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ONTARIO
BEEF VALUE CHAIN ROUNDTABLE
REQUEST
FOR PROPOSALS
Developing an action
plan to foster profitable businesses
September 2009
Background:
The
Ontario Beef Value Chain Roundtable was formed in the summer of 2008 in
response to a request from the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association.
Challenged by a multitude of issues (high feed costs, low prices for
finished cattle, packing sector regulations that create a disadvantage
vis-à-vis US packers, inability to consistently meet retailer and
foodservice needs, lack of flow of information and economic signals),
the key sectors of the beef value chain met on three occasions with an
aim to define and initiate actions that would help to identify and
create value in the beef system. Actions must incorporate short, medium
and long term initiatives. To this end, a working group, using the
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association Ten Year Vision and the recent Alberta
Livestock Industry Strategy as background, developed an initial plan
which was presented to, and modified by, the roundtable.
Roundtable members agreed that it was important to develop a timely,
comprehensive and pragmatic plan for the industry. This plan would not
by itself affect change nor should it be seen as a blueprint for the
industry. Rather, it was for those industry participants willing to
make changes to their businesses and work with other sectors to share
information toward mutual benefit.
Members
of the Planning Committee of the Roundtable have approved this RFP with
the intent that a comprehensive, challenging and industry-wide plan be
developed for the coming five years. The Planning Committee of the Beef
Value Chain Roundtable will select the successful applicant, and will
provide oversight to the project. The successful individual or firm
will use as a resource all recently prepared studies of the Ontario beef
industry and develop a series of recommendations on future opportunities
in the beef industry, and identify specific actions that progressive
industry members can take. One element of the plan will be the
connecting of information across sectors in order to better identify and
create value.
3.0 Purpose of Request for Proposal
To
support the development of a competitive and sustainable beef and cattle
industry and to obtain recommendations that will support the beef value
chain as a whole and as individual links. To build a case, supported by
recommendations, to demonstrate opportunities to move the beef and
cattle sector to a profitable and sustainable state over the long-term
by
developing a detailed strategy with a
short, medium and long term actions for all members of the value chain
with the aim of creating profitable and expanding businesses with each
sector.
4.0 Project Deliverables
1.
The
applicant will be expected to develop a workplan with detailed project
expenditures.
2.
The applicant will be expected to
coordinate meetings as required.
3.
The applicant will collate information from numerous,
diverse sources which must include interviews with all representatives
of all sectors represented at the OBVCR. Interviews must also include
key Ministry staff and other government employees.
4.
The
applicant will be expected report to and obtain feedback from the
Planning Committee.
5.
The
applicant will be expected to report to and obtain feedback from the
Ontario Beef Value Chain Roundtable as required.
6.
Tangible recommendations based on the various existing
SWOT analyses that will
create conditions that allow development
and growth of profitable businesses within each sector.
Recommendations should include short term (within one year), medium-term
(two to three years) and long term (three years plus) actions, and shall
focus on developing sustainable sectors over the long-term. Recommended
actions must: clearly identify the roles to be played by individuals,
organizations and governments; provide supportive analysis with
references; and identify the impact, including cost/benefit on
individual links in the value chain and the sector as a whole.
7.
Progress
reports will be required at intervals throughout the life of the project.
Progress report due dates will be identified within the contract between
the applicant and the OCA.
8.
A
discussion of linkages to various government programs and processes. Eg.
National Beef Value Chain Roundtable and science clusters under Growing
Forward.
9.
A Final
Report is to be submitted to the Planning Committee and presented to the
OBVCR at time of project completion. Report guidelines will be provided.
Timeline:
Sept 1, 2009 RFP issued (notify consultants
and post on all participant’s websites)
Sept 22, 2009 RFP responses due
Oct 1, 2009 Steering Committee selects successful
respondent
Oct 15, 2009 Work plan finalized
Feb 1, 2009 Draft final report delivered to
Steering Committee
Mar 1, 2009 Final report presentation to OBVCR
5.0 Project Proposal Format
The complexity of the project proposal
should reflect the scope of the project and the amount of funding
requested. The following format is recommended:
1.
Workplan
including a detailed summary of process, timeline and time allocations
for: information gathering; assessment of Ontario beef value chain and
components relative to other jurisdictions and competitors; development
and validation of short, medium and long term plans, including
cost/benefit analysis and determination and validation of specific
roles.
2.
Detailed
budget
3.
Proposed
Project Activities
4.
Anticipated Project Benefits
5.
Additional
information:
- qualifications
- list
of related work
-
three current references from clients illustrating related work
experience
6.0
Length of Contract
The contract completion date will be Mar1, 2010.
7.0
Terms of the RFP
The
applicant shall bear all costs associated with or incurred in the
preparation and presentation of their proposal.
8.0 Submission of Proposals
Proposals shall be submitted in electronic format to:
David Stewart, Executive Director
Ontario Cattlemen’s Association
130
Malcolm Road
Guelph, ON
dave@cattle.guelph.on.ca |
