(CLOSED) Request for Proposal – Study on Living Income Gap in Global Natural Rubber Value Chains – Indonesia
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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.
Through a process led by the Equity Working Group, the Platform has begun an investigation into how value can be equitably distributed across the entire natural rubber value chain. To achieve this aim, it is important for the Platform to gather information about the following metrics in different countries:
i) the prevailing net household income of rubber smallholders;
ii) the detailed cost of production for rubber (input costs, labor etc);
iii) the living income for rubber smallholders;
iv) the living income gap and v) the living income reference price for rubber (the price at which the living income benchmark can be reached).
The Platform has decided to limit the focus of this initial study to Ivory Coast, Indonesia, Thailand, and Myanmar and the consultant is expected to collect information on the aforementioned metrics in Indonesia for this study.
Given that living income data is not readily available for each country, alternative benchmarks should be used where relevant and applicable. A list of potential benchmarks and preliminary data are illustrated in the attached document. To facilitate cross-country comparisons of income data and living income levels, the consultant is expected to use consistent units of measurement (per household / per workforce / per person) throughout this study.
The consultant will collect the information via desktop study, interviewing of GPSNR members, research institutes, social NGOs, governmental organizations, etc. A primary list of stakeholders will be provided by the Secretariat together with the Equity Working Group members. A complementary list will be developed by the consultant. Regular contact and updating to the Equity Working Group together with the Secretariat will be required. Travel plans shall be made by the consultant where possible and necessary.
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 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 19th August 2020 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.
Budget
The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 10,500 Euros be allocated to this engagement.
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:
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;
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.
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.)
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
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
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 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.
The Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber (GPSNR) is an international multi-stakeholder, voluntary membership initiative seeking to lead improvements in the socioeconomic and environmental performance of the natural rubber value chain. Development of GPSNR was initiated by the CEOs of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Tire Industry Project (TIP) in 2019. Members of the platform include tire manufacturers, rubber suppliers and processors, vehicle makers and NGOs. Representatives from each of these stakeholder groups have contributed to the development of the Singapore-based platform and the wide-reaching set of priorities that define GPSNR strategy and objectives.
In 2021, GPSNR’s Capacity Building Working Group has identified that a digital knowledge sharing platform (KSP) is crucial to GPSNR’s future operations. The GPSNR Secretariat and the GPSNR Capacity Building Working Group, through the GPSNR Knowledge Sharing Platform Task Force, are jointly overseeing the development and eventual operations and maintenance of a digital GPSNR Knowledge Sharing Platform called Rubber Wiki.
Rubber Wiki will serve as a centralized digital hub, enabling smallholder rubber producers worldwide to access to technical information on relevant global news, latest sustainability best practices and Good Agricultural Practices, daily natural rubber prices, weather forecast and recommended activities, communication features and others. It will also facilitate peer-to-peer exchange of best practices, working conditions, and experiences, fostering coordination and collaboration within the global natural rubber production community.
GPSNR successfully completed the initial phase of the project, which involved conducting a comprehensive assessment of existing digital tools and evaluating the digital capabilities and needs of smallholder rubber producers. Currently, GPSNR is in the midst of the second phase, focusing on the development of multi-lingual mobile application features for the KSP. The second phase is expected to be completed in mid-December 2023.
To fully realize the Rubber Wiki’s potential, GPSNR is now seeking proposals to strengthen the critical third phase, which centers on content development for Rubber Wiki.
This is a crucial phase as it will enable the KSP to achieve its core objectives by facilitating effective knowledge exchange and collaboration among smallholder rubber producers worldwide. Through the development of high-quality and tailored content, GPSNR aims to address the specific challenges and requirements faced by smallholders.
To ensure the content’s relevance and effectiveness, interested bidders should undertake comprehensive adaptations for the contents that take into consideration of both the global nature of the industry and the unique contexts of smallholder rubber producers in different regions.
Objectives
1. Inventory & Develop Materials/Modules Conduct a comprehensive inventory of content related to GAP, disease fighting, agroforestry, tapping qualities, etc., addressing smallholders’ challenges. Ensure that this content aligns with GPSNR’s values and guidelines. Incorporate resources from members/partners and develop new content if there’s no suitable materials available (subject to discussion and approval by the KSP Task Force) to cater to specific and diverse needs of smallholders.
2. Consistency & Adaptability To ensure all materials/modules are consistent and adaptable across regions. Bridge regional requirements through research and suitable content, style, and languages for effective knowledge sharing.
3. Ownership & Compliance Secure rightful ownership of acquired/developed content, duly registered with GPSNR. Address copyright/licensing concerns for content protection.
4. Integration & User-Friendly Evaluate materials/modules for seamless integration into the KSP platform. Implement adaptations (formatting, language localization, and technical optimization) for easy access and navigation.
5. Functional Implementation Ensure operational efficiency and functionality of the KSP platform, encouraging active user engagement in knowledge sharing.
Activities Required
The proposed studies/activities required for Phase 3 – Content Development for the KSP are as follows:
1. Identify, Adapt and Develop Materials/Modules
– Conduct a comprehensive inventory of existing materials/modules related to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), disease fighting, agroforestry, tapping qualities, and other relevant topics specifically tailored for smallholder natural rubber producers. The determination of relevant topics will involve discussions with the KSP Task Force to ensure alignment with the specific needs and challenges faced by smallholders in the natural rubber production sector.
– Identify and collaborate with members or partner organizations to access relevant content resources and incorporate them into the KSP.
– Conduct research and develop new content materials/modules to fill identified gaps and cater to the specific challenges faced by smallholders in different regions.
– Evaluate the identified content materials/modules for consistency across different regions to ensure alignment with local regulations, best practices, and specific challenges faced by smallholder rubber producers in each respective region.
– Implement strategies to ensure that content is consistent and adaptable to the local context.
– Determine and incorporate the necessary adaptations, such as adapting the materials’ content to comply with local requirements, formatting, language localization, and more.
2. Testing & Adjustment / Quality Control Conducting acceptance testing and review of the modules/materials to ensure accuracy, reliability, and adherence to industry best practices. This includes verifying information, checking for inconsistencies or errors and engaging subject matter experts for peer review. Necessary adjustments should be made based on feedback and evaluation to ensure high-quality and user-friendly content.
3. Ownership Rights and Copyright Compliance
– Ensure all content materials/modules acquired or developed are rightfully obtained, and their ownership is registered with GPSNR.
– Address any copyright or licensing concerns to secure the intellectual property rights of the content.
4. Integration and Implementation
– Evaluate and adapt the identified content materials for seamless integration into the KSP platform.
– Implement, test, and make necessary adaptations, such as formatting, language localization, and technical optimization, to ensure easy user access to the developed contents.
5. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement Monitor platform usage, evaluate its effectiveness, and continuously update and enhance the platform based on feedback and evaluation.
6. Progress reporting Provide a brief summary of the activities undertaken during the reporting period.
The proposed durations for each activities stated above are:
Expected Deliverables
Identify, Adapt and Develop Materials/Modules
a. Development of a minimum of 50 materials/modules covering:
i. Proposed topics of Materials/Modules:
1) Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
2) Disease Fighting
3) Agroforestry
4) Tapping Qualities
5) Improving yields through approved rubber clones
6) Others relevant topics addressing specific challenges faced by smallholders (subject to discussion and approval by the KSP Task Force)
ii. Regional Coverage: Indonesia, Thailand, Côte d’Ivoire, Malaysia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Liberia, India, Brazil, Ghana
iii. Languages: Bahasa Indonesia, English, Thai, French, Khmer, Bahasa Malaysia, Vietnam, Sinhalese, Burmese, Spanish, Portuguese, Tamil
iv. Format: text-based materials, audio-visual contents (such as movies, videos, animations, cartoons, infographics) and other suitable formats.
Creation of a guidance document for users and a content inventory system for content managers, providing detailed information on modules/materials and relevant content resources.
Testing & Adjustment / Quality Control
Submission of a quality control report on the developed modules/materials, inclusive of language localization and formatting testing to ensure adaptability for different regions.
Implement feedback mechanisms allowing users to provide input on the content’s usefulness and effectiveness.
Ownership Rights and Copyright Compliance
● Provide copyright/licensing documents demonstrating the rightful acquisition or development of materials/modules and registration of intellectual property rights with GPSNR.
Integration and Implementation
● Demonstration of the complete integration and implementation of developed modules/materials into the KSP, ensuring accessibility and usability within the platform.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Continuous Improvement
● Collection and submit report on of data on user interactions, time spent on modules, user feedback, and other relevant usage statistics, along with lessons learned or findings.
Progress Reporting
● Submission of a mid-term report containing project summary, key milestones, module/materials development summary, quality control details, intellectual property rights information, challenges and recommendations.
● The final report and presentation will document the project’s process and outcomes, providing a roadmap for future Knowledge Sharing Platform enhancements.
Submission Guidelines & Requirements
The following submission guidelines & requirements apply to this Request for Proposal:
Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or firms with experience relevant to this project. Examples of previous relevant work should be provided, as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work. We welcome joint-organizations to submit proposals for this RFP.
A detailed technical proposal must be provided. The technical proposal should include, but is not limited to, the following:
● A workplan that outlines proposed methodology to carry out all key activities stated above. Interested bidders are welcome to propose additional activities that are deemed important in ensuring successful executive of this project.
● Key outputs align with the expected deliverables stated above.
● Timeline and key operational stages.
● Price proposal (budget), detailing an overall fixed price and a breakdown of expected costs for manpower, logistics, and other project-related expenses.
● Description of past work and technical expertise that is relevant to this RFP.
● A list of project team members with their roles in the project and associated qualifications.
Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorised to commit the bidder’s company.
Proposals must be received prior to the 24th November 2023 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to cheewei@gpsnr.org for consideration.
GPSNR reserves the right to amend the scope and budget of this RFP in order to get the most suitable consultant for each topic.
Project Timelines
RFP publication
8 November 2023
Submission deadline for proposals
24 November 2023
Evaluation of proposals and follow up
24 November – 7 December 2023
Contract Award and Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders
8 December 2023
Proposed Project commencement date
15 December 2023
Mid-term review
March 2024
Final review
August 2024
The above timeline is open to further adjustments based on discussions with the interested bidder(s) and GPSNR’s ongoing key milestones.
Budget
The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than 80,000 EUR be allocated to this RFP.
The proposed payment terms are as follows:
● 20% at the signing of the contract
● 30% at the Mid-term Review (the date will be agreed upon and documented in the contract)
● 50% on Final Review
These payment terms are subject to further adjustments based on discussions with the interested bidder(s) and the project timeline.
Evaluation Factors
GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors, with cost being the most important factor:
1. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this Request for Proposal
2. Relevant past performance/ experience
3. Samples of work
4. Proposed price/budget
5. Technical expertise/experience of bidder and bidder’s staff
6. Proposed timeline
When evaluating bids, GPSNR may request for more information as part of a full due diligence to understand bidders’ technical and commercial background, assess potential conflicts of interests and independence vis-à-vis natural rubber smallholders and the wider agricultural sector, and level of competence for the project.
GPSNR reserves the right to award to the bidder that presents the best value to GPSNR as determined solely by GPSNR in its absolute discretion.
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