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 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.

In 2023, the GPSNR’s Risk assessment subgroup commissioned Assurance Services International (ASI) to create a risk tool that would allow GPSNR to classify risk across different geographies and scales. ASI has completed the tool and it is available at this link (not for wider distribution, only provided as a reference for this RFP). The role of this consultancy will be to fill in this tool using the most relevant and up-to-date information.

The risks that are assessed by the tool are Child Labour, Forced Labour, Freedom of Association, Health and Safety, Working Hours, Wages, Land and Community Rights, Deforestation, HCV, Fire, and Peat. The tool also includes the different risk criteria to be assessed and sources of information.

The Engagement

The GPSNR Secretariat is seeking a consultant to utilize the risk tool and complete risk assessments for 20 countries across all 11 risks. The consultant will be expected to complete the tool template at the country level for each of the 20 countries. Assessments at the regional or farm level are not required. The risk assessment scope should be limited to the natural rubber supply chain. The consultant is not required to propose mitigation measures for this exercise and risks should be assessed as-is (without factoring in any mitigating actions).

The consultant should list any additional sources of evidence and also include justification for each risk’s classification. The consultant should reference existing studies where possible and is strongly encouraged to consider previously commissioned GPSNR studies (such as the Environmental Risk Study and Social Risk Study both of which provide risk information pertaining to the Natural Rubber Supply Chain).

We require risk assessments to be conducted for:

1. Brazil
2. Cambodia
3. Cameroon
4. China
5. Colombia
6. Ghana
7. Guinea
8. Guatemala
9. India
10. Indonesia
11. Ivory Coast
12. Liberia
13. Malaysia
14. Mexico
15. Myanmar
16. Nigeria
17. Philippines
18. Sri Lanka
19. Thailand
20. Vietnam

While this is intended to be a desk-based exercise, consultants who are able to consider the perspectives of indigenous peoples and local communities will be looked upon favourably for this tender.

Consultants may propose focusing on a subset of countries from this list for risk assessment. In this scenario, consultants should specify which countries they would be covering. 

After the first drafts are available, the platform will conduct a 30-day consultation with members. This consultation with members will be facilitated by the Secretariat. Consultants should factor in the need to review and respond to members feedback after the consultation period and provide the Secretariat with a complete list of feedback, together with the consultant’s response to each piece of feedback received.  At the same time, the consultants should also review the first draft based on the feedback review.

The second version of risk assessment will be considered final, and acceptance of this version will mark the conclusion of this engagement.

Proposal Format and Contents

The proposal should include the following:

1. Workplan that outlines a timeline and key stages of work, with a focus on the amount of time needed for the initial drafting phase and for the review of and response to members’ feedback. Consultants should ensure that there is sufficient time allocated for reviewing and responding to feedback.
2. Budget with a breakdown of costs
3. Description of past work and technical expertise that is relevant to this RFP
4. List of project team members with their roles in the project and associated qualifications and expertise.
5. (If applicable) A list of IPLC groups that the consultant is familiar with and would engage for this project if selected.

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 and may include a breakdown of costs if consultants consider it relevant.
5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
6. Proposals must be received prior to the 9th of May to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to aidan@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.
8. Bidders must ensure that all external personnel involved in preparing and executing this proposal are under exclusive agreements specific to this RFP. These agreements must obligate the external personnel to exclusively dedicate their services to the bidder’s proposal, prohibiting their engagement in any other proposals for the same RFP. This measure is to maintain the integrity of the bidding process and prevent conflicts of interest.
9. Award of this project is subject to confirmation of financing from GPSNR members.

Project Timelines

Budget

The Platform invites consultants to submit a competitive price proposal, the proposed budget will be factored into selection of the consultant.

Payment terms shall be:

• 20% at the signing of the contract
• 30% at the delivery and acceptance by the Secretariat of the first risk assessment
• 50% on delivery and acceptance by the Secretariat of the finalized risk assessment and compiled responses to members’ feedback.

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors, in no particular order:

1. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposal
2. Relevant experience with risk assessment, including samples of work
3. Relevant experience with the natural rubber supply chain including the countries relevant to this RFP
4. Cost
5. Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff
6. The proposed timeline of work completion

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.

Note: The award of this contract will only be considered complete upon securing full funding and completion of the contract signing.

View RFP Document here

Background

At GPSNR, we bring together companies, smallholders, academia and civil society to transform the natural rubber supply chain into a sustainable, equitable and fair one.

Even though it was launched just in 2018, more than 50% of the world’s natural rubber demand already finds membership in GPSNR. This is only a small reflection of the amount of work that has taken place over the last five years.

Scope

We are seeking a web design consultancy to design, code and publish a webpage style annual report for 2023, which can be easily downloaded as a PDF version. The content for the webpage will be provided by the GPSNR secretariat.

Core tasks

Working closely with the GPSNR secretariat, the consultant will:

• Create and finalise three web-page mockup (wireframes, prototypes, and corresponding user interface components like templates, stylesheets, scripts, images, etc) for the team to choose from.
• Once the mock up has been chosen by the team, the consultant will include four rounds of feedback from the GPSNR secretariat and key stakeholders in the development of the final page.
• Integrate components in the CMS to allow review and testing, and make corresponding adjustments based on feedback received.
• Liaise with GPSNR’s Communications Manager to ensure that the mockups are feasible for the GPSNR website.

Terms

• The engagement will take place for a period of four weeks from 11 December to 8 January. Interim dates for wireframes and approvals will be mutually agreed upon after confirmation.

Necessary Competencies:

• Solid understanding of the concepts of user experience, user interface design principles and conceptual design.
• Expert knowledge in Wordpress CMS and Elementor.
• Knowledge of Bootstrap, jQuery and AngularJS, HTML, and Elementor Shortcodes.
• Knowledge of industry-standard design tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Dreamweaver.
• Knowledge of Wordpress Content Management System, particularly with respect to page template design, will be considered an asset.
• Eye for design and attention to detail are essential.

Submission Guidelines:

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

• Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project.
• Submissions must include 1) a portfolio of previous work 2) a paragraph describing how the consultant would approach such a project 3) a financial proposal with a breakdown of how much each competent of the work would cost.
• Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit to the bidder’s company.
• Proposals must be received by 1 December 2023 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to bani.bains@gpsnr.org for consideration.
• To receive a copy of the draft content, applicants can email bani.bains@gpsnr.org

RFP and Project Timelines

Budget

The Platform is anticipating a total budget of up to 4000 Singapore Dollars (SGD) be allocated to this engagement.

Payment terms shall be:

• 20% at the signing of the contract
• 30% upon midpoint as mutually agreed
• 50% at the completion of the project

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

• Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposals
• Relevant past performance / experience and / or any samples of past work
• Cost, including an assessment of total cost of ownership
• 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.

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 GPSNR was initiated by the CEOs of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project (TIP) in 2019. 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 define GPSNR strategy and objectives.

In 2021, GPSNR’s Capacity Building Working Group has identified that a digital knowledge sharing platform (KSP) is crucial to GPSNR’s future operations.  The GPSNR Secretariat and the GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group, through the GPSNR Knowledge Sharing Platform Task Force, are jointly overseeing the development and eventual operations and maintenance of a digital GPSNR Knowledge Sharing Platform called Rubber Wiki. 

Rubber Wiki will serve as a centralized digital hub, enabling smallholder rubber producers worldwide to access to technical information on relevant global news, latest sustainability best practices and Good Agricultural Practices, daily natural rubber prices, weather forecast and recommended activities, communication features and others. It will also facilitate peer-to-peer exchange of best practices, working conditions, and experiences, fostering coordination and collaboration within the global natural rubber production community.

GPSNR successfully completed the initial phase of the project, which involved conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing digital tools and evaluating the digital capabilities and needs of smallholder rubber producers. Currently, GPSNR is in the midst of the second phase, focusing on the development of multi-lingual mobile application features for the KSP. The second phase is expected to be completed in mid-December 2023.

To fully realize the Rubber Wiki’s potential, GPSNR is now seeking proposals to strengthen the critical third phase, which centers on content development for Rubber Wiki. 

This is a crucial phase as it will enable the KSP to achieve its core objectives by facilitating effective knowledge exchange and collaboration among smallholder rubber producers worldwide. Through the development of high-quality and tailored content, GPSNR aims to address the specific challenges and requirements faced by smallholders. 

To ensure the content’s relevance and effectiveness, interested bidders should undertake comprehensive adaptations for the contents that take into consideration of both the global nature of the industry and the unique contexts of smallholder rubber producers in different regions. 

Objectives

1.        Inventory & Develop Materials/Modules
Conduct a comprehensive inventory of content related to GAP, disease fighting, agroforestry, tapping qualities, etc., addressing smallholders’ challenges. Ensure that this content aligns with GPSNR’s values and guidelines. Incorporate resources from members/partners and develop new content if there’s no suitable materials available (subject to discussion and approval by the KSP Task Force) to cater to specific and diverse needs of smallholders.

2.      Consistency & Adaptability
To ensure all materials/modules are consistent and adaptable across regions. Bridge regional requirements through research and suitable content, style, and languages for effective knowledge sharing.

3.      Ownership & Compliance
Secure rightful ownership of acquired/developed content, duly registered with GPSNR. Address copyright/licensing concerns for content protection.

4.     Integration & User-Friendly
Evaluate materials/modules for seamless integration into the KSP platform. Implement adaptations (formatting, language localization, and technical optimization) for easy access and navigation.

5.      Functional Implementation
Ensure operational efficiency and functionality of the KSP platform, encouraging active user engagement in knowledge sharing.

Activities Required

The proposed studies/activities required for Phase 3 – Content Development for the KSP are as follows:

1.        Identify, Adapt and Develop Materials/Modules

–         Conduct a comprehensive inventory of existing materials/modules related to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), disease fighting, agroforestry, tapping qualities, and other relevant topics specifically tailored for smallholder natural rubber producers. The determination of relevant topics will involve discussions with the KSP Task Force to ensure alignment with the specific needs and challenges faced by smallholders in the natural rubber production sector.

–         Identify and collaborate with members or partner organizations to access relevant content resources and incorporate them into the KSP.

–         Conduct research and develop new content materials/modules to fill identified gaps and cater to the specific challenges faced by smallholders in different regions.

–         Evaluate the identified content materials/modules for consistency across different regions to ensure alignment with local regulations, best practices, and specific challenges faced by smallholder rubber producers in each respective region.

–         Implement strategies to ensure that content is consistent and adaptable to the local context.

–         Determine and incorporate the necessary adaptations, such as adapting the materials’ content to comply with local requirements, formatting, language localization, and more.

2.      Testing & Adjustment / Quality Control
Conducting acceptance testing and review of the modules/materials to ensure accuracy, reliability, and adherence to industry best practices. This includes verifying information, checking for inconsistencies or errors and engaging subject matter experts for peer review. Necessary adjustments should be made based on feedback and evaluation to ensure high-quality and user-friendly content.

3.      Ownership Rights and Copyright Compliance

–         Ensure all content materials/modules acquired or developed are rightfully obtained, and their ownership is registered with GPSNR.

–         Address any copyright or licensing concerns to secure the intellectual property rights of the content.

4.     Integration and Implementation

–         Evaluate and adapt the identified content materials for seamless integration into the KSP platform.

–         Implement, test, and make necessary adaptations, such as formatting, language localization, and technical optimization, to ensure easy user access to the developed contents.

5.      Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
Monitor platform usage, evaluate its effectiveness, and continuously update and enhance the platform based on feedback and evaluation.

6.      Progress reporting
Provide a brief summary of the activities undertaken during the reporting period. 

The proposed durations for each activities stated above are:

Expected Deliverables

1. Identify, Adapt and Develop Materials/Modules

a.      Development of a minimum of 50 materials/modules covering:

                                                              i.      Proposed topics of Materials/Modules:

1)       Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)

2)     Disease Fighting

3)     Agroforestry

4)    Tapping Qualities

5)     Improving yields through approved rubber clones

6)     Others relevant topics addressing specific challenges faced by smallholders (subject to discussion and approval by the KSP Task Force)

                                                            ii.      Regional Coverage: Indonesia, Thailand, Côte d’Ivoire, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Liberia, India, Brazil, Ghana

                                                          iii.      Languages:  Bahasa Indonesia, English, Thai, French, Khmer, Bahasa Malaysia, Vietnam, Sinhalese, Burmese, Spanish, Portuguese, Tamil

                                                          iv.      Format: text-based materials, audio-visual contents (such as movies, videos, animations, cartoons, infographics) and other suitable formats.

1. 2. Creation of a guidance document for users and a content inventory system for content managers, providing detailed information on modules/materials and relevant content resources. 

2. Testing & Adjustment / Quality Control
   1. Submission of a quality control report on the developed modules/materials, inclusive of language localization and formatting testing to ensure adaptability for different regions.
   2. Implement feedback mechanisms allowing users to provide input on the content’s usefulness and effectiveness.

3. Ownership Rights and Copyright Compliance

●       Provide copyright/licensing documents demonstrating the rightful acquisition or development of materials/modules and registration of intellectual property rights with GPSNR.

4. Integration and Implementation

●       Demonstration of the complete integration and implementation of developed modules/materials into the KSP, ensuring accessibility and usability within the platform.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement

●       Collection and submit report on of data on user interactions, time spent on modules, user feedback, and other relevant usage statistics, along with lessons learned or findings. 

6. Progress Reporting

●       Submission of a mid-term report containing project summary, key milestones, module/materials development summary, quality control details, intellectual property rights information, challenges and recommendations.

●       The final report and presentation will document the project’s process and outcomes, providing a roadmap for future Knowledge Sharing Platform enhancements.

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. Examples of previous relevant work should be provided, as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. We welcome joint-organizations to submit proposals for this RFP.
2. A detailed technical proposal must be provided. The technical proposal should include, but is not limited to, the following:

●       A workplan that outlines proposed methodology to carry out all key activities stated above. Interested bidders are welcome to propose additional activities that are deemed important in ensuring successful executive of this project.

●       Key outputs align with the expected deliverables stated above.

●       Timeline and key operational stages.

●       Price proposal (budget), detailing an overall fixed price and a breakdown of expected costs for manpower, logistics, and other project-related expenses.

●       Description of past work and technical expertise that is relevant to this RFP.

●       A list of project team members with their roles in the project and associated qualifications.

3. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorised to commit the bidder’s company.
4. Proposals must be received prior to the 24^th November 2023 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to cheewei@gpsnr.org for consideration.
5. 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

The above timeline is open to further adjustments based on discussions with the interested bidder(s) and GPSNR’s ongoing key milestones.

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 80,000 EUR be allocated to this RFP.

The proposed payment terms are as follows:

●       20% at the signing of the contract

●       30% at the Mid-term Review (the date will be agreed upon and documented in the contract)

●       50% on Final Review

These payment terms are subject to further adjustments based on discussions with the interested bidder(s) and the project timeline. 

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.     Proposed price/budget

5.      Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff

6.      Proposed timeline

When evaluating bids, GPSNR may request for more information as part of a full due diligence to understand bidders’ technical and commercial background, assess potential conflicts of interests and independence vis-à-vis natural rubber smallholders and the wider agricultural sector, and level of competence for the project.

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

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 (PPTs), end users, smallholders, and civil society organisations. 

The Manufacturer’s Subgroup (SG) consists of GPSNR members who are rubber product manufacturers only.  Traditionally tracing each companies supply chain takes on an individualistic approach due to the sensitive nature of the data. However, to expedite the enhancement of traceability in view of EUDR, the SG has decided on a collaborative approach by developing a Central Repository. 

The Central Repository functions as a database for storing polygons and supply chain information contributed by individual members. It will also link the smallholders, PPTs and manufacturers on a single platform while reducing duplicated mapping efforts between different manufacturers. The Repository should allow for easy extraction of information for GPSNR’s Due Diligence System and be integrated with the EU information system. Moreover, the repository should either integrate different Risk, Traceability and Deforestation mapping tools or have the data formatted in a way that allows for seamless input into the tools. 

In addition, considering the sensitive nature of individual companies’ supply chain information, the platform must implement various layers of access control. This will ensure that each manufacturer can only access information pertaining to their own supply chain. Furthermore, the repository should have distinct tiers of users, including end users, manufacturers, PPTs, and smallholders, with each tier granted access privileges relevant to their role.

Objectives and Scope of Work/ Deliverables
GPSNR expects the consultant to deliver the following:

1. Craft a database that stores polygon and supply chain information to the plantation level and allows for the upload of geo-mapping information. 
   1. The database should also have an online dashboard view of mapped / Mapping-in-progress farmlands, contract/seller invoice information – outstanding and shipped)

2. The Central Repository should allow data to flow to and from or store data in a way that is compatible for the uses below:
   1. Traceability tool providers (Eg – Koltiva, TRST01, Harmuni (Agridence etc))
   2. Deforestation mapping tools (Eg – LiveEO, Satelligence, Starling etc)
   3. Risk assessment systems/tools (Eg – ASI Tool or Others as available etc)

3. Create levels of access authorizations for different accounts within the platform – 
   1. User accounts for uploading geo mapped data
   2. Access to viewing the geo-mapped data linked to user accounts for the PPTs and Manufacturers
      1. Users should only have access to information from within their own supply chains or information that they input to the repository
      2. Users should be able to form links across different tiers. For example, users should be able to form links between smallholders and PPTs, PPTs and manufacturers. 
      3. When there are several members which require access to geo mapped data from one user, the platform should have the ability to extend access authorization to multiple users.
   3. Extracting information from Due Diligence Systems and integrating it with the EU Information System (this should be limited to manufacturers only)

4. The platform should be compliant with applicable data privacy norms and regulations which include but are not limited to the GDPR and PDPA.

5. A fee structure including management of shared cost arising from overlapping access to geo mapped data.

6. Data protection and cyber security policies

7. Service Level Agreements including downtime, maintenance, customer support and service, updates.

8. Data Backup

9. Server location – Singapore (Preferred)

10. A timeline for development of the Central Repository (milestones with details)

11. Optional – Deforestation monitoring tool integrated with central repository and the applicable fee structures

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 Project Timeline below) 
3. Budget, including detailed breakdown of expected manpower, logistics, and costs 
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, a cost breakdown, and 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 should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org and aidan@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 

Budget
The Platform will review budget proposals from service providers and the budget will comprise an important part of awarding the contract.

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
• 40% on go-live 
• Balance 10% – 1 month after go-live

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.

View RFP Document here

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 tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers and NGOs. 

The Manufacturer’s Subgroup (SG) consists of GPSNR members who are rubber product manufacturers only.  The SG is seeking a consultant/field to map their supply shed (i.e., all the farms that they are sourcing from) focusing on polygon mapping techniques in complex supply chains such as in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand – each with a separate RFP, and report on the price and time required for each polygon mapped.

Objectives

The goal of the project is to investigate what effort (i.e., time and cost) may be required for a rubber processor to map their supply chain in complex supply chains in Thailand. 

The consultant is to map small holder farmers in selected regions within Thailand. Manufacturers will specify the regions to be mapped at a later date. 

The service provider should work with the Manufacturer’s Subgroup and the participating processors from Thailand and their dealers to:

1. Keep track of the time and costs of all mapping related activities throughout the study, calculate time and cost of mapping each polygon, and provide them to their GPSNR Point of Contact at the end of the survey.

2. Register farmers using a provided data logger application. The service provider is welcomed to use their own data logger application. 

Scope of Work/Expected Deliverables

Specifically, GPSNR expects the consultant to:

1. Map regions of rubber producers supplying to the participating processor in Thailand via polygon mapping. 

   1. Single GPS coordinates should not be utilised irrespective of the size of the plantation. 

   2. Geo mapping to include coordinates up to 6 decimal places in geoJSON format 

2. 2. Store/transfer geo location polygons mapped, to a 3rd party database as designated. 

   3. Bi-weekly progress reports 

   4. Ensure compliance to applicable local and global data privacy norms and regulations such as but not limited to GDPR, PDPA, etc.

2. We would like a detailed account of the resources: 

   1. Price per polygon mapped – Cost per unit (per Farmer/Plot/Polygon) 

   2. Timeline to map Polygons per day (eg 18 months to map X polygons)

3. A recommendation of the scalability of this pilot

   1. Can the same estimated cost/time/labour be replicated in other regions/jurisdictions within the same country?

   2. E.g., $X/farm is calculated but is not scalable due to what reason(s).

4. Interested parties should submit the quote for the following – 

   1. For mapping polygons (cost per Ha)

   2. For mapping polygons + completing set of questionnaires as a part of risk assessment

5. Comply with applicable data privacy norms and regulations (including but not limited to GDPR and PDPA).

6. An optional activity that service providers could provide is the ability to integrate a transactional traceability function (own or 3rd party as designated)

Proposal Format and Contents

The proposal should include the following:

1. A workplan that outlines the key activities towards the deliverables outlined in Expected Deliverables above

2. The timeline and key stages of operations based on Project Timeline below 

3. Budget, including detailed breakdown of expected manpower, logistics, and costs as mentioned above

4. Description of past work and technical expertise that is relevant to this RFP

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. 

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 the 25th of September to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org and aidan@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

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 20USD/ha be allocated to this engagement and more competitive quotations will be favoured. 

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% to be agreed based on mutually agreed milestones

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.

View RFP Document here

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 tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers and NGOs. 

The Manufacturer’s Subgroup (SG) consists of GPSNR members who are rubber product manufacturers only.  The SG is seeking a consultant/field to map their supply shed (i.e., all the farms that they are sourcing from) focusing on polygon mapping techniques in complex supply chains such as in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand – each with a separate RFP, and report on the price and time required for each polygon mapped.

Objectives

The goal of the project is to investigate what effort (i.e., time and cost) may be required for a rubber processor to map their supply chain in complex supply chains in Malaysia. 

The consultant is to map small holder farmers in selected regions within Malaysia. Manufacturers will specify the regions to be mapped at a later date. 

The service provider should work with the Manufacturer’s Subgroup and the participating processors from Malaysia and their dealers to:

1. Keep track of the time and costs of all mapping related activities throughout the study, calculate time and cost of mapping each polygon, and provide them to their GPSNR Point of Contact at the end of the survey.

2. Register farmers using a provided data logger application. The service provider is welcomed to use their own data logger application. 

Scope of Work/Expected Deliverables

Specifically, GPSNR expects the consultant to:

1. Map regions of rubber producers supplying to the participating processor in Malaysia via polygon mapping. 

   1. Single GPS coordinates should not be utilised irrespective of the size of the plantation. 

   2. Geo mapping to include coordinates up to 6 decimal places in geoJSON format 

2. 2. Store/transfer geo location polygons mapped, to a 3rd party database as designated. 

   3. Bi-weekly progress reports 

   4. Ensure compliance to applicable local and global data privacy norms and regulations such as but not limited to GDPR, PDPA, etc.

2. We would like a detailed account of the resources: 

   1. Price per polygon mapped – Cost per unit (per Farmer/Plot/Polygon) 

   2. Timeline to map Polygons per day (eg 18 months to map X polygons)

3. A recommendation of the scalability of this pilot

   1. Can the same estimated cost/time/labour be replicated in other regions/jurisdictions within the same country?

   2. E.g., $X/farm is calculated but is not scalable due to what reason(s).

4. Interested parties should submit the quote for the following – 

   1. For mapping polygons (cost per Ha)

   2. For mapping polygons + completing set of questionnaires as a part of risk assessment

5. Comply with applicable data privacy norms and regulations (including but not limited to GDPR and PDPA).

6. An optional activity that service providers could provide is the ability to integrate a transactional traceability function (own or 3rd party as designated)

Proposal Format and Contents

The proposal should include the following:

1. A workplan that outlines the key activities towards the deliverables outlined in Expected Deliverables above

2. The timeline and key stages of operations based on Project Timeline below 

3. Budget, including detailed breakdown of expected manpower, logistics, and costs as mentioned above

4. Description of past work and technical expertise that is relevant to this RFP

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. 

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 the 25th of September to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org and aidan@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

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 20USD/ha be allocated to this engagement and more competitive quotations will be favoured. 

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% to be agreed based on mutually agreed milestones

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.

View RFP Document here

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 tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers and NGOs. 

The Manufacturer’s Subgroup (SG) consists of GPSNR members who are rubber product manufacturers only.  The SG is seeking a consultant/field to map their supply shed (i.e., all the farms that they are sourcing from) focusing on polygon mapping techniques in complex supply chains such as in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand – each with a separate RFP, and report on the price and time required for each polygon mapped.

Objectives

The goal of the project is to investigate what effort (i.e., time and cost) may be required for a rubber processor to map their supply chain in complex supply chains in Indonesia. 

The consultant is to map small holder farmers in selected regions within Indonesia. Manufacturers will specify the regions to be mapped at a later date. 

The service provider should work with the Manufacturer’s Subgroup and the participating processors from Indonesia and their dealers to:

1. Keep track of the time and costs of all mapping related activities throughout the study, calculate time and cost of mapping each polygon, and provide them to their GPSNR Point of Contact at the end of the survey.

2. Register farmers using a provided data logger application. The service provider is welcomed to use their own data logger application. 

Scope of Work/Expected Deliverables

Specifically, GPSNR expects the consultant to:

1. Map regions of rubber producers supplying to the participating processor in Indonesia via polygon mapping. 

   1. Single GPS coordinates should not be utilised irrespective of the size of the plantation. 

   2. Geo mapping to include coordinates up to 6 decimal places in geoJSON format 

2. 2. Store/transfer geo location polygons mapped, to a 3rd party database as designated. 

   3. Bi-weekly progress reports 

   4. Ensure compliance to applicable local and global data privacy norms and regulations such as but not limited to GDPR, PDPA, etc.

2. We would like a detailed account of the resources: 

   1. Price per polygon mapped – Cost per unit (per Farmer/Plot/Polygon) 

   2. Timeline to map Polygons per day (eg 18 months to map X polygons)

3. A recommendation of the scalability of this pilot

   1. Can the same estimated cost/time/labour be replicated in other regions/jurisdictions within the same country?

   2. E.g., $X/farm is calculated but is not scalable due to what reason(s).

4. Interested parties should submit the quote for the following – 

   1. For mapping polygons (cost per Ha)

   2. For mapping polygons + completing set of questionnaires as a part of risk assessment

5. Comply with applicable data privacy norms and regulations (including but not limited to GDPR and PDPA).

6. An optional activity that service providers could provide is the ability to integrate a transactional traceability function (own or 3rd party as designated)

Proposal Format and Contents

The proposal should include the following:

1. A workplan that outlines the key activities towards the deliverables outlined in Expected Deliverables above

2. The timeline and key stages of operations based on Project Timeline below 

3. Budget, including detailed breakdown of expected manpower, logistics, and costs as mentioned above

4. Description of past work and technical expertise that is relevant to this RFP

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. 

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 the 25th of September to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org and aidan@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

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 20USD/ha be allocated to this engagement and more competitive quotations will be favoured. 

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% to be agreed based on mutually agreed milestones

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.

View RFP Document here

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 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 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.

Thailand is the largest producer of natural rubber (NR) worldwide, contributing 36% to
total global production. Majority of the NR production in Thailand is conducted
by smallholder farmers owning land of 2-4 hectares. The NR value chain in Thailand has historically been supported by various governmental bodies, now functioning under the umbrella of the Rubber Authority of Thailand (RAOT). This has led to exceptional performance by rubber farms, with an average yield exceeding 1.6 tons per hectare in 2019. However, the NR value chain in Thailand remains highly labour-intensive and currently
faces oversupply and low prices.

Thailand rubber has some specific particularities. It is grown in 4 main regions with different growing conditions: Traditional areas are in the South (the historical planting) and the East (Rayong and Chanthaburi provinces) while more recent developments were established in less climatically favourable areas: North and North-East (Esan). It has the particularity to be produced almost exclusively by smallholders, using higher tapping frequencies than other countries even in the neighbourhood, and to exploit rather low size farms (1.5ha or less). Share cropping among farmers and tappers is a common practice, beside family farming. Consequence of this is that although a good land productivity (kg/ha), labour productivity remains very low to date.

GPSNR, through the Smallholders Representative and Capacity Building Working Group (SCB WG) – Thailand National Subgroup, is currently inviting proposals for the dissemination of coaching materials and implementation of coaching on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for smallholders in two regions (North and North-East) of Thailand, with a focus on one province per region.

The proposed coaching programs should be implemented in accordance with the
GPSNR’s environmental and social commitments and values, as outlined in the GPSNR
Policy Framework[1], and in compliance with the relevant Thai Agricultural Standard: Good Agricultural Practices issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
of Thailand.

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

Objectives

The overall objectives of the GAP coaching programmes are to ensure the long-term sustainability of rubber livelihoods and ecosystems by increasing smallholders’ productivity, yields, and socio-economic resilience, whilst safeguarding nature and the environment. 

Expected Deliverables

Brief Justifications

The objective of the project is to update and disseminate the best Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) recommendations to farmers in Thailand. This aims to ensure that planters have access to relevant knowledge and resources to enhance their productivity,
motivation, and income, leading to an improved livelihood.

The proposal should implement GPSNR’s proposed strategy for capacity building in
Thailand and provide brief justifications on the most suitable approach to
conduct coaching for smallholders in two regions (North and North-East) of
Thailand, with a focus on one province per region.

The GPSNR SCB WG – Thailand National Subgroup may prioritize funding for coaching in
regions based on relative productivity, coverage of existing coaching services,
socio-economic needs, recommendations of RAOT, or other considerations.

Proposed Coaching Approach

Possible approaches for consideration include (non-exhaustive): mobile coaching at local
community centres; building physical training centres; on-farm coaching; hybrid
coaching approaches. The proposal should consider which approach represents the
best fit for community needs and dynamics.

The proposed coaching approach should consider, but is not limited to, the
following priorities:

a.    Coaching based on the train-the-trainers (ToT) model

b.   Female and other minority inclusion and representation

c.    Field coaching (or other approach) implementation plans

d.   Integration of technology for data capture and ongoing engagement, and progress tracking (i.e. immediate and longer-term monitoring and evaluation)

e.   Others (i.e. nuanced approaches to meet geographic/other needs; ongoing farmer community connectivity and interactions; engagement with local or regional officials

Service providers are to adapt the provided GPSNR GAP coaching approaches. The GPSNR GAPs are created to serve as general best practices and principles for global usage and are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect the sector’s latest understandings.

The service provider is expected to work with GPSNR to adapt the general GAPs to align with local situations in Thailand and comply with the relevant Thai Agricultural Standard: Good Agricultural Practices issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand. This will build trust with smallholders and optimize the coaching outcomes, particularly in terms of language, technical specificities, and local needs.

Service providers should also translate the relevant Thai Agricultural Standard: Good Agricultural Practices issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives of Thailand from Thai to English.

The GPSNR GAPs consist of the following four modules:

1.     Rubber Plant Material

2. Establishment and Maintenance of Plantations

3.    Latex Harvesting

4.   Diseases and Pests

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

The selected service provider may also be expected to work closely with the GPSNR SCB WG – Thailand National Subgroup to fine-tuned or further augment the provided coaching materials. 

Key Metrics

To prevent risk of false correlations, it is essential to collect baseline data on participating smallholders before the GAP coaching begins. The impact assessment should compare the participating smallholders’ data after the GAP coaching to accurately measure their improvement.

It is also important to collect control group date of smallholders who did not participate in the GAP coaching programmes to ensure any changes observed are due to the GAP coaching and not other factors. Additionally, being aware of external factors such as weather and market prices can help to better assess the results.

 The proposal should elaborate on how the following key metrics can be achieved and measured:

1.      Total number of smallholders coached

2.     Total number of trainers or coaches coached

3.     Year-by-year increase in smallholder productivity and smallholders engaged

4.    Inclusivity across gender, youth, geographic regions, and ethnicity (e.g., indigenous, or other minority communities)

5.     Monitoring and evaluation of coaching progress and outcomes

 The proposal should also identify other key metrics of importance not listed above and describe how they will be achieved and measured.

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.    A technical proposal must be provided that is not more than 4 pages. This technical proposal must provide:

•      A workplan that outlines all key activities of the deliverables
(refers to Expected Deliverables above)

•      Timeline and key stages of operations (refers to Project
Timelines below)

•      Budget, including detailed breakdown of expected manpower,
logistics, and costs expected to run coaching programmes for an initial three
years, beginning in 2023 (refers to Budget below)

•      Description of past work and technical expertise that is relevant
to this RFP

•      A list of project team members with their roles in the project and
associated qualifications

•      Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to
commit bidder’s company.

3.    Proposals must be received prior to the 30 June 2023 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to cheewei@gpsnr.org for consideration.

GPSNR reserves the right to amend the scope and budget of this RFP to get the most suitable consultant for each topic.

Project Timelines

Service provider will also provide fortnightly or monthly progress updates to the GPSNR SCB WG, or on an as-needed basis.

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 216,000 USD be allocated to this engagement, depending on the proposed coaching approach.

Payment terms shall be:
• 20% at the signing of the contract
• 20% at the first round of coaching conducted
• 20% upon First Full Review (August 2024)
• 20% upon Second Full Review (August 2025)
• 20% upon Third Full Review (August 2026)

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
3. Samples of work
4. Cost per farmer, and other aspects of the proposed coaching approach of programme
5. Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff
6. 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.

gulation consolidated text 20-12-22

View RFP Document here

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 producers and processors,  end users, smallholders and NGOs.

In 2021, GPSNR members approved Reporting Requirements that would allow member companies to report on their progress implementing their commitments under the Policy Framework. With the approval of the Reporting Requirements, ordinary member companies now report annually on the questions included in the Reporting Matrix, which is organized by member category. Many of the questions in the matrix require qualitative responses.  While qualitative information is helpful to understand a company’s progress in implementing its policy, it makes data analysis either to evaluate its progress year to year or to assess progress within a particular stakeholder category difficult.

GPSNR Policy Toolbox Working Group is seeking a consultant to review the GPSNR Reporting Matrix and revise the questions to generate quantitative responses wherever possible.  The consultant should review the following GPSNR documents to inform these proposed revisions: draft GPSNR Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), GPSNR risk assessment guidance documents, feedback from member survey on Year 1 reporting. The consultant should also do a crosswalk with other credible reporting frameworks commonly used by members (e.g., Global Reporting Initiative – GRI, CDP Forest and ZSL SPOTT) to inform proposed changes.

Objectives and Scope of Work

1. Review GPSNR’s Reporting Matrix to  identify questions that currently generate qualitative responses that could generate quantitative responses and propose revisions (this may not be feasible in all cases).
2. Do a crosswalk of the draft category specific KPIs to determine if they can replace any questions with qualitative responses in the reporting matrix.
3. Do a crosswalk of the Reporting Matrix questions with GRI, CDP Forest and ZSL-SPOTT reporting questionnaires to identify gaps between the GPSNR Reporting Matrix and the identified reporting schemes and propose equivalent questions from the identified reporting schemes to be integrated into the Reporting Matrix.
4. Review the recommendations for clarifying reporting questions and responses in the Reporting Matrix that were made by the consortium of consultants that prepared the GPSNR Reporting Guidance (Proforest, Are We There Yet, and Hevea Connect), and propose revisions to reporting questions/responses accordingly.

The consultant can also reference other GPSNR work, such as the risk assessment matrix and the draft Due Diligence Manual.

Expected Deliverables

GPSNR expects the consultant to:

Review and revise questions in the GPSNR Reporting Matrix that require a qualitative/narrative response that could be modified to generate a quantitative response. To support the process, the consultants should do the following:

1. Crosswalk the GPSNR Reporting matrix with reporting frameworks such as GRI, CDP Forest, and ZSL-SPOTT
2. Use feedback from members’ survey and report from consultants that prepared the reporting guidance to revise reporting questions/responses that have been flagged as unclear and in need of rewording.
3. Reference the below-listed GPSNR work and determine if any of the work could be used in place of the existing questions in the Reporting Matrix to obtain quantitative responses.
   1. Draft stakeholder category KPIs document
   2. Draft risk assessment guidance framework
   3. Draft due diligence guidance document

Proposal Format and Contents

The proposal should include the following:

1. A workplan that outlines the key activities towards the deliverables outlined in Expected Deliverables above

2. The timeline and key stages of operations based on Project 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

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 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 the 14 Apr 2023 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to 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

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than $10,000 USD be allocated to this engagement with an additional amount available to support approved travel, if
necessary.

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.eforestation Regulation consolidated text 20-12-22

View RFP Document here

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 tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers and NGOs.

The Risk Subgroup of GPSNR is seeking a consultant/field team to identify, test, evaluate and report on what effort may be required for a rubber processor to map their supply shed (i.e., all the farms that they are sourcing from) in complex supply chains such as in Indonesia and Thailand. 

Objectives

The goal of the pilot is to investigate what effort (i.e., time, effort, cost, labour) may be required for a rubber processor to map their supply chain in complex supply chains such as Indonesia and Thailand.

The goal of this pilot is to map at least 300 small holder farmers supplying one processing mill each in Indonesia. The subgroup is open to negotiation on the total number of small holder farms mapped based on the service provider’s experience and estimation.

The service provider should work with the GPSNR Risk Subgroup and the participating processors from Indonesia and their dealers to:

1. Keep track of time and costs of all mapping related activities throughout the study, calculate time and cost of mapping each farm, and provide them to their GPSNR Point of Contact at the end of the survey.
2. Register and map farmers using field-based mapping or in combination with remote sensing that is crossed checked with field-based mapping samples. The service provider is welcomed to use their own method.
   1. Collect and provide the shapefiles from the mapping at the end of the project to the point of contact and the participating processor.
3. Ask farmers to answer the RubberWay questionnaire.
4. Ask farmers to answer the HCVRN Nature Positive Farming questionnaire.
5. Unless automatically uploaded, submit farmers’ responses to the respective databases and the GPSNR point of contact at the end of each day for compilation.
6. Record the effort required to convince 300 farmers per processing mill to complete all 3 tools.
   1. Number of dealers and farmers contacted to identify 300 farmers willing to participate in study.
   2. Total person hours required to identify 300 willing suppliers.
   3. Details of incidental (not staff time) expenses required to identify 300 willing farmers.
7. Record the effort required/difficulty to convince the super dealers/suppliers to participate in the study, based on the supplier tiers & on the pilot sample goal.
   1. Skip Tier 1 farms
   2. Not more than 100 responses from Tier 2
   3. 200 responses from Tier 3 and 4 suppliers

Scope of Work

• Field data collection has to be completed by the second month from the starting date of the project.
  • Ideally, field teams are experienced in 2 or more of the above tools (RubberWay questionnaire, HCVRN Nature Positive Farming questionnaire and field-based or remote sensing-based mapping), else training will be provided. Please indicate which tools your team is experienced in using we will provide the necessary training.
    • If remote-sensing based is preferred by the service provider, please respond with the process and note that the data has to be cross-checked with field-based samples.
  • Field teams have to be able to speak the local language at each survey location(i.e., Bahasa Indonesia).
• GPSNR estimates the necessary activities per farm and the time required to conduct them to be as follows:

1. Explain purpose of visit (~15 mins)
2. Get permission for personal data collection to ensure data protection (~5mins)
3. Map farm via mapping based on the mapping method chosen by the service provider (e.g., field-based mapping or remote sensing cross-checked with field samples) (~90mins).
   1. Mapping for farms <4 hectares:
      1. Polygon mapping or GPS mapping is up to the discretion of the service provider.
   2. Polygon mapping for farms above 4 hectares:
      1. This is based on the EU regulation (see Annex A) that a polygon would be required for farmers over 4 hectares.
      2. At least 10% (~30 of the 300 farms must be polygon mapped)
   3. Fill in RubberWay questionnaire (~30mins)
   4. Fill in HCVRN Nature Positive Farming questionnaire (~30mins – 1 hour)
   5. Verify data before departure (~10mins)

• GPSNR assumes:
  • Total time required: ~approximately 180 mins/3 hours per farm per field assistant.
  • Farms likely to be covered per day: 2 farms.
  • Total number of field assistant days required assuming 2 farms per day: 450 days
  • Total weeks required for 1 field assistant assuming 5 work days per week: 90 weeks
  • Total weeks required for two processors assuming 10 field assistants working simultaneously in one country: 9 weeks
  • This is an estimation of the time taken, we look forward to a comparison with the final recorded timings.
• If you have other ideas on how to achieve the above objectives, please provide details about how you would design the study

Expected Deliverables

Specifically, GPSNR expects the consultant to:

 1. Map at least 300 farmers supplying to the participating processor in Indonesia and provide the shapefiles to the processor and the GPSNR point of contact.

a.      There should at least be 10% (~30 farms out of 300 farms) that are polygon mapped, based on the requirements mentioned above and in Annex A.

 2. We would like a detailed account of the time and resources spent on 1. travelling to the farm, 2. On the farm and 3. Data analysis

a.      We would like to see a breakdown of the total time spent in each component. E.g., Total reported time spent on 1 farm + 1 analysis = 8hours, within that 2 hour (time taken to travel to farm), 0.5 hours (convincing the farmer), 0.5 hours (communicating to farmer about the tool), 20 mins (Mapping the farms), 30 mins (HCVN questionnaire), 30 mins (Rubberway questionnaire)

 3. An evaluation of the merits and limitations of each tool

a.      E.g., 3/11 farmers surveyed were more apprehensive about the mapping tool due to fear of exposing their location.

 4. A recommendation of the scalability of this pilot

a.      Can the same estimated cost/time/labour be replicated in other regions/jurisdictions within the same country?

b.     E.g., $X/farm is calculated but is not scalable due to what reason(s).

Proposal Format and Contents

The proposal should include the following:

1. A workplan that outlines the key activities towards the deliverables outlined in Expected Deliverables above

2. The timeline and key stages of operations based on Project 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

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.
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 the 10 March 2023 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org and cheryl@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

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: EU Deforestation Regulation

‘geolocation’ means the geographical location of a plot of land described by means of latitude and longitude coordinates corresponding to at least one latitude and longitude point and using at least six decimal digits. For relevant commodities other than cattle, for plots of land of more than 4 hectares, the geographical location shall be provided using polygons, meaning sufficient latitude and longitude points to describe the perimeter of each plot of land.

Text obtained from Article 2: Definitions, point (29) of the Deforestation Regulation consolidated text dated 20/12/22Deforestation Regulation consolidated text 20-12-22

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