The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) posted a request for proposals (RFP) for the first phase of a new research project that will assist the feed industry in addressing sustainability in a comprehensive, consistent and strategic way. IFEEDER is accepting proposals until August 31, 2020.

“Across the animal feed industry, we have seen companies take compelling action to reduce their environmental footprints and make a difference in their communities, but there are others that are understandably unsure of where to start,” said Robert Cooper, IFEEDER’s executive director. “At the direction of the IFEEDER Board of Trustees, through counsel and partnership with the leadership of the American Feed Industry Association and AFIA Sustainability Oversight Committee, we are working to fill that void by developing a clear strategy that member companies can use when building their internal sustainability programs.”

Specifically, IFEEDER is seeking a contractor that can help the feed industry:

• Identify the sustainability risks and needs of AFIA’s members by segment (e.g., feed manufacturer vs ingredient manufacturer, etc.).
• Develop tools that AFIA’s members can use to enhance or build their own sustainability programs.
• Clearly communicate and articulate sustainability for the American animal feed sector.
• Target specific sustainability research topics to close knowledge gaps.
• Develop a “sustainability roadmap” that helps AFIA members and IFEEDER connect the industry’s overall sustainability story with the values of its stakeholders.

“Our goal with this project is to promote trust in the feed industry as a committed partner in bringing forward sustainable protein and dairy products to the marketplace,” Cooper said.

The request for proposals is designed for a 12-18-month research project, which will accomplish the first phase of the project. Based on the results, phase two of the project will implement the sustainability roadmap initiative. An RFP announcing the second phase of the project will be issued later.

The IFEEDER Research Committee will make the final selection of the contractor to recommend to the board for its approval based on a competitive bidding and scoring process. Projects with matching funds or in-kind contributions will be given a slightly higher priority.

Specific parameters, requirements and submission of the proposed research project can be found on IFEEDER’s website. Interested companies can contact Cooper at rcooper@afia.org for questions.