Request for Proposals
AI and Nature Tech Strategy Development for LandScale
Rainforest Alliance is seeking a consultant to submit proposals for developing a strategy for LandScale on AI and Nature Tech
Summary Information
Department: Technology
Location(s): Remote
Desired start date and duration: 28st October, 2 months
Under direction of: Product Manager, LandScale
Consultancy Summary
About the Rainforest Alliance
The Rainforest Alliance is creating a more sustainable world by using social and market forces to protect nature and improve the lives of farmers and forest communities. Our vision is a world where people and nature thrive in harmony. We are working to solve the connect crises that threaten our future including the climate emergency, spiraling biodiversity loss, systemic rural poverty and widespread human right abuses. We work towards making responsible business the new normal through our certification program, tailored supply chain services, landscape and community work, and advocacy.
The Rainforest Alliance is a $100 million per year organization with offices in 20 countries (and growing) and over 700 staff.
Overview
LandScale is an innovative global initiative co-led by the Rainforest Alliance and Conservation International, aimed at driving improvements in sustainability at landscape scale. To do this, LandScale offers an online platform to assess and communicate credible information about landscape sustainability. The platform features an assessment framework, guidance, and data resources, which are complemented by technical support and a validation service. Launched in April 2022, the LandScale platform and validation service have facilitated assessments in over 30 landscape-initiatives across 20 countries. Beyond increasing adoption of the LandScale system by landscape-initiatives, the initiative seeks to enable supply chain companies, investors, and donors to engage with relevant and effective landscape-initiatives, driving improvements in sustainability at landscape scale.
Objectives
The selected consultant will provide expert guidance on how LandScale can strategically engage with AI and nature tech to enhance its capabilities and remain competitive. This will involve:
1) Review LandScale’s current capabilities:
Review LandScale’s existing offerings, data management processes and data structure.
Review LandScale’s 2023 strategy, understand user needs and review plans for development for 2025 and beyond.
Review Rainforest Alliance’s tech and data offers and capabilities, understand how LandScale could benefit from the context of Rainforest Alliance.
Identify current limitations and opportunities for integrating AI and nature data and tech tools into LandScale’s offering.
2) Nature tech sector analysis:
Conduct a review of emerging nature tech trends and initiatives relevant to landscape-level sustainability, monitoring, and reporting, positioning LandScale within this movement.
Identify potential partners, technologies, or tools (e.g., APIs, data platforms) that can align with LandScale’s goals.
3) AI for nature tech sector analysis:
Conduct a review of emerging AI tools and trends relevant to landscape-level sustainability, monitoring, and reporting.
Identify potential partners, technologies, or tools (e.g., APIs, data platforms) that can respond to LandScale’s user needs and business requirements.
4) Strategic recommendations:
Develop actionable recommendations for how LandScale can integrate AI-driven features to enhance automation, improve data insights and streamline processes.
Recommend specific technologies and nature tech approaches that can help LandScale scale, improve user experience and maintain a participatory approach.
Brief outline of budget and resources needed to execute the recommendations given.
Provide a high-level roadmap for the next steps in integrating AI and nature tech, considering budget, resources and strategic goals.
5) Risks and opportunities analysis:
Assess potential risks of AI and tech integration (e.g., data security, reducing participation).
Identify key opportunities for future growth or innovation in the platform’s offerings through tech advancements.
Deliverables
A detailed report summarizing:
The current capabilities of LandScale and where AI/nature tech can enhance functionality.
Analysis of key AI and nature tech tools or partnerships relevant to LandScale.
Strategic recommendations for AI/nature tech integration and prioritization.
A phased implementation roadmap with clear steps for execution.
Analysis of risks and opportunities in adopting new technologies.
Presentation of findings and recommendations to the LandScale team.
General terms and conditions for proposal
Proposals and/or any additional information received after the submission time and date are subject to rejection by The Rainforest Alliance. Incomplete proposals may be rejected by RA at its discretion.
The Rainforest Alliance reserves the right to request additional information at any time during the procurement process.
RA is at liberty to make multiple or no selections as part of the proposal process. RA also reserves the right to cancel the procurement.
All proposal costs shall be borne by the applicant and will not be reimbursed by RA.
Submission instructions
Interested consultants should submit the following:
Cover letter summarizing relevant experience.
Approach and Methodology: Outline of how you would approach the project and key phases.
Work Plan with estimated timeline and key milestones.
Consultant/Team Bios highlighting relevant expertise.
Budget Breakdown detailing the total project cost.
Proposals must be submitted to Edita Chavez by email (echavez@ra.org) in PDF format by no later than 18th October.
Thank you for your interest in working with The Rainforest Alliance