USAID/Philippines is pioneering a new approach to improve tuberculosis (TB) control in the Philippines -- that of actively strengthening private sector diagnosis and treatment to control TB. This is a proposed four-year program (Oct 2002-Sept 2006) aimed at increasing successful diagnosis and treatment of TB patients who seek care through the commercial private sector. By the end of program, the for-profit private sector will have demonstrated its ability to treat TB successfully. Attainment of the above objectives will be indicated by achieving a cure rate of 85 percent, using directly observed treatment short-course (DOTS) among TB patients who are receiving services entirely or partially through the commercial private sector. Anticipated outputs include: policies, guidelines and regulations revised and expanded to support appropriate, complementary implementation by both public and private providers; best strategies identified through operations research to improve and expand DOTS implementation in the private sector; service delivery models are piloted in specific areas; best approaches are taken to scale in 30 strategic areas nationwide; sustainability of TB program is strengthened through improved teaching and training in medical schools. Secondary outputs may include improved teacher education and training in primary and secondary schools and improved health seeking behavior of the public; and, national health financing schemes for TB treatment are strengthened to increase the capacity of the private sector to deliver TB services. The cost reimbursement contract is expected to be completed within a period of about four years. Detailed information about this solicitation is contained in the RFP documents that will be available on or about March 4, 2002. To obtain the RFP, send your written requests to the Office of Regional Procurement, USAID/Philippines, PSC 502 BOX #1, FPO AP 96515, or Office of Regional Procurement, USAID/Philippines, 8/F PNB Financial Center, Roxas Blvd. 1308 Pasay City, Philippines. You may also send your requests by e-mail to
[email protected] referencing the above RFP. Our telephone nos. are (632) 552-9926 and (632) 552-9924. Our fax nos. are (632) 551-9297 and (632) 552-9999. The deadline for submission of proposals is April 22, 2002. The preferred method of distribution of USAID Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) information is via the Internet. By exception, USAID can provide the solicitation on a 3.5" floppy disk (MS Word97 format), via e-mail, or in hard copy. The notice can be viewed and downloaded using this website. The solicitation, once issued, can also be downloaded from this website. You are encouraged to access the solicitation via the Internet as this eliminates possible delays associated with mailing in general, and from overseas Missions, in particular. As the recipient of this solicitation document, you are responsible for ensuring that you have received it from the Internet in its entirety. USAID bears no responsibility for data errors resulting from transmission or conversion processes. Further, be aware that amendments to solicitations are occasionally issued and will be posted on the same Internet site from which you downloaded the solicitation. Generally, the Contracting Officer will issue amendments to all those who have sent in the written confirmation of solicitation receipt. However, USAID does not guarantee that an amendment will be issued to you directly based upon written confirmation that you have downloaded the solicitation from the Internet. You are therefore advised to regularly check the FedBizOps website (http://www.fedbizops.gov/) for amendments.