Provision of pathology services to support field Missions in East and Central Africa

The United Nations has a requirement for the provision of pathology services in case of death of UN Staff on an as and when required basis. The services required are to be carried out in Uganda. The proposed contract period is for one (1) year with an option to extend for three (3) additional one-year periods (1+1+1+1) at the discretion of the UN, subject to satisfactory performance of the Contractor and UN requirement for the provision of services. Scope of Services 1.1 The Contractor shall provide the required pathology services consisting of the mortal remains preparation, autopsy, casket sealing, processing of death certificates and clearances with the local country authorities. 1.2 The Contractor shall operate in accordance with the UN General Conditions of Contract, UN Rules and Regulations, applicable laws of the host government and applicable international law. 1.3 The Contractor shall be available 24/7 to be contacted in case of need for pathology services hereby indicated. At least two (2) responsible points of contact (focal points) shall be specifically appointed indicating their contact details i.e. personal telephone phone numbers and email addresses. 1.4 The Contractor shall receive the remains within 24 hours of notification by the UN. The Contractor shall ensure that a temperature-controlled cooling system is made available to ensure the preservation of remains should this service be required.2.4 After consulting the family of deceased, and based on the circumstances of death, The UN may request the contractor for an autopsy. In that event, the Contractor shall proceed with a forensic autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death and provide an autopsy report to UN designated representative. Autopsy report should also include histopathology report on viscera and toxicology report on gastric and blood if indicated. 1.5 The Contractor shall prepare the remains for the repatriation in accordance with applicable international standards for embalmment and air transportation. The contractor shall take in consideration the religious, national, cultural and ethnic customs or personal preferences of the deceased regarding restrictions on embalmment. Such restrictions and the religion of the deceased will be provided to the contractor prior to the collection of remains. 1.6 The Contractor shall prepare, make-up and dress the remains in the presence of the designated escorts. A UN Personnel Officer will be present during sealing of the casket. Officials from the embassy of the deceased may be required to witness the sealing of casket, if so requested. 1.7 The Contractor shall ensure that remains be properly stored during the process of obtaining all legal documents prior to the repatriation. The Contractor’s installations shall have a “failure-free” energy system to guarantee an interrupted power source for the treatment and storage of remains. Failure to comply with this requirement might lead to an automatic cancelation of the resulting contract. 1.8 The Contractor shall hand over the remains to the UN. The Contractor shall ensure that at this point the following documents are available for the handing over of the remains with all necessary consular seals and approvals: a) Death Certificate – number of originals to be provided in line with Government stipulations. b) Embalming Certificate c) Sealing Certificate d) Certificate of non-contagiousness Specific Requirements/Information The full scope of services shall be shared in the solicitation document Vendors that are suspended and/or under procurement prohibition with the UN Secretariat or other entities of the UN System will not be invited to participate in the solicitation. Vendors are required to be registered at the Basic Level with the UN Secretariat in the United Nations Global Marketplace to be invited to participate in the upcoming solicitation.