Biosafety Cabinet Certification Consultant at Jhpiego

Overview:

Through funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Jhpiego is implementing the project ‘Expanding Efforts and Strategies to Protect and Improve Public Health Globally’ (GHSA). Through this grant, Jhpiego will support the Government of Burkina Faso and stakeholders to improve prevention of avoidable epidemics including naturally occurring outbreaks; improve ability to rapidly detect threats early, including detecting, characterizing, and reporting emerging biological threats; and respond rapidly and effectively to public health threats of international concern. The objectives of the laboratory component of this GHSA program contribute to the improving the technical platforms of laboratories that diagnose agents responsible for diseases including equipment, reagents and consumables, support in training, quality control of laboratories and certification of some laboratory equipment. In this framework, Jhpiego is seeking a provider for Biological Cabinet (BSC) certification, test and balance services to NSF/ANSI 49 or other equivalent international standards and user-level maintenance training in support of laboratories in Burkina Faso.

Objectives of Consultancy

This scope includes certification of 23 BSCs to NSF/ANSI 49 or other equivalent international standards as described in the table provided as attachment 1. Six (6) BSCs are located in Bobo-Dioulasso (365 Km from Ouagadougou), one (1) in Koudougou (100 Km from Ouagadougou) and sixteen (16) in Ouagadougou the capital city. Certification must be performed to internationally recognized standards and the proposed engineer(s) must have the appropriate education and credentials to provide this service.

Key activities and tasks include:

1. Certification of each of the 23 BSCs (see list below) to NSF/ANSI 49 or other international standards

a. Where BSCs fail certification tests, the contractor should propose cost-effective solutions to return the BSC to operational status.

b. Two cabinets, identified as NEW below require installation, the contractor should support the initial installation and testing of these cabinets. Note, laboratory will identify the final location of the cabinet and provide sufficient personnel to safely move the cabinet to that location under the supervision of the consultant, the consultant is not expected to lift or manuver the cabinet.

1. At each location, end-users should be provided brief training in the user-level maintenance of the cabinet(s) present in their laboratory.

Expected Deliverables include:

1. Written certification reports for all BSCs. The BSC certification shall consist of the following:

a. Down flow velocity test

b. Inflow velocity test

c. Airflow smoke pattern test

d. HEPA filter leak test

e. Alarm function test

f. A visual inspection to identify defects, damage, misuse or missing parts

g. Documentation of the certification and inspection results

h. A decal or label affixed to the cabinet in a visible location that indicates the results and date of the certification

i. Posting an “Out of Service” sign on cabinets that fail certification;

j. Notifying the cabinet user that fail certification.

1. List of equipment used during the BSC test and balancing process including serial numbers and copies of calibration certificates as relevant
2. Recommendations for repair or replacement of parts material (e.g. air filter) to allow certification in case of failure
3. Agenda and training materials

   Attendance rosters for any training provided to end users

Qualifications and Required Competencies:

· Internationally recognized credential in BSC certification e.g. NSF Field Certification https://info.nsf.org/Certified/Biosafety-Certifier/index.asp?standard=0ACBASIC

· Consultant must posses calibrated equipment for the performance of BSC testing and balancing activities

· Excellent written and verbal communications skills; proficiency in French is a plus

· Provide their credentials and proof of recent experience in the certification of BSCs

· Confirm ability to provide certification of the listed BSC models.

· Indicate the approximate length of time required to certify the listed BSC models. including brief overview of user-level maintenance practices.