Introduction & Background
The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) is an international multi-stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Development of GPSNR was initiated by the CEOs of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project (TIP) in 2019. Members of the platform include tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers and NGOs. Representatives from each of these stakeholder groups have contributed to the development of the Singapore-based platform and the wide-reaching set of priorities that define GPSNR strategy and objectives.
The GPSNR Secretariat and the GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group, through the GPSNR Knowledge Sharing Platform Task Force, are jointly overseeing the development and eventual operations and maintenance of a digital GPSNR Knowledge Sharing Platform.
This digital platform is envisaged to be an easily accessible, multi-lingual and expandable knowledge platform for smallholders and other actors based on quality-controlled information. Besides providing technical information on the latest sustainability best practices and Good Agricultural Practices, it will provide access to live market conditions on natural rubber such as prices on key exchanges, projected supply, and demand shifts, as well as overall global market developments. The digital platform will also incorporate communication functions such as live chat and forum with built-in translation tools to allow smallholders to share and communicate seamlessly across different countries. Another crucial aspect will be to safeguard data security and ownership.
GPSNR is seeking proposals to build the above digital platform in mobile application form, and to maintain the application for GPSNR for a trial period of 3-6 months. Details are provided below.
Key Requirements for the Digital Platform
GPSNR has completed an initial Assessment of Status Quo and Evaluation of Knowledge Sharing Platforms for Rubber Smallholders. This included an extensive needs review of smallholders and other key players in the natural rubber value chain with regard to digital applications. Interested bidders can approach the GPSNR Secretariat for a copy of the Report.
The main target user of the platform are natural rubber smallholders and other players in the natural rubber value chain globally.
GPSNR is open to proposals based on the following:
- Adopting and adapting an existing platform that is already on the market and accessible to natural rubber smallholders in whatever capacity
- In this option, the service provider of the existing platform should provide a template that can be adaptable to suit GPSNR’s stated requirements
- Developing a customised platform specifically for GPSNR and its requirements
- The custom solution can be hosted and operated either on GPSNR’s IT infrastructure or by the app provider (i.e., delivered as a Software as a Service).
Based on the initial Status Quo Assessment Report, the Platform should have the following key characteristics:
- Be an (expandable)multi-lingual open information exchange platform with the following language options:
- Minimum from the start: Bahasa Indonesia, English
- Ideally including: French, Thai
- Expandable in the future: Khmer, Vietnamese, Sinhalese, Burmese, Spanish, Portuguese, Tamil
- Host quality-controlled technical information on natural rubber issues that will be first reviewed and endorsed by GPSNR members
- Be free-to-use and respecting users’ data privacy
- Allow for easy access by smallholders using simple or commonly available tools such as smartphones
- Data security and privacy to be safeguarded at all times
- The platform should be built such that it can be expanded or further customisable to incorporate more features in the future
- System architecture and infrastructure: it should be possible to use the app via the iOS and Android app system
Building on the above, the Platform should be able to host, at minimum, the following content and functions (multi-lingual):
- Daily natural rubber prices, automated to reflect live updates based on local, regional and global prices
- Information on local or global sustainability best practices, in the most accessible digital formats (pdf, video, ppt, text, etc.)
- Information on Good Agricultural Practices, in the most accessible digital formats (pdf, video, ppt, text, etc.)
- Marketplace (for natural rubber products / agricultural products)
- Forum / chat / helpline for smallholders to discuss news or other issues and exchange experiences and best practices
Platform developers are welcomed to recommend other essential features or functions based on their technical and user experience expertise.
Deliverables
By the end of the project, the consultant should have completed the following:
Phase 1: Preparatory Recommendations
- Recommend detailed technical requirements for the digital platform or application, including requirements for data security, ownership, back-office administration, documentation, support, maintenance and performance criteria
- Prepare screen designs prior to software development
- Engage with preliminary pilot calls with smallholders to gather further feedback and inputs
- The above to be reviewed in discussions with the GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group
Phase 2: Software Development
- Build the digital platform in line with the stated requirements, either by adopting an existing digital platform, or developing a customised platform or application for GPSNR
- Continuous review with the GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group
Minimum viable product (MVP)
- A final graphic design and user interface is apparent.
- The core functions can be used and demonstrated.
- Initial content has been input.
Beta version of the app
- Final graphic design and user interface have been applied.
- All functions can be used.
- All content has been input.
Phase 3: Platform Pilot Period
- Maintain the platform for a trial period of 3-6 months
- exact costs and timeframe to be proposed, considering manpower, technical, licensing etc. needs
- exact costs and timeframe to be proposed, considering manpower, technical, licensing etc. needs
- Work with GPSNR to engage in continuous user and quality assurance tests and feedback to further refine the digital platform or application as required
Submission Guidelines & Requirements
The following submission guidelines & requirements apply to this Request for Proposal:
- A detailed technical proposal must be provided. This technical proposal must provide an overview of the proposed methodology for the three Phases of the project. In addition, the technical proposal should provide a proposed schedule and milestones, as applicable.
- A detailed price proposal must be provided. This price proposal should indicate the overall fixed price or expected price range for each Phase of the project, including daily rates and an estimated total number of days for each Phase of the project.
- Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project. Examples of previous relevant work should be provided, as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work.
- Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorised to commit the bidder’s company.
Project Timelines
| Request for Proposal Issuance | 29 August 2022 |
| Proposal submitted by consultant to yeo.siyuan@gpsnr.org | 26 September 2022 |
| Selection of consultant / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders | 7 October 2022 |
| Completion of Phase 1: Preparatory Recommendations | November 2022 |
| Completion of Phase 2: Software Development | To be proposed by the bidder |
| Completion of Phase 3: Platform Pilot | To be proposed by the bidder Pilot period should conclude no later than June 2023 |
Budget
The Platform is anticipating a total budget of up to 140,000 EUR for all three Phases of the project.
This figure could be adjusted based on bidders’ expert recommendations on costs and timeline, and reviewed based on the outcomes put forth following each Phase of the project.
Payment terms shall be:
- 60% at the signing of the contract
- 5% upon completion of Phase 1: Preparatory Recommendations
- 20% upon completion of Phase 2: Software Development
- 15% upon completion of Phase 3: Platform Pilot
Evaluation Factors
GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:
- Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this RFP
- Methodology for completing all three Phases of the project
- Costs and expected timeline for all three Phases of the project
- Technical expertise/experience, including team composition, past performance/experience
When evaluating bids, GPSNR may request for more information as part of a full due diligence to understand bidders’ technical and commercial background, assess potential conflicts of interests and independence vis-à-vis natural rubber smallholders and the wider agricultural sector, and level of competence for the project.
GPSNR reserves the right to award to the bidder that presents the best value to GPSNR as determined solely by GPSNR in its absolute discretion.
Digital Guidelines and Considerations
The consultant should commit to follow the guidelines specified in the Principles for Digital Development.
The principles of data protection legislation must be taken into account when processing personal data:
- The data must be processed lawfully (lawfulness)
- Data must only be processed if this is required and reasonable (fairness).
- The data must be processed transparently (transparency).
- The data must be processed for defined (time-limited), clear and legitimate purposes (earmarking).
- Only as much data as is required may be processed (data minimisation).
- Accuracy and currency must be ensured (data accuracy).
- The principle of integrity and confidentiality must be guaranteed through an appropriate level of protection (data security).
More To Explore
(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:
- Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with proven experience relevant to this project.
- Examples of previous relevant work should be provided as well.
- 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.
- 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.
- Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
- 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.
- 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:
- Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this RFP;
- Relevant past performance and experience;
- Samples of work;
- Cost, including an assessment of total cost of ownership;
- Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff;
- 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
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:
- Craft a database that stores polygon and supply chain information to the plantation level and allows for the upload of geo-mapping information.
- The database should also have an online dashboard view of mapped / Mapping-in-progress farmlands, contract/seller invoice information – outstanding and shipped)
- The Central Repository should allow data to flow to and from or store data in a way that is compatible for the uses below:
- Traceability tool providers (Eg – Koltiva, TRST01, Harmuni (Agridence etc))
- Deforestation mapping tools (Eg – LiveEO, Satelligence, Starling etc)
- Risk assessment systems/tools (Eg – ASI Tool or Others as available etc)
- Create levels of access authorizations for different accounts within the platform –
- User accounts for uploading geo mapped data
- Access to viewing the geo-mapped data linked to user accounts for the PPTs and Manufacturers
- Users should only have access to information from within their own supply chains or information that they input to the repository
- 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.
- 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.
- Extracting information from Due Diligence Systems and integrating it with the EU Information System (this should be limited to manufacturers only)
- The platform should be compliant with applicable data privacy norms and regulations which include but are not limited to the GDPR and PDPA.
- A fee structure including management of shared cost arising from overlapping access to geo mapped data.
- Data protection and cyber security policies
- Service Level Agreements including downtime, maintenance, customer support and service, updates.
- Data Backup
- Server location – Singapore (Preferred)
- A timeline for development of the Central Repository (milestones with details)
- Optional – Deforestation monitoring tool integrated with central repository and the applicable fee structures
Proposal Format and Contents
The proposal should include the following:
- A workplan that outlines all key activities of the deliverables (as outlined in Expected Deliverables above)
- Timeline and key stages of operations (based on Project Timeline below)
- Budget, including detailed breakdown of expected manpower, logistics, and costs
- Description of past work and technical expertise that is relevant to this RFP
- A list of project team members with their roles in the project and associated qualifications.
Submission Guidelines & Requirements
The following submission guidelines & requirements apply to this Request for Proposal:
- Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project.
- Examples of previous relevant work should be provided as well.
- 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.
- 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.
- Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
- Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org and aidan@gpsnr.org for consideration.
- 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:
- Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposal
- Relevant past performance/ experience
- Samples of work
- Cost, including an assessment of total cost of ownership
- 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.
