RFP: Expert on Seeds Phytosanitary Standards and Seed Health

RFP: Expert on Seeds Phytosanitary Standards and Seed Health

INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
PURPOSE OF THE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL
ASTA’s mission is to be an effective voice of action in all matters concerning the development, marketing and movement of seed, associated products and services throughout the world. ASTA promotes the development of better seed to produce better crops for a better quality of life.
Founded in 1883, the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) is one of the oldest trade organizations in the United States. Its membership consists of nearly 700 companies involved in seed production and distribution, plant breeding, and related industries in North America. ASTA advocates on science and policy issues of industry-wide importance.

Objective:
ASTA’s request for proposals (RFP) seeks a contractor with expertise in phytosanitary regulations, seed pathology, seed health to the international trade and movement of seed.

Goal
Support ASTA in responding to World Trade Organization (WTO) notifications from trading partners on phytosanitary measures related to international seed movement.

Background
International seed movement for both research and trade is subject to a wide range of phytosanitary regulations to minimize the risk of introducing, spreading, or establishing insect pests and pathogens. Trading partners proposed phytosanitary measures are notified to the WTO for comment, usually for 60 days. These WTO notifications are increasing in volume, and the proposed phytosanitary measures need to be reviewed for scientific accuracy with regards to seed is a pathway for the entry, establishment, or spread; and practicability to be implement by the seed industry.

The global seed industry relies on standards set by the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) to ensure that governments establish phytosanitary policies that are science- and risk-based, internationally aligned, and compliant with the obligations set out in the WTO.
The are numerous opportunities for the seed industry and governments to work together to ensure that proposed phytosanitary measures for seed movement are risk based, science based, and implementable, while minimizing disruptions to trade.
This scope of work proposed under this RFP is intended to support ASTA from May-December of 2025, with the opportunity to continue work under a renewed contract after successful completion. Applicants should lay out their relevant expertise to support these activities and a plan for reviewing and addressing WTO notifications on behalf of the U.S. seed industry.

For more information, view the full RFP here.