Consultant for historical and projected mapping of future changes in forest carbon stocks over time back to the year 2000 and forward to the year 2070 using data from a forest inventory database

SUMMARY OF PROCUREMENT

The World Resources Institute is looking to award a fixed-price contract to an organization with the necessary knowledge and expertise to produce historical and projected future maps of changes in forest carbon stocks from 2000 to 2070. These maps will be based on data from a forest inventory database with repeated measurements (GFI-4D). The duration of the contract is 05 months, non-renewable, and the deadline for submission of proposals is 10 January 2025,

The quoted budget in the RFP is 48,000.00 USD. WRI is strongly committed to attaining value for money in all aspects of our work, however, we recognize the importance of this initiative.

1.       Overview

WRI is a trusted partner for change. Using research-based approaches, we work globally and in focus countries to meet their development goals while protecting and restore naturing; and to stabilize the climate and build resilient communities. We aim to fundamentally transform the way the world produces and uses food and energy and design cities to create a better future for all.  Founded in 1982, WRI has nearly 1,800 staff around the world, with country offices in Brazil, China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, Mexico and the United States and regional offices in Africa and Europe.

WRI’s recently launched 2023-2027 Strategic Plan | Getting the Transition Right for People, Nature & Climate which significantly shifts not only the impact that WRI aims to achieve but also demands increased collaboration across our distributed global network to deliver this impact. The strategy includes a strong argument for catalyzing financial flows to developing countries, to enable transitions in three Human-Centered systems: food, land, and water; energy; and cities.

The Congo Basin, encompassing the world's second-largest tropical rainforest, is a critical component of the global carbon cycle. It stores vast amounts of carbon and plays a vital role in mitigating climate change. Despite its significance, the region faces challenges in accurately monitoring forest carbon stocks and dynamics due to limited access to detailed, locally relevant, and spatially precise data. This project aims to address these challenges by integrating in situ forest inventory data with cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) techniques

2.      The assignment

To conduct this study, WRI is seeking a nonprofit organization or research institution with expertise in forest inventory mapping and forest carbon stock estimation in Cameroon and DRC. The selected partner should be capable of producing both historical and projected maps showing changes in forest carbon stocks from 2000 to 2070, integrate data of forest inventory into the Global Forest Inventory Database (GFI-4D). Additionally, the consultant will also be responsible to produced information on projected changes on tree species composition over time and develop documentation on knowledge transfer and capacity building

Under the supervision of the Data Lab lead for WRI Africa, tree main deliverables are expected from the consultant are as follows: 

Deliverable #1— Comprehensive report and a structured database of forest inventories measured at 65 sites (10 plots in Cameroon and 55 plots in the Democratic Republic of Congo). These inventories were conducted by the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, and the University of Kisangani, DR Congo, following established standard operating procedures. The database will adhere to the standards of the Global Forest Inventory Database (GFI-4D), currently being developed by Purdue University’s FACAI Lab.

Deliverable #2— Maps of historical and projected changes to forest carbon stocks under current and future climate change scenarios for Congo Basin countries. The Forest inventory Database present in global forest inventory database (GFI-4D) shall be used to train and validate an AI-based stand-level forest growth model (MATRIX) that combines plot re-measurements with remote sensing observations and other geospatial data layers to produce raster output maps at 1-km spatial resolution (or finer) of historical and projected future changes in forest carbon stocks over time back to the year 2000 and forward to the year 2070. Additional produce also information on projected changes to tree species composition over time.

Deliverable #3—Comprehensive documentation focusing on understanding the use of the forest growth model and achieving any other outcomes.

3.      Timeline

Please submit your proposal by 10 January 2025. The top candidate will be selected and informed between January 20, 2025. The assignment is aimed to start by 30 January 2025.

Key Milestones & Dates:

Note: These milestones and dates are estimates and can be adjusted based on best practice and indicated in the proposal submitted by the Consultant.

Regular Check-Ins

In addition to the key milestones and dates above, the Consultant should propose a regular check-in with the project team to help guide the project. The Consultant is responsible for driving the agenda of these check-ins and key follow-up.

4.     Guidelines for proposal submission

5.1Requirements

WRI aims to make its funding accessible to as many organizations and researcher as possible.

To be eligible for funding, organizations must:

•         Be a non-profit entity, research institution. Individuals must apply through an institutional sponsor. Partnerships are strongly encouraged, but only the lead applicant will receive funds

•         Be headquartered in or have a substantial partnership in the country or region where data will be collected.

•         Experience working climate in the Congo Basin;

•         Overall cost and reasonableness of the proposal;

5.2Expression of Interest, Deadline for Questions, and Proposal

All expressions of interest and questions about this RFP must be received via email to the contact below by 10 January 2025, 15:30 (Kinshasa, DRC). Answers to the questions will be shared will all parties who have asked questions or otherwise expressed interest.

Name Kenmoe Kendie

Title: Forest Atlas Technical Manager

Email: [email protected]

Name Teodyl Nkuintchua

Title: Congo Basin Strategy and Engagement Leader at WRI Africa

Email: [email protected]

All proposals must be sent by 15:30, 10 January 2025 (Kinshasa, DRC) in electronic format to the same contact listed above.

5.3Format of Proposals

Prospective consultants should submit proposals that are no more than 5 pages in length with additional annexes as needed. Proposals should address the following components:

• A statement of interest describing the proposed team and how it meets the above
  requirements;
• The consultant’s unique interest in, and fit for, this project
• Approach and deliverables provided according to the Services mentioned above
• Detailed budget breakdown according to the Services mentioned above
• Relevant case studies and results from past work
• At least two references.

5.Selection process

No proposal development costs shall be charged to WRI / all expenses are to be borne by the bidders. WRI may award to the bidder offering best value without discussion. However, WRI reserves the right to seek bidder clarifications and to negotiate with those bidders deemed to be within a competitive range. WRI may, at its discretion and without explanation to the prospective consultants, choose to discontinue this RFP without obligation to such prospective consultants or make multiple awards under this RFP.

5.      EVALUATION AND SELECTION

6.1Evaluation Criteria

The following elements will be the primary considerations in evaluating all proposals submitted in response to this RFP:

The bidder offering the best overall value based on the above criteria will be selected. For this procurement. WRI reserves the right to select, or not select, an organization for any reason.

6.2 Selection Process

No proposal development costs shall be charged to WRI / all expenses are to be borne by the bidders. WRI reserves the right to seek bidder clarifications and to negotiate fees with those bidders deemed to be within a competitive range.

During the final selection process, Consultants may be requested to present their bids to a select group of WRI staff.

WRI may, at its discretion and without explanation to the prospective consultants, choose to modify or discontinue this RFP without obligation to such prospective consultants or make multiple awards under this RFP. The terms of this document are not and are not intended to be binding on the parties. Any agreement between WRI and a successful consultant will be memorialized in a definitive written agreement signed by WRI and the consultant