(CLOSED) Request for Proposal – 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, more than 50% of the world’s natural rubber demand already finds membership in GPSNR. This is only a small reflection of the amount of work that has taken place over the last five years.

Scope

We are seeking a web design consultancy to design, code and publish a webpage style annual report for 2023, which can be easily downloaded as a PDF version. The content for the webpage will be provided by the GPSNR secretariat.

Core tasks

Working closely with the GPSNR secretariat, the consultant will:

• Create and finalise three web-page mockup (wireframes, prototypes, and corresponding user interface components like templates, stylesheets, scripts, images, etc) for the team to choose from.
• Once the mock up has been chosen by the team, the consultant will include four rounds of feedback from the GPSNR secretariat and key stakeholders in the development of the final page.
• Integrate components in the CMS to allow review and testing, and make corresponding adjustments based on feedback received.
• Liaise with GPSNR’s Communications Manager to ensure that the mockups are feasible for the GPSNR website.

Terms

• The engagement will take place for a period of four weeks from 11 December to 8 January. 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 1 December 2023 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to bani.bains@gpsnr.org for consideration.
• To receive a copy of the draft content, applicants can email bani.bains@gpsnr.org

RFP and Project Timelines

Budget

The Platform is anticipating a total budget of up to 4000 Singapore Dollars (SGD) be allocated to this engagement.

Payment terms shall be:

• 20% at the signing of the contract
• 30% upon midpoint as mutually agreed
• 50% at the completion of the project

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

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

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

FEBRUARY 2026 

ISSUED BY 
Global Platform for Sustainable Natural Rubber 

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. 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 Assurance System, designed by Assurance Services International (ASI) and for GPSNR members, is a risk-based framework that supports credible and independent assurance processes. It enables companies to identify and mitigate human rights and environmental risks within their supply chains, undergo third-party verification, and report transparently on their progress through credible claims.

As part of its Assurance System, GPSNR operates an oversight mechanism to ensure that approved Assurance Service Providers (ASPs) deliver assessment and assurance services in conformity with GPSNR requirements. This oversight function is a critical component of maintaining the credibility, consistency, and integrity of the GPSNR Assurance System.

GPSNR is therefore seeking proposals from qualified and experienced individuals or organizations to provide GPSNR Oversight Assessor services in accordance with GPSNR oversight procedures and requirements.

The Engagement 

The GPSNR Secretariat is seeking one or more qualified Oversight Assessors to support GPSNR in planning, conducting, and reporting on oversight assessments of Assurance Service Providers. The selected provider(s) will support GPSNR in ensuring that ASPs continue to meet approval requirements and effectively implement GPSNR assurance procedures.

Scope of Work

The Oversight Assessor(s) shall perform oversight activities in line with the GPSNR Oversight Procedure. The scope of work may include, but is not limited to, the following activities:

Oversight Assessment Activities

• Conduct 5-10 desk reviews of applicant or approved Assurance Service Providers, including review of documented procedures and records.
• Conduct 5-10 office assessments (remote or on-site, as required) to evaluate conformity with GPSNR requirements and the effectiveness of ASP management systems.
• Conduct 5-10 witness assessments by observing ASP assessors or assessor teams during GPSNR field assessments.
• Apply appropriate oversight assessment techniques, including document review, interviews, and witnessing of audit activities.

Assessment Preparation and Planning

• Support GPSNR Secretariat in defining the scope, type, and objectives of oversight assessments.
• Prepare assessment agendas and support logistical planning as required.
• Review background documentation prior to assessments, including previous oversight reports and ASP records.

Reporting and Follow-up

• Identify, document, and grade nonconformities in accordance with GPSNR procedures.
• Prepare clear, accurate, and well-justified oversight assessment reports.
• Participate in opening and closing meetings with Assurance Service Providers.
• Submit assessment reports to the GPSNR Secretariat for technical review within agreed timelines.
• Support clarification or revision of reports where requested following technical review.

Professional and Ethical Requirements

• Act in accordance with GPSNR assessment principles, including ethical conduct, impartiality, confidentiality, and due professional care.
• Declare and manage conflicts of interest in line with GPSNR requirements.
• Comply with all applicable health, safety, and confidentiality requirements during oversight activities.

Assessor Qualification and Competence Requirements

Proposals must demonstrate that the proposed Oversight Assessor(s) meet the following minimum requirements:

• Relevant tertiary academic qualification in agriculture, environmental management, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated professional experience.
• At least three (3) years of professional experience in the management and/or delivery of certification or accreditation services.
• Successful completion of a five-day ISO lead auditor training course based on ISO 19011.
• Qualification as a lead auditor for the GPSNR programme or a comparable certification scheme in a related industry.
• Successful completion (or commitment to complete) GPSNR-specific training on assurance procedures, assessment requirements, and relevant templates and tools.
• Familiarity with GPSNR and the natural rubber industry

Submission Guidelines & Requirements

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

1. Proposals will only be accepted from individuals or organisations 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 include understanding of the assignment and proposed approach, indicative schedule and availability as well as resumes of all key personnel performing the work.
4. A price proposal must be provided that is not more than 1 pages. This price proposal should indicate daily or hourly rates and an estimated number of days by activity.
5. Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorized to commit bidder’s company.
6. Proposals must be received prior to the 20th of February to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to natalie.low@gpsnr.org for consideration.
7. GPSNR reserves the right to amend the scope of this RFP in order to get the most suitable consultant.
8. Bidders must ensure that all external personnel involved in preparing and executing this proposal are under exclusive agreements specific to this RFP. These agreements must obligate the external personnel to exclusively dedicate their services to the bidder’s proposal, prohibiting their engagement in any other proposals for the same RFP. This measure is to maintain the integrity of the bidding process and prevent conflicts of interest.

Project Timelines

Budget

The Platform invites consultants to submit a competitive price proposal, and the proposed budget will be factored into selection of the consultant. The total contract value shall be calculated based on the daily rate and actual number of days worked per month. Invoicing shall be submitted on a monthly basis and must include a breakdown of days worked and activities performed for the relevant period.

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
3. Cost and overall value for money
4. Technical expertise/experience of bidder/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.

Note: The award of this contract will only be considered complete upon completion of the contract signing.