KINGDOM OF LESOTHO
REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
(CONSULTING SERVICES – LOCAL CONSULTANT)
Grant Cycle 7 (GC7)
Assignment Title:
Consultancy to Develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Application Tool for Screening, Diagnosis, and Management of Clients with Advanced HIV Disease (AHD)
Reference No.: GF/CQS/04-10
1. Background
The Government of Lesotho has received funding from the Global Fund under Grant Cycle 7 (GC7) to support interventions in combating HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and COVID-19. A portion of this funding will support the Ministry of Health in engaging regional technical assistance to develop an AI-powered application tool to enhance the screening, diagnosis, and management of Advanced HIV Disease (AHD).
2. Objective of the Consultancy
The key objective of this consultancy is to support the HIV Program in implementing the Global Fund-supported GC7 activity, which aims to:
- Enhance the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing and managing AHD and related illnesses using AI-powered tools and technologies in Lesotho.
3. Eligibility and Application Process
The Ministry of Health invites eligible consultants to express their interest in providing these services. Interested consultants should submit:
- A Cover Letter detailing relevant past assignments related to this activity, including the employer/client and the timeframe of the assignment.
- A formal Expression of Interest (EOI) with a commitment of at least twelve (12) months for this activity.
4. Expression of Interest (EOI) Format
The EOI should be written in English and formatted in Microsoft Word or PDF with a minimum font size of 11 pts, structured as follows:
a) Executive Summary (Max: 1 Page)
b) Applicant Information (Max: 2 Pages)
- Description of the consultant’s legal status, background, and relevant experience related to the project scope.
c) Project Proposal/Concept Note
- Description of proposed activities and expected outputs over 12 months (Max: 3 Pages).
- Gantt chart illustrating project timelines (Max: 2 Pages).
d) Application Annexes
- Company Profile, Registration Documents, and Tax Clearance Certificate.
- Implementation Arrangements, including brief CVs of key personnel (Max: 1 Page per person).
- Educational Qualifications and a Government-issued Identity Document.
5. Shortlisting Criteria
Shortlisting will be based on Qualifications and Experience relevant to the assignment:
a) Academic Qualifications
- Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or a related field.
- Preferred: Advanced degrees in these fields or in Health Informatics.
b) Technical Certifications
- Software Engineering and Relational Database Development Certification.
c) Competencies and Experience
- Proven experience in developing and implementing digital asset management systems (preferably in a healthcare setting).
- Demonstrated experience in similar assignments with traceable references.
d) Technical Expertise
- Cloud Services & Infrastructure:
- Experience deploying applications on Azure (preferred), AWS, or GCP.
- Use of Azure AI, AWS SageMaker, or GCP AutoML.
- Management of virtual networks, storage solutions, and scalable compute instances.
- Software Development Expertise:
- Backend: .NET Core, Java Spring Boot, Node.js.
- Frontend: React, Angular, Vue.js.
- Database: MSSQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB.
- AI & Data Analytics:
- Building machine learning pipelines (TensorFlow, PyTorch).
- Implementing AI solutions for healthcare (e.g., disease prediction models).
- Example: Development of a Generative AI CRM system for client interactions in a revenue agency.
- Expertise in data management, performance metrics, and analytics.
- Other Required Skills:
- Strong communication, training, and interpersonal skills.
- Experience working in developing countries (preferred).
6. Selection Method
The Consultant Qualification Selection (CQS) Method will be used.
7. Interviews and Demonstrations
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.
- Candidates must demonstrate an AI application they have developed relevant to this scope of work.
8. Request for Further Information
For further clarifications, contact the address below during office hours (08:00 – 16:30 hrs).
- Detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) are available for free download at:
https://www.mofpmu.org.ls/callfor-expression-of-interests/
9. Submission Deadline
- Posting Period: 20th March 2025 – 9th April 2025.
- Submission Deadline: 9th April 2025 by 14:30 hrs (late submissions will not be considered).
- Submissions can be made in person or via email.
10. Submission Address
Ministry of Health – Procurement Unit
Corner Constitutional & Linare Road
Attn: Ms. Sekalaka
P.O. Box 514, Maseru 100
Tel: (+266) 2232 8957
Email: [email protected]
CC: [email protected]