(CLOSED) Request for Proposal GPSNR POLICY IMPLEMENTATION GUIDANCE AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

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Introduction & Background

The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), is an international, multi-Stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Development of the GPSNR was initiated by the CEOs of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project (TIP) in 2018. Members of the platform include tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers, smallholder rubber growers, and NGOs. Representatives from each of these stakeholder groups have contributed to the development of the Singapore-based platform and the wide-reaching set of priorities that will define GPSNR strategies and objectives.

Through a process led by the Policy Toolbox and Implementation Guidance Working Group (WG1), the General Assembly approved a Policy Framework in September 2020 that outlines the specific commitments to sustainable natural rubber that GPSNR company members must include in their public policies or other relevant documents.  GPSNR ordinary member companies are required to create new or update existing policies to align with the Policy Framework by March 2021 (companies will have a possibility to request an extension provided they can demonstrate progress in developing or updating their policies).

WG1 is finalizing Baseline Reporting Requirements (BRRs) for ordinary member companies to assess where they are in their sustainability journey.  Once WG1 finalizes the BRRs, it will send them to the GPSNR Executive Committee (EC) for review and approval.  Company members will be expected to provide the GPSNR Secretariat with their baseline reporting data in 2021 (date to be confirmed).

The next step is for GPSNR to develop the Implementation Guidance and future Reporting Requirements as they pertain to the specific commitments laid out in the GPSNR policy components.  The Implementation Guidance and Reporting Requirements will vary depending on where a member company sits within the natural rubber supply chain, so this work will be organized by the following stakeholder categories:  natural rubber producers/processors and traders, tire makers and other natural rubber product manufacturers, and auto makers and other end users. 

In order to achieve this, the Platform is seeking a fixed term consultancy to facilitate the development of the Implementation Guidance and Reporting Requirements for each of the 3 stakeholder categories.  While WG1 will provide oversight to this process, GPSNR will invite the creation of focus groups for each of the three stakeholder categories to enable broader participation of members from each of the stakeholder groups (although focus groups can also include members from other stakeholder categories).  The consultant first will facilitate the development of the Implementation Guidance for each of the 3 categories by reviewing guidance and requirements from other initiatives, such as the Accountability Framework, as well as certification schemes such as RSPO, FSC, PEFC, Cocoa Forests Initiative, and others to prepare draft guidance.  The consultant will gather input from the WG1 Co-chairs and the GPSNR Secretariat on the draft, and will then facilitate various rounds of discussion with the focus groups to finalize the guidance for each stakeholder category.   All comments will be recorded in a spreadsheet and the decision-making process for incorporating or rejecting comments will be clearly documented.  The Implementation Guidance will include a corresponding Action Plan template for companies to submit to GPSNR on an annual basis to indicate which activities they intend to focus on in the coming year.

Once the focus groups have agreed on the language for the Implementation Guidance and the Action Plan template, they will be submitted to the broader WG for approval.   Meanwhile, the Consultant will develop the Reporting Requirements for each stakeholder category.  The Reporting Requirements will build off of the BRRs and will align with the Implementation Guidance.  The consultant will also review other reporting schemes that members report into, such as ZSL Spott, Global Reporting Initiatives, CDP Forests, and Ecovadis to identify where GPSNR requirements are similar and to align wherever possible.  The Consultant will work with the appropriate focus groups to further design the Reporting Requirements for each stakeholder category.  Once approved by the focus groups, the Reporting Requirements will go to the broader WG1 for approval, and then on to the EC.

Submission Guidelines & Requirements

The following submission guidelines & requirements apply to this Request for Proposal:

  1. Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project.
  2. Examples of previous relevant work should be provided as well.
  3. A technical proposal must be provided that is not more than 6 pages. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed solution as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable.
  4. A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 page. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project as well as daily rates and an estimated total number of days.
  5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
  6. Proposals must be received prior to 5th February 2021 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to aidan@gpsnr.org and stefano.savi@gpsnr.org for consideration.
  7. GPSNR anticipates shortlisting at least two individuals or firms with which to have more in-depth discussions, and will make an award to one of these short-listed individuals or firms.
  8. GPSNR reserves the right to amend the scope of this RFP in order to get the most suitable consultant.

RFP & Project Timelines

The Request for Proposal timeline is as follows:

Proposal submitted by consultant to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org   05/02/2021
Selection of Top Bidders /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders  
12/02/2021
Contract Award /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders  
19/02/2021
Work to commence no later than 22/02/2021
Need-date for project completion 22/06/2021

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 35,000 SGD be allocated to this engagement.

Payment terms shall be:
● 20% at the signing of the contract
● 30% at the midpoint date to be agreed upon and memorialized in the contract based on the submitted work plan
● 50% on delivery of the final report

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

  1. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposals
  2. Relevant past performance/experience
  3. Samples of work
  4. Cost, including an assessment of total cost of ownership.
  5. Technical expertise/experience of bidder and the bidder’s staff

GPSNR reserves the right to award to the bidder that presents the best value to GPSNR as determined solely by GPSNR in its absolute discretion.

View and download full RFP here

Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org and aidan@gpsnr.org for consideration

More To Explore

(Closed) Request For Proposal – GPSNR-RFP-A02-024-Pilot Agroforestry Workshops for Smallholders

1. Introduction

The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) is an international multi-stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Members of the platform include tire manufacturers, rubber producers and processors, vehicle makers, NGOs, and smallholder natural rubber producers. 

As of June 2022, GPSNR has 135 smallholder members from 10 countries. Smallholder members on the Platform have consistently advocated for the Platform to implement initiatives on agroforestry and were a catalyst for GPSNR’s commitment on agroforestry announced at COP26 in Glasgow[1].

To advance engagement with smallholders on agroforestry, GPSNR is seeking to hire a consultant to develop coaching materials on rubber agroforestry systems, and to conduct a pilot series of “Introduction to Agroforestry” workshops for smallholders in two to three countries in 2022.

Proposed programmes should be implemented in line with GPSNR environmental and social commitments and values, based on the GPSNR Policy Framework[2].


[1] GPSNR Announcement on Agroforestry: https://t.co/9aXbZeZpeS
[2]GPSNR Policy Framework: https://sustainablenaturalrubber.org/policy-framework/

2. Objectives and Deliverables     

Objectives

  1. To collate and prepare global, country, and region-specific peer-reviewed evidence and best-practice materials on agroforestry for natural rubber systems
    1. Content on environmental, economic feasibility of rubber agroforestry systems
    2. Where feasible, collated material to be disseminated to GPSNR smallholder members and their communities even where workshops are not planned for in 2022 
    3. Materials would be translated by GPSNR under a separate budget
  2. To conduct pilot workshops for GPSNR smallholder members and their communities, including active integration of women, youth, and minority representation, to introduce agroforestry concepts and practices, and provide guidance and answers for the following questions:
    1. What is possible to grow in your region or specific location, and how can this be achieved? Possible considerations include:
      1. Appropriate farm design
      2. Cultivation practices
      3. Cost estimation
    2. What is the market availability, demand, and potential economic/financial model and value chain of recommended crops, or of particular products, in your region?
    3. How can agroforestry investments benefit smallholders economically, environmentally, and socially? 

Deliverables

GPSNR has identified the following countries where materials, and workshops, should be prioritised in 2022:

  1. Cambodia: strong enthusiasm from smallholders, NGOs, and other partners to organise and kickstart agroforestry in the country, where little to none have been implemented at present 
  2. Indonesia: agroforestry possibilities and practices would vary widely across the country’s major rubber-producing regions; there is strong interest from smallholders as well; critical to blend or merge more traditional concepts such as jungle rubber with evidenced-based and structured forms of agroforestry
  3. Thailand: a well-organised and budding agroforestry movement is taking root especially in southern Thailand (termed “sustainable natural rubber” by smallholders and the Rubber Authority of Thailand); workshops could further provide a boost to smallholders in the region and country
  4. Next tier of countries: Cote d’Ivoire, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar 

The consultant may propose other priority countries in their proposal and justify their choice of countries based on metrics of their own construction.

The proposal should include key details such as the following:

  • Methodology of content and curriculum development
  • Proposed teaching or coaching pedagogy and approach for the workshops
  • List of local partners or experts, if any, that could be engaged for the workshops
  • Target number of smallholders in each country

Future Plans

In addition to the pilot series of workshops in 2022 in at least two countries, the consultant should present an outline to consider how the series of pilot “Introduction to Agroforestry Workshops” can be expanded (in terms of countries, content, level of engagement etc.) beyond 2022.

3. TENDER EVALUATION FACTORS

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

  1. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposal
  2. Relevant past performance/experience/accreditation of the bidder on agroforestry and agricultural production
  3. Samples of work (e.g., previous training or coaching programmes in target countries)
  4. Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff
  5. Proposed timeline of operations

GPSNR reserves the right to award to the bidder that presents the best value to GPSNR as determined solely by GPSNR in its absolute discretion.

4. Expected Timelines

The work shall begin by July 2022 and the various phases shall be completed in accordance with the approximate timeline below:

Activity Due Date
RFP publication 3 June 2022
Submission deadline for proposals 1 July 2022
Contract Award 8 July 2022
First Workshops Conducted September 2022
Second Workshops Conducted October 2022
If Proposed: Third Workshops Conducted November 2022
Final Review and Project Conclusion December 2022

Consultants should detail a project timeline with milestones that are approximately in line with the above timeline.

Consultants will also provide fortnightly or monthly progress updates to the GPSNR Capacity Working Group, or on an as-needed basis.

5. Budget

The Platform is anticipating that the total budget of no more than 35,000 EUR be allocated to the project. The approximate expected breakdown for each Stage is as such:

Bidders should outline their expected budget expenditure in the proposal.

Payment terms shall be proposed by the bidder and discussed with GPSNR, in line with each Stage of the project.

6. Evaluation Factors

The proposal should include the following:

  1. A workplan that outlines all key activities in line with the stated Objectives and Deliverables
  2. Timeline and key stages of operations
  3. Budget, including detailed breakdown of expected manpower, logistics, and costs
  4. Description of past work and proof of technical expertise on natural rubber agroforestry systems is highly critical for this RFP
  5. A list of project team members with their roles in the project and associated qualifications

(CLOSED) Request for Proposal – Study on Human Rights and Labour Rights’ risk mapping in the global Natural Rubber value chains

Through a process led by the Strategy and Objectives Working Group the Platform has developed stated goals with a strong focus on developing a framework that supports and sustains responsible supply chain . Important among the information needed to undergo these developments of is a better understanding of the social risks including (but not limiting to) Human Rights and Labour Rights in the Natural Rubber value chains, globally.

Each country has its own governance and social structure which contributes to different social risks from country to country. While these risks are associated to the wider population, there are specific characteristics of social risks that are particularly associated to agricultural production. For the countries where law enforcement is weak, there is a risk that the workers are exposed to poor work conditions without any access to a fair complaint mechanism.

Although the initial focus of this project is on human rights and labour rights (including migrant workers), the consultant is expected to elaborate how human and labour rights are associated to other social risks (i.e. land acquisition, community health, safety and security, etc.) in order to recommend risk mitigation methods to the Strategy and Objectives Working Group.

The consultant is expected to develop generic risk profile at a global level, and specific risk profile at a regional level. The tentative regions for specific risks study are proposed as following:

  • – Production Unit and Rubber Block Processing Unit- Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam), Africa (Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana) and Latin America (Brazil, Guatemala);
  • – Tyre Manufacturing Unit – China, Southeast Asia, Europe and US.

The list of regions above is tentative and can be adjusted upon the discussion between the consultant and the Strategy and Objectives Working Group members. After the risk profiles are developed, the consultant is expected to come up with recommendations for risk mitigation strategies for each region.

The consultant will collect the information via desktop study, interviewing of GPSNR members, research institutes, social NGOs, governmental organizations, etc. A primary list of stakeholders will be provided by the Secretariat together with the Strategy and Objectives Working Group members. A complementary list will be developed by the consultant. Regular contact and updating to the Strategy and Objective Working Group together with the Secretariat will be required. It is estimated that there will be the need for a series of face to face meetings in South East Asia over the course of the project. Travel plans shall be made by the consultant

The following submission guidelines & requirements apply to this Request for Proposal:

  1. Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project.
  2. Examples of previous relevant work should be provided as well.
  3. A technical proposal must be provided that is not more than 4 pages. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed solution as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable.
  4. A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 pages. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project as well as hourly rates and an estimated total number of days.
  5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
  6. Proposals must be received prior to 10th January 2020 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org for consideration.
  7. GPSNR anticipates shortlisting at least two individuals or firms to have more in-depth discussions with, and will make an award to one of these “down-selected” individuals or firms

Download full Request for Proposal here

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