabled
bioinformatics capabilities
for primary and secondary
data analysis, including
sequence alignment,
variant detection, quality
assessment, and data
processing.
Computing Capable of generating,
and Data processing, storing, and
Processing managing large sequencing
datasets produced through
routine and high-
throughput sequencing
activities.
Data Output Must generate industry-
and standard data formats
Compatibility compatible with commonly
used Laboratory
Information Management
Systems (LIMS),
bioinformatics pipelines,
and public genomic
databases.
Network Must support secure
Connectivity network connectivity with
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RFQ Minimum Requirement Bidder's Compliance Reference to
Requirement Proposed (Yes/No) Supporting
Category Specification Documentation
and sufficient throughput to
Bandwidth enable rapid transfer of
sequencing data for local
and cloud-based analysis,
including a minimum
sustained data transfer
capability of approximately
200 MB/s for sequencing
data uploads and 5 MB/s
for instrument monitoring
and operational data
transmission.
Application Must support a broad range
Support of sequencing applications
including pathogen whole-
genome sequencing,
antimicrobial resistance
surveillance, outbreak
investigation,
metagenomics,
transcriptomics, and
related genomics
applications.
Operating Must operate reliably in
Environment standard laboratory
environments with
appropriate temperature
and humidity tolerances
suitable for public health
and research laboratories.
Safety and Must comply with
Regulatory internationally recognized
Compliance electrical, laboratory, laser,
and equipment safety
standards and provide
evidence of applicable
certifications.
Instrument Must provide system
Monitoring monitoring, performance
and diagnostics, error
Diagnostics reporting, and preventive
maintenance features to
support operational
reliability and minimize
downtime.
Software and Must include an intuitive
User Interface user interface for
instrument control, run
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RFQ Minimum Requirement Bidder's Compliance Reference to
Requirement Proposed (Yes/No) Supporting
Category Specification Documentation
setup, monitoring, quality
assessment, and data
management.
Service and Supplier must provide
Technical installation,
Support commissioning, warranty
coverage, maintenance
support, software updates,
and access to qualified
technical assistance.
Training Supplier must provide
comprehensive onsite user
training covering
instrument operation,
routine maintenance,
troubleshooting, quality
assurance, and basic
bioinformatics workflows.
Warranty Minimum one-year
comprehensive warranty
covering parts, labor,
software, and technical
support following
installation and acceptance.
Product Safety Equipment shall be
and certified and compliant
Compliance with recognized
international safety and
regulatory standards,
including NRTL
certification, IEC 61010-1,
CE marking, and FCC/IC
requirements or equivalent
internationally accepted
standards.
Future System should support
Expandability future expansion of
sequencing capacity,
software functionality, and
analytical capabilities as
laboratory requirements
evolve.
5. Operational Start up Package
The quotation shall include a comprehensive implementation and Initial Operational Support
Package sufficient to support installation, commissioning, validation, staff training, and initial
routine operation of the proposed sequencing platform.
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At a minimum, the package shall include:
* Installation, commissioning, and operational qualification of the sequencing system.
* Support for system validation and verification activities required prior to routine use.
* On-site user training covering instrument operation, routine maintenance, troubleshooting,
quality assurance, and basic data analysis workflows.
* Sequencing reagent kits, flow cells, and other consumables required for implementation and
initial operations.
* Quality control materials and controls (e.g., PhiX or equivalent) required for system
qualification, validation, and ongoing quality assurance.
* Library preparation kits suitable for the intended sequencing applications.
* Indexing kits, primers, magnetic beads, cleanup reagents, and other workflow consumables
required for sample processing and sequencing.
* Consumables and materials required for installation qualification (IQ), operational
qualification (OQ), performance qualification (PQ), user training, and validation activities.
* Access to software licenses, analysis tools, and technical resources required for operation of
the proposed solution, where applicable.
* Technical support during the implementation and startup period.
Bidders shall clearly state:
1. The number of sequencing runs covered by the proposed package.
2. The estimated number of samples that can be processed using the supplied reagents and
consumables.
3. The estimated period of routine operation supported by the package (e.g., 6 months, 12
months, etc.).
4. Any assumptions used to calculate sample throughput and reagent consumption.
To facilitate comparison of quotations, bidders shall provide an itemized schedule of all reagents,
consumables, software licenses (if applicable), and support services included in the package.
In addition, bidders shall provide:
* Itemized pricing for future procurement of reagents, consumables, service contracts, and
software licenses (where applicable).
* Current estimated lead times for delivery of consumables, reagents, spare parts, and service
support.
* Information on local or regional availability of consumables and technical support.
6. Site Readiness Requirements
Suppliers should provide detailed site readiness requirements, including:
* Power and UPS requirements.
* Environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, ventilation, and space requirements).
* Network and internet connectivity requirements.
* Laboratory infrastructure requirements for installation and operation.
* Any special requirements for storage of reagents, consumables, and flow cells.
7. Data Storage and Bioinformatics Requirements
The quotation should clearly describe all data management and bioinformatics components
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required for operation of the system, including:
* Onboard and external data storage requirements.
* Data backup and archiving recommendations.
* Bioinformatics software, analysis platforms, licenses, and subscription requirements.
* Cloud-based and/or local analysis capabilities.
* User access, data security, and long-term data management options.
* Availability of training and ongoing support for bioinformatics analysis and interpretation.
8. Expected Deliverables
* One (1) sequencing machine meeting the above listed specifications installed, configured and
tested.
* Installation report, IQ/OQ validation.
* User Training Report.
* Warranty contract and after-sales service.
* Inventory of Supplies Delivered,
* User Guide and Technical Documentation.
* Installation and commissioning timeline to be proposed by the supplier, with delivery lead
time stated separately and installation dependent on confirmed site readiness.
* Full functional test.
9. Service Support and Sustainability
To ensure long-term sustainability, bidders shall provide evidence of:
* Local or regional service infrastructure and support personnel.
* Availability of preventative maintenance contracts and service-level agreements.
* Guaranteed availability of reagents, consumables, spare parts, and software support.
* Estimated lead times for critical consumables and replacement parts.
* References from similar installations in Africa or comparable settings.
The award will be made to the bidder whose proposal offers the most advantageous combination of
technical merit, operational readiness, sustainability, support capacity, delivery performance, and
overall value for money.
10. Logistical Conditions
* CVRI Balmoral Area Delivery - Lusaka, Zambia
* New device, under manufacturer's warranty
* Supply of all necessary accessories
* Coverage of transport costs to Lusaka, Zambia (freight, handling, storage at the port, etc.): by
the service provider (DDP)
* Bidder must confirm final delivery to the designated CVRI installation location in Lusaka,
Zambia, and identify any required offloading equipment or site conditions, including lift
truck, pallet jack, loading dock, rigging, access clearance, storage, or staging needs.
OTHER QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE VENDOR
* Vendor must have valid tax clearance certificate.
* Vendor must have valid operation license.
* Vendor must have valid certificate of incorporation.
* Vendor must be of known, traceable and verifiable physical address
* Vendor must have an existing bank account
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RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR QUOTATION
Submission Guidelines
Bidders shall submit a complete technical and financial proposal containing sufficient information to
enable a comprehensive evaluation of compliance, functionality, implementation requirements, and
total cost of ownership.
The quotation shall include, at a minimum:
A. Technical Proposal
* Detailed technical specifications of the proposed sequencing platform and associated
components.
* Completed Compliance and Equivalency Matrix.
* Product brochures, datasheets, and supporting technical documentation.
* Description of sequencing applications supported by the proposed system.
* Software and bioinformatics capabilities, including data analysis, data management, and
reporting functions.
* Installation, commissioning, validation, and implementation approach.
* Training plan for laboratory personnel, including user training and basic maintenance training.
* Description of local, regional, or international technical support arrangements.
* Manufacturer's Authorization Letter.
* Evidence of applicable regulatory approvals, certifications, and safety compliance.
* Proof of company registration, incorporation, and valid tax clearance certificate.
* Completed FHI 360 Technology Questionnaire, provided as Attachment A for reference, including
responses to all applicable technology, security, data management, integration, support, and
compliance questions relevant to the proposed system and any associated software, cloud-based
services, or data analysis platforms.
B. Financial Proposal
To facilitate an equitable comparison of offers, bidders shall provide a detailed itemized pricing
schedule showing all costs associated with acquisition, implementation, and operation of the proposed
solution.
The pricing schedule shall include, where applicable:
1. Capital Equipment
* Sequencing instrument.
* Required accessories and ancillary equipment.
* Instrument control workstation or computing hardware.
* Software and analysis platforms.
2. Installation and Implementation
* Freight, shipping, insurance, and delivery costs.
* Installation and commissioning.
* Qualification, validation, and acceptance testing.
* Initial user and administrator training.
3. Consumables and Reagents
* Sequencing reagent kits.
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