Incorporate a sustainability section in the solicitation documents (Rfx – Request for Proposals (RFP), Request for Tender (RFT), Invitation to Tender (ITT)). This will demonstrate your commitment to sustainability and set clear expectations for bidders in terms of sustainability practices and requirements.
To better define these expectations use the outcomes-based and technical specifications developed in the PRE-QUALIFY practice. You can also outline specific sustainability standards, certification, labels, and eco-material, that you are looking for.
It is important to also be mindful of the bidders’ time and resources and try not to repeat questions already asked at the pre-qualification stage. Instead focus on additional sustainability criteria. And make sure to avoid using criteria that cannot be assessed and verified.
EXAMPLE: Telecom company signals climate commitment expectations to suppliers
The telecommunications company, Ericsson, clearly articulates to all suppliers that the issue of climate is a priority by sharing a Supply Chain Climate Action letter which states that the company “is working in alignment with the 1.5°C ambition, and we expect our suppliers to join us on this crucial journey.”¹
EXAMPLE: Unfair bidding process leads to labour exploitation
A Human Rights Impact Assessment of Italian tomato supply chains found that retailers were encouraging suppliers to undercut each other through a time-limited electronic bidding process that rewards the lowest bid. The resulting price pressure was identified as the root cause of low wages, excessive working hours, and unsafe conditions further down the supply chain. To prevent price competition the assessment finds "it is essential that only suppliers that have been pre-qualified through, for example, meeting quality and sustainability requirements can participate in the tender. The criteria are same for all and suppliers are assessed before tendering."
