USAID Global Health Security and Systems Strengthening Capacity Building Partner RFP

The USAID Global Health Security and Systems Strengthening Capacity Building Partner RFP is a flagship opportunity launched under the agency's renewed commitment to preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats. With a deadline of July 20, 2026, this solicitation invites qualified organizations to submit comprehensive proposals for capacity building initiatives across multiple priority countries. The overarching goal is to reinforce national health systems against emerging and re-emerging pathogens, while simultaneously strengthening core public health functions. USAID seeks partners who can deliver tailored technical assistance that addresses critical gaps in laboratory diagnostics, epidemiological surveillance, emergency operations, and health workforce competencies. The RFP emphasizes sustainability and localization, requiring applicants to demonstrate how they will transfer skills and systems to local institutions over the project lifecycle. This call is part of a broader U.S. government strategy to operationalize the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and achieve compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). As such, the RFP incorporates rigorous performance monitoring, with key metrics tied to outbreak response times, training effectiveness, and supply chain reliability. Applicants should expect a two-stage evaluation process: first, a technical merit review (70% weight) focusing on the proposed approach, past performance, and personnel; second, a cost reasonableness assessment (30% weight). The total funding available is estimated at $500 million to $1 billion, with individual awards ranging from $10 million to $50 million for a five-year period of performance. To succeed, applicants must not only demonstrate technical excellence but also strong financial management, compliance systems, and a commitment to cross-cutting themes like gender equality and climate resilience. GSLI’s suite of short courses offers a strategic advantage for applicants preparing for this RFP. By enrolling key personnel in courses such as 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' and 'Financial Management for NGOs', organizations can close knowledge gaps and produce a more competitive proposal. Additionally, GSLI can provide certificates of completion that may be included as evidence of capacity in the proposal narrative. The courses are designed around internationally recognized standards, aligning with USAID’s own training requirements. This overview sets the stage for a detailed analysis of donor priorities, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step path to success.

Strategic Overview

The USAID Global Health Security and Systems Strengthening Capacity Building Partner RFP is a flagship opportunity launched under the agency's renewed commitment to preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats. With a deadline of July 20, 2026, this solicitation invites qualified organizations to submit comprehensive proposals for capacity building initiatives across multiple priority countries. The overarching goal is to reinforce national health systems against emerging and re-emerging pathogens, while simultaneously strengthening core public health functions. USAID seeks partners who can deliver tailored technical assistance that addresses critical gaps in laboratory diagnostics, epidemiological surveillance, emergency operations, and health workforce competencies. The RFP emphasizes sustainability and localization, requiring applicants to demonstrate how they will transfer skills and systems to local institutions over the project lifecycle. This call is part of a broader U.S. government strategy to operationalize the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and achieve compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). As such, the RFP incorporates rigorous performance monitoring, with key metrics tied to outbreak response times, training effectiveness, and supply chain reliability. Applicants should expect a two-stage evaluation process: first, a technical merit review (70% weight) focusing on the proposed approach, past performance, and personnel; second, a cost reasonableness assessment (30% weight). The total funding available is estimated at $500 million to $1 billion, with individual awards ranging from $10 million to $50 million for a five-year period of performance. To succeed, applicants must not only demonstrate technical excellence but also strong financial management, compliance systems, and a commitment to cross-cutting themes like gender equality and climate resilience. GSLI’s suite of short courses offers a strategic advantage for applicants preparing for this RFP. By enrolling key personnel in courses such as 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' and 'Financial Management for NGOs', organizations can close knowledge gaps and produce a more competitive proposal. Additionally, GSLI can provide certificates of completion that may be included as evidence of capacity in the proposal narrative. The courses are designed around internationally recognized standards, aligning with USAID’s own training requirements. This overview sets the stage for a detailed analysis of donor priorities, eligibility criteria, and a step-by-step path to success.

Who is it For?

This RFP is designed for a diverse range of organizations that can serve as capacity building partners for USAID in global health security and systems strengthening. Primary eligible entities include international NGOs, local civil society organizations in target countries, academic and research institutions, private sector health service providers, and public health foundations. USAID particularly encourages applications from organizations with a proven track record of working in fragile and conflict-affected settings, as these environments often have the weakest health systems and highest disease burden. Additionally, the call emphasizes localization, meaning partnerships with locally-rooted organizations are highly preferred. Organizations should have at least 10 years of experience in implementing health systems strengthening projects and possess a physical presence in at least three of the countries listed in the RFP. The ideal applicant will have expertise in multiple technical areas: infectious disease surveillance, laboratory systems, emergency operations, workforce development, and data analytics. Financial capacity is also critical: applicants must have a minimum annual operating budget of $20 million and experience managing budgets of similar size from US government grants. Finally, organizations must demonstrate robust safeguarding and anti-corruption policies, as USAID requires strict compliance with Part 200 of the Uniform Guidance.

Priorities

USAID's global health security priorities under this RFP are aligned with the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) 2024 targets and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3). The donor expects capacity building partners to focus on three core pillars: (1) Strengthening national public health institutes and regulatory frameworks to achieve compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR) 2005; (2) Enhancing workforce capacity through training and mentorship in epidemiology, laboratory diagnostics, and health informatics; and (3) Improving supply chain resilience for essential medical products during outbreaks. Specific key performance indicators (KPIs) include: a 30% improvement in the average time from outbreak detection to response in target countries; 80% of trained personnel passing competency assessments; and a 50% reduction in stockouts of personal protective equipment (PPE) in supported regions. Additionally, USAID emphasizes cross-sectoral collaboration with nutrition, WASH, and education sectors, recognizing that health security is intertwined with other determinants. The donor also prioritizes sustainability and local ownership, expecting partners to co-design interventions with local governments and transition capacity to national entities by the end of the project period. Data transparency and use of digital health tools are cross-cutting requirements, with a mandate to report results via the USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse.

Eligibility

Eligibility for this RFP is rigorous and multi-layered, covering financial, legal, and operational dimensions. Organizations must be legally registered and in good standing in their country of incorporation, with a valid DUNS number and active SAM.gov registration. Financial audits for the past three years must show no major findings or going concern opinions. The applicant must demonstrate a minimum of $20 million in annual revenue from institutional donors over the past three years, with at least two active awards from USAID of $5 million or more. Spatial eligibility: the project must be implemented in one or more of the 17 priority countries listed in the RFP (e.g., Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Colombia). Operational eligibility requires a country office or partner organization in each target country, with documented experience working with national ministries of health. Corporate legal audits must certify that the organization has no conflicts of interest with USAID staff and no debarment or suspension record. Additionally, the prime applicant must have a comprehensive procurement system that complies with 2 CFR 200.317, including an approved procurement manual. Sub-awardees and subcontractors must meet the same eligibility criteria, and a consortium approach is permitted but requires a single prime entity. Organizations with prior experience in USAID global health security projects, such as those under the GHSA, will be given preference.

Path to Success

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Deadline: 2026-07-20

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal