USAID Global Health Security Project: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Support Platform

The USAID Global Health Security (GHS) Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Support Platform is a premier funding opportunity aimed at strengthening health security systems worldwide. With a budget expected in the tens of millions over a 5-year period, this cooperative agreement targets organizations building country-level capacities. The overarching goal is to provide a comprehensive MEL framework that tracks progress across USAID's GHS investments, which span over 50 countries. The platform must integrate with existing national health information systems (e.g., DHIS2, OpenMRS) and support cross-border surveillance. USAID prioritizes a 'learning-oriented' approach where data informs programmatic adjustments in real time. Therefore, the MEL platform should include feedback mechanisms such as quarterly data reviews, after-action reviews, and scenario planning. The deadline of August 15, 2026, provides ample time for consortium building and proposal refinement. GSLI's courses in Monitoring & Evaluation and Public Health & Epidemiology are specifically designed to equip teams with the skills needed for such a complex MEL undertaking. The opportunity represents a shift toward more localized and sustainable MEL systems. USAID expects the contractor to work closely with host-country governments to ensure eventual transfer of the platform. This requires deep cultural competence and ability to navigate political economy. The MEL support must also address gender and social inclusion, ensuring data disaggregated by sex, age, and disability. Additionally, the platform should incorporate climate and health linkages, as climate change exacerbates disease outbreaks. Technical components include: a centralized cloud repository, automated data quality checks, mobile data collection tools, and predictive analytics using machine learning. The contractor must provide training and ongoing technical assistance to national M&E officers. Given the complexity, organizations will benefit from GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' course to handle multi-country logistics and stakeholder coordination. Moreover, 'Procurement & Supply Chain' training ensures efficient procurement of data collection hardware and software licenses. In summary, the GHS MEL Platform is a high-impact opportunity that demands robust M&E expertise, and GSLI training can significantly enhance an organization's competitive edge. Successful performance will be measured through: 1) Indicator reporting rates exceeding 90%; 2) Dashboard usage by USAID and host-country decision-makers; 3) Documented instances of data-driven program adaptations; 4) Cost savings achieved through efficiency gains; and 5) Positive evaluations from host-country partners. The MEL platform is expected to produce annual reports, thematic briefs, and research publications. Incorporating GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' course can help frame these performance metrics effectively. Overall, this is a signature opportunity in the global health landscape, promising to influence policy and practice for years to come.

Strategic Overview

The USAID Global Health Security (GHS) Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Support Platform is a premier funding opportunity aimed at strengthening health security systems worldwide. With a budget expected in the tens of millions over a 5-year period, this cooperative agreement targets organizations building country-level capacities. The overarching goal is to provide a comprehensive MEL framework that tracks progress across USAID's GHS investments, which span over 50 countries. The platform must integrate with existing national health information systems (e.g., DHIS2, OpenMRS) and support cross-border surveillance. USAID prioritizes a 'learning-oriented' approach where data informs programmatic adjustments in real time. Therefore, the MEL platform should include feedback mechanisms such as quarterly data reviews, after-action reviews, and scenario planning. The deadline of August 15, 2026, provides ample time for consortium building and proposal refinement. GSLI's courses in Monitoring & Evaluation and Public Health & Epidemiology are specifically designed to equip teams with the skills needed for such a complex MEL undertaking. The opportunity represents a shift toward more localized and sustainable MEL systems. USAID expects the contractor to work closely with host-country governments to ensure eventual transfer of the platform. This requires deep cultural competence and ability to navigate political economy. The MEL support must also address gender and social inclusion, ensuring data disaggregated by sex, age, and disability. Additionally, the platform should incorporate climate and health linkages, as climate change exacerbates disease outbreaks. Technical components include: a centralized cloud repository, automated data quality checks, mobile data collection tools, and predictive analytics using machine learning. The contractor must provide training and ongoing technical assistance to national M&E officers. Given the complexity, organizations will benefit from GSLI's 'Project Management for Development' course to handle multi-country logistics and stakeholder coordination. Moreover, 'Procurement & Supply Chain' training ensures efficient procurement of data collection hardware and software licenses. In summary, the GHS MEL Platform is a high-impact opportunity that demands robust M&E expertise, and GSLI training can significantly enhance an organization's competitive edge. Successful performance will be measured through: 1) Indicator reporting rates exceeding 90%; 2) Dashboard usage by USAID and host-country decision-makers; 3) Documented instances of data-driven program adaptations; 4) Cost savings achieved through efficiency gains; and 5) Positive evaluations from host-country partners. The MEL platform is expected to produce annual reports, thematic briefs, and research publications. Incorporating GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' course can help frame these performance metrics effectively. Overall, this is a signature opportunity in the global health landscape, promising to influence policy and practice for years to come.

Who is it For?

This opportunity is designed for US and international organizations with proven expertise in monitoring, evaluation, and learning for large-scale health programs. Target entities include non-governmental organizations (NGOs), for-profit consulting firms, academic institutions, and research organizations. Eligible applicants must demonstrate experience in: designing and implementing MEL systems for global health security; managing multi-country, multi-sectoral projects; integrating qualitative and quantitative data collection methods; and delivering training and technical assistance to local partners. Organizations with a presence in USAID priority countries (e.g., Africa, Asia, Latin America) and those with partnerships with local civil society, government agencies, and private sector will have a competitive edge. Additionally, applicants must adhere to USG regulations including 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance) for financial management and documentation. Joint ventures or consortia are encouraged to combine technical M&E expertise with health informatics and capacity building. Organizations with a history of USAID cooperative agreements or contracts (especially under the Global Health Bureau) are preferred. GSLI's cross-selling courses such as 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' and 'Project Management for Development' equip teams with the rigorous frameworks needed for proposal development and program implementation, filling gaps in data management and results-based management.

Priorities

USAID's Global Health Security priorities revolve around preventing, detecting, and responding to infectious disease threats. Key investment KPIs include: (1) Reduction in zoonotic disease spillover events through enhanced surveillance; (2) Percentage of laboratories achieving accreditation under WHO's Stepwise Laboratory Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA); (3) Time from outbreak detection to response (<7 days target); (4) Number of health workers trained in IHR core competencies; (5) Coverage of electronic reporting systems for notifiable diseases. The MEL Platform must support these KPIs through: a centralized data repository that aggregates information from multiple sources; interactive dashboards for USAID and host governments; and learning loops that inform program adaptation. Other priorities include: gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) in data collection; use of geospatial analytics for hotspot mapping; and cost-efficiency analysis to demonstrate value for money. USAID emphasizes country ownership—meaning the MEL system must be co-designed with national stakeholders and eventually transitioned to host-country institutions. Additionally, the platform should incorporate predictive modeling to forecast disease trajectories. Donors expect real-time reporting and adaptive management; hence the MEL platform must provide actionable insights within weeks of data collection. GSLI's 'Public Health & Epidemiology' course enables organizations to align their MEL strategies with global epidemiological standards, while 'Financial Management for NGOs' ensures compliance with USAID's stringent audit requirements.

Eligibility

Eligibility requirements are comprehensive and mandate strict adherence to USAID's rules. First, financial audit: Applicants must have a current NICRA (Negotiated Indirect Cost Rate Agreement) or be willing to accept USAID's standard rate (10% de minimis). They must demonstrate at least $1 million in annual revenue from USG grants/contracts for the past three years, with audited financial statements showing no material weaknesses. Spatial audit: The MEL platform must cover at least three USAID priority countries; applicants must show a legal physical presence or registered office in the US or partner country with banking licenses, tax registrations, and local business permits. Corporate legal audit: Applicants must submit proof of registration (e.g., SAM.gov, DUNS number), be in good standing with the IRS, and have no debarment or suspension history. Additionally, the lead organization must have at least five years of experience in global health M&E. Consortium partners must individually meet eligibility. For NGOs, proof of charitable status (501c3) is required. Key documents include: past performance references (3-5 similar contracts), a capability statement, and a conflict-of-interest disclosure. The donor explicitly excludes for-profit entities that are not registered in the US; however, foreign entities can apply if they partner with a US-based prime. GSLI's 'Grants Management' course is essential for mastering these compliance requirements, and 'Writing Winning Proposals' can help craft a compliant, competitive application.

Path to Success

Step 1: Assemble a Consortium: Identify partners that complement your M&E expertise with health informatics (e.g., GIS, database management), local presence in target countries, and training capacity. Engage at least one local partner for each priority country. Leverage GSLI's network? Not required, but consider enrolling key personnel in GSLI's 'Procurement & Supply Chain' course to ensure robust logistics for data collection tools. Step 2: Develop a Conceptual MEL Framework: Draft a comprehensive results framework linking USAID's GHS objectives to indicators, data sources, and frequency. Include a data management plan, GIS integration, and a learning agenda. Use GSLI's 'Monitoring & Evaluation' course materials to design rigorous indicator tracking and causal pathways. Prepare a theory of change that articulates how MEL activities will lead to improved health security outcomes. Step 3: Conduct a Readiness Assessment: Before full proposal, conduct a technical and financial readiness assessment of your organization and partners against USAID's eligibility criteria. Ensure you have current NICRA, SAM registration, and audited statements. Address any gaps using GSLI's 'Financial Management for NGOs' course to strengthen financial controls. Step 4: Write a Winning Proposal: Structure the technical proposal around USAID's evaluation criteria: Technical Approach (40%), Past Performance (20%), Management Plan (20%), and Cost (20%). Emphasize your experience with similar platforms, use case studies, and include a capacity building plan for local stakeholders. Integrate GSLI courses as part of your organizational capacity—showing that staff are trained in modern M&E practices. Step 5: Prepare for Negotiation: Anticipate questions on your data architecture, interoperability standards (e.g., DHIS2, OpenMRS), and sustainability plan. Have a cost narrative ready that justifies all line items. GSLI's 'Writing Winning Proposals' course covers negotiation tactics and budget justifications. Following these steps systematically will position your bid for success.

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Deadline: 2026-08-15

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal