The National Pork Board is soliciting proposals that will produce science- and data-driven performance information on how U.S. pork production performs on sustainability parameters.
Overview
RFP: Sustainability Position of US Pork Compared to Pork of Other Origins
The U.S. pork industry has a strong sustainability story, and it should be a strong brand attribute for U.S. pork in international markets. For importers that can source pork from multiple origins, the ability to showcase how and where U.S. pork excels in this forum would be powerful for developed markets who are evaluating production practices and sustainability in their purchasing decision-making process.
An example of a commodity that has successfully differentiated its product is U.S. Soy. The U.S. pork industry should look to emulate this approach if/where possible. Being a livestock commodity, however, there are likely differences or additional factors to be considered.
What Problem Does This RFP Address?
This RFP will produce science- and data-driven performance information on how U.S. pork production performs on sustainability parameters. In knowing those elements, NPB can incorporate those elements into our projects, research, marketing and messaging for U.S. pork. It is an opportunity to strengthen our marketing efforts, not a problem to solve.
It is important to note, NPB will use the data to celebrate U.S. production and sustainability, not to directly disparage other pork-producing nations, which could negatively impact pork consumption globally.
Criteria for Approval
Submissions for this RFP should include the following criteria.
- Define a methodology for which to evaluate sustainability parameters and specify sustainability parameters to be included. NPB will entertain up to two (different) methodologies (different ways of compiling the information for NPB to consider) per proposal. NPB does not want traditional LCA comparisons but instead utilizes real-time data from farms around the world which can easily be replicated at points in the future.
- Propose which countries should be focused on for comparison with associated rationale, which can include options for NPB to consider (i.e. “here is the proposal comparing these 5 countries, and here is the proposal comparing these 12 countries”).
- Cost and breakdown of work. NPB recognizes the budget could have a large range. Budget requirements are intentionally left open-ended to encourage proposals that approach the deliverable in different ways. To aid in our evaluation, please provide a core proposal and then provide enhancements in the budget as a la carte items that can be added on.
NPB desires the designated team to have at least monthly engagement with our producer task force to receive feedback, please account for that amount of time and feedback in your proposal.
- Clearly define what information will be needed from NPB and at what cadence.
- Recommend how often this work should be updated over time.
- Provide an overview of the qualifications and structure of the applicant’s organization and team members that will be dedicated to this project.
- Consider work that has been done in the past, such as the study A Retrospective Assessment of U.S. Pork Production: 1960 to 2015, and outline how the proposal builds upon and/or takes a new direction on past work in this space.
- Outline how country sustainability commitments and/or policies impact pork production in focal countries may drive focus in this area.
- Describe capabilities for producing a communications toolkit to support this work, including but not limited to a master report, PowerPoint slides, talking points, fact sheets and infographics. Please note if the team includes graphic design capabilities or if they would be more of a technical expert in need of consultation by a communications agency to produce these assets for use in international markets.
Due Date
Research proposals for this RFP are due October 22, 2022.
Proposals will be evaluated and selections will be completed by November 18, 2022.
A contract should be in place no later than December 1, 2022.
Evaluation
A task force comprised of pork producers, pork exporters, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and National Pork Board staff will evaluate each proposal for its approach to desired outcomes, methodology to be utilized, application to and impact on the pork production industry, and cost.
Funding Amount
There is an upper limit of $750,000 for the project period of one year (2023). Proposal for funds above this amount will be considered but not guaranteed.
Applicants should not interpret the maximum allowable amount as a suggestion to expand their anticipated budget to this level. Reasonable budgets that are necessary to achieve desired outcomes are in favor of the applicant.
Budgets that are not commensurate with proposed work or poorly justified will likely have a negative impact on the overall evaluation of the proposal. Indirect costs are not allowed; however, it is allowable to request salary and fringe benefit support.
Proposal Format Requirements
Submissions for this RFP should follow the National Pork Board’s standard research proposal format and requirements. Please ensure your proposal format includes all required information, specifically under the budget section.
Questions?
Courtney Knupp
VP International Market Development
National Pork Board
grants@pork.org
