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 – Smallholders workshop facilitator
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 civil society organizations. GPSNR’s structure consists of an Executive Committee and various Working Groups, supported by the Secretariat. All members meet and vote on resolutions at an annual General Assembly (GA).
Since its inception, GPSNR has been working towards smallholder inclusivity, particularly to ensure relevant representation of smallholders in GPSNR’s governance. As part of this effort, a series of workshops was conducted in the last quarter of 2019 aimed at raising awareness of GPSNR and the issue of sustainable natural rubber amongst rubber smallholders.
In 2020, 27 smallholders from 7 countries joined GPSNR as members. They will be participating, for the first time, in the GA scheduled to take place in September 2020. During the GA, a resolution will be proposed to form a new membership category for smallholders, which will be called ‘Smallholder Producers’. As an established category, smallholders will then be involved in voting on other resolutions and will elect representatives to be part of the Executive Committee.
GPSNR requires the services of a facilitator to facilitate several online sessions to prepare the smallholders for the GA, as well as their roles and responsibilities as members of GPSNR.
Objectives of the Sessions
The objectives of the online sessions are:
a) To foster relationships amongst smallholders from all 7 countries (particularly to encourage smallholders to interact with smallholders who are not from their country).
b) To familiarize the smallholders with fellow GPSNR members and GPSNR structure and governance, including but not limited to: Working Groups and their respective scopes of work and deliverables, knowledge of position of other member categories, GA voting process and the impacts of their votes.
c) To trigger and facilitate discussion amongst smallholders on subjects including but not limited to ensuring fair representation amongst smallholder representatives, identifying smallholder needs and priorities for GPSNR, and effective integration of smallholders into the fabric of GPSNR.
Roles and Responsibilities of Facilitator
The facilitator will be the main facilitator for the online sessions. Where necessary, subject matter experts (i.e. GPSNR Members) may be required to make specific presentations for certain sessions. For such sessions, the facilitator will take on a supporting and coordinating role. It is expected that the facilitator will be required to engage in several preparatory calls with GPSNR prior to the actual sessions.
Other responsibilities of the facilitator will include:
i. General familiarization with GPSNR structure and processes, including relevant organizational documents
ii. Familiarization with smallholders, inputs from the previously conducted workshops and national conversations
iii. Develop session methodologies and materials in conjunction with GPSNR
iv. Sessions must be participatory where possible, and designed to provoke critical thinking from the participants
v. Assist GPSNR in planning and coordinating the sessions, including communications to be sent to selected participants (e.g. any pre-workshop reading or activities)
vi. Provide a summary report of the sessions, with recommendations for follow-up activities and strategies to support smallholder integration based on the priorities and recommendations expressed by the participants
Qualifications and Experience
The facilitator should possess the following qualifications/ experience:
• Demonstrated high level of skill and experience in facilitating workshops or meetings involving farmer groups/ indigenous people from several regions
• Demonstrated high awareness and practical and inclusive facilitation skills in working in multicultural and multi-lingual workshop settings
• Experience in planning and designing participatory workshops and consultations with engaging facilitation methods and activities, preferably experience in facilitating online sessions
• Excellent communication skills
• Fluent in written and spoken English
• Fluency in one or more of the following languages is a plus: Bahasa Indonesia, French, Myanmar, Thai, Vietnamese
Submission Guidelines
Interested applicants should ensure that their application contains the following:
1. Profile of facilitator
2. References to similar work1 / projects undertaken
3. Proposed work-plan
4. Detailed costing set against tasks and deliverables
Please submit your application to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org by 24 July 2020.
Request For Proposal – GPSNR-RFP-A02-025-Review and support the development of a risk analysis document and to assess and define appropriate risk thresholds for the GPSNR use case (In a natural rubber supply chain context)
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, end users and NGOs.
Through a process led by the Strategy and Objectives Working Group (Risk Subgroup), a risk analysis document has been developed for members to identify and manage risk. In its current iteration, the document contains identified social and environmental risks reflected in the GPSNR Policy Framework, information that is required to assess the tools, characteristics of high/low risk rubber production regions and potential mitigation measures.
GPSNR is seeking a consultant to review and revise the risk analysis document and to work with the Risk Subgroup to suggest a guidance framework for members to identify risk thresholds with suggested mitigation measures. Members need to be able to invest in making rubber supplies sustainable and to make sourcing and engagement decisions based on preliminary risk assessments. Given members’ general lack of knowledge about the details of their supplies, risk assessments in many cases would have to be done at increasing levels of resolution, starting at country level, moving to districts, and finally to the actual plantation and farm level.
Objectives
- Review and further complete the sourcing risks document (see below ‘Scope of Work’)
- Propose a methodology aiming to assess risks at different levels (country, district, and plantation/farm level), and the tools that
1) are currently available to do so, or that
2) would need to be developed, and where possible, an indication of the costs - Suggest the risk thresholds at country, district, and plantation/farm level at which risks have a reasonable chance to be successfully mitigated through active interventions by members or GPSNR in general.
- Suggest potential risk mitigation actions at the country, district, and plantation/farm level and provide a list of recommended existing tools (if any) to mitigate potential risks
- Suggest the risk thresholds at country, district, and plantation/farm level at which sourcing should not be considered (i.e., when risk mitigation cannot be implemented).
- Align the recommendations with the Accountability Framework Initiative (in particular, the Supply Chain Management guidance), and link to source documents utilised
-The review of tools, datasets and frameworks for risk assessment and mitigation is not limited to existing tools applied for the rubber industry, the consultant can and is encouraged to draw on the experience of other commodities (palm oil / cocoa) if applicable.
- Work closely with the members of GPSNR’s Risk Task Force to guide the above analysis.
- Suggest members of other tropical commodities platforms who focus on risk assessment and mitigation and whom GPSNR’s Risk Task Force may consider contacting.
Scope of Work
For each of the five GPSNR Policy Framework components listed below, the consultant is expected to recommend methods for risk assessment and risk mitigation and the tools and baseline databases available to conduct them.
Detailed guidance is provided in GPSNR’s Risk Analysis Working Document (available to bidding consultants upon request to the stefano.savi@gpsnr.org).
The consultant should reference and build on the following work
- Risk Analysis Working Document Draft (Risk Task Force)
- GPSNR-REP-A02-006 Review of Transparency & Traceability Tools & Solutions
- GPSNR Policy Component
- Spatial data and mapping tools for detecting deforestation and threats to HCV/S areas in rubber production landscapes
The consultant is to populate each of the listed components of the GPSNR Policy Framework detailed in the Risk Analysis Working Document. The policy subsets were developed based the following list of required information and the consultant is encouraged to use the list when doing so:
- Risks most likely to be encountered
- Risk assessment methods at country level
- Risk assessment methods at district level
- Risk assessment methods at plantation/farm level
- Risk level before mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at country level
- Risk level before mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at district level
- Risk level before mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at plantation/farm level
- Risk mitigation methods at country level
- Risk mitigation methods at district level
- Risk mitigation methods at plantation/farm level
- Risk level after mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at country level
- Risk level after mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at district level
- Risk level after mitigation at which rubber should not be purchased at plantation/farm level
The consultant is to focus on this subset of GPSNR Policy Framework components. Detailed guidance for each component (i.e., gaps identified by the Risk Subgroup members) have been provided (See ‘Annex’).
- Deforestation (see GPSNR Policy Framework component 2.1.2):
Background: Most natural rubber is produced by smallholders operating plantations in multiple use mosaic landscapes.
Task: Identify methods to assess the risk that current operations or future expansion of some of these plantations harm HCV/HCS, suggest potential approaches to mitigate that risk, and suggest quantitative thresholds when risk is high enough to conduct mitigation activities, and when buyers should refrain from sourcing because mitigation has failed. Consider the applicability of available maps for use in natural rubber supply chains, taking into account its specificities. (See ‘Annex A: Deforestation for details)
- Supporting long term protection of natural forests, restoration of degraded rubber landscapes (see GPSNR Policy Framework component 2.2):
Task: In a rubber smallholder context, the consultant is expected to suggest ways how the downstream supply chain can help to protect remaining HCV/HCS areas and other natural ecosystems and help restore at least those crucial to re-establish connectivity between remaining blocks. (See ‘Annex B: Supporting long term protection of natural forests, restoration of degraded rubber landscape’ for details)
- Fire use + Land Prep, Fire use + Land Management (see GPSNR Policy Framework component 2.3)
Task: Assess and refine current characteristics of High/Low risk at a country or region level depending on available information and standards. The consultant is advised to focus on defining and quantifying thresholds for the density of alerts to characterize areas of high and low risk. An example could be X instances of fire reported in a specified area over a year would be considered a high-risk area.
- Labour (see GPSNR Policy Framework Components 3.6)
Task: Identify methods to assess the risk of poor labour practices (e.g., poor working conditions and health and safety risks, child labour/forced labour) or practices and suggest potential approaches to mitigate that risk, and suggest quantitative thresholds when risk is high enough to conduct mitigation activities, and when buyers should refrain from sourcing because mitigation has failed. (See ‘Annex C: Labour’ for details)
A suggested focus on but non-exhaustive list:
Health and Safety
Working conditions (hours worked, rest days)
Child labour/Forced labour
- Human Rights (see GPSNR Policy Framework component 3.6)
Task: Identify methods to assess the risk of human rights infringement (e.g., low income/wages, IPLC rights), suggest potential approaches to mitigate that risk, and suggest quantitative thresholds when risk is high enough to conduct mitigation activities, and when buyers should refrain from sourcing because mitigation has failed. (See ‘Annex D: Human Rights’ for details)
A suggested focus on but non-exhaustive list:
Income (farm owners) and wages (farm workers)
IPLC Rights with appropriate context for Natural Rubber supply chain
Expected Deliverables
GPSNR expects the consultant to:
- Complete and finalize the risks assessment drafted in order to define a comprehensive set of questions to assess and mitigate risks based on the:
- Objectives listed above, (including the reviewing of tools in Objective 4, see ‘Objectives’)
- Tasks for each policy component listed in the Scope of Work and their detailed guidance in the Annex
- Consultant to pitch their findings, recommendations and opinion on our risk assessment and approach.
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 Expected Timeline below)
- Budget, including detailed breakdown of expected manpower, logistics, and costs (based on Budget below)
- 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 as well as 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 must be received prior to the 7th of October 2022 to be considered. Proposals should be submitted to stefano.savi@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
Note: Consultants should email cheryl@gpsnr.org to share any indicative or prospective interest to submit a proposal. This would allow GPSNR to share updates to the tender (where any) directly with the consultant. |
26 August 2022 |
| Proposals submitted by consultant to stefano.savi@gpsnr.org | 7 October 2022 |
| Selection of Top Bidders / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders | 27 October 2022 |
| Contract Award / Notification to Unsuccessful Bidders | 28 October 2022 |
| Phase I – Review 1 of Deliverable 1: Complete and finalize the risks assessment drafted in order to define a comprehensive set of questions to assess and mitigate risks. | November 2022 |
| Phase 2 – Review 2 (if needed)/Completion of Deliverable 1: Complete and finalize the risks assessment drafted in order to define a comprehensive set of questions to assess and mitigate risks. | December 2022 |
| Phase 3 – Completion of Deliverable 2: Consultant to pitch its findings, recommendations and opinion on our risks assessment and approach | December 2022 |
| Presentation to and discussion with GPSNR Executive Committee for feedback (via digital meeting) | December 2022 |
| Phase 4 – Delivery of Deliverable 1 and 2 to GPSNR | Jan 2023 |
Budget
The Platform is anticipating that a total budget of no more than €25,000 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
The allocation of the payment shall be based on the net amount after travel expenses, if deemed necessary by both the consultant and Secretariat, are incurred, and documented.
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.
Annex
Annex A: Deforestation
Gaps that the group has identified in the Risk Analysis Working Document:
- Is it possible, and if so how, to assess this risk at a coarse grain country or province / district level, or does such an assessment have to be done at the landscape / plantation level?
-Which tools (e.g., publicly or commercially available HCV/HCS maps exist for which rubber growing areas?
-How do these existing maps need to be queried and what answers can they provide to members?
-Should existing tools not be sufficient, what tools would need to be developed to assess risk at a satisfactory level, sufficient to protect HCVs and HCS forests?
- What is the likelihood of existing, known smallholders to expand into HCV/HCS?
-Is there a link to the distance between current plantations and blocks of HCV/HCS?
-Is there a link between the occurrence of fire hotspots, rubber plantations and blocks of HCV/HCS?
-If there is, what intensity of fire hotspots can indicate what levels of risk to HCV/HCS?
-What level of detail do maps have to have to identify such a link with reasonable accuracy?
-What is the likelihood of previously unknown smallholders to open forest for new plantations?
-What are the early warning signs for either? How can they be detected, analysed, and applied?
-At what time will it be necessary to conduct detailed plantation level surveys?
- At what risk threshold should downstream buyers engage in on-site surveys and risk mitigation activities?
-Can such threshold be quantified or at least categorized into no/low versus high risk, and if so, how?
-What tools exist for such on-site activities and who can apply them?
-How can the impact of such risk mitigation activities be evaluated?
-At what threshold should buyers refrain from buying supplies from the assessed area?
For more details, please click this link
Annex B: Supporting long term protection of natural forests, restoration of degraded rubber landscapes
Gaps that the group has identified in the Risk Analysis Working Document:
- How to assess the capability of local government to exercise effective protection of legal protected areas (e.g., based on trajectory of forest loss in surrounding protected areas or based on gov budgets)?
- How to assess the presence of effective landscape or jurisdictional initiatives in the area?
- How can the remaining natural forests be protected and how can the restored blocks of degraded rubber landscapes be mapped and prioritized?
- How can smallholders be integrated in this process?
- How can the commercial supply chain join local private and government efforts?
- How can supply chain members best join hands to financially and/or practically support them?
Annex C: Labour
Gaps that the group has identified in the Risk Analysis Working Document:
- Is it possible, and if so how, to assess this risk at a province / district level (coarser than farm level)?
-Which tools (e.g., publicly, or commercially available) exist to assess these socio-economic data?
-How do these solutions query and (if possible) summarize data at a coarse-grained level and what answers can they provide to members?
- At what risk threshold should downstream buyers engage in on-site surveys and risk mitigation activities?
-Can such threshold be quantified or at least categorized into no/low versus high risk, and if so, how?
-What tools exist for such on-site activities and who can apply them?
-How can the impact such risk mitigation activities be evaluated?
-At what threshold should buyers refrain from buying supplies from the assessed area?
Annex D: Human Rights
Gaps that the group has identified in the Risk Analysis Working Document:
- Is it possible, and if so how, to assess this risk at a province / district level (coarser than farm level)?
-Which tools (e.g., publicly, or commercially available) exist to assess these socio-economic data?
-How do these solutions query and (if possible) summarize data at a coarse-grained level and what answers can they provide to members
- At what risk threshold should downstream buyers engage in on-site surveys and risk mitigation activities?
-Can such threshold be quantified or at least categorized into no/low versus high risk, and if so, how?
-What tools exist for such on-site activities and who can apply them?
-How can the impact such risk mitigation activities be evaluated?
-At what threshold should buyers refrain from buying supplies from the assessed area?
