Provider Communication July 2017 Version: 1.0
TABLE OF CONTENTS LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS:... 2 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY... 3 2 CONNECTED DIAGNOSTICS GLOBAL SIM INITIATIVE RFI... 4 3 RESPONSE GUIDELINES... 5 4 ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION... 5 5 RESPONSE EVALUATION CRITERIA... 5 6 TIMELINES... 6 7 GLOBAL SIM TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS... 7 APN FIND IMSI M2M PAYG RFI SLA SIM SMS WHO Access Point Name Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics International Mobile Subscriber Identity Machine to Machine Pay as You Go Request for Information Service Level Agreement Subscriber Identity Module Short Message Service World Health Organization Confidential Page 2 of 9
FIND is committed to bringing the benefits of digital systems and connectivity, to high burden, resource limited settings, in order to help healthcare providers fight and eradicate the world s major infectious diseases (e,g. Malaria, TB, HIV ). Reliable and timely diagnostic test information is of paramount importance for the proper functioning of the diagnostic and treatment cascade, including patient management, epidemiologic surveillance, quality assurance, laboratory operations and technical product support. Storage of diagnostic test results in a standardized digital format, shared across laboratory information systems, electronic health records and health programme databases, is transforming the way health care is being delivered. The transmission of diagnostic test results, via mobile data networks, into these emerging health systems is at the heart of this digital transformation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework of indicators and targets for laboratory strengthening under the End TB Strategy, all sites that use WHO-recommended rapid diagnostics should be transmitting results electronically to clinicians and information management systems using data connectivity solutions no later than 2020 (Indicator 4). Furthermore, remote monitoring via data connectivity solutions should be used to monitor key performance indicators at all sites that use WHO-recommended rapid diagnostics no later than 2020 (Indicator 9). All connected diagnostic devices need the internet. Unfortunately, internet access is not always prevalent in low and middle-income countries, specifically in rural areas which are detached from connected central laboratories and better equipped hospitals. Within areas outside of broadband catchment, Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)-based connectivity has helped to bridge this gap, utilising mobile networks to gain access to the internet. Cost-effective and stable mobile data connections that can be easily managed and controlled are a fundamental enabler of connected diagnostics solutions. However, procuring, implementing and operating connectivity services requires domain knowledge and experience in order to avoid numerous pitfalls. The burden of understanding the issues, (for example, selecting the best mobile service provider and ensuring a cost-effective contract), rests mostly on the shoulders of health ministries and implementers, and has typically been played out on a project-by-project basis. Technology solutions that promise to positively impact everything from sample collection and tracking to patient testing workflows, can be rendered useless if connectivity fails or is consistently unstable. FIND propose to address challenges associated with implementing connected diagnostics by establishing a templated and simplified procedure for the budgeting, procurement, setup and operation of low-cost mobile data services, tailored to the needs of the global diagnostics and health care community. FIND also plans to act as an aggregator for partners in the global diagnostics community both in terms of data volumes and SIM numbers but also as a single voice representing its needs and questions. Confidential Page 3 of 9
The connected diagnostics global SIM initiative is intended to provide the following benefits: Pre negotiated contractual terms: Pre negotiated contracts will provide a faster route to procurement of SIMs and services and ease the burden of supplier selection, negotiation of terms and conditions and other aspects associated with contract execution. Known pre-negotiated and affordable rates: Procurement of products and services in the global health community works on a CAPEX basis rather than OPEX. Providing known prenegotiated and affordable rates will enable accurate budgeting for connectivity within programmes, ensuring that connectivity and its associated costs will feature within the scope of product designs, deployment and production lifecycle of the connected devices. Data security: FIND aims to sell the benefits of enterprise-level security available from most global roaming SIM propositions, which is essential when managing private patient data. Increased coverage and redundancy of global roaming SIMs: The ability of global roaming SIMs to roam onto or use multiple mobile networks in a country is expected to provide redundancy to connected systems especially in the case of either no signal or a network outage. Management and control: Local PAYG SIMs are a popular solution with service providers but lack the visibility and controllability that global roaming SIMs offer via their management portals. FIND aims to sell the benefits of the associated management and control services to our partners, allowing them visibility of SIM connectivity, data consumption, configuration management and problem rectification tools, allowing efficient management of SIM fleets, not possible with local PAYG SIMs Education: Comprehensive documentation will be provided to guide users through the benefits of using global SIMs and the best approach to SIM management, including security requirements, fraud prevention, data usage estimations, reporting and billing. This document describes in detail FIND s proposed connected diagnostics global SIM initiative, its aims and benefits, how the service will work and the RFI (request for information) process relating to the procurement of these services. Representing a consortium of partners that includes health ministries, diagnostic manufacturers, technology providers, systems implementors and financial donors. FIND is issuing this RFI to hear from mobile network M2M SIM providers interested in providing global roaming M2M SIMs and associated technologies and services, that will benefit ehealth strategies and global health needs and bring benefits to the fight against infectious diseases in low to middle income countries around the world. FIND are looking for providers who share an interest in helping the developing world to realise the benefits that connectivity can bring, and who are prepared to engage with FIND in developing the Connected Diagnostics Global SIM Initiative beyond the initial scope of this RFI. Confidential Page 4 of 9
Responses must be received by 5pm CET on 25 th August 2017. Responses received after the stipulated date and time shall be invalid. All responses must be signed by an official agent or representative of the organisation or company submitting the response. Responses should be submitted in English to nick.banks@finddx.org and formatted in Microsoft Word or PDF. Review of the applications will be based upon separate assessments of the responses. FIND reserves the right to request further information throughout the RFI process. All email subject lines and document naming must be in the following format: a) Your organization name Response FIND CDGSI-2017 Any questions or clarifications regarding this Request for Information (RFI) should be submitted in writing via e-mail to nick.banks@finddx.org prior to the closing date. 4 As part of completing the response document included (CDGSI _2017_Response.docx), FIND would like the respondents to provide the following administrate information in their response: Overview of company/organization strategy Overview of your visions for supporting ehealth, if available. A statement as to why you feel that you are the most suitable implementation partner and the perceived benefits to our partners. To ensure consideration through this RFI, your response should be complete and include the following criteria (further detailed in the included response document ), which will be evaluated for suitability to the connected diagnostics global SIM initiative: All major suitable M2M SIM providers will be evaluated as per the following criteria: Organizational experience: Respondents will be evaluated on their organizational strategy, experience and capability as it pertains to diagnostic challenges in the global health domain Geographical coverage: Respondents will be evaluated on their capacity to provide maximum global coverage and support for the partners of FIND on a geographical basis including redundancy in the key areas, as detailed in the appendix document (CDGSI_Apendix_D_Countries_of_Interest.Pdf) Services provided: Respondents will be evaluated on the range of services that they provide, needing to meet the minimum requirements as detailed in Section 7 of this document. Confidential Page 5 of 9
Hardware requirements: Respondents will be evaluated on the required level of hardware accreditation needed when using a SIM in a device, where a device agnostic approach is preferred Steering and network selection: Respondents will be evaluated according to any SIM steering prerequisites SIM contract lengths: Respondents will be evaluated according to the flexibility of their contractual lengths for various services Avaliable service level: Respondents will be evaluated according to their range of service levels and associated costs to ensure they are fit for purpose Quality & security: Respondents will be evaluated on their processes, practices and attitude towards product quality and data security Future FIND projects: A review of future FIND projects will be conducted to ensure compatibility of the chosen product and its services FIND do not intend to make a service provider selection from the resulting submissions to this RFI alone. Responses to the RFI will allow FIND to evaluate and shortlist the most suitable provider offerings. Once shortlisted, FIND will engage the most suitable providers to conduct further discussions, specifically around pricing and a technical assessment of the available services, to confirm the overall suitability of the provider service. Each consortium member will have different minimum viable product requirements. Our aim is to procure a SIM provider who can service the collective requirements. Whilst the initial phase of the project will focus on sending data over 2G, 3G and possibly 4G, an evaluation of all other available services will still be conducted. If, after an initial review of the service offerings from different M2M SIM providers, it is apparent that some provider s offerings are considerably stronger, according to geographical location, redundancy or service level than other providers, then the option to select more than one provider may be taken. Where FIND judges more than one application to be complimentary, FIND reserves the right to suggest partnership within the connected diagnostics global SIM initiative creation process. 1. Request for information timeline All responses to this RFI are due no later than 5pm CET on 25 th August 2017. 2. Requirements review During the response period organisations will have the opportunity for clarification of requirements prior to response. Parties interested in further information or clarification should contact Nick Banks via nick.banks@finddx.org Confidential Page 6 of 9
3. Evaluation process and timeline Evaluation of responses will be conducted from 28 th August, 2017 until 8 th September, 2017. FIND may wish to conduct further discussions with providers during the evaluation period, including meetings in person. FIND will be in touch if additional information or discussions are needed with any respondents during this window. 4. Engagement and further discusssions timeline Engaguement of of respondents for further discussion will be conducted from 11 th September, 2017 until 25 th September, 2017 FIND reserves the right to make the final decision as to which M2M SIM provider/s will become service partner/s. 7.1 Main requirements No limitations to country of purchase or billing entities Some companies offering M2M SIM services will only accept custom from companies registered in the same country as themselves. Since FIND partners are from many different countries, the chosen provider/s will need to allow the billing of companies registered globally. No limitations to the access of SIM management portals Portals requiring Whitelisted IPs only available to corporate customers are not suitable, as this limits access to users when working in the field. No hardware compatibility requirements The service and SIM offered need to be hardware agnostic and not dependant on any specific hardware. 7.2 Network coverage Extensive global reach Due to the limitless possibilities of partner and programme location, FIND will require the widest possible global SIM network coverage in conjunction with other requirements, including network redundancy options in each country. 7.3 Cost and contract periods Known Rates Due to the CAPEX model favoured in global health, accurate budgeting of connectivity before a programme launch is essential, this can only be achived if there are mechanisums in place to fix costs as closely as possible within reason, over set budgeted periods. Lowest possible costs M2M SIM cards are normally more expensive than the local alternatives, FIND wants to provide the best possible rates to encourage the adoption of global M2M SIM connectivity, which provides substantial benefits over local in-country SIMs. Confidential Page 7 of 9
Flexible contract periods Not all customers will want to, or be able to sign 12 month contracts, especially during testing phases; providing shorter contracts and as such, lower development costs, will encourage FIND partners to integrate connectivity into their devices. 7.4 Redundancy and reliability Smart SIMs The smarter the SIMs are, the less requirements are placed on the product designer and connectivity integration process. This reduces the cost involved in bringing the devices to market and removes the dependency of the device operator to manage and operate the connectivity process. Multiple IMSIs (international mobile subscriber identity) Having multiple IMSIs on a SIM would provide a connectivity advantage, giving the SIM not only the best possible chance of gaining a connection but offering redundancy in the event of an outage at different legs of the journey. Always connected While our aim is for all medical devices to be connected all the time, this isn t always practical in remote locations due to power provision limitations. Devices that are always connected to the mobile network allow the SIM cards to monitor connections and make the appropriate network changes in the background. SIMs that connect on demand can have longer connection times if they encounter trouble, while the SIM rectifies the issues in line with preferences and steering models. 7.5 Security Private APNs When managing and sending private patient data it must be secure and not open to attack by external parties, such as spammers or virus-based activities. Using Private APNs allows secure transmission of data over private networks. 7.6 Ability to view problem SIMs and rectify issues View SIM usage and status Partners will need to be able to view and manage their SIM fleets using the mobile network providers SIM portal. Some offerings have mobile-based SIM management platforms that are particularly useful to users who spend a lot of time on the road managing connectivity. Pro-active monitoring and ability to rectify issues Allowing partners to receive real-time notifications regarding their SIM fleet allows the rectification of issues before they lead to outages. 7.7 Support 24/7 support available due to time zone differences Partners of FIND taking up this service will be reliant on the SIM provider offering a the most extensive support service with defined service level agreements (SLAs), ensuring that issues are rectified in as timely a manner as possible, wherever they are located in the world. Confidential Page 8 of 9
7.8 Additional Requirements FIND understands that all M2M SIM providers offer a variety of services. The connected diagnostics global SIM initiative has been built around the most basic requirements needed to manage a successful programme during its setup phase, empowering our partners to increase their adoption of connectivity. Whilst the requirements are limited, all offerings will be reviewed with a view to possible expansion of the services as the programme matures. Confidential Page 9 of 9