USAID RFP: Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Health Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa

The USAID RFP titled 'Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Health Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa' represents a flagship opportunity to address critical gaps in health data infrastructure across the region. With a deadline of August 1, 2026, this funding call is part of USAID's broader strategy to enhance accountability and evidence-based decision-making in global health programs. The RFP specifically targets the systemic weaknesses that have long plagued health information systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, including fragmented data sources, limited technical capacity, and inadequate data use for policy and program improvement. USAID expects awardees to work closely with host-country governments, local NGOs, and community-based organizations to co-create sustainable M&E systems that can track health outcomes across HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, malaria, tuberculosis, and emerging health threats like pandemic influenza. The total estimated funding is substantial, ranging from $50 million to $80 million over a five-year period, with individual awards expected between $10 million and $20 million. Projects must cover at least three countries in the region, with a focus on both urban and rural settings, including conflict-affected and hard-to-reach areas. This RFP is particularly timely given the global push towards universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. While progress has been made in Sub-Saharan Africa, significant data gaps persist. For instance, fewer than 50% of births in the region are registered, and many health facilities still rely on paper-based records. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these weaknesses, as countries struggled to track cases, vaccinations, and resource allocations. USAID has learned from these experiences and is now demanding interoperable digital systems that can integrate with national health information architectures, such as DHIS2, which is widely used across the continent. The solicitation emphasizes the need for real-time data to inform outbreak response and routine health service delivery. Moreover, the RFP aligns with USAID's localization agenda, which mandates that local organizations play a lead role in implementation. This means that international bidders must form genuine partnerships with local entities, not just token sub-awards. The donor also expects awardees to demonstrate how they will promote gender equality and social inclusion in M&E processes, including collecting sex-disaggregated data and using it to identify and address disparities. Innovative use of technology, such as mobile data collection, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, will be rewarded. The complexity of this opportunity necessitates a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in health informatics, epidemiology, statistical analysis, capacity building, and change management. GSLI's courses in Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management for Development, and Financial Management for NGOs can help organizations fill any skill gaps and present a compelling case for readiness.

Strategic Overview

The USAID RFP titled 'Strengthening Monitoring and Evaluation Systems for Health Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa' represents a flagship opportunity to address critical gaps in health data infrastructure across the region. With a deadline of August 1, 2026, this funding call is part of USAID's broader strategy to enhance accountability and evidence-based decision-making in global health programs. The RFP specifically targets the systemic weaknesses that have long plagued health information systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, including fragmented data sources, limited technical capacity, and inadequate data use for policy and program improvement. USAID expects awardees to work closely with host-country governments, local NGOs, and community-based organizations to co-create sustainable M&E systems that can track health outcomes across HIV/AIDS, maternal and child health, malaria, tuberculosis, and emerging health threats like pandemic influenza. The total estimated funding is substantial, ranging from $50 million to $80 million over a five-year period, with individual awards expected between $10 million and $20 million. Projects must cover at least three countries in the region, with a focus on both urban and rural settings, including conflict-affected and hard-to-reach areas. This RFP is particularly timely given the global push towards universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals. While progress has been made in Sub-Saharan Africa, significant data gaps persist. For instance, fewer than 50% of births in the region are registered, and many health facilities still rely on paper-based records. The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed these weaknesses, as countries struggled to track cases, vaccinations, and resource allocations. USAID has learned from these experiences and is now demanding interoperable digital systems that can integrate with national health information architectures, such as DHIS2, which is widely used across the continent. The solicitation emphasizes the need for real-time data to inform outbreak response and routine health service delivery. Moreover, the RFP aligns with USAID's localization agenda, which mandates that local organizations play a lead role in implementation. This means that international bidders must form genuine partnerships with local entities, not just token sub-awards. The donor also expects awardees to demonstrate how they will promote gender equality and social inclusion in M&E processes, including collecting sex-disaggregated data and using it to identify and address disparities. Innovative use of technology, such as mobile data collection, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence, will be rewarded. The complexity of this opportunity necessitates a multi-disciplinary team with expertise in health informatics, epidemiology, statistical analysis, capacity building, and change management. GSLI's courses in Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management for Development, and Financial Management for NGOs can help organizations fill any skill gaps and present a compelling case for readiness.

Who is it For?

This opportunity targets a broad range of eligible entities, including international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), local NGOs, for-profit firms (subject to limited profit policies), universities, research institutes, and public international organizations (PIOs) registered and operational in Sub-Saharan Africa or with proven capacity to work in the region. USAID particularly encourages bids from consortia that include local partners such as ministries of health, national statistics offices, and community-based organizations to ensure cultural relevance and sustainability. Eligible organizations must have demonstrated experience in designing and implementing health M&E systems, preferably within the past five years in low- or middle-income countries. Specific expertise is required in areas such as health information systems, digital data collection tools (e.g., DHIS2, OpenMRS), data quality assurance (DQA), and capacity building. Financial capacity is critical: organizations must have annual budgets exceeding $5 million and audited financial statements for the past three years. Additionally, USAID requires that bidders have established operational presence in at least two Sub-Saharan African countries, with a track record of managing USG-funded awards, including compliance with 2 CFR 200 and USAID Automated Directives System (ADS) 201. For local organizations new to USAID, partnerships with experienced prime recipients are strongly advised. Gender and social inclusion expertise is mandatory—teams must include specialists in gender analysis and disability inclusion. This RFP is not open to individuals, governments (other than eligible local government entities), or entities debarred or suspended by the U.S. Government. Bidders must also demonstrate commitment to safeguarding and anti-fraud policies.

Priorities

USAID's global priorities under this RFP center on strengthening health systems resilience through evidence-based decision-making, aligning with the U.S. Global Health Security Agenda and the Biden-Harris Administration's focus on localization and equity. Key investment KPIs include: (1) Number of health facilities with functional electronic M&E systems tracking 90% of reported indicators, (2) Percentage of host-country M&E staff competent in data analytics and visualization (target >80% by year three), (3) Reduction in data reporting time from 60 days to 15 days, (4) At least 70% of M&E activities led by local partners by project end. The donor emphasizes interoperability: systems must integrate with national health information architectures (e.g., DHIS2) and support real-time data use for outbreak detection and resource allocation. Gender and equity are cross-cutting priorities: proposals must disaggregate all indicators by sex, age, and disability, and include specific strategies to address barriers faced by marginalized populations. USAID also prioritizes sustainability: activities should strengthen local capacities to manage M&E independently beyond project funding, with co-financing from host governments or other donors. Climate resilience is an emerging focus, particularly for health systems vulnerable to climate-related shocks. Bidders must propose environmental monitoring indicators if applicable. Finally, USAID expects innovation in data use—leveraging artificial intelligence for predictive analytics or remote sensing for hard-to-reach areas. Proposals that align with the USAID Digital Health Strategy and incorporate user-centered design for data tools score higher. The donor will assess performance against these KPIs through quarterly reports, mid-term evaluations, and an independent final evaluation.

Eligibility

Eligibility criteria extend beyond organizational type to include financial, spatial, and legal compliance audits. Financially, all bidders must demonstrate a minimum annual revenue of $5 million averaged over the last three fiscal years, with positive net assets and liquidity ratios above 1.5. Audited financial statements (GAAP or IFRS) must be submitted, along with evidence of adequate insurance coverage (e.g., professional liability, general liability). Spatial eligibility: projects must target at least three countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, with activities extending to both urban and rural settings. Bidders must identify specific geographic zones and provide justification for site selection based on health system gaps, conflict sensitivity, and logistical feasibility. Legal requirements include valid registration in the country of operation, with proof of non-profit or for-profit status as applicable. USAID mandates compliance with the Foreign Assistance Act, including anti-terrorism certifications, debarment checks, and adherence to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. Bidders must also submit a corporate governance structure, highlighting an independent board and conflict-of-interest policy. For consortiums, a lead partner must be designated with single-point accountability, and consortium agreements must detail roles, financial arrangements, and dispute resolution. Additionally, USAID requires evidence of past performance on similar M&E projects, with at least two references for contracts exceeding $2 million. Local partners must meet simplified eligibility but must still submit financial statements and proof of legal status. Non-compliance with any criterion may result in immediate disqualification.

Path to Success

To secure this USAID RFP, organizations must follow a strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI certifications to demonstrate capacity and compliance. Step 1: Conduct a Rapid Readiness Assessment (Weeks 1-4). Begin by evaluating your organization's alignment with USAID's M&E and health systems priorities. Assemble a core team that includes M&E specialists, health informatics experts, and financial compliance officers. Use GSLI's Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) course to upskill existing staff in results-based management and indicator design. Simultaneously, identify local partners with established relationships with ministries of health in target countries. Draft a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with at least two local organizations to substantiate localization claims. Step 2: Develop a Technical Approach (Weeks 5-8). Design a systems-strengthening framework that incorporates interoperable digital tools (e.g., DHIS2, OpenMRS) and a phased capacity-building plan. Integrate GSLI's Project Management for Development training into your proposal's professional development package—this signals to USAID your commitment to rigorous project oversight. Ensure your theory of change explicitly links inputs (e.g., training, software) to outcomes (e.g., improved data quality) and long-term impact (e.g., reduced maternal mortality). Use GSLI's short course on ‘Writing Winning Proposals’ to refine your narrative. Step 3: Build a Compliance-Ready Budget and Submit (Weeks 9-12). Draft a detailed budget using USAID's SF-424 forms, including cost-sharing contributions. Enroll finance staff in GSLI's Financial Management for NGOs course to strengthen indirect cost calculations and audit preparedness. Complete all required certifications (e.g., AOR system registration, SAM.gov registration). Finally, have GSLI's Grants Management experts review your compliance checklist before submitting the proposal via grants.gov. Post-submission, engage in debriefings and incorporate feedback for future iterations. Throughout, leverage GSLI's Procurement & Supply Chain course to address logistics for distributing M&E tools to remote facilities. This roadmap not only enhances your proposal's competitiveness but also builds institutional memory for USAID compliance.

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Deadline: 2026-08-01

Persona: General

Urgency: Normal