PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
to complete
A Study to Measure the Impact of the organic Agriculture Industry on Prince Edward Island Using Economic, Environmental and Social Indicators.
1.0 OVERVIEW
1.1 Introduction and Background
The PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative (COPC) is an industry organization currently representing fifty (50) certified organic producers and approximately 10,000 acres of certified organic production (nearly 2% of total agricultural production on PEI). The industry is relatively young, having formally organized in 2002 and growth in terms of production, new entrants and consumer awareness has been rapid over the period from 2002 until now. Numerous, standardized surveys have been undertaken (in 2003, 2008, 2011 and 2016) to monitor the evolution of the industry and have provided a foundation for a more comprehensive analysis of the industry and its broader impacts.
1.2 Project Overview
It is proposed that a comprehensive analysis of the economic, environmental and social impacts of the organic agriculture industry be undertaken. Internally, the benefits of this kind of comprehensive analysis will serve to inform the objectives of the organization and encourage transitions that offer continued value and focussed support to the PEI COPC membership.
Assessing the cumulative impacts of the industry on the province’s social, economic and natural resources:
- demonstrates its value and importance not only to industry participants; but also (and equally importantly) to industry peers, customers, potential investors, government and other agencies;
- provides a deeper and clearer understanding of the role and impact of the industry on broad community development goals;
- identifies opportunities for further expansion, support for investments and identifies spaces for new entrants within the industry; and,
- defines the context for expansion and continued value creation and investment within the industry.
2.0 STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES
2.1 Purpose
This project will develop the process and identify suitable metrics to ultimately deliver a data set which definitively describes the economic, environmental and social effects of a robust organic agriculture industry on Prince Edward Island.
2.2 Scope
It is anticipated that the analysis will break down into several possible performance indicators under three (3) principal categories as described:
- Economic Impact Measures
- Number of people employed or working in the industry
- Average income of individuals employed in the industry
- Contribution of the industry to the Provincial GDP
- Economic spin-off
- Value of government support payments
- Social Impact Measures
(a) Number of visitors to PEI because of organic farming and green image (tourism)
(b) Number of young people who remain on or return to PEI because of opportunities within the industry (youth retention)
(c) Number of newcomers/ new entrants to the industry from outside the province (population growth)
(d) Citizen satisfaction – the value PEI residents and the organic consumer base place on organic production
(e) Changes in rural development activity
(f) Reductions in food insecurity levels
- Ecosystem Services (creation and conservation of natural capital)
- Climate stabilization (climate change mitigation)
- Carbon sequestration and nitrogen cycling
- Surface and groundwater protection
- Soil health and fertility improvements
- Increases in biodiversity and pollination
These metrics are intended as examples of the kinds of measures to be utilized and it is expected that the completed work would not be limited by this list. This list is not exhaustive.
2.3 Project Schedule
This schedule is based on our current timelines, but is subject to change
| Project Milestones | Deadline |
| RFP delivered to Vendor | April 20, 2017 |
| RFP Close Date | May 12, 2017 |
| Review Submissions | May 23, 2017 |
| Award Contract to the Vendor | June 09, 2017 |
| First Interim Report | July 21, 2017 |
| Second Interim Report | August 21, 2017 |
| Final Report Submitted | September 29, 2017 |
3.0 Proposal Submission Procedure
3.1 Vendor RFP Understanding
By responding to this RFP, the vendor agrees to be responsible for fully understanding the requirements or other details of the RFP and will ask any questions to ensure such understanding is gained. PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative retains the right to disqualify vendors who do not demonstrate a clear understanding of our needs. Furthermore the right to disqualify a vendor extends past the contract award period and PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative will be at no fault cost or liability.
3.2 Good Faith Statement
All information provided by PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative is offered in good faith. Specific items are subject to change at any time based on business circumstances. PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative does not guarantee that any particular item is without error.
3.3 Communication and Proposal Submission Guidelines
All proposals shall be in writing. Verbal communication will not be accepted.
Please submit your proposal on or before May 12, 2017.
Please contact Karen Murchison at email [at] organicpei [dot] com for questions related to this RFP or to submit your submission.
3.4 Evaluation Criteria
All proposals will be evaluated systematically, based on the following key criteria. Key evaluation criteria include: key competencies demonstrated through successful prior projects, budget, depth of capabilities and potential partners.
4.0 SCOPE OF WORK AND BUSINESS REQUIREMENTS
The PEI Certified Organic Producers Cooperative will require a consultant or consultant group with prior experience in undertaking impact studies with particular experience in utilizing and deriving specific metrics as outlined in 2.2, above.
Pre-Project Schedule: create a project schedule with deadlines and key milestones for the study.
Partners: contact and confirm key project partners if required.
Producer Contact: work with COPC to secure producer participants and producer contact information.
Producer Interviews: work with COPC to coordinate producer interview schedule.
Impact analyses: using proven tools and methodologies undertake to complete the analyses of the social, environmental and economic impact of the organic industry on PEI.
Reporting: two interim reports and one final report will be submitted to the PEI COPC according to the reporting schedule outlined in 2.3 above.
5.0 Vendor Information
All vendors must also submit the following information:
Vendor Overview – legal name, company overview, description of expertise
Services – description of all services and products supplied
Client and Project References – brief description of past projects with specific relevance to this study.
6.0 Content of the Proposal
Project Details and proposed metrics
Vendor Experience
Detailed Work Plan and Time Frame
Budget
7.0 Terms of the Contract for Coordination of the Event
20% -upon approval of the proposal
30% – upon completion of the following:
-approval first interim report
– approval of second interim report
50% – acceptance by the Board of Directors of the PEI COPC of the approved submission of the final report .
8.0 Proposal Evaluation Criteria
8.1 Applicant’s Understanding – 15 points
The applicant must demonstrate its understanding of the nature of the work and issues
surrounding it.
8.2 Applicant’s Experience – 20 points
Provide evidence of the applicant’s experience conducting work of a similar nature. Give
brief examples and references including year, client and contact name.
8.3 Detailed Work Plan and Time Frame – 30 points
The proposal must demonstrate how the project schedule will be met (planned activities
and major deadlines). Proposals may also include innovative suggestions and techniques
to enhance the project’s overall effectiveness.
8.4 Budget – 10 points
The proposal must outline the resources devoted to completing each major work activity. Budget to include all HST, travel and expenses as line items. Budget to be within $15,000 – $30,000, including all expenses and taxes.
8.5 Document Quality – 25 points
As this is considered to be a precursor to the quality of the final product, the proposal will be rated on its editorial quality, that is, organization, quality of presentation, appearance, clarity and conciseness.
Total 100 points. Each proposal must receive an assessment score of 70 points or more
to be eligible for consideration.
9.0 Basis of Award for Contract:
The PEI COPC seeks a bidder who can demonstrate excellence in coordination and preparation of a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the organic industry on PEI.