Terms of Reference 

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE RECRUITMENT OF A CONSULTING FIRM TO DEVELOP A BLUEPRINT AND TOOLKIT FOR SMART AFRICA DIGITAL HEALTH FLAGSHIP PROJECT

1. INTRODUCTION AND GENERAL BACKGROUND

1.1 About the Smart Africa Alliance

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Smart Africa is a bold and innovative commitment from African Heads of State and Government to accelerate sustainable socio-economic development on the continent, ushering Africa into a knowledge economy through Information and Communications Technologies (ICT). 

The Transform Africa Summit held in Kigali, Rwanda, on 28th-31st October 2013 culminated in the adoption of the Smart Africa Manifesto document by seven (7) African Heads of State (Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Mali, Gabon, Burkina Faso) in which they committed to providing leadership in accelerating socio-economic development through ICT. 

On 30th-31st January 2014, the Smart Africa Manifesto was endorsed by all Heads of State and Government of the African Union at the 22nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union in Addis Ababa. This development places the Manifesto at the heart of the ICT agenda in Africa beyond just the 7 original signatories at the Summit to all African countries. The Smart Africa Alliance has since grown to include 39 African countries that represent more than 1 billion people. 

The Smart Africa’s vision is to transform Africa into a single digital market by 2030.

Smart Africa focuses on three (3) identified cross-border programs, namely: (i) Sustainable & inclusive digital infrastructure (CONNECT), (ii) Digital empowerment & Capacity building (INNOVATE), and (iii) Digital Transformation & Services (TRANSFORM). It is complemented by a Digital Acceleration Program for Member States (ACCELERATE). 

In order to enable trusted data flow for digital trade and services in Africa, Smart Africa created the Smart Africa Trust Alliance (SATA) as one of its vehicles toward its vision to transform Africa into a single digital market by 2030. SATA is a coordination and operations mechanism to enable the cross-border use of digital identities and data for boosting trade and services in Africa. SATA initiates and supports cross-border services to citizens and institutions based on mutually agreed standards by African governments.

The SATA declaration was recently adopted by the Smart Africa Board meeting on the sidelines of the Transform Africa Summit 2023. SATA's strategy framework is divided into two main groups of activities:

• Foundations: Governance, Guidelines, Standards & Frameworks, and Institutional Assistance
• Operations: Certification, Core Platforms, and Essential Services 

The Smart Africa Digital Health Flagship Project is closely connected to the Smart Africa Trust Alliance (SATA). 

More details about the Smart Africa Trust Alliance (SATA) can be found at the following link: sata.smartafrica.org. 

1.2 Project Background

In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic generated unprecedented growth in digital health transformation policies, strategies and initiatives by numerous organizations and institutions across the globe. Despite significant efforts in the field of digital health, the persistent challenge lies in bridging the gap between policies and their harmonization and actual implementation in Africa. 

Currently, Africa is still facing challenges which can hinder the effective implementation and use of digital health solutions or services across the continent. Smart Africa is launching an initiative to support the development and implementation of existing strategies, policies, initiatives, and efforts in digital health. Smart Africa will leverage its unique assets revolving around ICT leadership and political advocacy. 

Smart Africa has written a preliminary positioning white paper, pre-analyzing where the ICT core DNA of the organization could complement and enrich the existing efforts of more health-oriented institutions. Six thematic areas and challenges that still need to be addressed in Africa have been identified:

• Internet connectivity and infrastructure: Access to various facilities and the work of health workers on a national and continental scale are hindered by the lack of internet connectivity and infrastructure in Africa. Despite some progress in recent years, reliable internet connectivity remains a significant challenge, particularly in rural and remote areas.

• Interoperability and data flow: Data flows need to be streamlined to facilitate the storage and usage of health record so that each citizen can benefit from health services across health facilities at national and continental levels.

• Health data governance and security: Governments are still facing a challenge of technology solutions and data sources which adds complexity to policy development and implementation in health data governance and security. Though global principles for health data governance have been developed in digital health and are under discussion, the challenge remains to fill the gap between policy and practice at the country and continental level – not least in Africa, though there are some examples of their implementation in some countries. The engagement of the ICT sector also needs to be strengthened. 

• Capacity development: Appropriate digital skills are needed by the health workforce and digital health specialists, and the sizeable gap in meeting their requirements is widely recognized by countries and Development Partners. At present, though there are some exceptions, there is little involvement from the ICT sector to address these challenges. 

• Innovation and entrepreneurship: Though there are exceptions, many countries in Africa have not yet established an environment which encourages innovation and entrepreneurship in digital health. Many digital technology companies, particularly those involved in mobile services, have shown what can be done, but guidance is needed to help bridge the gap from individual solutions to those which can operate at scale. 

• Increase and coordinated investments: Digital health requires investment. There has been considerable input from Development Partners on this issue, e.g., the Digital Investment Principles from 2018. Transform Health recently estimated that “US$ 12.5 billion is needed for the nine priority investment areas in 78 low- and lower-middle-income countries over the next five years”. The insights of the ICT community in Africa are also needed to ensure that there is coordination and value for money from investments.

Smart Africa recognizes the significant impact of ICT to mitigate those challenges and improve health outcomes as well as enhance healthcare services for individuals across the continent. By leveraging the power of ICT, Smart Africa is particularly well placed to demonstrate that the power of digitalization can help transform healthcare delivery, leading to better access, quality, and efficiency in healthcare provision. 

To achieve this, Smart Africa is actively seeking a firm to develop a continental blueprint, and toolkit document for impactful Digital Health initiatives in Africa. The toolkit may start during the blueprint development process, but it must be finalized after the validation of the blueprint.  Among other things, the blueprint and the toolkit must address the identified thematic areas, in order to achieve interoperability and data flow across health facilities at national and continental levels in Africa. 

The aim is to transform the digital health sector in Africa, starting with Smart Africa Member States, by achieving connected health across African health and care services. This will prepare the ground for future implementation of an electronic health record system of every African citizen.

2. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE FOR THE CONSULTANCY:

The objectives of the consultancy are to, with an ICT lens, develop a continental blueprint and toolkit that will match Smart Africa’s unique capabilities to complement other digital health strategies and initiatives. 

The aim is to ultimately achieve one common national, regional and continental health record for every African citizen by changing how our healthcare system communicates patient information between health professionals and services. 

Relevant stakeholders, including healthcare providers, digital health specialists, and representatives from the private sector, will be engaged throughout the project to contribute to the development of practical digital health activities and context-specific recommendations. 

These activities and recommendations will lay the foundation for a sustainable and impactful digital health ICT ecosystem that can improve healthcare delivery and outcomes for the people in Africa. 

The work of the consulting firm will specifically consist of:

• Engaging Smart Africa Secretariat, the project working group members (the working group is currently being shaped by the Smart Africa team), the digital health flagship project champion country and other selected stakeholders to discuss the roadmap for the consultancy services leading to the creation of the project’s Inception Report.
• Developing a Smart Africa digital health blueprint, operational toolkit and dissemination presentations
• Organizing required feedback collection and validation workshops with relevant stakeholders and in alignment with the project team.
• Organizing capacity-building and dissemination workshops for relevant stakeholders following the approval of the blueprint and toolkit.

3. THE MAIN OUTCOMES AND DELIVERABLES FOR THE CONSULTANCY

The main outcomes and deliverables for the Consultancy are as follows: 

1. An approved Inception Report that will guide the Consulting firm and Stakeholders and indicate expectations on the Consultancy services.
2. A best effort at analyzing the maturity of digital health in Africa from an ICT lens (using also existing materials such as the Global DH Index, WHO eHealth survey etc.) that will provide guidance to the blueprint and toolkit development.
3. A final and approved Continental Digital Health Blueprint that will serve as a guide and reference document for ICT and Digital Health leaders of Smart Africa members for the development of one common national, regional and continental health record for every African citizen. This should cover issues, among other things, policy, legal and regulatory recommendations, building blocks, quick wins, relevant use cases, etc.

It is expected that the blueprint work will include background research and landscape on the global scene on ICT conducive policies and best practices for digital health. 

The blueprint will include a roadmap/implementation framework (strategic implementation, baseline condition, expected results, timeline, priority level, resources, potential partners, targets, and indicators, among other things) for the African ICT sector and ICT leaders to follow. This includes a solid action plan with priority strategic interventions to achieve one common health record for every African citizen.

A final and approved Continental Digital Health Operational Toolkit will be the second step after approval of the blueprint. It will serve as a resource document for assisting African governments and their ICT leaders with the implementation of the recommendations of Smart Africa’s Blueprint for Digital Health in Africa.

Organize required validation workshops for the blueprint and toolkit for Smart Africa Member States, including the digital health champion country. The consulting firm will produce validation workshop presentation materials and reports, including key results, meeting minutes of the technical working group, and recommendations made by stakeholders.

Organize and deliver two capacity-building and dissemination workshops for relevant stakeholders after the approval of the blueprint and toolkit.

The blueprint, toolkit, workshop materials, or dissemination materials shall be both in English and French.   

4. METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH

The mission shall be carried out according to these terms of reference and according to a contractual framework to be defined between the Smart Africa Secretariat and the Consulting Firm. 

The Smart Africa Secretariat will assist the Consulting Firm, as far as possible, in seeking contacts and possible authorizations related to the scope defined in this document. Nonetheless, the Consulting Firm is expected to submit a proposal which includes but is not limited to a methodology and approach to carry out the work, a detailed work plan, a financial proposal and any other relevant material for a strong proposal.   

The mission shall be carried out by the Consulting firm with support from the Project Working Group, which is composed of senior government officials in charge of the digital health of each selected Smart Africa member states and also representatives of the Smart Africa Alliance Private Sector members and Partner Organizations as well as digital health experts and academia.  

The consultant's methodological approach must include the following principles and any other principle where appropriate:

1. Integrate existing international guidelines and recommendations.
2. Meet with key contacts in government and other institutions, with Smart Africa Alliance members and the Project Working Group.
3. Organize and participate in consultation and feedback workshops during the duration of the assignment.
4. Write an interim report for each planned report (inception, blueprint, toolkit) and provide a presentation of interim reports at workshops in both French and English languages.
5. Collect comments on each draft report and make consequential revisions in the final version.
6. Develop the roadmap on the basis of an in-depth analysis of the needs of each Smart Africa member state or regional bloc in terms of the implementation of digital health strategies and terms of adaptation.

DURATION OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The selected consulting firm must carry out the project and fully deliver within 6 months, effective from the contract signature by both parties. The expected time investment would range from 100 and 180 days, depending on the proposed budgets. The indicative timetable is as follows:

T0*: Time when the contract is signed 

The Consulting Firm must be available and ready to attend Smart Africa consultative organs meetings where the draft Blueprint and Toolkit will be presented for collecting feedback and eventual validation. 

6. PROFILE OF THE FIRM

Applicants must be a consulting firm registered in any country with a formal intention to conclude an agreement on its own or having concluded a joint venture agreement. In the event of a joint venture bidding, all the member parties are jointly and severally liable for the contractual clauses. 

Applicants must provide any document that the Smart Africa Secretariat may reasonably request, establishing to the satisfaction of Smart Africa being the Contracting Authority that they continue to be eligible to compete.

The Firm must provide evidence of at least two to four (2-4) similar assignments in the digital health transformation area. It shall clearly and precisely indicate the composition of the mission team with their respective resume (CV) and academic credentials.

The consulting firm(s) must meet the qualification requirements of at least 10 years of professional experience in the following: digital health, digital health technologies, strategy development, digital transformation projects and consultancy or equivalent. Experience in Africa or other developing countries is a must.

The key suggested human resources for this project will be as follows below. It is important to show an overall collective intelligence of the team on government ICT (digital health) strategy, ICT and health regulation & policy, digital health, and donor and international institutions knowledge.

Head of Mission/Lead Consultant:

1. The Lead Consultant should hold a master’s or bachelor’s degree in information technology, medical school, business administration or any other relevant degree from a recognized University with significant experience in leading similar assignments.
2. Years of experience to be proven by academic certificates and updated Curriculum Vitae.
3. He/she should have a demonstrable track record in project management and in coordinating large, diverse teams/stakeholders in complex working environments.
4. He/She should have extensive professional experience managing Digital Health Programmes/Consultancy at the international level and working with donors in developing countries.
5. Excellent communication skills, the ability to develop effective work relationships and networks, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment.
6. He/She should have a good understanding of policy issues and development issues pertaining to Digital Health in Africa.
7. Proven experience in developing continental blueprints is a plus
8. Excellent command of English and report-writing skills are required. Working Knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

Digital Health Expert:

1. The Expert should have a university degree in Computer Engineering/Science, Health Economics, Biotechnology Engineering or relevant area.
2. Must have proven experience in Digital Health services deployment and operations.

• Years of experience to be proven by academic certificates and a detailed Curriculum Vitae.

1. The Expert must have at least 10 years of progressive working experience in Digital Health. Working experience in Africa will be an added advantage.
2. Strong Experience in carrying out feasibility studies and in the formulation of Digital Health strategies.
3. The expert should have an excellent command of English with good report-writing skills. Knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

Digital Transformation Expert:

1. The Expert should have a university degree in Computer Engineering/ Science or Business Information Technology or Health Economics or relevant area.
2. Must have proven experience in digital transformation projects.
3. Years of experience to be proven by academic certificates and a detailed Curriculum Vitae.
4. The Expert must have at least 5 years of progressive working experience in IT and other relevant areas. Working experience in Africa will be an added advantage.
5. Strong Experience in carrying out feasibility studies and in the formulation of digital transformation strategies.
6. The expert should have an excellent command of English with good report-writing skills. Knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

Business Analyst:

1. The Expert should have a university degree in Business Information Technology or Business or relevant area.
2. Must have proven experience in digital transformation projects.
3. Years of experience to be proven by academic certificates and a detailed Curriculum Vitae.
4. The Expert must have at least 5 years of progressive working experience in in IT and other relevant areas. Working experience in Africa will be an added advantage.
5. Strong Experience in carrying out feasibility studies and in the formulation of digital transformation strategies.
6. The expert should have an excellent command of English with good report-writing skills. Knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

Legal and Regulatory Expert:

1. He/She should be holding a master’s degree in law specializing in Commercial law or company law or relevant area from a recognized University and have a proven, extensive experience of at least 10 years on telecommunication/ICT regulation-related issues, with a particular emphasis on Digital Health services.
2. Years of experience to be proved by academic certificates and a detailed Curriculum Vitae.
3. Must have proven skills and experience in digital health-related negotiations and regulations.
4. The expert should have an excellent command of English with good report-writing skills. Knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
5. EVALUATION OF PROPOSALS

The following model will be used to evaluate all respondents and proposals submitted.

• Technical Criteria

The financial proposal of only those firms will be opened, which secure a minimum score of 70/100 in the technical evaluation. St= Score for the Technical Evaluation

• Financial criteria

Once the technical criteria have been evaluated, the costs of all bids will be listed from low to high. Computing the cost criteria score will be accomplished by use of the following formula.

The Applicant getting maximum marks on 80-20 weightage (80% for technical and 20% for financial) will be selected as Consultants for the Client. The weights given to the Technical (T) and Financial Proposals (F) are: T = 0.80 and F = 0.20

The Final Score (S) is calculated as follows: S = St*T + Sf*F

8. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR TECHNICAL AND FINANCIAL PROPOSALS

A specific outline must be followed to facilitate the Smart Africa Secretariat’s review and evaluation of the responses received.

A response to this RFP must include the following sections in the order listed:

1. A cover letter confirming the firm’s interest to provide the services required.
2. Mandatory documents (Company registration certificates, Social Security Contributions certificate and tax clearance) or any appropriate documentation to demonstrate that the firm is registered in a country member of the African Union or Arab League.
3. Other relevant documentation should be included if there may be any joint venture bidding or collaboration between applicants referred above and consulting firms registered in a non-member country of the African Union or Arab League to bid for this assignment. 

Failure to submit them will lead to automatic disqualifications.  

A technical proposal containing the following content:

• Executive summary
• Business experience/Profiles
• Approach and Methodology
• Work Plan / Schedule
• Mission team experience/profiles
• Updated Curriculum Vitae for the team and academic certificates requested
• Recommendation letters signed and stamped

Financial Proposal containing the following tables.

• Summarized Total Cost inclusive of applicable taxes
• Breakdown of a remuneration package.
• Breakdown of reimbursable expenses.

Notes:

1. All Financial Proposals/offers should be password protected, and Smart Africa will request it for bidders who have been qualified in the technical evaluation.
2. Only consulting companies are eligible to apply to this assignment; no individuals will be accepted.
3. All Financial Offers should be quoted and submitted in USD Currency
4. A withholding tax of 15% will be deducted from payments for Firms not VAT-registered with Rwanda Tax Administration (RRA) and 18% VAT will be applicable for registered firms in Rwanda

9. SUBMISSION PROCESS AND DEADLINE

Soft copies of both Technical and Financial Offers must be sent to: procurement@smartafrica.org showing each the nature of the offer concerned (technical or financial offer) with mention 100/SA/RFP/08/2023, “Recruitment of a Consulting Firm to Develop A Blueprint And A Toolkit For Digital Health Project.”, not later than 25th September 2023 at 5:00 PM local time (Kigali). 

Late proposals shall be rejected.

10. VALIDITY

Proposals and quotes must remain valid for 180 days after the date of closing noted above. After the closing date and time, all proposals received by the Smart Africa Secretariat become its property.

11. ANTI-CORRUPTION

Smart Africa is committed to preventing and not tolerating any act of corruption and other malpractices and expects that all bidders will adhere to the same ethical principles.

12. ENQUIRIES

Any enquiries will only be received at least 5 working days prior the bid submission deadline. Prospective respondents who may have questions regarding this RFP may submit their inquiries to tenderenquiries@smartafrica.org.

13. RIGHTS RESERVED

1. This RFP does not obligate SAS to complete the RFP process.
2. SAS reserves the right to amend any segment of the RFP prior to the announcement of a selected firm.
3. SAS also reserves the right to remove one or more of the services from consideration for this contract should the evaluation show that it is in SAS’s best interest to do so.
4. SAS also may, at its discretion, issue a separate contract for any service or groups of services included in this RFP.
5. SAS may negotiate a compensation package and additional provisions to the contract awarded under this RFP.
6. Smart Africa reserves the right to debrief the applicants after the completion of the process due to the expected high volume of applications and avoiding the compromise of the process.