RFI-613-20-000002- Supply Chain.pdf

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)

INCREASING PRIVATE SECTOR INVOLVEMENT

IN THE HEALTH SUPPLY CHAIN IN ZIMBABWE

Reference Number: RFI-613-20-000002 Release Date: February 6, 2019 Response Date: February 24, 2019, 5:00PM, Zimbabwe, Local Time Place of Performance: Zimbabwe

I. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION

The purpose of this Request for Information (RFI) is to gather market insights, best practices, and innovative ideas for improving support of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) procurement and health commodity supply chain management program in Zimbabwe. USAID is the U.S. Government’s (USG’s) principal implementing organization for international development assistance. USAID/Zimbabwe aims to strengthen supply chain performance, improve the availability of health commodities, and increase data visibility. USAID/Zimbabwe is exploring the potential for private sector entities to strengthen storage and distribution of health commodities.

USAID aims to support Zimbabwe to build a resilient and sustainable supply chain that delivers high quality, lifesaving pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies to provide the highest possible level of health and quality of life for all its citizens. The Zimbabwean health system is currently under pressure due to a deteriorating economic situation throughout the country. Infrastructure issues such as limited health commodities, high fuel prices, and rationed electricity complicate the efficiency of the health supply chain system. Despite these challenges, USAID continues to support the capacity of the Zimbabwean health commodity supply chain from end to end. In Zimbabwe, USAID supports the purchase and distribution of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria related commodities, as well as medical equipment, with funds from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI).

This RFI is issued solely for information-gathering and planning purposes. This is not a Request for Proposal (RFP) or a Request for Application (RFA) and is not to be construed as a commitment by the USG to issue any solicitation or Notice of Funding Opportunities, ultimately award a contract or assistance agreement on the basis of this RFI, or pay for any information voluntarily submitted as a result of this request. Responses to this RFI must not be portrayed as proposals and will not be accepted by the USG to form a binding agreement. It should be noted that responding to or providing comment on this RFI will not give any advantage to any organization in any subsequent procurement(s), if such a procurement(s) is released.

USAID will not provide answers to anything submitted in response to this request. USAID posts its competitive business opportunities on www.beta.sam.gov or www.grants.gov. It is the potential offeror’s/applicant’s responsibility to monitor these sites for announcements of new opportunities. Responses to this RFI may be used by USAID without restriction or limitation.

This RFI provides an opportunity to review, comment on, and contribute to the future of supply chain activities in Zimbabwe, leveraging best practices from both the public and private sector. USAID is seeking information around two main content areas:

1. Understanding of the capacity and willingness of the private sector in Zimbabwe to support warehousing, transportation, and distribution of pharmaceutical, laboratory, and other medical supplies for USAID-supported programs in Zimbabwe.

2. Developing innovative approaches for building strong in-country capacity, while creating resilience and agility in the supply chain.

II. HOW TO SUBMIT A RESPONSE

USAID/Zimbabwe is seeking to engage and utilize the private sector to complement and build upon its past public sector work. Through this RFI, USAID is exploring how a shift in supply chain and procurement processes, with greater integration and partnership with the private sector (i.e. commercial, for-profit entities, universities and think-tanks), can potentially create improved agility, transparency, and innovation in Zimbabwe. USAID is looking at how to provide a pathway for the introduction of private sector best practices to support strengthening the public sector supply chain within the Zimbabwean context.

Logistics service providers, commercial goods distributors, pharmaceutical storage providers, and/or organizations that have the capacity to provide storage, and distribution services should consider submitting responses. In addition, USAID seeks input from commercial entities, companies, and/or universities and think-tanks with a focus on the for-profit sector, that possess one or more of the following skills and/or experiences:

Significant experience in warehousing, transportation, and distribution of pharmaceutical, laboratory, and other medical supplies in supply chains in the developing country context.

Experience in implemented data use approaches that increase the use of supply chain data to inform and drive key supply chain decisions, targeting storage and distribution of health commodities.

Experience in strengthening capacity of distribution networks and operational management and leadership in developing countries and/or complex/uncertain environments.

Experience in change management and institutionalization of self-sustaining systems and practices related to supply chain and health.

Demonstrated success in bringing innovation to the supply chain sector.

Interested parties should provide a short submission, not to exceed 10 pages, addressing one or more of the key questions below. Please do NOT submit a generic organizational capabilities statement or similar document.

Key Questions for Consideration:

Exploring the private sector landscape

1. Does your business currently provide the services described in the RFI? If so, what services and/or for which pharmaceutical commodities?

2. What is the country where your company is incorporated?

3. What are your company’s capabilities to provide the following services?

a) Storage and/or distribution of health commodities within Zimbabwe.

b) Logistics consulting services related to pharmaceuticals and diagnostics.

4. Who are your current/recent (from 2017-2020) suppliers, customers, and sub-contractors?

5. How are your company’s services currently priced?

6. How does your organization use supply chain data to support supply chain decisions?

Specifically, what data and analytics are key for supporting storage and distribution actions? Please describe the data strategy used or promoted by your organization.

7. Based on your organization’s knowledge of health supply chain systems in Zimbabwe, what role could the private sector play to improve the availability of health commodities to patients?

Developing innovative approaches

1. What are the greatest barriers to the private sector being able to support the sustainable storage and distribution practices in the health commodity supply chain system in Zimbabwe?

2. How should USAID prioritize its investments in strengthening the health supply chain in Zimbabwe?

3. What are three key performance measurements USAID should consider to monitor the health commodity supply chain improvement and success?

4. What are your recommendations for real-time delivery tracking, stock level tracking, and monitoring & evaluation of key supply chain metrics and data, particularly in a resource challenged environment (i.e. electricity and fuel challenges)?

5. List, in order of impact, innovative technologies you have implemented to improve storage and distribution of health commodities. What are the key aspects to the successful implementation of these innovations? Why do you believe these innovations are relevant to the public health commodity supply chain in Zimbabwe?

6. What key lessons and/or best practices from the private sector should USAID consider in supporting the health supply chain in Zimbabwe?

7. How would you conduct market analytics to strengthen the storage and distribution practices of health commodities in Zimbabwe?

All responses must be submitted electronically to Relax Moyo at rmoyo@usaid.gov and copy J. Zeb Simpson at jsimpson@usaid.gov no later than February 24, 2019 at 17:00 Eastern Standard Time. Please use the following subject line when submitting a response “Supply Chain Response.”

You will not receive confirmation of receipt of your response or individualized feedback or suggestions.

Use of Responses:

Commercially sensitive information will not be shared publicly. Responses to the larger strategic questions referenced above may be used in the drafting of a solicitation by USAID without restriction or limitation.

Disclaimer Notice - This request for information is issued solely for planning purposes and is published in accordance with FAR Part 10 and FAR 15.201(e). This is not a solicitation or call for proposals. Any proposals submitted in response to this request will not be considered.

All information provided will become the property of USAID and will not be returned.

USAID reserves the right to use information provided by respondents for its purposes.

Proprietary information must not be sent.

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 utilize 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 Government's approach to its supply chain needs, if any such approach is developed. Any information submitted in response to this notice is voluntary. Not responding to this request does not preclude participation in any future solicitation(s), if any is issued.

Sincerely, /jzs/

J. Zeb Simpson Contracting Officer mailto:rmoyo@usaid.gov mailto:jsimpson@usaid.gov