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Biotechnicians Receive Training on Laboratory Equipment Maintenance

To enhance the skills of biotechnicians to maintain laboratory equipment across the country, the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) has conducted a five-day training on calibration and certification of biosafety cabinet (BSC) equipment.

 IHVN NSF Enhanced Accredited Biosafety Cabinet Certifier, Mr. Olatokun F Ayobami, said that BSC equipment is the main containment equipment used to safeguard laboratory workers and the environment against infectious biological materials. “The training is to build the capacities of staff of Implementing Partners and the government,” he said.

Participants were taken through lectures and practical sessions on installing, using, and performing basic checks for Bio-safety cabinets.

IHVN Senior Technical Adviser, Laboratory Services, Dr. Sam Peters urged participants to utilize the skills gained at the basic certification training. “This is the first time this kind of training is being held in Nigeria. I urge you to hold firmly to what you have learned,” he said.

A trainee, Mr. Nsiffiok Sebastian Okon noted that the training has equipped them and spurred them to advance towards being internationally certified Biosafety Cabinet Engineers. “The training has been very instructive with a lot of opportunity for hands-on sessions,” he said.

Community Mothers-Love Parties Provide HIV Services to Women 

More than 300 pregnant and lactating women in Chibiri and Gaube communities in Kuje, Abuja have received free HIV counseling and testing services at Mother’s-Love Parties organized by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN).

Mothers-Love Party, which is an IHVN initiative, is a gathering for women and children in communities to sensitize women on care for their babies, personal and environmental hygiene, the importance of immunization and registration, and antenatal care. In such parties, IHVN also provides mother-care packs for women with items such as sanitary pads, gloves, and cotton wool, amongst others.

IHVN Senior Program Officer, Mrs. Helen Mutong said “By organizing Mothers-Love Parties, IHVN aims to increase awareness, enhance access to services, and ultimately reduce the transmission of HIV from mother to child. This strategic approach ensures that all pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and pediatric patients receive the necessary support and care for a healthy outcome in line with the overall Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV (PMTCT) strategy.”

During the mother’s love parties in Kuje, free malaria, hepatitis B, and syphilis tests were also provided for attendees, including children between the ages of 1-14 years.

Mrs. Mutong added “we have seen that some pregnant women do not go to the hospital to access care, so we are bringing care to them. Most of the women would rather have their children through Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). We work with the TBA to ensure safe deliveries and referral to the nearest health facility.”

Other strategies being adopted to reach women in communities include collaboration with religious leaders to create awareness about the need for HIV testing especially for pregnant women.

One of the pregnant women who got tested, Mrs. Ona, (pseudonym) expressed her joy at the initiative. “Most times, we do not have transport to go to the hospital and when we go, they give us a list of things to buy so we just decide to have our baby at home, but today, IHVN has shared these packs that have everything we need for delivery, so I am very happy,” she said.

RFP for Provision of Ad-hoc Staff Payment Warehousing Services

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Provision of Ad-hoc Staff Payment Warehousing Services.

Introduction

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable non-governmental organization addressing infectious and non-infectious diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and cancer through prevention, diagnosis, treatment, capacity building, research, care, and support services. IHVN is in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the government of Nigeria at the national, state, and local levels. The Institute’s vision is to provide quality health services, capacity building, and research in West Africa and beyond.

Objectives

IHVN would like to engage the services of a credible and competent organization to provide payment warehousing services for Ad-hoc staff engaged in the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) project across the three States of Katsina (KAT), Nasarawa (NAS), Rivers/Rivers ART Surge Project (RSP) plus 1, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)  for a period of ten months with effect from December 2023 to September 2024, with an option to extend an additional three years and other grants/projects based on exceptional performance.

The estimated number of ad-hoc staff varies across the 4 IHVN/PEPFAR-supported States, and an average of 283 (FCT: 286, KAT: 195, NAS: 161, RSP: 490, total=1,132) of them. The available ad-hoc staff positions per State are indicative and do not represent a commitment that IHVN will necessarily fill up all, meaning the actual implementation will vary, and funds disbursements will depend on that actual utilization of the positions. While payments vary depending on the group/cadre of staff across the States, you must issue payments based on staff performance, meaning payments are performance-based. IHVN will determine and communicate the stipend per staff via a payment schedule.

Opening Date : 10th October 2023

Closing Date :24th  October 2023

Ad-hoc Staff Cadre:

  1. Linkage Coordinator
  2. Cascade/Case Managers
  3. 1st 95 staff-Index Testing Staff, Provider Initiated Testing & Counselling (PITC) staff, Pediatrics Intensified Case Finders, Community Testers (all groups of testers, OVC testers), 1st 95 baseline VL sample collectors
  4. TB/HIV volunteers or referral coordinators
  5. VL phlebotomists/Viral load Champions
  6. Indigenous Health Care Workers
  7. Community Case Management Teams
  8. C-19 Staff-Sample collectors, Hygienists, Data Analysts
  9. Recency Ad-hoc Das
  10. Community ART team

Scope of Work (SoW):

Timely official documentation, issuance of engagement/renewal/disengagement letters of all groups of ad-hoc staff as captured in the LOA/above. Timely issuance of Identification Cards/ withdrawal of the same as required. Timely review and payment of their stipends align with the IHVN-approved payment schedules and payment report submission. Quick intervention into payment challenges as communicated by IHVN. Periodic supervision and assessment of their workflow, performance, and attendance, with assessment report submission.

Requirements:

  • Office Space/Address: Show evidence of good office space where operations occur, and the IHVN team can readily & comfortably contact the management team on discussions around the operations.
  • Technical Expertise: Assign a qualified and experienced staff to lead/manage the operations of this effort directly. Maintain a bank account with excellent record keeping for this purpose. Process payments with minimal or no issues within 24-48 hours of the receipt of the payment schedule from IHVN and share the payment report within a week of the same. Timely transmission of activity reports (refer to SoW) quarterly.
  • Advancing funds/Gap-bridging: Show the capability to access funds and process payments whenever there are delays in quarterly funds from IHVN for one reason or another.
  • Compliance: Show evidence of capacity to ensure compliance with IHVN’s record-keeping and financial probity requirements.
  • Flexibility: Show evidence of capacity to respond to changes in the operating environment.

Reporting Requirements:

S/NReporting FrequencyRecipient of the report (IHVN team)
1Daily basis/as needed: Send report detailing the engagement of recruits per official documentation, letter of engagement/disengagement, ID Card provision/retrieval, and any issue that requires escalation to IHVN.PEPFAR Program Coordinating Unit (PCU)
2Monthly basis: Payment reports, Monitoring & Assessment reports.PCU
3Quarterly basis: Payment reports, Expenditure details/analysis, general operations report.Grants & Contracts Dept., PCU, Finance & Administration, Internal Audit & Compliance (IA&C)

Key Performance Indicators:

  1. Timely stipends processing
  2. Quality of Payment processed (no or minimal issues)
  3. Ability to excellently follow through on other responsibilities per the SoW
  4. Completeness of documentation.
  • Mode of Application: All applications should forwarded to the Deputy Director Procurement/HOD SCM Supply Chain Management Departmentthrough this email address: [email protected]This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • This advert closes 14 days from the date of this publication, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.  

Bid Advert – Supply of Diesel (AGO) under ASPIRE grant

BackgroundThe Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN) was established in 2004 as a local organization to address the HIV/AIDS crisis in Nigeria through the development of infrastructure for treatment, care, prevention, and support for people living with and are affected by HIV/AIDS but has now expanded its services to other infectious diseases of TB and malaria, including cancers.  IHVN is structured to develop and maintain linkages with local and international organizations in collaborative ways that support the Government of Nigeria’s health sector strategic plans. IHVN key technical and funding partners are the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
BID Title:Supply of Diesel (AGO) under ASPIRE grant.
Scope of BidBidders are invited to submit a Bid for the goods and/or services specified above: Schedule of Requirements, in accordance with this bid.
Interpretation of the BidThis RFB is an invitation to treat and shall not be construed as an offer capable of being accepted or as creating any contractual, other legal or restitutionary rights. This RFB is conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of IHVN Procurement Manual (latest version of which can be accessed at: www.ihvnigeria.org and other relevant Organizational Directives and Administrative Instructions that are referred to in the Procurement Manual.
LanguageThe Bid, as well as all correspondence and documents relating to the Bid shall be written in the English language, unless specified otherwise in the bid advert. Supporting documents and printed literature furnished by the Bidder may be in another language provided they are accompanied by an accurate translation of the relevant passages into the English language, in which case, for purposes of interpretation of the Bid, such translation shall govern. The Bidder shall bear all costs of translation to the governing language and all risks of the accuracy of such translation.
Bid EligibilityBidders may be a private, public or government-owned legal entity or any association with legal capacity to enter into a binding Contract with IHVN.   A Bidder, and all parties constituting the bidder, may have the nationality of any country except for the nationalities, if any, listed in United State Government Debarment List. A Bidder shall be deemed to have the nationality of a country if the Bidder is a citizen or is constituted, incorporated, or registered and operates in conformity with the provisions of the laws of that country. A Bidder shall not have a conflict of interest. A bidder shall be considered to have a conflict of interest if: A Bidder has a close business or family relationship with a IHVN personnel who: (i) are directly or indirectly involved in the preparation of the bidding documents or specifications of the contract, and/or the bid evaluation process of such contract; or (ii) would be involved in the implementation or supervision of such contract;A Bidder is associated, or has been associated in the past, directly or indirectly, with a firm or any of its affiliates which have been engaged by IHVN to provide consulting services for the preparation of the design, specifications, and other documents to be used for the procurement of the goods, services or works required in the present procurement process;A Bidder has an interest in other bidders, including when they have common ownership and/or management. Bidders shall not submit more than one bid, except for alternative offers, if permitted. This will result in the disqualification of all bids in which the Bidder is involved. This includes situations where a firm is the Bidder in one bid and a sub-contractor on another; however, this does not limit the inclusion of a firm as a sub-contractor in more than one bid. Bidders must disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest in the Bid Submission, and they shall be deemed ineligible for this procurement process unless such conflict of interest is resolved in a manner acceptable to IHVN. Failure to disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest may lead to the Bidder being sanctioned. A Bidder shall not be eligible to submit a quotation if and when at the time of quotation submission, the Bidder: Is included in any other Ineligibility List from a IHVN partner and if so, listed in United State Government Debarment List.Is currently suspended from doing business with IHVN and removed from its vendor database(s), for reasons other than engaging in proscribed practices as defined in the IHVN Procurement Policy.  
Fraud & Corruption, Gifts and HospitalityIHVN strictly enforces a policy of zero tolerance on proscribed practices, including fraud, corruption, collusion, unethical or unprofessional practices, and obstruction of IHVN vendors and requires all bidders/vendors to observe the highest standard of ethics during the procurement process and contract implementation. IHVN’s Anti-Fraud email: [email protected] can be reached at all times to report any foul play at any level. Bidders/vendors shall not offer gifts or hospitality of any kind to IHVN staff members including recreational trips to sporting or cultural events, theme parks or offers of holidays, transportation, or invitations to extravagant lunches or dinners. In pursuance of this policy, IHVN: Shall reject a bid if it determines that the selected bidder has engaged in any corrupt or fraudulent practices in competing for the contract in question.Shall declare a vendor ineligible, either indefinitely or for a stated period, to be awarded a contract if at any time it determines that the vendor has engaged in any corrupt or fraudulent practices in competing for, or in executing an IHVN contract.
  Clarification of the BidBidders may request clarification in relation to the RFB by submitting a written request to the contact stated in the Bid advert, until the time stated as deadline on the RFB. Explanations or interpretations provided by personnel other than the named contact person will not be considered binding or official.
Bid CurrencyThe bid shall be made in Naira. If applicable, for comparison and evaluation purposes, IHVN will convert the quotations into USD at the official IHVN rate of exchange in force at the time of the deadline for Bid Submission. IHVN reserves the right not to reject any bid submitted in a currency other than the mandatory bidding currency. IHVN may accept bid submitted in another currency than stated above if the Bidder confirms during clarification of quotations in writing that it will accept a Contract issued in the mandatory bid currency and that for conversion the official IHVN operational rate of exchange of the day of RFB deadline as stated in Section I: RFB Particulars shall apply. Regardless of the currency of quotations received, the Contract will always be issued and subsequent payments will be made in the mandatory bidding currency above. Rates in bids shall be fixed. Bids with adjustable rates shall be disqualified.
TaxesContract sum shall be subjected to deduction of 5% withholding tax
Payment TermsIHVN will ordinarily effect payment within 2 to 3 weeks after receipt of the goods/services and on submission of payment documentation.
AuditIHVN may conduct an audit of the contract awarded to determine its completeness, efficacy as well as the performance of the supplier which will be used as a basis for the engagement of the vendors for future procurements.
RequirementsAbility to meet delivery targets within IHVN’s specified period of time
Bid ProtestAny Bidder that believes to have been unjustly treated in connection with this RFB process or any Contract that may be awarded as a result of such RFB process may submit a complaint to IHVN Management through postal service using the address provided on IHVN website www.ihvnigeria.org
Responsiveness of BidIHVN’s determination of a Bid’s responsiveness will be based on the contents of the Bid itself. A substantially responsive Bid is one that conforms to all the terms, conditions, and specifications of the bid advert without material deviation, reservation, or omission. If a Bid is not substantially responsive, it shall be rejected by IHVN and may not subsequently be made responsive by the Bidder by correction of the material deviation, reservation, or omission.
Evaluation of BidThe evaluation team shall review and evaluate the Bids on the basis of their responsiveness to the Schedule of Requirements and Technical Specifications and other documentation provided, applying the procedure indicated in the bid advert. Absolutely no changes may be made by IHVN in the criteria after all Bids have been received. IHVN reserves the right to undertake a post-qualification exercise, aimed at determining, to its satisfaction the validity of the information provided by the Bidder. Such post-qualification shall be fully documented and, among those that may be listed in the bid advert, may include, but need not be limited to, all or any combination of the following : (a)Verification of accuracy, correctness and authenticity of the information provided by the bidder on the legal, technical and financial documents submitted; (b)Validation of extent of compliance to the IHVN requirements and evaluation criteria based on what has so far been found by the evaluation team; (c)Inquiry and reference checking with Government entities with jurisdiction on the bidder, or any other entity that may have done business with the bidder; (d)Inquiry and reference checking with other previous clients on the quality of performance on on-going or previous contracts completed; (e)Physical inspection of the bidder’s plant, factory, branches or other places where business transpires, with or without notice to the bidder; (f)Testing and sampling of completed goods similar to the requirements of IHVN, where available; and (g)Other means that IHVN may deem appropriate, at any stage within the selection process, prior to awarding the contract.
Qualification CriteriaGeneral Criteria: The Bidder shall possess the necessary professional and technical qualifications and competence, financial resources, production capability with equipment and other physical facilities, including after-sales service where appropriate, managerial capability, specific experience, reputation, and the personnel to perform the contract. To qualify for a multiple number of lots in a package for which Bids are invited in the Invitation for Bids, The Bidder shall demonstrate having resources and experience sufficient to meet the aggregate of the qualifying criteria for the individual lots. Experience Criteria:   a minimum number of years of overall experience in the supply of goods and related services;a minimum production capacity or availability of equipment; and in case of a Bidder offering to supply goods which the Bidder did not manufacture or otherwise produce, the Bidder has been duly authorized by the goods’ Manufacturer or producer to supply the goods. Financial Criteria: Evidence of satisfactory completion of supply of similar goods of value
Award CriteriaPrior to expiration of the period of Bid validity, IHVN shall award the contract to the qualified and eligible Bidder that is found to be responsive to the requirements of the Schedule of Requirements and Technical Specification and has offered the lowest price or the most reasonable price.
Bank Guarantee for Advanced PaymentAll contractors shall produce a banker’s guarantee or insurance bond prior to request for advance payment from the sum of N2.5m and above. Advance payment request below N2.5m will not be honored by the Institute.
Supplier Code of Conduct  IHVN is committed to working in partnership with our suppliers to realize the full value of our relationships and to positively contribute to our stakeholder communities and the environment. Therefore, the following conducts are expected from our suppliers: In keeping with our commitment to exercising appropriate standards of professionalism and ethical conduct in all business activities, IHVN will not tolerate bribery or corruption in any form, or any breach of its Anti-Bribery Policy.Fraud & Corruption, Gift and Hospitality: IHVN strictly enforces a policy of zero tolerance on proscribed practices, including fraud, corruption, collusion, unethical or unprofessional practices, and obstruction of IHVN vendors and requires all bidders/vendors to observe the highest standard of ethics during the procurement process and contract implementation. IHVN’s Anti-Fraud email: [email protected] can be reached at all times to report any foul play at any level.Suppliers are expected to maintain accurate records of their activities and performance that clearly demonstrate compliance with all applicable standards, regulations and IHVN requirements.Suppliers must disclose any personal relationships, economic interest or other ties to their business held by an employee or contractor with IHVN.Suppliers shall provide IHVN with high-quality products and services that meet all applicable quality and demonstrate that they have robust Standard Organization of Nigeria requirements in place. We expect suppliers to immediately report to IHVN if there are any concerns about product safety.Suppliers shall take appropriate measures to secure and protect all confidential information related to its relationship with IHVN and use it only for the purpose authorized under contractual agreement. This obligation shall remain in force regardless of the status of the business relationship.Suppliers to IHVN shall carry out operations with care for the environment and at a minimum will comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations.Suppliers shall also comply with any additional category specific requirements regarding the goods or services provided to IHVN, for example our requirements in respect of specification.
  Instructions to Bidding/Requirements  All bids must be in ink or type written, submission in pencil will not be accepted.

All enquiries regarding the proposed application for the above should be addressed to the Deputy Director Procurement/HOD SCM of IHV-Nigeria.

Bids must be properly sealed.All bidders not registered with IHVN must include company profile.All bidders must include copies of tax clearance certificates for the past three years.All bids must provide evidence of at least two similar Jobs made in the past for IHVN/other organizations etc.The bidders must specialize in the supply of diesel with proof. Bidders not registered with IHVN must provide proof of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).Bidders not registered with IHVN must show proof of DUNS certification.Bidders not registered with IHVN must provide proof of audited financial statement in the last three years.Bids should be submitted to the head office on or before the date below specified as deadline.Bids will be opened at the expiration of the bid advert. Any quote with percentage/calculation error will be disqualified at the tender meeting.All bidders must indicate their bid validity period as 90 days from the date of this bid’s expiration.As time is of the essence, delivery of service shall be within 6 to 8 weeks from the date of receipt of L.P.O by contractor.  
Note*Bids which must reach us within ten (10) working days from the date of this publication should have the title of the BID written on the “Top Left-Hand Corner” of the envelope.   Please find the Detailed Specifications under annex 1 below.  
Funding AgencyASPIRE Grant
Bid Start Date/ Time05/10/2023         8:00 am
Bid Deadline Date/ Time18/10/2023         10:00 am
  Contact
The Deputy Director Procurement/HOD SCM SCM Department Supply Chain Management Department
Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria
Cadastral Zone COO Plot 62, after BAZE University, off CITEC Road, Abuja-NIGERIA
Tel: +234 (0) 9 4610342, 4610341, Fax: +234 Ext. 4025 Email: [email protected]

Annex 1

S/NDescriptionUOMQTO
1Supply of Diesel (AGO):   The diesel density: 850kg/m3 at temperature of 20 degree CelsiusThe diesel must be pure.Dark/Black colors are not acceptableLiters 33,000

IHVN donates a Droplet PCR machine to NCDC

To strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for multiple disease testing and surveillance, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has donated a Droplet Digital PCR machine to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

The machine, which is the first of its kind in the country, is equipped to generate over 20,000 small droplets for multiple disease testing and carry out surveillance using wastewater as well as other sources to provide insight into disease hot spots. The equipment from Bio-Rad can also be used in addressing exciting biological research questions.

IHVN Senior Program Officer, Dr, Monday Tola, who handed over the equipment to NCDC, at the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, said that diseases including monkey-pox and COVID-19 can be diagnosed using the machine.

“The machine can test 20,000-minute droplets so you won’t miss anything in the laboratory test and it can test multiple diseases at a go,”

NCDC Head of Reference Laboratory, Dr. James Avong, said “This equipment is a new technology that will help in environment and human survey; effluents can be gotten from waste and can be analyzed. By using the machine, we will be able to identify the different strains of COVID through waste. Also, when there is also an outbreak of any new disease, this equipment will enable us to detect it fast. For us at NCDC it is a breakthrough to have this equipment, we are going to utilize it as much as possible in surveillance and prompt response to diseases.”

After the installation of the equipment by LASEC, more than 20 laboratory engineers and technicians from APIN Global Health Initiatives, NCDC, and IHVN received a two-day training on its use. The training featured practical sessions on utilizing the machine.

The PCR machine was bought with funding support from the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC).