Project Overview
CDC is partnering with TEPHINET to establish regional communities of practice that facilitate the exchange of challenges and ideas with an initial focus on the COVID-19 pandemic. The overall goal is to provide an environment conducive of collective learning, the sharing of emergent needs and best practices, and strengthening the connection among professionals in the field of epidemiology.
The target audience is Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP) Resident Advisors (RAs) and Program Directors across 6-7 regions based on language and time zone compatibility. FETPs have been at the forefront of their country’s preparedness and response efforts. FETP Resident Advisors’ and Program Directors’ need for technical assistance for their programs’ country response efforts increased dramatically, at the same time as CDC, WHO and other organizations with technical expertise needed to halt or limit travel, severely limiting provision of in-person support.
The virtual platform for this community of practice will be on TEPHIConnect. TEPHIConnect is TEPHINET’s online and mobile networking platform created for Field Epidemiology Training Program members and alumni. TEPHIConnect was developed to conduct this type of activity, already has access to some of the target population, and has the logistical capacity to host these communities of practice.
Main activities for this project are:
- Virtual meetings or calls around certain themes or subject with SME joining
- Agendas/issues will be driven by field
- Volunteer program will present a “case”, challenge or issues
- FETP HQ rep to act as resource and subject matter expert to help troubleshoot
Sessions are live and topic driven. (Program presentation, individual challenges for discussion, exchange of ideas, success stories and lesson learned among programs and CDC guidance and support etc.)
Project Team: TEPHINET and CDC staff who contribute both technical and logistical support. Contractors do not need to be Atlanta-based.
Project Timeframe (Phase I): March 2021 to September 2021
Project End-Products
Deliverables:
- Recruit target audience to platform and ensure access
- Solicit session topics themes relevant for each region
- Prepare materials and brief orientation to the CDC SME’s prior to the session
- Promote and Facilitate live sessions
- Oversee the day to day engagement with target audience
- Conduct at least 2 sessions per region
- Conduct live sessions and share resources in appropriate language
- Submit monthly reports with progress
Evaluation:
- Conduct initial pilot session for review and modifications
- Invite (3-5) TEPHINET and CDC staff as observers
- Facilitate debrief (both observers and 3-5 target participants)
- Incorporation of debrief recommendations
- Develop pre and post-test/assessment (including for pilot)
- Conduct a mid-point assessment to provide opportunity for review and improvement
Expected Outcomes:
- Guided peer-to-peer exchange
- Increased quality of FETP engagement in their country pandemic response
- Increased “reach” of CDC’s SME and technical assistance to FETP programs
How to apply:
Application Process/Call for Proposals
Who can apply: Independent consultants, organizational contractors
When to apply: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis
What to submit:
• Background/qualifications (CV, organizational profile; relevant portfolio samples)
• Proposed approach responding to the expected project outputs described below
(clearly identify which end products/activities you are responding to)
• Proposed Work plan (including estimated timeline, budget and work products)
• How to apply: Please submit materials and/or any questions you may have to Juan Pablo Sanchez, Project Manager, at jpsanchez@taskforce.org and copy Stephen Kim, Project Coordinator, at skim@taskforce.org