Improving sepsis diagnosis in vulnerable populations in two Ethiopian university hospitals- A project
of the COMBAT AMR in Africa Network – ISAVE

(1 Lead Study Center, 1 Sub-Center)

Within the framework of an international research project aimed at improving sepsis diagnosis, infection prevention and control (IPC), and antimicrobial stewardship (AMR/AMS) in Ethiopia, quotations are invited for the implementation of a non-interventional clinical study at two hospitals in the Oromia Region.

The project is supported through German hospital partnerships and funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation. Available financial and human resources are limited.

Background and Objectives

Sepsis is a frequent and often underdiagnosed cause of mortality among children, neonates, and immunocompromised patients.
The objective of this project is to complement routine diagnostics with innovative molecular diagnostic approaches, in particular Oxford Nanopore sequencing, and to sustainably strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) as well as antimicrobial stewardship (AMR/AMS) practices.

Scope of Services

The scope of services includes, but is not limited to:

  • Planning and implementation of structured IPC and AMR training activities in NICUs/ICUs
  • Recruitment and non-interventional observation of 96 sepsis patients from vulnerable populations
  • Collection of sociodemographic, socioeconomic, and clinical data
  • Performance of local routine laboratory diagnostics in accordance with clinical standards
  • Sample processing for molecular diagnostics in close collaboration with external bioinformatics experts
  • Complete, structured transfer of all study data and results to the project sponsor

The study protocol, standard operating procedures (SOPs) (to be adapted to local conditions), and specific study-related consumables will be provided.

Minimum Technical Requirements (Excerpt)

  • Established inpatient clinical care, including paediatrics (NICU/ICU preferred)
  • Functional clinical laboratory with experience in haematology, clinical chemistry, and blood cultures
  • Existing infrastructure for Oxford Nanopore sequencing, in particular:
    • At least one operational Nanopore MinION device
    • Adequate computing and data storage capacity for sequencing, base calling, and data management
    • Secure data handling and data transfer
  • Qualified interdisciplinary study team with good English language proficiency
  • Willingness to implement study-specific SOPs and ensure complete data transfer

Quotation and Contractual Conditions

The quotation must be submitted as a binding lump-sum offer and must include all costs, including but not limited to:

  • Overheads
  • Transport and logistics
  • Taxes and statutory charges

Applications must be submitted as a joint application by one lead center together with one designated sub-center.
Separate applications from sub-centers alone will not be considered.

The lead center will assume responsibility for overall coordination, contractual arrangements, and budget management.

Subsequent claims or cost adjustments are excluded.

Application Procedure

Interested institutions are requested to submit a quotation including information on:

  • Existing infrastructure
  • Available Nanopore sequencing equipment
  • Personnel capacities
  • Previous experience in clinical research

Applicants are strongly advised to carefully review the detailed Call for documents, including detailed Scope of Services, Instructions for Applications, Quotation Templates, and Checklist

(download link)

and to use the provided templates and checklist for the submission of their quotation.

Quotations with missing, incomplete, or inconsistent information may be excluded from the evaluation.

Form and Submission

  • The quotation must be submitted in English.
  • The complete application shall be submitted electronically in PDF format (dated and signed by an authorized representative of the lead institution)
  • The quotation must be submitted by e-mail only to the following address:
    tropmed-projects@med.uni-duesseldorf.de

Deadline

  • Quotations must be received no later than fourteen calendar days (02.06.2026, 12:00pm EAT) after the date of publication of this Call for Quotations.
  • Late submissions will not be considered.

Content of the quotation

The quotation must include, at minimum:

  • A completed and signed quotation form (lump-sum offer)
  • A short description of the technical and organizational capacity of the lead center and the designated sub-center
  • Confirmation of compliance with GIZ regulations and contractual conditions
  • Any additional information requested in the checklist

Quotations with missing, incomplete, or inconsistent information may be excluded from the evaluation.

Additional provisions:

  • No reimbursement will be made for costs incurred in the preparation or submission of quotations
  • The contracting authority reserves the right not to award a contract if no suitable or economically advantageous quotation is received.