Posted on: Thu 25-03-2021

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact - the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.

We invite applications for the position below:

Job Title: Consultant to provide technical support to the two gateways of the Basic

Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) which includes the Ebonyi State

Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) and Ebonyi State Primary Health Care

Development Agency (EBSPHCDA) and the State Steering Committee to

ensure effective implementation and utilization of funds. This support might

extend to other stakeholders as pertains to the operations of the BHCPF

(See SOW attached)

Subject RFP No: TO6/217727/Consultancy/Fixed Price Contract-2021-0002

Location: Kebbi

Project: Integrated Health Program, Ebonyi State Activities

Purpose

• Palladium invites applications from suitably qualified individual consultants to provide technical and capacitybuilding support to both gateways of the BHCPF in Ebonyi; the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) and Ebonyi state Primary Health Care Development Agency (EBSPHCDA); and the State Ministry of Health (SMoH) in ensuring proper utilization of funds and delivery of quality health services
• In this Request for Proposal, Palladium expects offerors to develop a custom solution and proposal to Palladium for consideration. Bidders are required to provide justification for the work proposed or methodology to be adopted. This will be a Best Value procurement.
• The consultant will provide technical and capacity building support to both gateways of the BHCPF in Ebonyi; the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) and Ebonyi state Primary Health Care Development Agency (EBSPHCDA); and the State Ministry of Health (SMoH) in ensuring proper utilization of funds and delivery of quality health services. The Consultant will be to provide technical assistance to the two gateways of the BHCPF, and the Ministry of Health at the state level i.e. Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), Ebonyi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EBSPHCDA) and Ebonyi State Ministry of Health (EBSMOH)

Type of Contract:

• This is a firm fixed price deliverable-based contract. The consultant is expected to satisfactorily accomplish the deliverables before he/she gets paid for that deliverable.
• The IHP Chief of Party reserves the right to confirm if a deliverable is delivered adequately or otherwise. No price change is expected after contract is signed. IHP will not pay for cost of any deliverable that is not complete, of quality and delivered on time.

Anticipated Contract Term:

• The anticipated performance period for the consultancy is April 20, 2021 to July 20,2021. As a firm fixed price consultancy based on deliverables, Palladium will only pay for deliverables that have met the standards and expectations of the program and which is also delivered within assigned timelines.

Project

• The Integrated Health Program (IHP) is a USAID-funded five-year project with a mandate to improve health systems, improve access to and increase quality of primary health care in designated states (Sokoto, Bauchi, Kebbi, Ebonyi and the FCT).
• IHP will help public health and policy leaders attach higher priority to their national and sub-national health needs, secure sustainable financing, advance health equity, and monitor policy implementation to ensure gains stay on track. IHP aims to secure long-term enduring change by working with coalitions both inside and outside of health and showing common cause with neglected populations and other development actors. Central elements of IHP revolve around building in-country capacity, institutionalizing achievements of past investments, and promoting country ownership of programs and initiatives.
• The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is a key health financing reform established under the National Health Act of 2014 to provide a Basic Minimum Package of Health Services (BPMHS), effective delivery of Primary Health Care (PHC) services and Emergency Medical Treatment (EMT) for all Nigerians.
• USAID-IHP is seeking a qualified consultant to work closely with the Executive Secretaries of both gateways, and the BHCPF focal person of the EBSMoH in Ebonyi state for a duration of three (3) months to provide guidance on the implementation of BHCPF technical operations and to build the team’s capacity to progressively take on these activities and regularly conduct joint review meetings and joint supervisory visits to facilities for the implementation of BHCPF in the state.
• He / She will also work closely with and report to the Integrated Health Program Task Order 6 Health Financing Advisor and State Director for collaboration and ensure timely delivery of requirements.

Timeline

• Applications are expected to be submitted on or before the due date as specified at the first page of this RFP.
• Palladium will set up an evaluation committee who will meet to review all applications received within two weeks after the application period has closed. Top candidates may further be invited for an interview by the evaluation committee which will be conducted a week after the first evaluation. Depending on availability of the members of the evaluation committee and the exigences of the program, evaluation may be conducted at times which may be shorter or longer than stated here.
• Palladium will most likely issue the contract to the successful contractor from this process within 30 to 60 days after submission. Palladium’s ability to issue such contracts may be contingent upon USAID approval and when donor approval is required, timelines for contract award may be longer than stated. Palladium hopes that the services to be rendered on this consultancy will commence on April 20, 2021
• Background
• In 2019, with the support of the USAID Health Policy Plus project, Ebonyi State officially qualified to receive the first and second tranche of funds subject to technical and operational preparedness. Following a minimum baseline assessment conducted by the Ebonyi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EBSPHCDA) with the support from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), selected PHCs were approved to receive the first tranche of funds and selected key facility staffs and Ward Development Committee heads were trained on BHCPF procedures.

Ebonyi state has since then enrolled over 70,000 residents into the scheme and selected PHCs have been providing services in line with the BHCPF guidelines.

• USAID-IHP now plans to build on the efforts made by HP+ to support both gateways of the BHCPF to ensure the right documentation and due process which aligns with the BHCPF guidelines are followed in ensuring and monitoring the delivery of quality health services, efficient system for review and submission of claims, and timely reimbursement of funds to facilities for services rendered. In addition, USAID-IHP will provide technical support to both gateways to ensure efficient utilization of available funds in line with the BHCPF framework and make certain that all relevant documentations are available and stipulated procedures are followed to qualify for the next federal government disbursement.
• USAID-IHP is seeking a qualified consultant to provide guidance on the implementation of BHCPF technical operations and to build the team’s capacity to progressively take on these activities and regularly conduct joint review meetings and joint supervisory visits to facilities for the implementation of BHCPF in the state.
•                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  The specific responsibilities of the Consultant will be to provide technical assistance to the two gateways of the BHCPF, and the Ministry of Health at the state level i.e. Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), Ebonyi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EBSPHCDA) and Ebonyi State Ministry of Health (EBSMOH) accordingly as detailed below;

Services Description

The specific responsibilities of the Consultant will be to;

• Provide technical assistance to the EBSPHCDA to cascade relevant operational guidelines, procedures and templates to the LGHA and PHC levels in the following areas:
• Support EBSPHCDA to institutionalize a framework/process for ensuring the development, vetting and collation of PHC business plans that are aligned with the state’s service delivery priorities
• Support EBSPHCDA to develop a framework/process for ensuring the development, collation and submission of retirement and expenditure reports within the timelines prescribed by the NPHCDA to ensure continuous receipt of funds
• Support EBSPHCDA in implementing the quality assurance and improvement system designed by NPHCDA to improve the quality of services provided by the PHCs.
• Support the SPHCDA in strengthening the LGHAs’ capacity to provide direct oversight and supportive supervision of BHCPF implementation at the PHC level
• Provide technical assistance to support the implementation of BHCPF in the State through the EBSHIA gateway at the State and LGA level in the following areas;
• Support EBSHIA, in collaboration with the NHIS, to accredit and empanel private facilities into the
• BHCPF
• Support EBSHIA to set up systems and processes at the community and/or facility levels to expedite the enrollment of targeted beneficiaries, in line with NHIs guidelines, in BHCPF
• Build the EBSHIA’s staff capacity to review, verify and report on BHCPF claims submitted by facilities on a timely basis
• Support EBSHIA to set up structures for timely prospective payments of capitation to PHCs and reimbursement of private and secondary health facilities
• Support EBSHIA to develop and submit financial and operational reports to NHIS in line with the frequency and timing specified in the BHIS Gateway guidelines
• Provide advisory support at State Steering/Oversight Committee meetings to function effectively and also use available data and information to make evidence-based strategic decisions to strengthen the implementation of BHCPF at the State level and LGA level.
• The Consultancy will run for a period of three (3) months and the consultant is required to provide guidance on the implementation of BHCPF technical operations and to build the team’s capacity to progressively take on these activities and regularly conduct joint review meetings and joint supervisory visits to facilities for the implementation of BHCPF in the state.

Eligibility Requirements

The consultant must possess the following core competencies:

• Master's Degree or higher in Public Health, Policy and Governance, Health Economics, Development Studies or other relevant field required.
• Must be an experienced professional in the field of health systems strengthening.
• Must have a sound knowledge of National Health Act (NHACT) and Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and have capacity building and project management experience in public health programs
• Proven experience working in Health Systems Strengthening in developing countries, preferably in Nigeria
• Demonstrable capacity to network and negotiate with key stakeholders across different sectors in support of health.
• Strong skills in design, implementation and monitoring of program components; e.g. health systems strengthening, supportive supervision, advocacy and coordination.
• Excellent facilitation and mentoring skills’ supporting decentralized entities to translate policies into strategic plans for implementation
• Demonstrated problem solving, analytic, and evaluative skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to effectively and efficiently perform multiple tasks and balance competing priorities often within a required timeframe.
• Experience with technical assistance for programs funded by USAID and / or other donor programs in developing countries is an added advantage

Required Technical Competencies:

• Good interpersonal skills with emphasis on communication, multi-stakeholder coordination, respect and negotiation
• Good Leadership skills
• Proficient in the use and application of computer and mobile technology, Microsoft packages (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Internet Explorer)

Due Diligence Requirements

1. Palladium conducts a due diligence search as part of our partner vetting and selection process. Please see Attachment A for a sample of the due diligence form.
2. Any individual or Company must complete Due Diligence Questionnaire if selected for Award within 5 days (See Attachment A for the Due Diligence Questionnaire)
3. Restrictions for debarred or otherwise prohibited companies.
4. As a USAID funded project, IHP does not partner with any debarred individuals or companies. Therefore, candidates and companies will be subjected to the approved systems of search which Palladium uses for vetting and certifying that potential contractors are not debarred.
5. Availability of Specific Registrations or Licenses to perform the Service.
6. For Companies Application, contractors are required to submit their certificates of incorporation and any other industry certificates which enables them to operate in Nigeria and in the industry of this SOW.
7. The Company must have a DUNS number or obtain one within 5 days of being notified of selection (see Attachment C for instructions for obtaining DUNS number)

Evaluation and Award Process

• This is a Best Value Procurement. Palladium uses “Best value" to select the most advantageous offer by evaluating and comparing factors in addition to cost or price. Decision is taken by the evaluation team by considering the cost and non-cost evaluation factors with the intent of awarding to the contractor that will give Palladium the greatest or best value for its money. The evaluation committee shall review the proposal received using the following weights:

Technical and Management Approach - 20:

• Quality and benefits of the solution.
• Quality of the performance metrics and measurement approach.
• Risks associated with the solution.
• Management approach and controls.
• Management team (Quality and experience of key personnel).
• Demonstrates strong understanding of the work required
• Demonstrates knowledge of the global and Nigeria best practices in Universal Health Coverage,
• operationalizing insurance schemes, risk pooling, enrolment and payment processes.
• Proposed activities are responsive to the RFP and are well thought out, organized and feasible.
• List of deliverables with due dates/timelines

Qualifications - 20:

• Educational background with evidence of degrees
• Professional qualifications (relevant to the consultancy) with certificates, licenses and other documentation
• Technical competencies relevant to this consultancy

Past Performance - 10:

• Evidence of quality of past work (letters of reference/recommendations, performance reviews)
• Samples of work done (reports, publications)
• Other evidence of quality of work and timeliness of work

Past Experience - 20:

• Key relevant achievements and capabilities
• Previous work experience (long and short term) relevant to this assignment
• Number of years of demonstrated practical and progressive experience
• Past experience working or providing technical support and capacity building/mentoring to the
• government or non-governmental organizations

Price - 30:

• Financial proposal that includes cost per deliverable with total cost per deliverable broken down by: daily rate, travel, accommodation, per diem, material, communication (adherence to USAID cost principles – allowable, allocable and reasonable)

Total Possible - 100 points:

Palladium reserves the right to award under this solicitation without further negotiations. The offerors are encouraged to offer their best terms and prices with the original submission.

Procurement Integrity and Ethics:

1. It is Palladium’s Policy that no gifts of any kind and of any value be exchanged between vendors/contractors and Palladium personnel. Discovery of the same will be grounds for disqualification of the vendor/contractor from participation in any Palladium’s procurements and may result in disciplinary actions against Palladium personnel involved in such discovered transactions.

Application Closing Date

6th April, 2021 at 11.59pm (WAT).

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates / consultants are expected to submit both Technical and Financial bids and in two separate emails to: [email protected] stating as part of the subject matter of the email whether “Technical bid” or “Financial bid” and also quoting the RFP number as it appears on the cover page.

The following items are required to be submitted as part of the proposal:

Technical Proposal & Management Approach including:

• Personnel CV(s)
• Past Experience Information/Capability Statement
• Past Performance Information and Reference Information (Contact/Program Name etc)
• Past Performance or Trade References; performance reviews
• Financial Proposal detailing costs to be incurred with respect of the deliverables to be accomplished. Details of costs should be provided: daily rate/LOE, travel, accommodation, per diem, material, communication (adherence to USAID cost principles - allowable, allocable and reasonable and supported with evidence past rates). No lumpsum cost will be accepted.
• Selected candidates will be required to sign certifications: Terrorism, Anti-Kick Back, Debarment, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.

Attachments

• Please review the additional documentation and proposed contracts terms and conditions which should be given consideration when preparing your proposal. By submitting your bid, you will certify that you are in agreement with the contract terms and conditions as included in this solicitation and that all prices include all aspects of the required compliance with the terms and conditions of the proposed contract:
• Attachment A: Due diligence form(s)
• Attachment B: Sample Contract1
• Attachment C: Guide for obtaining DUNs number
• Attachment D: Business Partner Code of Conduct
• Any contract/purchase order resulting from this solicitation must be signed by both parties in order to be considered valid and in force. All costs associated with, but not limited to, production, preparation and/or delivery of goods or services, including deliveries, accepted by Palladium staff, without a fully executed (signed by both parties) contract/purchase order, are at the vendor’s risk only. Palladium shall not pay for any costs, without limitation, associated with production, preparation or delivery of goods and/or services under this or any other contract/purchase order, which has not been signed by both parties.
• If your proposal is successful, you will be required to enter into the Company’s standard contract for the types of goods or services being provided. In the provision of the Goods and Services, you will be required to comply with the Company’s policies, including (without limitation) its Business Partner Code of Conduct and any relevant client terms and conditions. Potential suppliers must also comply with the Company’s Business Partner Code of Conduct in the submission of any proposals pursuant to this RFP.
• If you are bidding as part of a joint venture, partnership or similar, please make this clear in your submission. Likewise, if you propose to subcontract any part of the goods or services provision, then disclose this fact within your submission. The Company may require additional information from you and approval for subcontracting will not be automatic as subcontractors will be subject to Palladium’s Due Diligence process and may be required to submit for USAID Partner Vetting.

Important Information / Notice

• For more details concerning this consultancy and other associated application tools, please visit the link below: http://bit.ly/3ravK6a
• Please follow the instructions as contained in the Request for Proposal (RFP) and submit your application.
• Applications received will have a validity period of six months.
• Thank you for your interest in the above procurement. As implementer for the Project, Palladium invites you to submit a proposal for the terms of reference above. Your proposal must be valid for the Validity Period.
• Please submit your proposal in accordance with the Details for Submission above by the Closing Date and Time. This RFP in no way obligates Palladium to award a contract nor does it commit Palladium to pay any cost incurred in the preparation and submission of a proposal. Palladium bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes.
• We look forward to your response. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact me by e-mail [email protected] Please reference the RFP number on the subject of the email.

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