INVITATION FOR BIDS (IFB)

Reference Number: TN 024/Jhpiego-RW/FY26

INTRODUCTION

Jhpiego’s Mission

Jhpiego enhances the health and saves the lives of women and families in limited-resource settings. For nearly four decades, we have put evidence-based health innovations into everyday practice to overcome barriers to high-quality health care services for the world's most vulnerable populations. From our origins as technical experts in reproductive, maternal and child health, Jhpiego has grown to embrace new challenges, including HIV/AIDS, malaria and cervical cancer prevention reflecting the increasing interconnectedness of global health.

Jhpiego’s Values

At Jhpiego, we value our customers who have our respect, responsiveness, and commitment to excellence; our staff and global network of colleagues who bring cultural diversity, innovation, and a wealth of world experience; and our work culture, which is reflected in our team spirit, transparent communication, mutual respect, flexibility, and dedication.

Jhpiego hereby invites eligible national and international bidders to submit proposals for the provision of comprehensive maintenance services for the Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzer and the Applied Biosystems 3500xL Genetic Analyzer. Participation in this tender is open, on equal terms, to all qualified firms with demonstrated expertise and experience in the provision of maintenance services for the specified equipment.

1. Background

Rwanda Biomedical Centre / National Reference Laboratory operates Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzer and Applied Biosystems 3500xL Genetic Analyzer instruments for the RISE Malaria project: Molecular Surveillance for Operationally Relevant Genetic Polymorphisms ofPlasmodium falciparum.

To ensure optimal performance, accuracy, reliability, and uninterrupted laboratory operations, the laboratory seeks to engage a qualified service provider to deliver comprehensive maintenance services for these instruments, as well as refresher training for end users.

2. Objective

The objective of this tender is to procure comprehensive maintenance services for the Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzer and Applied Biosystems 3500xL Genetic Analyzer including annual preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, technical assist, replacement of defective parts as required and refresher training of end users.

3. Scope of Work

Annual preventive maintenance

• perform scheduled preventive maintenance visits in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations (once a year). 
• Inspect, clean, adjust, and optimize instrument performance. 
• Verify instrument functionality and operational parameters. 
• Perform software and firmware updates where applicable.
•  deliver preventive maintenance reports after each visit.

Corrective Maintenance

• Diagnose and repair equipment failures and malfunctions. 
• deliver emergency breakdown assist upon notification by the laboratory. 
• Restore equipment to full operational status within agreed response times. 
• Submit service reports detailing the root cause of failures and corrective actions taken. 

Replacement spare parts 

• Supply and install genuine manufacturer-approved replacement parts. 
• Replace defective components identified duri
• ng preventive or corrective maintenance. 

Technical Support

• deliver remote technical assist during normal working hours.
•  Offer telephone, email, and online troubleshooting assist. 
• Escalate unresolved technical issues to manufacturer assist when necessary

Refresher Training for End Users

• Strengthen end users’ knowledge and skills, ensuring correct and efficient use of the equipment

INSTRUCTIONS TO BID (Mandatory Requirements)

For Rwandan companies, bidders must deliver copies of the following valid documents:

1. RDB Registration Certificate corresponding to the relevant field of business;
2. VAT Registration Certificate;
3. Tax Clearance Certificate;
4. RSSB Clearance Certificate; and
5. Evidence of at least two (2) successfully completed contracts for similar maintenance services.
6. The vendor must possess a valid license or certification from the manufacturer or an authorized distributor authorizing them to deliver maintenance and assist services for Applied Biosystems genetic analyzers.

Note: Non-Rwandan Companies Shall deliver Equivalent Statutory and Regulatory Documents Applicable in Their Respective Countries of Registration.

Bid Submission Requirements

Bidders shall submit their proposals in two separate files:

A. Technical Proposal

The Technical Proposal shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. All mandatory eligibility documents as specified under the Instructions to Bid.
2. Company profile.
3. Evidence of at least two (2) successfully completed contracts for similar maintenance services.
4. Authorization or certification from the manufacturer or an authorized distributor permitting the bidder to service Applied Biosystems genetic analyzers.
5. Detailed technical approach and methodology for delivering the required services.
6. Proposed preventive maintenance plan and schedule.
7. Description of corrective maintenance and emergency assist services.
8. Details of technical assist arrangements, including remote assist capabilities.
9. Information on the availability and sourcing of genuine manufacturer-approved spare parts.
10. Proposed refresher training plan for end users.

B. Financial Proposal

The Financial Proposal shall include:

1. A detailed price quotation for the comprehensive maintenance services.
2. Cost breakdown for:
   • Annual preventive maintenance;
   • Corrective maintenance services;
   • Technical assist services;
   • Refresher training for end users; and
   • Replacement spare parts (where applicable).
3. Proposed response and service delivery timelines.
4. Quotation validity period.

Pricing

• Prices shall be quoted in Rwandan Francs (RWF) for Rwandan company or United States Dollars for non-Rwandese company (USD).
• All applicable taxes and charges shall be clearly indicated.
• For Bidders Registered with the Rwanda Tax Administration: If selected for this procurement, it is mandatory to issue an Electronic Billing Machine (EBM) invoice in accordance with Rwandan tax regulations.
• For Non-Rwandan Bidders or Bidders Not Registered with the Rwanda Tax Administration: In compliance with Rwanda Tax Law, Jhpiego will withhold 15% of the total invoice amount as a withholding tax.

NB: 

1. The bidder shall deliver a clear physical address for its company. Bidders operating in Rwanda must deliver address of their company in Rwanda. Bidders not registered in Rwanda must clearly indicate their country of registration and principal address of business.

Submission Method and Deadline

All proposals (Technical Proposal and Financial Proposal) must be submitted as separate signed and stamped PDF files via email to:

Rwanda.Procurement2026@jhpiego.org

Subject Line: Tender for Comprehensive Maintenance Services for Applied Biosystems SeqStudio Flex Series Genetic Analyzer and Applied Biosystems 3500xL Genetic Analyzer

The deadline for submission is Thursday, 9th July 2026 at 11:00 AM Kigali Time.

Late submissions will not be considered.

Submission Address:

To: Senior Finance & Operations Manager Jhpiego Rwanda Country Office

Gasabo, Kacyiru, KG 5 St Road, House Number 48

P.O. Box 6952, Kigali, Rwanda Tel: (+250) 788 381 188

All inquiries must be submitted in writing to Rwanda.Procurement@jhpiego.org

 at least two (3) business days before the submission deadline.

Note: Jhpiego reserves the right to accept or reject any quotation, to annul the bidding process, and to reject all proposals at any time prior to contract award, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected bidder(s} of the grounds for Jhpiego's action.

Done on 24th June 2026

Valens Ndonkeye

Sr. Finance and Operations Manager 

Jhpiego Rwanda Country Office