(Closed) Request For Proposal – GPSNR-RFP-A02-021-Comprehensive Disease Fighting Approach

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Deadline for submission has been updated to 8th July 2022

Note: awarding of the contract will be subject to securing of full funding

1. Introduction

The Global Platform for Sustainable Naural Rubber is an international, multi-stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative committed to improving the socioeconomics and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain.  Development of the GPSNR was intiated 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 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 strategy and objectives.

The GPSNR aims to support the natural rubber sector to become more sustainable. Key element in achieving  this is to ensure there is capacity among smallholders and industrial plantations to adopt best practices in NR  production.

GPSNR, through the GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group (Indonesia National Subgroup), is seeking to engage service providers to implement the following aspects of disease fighting for natural rubber trees in Indonesia:

  1. On-site inspection for diseases across multiple regions
  2. Pilot rapid response mechanism for disease fighting
  3. Develop and distribute materials on disease fighting
  4. Coaching smallholders on disease treatment and prevention

Proposed programmes should be implemented in line with GPSNR environmental and social commitments and values, based on the GPSNR Policy Framework1.

1https://sustainablenaturalrubber.org/policy-framework/

2. Objectives and Scope of Work     

There are approximately 2.25M smallholders in Indonesia, representing 83% of national natural rubber production (3.6 M tonnes). Smallholders cultivate less than 2 ha of land with an average yield of slightly below 1 ton/ha, as compared to state and private commercial plantations achieving 1.4 ton/ha and 1.5 ton/ha respectively. 

Diseases are a major threat to rubber trees, with 80 – 90% of farmers experiencing tree diseases in 2019 in West Kalimantan and South Sumatra, and 60% in Jambi. When disease (pink and white root rot) attacks trees, the trees should be cut down, leaving not even the stem in the ground, to minimise infection of other trees. A new rubber leaf fall disease is spreading in Sumatra and Kalimantan. This disease causes leaf fall more than twice a year and reduces annual yield by up to 40%. The treatment for this disease is expensive and is often not implemented by smallholders.

Five provinces contribute 66.5% of national production: South Sumatra, North Sumatra, Jambi, Riau, and West Kalimantan. South Sumatra province is Indonesia’s largest and most productive area. Its natural rubber area is almost 23% of the total national productive area and smallholders’ plantations take up 98.5% of this area. The productivity of smallholders in South Sumatra is the highest among smallholder areas in Indonesia, producing 1.3 ton/ha, and more likely to have received GAP training. In 2019 the government announced a replanting plan for 2019 – 2027, with a focus on South Sumatra (92,600 ha), South Kalimantan (76,550 ha) and Jambi (69,900 ha). However, this plan has no large-scale lending programme associated with it and is to be executed by local governments and has not yet been implemented. Demand for replanting is strongest in Jambi, where 40% of farmers are willing to undertake replanting. Demand is lowest in West Kalimantan, where only 1 farmer out of 79 was contemplating. Most likely the demand in Jambi is due to peak planting being undertaken in 1995 – 2005 and the majority of the trees are approaching their maximum productive age, and Jambi farmers are more aware of the importance of good quality clones and their impact on yield – they also have the highest rate of nursery clone purchase – and have suffered less from disease. 

The GPSNR Policy Framework provides a framework for GPSNR member companies to align their natural rubber purchasing policies on all aspects of sustainability: economic, environmental, and social. Modelled around the Platform’s 12 Principles of Sustainable Natural Rubber, the GPSNR policy framework sets out eight overarching themes that include commitments to legal compliance, community livelihoods, healthy, functioning ecosystems (including no deforestation), and respecting all human rights.

In line with the GPSNR Policy Framework, the GPSNR Secretariat has prepared guidance on the Policy Evaluation Procedure to support members in aligning their corporate policies with the GPSNR Policy Framework.

GPSNR Smallholders Policy Equivalent for Smallholder Members

As of March 2022, GPSNR currently has 112 smallholder members across 10 countries: Brazil, Cambodia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Ivory Coast, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.

While this represents a small percentage of the millions of smallholder producers globally, GPSNR is committed to developing the mechanisms, tools, and processes to support smallholders globally in adopting best practices for natural rubber production in terms of economic, environmental and social outcomes. 

Source:
Financial Assessment of Smallholder Natural Rubber Production in Indonesia. July 2020. USAID Green Invest Asia, HeveaConnect, SNV and Financial Access.2

2https://www.facsglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Final-Rubber-report-2020.pdf

3. Expected Deliverables

GPSNR has outlined four project stages as part of the Comprehensive Disease Fighting Approach.

Note: All available and collated information through this project will compiled, analysed and integrated with existing literature, to further contribute to developing a full inventory of natural rubber disease in Indonesia and globally.

Stage 1: On-site inspection for diseases on a regional basis

Expected length of time:
3-4 months

Objective:
To carry out on-location inspections for presence of diseases in key rubber producing regions in Indonesia

The consultant should put forth recommendations

Key evaluation metrics:

  • Inspections should be carried out by accredited technical experts on rubber diseases in Indonesia

  • The proposal should clearly state intended regions for inspections and justify these selections. A minimum of four major natural rubber producing regions should be presented.
  • Inspections should define and document the following (non-exhaustive) list of key parameters and findings:
    • Regions and locations (GPS-data; statistically randomised sample of locations)
    • Affected area sizes and hectares inspected, as well as a map of healthy locations
    • Map of rubber growing regions; randomly sampled process of disease mapping and areas inspected
    • Number of smallholders affected
    • Photos (high quality) and other visual evidence of diseases
    • In general, all diseases reported by the interviewed farmers should be properly documented (location, phenomena, season of occurrence, photos …). Specific attention should be given to the occurrence/symptoms of the following diseases (Type of diseases, e.g.,):
      • White root disease (e.g., rigidoporus microporus fungus)
      • Leaf disease (Pestalotiopsis)
      • Fusarium
      • Tapping panel dryness (TPD)
      • Colletotrichum
      • Animal / insect / pest issues
      • All other forms of diseases / issues to be documented
      • Screen for emergent threats or new disease developments
    • History of site (e.g., past crop activities)
    • Clone types inspected
    • Interactions, if any, between natural rubber and other crops such as palm oil
    • Other details to be included by the bidder

Expected outputs

Documentation and public sharing

The overall findings of Stage 1 are expected to be documented in a formal report or detailed presentation. This will be shared with GPSNR and made publicly available, and also shared actively within the natural rubber eco-system in Indonesia (and other countries).

  • The inspection team could also be invited to share the results through a GPSNR members-only or public webinar

  • The formal report or detailed presentation is expected to serve as a living document that will be continuously open for updates and further inputs beyond the timeline of this project

Further Stages of this project

The overall findings of Stage 1 will also shape the subsequent Stages of this project, with more details outlined below.

Stage 2: Pilot Rapid Response Mechanism for Disease Fighting

Expected length of time:
To begin development concurrently with Stage 1 (Inspection), and to be in operation within 3-4 months of project starting, until project end (November 2023)

Objective:
To conceptualise and implement a pilot mechanism for smallholders to reach out to disease experts for technical advice on diseases, and to allow rapid response by experts if a situation warrants

Key evaluation metrics:

  • To establish pilot channels (such as call or digital “hotlines”) for smallholders to reach out to disease experts. This could be in any of the following (non-exhaustive) forms:
    • Telephone line
    • Whatsapp group
    • Facebook group
    • Any other possibilities

  • Outline operational and maintenance needs for the communication channel such as the following (non-exhaustive):
    • Manpower costs
    • Digital or infrastructural costs
    • Others
  • Mechanism of immediate follow-up on areas found to be vulnerable to diseases
  • Propose a long-term and sustainable model of the “hotline” mechanism, including overview of the stated costs above
    • Actual operationalising for the longer-term will depend on the effectiveness of the mechanism during the project pilot period

Expected outputs

“Hotline” Mechanism

The “hotline” mechanism, in a form proposed by the bidder, should be in operation within 3-4 months of the project starting, and be evaluated under the following criteria:

  • Uptake and usage by smallholders (to be documented on a regional basis)
  • Operational and maintenance costs
  • Effectiveness in addressing or responding to smallholder queries
  • Effectiveness in identifying vulnerable regions

Stage 3: Develop and Distribute Materials on Disease Fighting

Expected length of time:
To begin development concurrently with Stage 1 (Inspection), and to be ready for distribution to smallholder communities within 3-4 months of project start

Objective:
To develop and distribute disease fighting materials to smallholder communities, including information relating to the Rapid Response “hotline” mechanism to be developed in Stage 2

Key evaluation metrics:

  • Outline proposed content for the materials

  • Outline proposed format of the materials (e.g., video, leaflets, brochures, poster infographics etc.)
  • Outline intended manner of distribution to smallholders and their communities, including specific locations and local partners who could help with distribution (if any)
  • Note: as technical experts on diseases and experts on smallholder interactions in Indonesia, the selected bidder is expected to be in-charge of the content and distribution of the materials
    • GPSNR may separately tender for a graphic designer to work with the bidder to format content into visually effective materials

Expected outputs

  • Materials to be shared in physical or communal venues where smallholders convene on a regular basis

Stage 4: Disease Fighting Coaching

Expected length of time:
To begin after Stage 1 (Inspection) is completed, and to be planned based on the findings of Stage 1 (Inspection) and tailored toward ongoing inputs received through Stage 2 (Rapid Response “hotline”)

Objective:
To conduct on-site training for smallholders on disease treatment and prevention

Key evaluation metrics:

  • Outline coaching plans for the following scenarios, based on the results of Stage 1 (Inspection) and Stage 2 (Rapid Response “hotline”)
    • Scenario A: coaching plan for high evidence of disease outbreak in one or more regions
    • Scenario B: coaching plan for low-to-no evidence of disease outbreak in one or more regions
  • Outline intended number of train-the-trainer sessions depending on Scenarios A and B
  • Outline plan for demonstration plots based on location-specific diseases, or case-studies
  • Outline plan to provide, safeguard, and instruct smallholders on using approved materials, tools (e.g., approved agrichemicals; reference sources to procure such materials) for prevention and treatment purposes
  • Outline number of smallholders to be coached within the given timeframe

Expected outputs

  • Smallholder coaching sessions to be conducted based on the findings of Stage 1 (Inspection) and feedback received in Stage 2 (Rapid Response “hotline”)

Overall Metrics

Submitted proposals should provide justifications and details on the costs, timeline, and rationales for each of the Stages above, with a focus on the following rubber-producing regions:

  1. Northern Sumatra
  2. Southern Sumatra
  3. Central Sumatra
  4. West Kalimantan
  5. East Kalimantan

The GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group (Indonesia National Subgroup) may prioritise funding for specific regions based on relative productivity, coverage of existing coaching services, socio-economic needs, or other considerations.

Service providers are also expected to operate in line with principles and values set forth in the GPSNR Policy Framework3 such as commitment to environmental protection and sustainability, zero deforestation, community engagement and FPIC etc.

The selected service providermay also be expected to work closely with the GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group (Indonesia National Subgroup) to fine-tuned or further augment the clone selection and delivery timelines.

3https://sustainablenaturalrubber.org/policy-framework/

4. Proposal Format and Contents

The proposal should include the following:

  1. A workplan that outlines all key activities of the deliverables (as outlined in 3. Expected Deliverables above)
  2. Timeline and key stages of operations (based on 5. Expected Timeline below)
  3. Budget, including detailed breakdown of expected manpower, logistics, and costs (based on 6. Budget below)
  4. Description of past work and proof of technical expertise on natural rubber disease is highly critical for this RFP
    • Description of disease identification and methodologies
  5. A list of project team members with their roles in the project and associated qualifications

5. Expected Timelines

The work shall begin by July 2022 and the various phases shall be completed in accordance with the approximate timeline below:
RFP publication25 May 2022
Submission deadline for proposals8 July 2022
Contract AwardJuly 2022
First Full ReviewNovember 2022
Second Full ReviewFebruary 2023
Third Full ReviewMay 2023
Fourth ReviewAugust 2023
Final Review and Project ConclusionNovember
2023

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.

6. Budget

The Platform is anticipating that the total budget of no more than 220,000 EUR be allocated to the Four Stages of the project. The approximate expected breakdown for each Stage is as such:

  • Stage 1 and 2: 120,000 EUR
  • Stage 3: 50,000 EUR (sum inclusive of graphic designing of visuals for smallholder communities)
  • Stage 4: 50,000 EUR

Bidders should propose budget allocations for each Stage as they deem suitable.

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

7. 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

  3. Samples of work (e.g., previous training or coaching programmes in Indonesia)

  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.

View RFP Document here

More To Explore

(CLOSED) Request for Proposal GPSNR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (GPSNR-RFP-A02-013)

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).  A process is currently underway to develop Implementation Guidance for companies to deliver on their commitments as outlined in the Policy Framework.  Reporting Requirements (RRs) are also to be developed as part of the GPSNR assurance model (currently in draft form).  The RRs 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:  1) natural rubber producers, processors and traders (this stakeholder category will develop RRs for growers, traders of raw materials, processors, traders of processed material) 2) tire makers and other natural rubber product manufacturers; and 3) auto makers and other end users. 

GPSNR seeks a fixed-term consultancy to facilitate the development of the RRs per the stakeholder category.  In 2020, WG1 drafted Baseline Reporting Requirements (BRRs) that were intended to offer a framework for companies to evaluate where they were on their sustainability journey.   Following on feedback from the Executive Committee (EC) in early 2021, the WG decided that the BRRs, with specific modifications, could be converted to become the first year RRs.  A necessary next step is to align the BRRs with other global reporting schemes that members report into, such as ZSL Spott, Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), CDP Forests, and Ecovadis.  The consultant will identify where GPSNR requirements are similar and will align wherever possible.  The Consultant will also specify the connection between specific reporting metrics and specific components of the policy framework.  The Consultant will work with the appropriate focus groups to further incorporate member feedback into the design of the RRs for each stakeholder category.  The consultant will also coordinate with the consultant(s) hired to facilitate the development of the Implementation Guidance to ensure alignment among the Implementation Guidance and RRs.

Once the focus groups approve the RRs, they will go to the broader WG1 for approval, then on to the EC for review/approval, and the General Assembly will vote to adopt the RRs in September 2021.

The Engagement

The Consultant is to develop draft RRs based on the Policy Framework, GPSNR BRRs and Implementation Guidance and through the review of existing reporting schemes (e.g., ZSL Spott, CDP Forests, GRI, Ecovadis) in an effort to seek alignment.

The Consultant will facilitate engagement with specific focus groups and the broader WG1 to further develop the RRs for the following categories:

  • Growers
  • Traders of raw material
  • Processors
  • Traders of processed material
  • Tire makers and other rubber product manufacturers, and
  • Car makers and other end users.

Terms

  • The engagement shall begin 22 March 2021 and the deliverables shall be delivered in their final form no later than 15 June 2021
    • Interim dates for draft submission and review shall be developed and mutually agreed upon with the Secretariat and WG1 Co-chairs at the time of the engagement.

  • The Consultant shall review relevant GPSNR documents (e.g, Policy Framework, draft assurance model design, BRRs, etc.) and conduct a series of interviews with members and other stakeholders to fill any information gaps and to develop a strong understanding of the priorities and needs of the Natural Rubber Industry and Supply Chain members.  This shall, of course, include examination of the opinions and realities of the smallholder growers as well as larger entities.

  • The consultant should have deep understanding and documented experience in:
    • Understanding of sustainability reporting initiatives, particularly those for other deforestation-risk commodities
    • Understanding of the natural rubber industry or other similar forest commodities
    • Understanding of multi-stakeholder initiatives for sustainability
    • Understanding of antitrust regulations and its relevance vis a vis multi stakeholder initiatives
    • Group facilitation/consultation processes

Tasks

  • Review GPSNR Policy Framework, Baseline Reporting Requirements and key sustainability reporting schemes to inform development of Reporting Requirements for each of the six stakeholder categories.
  • Facilitate consultation processes with relevant stakeholder focus groups to further flesh out Reporting Requirements.
  • Regular contact and updating of both the broader Working Group and its Co-chairs and the Secretariat will be required.

Necessary Competencies

GPSNR will award a contract to a consultant based on:

  1. The applicant’s level of experience and proven depth of knowledge on relevant sustainability frameworks/reporting schemes
  2. Value for money
  3. The Secretariat’s and Working Group Co-chairs’ assessment of the viability of the consultant’s ability to complete the deliverables to a high standard.

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 3 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 12 March 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. Applicants can obtain a copy of the BRRs by sending a request to aidan@gpsnr.org
  9. 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 GPSNR   12/03/2021
Selection of Top Bidders /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders  		 19/03/2021
Contract Award /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders  		 22/03/2021
Work to commence no later than 29/03/2021
Need-date for project completion 15/06/2021

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 10,000 Singapore Dollars (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 and / or any samples of past work
  3. Cost, including an assessment of total cost of ownership.
  4. 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.

GPSNR REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (GPSNR-RFP-A02-013)Download

GPSNR Staff February 26, 2021

Request For Proposal – GPSNR-RFP-A02-025-Review and support the development of a risk analysis document and to assess and define appropriate risk thresholds for the GPSNR use case (In a natural rubber supply chain context)

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. Members of the platform include rubber products manufacturers, natural rubber suppliers and processors, end users and NGOs. 

Through a process led by the Strategy and Objectives Working Group (Risk Subgroup), a risk analysis document has been developed for members to identify and manage risk. In its current iteration, the document contains identified social and environmental risks reflected in the GPSNR Policy Framework, information that is required to assess the tools, characteristics of high/low risk rubber production regions and potential mitigation measures. 

GPSNR is seeking a consultant to review and revise the risk analysis document and to work with the Risk Subgroup to suggest a guidance framework for members to identify risk thresholds with suggested mitigation measures. Members need to be able to invest in making rubber supplies sustainable and to make sourcing and engagement decisions based on preliminary risk assessments. Given members’ general lack of knowledge about the details of their supplies, risk assessments in many cases would have to be done at increasing levels of resolution, starting at country level, moving to districts, and finally to the actual plantation and farm level.

Objectives     

  1. Review and further complete the sourcing risks document (see below ‘Scope of Work’)
  2. Propose a methodology aiming to assess risks at different levels (country, district, and plantation/farm level), and the tools that
    1) are currently available to do so, or that
    2) would need to be developed, and where possible, an indication of the costs
  3. Suggest the risk thresholds at country, district, and plantation/farm level at which risks have a reasonable chance to be successfully mitigated through active interventions by members or GPSNR in general. 
  4. Suggest potential risk mitigation actions at the country, district, and plantation/farm level and provide a list of recommended existing tools (if any) to mitigate potential risks
  5. Suggest the risk thresholds at country, district, and plantation/farm level at which sourcing should not be considered (i.e., when risk mitigation cannot be implemented).
  6. Align the recommendations with the Accountability Framework Initiative (in particular, the Supply Chain Management guidance),  and link to source documents utilised
    -The review of tools, datasets and frameworks for risk assessment and mitigation is not limited to existing tools applied for the rubber industry,  the consultant can and is encouraged to draw on the experience of other commodities (palm oil / cocoa) if applicable.

  1. Work closely with the members of GPSNR’s Risk Task Force to guide the above analysis.
  2. Suggest members of other tropical commodities platforms who focus on risk assessment and mitigation and whom GPSNR’s Risk Task Force may consider contacting.

Scope of Work

For each of the five GPSNR Policy Framework components listed below, the consultant is expected to recommend methods for risk assessment and risk mitigation and the tools and baseline databases available to conduct them. 

Detailed guidance is provided in GPSNR’s Risk Analysis Working Document (available to bidding consultants upon request to the stefano.savi@gpsnr.org). 

The consultant should reference and build on the following work

The consultant is to populate each of the listed components of the GPSNR Policy Framework detailed in the Risk Analysis Working Document. The policy subsets were developed based the following list of required information and the consultant is encouraged to use the list when doing so: 

  1. Risks most likely to be encountered
  2. Risk assessment methods at country level
  3. Risk assessment methods at district level
  4. Risk assessment methods at plantation/farm level
  5. Risk level before mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at country level 
  6. Risk level before mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at district level
  7. Risk level before mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at plantation/farm level
  8. Risk mitigation methods at country level
  9. Risk mitigation methods at district level
  10. Risk mitigation methods at plantation/farm level
  11. Risk level after mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at country level 
  12. Risk level after mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at district level
  13. Risk level after mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at plantation/farm level

The consultant is to focus on this subset of GPSNR Policy Framework components. Detailed guidance for each component (i.e., gaps identified by the Risk Subgroup members) have been provided (See ‘Annex’). 

  1. Deforestation (see GPSNR Policy Framework component 2.1.2):

Background: Most natural rubber is produced by smallholders operating plantations in multiple use mosaic landscapes.

Task: Identify methods to assess the risk that current operations or future expansion of some of these plantations harm HCV/HCS, suggest potential approaches to mitigate that risk, and suggest quantitative thresholds when risk is high enough to conduct mitigation activities, and when buyers should refrain from sourcing because mitigation has failed. Consider the applicability of available maps for use in natural rubber supply chains, taking into account its specificities. (See ‘Annex A: Deforestation for details) 

  1. Supporting long term protection of natural forests, restoration of degraded rubber landscapes (see GPSNR Policy Framework component 2.2):

Task: In a rubber smallholder context, the consultant is expected to suggest ways how the downstream supply chain can help to protect remaining HCV/HCS areas and other natural ecosystems and help restore at least those crucial to re-establish connectivity between remaining blocks. (See ‘Annex B: Supporting long term protection of natural forests, restoration of degraded rubber landscape’ for details)

  1. Fire use + Land Prep, Fire use + Land Management (see GPSNR Policy Framework component 2.3)

Task: Assess and refine current characteristics of High/Low risk at a country or region level depending on available information and standards. The consultant is advised to focus on defining and quantifying thresholds for the density of alerts to characterize areas of high and low risk. An example could be X instances of fire reported in a specified area over a year would be considered a high-risk area. 

  1. Labour (see GPSNR Policy Framework Components 3.6)

Task: Identify methods to assess the risk of poor labour practices (e.g., poor working conditions and health and safety risks, child labour/forced labour) or practices and suggest potential approaches to mitigate that risk, and suggest quantitative thresholds when risk is high enough to conduct mitigation activities, and when buyers should refrain from sourcing because mitigation has failed. (See ‘Annex C: Labour’ for details)

A suggested focus on but non-exhaustive list:

Health and Safety
Working conditions (hours worked, rest days)
Child labour/Forced labour

  1. Human Rights (see GPSNR Policy Framework component 3.6)

Task: Identify methods to assess the risk of human rights infringement (e.g., low income/wages, IPLC rights), suggest potential approaches to mitigate that risk, and suggest quantitative thresholds when risk is high enough to conduct mitigation activities, and when buyers should refrain from sourcing because mitigation has failed. (See ‘Annex D: Human Rights’ for details)

A suggested focus on but non-exhaustive list:
Income (farm owners) and wages (farm workers)
IPLC Rights with appropriate context for Natural Rubber supply chain

Expected Deliverables

GPSNR expects the consultant to:

  1. Complete and finalize the risks assessment drafted in order to define a comprehensive set of questions to assess and mitigate risks based on the:
    1. Objectives listed above, (including the reviewing of tools in Objective 4, see ‘Objectives’) 
    2. Tasks for each policy component listed in the Scope of Work and their detailed guidance in the Annex
  2. Consultant to pitch their findings, recommendations and opinion on our risk assessment and approach.

Proposal Format and Contents

The proposal should include the following:

  1. A workplan that outlines all key activities of the deliverables (as outlined in Expected Deliverables above)
  2. Timeline and key stages of operations (based on Expected Timeline below)
  3. Budget, including detailed breakdown of expected manpower, logistics, and costs (based on Budget below)
  4. Description of past work and technical expertise that is relevant to this RFP
  5. A list of project team members with their roles in the project and associated qualifications

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 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 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 the 7th of October 2022 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org for consideration. 
  7. GPSNR reserves the right to amend the scope and budget of this RFP in order to get the most suitable consultant for each topic. 

Project Timelines

RFP Publication

Note: Consultants should email cheryl@gpsnr.org to share any indicative or prospective interest to submit a proposal. This would allow GPSNR to share updates to the tender (where any) directly with the consultant. 

 26 August 2022
Proposals submitted by consultant to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org 7 October 2022
Selection of Top Bidders / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders 27 October 2022
Contract Award / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders 28 October 2022
Phase I – Review 1 of Deliverable 1: Complete and finalize the risks assessment drafted in order to define a comprehensive set of questions to assess and mitigate risks. November 2022 
Phase 2 – Review 2 (if needed)/Completion of Deliverable 1: Complete and finalize the risks assessment drafted in order to define a comprehensive set of questions to assess and mitigate risks. December 2022
Phase 3 – Completion of Deliverable 2: Consultant to pitch its findings, recommendations and opinion on our risks assessment and approach December 2022
Presentation to and discussion with GPSNR Executive Committee for feedback (via digital meeting) December 2022
Phase 4 – Delivery of Deliverable 1 and 2 to GPSNR Jan 2023

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than €25,000 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

The allocation of the payment shall be based on the net amount after travel expenses, if deemed necessary by both the consultant and Secretariat, are incurred, and documented.

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors, with cost being the most important factor:

  1. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposal
  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 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.

Annex

Annex A: Deforestation

Gaps that the group has identified in the Risk Analysis Working Document:

  • Is it possible, and if so how, to assess this risk at a coarse grain country or province / district level, or does such an assessment have to be done at the landscape / plantation level?  
    -Which tools (e.g., publicly or commercially available HCV/HCS maps exist for which rubber growing areas? 
    -How do these existing maps need to be queried and what answers can they provide to members?  
    -Should existing tools not be sufficient, what tools would need to be developed to assess risk at a satisfactory level, sufficient to protect HCVs and HCS forests?  

  • What is the likelihood of existing, known smallholders to expand into HCV/HCS?  
    -Is there a link to the distance between current plantations and blocks of HCV/HCS?  
    -Is there a link between the occurrence of fire hotspots, rubber plantations and blocks of HCV/HCS? 
    -If there is, what intensity of fire hotspots can indicate what levels of risk to HCV/HCS? 
    -What level of detail do maps have to have to identify such a link with reasonable accuracy? 
    -What is the likelihood of previously unknown smallholders to open forest for new plantations? 
    -What are the early warning signs for either? How can they be detected, analysed, and applied? 
    -At what time will it be necessary to conduct detailed plantation level surveys?  

  • At what risk threshold should downstream buyers engage in on-site surveys and risk mitigation activities? 
    -Can such threshold be quantified or at least categorized into no/low versus high risk, and if so, how? 
    -What tools exist for such on-site activities and who can apply them?  
    -How can the impact of such risk mitigation activities be evaluated?  
    -At what threshold should buyers refrain from buying supplies from the assessed area? 

For more details, please click this link

Annex B: Supporting long term protection of natural forests, restoration of degraded rubber landscapes 

Gaps that the group has identified in the Risk Analysis Working Document:

  • How to assess the capability of local government to exercise effective protection of legal protected areas (e.g., based on trajectory of forest loss in surrounding protected areas or based on gov budgets)? 
  • How to assess the presence of effective landscape or jurisdictional initiatives in the area? 
  • How can the remaining natural forests be protected and how can the restored blocks of degraded rubber landscapes be mapped and prioritized?  
  • How can smallholders be integrated in this process?  
  • How can the commercial supply chain join local private and government efforts?  
  • How can supply chain members best join hands to financially and/or practically support them? 

Annex C: Labour

Gaps that the group has identified in the Risk Analysis Working Document:

  • Is it possible, and if so how, to assess this risk at a province / district level (coarser than farm level)? 
    -Which tools (e.g., publicly, or commercially available) exist to assess these socio-economic data? 
    -How do these solutions query and (if possible) summarize data at a coarse-grained level and what answers can they provide to members?  

  • At what risk threshold should downstream buyers engage in on-site surveys and risk mitigation activities?  
    -Can such threshold be quantified or at least categorized into no/low versus high risk, and if so, how?
    -What tools exist for such on-site activities and who can apply them?  
    -How can the impact such risk mitigation activities be evaluated?  
    -At what threshold should buyers refrain from buying supplies from the assessed area?   

Annex D: Human Rights

Gaps that the group has identified in the Risk Analysis Working Document:

  • Is it possible, and if so how, to assess this risk at a province / district level (coarser than farm level)? 
    -Which tools (e.g., publicly, or commercially available) exist to assess these socio-economic data?  
    -How do these solutions query and (if possible) summarize data at a coarse-grained level and what answers can they provide to members

  • At what risk threshold should downstream buyers engage in on-site surveys and risk mitigation activities?  
    -Can such threshold be quantified or at least categorized into no/low versus high risk, and if so, how?  
    -What tools exist for such on-site activities and who can apply them?  
    -How can the impact such risk mitigation activities be evaluated?  
    -At what threshold should buyers refrain from buying supplies from the assessed area?  

View RFP Document here

GPSNR Secretariat August 26, 2022

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