(Closed) Request For Proposal – GPSNR-RFP-A02-020-Smallholders Policy Equivalent

Updated 6 May 2022

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. 

GPSNR is seeking to hire a consultant to develop the GPSNR Policy Equivalent for Smallholders, which will put forth commitments for economic, environmental, and social sustainability for GPSNR smallholder members.

Relevant Background

GPSNR Policy Framework for Member Companies

In September 2020, the GPSNR General Assembly endorsed the GPSNR Policy Framework for natural rubber production and sourcing for GPSNR ordinary member companies.

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. 

To advance this, the Platform is developing the GPSNR Smallholders Policy Equivalent. GPSNR is seeking to hire a consultant to make recommendations on the objectives, content, function, and roadmap of this new document, the Smallholders Policy (or similar equivalent), relative to the needs, interests, and capacities of the Platform’s smallholder members.

The consultant is expected to collect relevant information via desktop study and information provided by the GPSNR Secretariat and the GPSNR Smallholders Policy Task Force.

The consultant would also be expected to conduct a number of stakeholder engagement sessions (e.g., interviews, focus group discussion; including but not necessarily limited to GPSNR smallholder members, and GPSNR NGO and private company members with direct interactions with smallholder, such as natural rubber processers) based on the criteria set out below. The GPSNR Secretariat will provide a preliminary list of contacts and the consultant will be expected to propose additional contacts to interview, with a particular focus on external schemes / platforms that engage with smallholders.

Regular contact and provision of updates to the Task Force together with the Secretariat will be required.

Further Context

To become a Smallholder Member of GPSNR, the following criteria must be met:

  1. The primary source of income for the smallholder is the farm (not only Natural Rubber)
  2. The Natural Rubber production unit size is not more than 50ha (although the farm may be larger)
  3. Profits from the farm accrue primarily to the owner of the farm and their family

Deliverables

Objectives, Content and Function of the Smallholders Policy Equivalent

The consultant should put forth recommendations covering the objectives, substantive content, function, and roadmap (e.g., propose normative documents to be developed later on) of the Smallholders Policy Equivalent, considering the responses of key stakeholders to the following questions:

  1. What are the objectives of the Policy Equivalent for GPSNR and GPSNR smallholder members?
  2. What are the sustainability commitments and standards put forth in the Policy Equivalent?
  3. How detailed should the commitments in the Policy Equivalent be? 
  4. How binding should the Policy Equivalent be for smallholder members (e.g., level of adoption requirements)?
  5. What would the Policy Equivalent entail or mean for smallholder members upon its completion and endorsement?
  6. What are the expected costs and benefits of implementing the Policy Equivalent for member and non-member smallholders?
  7. How would the content, form or function of the Policy Equivalent compare to existing equivalents (e.g., participatory guarantee systems) in other commodities (e.g., coffee, cocoa, palm oil etc.), if any? 
  8. Follow-up Questions: What mechanisms can GPSNR put in place to assist farmers in managing the costs of adhering to implementing sustainability best practices?

This should be conducted through a needs review comprising a representative set of stakeholders (smallholders, NGOs, processers, and producers). GPSNR will facilitate virtual access and engagement with GPSNR smallholder and company members where applicable and requested by the consultant.

This RFP is also not limited in scope to smallholders or stakeholders in any specific geographical region, given that the output is expected to be globally applicable.

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 should be around 4 pages in length. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed methodology as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable.
  4. A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 page. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project as well as daily rates and an estimated total number of days.
  5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
  6. Proposals must be received prior to 10 June 2022 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to yeo.siyuan@gpsnr.org for consideration. You may also reach out to this contact for any questions or clarifications.

Project Timelines

The Request for Proposal timeline is as follows:

Request for Proposal Issuance   6 May 2022
Proposal submitted by consultant to yeo.siyuan@gpsnr.org 10 June 2022
Selection of Consultant /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders
24 June 2022
Contract Award 1 July 2022
Work to commence no later than   8 July 2022
First Review August
2022
Second Review September 2022
Delivery of Recommendations to GPSNR End-September
2022

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 25,000 GBP. If the consultant deems that travel plans are required to execute this project, these should be included in the proposal (along with any additional budgetary requirements).

Payment terms shall be:

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

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

  1. Costs and expected timeline
  2. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this RFP
  3. Methodology for developing the Policy Equivalent 
  4. Technical expertise/experience, including past performance/experience

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.

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(Closed) Request For Proposal – GPSNR-RFP-A02-019 Guidance and Tools for GPSNR’s Reporting Requirements

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 producers and processors, vehicle makers and NGOs.

In December 2021, GPSNR members approved Reporting Requirements that would allow member companies to report on their progress implementing their commitments under the Policy Framework. With the approval of the reporting requirements, ordinary member companies shall report annually on the questions included in the Reporting Requirements for the member’s reporting category.

GPSNR members are required to submit data for the previous year according to the following reporting timelines:
• Category A and Category B: Industrial Producers or Processors and Traders of Raw Materials: on or before 30 June
• Category C: Manufacturers and Traders of Processed Material: on or before 30 September
• Category D: OEMs and End Users: on or before 31 December.

To support GPSNR members in fulfilling their obligations under the Reporting Requirements, the platform is calling for consultants to develop a systemic view of the reporting process, inclusive of developing supporting documents and reporting templates for members to facilitate reporting, and exploring the potential user interface and portal design for data submission to ease the integration and consolidation of reported information from various GPSNR member categories.

Reporting scope and materiality are topics for consultant’s review and suggestion based on the GPSNR reporting requirement.

The reporting process should cover the following scenarios (non-exhaustive list):
(i) tier-1 supplier is disclosed to GPSNR
(ii) tier-1 supplier is not disclosed to GPSNR
(iii) members with suppliers across different category groups that are not GPSNR members
(iv) members with external reports that may substantiate the GPSNR reporting requirement
(v) how the information is consolidated at GPSNR level at the end of each category reporting cycle

Figure below is taking one example of tire maker category member reporting on NR supply chain scope to illustrate the potential complexity of the reporting process.

The expected documents to be developed should include:

  • A guidance document for each reporting category outlining the appropriate methodology and reporting format for each question, with reference to necessary definitions. One example of reporting segment that requires guidance is Policy Component 2.5 and 2.6 for member categories C and D.
  • Standardized reporting templates which may utilize word documents, excel spreadsheets, or other appropriate reporting formats.

The documents developed should ensure that data can be consolidated easily across the supply chain with an understanding that the information will be passed downstream. Where appropriate, the requested data should align with data gathered by other reporting schemes to reduce the reporting burden (including, but not limited to, CDP, Ecovadis, ZSL SPOTT, GRI, FSC, PEFC, SNR-i).

The reporting user interface which includes ability for member to upload supporting evidence (e.g., documents, photos etc) and portal design should also enable easy intake by the Secretariat for data analysis, verification and reporting. The ability to design integration with Salesforce is a plus.

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 should be around 6 pages in length. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed methodology as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable.
  4. A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 page. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project as well as daily rates and an estimated total number of days.
  5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
  6. Proposals must be received prior to 14th of March to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org and aidan@gpsnr.org for consideration.
  7. GPSNR anticipates shortlisting at least two individuals or firms to have more in-depth discussions with, and will make an award to one of these “down-selected” individuals or firms.


Project Timelines

The Request for Proposal timeline is as follows:

Request for Proposal Issuance   4 Mar 2022
Proposal submitted by consultant to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org   14 Mar 2022
Selection of Consultant /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders
18 Mar 2022
Contract Award 22 Mar 2022
Work to commence no later than   23 Mar 2022
Specific work-plan agreed upon with GPSNR’s Policy Toolbox Working Group (WG1) 24 Mar 2022
1st deliverable: first draft of guidance on GPSNR Reporting Requirement content and reporting template for PPTs (category A & B), both GPSNR and non-GPSNR. 18 Apr
2022
Final draft of guidance on content for PPTs 25 Apr 2022
2nd deliverable: first draft of guidance on GPSNR Reporting Requirement and reporting template for category C & D, both GPSNR and non-GPSNR. 13 May 2022
Final draft of guidance on content for category C & D 20 May 2022
3rd deliverable: first draft proposal for a streamline reporting process, user interface and portal design to integrate and consolidate the reporting information from all GPSNR member categories 24 Jun
2022
The final draft proposal submitted to WG1 7 Jul 2022

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 30,000 SGD. If the consultant deems that travel plans are required to execute this project, these should be included in the proposal (along with any additional budgetary requirements).

Payment terms shall be:

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

Evaluation Factors

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

  1. Cost
  2. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposals
  3. Relevant past performance/experience
  4. Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff
  5. The ability to collect relevant information at the global and local level

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.

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Request For Proposal – GPSNR-RFP-A02-018 Study On Economic Impacts, And Risks, In The Global Natural Rubber Value Chains

*GPSNR has been approached by a number of organizations supporting the importance of the task but saying that a longer preparation period would be required to prepare proposals that adequately reflect the complexity of the issues to be addressed, and hence the organization has decided to extend the timelines of this project

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. 

To fully inform the development of GPSNR, the Platform needs a better understanding of social, environmental, and economic risks and their causes, in the Natural Rubber Value chain, in order to be able to minimise and manage those risks. The Platform has already commissioned a social and environmental risk assessment; this call for proposals is for the provision of a parallel process covering economic risks in the value chain.

The study should identify potential areas of economic risk in the natural rubber value chain, particularly at the production end of the value chain, and consider the effectiveness of how these potential risks are managed through regulation, policies and practices. The study should also report on the areas of opportunity to address these economic risks in the natural rubber value chain. The areas of study should be consistent with the relevant GPSNR themes in the GPSNR Policy Framework.

Based on the analysis of how well current processes deliver the “Desired State” for rubber landscapes, the study should develop recommendations as to how GPSNR could most effectively support the avoidance and mitigation of potential economic impacts and risks. This should include identifying the possibility of metrication for such risks, which will then be used to inform the development of GPSNR’s Risk Matrix.

The consultant is expected to develop generic impact and risk profiles at a global level, and specific risk profile at a regional and/or national level.  Areas of interest for GPSNR are Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, Papua New Guinea, India and Sri Lanka), West Africa (Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia and Nigeria), and South America (Brazil and Guatemala).

The consultant should reference the existing Social and Environmental risk studies (available here as 003 and 010) and GPSNR’s Theory of Change when conducting this study on economic risks. Key linkages should be identified in the report (i.e. how economic risks affect social and environmental risk, and vice versa).

The consultant will collect the information via desktop study, interviews with, inter alia, GPSNR members, research and other academic institutes, NGOs, and governmental organizations.  A primary list of stakeholders should be identified and proposed by the consultant.  A complementary list will be provided by the Secretariat together with the Strategy and Objectives Working Group members.  Regular contact and updating to the Strategy and Objective Working Group together with the Secretariat will be required. 

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 should be around 6 pages in length. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed methodology as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable.
  4. A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 page. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project as well as daily rates and an estimated total number of days.
  5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
  6. Proposals must be received prior to 18 Mar 2022 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org and aidan@gpsnr.org for consideration.

  • GPSNR anticipates shortlisting at least two individuals or firms to have more in-depth discussions with and will make an award to one of these “down-selected” individuals or firms.


Project Timelines

The updated Request for Proposal timeline is as follows:

Request for Proposal Issuance (extended) 18 Mar 2022
Proposal submitted by consultant to aidan@gpsnr.org and stefano.savi@gpsnr.org 15 Apr 2022
Selection of Top Bidders /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders
29 Apr 2022
Contract Award 4 May 2022
Work to commence no later than   27 May 2022
Specific work-plan, including geographic focus, methodology and indicative contents, agreed with Strategy & Objective Working Group 1 Jun 2022
The first draft report submitted to the Strategy and Objective Working Group for comments 22 Jul 2022
Meeting with Strategy & Objectives WG by 28 Jul 2022
The final report submitted to the Strategy and Objective Working Group 19 Aug 2022

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 25,000 Euros. If the consultant deems that travel plans are required to execute this project, these should be included in the proposal (along with any additional budgetary requirements).

Payment terms shall be:

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

Evaluation Factors

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

  1. Cost
  2. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposals
  3. Relevant past performance/experience
  4. Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff
  5. The ability to collect relevant information at the global and local level

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.

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Tender

(Closed) Request for Proposal – GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group: Smallholders GAP Coaching in Indonesia (GPSNR-RFP-A02-017)

  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 proposals to disseminate coaching materials and implement coaching on Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for smallholders in Indonesia.

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

  1. OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK

2.1 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.

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.

Land preparation for replanting is also an important factor for sustainability of production and can lead to lower rubber disease infection rates. Young trees are susceptible to numerous diseases and pests, which smallholders must be coached and financially supported to protect in years 1 – 3. The cost of land preparation and field protection is among the most expensive investments, besides the purchase costs of high yielding clones. Costs incurred during the tree replanting stages is around $2,600 per ha over a 5-year period. During the 6th year, the trees will become productive and operational costs will be $460 pa.

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.

Smallholders’ rubber plots and jungle rubber, as opposed to large, monoculture commercial estates, demonstrate higher animal diversity and may be able to come closer to mimicking the diversity found in natural forest ecosystems. Yet, low yields and record low international prices are driving smallholders to clear their jungle rubber and convert to other land uses such as palm oil. Research indicates in some villages on average, smallholders now grow rubber on only 0.34 ha with another 2.17 ha devoted to oil palm, and 66% of natural rubber plantations had been converted to oil palm. Cultivating oil palm also has other benefits such as i) being less labour intensive and generally farmers do not need to hire external labour – although gross returns of rubber are higher, the lower labour requirement for oil palm makes it more profitable for smallholders; ii) palm oil farmers receive more support from the government and supply chain actors; iii) contract farming arrangements for palm oil enables farmers to get loans/credits and extensions services from companies; and iv) the longer start up time for new rubber trees compared to oil palm is another factor as farmers receive income earlier than when planting rubber.

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]

  1. EXPECTED DELIVERABLES

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

3.1 Brief Justifications

The proposal should implement GPSNR’s proposed strategy for capacity building in Indonesia and provide brief justifications on the most suitable approach to conduct coaching for smallholders in any of five identified 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 coaching in regions based on relative productivity, coverage of existing coaching services, socio-economic needs, or other considerations.

3.2 Proposed Coaching Approach

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

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

  1. Coaching based on the train-the-trainers (ToT) model
  2. Female and other minority inclusion and represention
  3. Field coaching (or other approach) implementation plans
  4. Integration of technology for data capture and ongoing engagement, and progress tracking (i.e. immediate and longer-term monitoring and evaluation)
  5. Others i.e., nuanced approaches to meet geographic/other needs; ongoing farmer community connectivity and interactions; engagement with local or regional officials

Service providers are to adapt the provided GPSNR GAP coaching approaches. The GPSNR GAPs are created to serve as general best practices and principles for global usage and are periodically reviewed and updated to reflect the sector’s latest understandings. The service provider is expected to work with GPSNR to adapt the general GAPs to be in line with local situations in Indonesia in order to build trust with smallholders and to optimize coaching outcomes, especially in terms of language, technical specificities, and local needs.

The GPSNR GAPs consist of the following four modules:

  1. Rubber Plant Material
  2. Establishment and Maintenance of Plantations
  3. Latex Harvesting
  4. Diseases and Pests

Service providers are also expected to operate in line with principles and values set forth in the GPSNR Policy Framework[3] 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 provided coaching materials.

3.3 Key Metrics

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

  1. Total number of smallholders coached
  2. Total number of trainers or coaches coached
  3. Year-by-year increases in smallholder productivity and smallholders engaged
  4. Inclusitivity across gender, youth, geographic regions, and ethnicity (e.g., indigenous or other minority communities)
  5. Monitoring and evaluation of coaching progress and outcomes

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

  1. 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 expected to run coaching programmes for an initial two years, beginning in 2022 (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
  6. Proposals must be received prior to 15 January 2022 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to yeo.siyuan@gpsnr.org for consideration. You may also reach out to this contact for any questions or clarifications
  1. EXPECTED TIMELINE

The work shall begin by February 2022 and the various phases shall be completed in accordance with the dates outlined in the timeline below:

Activity Due Date
RFP publication 10 Dec 2021
Submission deadline for proposals 15 Jan 2022
Evaluation and follow up End Jan 2022
Contract Award Feb 2022
Preparations and Implementation for 2022 Feb – Dec 2022
First Full Review Dec 2022
Preparations and Implementation for 2023 Jan – Dec 2023
Second Full Review Dec 2023

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

  1. BUDGET

The Platform is anticipating that the total budget of no more than 150,000 USD be allocated to the engagement, depending on the proposed coaching approach.

Payment terms shall be:

  • 30% at the signing of the contract
  • 20% at the first round of coaching conducted
  • 30% upon the First Full Review (Dec 2022)
  • 20% upon the Second Full Review (Dec 2023)
  1. 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. Cost per farmer, and other aspects of the proposed coaching approach or programme
  5. Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff
  6. Proposed timeline of operations
  7. Scale-up plan from 2022 to 2023, and outlook beyond 2023

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.

[1] https://sustainablenaturalrubber.org/policy-framework/
[2] https://www.facsglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Final-Rubber-report-2020.pdf
[3] https://sustainablenaturalrubber.org/policy-framework/

Download RFP here
Contact Person: Yeo Siyuan  – yeo.siyuan@gpsnr.org

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Tender

(Closed) Request for Proposal – GPSNR Knowledge Sharing Platform (GPSNR-RFP-A02-016)

Introduction & Background

The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), is an international Multi-Stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Development of the GPSNR was initiated by the CEOs of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project (TIP) in 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 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.

Prior to embarking on the technical or IT development of the digital platform, GPSNR and the Capacity Building Working Group is seeking to conduct an Assessment of Status Quo and Evaluation

The consultant will collect the information via desktop study and information provided by the Working Group/Secretariat. The consultant would also be expected to conduct a number of stakeholder interviews (including but not limited to GPSNR member companies with relevant experience and digital tools, as well as smallholders within and beyond GPSNR) based on the criteria set out below. Regular contact and provision of updates to the Capacity Building Working Group and Knowledge Sharing Platform Task Force together with the Secretariat will be required.

It is estimated that there will be the need for at least one virtual meeting every two weeks over the course of the project.

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 proven experience relevant to this project.
  2. Examples of previous relevant work should be provided as well.
  3. A technical proposal must be provided that is not more than 4 pages. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed solution as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable.
  4. A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 pages. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project as well as hourly rates and an estimated total number of days.
  5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
  6. Proposals must be received prior to 7 January 2022 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to yeo.siyuan@gpsnr.org for consideration. You may also reach out to this contact for any questions or clarifications.
  7. GPSNR anticipates shortlisting at least two individuals or firms to have more in-depth discussions with and will make an award to one of these “down-selected” individuals or firms.

The submission should address, at minimum, the following:

Review of Existing Digital Applications

  • What are the existing apps/platforms on rubber (or other agricultural commodities) available and what are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
  • Are there existing platforms that could be expanded to incorporate the necessary functions or solutions to be used as template? (This could be specified with the consultant)

Assessing Smallholders’ Capacities and Needs

  • What are the technological constraints and capacities of smallholders?
  • What technology is best suited to address smallholders’ needs (smartphone technology)?
  • What functions or content of the Platform would smallholders prioritise?
  • What technical platform is meaningful (concerning the digital literacy of smallholders, and global application in diverse developing countries)?
  • How can we reach smallholders who are not familiar with digital technologies?

This should be conducted through a needs review comprising a representative set of stakeholders (including but not limited to smallholders, considering countries, farm size, gender, etc.)

GPSNR will facilitate virtual access and engagement with GPSNR smallholder members where applicable and requested by the consultant.

This RFP is also not limited in scope to smallholders or stakeholders in any specific geographical region, given that the eventual Knowledge Sharing Platform is expected to be globally used.

Project Timelines

The Request for Proposal timeline is as follows:

Activity Due Date
Release of RFP 10 Dec 2021
Submission Deadline for Proposals 7 Jan 2022
Contract Award 21 Jan 2022
Implementation to Begin 28 Jan 2022
First Review March 2022
Second Review May 2022

The work shall begin by January 2022 and the various phases shall be completed in accordance with the dates outlined in the timeline below:

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of up to 18,000 EUR (subject to change) be allocated to this engagement with an additional amount available to support planned and approved travel.

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 are incurred and documented.

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors, incorporating the overall quality of the proposal and consultant:

  1. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this RFP;
  2. Relevant past performance and 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;
  6. The ability to collect information at the global and local level.

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.

Download RFP here

Contact Person: Yeo Siyuan  – yeo.siyuan@gpsnr.org

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Tender

Request for Proposal – Drafting of a Shared Responsibility Framework (GPSNR-RFP-A02-015)

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR), is an international Multi-Stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Development of the GPSNR was initiated by the CEOs of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project (TIP) in 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.

Through a process led by the GPSNR Shared Responsibility Working Group the consulta should help the Platform draft a framework that defines shared responsibility among GPSNR members in the Natural Rubber supply chain supported by actionable solutions. All this work will be based on a problem and root case analysis exercise already validated by the Working Group.  

The consultant is expected to develop a cross walk to assess where there is overlap/alignment between the SR policy and other GPSNR policies including member commitments, but also the statues and future assurance model. In addition, the consultant should support the engagement with other working groups in the process of developing the framework so that alignment also occurs simultaneously.

The consultant will collect the information via desktop study and information provided by the Working Group/Secretariat. Regular contact and updating to the Shared Responsibility Working Group together with the Secretariat will be required.  It is estimated that there will be the need for at least one face to face meeting in the U.S. over the course of the project. Travel plans shall be made by the consultant.

Submission Guidelines & Requirements

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

  1. Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project.
  2. Examples of previous relevant work should be provided as well.
  3. A technical proposal must be provided that is not more than 4 pages. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed solution as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable.
  4. A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 pages. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project as well as hourly rates and an estimated total number of days.
  5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
  6. Proposals must be received prior to 2nd December 2021 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org for consideration. GPSNR anticipates shortlisting at least two individuals or firms to have more in-depth discussions with, and will make an award to one of these “down-selected” individuals or firms.
Project Timelines
The Request for Proposal timeline is as follows:

RFP opens online

Wednesday, 24 November 2021

RFP closes

Monday, 6 December 2021

WG select consultant during WG meeting

Thursday, 9 December 2021 (Tentative)

First draft delivered by consultant and presented to WG members

Week of January 10th

Round of review and approval by WG before members consultation

Week of January 17th

Members Consultation

From January 24 to February 5

Framework update and responding to consultation, WG approves revisions

February 7 to February 12

Working Group to Draft resolution with consultant support and send to Executive Committee for approval

February 14 to February 16

Resolution approved by EC, and sent to members

Monday, 28 February 2022

General Assembly

End March/ early April 

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 25,000 USD be allocated to this engagement with an additional amount available to support planned and approved travel. 

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 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;
  6. The ability to collect information at the global and local level.

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. 


Download RFP

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(CLOSED) Request for Proposal – Webpage design consultancy

Webpage design consultancy

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, 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

To document important decisions and milestones and ensure institutional memory is well-recorded, GPSNR is seeking a User Interface/User experience consultant to design three web pages that record a timeline, GPSNR’s assurance roadmap and the structure and overview of its working groups.

Core tasks

Working closely with the GPSNR secretariat, the consultant will:

  • Create and finalize three web-page mockups (wireframes, prototypes, and corresponding user interface components like templates, stylesheets, scripts, images, etc).
  • Include four rounds of feedback for each mockup from the GPSNR secretariat and key stakeholders
  • Integrate components in the CMS to allow review and testing, and make corresponding adjustments based on feedback received.
  • Liaise with GPSNR’s CRM expert to ensure that the mockups are feasible for the GPSNR website
  • Work closely with GPSNR’s Communications Manager on translating content into user oriented design

Terms

  • The engagement will take place for a period of six weeks from 15 October to 26nd November 2021. Interim dates for wireframes and approvals will be mutually agreed upon after confirmation.

Necessary Competencies:

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

Submission Guidelines:

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

  • Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project.
  • Submissions must include
    1) a portfolio of previous work
    2) a paragraph describing how the consultant would approach such a project
    3) a financial proposal with a breakdown of how much each competent of the work would cost.
  • Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit to the bidder’s company.
  • Proposals must be received by 4 October 2021 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

RFP and Project Timelines

Submission of Proposal 4/10/2021
Selection of top bidders and further conversations 7/10/2021
Contract award/notification to unsuccessful bidders 11/10/2021
Work commences no later than 15/10/2021

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 6,000 Singapore Dollars (SGD) be allocated to this engagement.

Payment terms shall be:

20% at the signing of the contract

30% at the midpoint date to be agreed upon and memorialized in the contract based on the submitted work plan

50% on delivery of the final report

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

  • 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.

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Tender

(CLOSED) Request for Proposal – GPSNR Compliance Panel Guidance (GPSNR-RFP-A02-014)

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural 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 initiated by the CEOs of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project (TIP) in 2018.  Members of the platform include tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers and NGOs.  Representatives from each of these stakeholder groups have contributed to the development of the Singapore-based platform and the wide-reaching set of priorities that will define strategy and objectives.

The GPSNR Statutes mandate the creation of an independent Compliance Panel to review and ensure that Members meet GPSNR membership requirements in conformance with Statutes, Code of Conduct, decisions, standards and processes, and make recommendations to GPSNR Executive Committee. The Compliance Panel will administer decisions in line with relevant GPSNR procedures. The panel shall be composed of three external experts and will operate independently from the membership and Secretariat.

GPSNR is seeking a consultant to help define procedures and guidelines required for the transparent and impartial operations and activities of GPSNR Compliance Panel.

PHASE I: OBJECTIVES AND SCOPE OF WORK

Objectives: To review GPSNR Statutes and relevant procedures, and develop recommendations and propose options available for the structure, operations and verification protocols of the Compliance Panel. 

The current GPSNR membership statutes document stipulates the following: 

10. Compliance System and Compliance Panel. The Executive Committee shall establish a Compliance System to ensure that Members meet Platform membership requirements in conformance with the Platform’s Statutes, Code of Conduct, decisions, standards and processes. The operating procedures of the Compliance System shall be defined in terms of reference to be adopted by the Executive Committee, consistent with the following core provisions: 

a. The Compliance System shall be administered by the Secretariat. 

b. Recommendations and decisions under the Compliance System shall be made by a Compliance Panel. 

c. The Compliance Panel’s functions shall include the review of whether a Member (in the period after its admission) meets the requirements for membership. 

d. The Compliance Panel shall operate independently from the Executive Committee and General Assembly. 

e. The Compliance Panel shall be composed of an independent body of three external experts that meet on a regular basis. 

f. Experts shall be nominated by an Ordinary Member and elected by a decision of the General Assembly to serve a 3-year term. 

g. A Member of the Compliance Panel may be removed by a consensus decision of the Executive Committee with a clear justification available to members upon request. 

h. Members of the Compliance Panel shall be subject to a conflict of interest policy, as adopted by the Executive Committee. 

i. The Compliance System shall ensure that Members are afforded an opportunity to be heard and an opportunity to cure any findings of non-compliance, alleged by either the Compliance System or Grievance Mechanism. 

The consultant is expected to provide an outline of relevant existing compliance models, a comparison of options that GPSNR could consider, and justified recommendations based on: 

  • Review of other existing membership and/or compliance panel models  
  • Review of GPSNR Statutes and other relevant GPSNR documents  
  • Interviews with GPSNR members and relevant external stakeholders 
  • Other relevant expert advice and guidance 

Scope of Work:

GPSNR is seeking a consultant to recommend operational procedures and guidance for the GPSNR Compliance Panel, to include: 

  • Proposed roles and responsibilities of GPSNR Compliance Panel 
  • Suggested scope of the CP’s activities 
  • Recommended qualification requirements and selection protocols for Compliance Panel members; covering necessary relevant expertise, how to avoid conflict of interests, and procedures for the appointment and removal of Panel members  
  • Options for the structure of decision-making within the panel 
  • Proposed verification procedures by the panel to assess ongoing compliance of GPSNR members with membership requirements 
  • Procedure for issuing appropriate recommendations to ensure compliance of GPSNR members, based on the submitted results of the verification process.  
  • Options for GPSNR to deal with situations where members cannot demonstrate compliance with relevant membership requirements, including steps towards potential suspension or termination in cases of major or persistent noncompliance 
  • Suggestions for appeal procedures related to the decisions/recommendations of the GPSNR CP 
  • Procedure for recording and reporting of Compliance Panel decisions/recommendations  

PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENTS

  • Description of past work that is relevant to this RFP. 
  • A workplan that outlines all key activities of the pilot study, cost for each and timeline for completion. 
  • A description of deliverables and indication of accessibility to GPSNR members and/or the public.  
  • A list of project team members with their roles in the project and associated qualifications. 

TERMS

The work shall begin by 21 May 2021 and the various phases shall be completed in accordance with the dates outlined in the timeline below: 

Activity  Due Date 
Submission deadline for proposals  7 May 2021 
Contract Award  14 May 2021 
Work begins  By 21 May 2021 
Presentation of first draft to GPSNR Policy Toolbox WG (WG1)  2 June 2021 (adjustable) 
Review of draft based on WG1 feedback  3-10 June 2021 
Submission of final recommendations   11 June 2021 

BUDGET

The Platform is anticipating that the total budget of no more than 10,000 SGD be allocated to the engagement. 

Payment terms shall be: 

  • 20% at the signing of the contract 
  • 30% at the presentation of the first draft 
  • 50% upon delivery of the final recommendations. 

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. 

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

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

Introduction & Background

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

Through a process led by the Policy Toolbox and Implementation Guidance Working Group (WG1), the General Assembly approved a Policy Framework in September 2020 that outlines the specific commitments to sustainable natural rubber that GPSNR company members must include in their public policies or other relevant documents.  GPSNR ordinary member companies are required to create new or update existing policies to align with the Policy Framework by March 2021 (companies will have a possibility to request an extension provided they can demonstrate progress in developing or updating their policies).  A process is currently underway to develop Implementation Guidance for companies to deliver on their commitments as outlined in the Policy Framework.  Reporting Requirements (RRs) are also to be developed as part of the GPSNR assurance model (currently in draft form).  The RRs will vary depending on where a member company sits within the natural rubber supply chain, so this work will be organized by the following stakeholder categories:  1) natural rubber producers, processors and traders (this stakeholder category will develop RRs for growers, traders of raw materials, processors, traders of processed material) 2) tire makers and other natural rubber product manufacturers; and 3) auto makers and other end users. 

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

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

The Engagement

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

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

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

Terms

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

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

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

Tasks

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

Necessary Competencies

GPSNR will award a contract to a consultant based on:

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

Submission Guidelines & Requirements

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

  1. Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project.
  2. Examples of previous relevant work should be provided as well
  3. A technical proposal must be provided that is not more than 3 pages. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed solution as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable.
  4. A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 page. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project as well as daily rates and an estimated total number of days.
  5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
  6. Proposals must be received prior to 12 March 2021 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to aidan@gpsnr.org and stefano.savi@gpsnr.org for consideration.
  7. GPSNR anticipates shortlisting at least two individuals or firms with which to have more in-depth discussions and will make an award to one of these short-listed individuals or firms.
  8. Applicants can obtain a copy of the BRRs by sending a request to aidan@gpsnr.org
  9. GPSNR reserves the right to amend the scope of this RFP in order to get the most suitable consultant.

RFP & Project Timelines

The Request for Proposal timeline is as follows:

Proposal submitted by consultant to GPSNR   12/03/2021
Selection of Top Bidders /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders  
19/03/2021
Contract Award /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders  
22/03/2021
Work to commence no later than 29/03/2021
Need-date for project completion 15/06/2021

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 10,000 Singapore Dollars (SGD) be allocated to this engagement.    
Payment terms shall be:

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

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

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

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

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

Introduction & Background

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submission Guidelines & Requirements

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

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

RFP & Project Timelines

The Request for Proposal timeline is as follows:

Proposal
submitted by consultant to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org

 
05/02/2021
Selection of Top Bidders /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders
 
12/02/2021
Contract Award /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders
 
19/02/2021
Work to commence no later than 22/02/2021
Need-date for project completion 22/06/2021

Budget

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

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

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

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

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

View and download full RFP here

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

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