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

Share This Post

*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.org15 Apr 2022
Selection of Top Bidders /
Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders		29 Apr 2022
Contract Award4 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 Group1 Jun 2022
The first draft report submitted to the Strategy and Objective Working Group for comments22 Jul 2022
Meeting with Strategy & Objectives WG by28 Jul 2022
The final report submitted to the Strategy and Objective Working Group19 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.

View RFP Document here

More To Explore
Tender

(CLOSED) Request for Proposal – GIS Database and Mapping Tools

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 November 2017. 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 GPSNR strategy and objectives.

The GPSNR has created three core working groups to help advance the platform’s mission to reduce social and environmental risks throughout the natural rubber supply chain.  Working Group 3 (WG3) is dedicated to Traceability and Transparency, with the objective to recommend tools to trace, assess the risk and achieve transparency of any given natural rubber product buyer’s supply chain.

To achieve the WG3 objective, we are requesting proposals for projects that will assess supply chain risks, achieve supply chain traceability and achieve supply chain transparency. 

GPSNR refers deforestation risk to loss of natural forests, HCV and HCSA areas. Currently each member is working independently on HCV/HCSA assessment and rather than doing it collectively. We understand that there have been several HCV maps developed by different organizations in several parts of the world, and our intention of this pilot is to find a collaboration with a partner to jointly upgrade/update the existing map. 

Note: Proposals for new mapping activities are not discouraged from applying.

Scope of Work and Objective

Comparison of Existing GIS Databases and Mapping Approaches of High-Risk Areas and Ongoing Threats

Compare existing and currently under-development GIS databases and mapping tools along with their mapping approaches through research and interviews of entities familiar with the production of such products. Additionally, where there is an absence or deficiency of tools, suggest the enhancement or combination of existing or creation of a new.

The study shall include but not be limited to the datasets, mapping approaches, GIS databases in development and/or adopted by:

(1) HCVRN;

(2) HCSA;

(3) UMD;

(4) UN Biodiversity Lab;

(5) WRI and;

(6) WWF.

The study shall:

  • Focus on countries/regions related to natural rubber production.
  • Provide an overview of each database/mapping tool that includes their general methodology.
  • Conduct a SWOT analysis of each tool to identify which tools are most suitable to detect high risk zones for the rubber sector based on presence of high carbon and/or biodiversity levels, High Carbon Stock values (HCSA), and/or High Conservation Values (HCVRN).
  • Suggest how existing traceability tools can (or cannot) interact with the GIS databases/mapping tool.

Submission Guidelines & Requirements

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

  1. Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project.
  2. A technical proposal must be provided that is not more than 4 pages. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed tools for analysis as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a description of previous relevant work, and a proposed schedule.
  3. 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.
  4. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
  5. Proposals must be received prior to 19th August 2020 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org for consideration.
  6. 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.

Budget

The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 20,000 Euros for the study. 

Payment terms shall be:

  • 50% at the signing of the contract
  • 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. 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. 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.

Please submit your application to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org by 19 August 2020.

GPSNR Staff August 14, 2020

Request For Proposal – GPSNR-RFP-C03-036-Review and support the development of a Central Repository

Introduction & Background
The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) is an international, multi-stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Members of the platform include rubber products manufacturers, natural rubber suppliers and processors (PPTs), end users, smallholders, and civil society organisations. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  6. Data protection and cyber security policies

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

  8. Data Backup

  9. Server location – Singapore (Preferred)

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

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

Proposal Format and Contents
The proposal should include the following:

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

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

  1. Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project. 
  2. Examples of previous relevant work should be provided as well. 
  3. A technical proposal must be provided that is not more than 4 pages. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed solution as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable. 
  4. A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 pages. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price for the project, a cost breakdown, and daily rates and an estimated total number of days. 
  5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company. 
  6. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org and aidan@gpsnr.org for consideration. 
  7. GPSNR reserves the right to amend the scope and budget of this RFP in order to get the most suitable consultant for each topic. 

Project Timelines 

RFP Published

4 Sep 2023

Proposal Submission Deadline

25 Sep 2023

Contract Awarded

9 Oct 2023

First consultation with Manufacturer’s Subgroup 

23 Oct 2023

Bi-weekly progress updates

23 Oct – 18 Dec

Final Report + Deliverable submission

19 Dec 2023

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

Payment terms shall be:

  • 20% at the signing of the contract
  • 30% at the midpoint date to be agreed upon and memorialized in the contract based on the submitted work plan
  • 40% on go-live 
  • Balance 10% – 1 month after go-live

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

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

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


View RFP Document here

GPSNR Secretariat September 6, 2023

© 2022 All rights reserved

Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber

Scroll to Top