RFI No 72061723RFI00001 Seeking engagement with Uganda Local Organizations.pdf

THIS IS A REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) ONLY. This notice does not constitute a commitment by the United States Government (USG). All information submitted in response to this announcement is voluntary, and the USG will not pay for information requested nor will it compensate any respondent for any cost incurred in developing information provided to the USG.

Request for Information (RFI) Number: 72061723RFI00001

Purpose: Seeking engagement with Uganda Local Organizations.

Issuance Date: August 3, 2023

Attachment 1.1: First round of questions due: August 9, 2023, 4:45PM, Kampala Time

First round of responses due: August 18, 2023, at 4:45PM, Kampala Time

Attachment 1.2 to1.5: Second round of questions due: August 23, 2023, 4:45PM, Kampala Time Second round of responses due: September 13, 2023, 4:45PM, Kampala Time

Response Email Address: kampalausaidsolicita@usaid.gov

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission to Uganda through the Office of Health and HIV (OHH) is seeking feedback from potential responsible local private for profit, private not-for-profit (PNFP), non-governmental organizations and community-based organizations in Uganda that could potentially provide services in one or more of the following technical areas:

● Health care financing;

● Human resources for health;

● Health information systems;

● Community health systems;

● Social behavior change communication;

● Family planning;

● Maternal and child health and nutrition;

● HIV/TB prevention and health service delivery;

● Malaria prevention and service delivery; and

● Organizational development.

As a result of this RFI, USAID/Uganda will have a better and more complete understanding of the pool and composition of local organizations that could potentially contribute to USAID’s in-country programs.

Stakeholder Engagement Notification

In order to foster more collaborative and inclusive activity design that make optimal use of local resources, USAID/Uganda is requesting information from local organizations who could potentially contribute its skills and expertise to USAID’s health programs by providing basic information about their organizations that will assist USAID in developing a pathway to local solutions to local health issues of importance.

In order to participate in the Request for Information, interested local organizations must send an email to the Office of Acquisition and Assistance mailbox at kampalausaidsolicita@usaid.gov. In the email, include an attachment with the answers to questions provided below. Allowable attachment types mailto:kampalausaidsolicita@usaid.gov include: DOCX, DOC, XLS, XLSX, and PDF. Other attachment types will not be accepted.

Respondents must have good technical knowledge of one or more subject fields of this RFI and of the capacity of the submitting organization. The email transmitting this information must reference “RFI- #72061723RFI00001” in the subject line.

Request for Information

This is a Request for Information about local organizations having sufficient technical and management capacity to effectively contribute to USAIDs programs in Uganda. This notice is issued SOLELY for information and planning purposes, it does not constitute a Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Application (RFA) or a promise to issue an RFP/RFA in the future. This Request for Information does not commit the U.S. Government to contract for any supply or service whatsoever.

Further, USAID/Uganda is not at this time seeking proposals and will not accept unsolicited proposals.

Submission is strictly voluntary. USAID will not provide feedback or responses to questions submitted in response to this RFI and no applications or resumes will be accepted or considered.

Respondents are not required to respond to all questions but may choose to do so. Only the information requested will be considered. Not responding to this notice does not preclude participation in any future requests for application or for proposals, if any is issued.

You are encouraged to submit an organizational profile (See Section #1). Note, you are not required to submit an organizational profile to participate in future funding opportunities. USAID will review all submissions received and may seek additional information based on your submission through an email or request for an in-depth interview. However, USAID will not individually acknowledge your submission and will not respond to questions regarding your submission.

This RFI can be downloaded from www.SAM.gov. All responses (feedback, questions and other submissions) regarding this announcement will ONLY be accepted in writing and via email to kampalausaidsolicita@usaid.gov. All responses to questions received prior to the deadline will be furnished to all potential participants on the above-mentioned websites and may be shared at any future stakeholder feedback sessions, should any take place.

The deadline for FIRST ROUND OF QUESTIONS is: August 9, 2023 The deadline for FIRST ROUND RESPONSES for the following areas: August 18, 2023

FIRST ROUND responses include those under the following technical areas (see Attachment 1, Section

1.1 for illustrative activities):

• Health care financing;

• Human resources for health;

• Health information systems;

• Community health systems.

The deadline for SECOND ROUND OF QUESTIONS- August 23, 2023 The deadline for SECOND ROUND RESPONSES for the following areas: September 13, SECOND ROUND responses include those under the following technical areas (see Attachment 1, Sections 1.2 - 1.5 for illustrative activities):

• Social behavior change communication;

• Family planning;

http://www.sam.gov/

• Maternal and child health and nutrition;

• HIV/TB prevention and health service delivery;

• Malaria prevention and service delivery;

• Organizational development.

Section #1: You are requested to submit (via email attachment) your organizational profile answering the following questions. Do not exceed the character limits.

Item Question and Instructions Answers

1 What is the name of the organization?

Include the full name and acronym, if applicable.

(MAXIMUM 50 CHARACTERS)

2 What is the type of organization?

Choose one answer option.

A. Non-governmental, not for profit B. Governmental C. Social enterprise D. Civil society organization E. Private, for profit business

3 What is the organization’s current registration status?

Choose one answer option.

A. Ugandan (local) B. East African (regional) C. Global/international

4 What year was the organization founded?

Write the year as YYYY. (Numerical only)

5 How many employees does the organization currently have?

Write the total number. (Numerical only)

6 Where is the organization’s headquarters located?

Include the City/Town name, District, and Region.

(MAXIMUM 200 CHARACTERS)

7 What is the primary location of operations of the organization?

Choose one answer option.

A. Urban/peri-urban (Kampala, Wakiso, and/or Mukono only)

B. Within one region of Uganda C. Within multiple regions of Uganda D. Nationally in Uganda E. In Uganda and other East African countries

(regionally)

F. Globally

8 What is the technical scope(s) of the organization?

Select all that apply.

A. Health care financing B. Human resources for health C. Health information systems D. Community health systems E. Social behavior change communication F. Family planning G. Maternal and child health and nutrition H. HIV/TB prevention and health service delivery I. Malaria prevention and service delivery J. Organizational development K. Other

8a Specify other:

If you selected option K, “other,” for question 8, specify the other technical scope(s). (MAXIMUM 50 CHARACTERS)

9 Briefly describe the organization’s reach in terms of populations served.

Write a brief response.

(MAXIMUM 200 CHARACTERS)

10 What grant management capacity does the organization have?

(MAXIMUM 500 CHARACTERS)

11 What subcontractor management capacity does the organization have?

12 What awards has this organization managed in the past 10 years? Including but not limited to those from USAID, the US Centers for Disease Control (US CDC), other US government sources, or from other international donors, organizations, or private foundations.

13 Any other comments about the organizational profile.

Section #2 (OPTIONAL): If you wish to provide additional information on program areas you may submit additional responses (via email attachment) based on the information below. You are not required to complete all questions. Please recall that USAID will not individually acknowledge your submission.

See the following table and describe the organization’s programming in one or more areas:

Activity Area Response (MAXIMUM 500 CHARACTERS PER AREA):

Health financing

Human resources for health

Health information systems

Community health systems

Social behavior change communication

Family planning

Maternal and child health and nutrition

HIV/TB prevention and health service delivery

Malaria prevention and service delivery

Organizational development

USAID will not pay for information submitted nor will it reimburse for costs incurred by an organization that elects to respond to this request. All costs associated with responding to this request will be solely at the respondent's expense. USAID is in no way obligated to use submitted information or issue a solicitation as a result of this request. USAID is not obligated to procure any of the services described herein, nor should the release of this request be construed as such a commitment on the part of USAID.

The issuance of this request will not restrict the ultimate approach of USAID, if any. Respondents are advised that USAID is under no obligation to acknowledge receipt of the information, answer questions or provide feedback to respondents with respect to any information submitted. Any information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary. Not responding to this request does not preclude participation in any future solicitation, if any is issued.

Sincerely, Tseyone Demissie Contracting Officer

ATTACHMENT 1: BACKGROUND

In alignment with the recently released five year Country Development Cooperation Strategy (2022- 2027), the United States Agency for International Development’s Mission in Uganda (USAID/Uganda) seeks to support three key Development Objectives (DOs):

DO1. Health security increased

DO2. Resilient growth enhanced

DO3. Accountability strengthened

The primary focus of the Office of Health and HIV is achieving Development Objective 1, through programs which address the subsequent Intermediate Result (IRs) areas, including:

DO1. Health security increased

IR1.1: Prevention and treatment of HIV, malaria, TB, and other infectious diseases enhanced, IR 1.2: Health systems strengthened, and

IR 1.3: Quality of care for family health services improved.

The technical areas targeted under this Request for Information, are considered vital contributors to the attainment of Development Objectives 1, 2, and 3, with a particular importance for Development Objective 1.

1.1 ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES: HEALTH SYSTEMS STRENGTHENING

USAID health systems strengthening activities in Uganda focus on health care financing, human resources for health, health information systems, and community health systems. Building on the Government of Uganda (GOU), the United States Government (USG), and other donors’ investments in Uganda’s health sector, USAID activities will improve policies and systems that strengthen both public and private health sectors to improve the key elements of the health systems specified above. USAID and it’s partners closely collaborate and coordinate activities with Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Local Governments, Ministry of Public Service and other relevant ministries and agencies of the GOU to cascade down the implementation of key policies and systems that USAID supports through to create the needed impact at district, health facility and community levels.

The key technical areas include:

1. Health Financing and Public Financial Management

2. Human Resources for Health

3. Health information systems

4. Community health systems

1.2 ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES: SOCIAL BEHAVIOR CHANGE COMMUNICATION

Social behavior change (SBC) activities at USAID/Uganda seek to transform households, communities, and systems for improved health and development outcomes through SBC interventions. Through an integrated approach, SBC is used to improve health literacy and health outcomes at every level of social https://www.usaid.gov/uganda/country-development-cooperation-strategy interaction (e.g., individual, community, institutional) and every interface of disease (e.g., prevention, diagnosis, treatment). SBC activities at USAID/Uganda align with national priorities, seek to work directly with and provide support to the relevant ministries including the Ministry of Health, and integrate use of positive health messaging and tools across health programming (e.g., HIV/TB, malaria, maternal and child health and nutrition, family planning).

1.3 ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES: MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH, NUTRITION, AND FAMILY

PLANNING

USAID/Uganda seeks to strengthen local capacity and sustainability of locally-operated and managed services for maternal and child health and nutrition, and family planning. USAID activities work with public facilities and private clinics to improve the quality of care and to assess the needs of different populations, such as educating mothers about their babies’ nutritional and immunization needs, targeting male adolescents with information about sexually transmitted infections and their prevention methods, and working with marginalized populations to identify barriers to accessing compassionate, appropriate, and safe care. Interventions in this space will also monitor how family health services are catering to the unique needs of people with disabilities, children, and indigenous populations. Activities will focus on prevention of sexual and gender based violence through community sensitization and strengthening referral linkages and institutional capabilities, as well as improving clinical care and services such as psychosocial counseling, access to shelters, and clinical case management.

1.4 ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES: HIV/TB AND MALARIA PREVENTION AND SERVICE DELIVERY

Under this technical area, USAID/Uganda aims to reduce new cases of HIV, TB, and malaria by scaling up proven prevention methods through improved access to commodities, drugs, immunizations, and information, while also continuing to find innovative means to reach key populations. This scale-up will be done in alignment with USG initiatives such as the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI), Global Vaccine Access, the Global Accelerator to End TB, and the Global Health Worker Initiative. Currently, over half of all PEPFAR awards are being implemented by Ugandan organizations (i.e., local partners), and USAID will continue to transition awards to local partners.

Other, non-PEPFAR awards will follow suit and focus on local ownership as well.

1.5 ILLUSTRATIVE ACTIVITIES: ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

USAID is committed to supporting local ownership and locally-led development through an approach called localization (more information on localization can be found here). In brief, localization is USAID’s strategy to involve and work with local actors, and use local resources to solve local problems.

One tenant of localization is local capacity strengthening, including for organizations and institutions.

USAID defines local capacity strengthening as “a strategic and intentional investment in the process of partnering with local actors—individuals, organizations, and networks—to jointly improve the performance of a local system to produce locally valued and sustainable development outcomes.”

Organizational development is key to overall local capacity strengthening, as it helps to build up Ugandan organizations that can deliver the necessary services to ensure a healthy and prosperous population.

Strong organizational support structures are essential for successful programming and interventions.

USAID/Uganda will intentionally support local partners through joint capacity strengthening including organizational development under the following domains:

1. Human resources

2. Governance and leadership https://www.usaid.gov/localization

3. Legal structures

4. Financial management

5. Information technology and security

6. Procurement, logistics, and administration

7. Risk mitigation, compliance, and accountability

8. Grant and sub-grant management

9. Program management

10. Organizational management and sustainability

2.0 SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Interested local organizations must complete Section 1 and, optionally, Section 2 in a separate document.

To submit, participants must send an email to the Office of Acquisition and Assistance mailbox at kampalausaidsolicita@usaid.gov, including the attachment with answers to Section 1 and, optionally, Section 2. Allowable attachment types include: DOCX, DOC, XLS, XLSX, and PDF. Other attachment types will not be accepted. Respondents must have good technical knowledge in one or more subject fields of this RFI and of the capacity of the organization. The email transmitting this information must reference “RFI-#72061723RFI00001” in the subject line. Responses must be submitted by the indicated dates above at 4:45pm Kampala Time.

3.0 SUMMARY

This RFI SOLELY seeks to identify locally registered non-state health organizations that can provide services in one or more technical areas for health systems strengthening. The information provided in the RFI is subject to change and is not binding on the Government. USAID/Uganda has not made a commitment to procure any of the items discussed, and release of this RFI should not be construed as such a commitment or as authorization to incur cost for which reimbursement would be required or sought. All submissions become U.S. Government property and will not be returned.

[END OF RFI]