TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR)  Consultancy for Integration of LabXpert Connectivity for Pluslife MiniDock Ultra

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) 

Consultancy for Integration of LabXpert Connectivity for Pluslife MiniDock Ultra

1. Introduction

KNCV Ethiopia is a local nonprofit organization registered in Ethiopia (registry number 7336) in accordance with Civil Society Organization Proclamation No. 1113/2019. KNCV Ethiopia is dedicated to fighting and ending human suffering from TB and other related diseases in Ethiopia, supporting the country toward achieving the global END TB strategy through implementation projects, research, and evidence generation.

2. Background

The RADxAR-TB Project aims to strengthen TB diagnostic services through the implementation of near Point-of-Care (nPOC) molecular testing, digital integration (PlusLife), and LabXpert connectivity. The project supports the Government of Ethiopia, the National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and other Lung Disease (NTBLLD) Program, and the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) to optimize TB case detection, ensure quality diagnostic services, and strengthen laboratory systems, specimen referral, and data management across regional and facility levels.

3. Objectives of the Consultancy

KNCV Ethiopia seeks to engage a qualified local consultant under the RADxAR-TB Project to design, develop, and implement the digital integration of the PlusLife MiniDock Ultra platform into the pre-existing national LabXpert connectivity LIS system. The consultant will engineer the middleware API connectors, build asynchronous SMS/email notification queues, and develop an executive/operational dashboard within LabXpert to monitor nationwide machine performance, disease detection trends, and utilization metrics, enabling real-time information access and remote troubleshooting.

Specific Objectives of Consultancy Service:

• Design and deploy secure digital bridge integration layers between PlusLife applications and the central LabXpert system.
• Establish offline-first queueing and auto-sync protocols for remote, low-connectivity health facilities.
• Implement a reliable automated messaging and alerting infrastructure (SMS and Email) for positive results and system events.
• Build a real-time national operational dashboard embedded within the LabXpert web interface.
• Conduct full end-to-end security testing, capacity training for EPHI/MoH IT teams, and nationwide deployment across 134 project-supported sites.

4. Scope of Work

The assignment covers the full lifecycle of the integration, from system design and development through deployment, training, and handover for long-term national utilization. The work will be carried out over a three-month project period (October to December 2026). The consultant will execute the work across three distinct phases:

Phase 1: Interoperability & Pluslife-to-LabXpert Integration

• Design and deploy secure digital bridge integration layers between the PlusLife Android/Web applications and the central LabXpert platform.
• Standardize PlusLife test results to match existing GeneXpert/TrueNat diagnostic schemas.
• Configure database systems alongside VPN/SIM card connectivity for machines deployed at 134 project-supported sites.
• Implement offline-first queueing and auto-sync protocols within the Android integration module to handle intermittent connectivity in rural health facilities.
• Ensure bidirectional synchronization of sample accession numbers, patient demographics, and test outcomes.
• Develop the information, communication, and database system required for the MiniDock Ultra devices.

Phase 2: Notification & Alerting Infrastructure

• Build a reliable messaging system for PlusLife within LabXpert, connected to local phone networks and email services.
• Program Critical TB Positive Alerts: Immediate SMS notification to facility clinicians and regional TB control officers upon positive MTB detection.
• Program System & Connectivity Alerts: Notifications to LabXpert administrators when a PlusLife unit goes offline.
• Program Patient Results Delivery: Automated SMS dispatch containing secure, encrypted result verification codes or status updates.

Phase 3: National Operational Dashboard

• Build an interactive, real-time PlusLife Fleet & Diagnostic Dashboard embedded in the LabXpert web interface to monitor system functionality and use.
• Device Connectivity Map: Live status tracking (Online, Offline, In-Test) of all MiniDock units nationwide.
• Diagnostic Yield Analytics: Real-time MTB positivity rates aggregated by facility, zone, and region.
• Utilization & Quality Control Views: Daily test volumes, error rates, reagent stock usage, and average Turnaround Time (TAT).
• Execute end-to-end data verification, load testing, and penetration testing across the Android app, Web platform, and central LIS.
• Secure patient data using high-level data encryption and controlled staff login permissions.
• Write step-by-step technical guides, connection handbooks, and testing sign-off sheets.
• Train EPHI/Ministry of Health IT teams and regional laboratory administrators for long-term system maintenance.
• Implement and roll out full connectivity at all 134 project-supported sites by the end of the contract period.

5. Deliverables and Payment Terms

The consultant will be paid on a phased basis upon successful completion, testing, and approval of deliverables under each phase.

Key Deliverables:

• Fully functional integration layer connecting PlusLife (Android/Web) to the LabXpert LIS.
• Offline data-saving feature for remote, low-connectivity health facilities.
• VPN/SIM-based connectivity system deployed across project-supported sites.
• Automated text and email system for TB positive results, referral specimens, machine errors, and patient updates.
• National real-time operational dashboard (device map, diagnostic yield analytics, utilization/QC metrics) embedded in LabXpert.
• Complete Security and UAT documentation package: test reports, technical/API documentation, integration manuals, and sign-off records.
• Training completion report for EPHI/MoH IT teams and regional lab administrators.
• Nationwide deployment and go-live confirmation for all PlusLife MiniDock Ultra machines at all 134 project sites.

6. Timeline for Completing Each Phase

The assignment of the Senior LIS Integration & Digital Health Consultant will be carried out over an agreed project period of three (3) months, spanning from October to December 2026, culminating in full national deployment:

 Confidentiality and Intellectual Property

All data, software, code, documentation, and materials developed or accessed during this consultancy will remain the exclusive property of KNCV Ethiopia and the Ministry of Health/EPHI. The consultant must sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and ensure strict confidentiality regarding patient data and national health system architectures.

10.Submission Guidelines

Interested individual consultants or consulting firms are invited to submit their application package, including Technical and Financial Proposals (submitted separately, signed, and stamped), no later than September 11, 2026.