Category: Tender

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 Thailand. 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 Thailand 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., Thai).
• 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 Thailand 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

View RFP Document here

Introduction

GPSNR

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.

As of October 2022, GPSNR has 157 smallholder members from 10 countries.

HCSA

Established in 2014, the HCSA sets the standard approach for implementing no deforestation commitments on the ground for any commercial crop grown in moist tropical forest landscapes (for example, of palm oil, wood pulp or cocoa). It is underpinned not only by a commitment to no deforestation, but also by a commitment to respect the rights and livelihoods of local people.

To this end, the HCSA has developed a Toolkit that provides practical guidance to help companies, local communities, and other stakeholders to agree on which lands should be used for commercial agriculture or forestry, what activities will take place on community lands, which areas of forests should be conserved, and how lands should be managed and monitored. 

HCVN

The Network is a member-based organization that promotes the High Conservation Value (HCV) Approach, a three-step methodology to identify and protect ecosystems, biodiversity, and the needs of local communities and indigenous groups where development takes place.

Over several years the HCV Network has developed smallholder adapted HCV procedures, tailored to certification schemes, including for RSPO, Better Cotton Initiative and Fairtrade. More recently, The HCV Network have developed Nature Positive Farming, a tool to scale up engagement with smallholder producers who are not certified, and support them transition towards no-conversion and HCV protection production.

Project Summary

GPSNR is working with a Partnerships for Forest (P4F) grant to create mechanisms and systems to support and sustain long-term participation of smallholder members on the platform.

Under the P4F grant, a collaborative effort between GPSNR and HCSA was proposed due to the timely development of the HCSA Smallholder Approach which required further trials towards the development of a global, cross commodity framework and practical guidance for smallholders. 

Key Project Details

Smallholder farms utilise approximately 12% of global agricultural land and smallholder farms are estimated to support a population of more than 2 billion people directly and indirectly[1]. Smallholder farms therefore play a critical role in food security, poverty reduction and sustainable development for a very large proportion of rural populations, globally. This being said, it is also important to identify the role of smallholder farmers in sustainable commodities production and trade.  

HCSA Smallholder Approach

The HCSA Smallholder Approach is being developed with the aim to provide a framework and practical guidance for smallholder groups to identify and manage forests and other conservation values in their administrative areas. It is designed to provide simple, clear steps to formulate and implement an initial plan to manage these forests and other conservation values sustainably. The HCSA Smallholder Approach was developed and tested in the Indonesian context and for smallholder farmers that produce palm oil in mixed production landscapes, i.e., in combination with other commodities including rubber, agroforestry systems, home gardens, and that manage forest areas as part of shifting cultivation regimes
or as customary forests.

HCVN Nature Positive Farming

The Nature Positive Farming programme is an early engagement programme for companies and landscape initiatives to support non-certified smallholder farmers protect High Conservation Values and natural ecosystems as part of responsible sourcing commitments.

It is built around facilitated, structured dialogue with smallholders and their communities. It aims for conservation and support agreements between smallholders and project partners, for maintaining and enhancing environmental and social conservation values on and around their farms. The first field trial was conducted with smallholder producer communities in the Siak Pelalawan Landscape, Riau, Indonesia.

[1] Lowder et al. 2016; Goldman et al. 2016

Deliverables

Proposals should provide a timeline and plan that covers the four project phases set out below. 

Proposals should include a timeline and budget for either project option:

Option 1
Field trials only for the HCSA Smallholder Approach

Option 2
Concurrent field trials for the HCSA Smallholder Approach and the HCVN Nature Positive Farming Programme

 Phase 1: Project Preparations

a.   Dialogue with key Task Force members, including understanding GPSNR’s (in-development) risk assessment approach

b. Assessment and proposal of suitable field trial locations for natural rubber smallholders in the following regions in Indonesia:

a.    North Sumatra, and/or

b.    Jambi, and/or

c.    South Sumatra

d.    Bidders may also propose other regions with reasons and justifications

c.    Initial networking with key actors on-site in Indonesia

 Phase 2: Outreach and Training

a.    Develop training systems and materials for implementing actors for the HCSA (and HCVN) toolkits, including training sessions for field staff

b. Plan for actively involving locally embedded actors in pilot activities and engagement with smallholders

Phase 3: Field Trials

a.    Plan to implement 1-2 field trials for the HCSA (and HCVN) toolkits with natural rubber smallholders, communities, or cooperatives in the proposed locations of Jambi and/or South Sumatra

b.    Plan should include:

§ Target total number of smallholders or farms involved in the trials

§ Level of actor engaged (e.g., village; cooperatives; individual smallholders) engaged for the field trials

§ Targets such as gender, minority, and youth representation

§ Description of the proposed relevant Areas(s) of Interest (ideally village-level trials, but project is open to trials with independent smallholder cooperatives)

o  In case areas under control by cooperatives or individual farmers deviate (significantly) from official village administrative areas, an outlook on how this will be considered during field trials and post-trial review

§ Description of field trial methods including an outlook whether different methods are going to be tested during field trials (in relation to verification of maps, assessment of vegetation strata, land use zoning, etc.) 

Noting ideal requirements for smallholder representatives or community-leads: adequate level of reading and writing ability

 The consultants would be responsible as well for providing technical guidance to smallholders throughout the trials

Phase 4: Post-Trial Review

a.    Analyse strengths and weaknesses of each toolkit from the perspective of natural rubber smallholders

b.    Provide recommendations (e.g. contexts on when/how to use the tools, areas of toolkit improvement, how the toolkits support delivering on the GPSNR systems i.e. risk assessment, risk mitigation, assurance framework, reporting framework and shared responsibility mechanism)

c.    Contribute to developing a strategy to upscale pilot activities in the project areas, or to other project areas

  Intended project outputs and outcomes

Through the field trials, the Task Force aims to develop a strong understanding of the feasibility of the HCSA (and HCVN) toolkits for the following:

1. Mapping: Areas for development / conservation areas / mixed, multi-layered production areas, e.g., community use areas including shifting cultivation, agroforestry, home gardens, others as applicable  

2.    Conservation: Toolkit that can be passed on to GPSNR smallholder communities to
effectively map and manage areas for conservation; to understand their land and
land-use plans; showcase their commitment to no-deforestation 

 3. Integration with GPSNR Risk-based Approach: Toolkits as a risk mitigation tool that GPSNR member companies can use to identify and address land-use risks, and to channel funding and other related commitments accordingly 

i.     Analysing the extent to which the toolkits can be a mitigation tool for specific/multiple policy commitments in the GPSNR Policy Framework and
other systems 

 Submission Guidelines & Requirements

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

 1.  A detailed technical proposal must be provided. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed methodology for the three Phases of the project. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable. 

2.    A detailed price proposal must be provided. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price or expected price range for each Phase of the project, including daily rates and an estimated total number of days for each Phase of the project.   

 3.     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.

4.    Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorised to commit the bidder’s company.

Project Timelines

The Request for Proposal timeline is as
follows:

Budget

The Platform is anticipating a total budget of up to 92,000 GBP for the project.

Payment terms shall be:

·      30% at the signing of the contract

·      10% upon completion of Phase 1: Project Preparations

·      10% upon completion of Phase 2: Outreach and Training

·      20% upon completion of Phase 3: Field Trials and Analysis

·      30% upon completion of the entire project

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

1. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this RFP
2. Methodology for completing all three Phases of the project
3. Costs and expected timeline for all three Phases of the project
4. Technical expertise/experience, including team composition, past performance/experience

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.

Digital Guidelines and Considerations

The consultant should commit to follow the guidelines specified in the Principles for Digital Development.

The principles of data protection legislation must be taken into account when processing personal data:

• The data must be processed lawfully (lawfulness)
• Data must only be processed if this is required and reasonable (fairness).
• The data must be processed transparently (transparency).
• The data must be processed for defined (time-limited), clear and legitimate purposes (earmarking).
• Only as much data as is required may be processed (data minimisation).
• Accuracy and currency must be ensured (data accuracy).
• The principle of integrity and confidentiality must be guaranteed through an appropriate level of protection (data security).

View RFP Document here

Introduction & 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 three years.

We are seeking a web design consultancy to design, code and publish a webpage style annual report for 2022, which can be easily downloaded as a PDF version. The content for the webpage will be provided by the GPSNR secretariat.

Key Requirements 

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 4 November to 9 November. 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 & Requirements

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 31 October 2022 to be considered.
• Proposals should be submitted to bani.bains@gpsnr.org for consideration.

Project Timelines

Budget

The Platform is anticipating a total budget of up to 4000 SGD for this project. 

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.

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.

This digital platform is envisaged to be an easily accessible, multi-lingual and expandable knowledge platform for smallholders and other actors based on quality-controlled information. Besides providing technical information on the latest sustainability best practices and Good Agricultural Practices, it will provide access to live market conditions on natural rubber such as prices on key exchanges, projected supply, and demand shifts, as well as overall global market developments. The digital platform will also incorporate communication functions such as live chat and forum with built-in translation tools to allow smallholders to share and communicate seamlessly across different countries. Another crucial aspect will be to safeguard data security and ownership.

GPSNR is seeking proposals to build the above digital platform in mobile application form, and to maintain the application for GPSNR for a trial period of 3-6 months. Details are provided below. 

Key Requirements for the Digital Platform

GPSNR has completed an initial Assessment of Status Quo and Evaluation of Knowledge Sharing Platforms for Rubber Smallholders. This included an extensive needs review of smallholders and other key players in the natural rubber value chain with regard to digital applications. Interested bidders can approach the GPSNR Secretariat for a copy of the Report.

The main target user of the platform are natural rubber smallholders and other players in the natural rubber value chain globally.

GPSNR is open to proposals based on the following:

• Adopting and adapting an existing platform that is already on the market and accessible to natural rubber smallholders in whatever capacity
  • In this option, the service provider of the existing platform should provide a template that can be adaptable to suit GPSNR’s stated requirements

• Developing a customised platform specifically for GPSNR and its requirements
  • The custom solution can be hosted and operated either on GPSNR’s IT infrastructure or by the app provider (i.e., delivered as a Software as a Service).

Based on the initial Status Quo Assessment Report, the Platform should have the following key characteristics:

1. Be an (expandable)multi-lingual open information exchange platform with the following language options:
   • Minimum from the start: Bahasa Indonesia, English
   • Ideally including: French, Thai
   • Expandable in the future: Khmer, Vietnamese, Sinhalese, Burmese, Spanish, Portuguese, Tamil
2. Host quality-controlled technical information on natural rubber issues that will be first reviewed and endorsed by GPSNR members
3. Be free-to-use and respecting users’ data privacy
4. Allow for easy access by smallholders using simple or commonly available tools such as smartphones
5. Data security and privacy to be safeguarded at all times
6.  The platform should be built such that it can be expanded or further customisable to incorporate more features in the future
7. System architecture and infrastructure: it should be possible to use the app via the iOS and Android app system

Building on the above, the Platform should be able to host, at minimum, the following content and functions (multi-lingual):

1. Daily natural rubber prices, automated to reflect live updates based on local, regional and global prices
2. Information on local or global sustainability best practices, in the most accessible digital formats (pdf, video, ppt, text, etc.)
3. Information on Good Agricultural Practices, in the most accessible digital formats (pdf, video, ppt, text, etc.)
4. Marketplace (for natural rubber products / agricultural products)
5. Forum / chat / helpline for smallholders to discuss news or other issues and exchange experiences and best practices

Platform developers are welcomed to recommend other essential features or functions based on their technical and user experience expertise.

Deliverables

By the end of the project, the consultant should have completed the following:

Phase 1: Preparatory Recommendations

1. Recommend detailed technical requirements for the digital platform or application, including requirements for data security, ownership, back-office administration, documentation, support, maintenance and performance criteria
2. Prepare screen designs prior to software development
3. Engage with preliminary pilot calls with smallholders to gather further feedback and inputs
4. The above to be reviewed in discussions with the GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group

Phase 2: Software Development

1. Build the digital platform in line with the stated requirements, either by adopting an existing digital platform, or developing a customised platform or application for GPSNR
2. Continuous review with the GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group

Minimum viable product (MVP)

• A final graphic design and user interface is apparent.
• The core functions can be used and demonstrated.
• Initial content has been input.

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.

7. Work closely with the members of GPSNR’s Risk Task Force to guide the above analysis.
8. 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

• Risk Analysis Working Document Draft (Risk Task Force)
• GPSNR-REP-A02-006 Review of Transparency & Traceability Tools & Solutions
• GPSNR Policy Component
• Spatial data and mapping tools for detecting deforestation and threats to HCV/S areas in rubber production landscapes

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) 

2. 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)

3. 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. 

4. 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

5. 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

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?  

1. Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

2. Objectives and Deliverables     

Objectives

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

Deliverables

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

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

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

The proposal should include key details such as the following:

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

Future Plans

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

3. TENDER EVALUATION FACTORS

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

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

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

4. Expected Timelines

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

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

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

5. Budget

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

Bidders should outline their expected budget expenditure in the proposal.

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

6. Evaluation Factors

The proposal should include the following:

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

Deadline for submission has been updated to 8th July 2022

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 hire a consultant to assess and recommend suitable locations and nursery operators to receive certified planting materials (to be delivered by GPSNR).

Certified planting materials will be distributed to the selected service provider in January 2023, for planting and distribution to smallholders by September 2023.

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. 

Indonesia’s average rubber yield is significantly lower than neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia; such low yield is due to low-quality clones, limited knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and aging trees.

Most rubber trees in Indonesia were planted from 1978-1991 through several government schemes. Given that rubber trees only have a 25-year productive lifespan, with steeply declining yields thereafter, almost all rubber trees planted under these schemes have passed their peak production. Whilst there is no formal data available on tree aging in Indonesia, the Ministry of Agriculture estimates around 600,000 – 700,000 ha of natural rubber plantations need rejuvenation. Replanting should ideally occur on about 4% of plantations annually to ensure a stable output. Yet, it is estimated that between 2010 and 2017 replanting of only 1.3% was undertaken. 

Using the right clone makes a tremendous difference in a rubber tree’s lifetime yields. The productivity of rubber clonal and seedling-derived plants is almost 3 x lower than for certified clones. Across the region, only 5% of farmers received their seedlings through a government programme. Certified nurseries are only located in provincial and district capital cities resulting in limited access to high-yielding planting materials for remote smallholders.

Additionally, poor tapping techniques are another major cause of low yields and can decrease the productive life of trees by up to 50%. It is estimated that an average smallholder with 1.5 ha of rubber will earn 57% less than the Indonesian minimum wage.  

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. 

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

The consultant should assess and make recommendations on the following:

Location

Provide detailed rationales for where certified planting materials are most needed amongst the following regions:

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

Based on the consultant’s assessments, 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.

Nursery Operators

Assess detailed business models of existing nursery operators and projects that outline the long-term environmental, financial, operational and social sustainability of the proposed budwood garden under their management. This should include, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Operational, staff, and maintenance costs of the budwood garden
2. Method of distribution of planting materials to smallholders
3. Selling price of planting materials to smallholders, e.g., Recommended Retail Price (RRP)
4. Other key business plan considerations

Based on the consultant’s recommendations and decision by the GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group, the identified nursery operator will be expected to enter into a Contractual Agreement with GPSNR to ensure geographic and financial accessibility for smallholders to receive the planting materials.

Logistics

The consultant should manage logistics such as the safe transportation of the clonal materials from the source (to be determined by GPSNR) to identified nursery operators

Technical Training and Verification

The consultant should work closely with the identified nursery operator to ensure that the clonal materials are correctly managed. This includes the following:

1. Conducting essential training and supervision on the grafting process for the identified operators
2. Supervision to ensure proper grating procedures is adhered to
3. Manage the necessary technical verification, i.e., validation of the quality of the established budwood garden

All of the consultant’s activities are 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 consultant may 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.

Key Metrics

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

1. Methodology to identify suitable locations and nursery operators
2. Methodology to conduct technical training and supervision on the grafting process
3. Methodology on transportation and other logistics
4. Overall expected costs

Proposals are also encouraged to include key metrics of importance not listed above.

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 technical expertise that is relevant to this RFP
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:

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 26,000 EUR be allocated to the Four Stages of the project. The approximate expected breakdown for each Stage is as such:

Payment terms shall be:

• 30% at the signing of the contract
• 20% upon the First Full Review
• 20% upon the Second Full Review
• 30% upon the delivery of planting materials

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 of the consultant
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.

Deadline for submission has been updated to 8th July 2022

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.

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 procure approximately 40,000 certified plants from licensed and accredited institutions in Indonesia. The planting materials are to be delivered by January 2023 at the latest for replanting at selected nursery or budwood garden sites (exact locations to be determined).

Proposed planting programmes should be implemented in line with GPSNR environmental and social commitments and values, based on the GPSNR Policy Framework^[1].

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

2. Context

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. 

Indonesia’s average rubber yield is significantly lower than neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia; such low yield is due to low-quality clones, limited knowledge of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and aging trees.

Most rubber trees in Indonesia were planted from 1978-1991 through several government schemes. Given that rubber trees only have a 25-year productive lifespan, with steeply declining yields thereafter, almost all rubber trees planted under these schemes have passed their peak production. Whilst there is no formal data available on tree aging in Indonesia, the Ministry of Agriculture estimates around 600,000 – 700,000 ha of natural rubber plantations need rejuvenation. Replanting should ideally occur on about 4% of plantations annually to ensure a stable output. Yet, it is estimated that between 2010 and 2017 replanting of only 1.3% was undertaken. 

Using the right clone makes a tremendous difference in a rubber tree’s lifetime yields. The productivity of rubber clonal and seedling-derived plants is almost 3 x lower than for certified clones. Across the region, only 5% of farmers received their seedlings through a government programme. Certified nurseries are only located in provincial and district capital cities resulting in limited access to high-yielding planting materials for remote smallholders.

Additionally, poor tapping techniques are another major cause of low yields and can decrease the productive life of trees by up to 50%. It is estimated that an average smallholder with 1.5 ha of rubber will earn 57% less than the Indonesian minimum wage.  

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. 

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

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

3. Expected Deliverables

The overall objective of the Pilot Provision of Certified Planting Materials project is to deliver approximately 40,000 plants by January 2023. GPSNR has identified the following clones for procurement:

1. IRR 220
2. IRR 112
3. RRIC 100

The service provider should also detail the initial certification process prior to delivery of clones.

The proposal should justify whether GPSNR should proceed with all of any of the three clones above, and the recommended number of clones to procure.

Submitted proposals should also provide brief justifications and details on the costs, timeline, and rationales for each of the clones listed above, and provide rationales for where the clones are most needed amongst the following 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 Framework^[3] 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 Capacity Building Working Group (Indonesia National Subgroup) to fine-tuned or further augment the clone selection and delivery timelines.

Key Metrics

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

1. Total planting materials delivered by January 2023

• Initial certification of clonal materials
• Overall expected costs
• Level of details in justifications for selected clones and recommended regions for replanting

Propoals are also encouraged to include key metrics of importance not listed above.

[3] https://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 technical expertise that is relevant to this RFP
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:

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 26,000 EUR be allocated to the project.

Payment terms shall be:

• 30% at the signing of the contract
• 20% upon the First Full Review
• 50% upon the delivery of planting materials

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 of the consultant
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.

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:

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.

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 three years. 

Scope

We are seeking a web design consultancy to design, code and publish a webpage that documents important decisions along with easy access to reports, processes and other important information. Informally, we call this a GPSNR ‘cheat sheet’. 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
• Work with GPSNR’s CRM & Data Analytics Associate to integrate the webpage with Salesforce

Terms

The engagement will take place for a period of five weeks from 11th April to 16th May 2022. 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 & Requirements

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 6th April 2022 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to bani.bains@gpsnr.org and stefano.savi@gpsnr.org for consideration.
• To receive a copy of the draft content, applicants can email bani.bains@gpsnr.org

Project Timelines

The Request for Proposal timeline is as follows:

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

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 5,000 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 page

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.