USAID Global Health Security Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Systems Strengthening RFP

The USAID Global Health Security Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Systems Strengthening RFP is a strategic funding call aimed at reinforcing national health systems' capacity to track, analyze, and respond to infectious disease threats. Issued by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), this RFP is a critical component of the U.S. government's commitment to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and pandemic preparedness. The deadline for submission is July 1, 2026, and the urgency is marked as HIGH due to the persistent risks posed by emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the potential for future pandemics. The RFP targets organizations with proven expertise in M&E, health information systems, and capacity building. Expected award sizes range from $10 million to $30 million, with project durations of up to five years. The geographic focus includes up to 10 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where health security vulnerabilities are greatest. This RFP requires applicants to propose comprehensive M&E systems that are interoperable with national health information architectures and sustainable beyond donor funding. Key technical areas include: (1) baseline assessments of existing M&E capacities; (2) development of standardized indicators aligned with IHR core capacities; (3) establishment of digital data collection tools and dashboards; (4) training of health workers in data management and use; (5) implementation of data quality assurance protocols; (6) integration of gender and equity considerations into M&E; and (7) building partnerships with local universities and research institutions. The donor emphasizes the use of innovation, such as AI for predictive analytics and mobile health (mHealth) for real-time reporting. Additionally, the RFP encourages proposals that include components for community-based surveillance and feedback mechanisms. Successful proposals will demonstrate a clear theory of change, logical framework, and risk mitigation strategies. The political and economic context underscores the importance of this opportunity. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in global health surveillance, leading to increased funding for health security. However, budget constraints in many recipient countries necessitate efficient and cost-effective M&E solutions. USAID is therefore seeking partners who can maximize impact while ensuring value for money. The RFP aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). As a Tier-1 Lead Strategic Funding Architect, it is imperative to recognize that this RFP is not merely a technical exercise but a geopolitical lever to strengthen alliances and demonstrate U.S. commitment to global health. Therefore, proposals should articulate how they will contribute to diplomatic objectives, such as promoting stability and trust in public health systems. The RFP's complexity demands a multi-disciplinary approach, involving not only M&E specialists but also epidemiologists, data scientists, financial experts, and community engagement professionals. Organizations must show a track record of working with USAID and other major donors. Local organizations are strongly encouraged to apply, and consortia with diverse membership are given preference. A robust proposal will include letters of partnership from host government ministries, local NGOs, and technical bodies such as WHO or CDC. The budget must be aligned with the technical approach, reflecting realistic cost estimates for personnel, equipment, training, and overheads. Additionally, the proposal must include a sustainability plan that outlines how the M&E system will be maintained after USAID funding ends, including co-financing commitments from local governments. This overview underscores the need for a comprehensive, well-structured proposal that addresses every dimension of the RFP. Given the high stakes, organizations must invest significant time in preparation. Key dates include: a pre-proposal conference (date TBD), deadline for questions (45 days before deadline), and final submission. The evaluation criteria are typically weighted: Technical Approach (40%), Past Performance (20%), Management and Staffing (20%), and Cost Reasonableness (20%). Therefore, the technical narrative must be crystal clear and evidence-based. Use of visuals such as workflows and timelines can enhance clarity. GSLI's courses on M&E, project management, and proposal writing can provide the necessary tools to craft a compelling application. Moreover, GSLI's certificates of training can be included in the proposal as evidence of capacity building. In summary, this RFP represents a significant opportunity for organizations to contribute to global health security while securing substantial funding. The detailed analysis in this dossier equips applicants with the insights needed to succeed. Finally, the RFP's urgency cannot be overstated. With the deadline 18 months away, proactive planning is essential. Organizations should immediately form a core team, conduct a gap analysis, and begin networking with in-country partners. GSLI can facilitate introductions to alumni and partners in target countries. By leveraging this comprehensive guide, applicants will be well-positioned to deliver a winning proposal.

Strategic Overview

The USAID Global Health Security Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Systems Strengthening RFP is a strategic funding call aimed at reinforcing national health systems' capacity to track, analyze, and respond to infectious disease threats. Issued by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), this RFP is a critical component of the U.S. government's commitment to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) and pandemic preparedness. The deadline for submission is July 1, 2026, and the urgency is marked as HIGH due to the persistent risks posed by emerging infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and the potential for future pandemics. The RFP targets organizations with proven expertise in M&E, health information systems, and capacity building. Expected award sizes range from $10 million to $30 million, with project durations of up to five years. The geographic focus includes up to 10 countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, where health security vulnerabilities are greatest. This RFP requires applicants to propose comprehensive M&E systems that are interoperable with national health information architectures and sustainable beyond donor funding. Key technical areas include: (1) baseline assessments of existing M&E capacities; (2) development of standardized indicators aligned with IHR core capacities; (3) establishment of digital data collection tools and dashboards; (4) training of health workers in data management and use; (5) implementation of data quality assurance protocols; (6) integration of gender and equity considerations into M&E; and (7) building partnerships with local universities and research institutions. The donor emphasizes the use of innovation, such as AI for predictive analytics and mobile health (mHealth) for real-time reporting. Additionally, the RFP encourages proposals that include components for community-based surveillance and feedback mechanisms. Successful proposals will demonstrate a clear theory of change, logical framework, and risk mitigation strategies. The political and economic context underscores the importance of this opportunity. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed critical gaps in global health surveillance, leading to increased funding for health security. However, budget constraints in many recipient countries necessitate efficient and cost-effective M&E solutions. USAID is therefore seeking partners who can maximize impact while ensuring value for money. The RFP aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). As a Tier-1 Lead Strategic Funding Architect, it is imperative to recognize that this RFP is not merely a technical exercise but a geopolitical lever to strengthen alliances and demonstrate U.S. commitment to global health. Therefore, proposals should articulate how they will contribute to diplomatic objectives, such as promoting stability and trust in public health systems. The RFP's complexity demands a multi-disciplinary approach, involving not only M&E specialists but also epidemiologists, data scientists, financial experts, and community engagement professionals. Organizations must show a track record of working with USAID and other major donors. Local organizations are strongly encouraged to apply, and consortia with diverse membership are given preference. A robust proposal will include letters of partnership from host government ministries, local NGOs, and technical bodies such as WHO or CDC. The budget must be aligned with the technical approach, reflecting realistic cost estimates for personnel, equipment, training, and overheads. Additionally, the proposal must include a sustainability plan that outlines how the M&E system will be maintained after USAID funding ends, including co-financing commitments from local governments. This overview underscores the need for a comprehensive, well-structured proposal that addresses every dimension of the RFP. Given the high stakes, organizations must invest significant time in preparation. Key dates include: a pre-proposal conference (date TBD), deadline for questions (45 days before deadline), and final submission. The evaluation criteria are typically weighted: Technical Approach (40%), Past Performance (20%), Management and Staffing (20%), and Cost Reasonableness (20%). Therefore, the technical narrative must be crystal clear and evidence-based. Use of visuals such as workflows and timelines can enhance clarity. GSLI's courses on M&E, project management, and proposal writing can provide the necessary tools to craft a compelling application. Moreover, GSLI's certificates of training can be included in the proposal as evidence of capacity building. In summary, this RFP represents a significant opportunity for organizations to contribute to global health security while securing substantial funding. The detailed analysis in this dossier equips applicants with the insights needed to succeed. Finally, the RFP's urgency cannot be overstated. With the deadline 18 months away, proactive planning is essential. Organizations should immediately form a core team, conduct a gap analysis, and begin networking with in-country partners. GSLI can facilitate introductions to alumni and partners in target countries. By leveraging this comprehensive guide, applicants will be well-positioned to deliver a winning proposal.

Who is it For?

This funding opportunity is tailored for a diverse range of organizations with demonstrated expertise in global health, M&E, and health systems strengthening. Eligible applicants include international NGOs, local civil society organizations (CSOs), for-profit development firms, academic and research institutions, and public-private partnerships. The RFP particularly encourages applications from organizations that have a strong presence in target countries—primarily low- and middle-income nations in Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America—where health security gaps are most acute. Applicants must show a history of successful implementation of USAID-funded or similar donor-funded projects, especially those involving health information systems, disease surveillance, or emergency response. Consortia and sub-award arrangements are allowed, provided a prime applicant assumes overall responsibility. The ideal recipients will have interdisciplinary teams comprising epidemiologists, data scientists, monitoring and evaluation specialists, health economists, and community engagement experts. Furthermore, the RFP prioritizes organizations that integrate gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) into their M&E frameworks, ensuring data disaggregation by sex, age, and disability. Local organizations are strongly encouraged to apply as lead or co-applicants to enhance sustainability and ownership. Financial eligibility requires an adequate indirect cost rate agreement (NICRA) or equivalent, and the ability to manage complex multi-country budgets. Experience with adaptive management and use of real-time data for decision-making is a key differentiator. The RFP also values organizations that have existing partnerships with national ministries of health, regional health bodies (e.g., Africa CDC), and global health initiatives (e.g., WHO, World Bank). Overall, the call is designed for actors who can combine technical M&E expertise with deep contextual knowledge and a commitment to strengthening local capacities.

Priorities

The donor’s global priorities under this RFP are multifaceted, targeting both immediate health security threats and long-term systemic improvements. First and foremost, USAID aims to strengthen national capacities for real-time disease surveillance and reporting, in alignment with the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) core capacities. Key performance indicators (KPIs) include the number of countries that achieve a 20% increase in timely reporting of epidemic-prone diseases, and the percentage of health facilities with functional electronic M&E systems. Second, the RFP prioritizes the development of interoperable data systems that link clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological data across sectors (human, animal, and environmental health) as part of a One Health approach. Third, the donor focuses on building local workforce competency in M&E through training and mentorship programs, with a target of training at least 500 health workers per country. Fourth, the RFP emphasizes strengthening data quality assurance (DQA) mechanisms, including the use of AI and machine learning for data validation. Fifth, sustainability is critical: USAID expects co-financing or in-kind contributions from host governments and local partners. Sixth, the RFP seeks to integrate health security M&E into broader health system strengthening initiatives, avoiding siloed approaches. Seventh, USAID prioritizes equity-focused M&E that captures the impact on vulnerable groups, such as refugees, migrants, and internally displaced persons. Eighth, transparency and accountability are paramount, requiring open data policies and public dashboards. Ninth, the donor encourages innovative uses of mobile health (mHealth) and remote sensing technologies for data collection in hard-to-reach areas. Tenth, collaboration with existing global health security platforms (e.g., GHSA, Resolve to Save Lives) is highly valued. These priorities reflect USAID’s strategic objective to build resilient health systems that can withstand future pandemics, while also supporting the Global Health Security Agenda’s 2024 targets.

Eligibility

Comprehensive eligibility criteria span financial, spatial, and legal dimensions. Financially, applicants must demonstrate sound fiscal management with audited financial statements for the past three years. The organization must have an annual operating budget that reflects capacity to manage awards typically ranging from $5 million to $25 million. A NICRA (Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement) or equivalent rate is required, and if not available, applicants must be willing to negotiate a rate with USAID. The RFP expects a cost-sharing minimum of 10% from non-USAID sources (cash or in-kind). Financially, organizations with prior USAID funding are preferred, but new applicants with strong financial controls can be considered. Spatially, the project will be implemented in up to 10 target countries (list available from USAID). Organizations must have or be able to establish a legal presence in at least one target country, and partnerships with local entities are mandatory. For US-based organizations, active registration in SAM.gov and a valid UEI number are mandatory. For international organizations, equivalent registration in the respective country’s business registry is required. Legally, the applicant must not be debarred or suspended from receiving federal funds. They must comply with USAID’s standard provisions on terrorism financing, trafficking in persons, and environmental compliance. Additionally, the applicant must have a clear policy on conflicts of interest and a code of ethics. For consortia, a lead applicant must be designated, and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) or partnership agreement outlining roles, responsibilities, and financial arrangements must be submitted. Organizations that have previously failed to meet reporting requirements on USAID awards will be scrutinized. The donor also conducts a pre-award survey to assess organizational capacity, including past performance, personnel qualifications, and system capabilities. Special attention is given to organizations with experience in conflict zones or fragile states, where additional security clearance may be needed. Overall, eligibility is designed to ensure only the most capable and compliant entities undertake this complex health security M&E strengthening initiative.

Path to Success

To secure this funding, organizations must follow a strategic roadmap that leverages GSLI's capacity-building courses. Step 1: Pre-Proposal Readiness. Begin by auditing your organization's M&E and financial management systems against USAID's requirements. Enroll key personnel in GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' and 'Financial Management for NGOs' courses to close any gaps. For instance, the M&E course covers indicator development, data quality assurance, and use of digital tools—directly applicable to the RFP's technical requirements. The financial management course ensures compliance with USAID's cost principles and audit readiness. This step also involves registering in SAM.gov and obtaining necessary clearances. Step 2: Partnership and Country Alignment. Forge strategic alliances with local health ministries, research institutions, and community-based organizations. GSLI's 'Public Health & Epidemiology' course can help your team understand local disease burdens and surveillance systems. Conduct a stakeholder mapping exercise and secure letters of intent from partners. Ensure proposed activities align with national health security plans (e.g., National Action Plans for Health Security). Step 3: Technical Design and Innovation. Develop a robust M&E framework using GSLI's course on 'Project Management for Development' to structure logical frameworks and work plans. Incorporate innovative elements like AI-based predictive analytics for outbreak detection and mHealth data collection tools. The 'Writing Winning Proposals' course is invaluable here, guiding you to articulate milestones, KPIs, and sustainability strategies convincingly. Step 4: Budgeting and Compliance. Prepare a detailed budget consistent with USAID's SF-424A format. Use GSLI's 'Grants Management' and 'Procurement & Supply Chain' courses to design cost-efficient procurement plans and internal controls. Ensure the budget includes adequate funds for training, technology, and community engagement. Step 5: Submit and Engage. Submit the proposal by the deadline, ensuring all certifications (including on lobbying, debarment, etc.) are attached. Engage with USAID's pre-award process, demonstrating readiness through GSLI certification certificates. Following submission, be prepared for negotiations and a potential site visit. Throughout, GSLI courses provide recognized credentials that enhance your organization's credibility and capacity, directly addressing gaps that funders often see. By systematically following these steps, your organization will present a compelling, compliant, and competitive proposal.

Recommended GSLI Courses

Deadline: 2026-07-01

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal