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.

Introduction

GPSNR

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.

As of October 2022, GPSNR has 157 smallholder members from 10 countries.

HCSA

Established in 2014, the HCSA sets the standard approach for implementing no deforestation commitments on the ground for any commercial crop grown in moist tropical forest landscapes (for example, of palm oil, wood pulp or cocoa). It is underpinned not only by a commitment to no deforestation, but also by a commitment to respect the rights and livelihoods of local people.

To this end, the HCSA has developed a Toolkit that provides practical guidance to help companies, local communities, and other stakeholders to agree on which lands should be used for commercial agriculture or forestry, what activities will take place on community lands, which areas of forests should be conserved, and how lands should be managed and monitored. 

HCVN

The Network is a member-based organization that promotes the High Conservation Value (HCV) Approach, a three-step methodology to identify and protect ecosystems, biodiversity, and the needs of local communities and indigenous groups where development takes place.

Over several years the HCV Network has developed smallholder adapted HCV procedures, tailored to certification schemes, including for RSPO, Better Cotton Initiative and Fairtrade. More recently, The HCV Network have developed Nature Positive Farming, a tool to scale up engagement with smallholder producers who are not certified, and support them transition towards no-conversion and HCV protection production.

Project Summary

GPSNR is working with a Partnerships for Forest (P4F) grant to create mechanisms and systems to support and sustain long-term participation of smallholder members on the platform.

Under the P4F grant, a collaborative effort between GPSNR and HCSA was proposed due to the timely development of the HCSA Smallholder Approach which required further trials towards the development of a global, cross commodity framework and practical guidance for smallholders. 

 

A joint Task Force comprising of GPSNR and HCSA members is seeking proposals to conduct field trials for the HCSA Smallholder Approach for natural rubber smallholders in Indonesia. Depending on logistical and cost efficiencies proposed by bidders, the project could also include concurrent field trials for the High Conservation Value (HCVN) Nature Positive Farming programme for natural rubber smallholders. ————————————————————————————————– Proposals should include a timeline and budget for either project option: Option 1 Field trials only for the HCSA Smallholder Approach  Option 2 Concurrent field trials for the HCSA Smallholder Approach and the HCVN Nature Positive Farming Programme

 

Key Project Details

Smallholder farms utilise approximately 12% of global agricultural land and smallholder farms are estimated to support a population of more than 2 billion people directly and indirectly[1]. Smallholder farms therefore play a critical role in food security, poverty reduction and sustainable development for a very large proportion of rural populations, globally. This being said, it is also important to identify the role of smallholder farmers in sustainable commodities production and trade.  

HCSA Smallholder Approach

The HCSA Smallholder Approach is being developed with the aim to provide a framework and practical guidance for smallholder groups to identify and manage forests and other conservation values in their administrative areas. It is designed to provide simple, clear steps to formulate and implement an initial plan to manage these forests and other conservation values sustainably. The HCSA Smallholder Approach was developed and tested in the Indonesian context and for smallholder farmers that produce palm oil in mixed production landscapes, i.e., in combination with other commodities including rubber, agroforestry systems, home gardens, and that manage forest areas as part of shifting cultivation regimes
or as customary forests.

Upon Request: The project Task Force will provide interested bidders with the HCS Smallholder Approach toolkit to allow bidders to build their proposals in line with the requirements put forth in this tender.

HCVN Nature Positive Farming

The Nature Positive Farming programme is an early engagement programme for companies and landscape initiatives to support non-certified smallholder farmers protect High Conservation Values and natural ecosystems as part of responsible sourcing commitments.

It is built around facilitated, structured dialogue with smallholders and their communities. It aims for conservation and support agreements between smallholders and project partners, for maintaining and enhancing environmental and social conservation values on and around their farms. The first field trial was conducted with smallholder producer communities in the Siak Pelalawan Landscape, Riau, Indonesia.

Upon Request: The project Task Force will provide interested bidders with the HCVN Nature Positive Farming toolkit to allow bidders to build their proposals in line with the requirements put forth in this tender.

[1] Lowder et al. 2016; Goldman et al. 2016

 

Deliverables

Proposals should provide a timeline and plan that covers the four project phases set out below. 

Proposals should include a timeline and budget for either project option:

Option 1
Field trials only for the HCSA Smallholder Approach

Option 2
Concurrent field trials for the HCSA Smallholder Approach and the HCVN Nature Positive Farming Programme

 Phase 1: Project Preparations

a.   Dialogue with key Task Force members, including understanding GPSNR’s (in-development) risk assessment approach

b. Assessment and proposal of suitable field trial locations for natural rubber smallholders in the following regions in Indonesia:

a.    North Sumatra, and/or

b.    Jambi, and/or

c.    South Sumatra

d.    Bidders may also propose other regions with reasons and justifications

c.    Initial networking with key actors on-site in Indonesia

 Phase 2: Outreach and Training

a.    Develop training systems and materials for implementing actors for the HCSA (and HCVN) toolkits, including training sessions for field staff

b. Plan for actively involving locally embedded actors in pilot activities and engagement with smallholders

Phase 3: Field Trials

a.    Plan to implement 1-2 field trials for the HCSA (and HCVN) toolkits with natural rubber smallholders, communities, or cooperatives in the proposed locations of Jambi and/or South Sumatra

b.    Plan should include:

§ Target total number of smallholders or farms involved in the trials

§ Level of actor engaged (e.g., village; cooperatives; individual smallholders) engaged for the field trials

§ Targets such as gender, minority, and youth representation

§ Description of the proposed relevant Areas(s) of Interest (ideally village-level trials, but project is open to trials with independent smallholder cooperatives)

o  In case areas under control by cooperatives or individual farmers deviate (significantly) from official village administrative areas, an outlook on how this will be considered during field trials and post-trial review

§ Description of field trial methods including an outlook whether different methods are going to be tested during field trials (in relation to verification of maps, assessment of vegetation strata, land use zoning, etc.) 

Noting ideal requirements for smallholder representatives or community-leads: adequate level of reading and writing ability

 The consultants would be responsible as well for providing technical guidance to smallholders throughout the trials

Phase 4: Post-Trial Review

a.    Analyse strengths and weaknesses of each toolkit from the perspective of natural rubber smallholders

b.    Provide recommendations (e.g. contexts on when/how to use the tools, areas of toolkit improvement, how the toolkits support delivering on the GPSNR systems i.e. risk assessment, risk mitigation, assurance framework, reporting framework and shared responsibility mechanism)

c.    Contribute to developing a strategy to upscale pilot activities in the project areas, or to other project areas

  Intended project outputs and outcomes

Through the field trials, the Task Force aims to develop a strong understanding of the feasibility of the HCSA (and HCVN) toolkits for the following:

1. Mapping: Areas for development / conservation areas / mixed, multi-layered production areas, e.g., community use areas including shifting cultivation, agroforestry, home gardens, others as applicable  

2.    Conservation: Toolkit that can be passed on to GPSNR smallholder communities to
effectively map and manage areas for conservation; to understand their land and
land-use plans; showcase their commitment to no-deforestation 

 3. Integration with GPSNR Risk-based Approach: Toolkits as a risk mitigation tool that GPSNR member companies can use to identify and address land-use risks, and to channel funding and other related commitments accordingly 

i.     Analysing the extent to which the toolkits can be a mitigation tool for specific/multiple policy commitments in the GPSNR Policy Framework and
other systems 

 Submission Guidelines & Requirements

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

 1.  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. 

2.    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.   

 3.     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.

4.    Proposals must be signed by a representative that is authorised to commit the bidder’s company.

 

Project Timelines

The Request for Proposal timeline is as
follows:

Request for Proposal Issuance 31 October 2022 Proposal submitted by consultant to yeo.siyuan@gpsnr.org 28 November 2022 Selection of consultant / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders 5 December 2022 Completion of Phase 1: Project Preparations January 2022 Completion of Phase 2: Outreach and Training To be proposed by the bidder Completion of Phase 3: Field Trials To be proposed by the bidder Completion of Phase 4: Post-Trials Review To be proposed by the bidder; latest May 2023.

 

Budget

The Platform is anticipating a total budget of up to 92,000 GBP for the project.

Payment terms shall be:

·      30% at the signing of the contract

·      10% upon completion of Phase 1: Project Preparations

·      10% upon completion of Phase 2: Outreach and Training

·      20% upon completion of Phase 3: Field Trials and Analysis

 

·      30% upon completion of the entire project

 

Evaluation Factors

GPSNR will rate proposals based on the following factors:

1. Responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this RFP
2. Methodology for completing all three Phases of the project
3. Costs and expected timeline for all three Phases of the project
4. 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).

 

View RFP Document here