I. OVERVIEW The United States Agency for International Development in Tajikistan (USAID/TJ) is collecting information on organizations with expertise in Tajikistan regarding risk communications and community engagement (RCCE) in global health security (GHS). This RFI seeks information on the availability, interest, and diverse capacities of entities to support a prospective USAID Tajikistan GHS Activity in Tajikistan. Note: This is NOT a request for applications. Only expressions of interest should be submitted at this stage. USAID will use responses to inform decisions about future partnerships under this activity. This RFI is issued solely for information and planning purposes and is NOT a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). It does not obligate the US Government to issue an award or pay for any information submitted. If a NOFO is issued, necessary details will be provided in that document. Interested parties are advised to periodically monitor the www.grants.gov and www.sam.gov websites for updates concerning potential procurement. Additionally, USAID plans to host online informational sessions in Russian, Tajik and English. Please email
[email protected] to RSVP for these sessions. The English version of this RFI shall control in case of any inconsistencies with translated versions. II. BACKGROUND USAID Tajikistan’s Global Health Security (GHS) program aims to fill essential gaps in health security in Tajikistan by integrating human, animal, and environmental health through the "One Health" approach. USAID’s GHS programming in Tajikistan aligns with the wider United States Government’s 2024 Global Health Security Strategy, to build strong and resilient health systems. GHS means protecting people everywhere from health threats that can spread across borders. It requires working together as a global community to prevent, detect, and respond to health emergencies. GHS is about keeping everyone safe and healthy, no matter where they live. USAID’s GHS program implements activities in 100 countries, and collaborates with different ministries and agencies as well as multisectoral partners to strengthen preparedness, prevent outbreaks, detect threats early, and respond effectively to infectious diseases. USAID supports countries in achieving measurable improvements in health security, guided by the World Health Organization's Joint External Evaluation (JEE) and State Parties Self-Assessment Annual Report (SPAR). This includes enhancing capabilities in areas such as zoonotic disease management, disease surveillance, laboratory systems, infection prevention, and antimicrobial resistance. In Tajikistan, the 2019 JEE assessment highlighted potential weaknesses in surveillance, laboratory capacity, infection control, and risk communication and community engagement (RCCE). USAID Tajikistan envisions to support implementation of GHS activities focusing on RCCE. The goal is to strengthen public health communication networks and ensure communities are better informed and equipped to deal with health risks. Key areas of focus may include: 1. Developing community-centered risk communication strategies. 2. Strengthening networks for effective engagement during public health crises. 3. Engaging and collaborating with religious leaders on health promotion and advocacy 4. Supporting health and emergency communication infrastructure. 5. Building local capacity for health risk awareness and management. III. SUBMISSION CRITERIA USAID Tajikistan is interested in submissions from non-governmental organizations, private sector entities, research organizations, or any other groups with relevant experience in Tajikistan, particularly in the area of risk communication and global health security. Organizations DO NOT need to respond to all questions; please submit responses only in areas where you have capacity and experience. Key Areas of Experience: 1. Experience in risk communication and health information dissemination. 2. Experience in community engagement strategies during health emergencies. 3. Experience working in Tajikistan or with relevant local entities (e.g., local government, civil society, health organizations, and religious leaders). 4. Experience in managing international partnerships or collaborations. IV. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS Responses should be submitted in one of the following forms: ● Microsoft Word document ● PDF document ● Email text All responses must be submitted electronically to the recipients indicated below. You will not receive individualized feedback or suggestions. No basis for claims against the U.S. Government shall arise as a result of a response to this RFI or from the U.S. Government’s use of such information. Specific questions about this RFI should be directed only to the email addresses identified above. This office will not respond to any telephone or other inquiries regarding this notice. 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 RFI is voluntary. Submissions should be no more than 7 pages in length, including annexes. Please include your organization's name, title, contact information, and relevant experience in Tajikistan. Responses can be submitted in English, Tajik, or Russian, and should be sent to: Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, Denis Arvanitidi at
[email protected] and Contracting Officer, Kinsy Hood at
[email protected] with the subject: 72011925RFI00001 – Risk Communication and Community Engagement in Global Health Security. Submission Deadline: Responses must be received no later than January 10, 2025. Responses received after the deadline will not be considered. Please note that USAID is not seeking technical or cost applications at this time. Do not submit any application in response to this RFI. Issuance of this notice does not constitute an award commitment on the part of the U.S. Government, nor does it commit the Government to pay for any costs incurred in the preparation of comments. QUESTIONS: 1. Official full name of organization: 2. Name and title of point of contact: 3. Email address of point of contact: 4. Principal place of business operations: 5. What best describes your organization? Non-governmental organization (NGO) Academic institution Private sector organization Other (please describe) 6. Has your organization received funding directly from USAID in the last five years? If yes, please let us know the amount and scope of work briefly. Yes No If yes, explain….. 7. If your organization received funding from the US Government which of the following explains your relationship? My organization was prime awardee My organization was sub-awardee 8. What languages does your organization regularly operate in? Tajik Russian English Uzbek Other (please specify) 9. Has your organization experienced working in risk communication and community engagement related to global health security? If yes, please explain. 10. Describe your organization’s past experience working in Tajikistan, including partnerships with local government or civil society organizations. USAID Tajikistan thanks you for your interest in developing potential future programs. Sincerely, Kinsy Hood Contracting Officer Regional Office of Acquisition & Assistance