Container Medical Laboratory for Nadi, Fiji

CONTAINER MEDICAL LABORATORY

In response to COVID-19, the Ministry of Health & Medical Services of Fiji (MOHMS) has established a border health protection unit to strengthen border control systems.

The implementation of rRT-PCR testing at the main national laboratory in Suva has undertaken more than 10,000 tests for COVID-19 so far. Recognising the growing demand for COVID-19 testing in Fiji and linked with strengthening of critical borders, the MOHMS wishes to establish a second testing laboratory in Nadi. The international airport is situated 9km outside of Nadi and so is the transportation hub for both Fiji and the other Pacific nations and the major point of entry for people entering countries within the Pacific. The majority of the Pacific Island countries and areas do not have a single case of COVID-19 and so there is a need to accurately and rapidly identify SARS-CoV-2 infection to control its spread in the coming months as countries open up to business and tourism. Therefore, a call for proposals is submitted for the design and construction of a mobile/container laboratory for rRT-PCR testing and to deliver the range of other necessary tests near this port of entry. This lab would be expected to undertake up to 200 COVID-19 tests a day by rRT-PCR.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE WORK

The specific objective of this advertisement is to seek interested parties to submit a proposal for the design, construction, delivery and installation of a four (4) unit mobile/container laboratory for rRT-PCR testing, which includes one container dedicated to change facilities, bathrooms and small storage area.

The proposed medical laboratory should meet the following criteria:

1. Provide container laboratory with sufficiently large footprint for the delivery of rRT-PCR testing to include two thermocyclers (Biorad CFX96), semi-automated RNA extraction analyzer (2 KingFisher Duo Prime) and one biosafety cabinet (Biosafety level 2) and all equipment associated with the provision of this service.  The rRT-PCR will be used mainly for COVD-19 testing in the first instance but there may be a need to extend the scope of the molecular diagnostics in the future.
2. Provide biosafety level 2 facility in the mobile/container laboratory.

DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT

This advertisement is to seek technical and financial submission for the following work:

1. Title of work: Design, delivery, installation and commissioning of container medical laboratory near the port of entry in Fiji.
2. Technical Specifications:
   1. Provision of rRT-PCR testing laboratory tests in line with existing Fiji and international standards.
   2. The submission must include the following:
      1. A breakdown of all the essential equipment required to provide the above scope of testing and include:
         • Insulation & air conditioning;
         • Solar panels;
         • Electrical wiring;
         • PC and printer.
      2. Successful bidder shall be responsible for, but not limited to, the following items:
         1. Redesigning and adjust floor plan of the four (4) units to meet designated site and requirements outlined by MOHMS.
         2. To discuss with MOHMS and provide the specifications for construction and related electrical requirements for the installation of the container laboratory in coordination with MOHMS.
         3. Commissioning of the mobile/container laboratory to ensure its safe and efficient operation;
         4. Ensure biosafety level 2 facility in the mobile/container laboratory.
         5. Complete validation and verification of the laboratory equipment post installation.
         6. Training of laboratory staff in the use of the procured equipment and systems.
      3. Warranty
         1. Minimum 1-year warranty for the container laboratory structure and fittings
         2. Three year warranty for service and maintenance of laboratory equipment
      4. Handover
         1. Physical verification by the MOHMS or any other agency authorized by the MOHMS that the container laboratory operates according to the specifications provided with verification and validation of all installed equipment.
         2. Fire-hazard / electrical safety standards verified by the MOHMS and any other agency authorized by the MOHMS

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Interested bidders are requested to submit a detailed proposal which constitute the above technical specification, including timeline to complete the project, as well as a detailed financial proposal with breakdown of costs for the following items:

1. Design, construction and supply of the container laboratory
2. Analyzers and associated equipment (including at least 36 month warranty, validation and preliminary training) for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 including the BSL2 containment facility.
3. Transport, installation and commissioning of the container laboratory and associated laboratory equipment at the site.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

QUALIFICATIONS

Essential:  Interested bidders must have medical laboratory qualifications to provide the required service

EXPERIENCE

Essential: Interested bidders must have installed or are in the process of successfully installing similar container laboratory project within the context of the Pacific Islands countries and areas.

Desirable: Experience in delivering training particularly within the context of the Pacific Islands Countries and Areas for medical laboratory technologists.

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Had experience in the supply, installation and operation of a container medical laboratory within the Pacific Islands and Areas context

LANGUAGES

English is essential

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their technical and financial proposals, CV {for individual contractors} or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and Expression of Interest {cover letter} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at < wproungm@who.int > by 30 November 2020 before midnight Manila time.

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed fees, timeline and availability.

Please use Tender Notice No. 117926 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.

UNGM Guide.pdf