Request For Proposal – Innovations in COVID-19 Antigen RDT Rollout in Underserved Populations

On behalf of the ACT-Accelerator, FIND and IRD are seeking proposals from organizations with a proven track record of training & capacity building in healthcare and community outreach settings utilizing innovative approaches to implement screening using SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Rapid Diagnostics tests (Ag-RDTs) in low and middle income countries (LMICs).

The Partners

The Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator is a global collaboration focused on accelerating the development, production, and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments, and vaccines.

FIND is a global non-profit organization that drives innovation in the development and delivery of diagnostics to combat major diseases affecting the world’s poorest populations.

IRD Global is a global health delivery and research organization committed to improving the lives of vulnerable communities by building networks that share ideas and innovations for global impact.

Who should apply

Organizations from the private, not-for-profit, public, or parastatal sector operating in underserved healthcare and community outreach settings of low and middle income countries (LMICs) and with demonstrated experience in training and capacity building of healthcare workers and test-providers in programmatic screening and referrals are encouraged to apply. Organizations proposing innovative engagement of non-public sector partners, coverage of populations lacking access to molecular tests, and the screening in non-clinical settings will have competitive advantages.

Scope of work & deliverables

The project will involve customization of training materials, conducting training and proficiency assessment of trainees, implementing and monitoring testing conducted by trained users on SARS-CoV-2 Ag-RDTs within the country in accordance with local guidelines.

Submitting the proposal

The due date for application submission is Friday, May 28, 2021, close of business [23:59 Singapore time (GMT+8); 15:59 UTC].

Applicants must send their proposals via email to training.grant@ird.global. All documents, except the budget, should be in PDF format only. Email subject lines must include the reference: ‘Ag-RDT innovation grant:’.

All costs incurred to prepare and submit an application must be borne by the submitting party.

RFP Timelines

The RFP and project timeline will be as follows:

Question and Answer sessions for applicants

IRD will arrange online live Question and Answer sessions to respond to questions by potential applicants on the RFP requirements.

The first session will be held on Monday, May 17, 2021, at 20:00 Singapore time (GMT+8); 09:00 UTC].

 The second session will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 08:00 Singapore time (GMT+8); 23:00 UTC].

Both the sessions will be held using the Zoom platform. Interested organizations can email at training.grant@ird.global and they will be provided login credentials.

Any queries related to this RFP document and the process may be directed only at the email address training.grant@ird.global. IRD will respond in writing via the same email. Additionally, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and responses will be published on the IRD website.  Queries through any other medium will not be entertained.

For more details on the project, scope of work, deliverables, and instructions on submitting the proposal, please refer to the Request for Proposal document accessible through the following link: Request For Proposal – COVID-19 Antigen RDT Rollout in Underserved Populations

IRD will only accept proposals prepared in accordance with the guidelines provided in the RFP document.