Terms of Reference (TOR) —Non-Consulting Services
1. ASSIGNMENT SUMMARY
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Assignment Title: Commercial Production, Processing, Packaging and Delivery of Open-Pollinated (OP) Tomato Seed
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Consultancy Type: Non-Consulting Services-Firms
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Division / Requesting Office: HQ, SCA, and WCA-CH
Assignment Station: Home-based in India
Contract Manager: Dr. Assaf Eybishitz, Senior Scientist-Tomoato Breeding
Expected Contract Duration: 1 September 2026 until 30 November 2027 (approximately 6-8 months, depending on the growing season)
Type of Contract: Lump sum (Deliverable-based)
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2. BACKGROUND
The World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg) is an international non-profit research and development organization dedicated to improving livelihoods, nutrition, and food security through the increased production and consumption of safe, nutritious vegetables. Working across Asia and Africa, WorldVeg develops improved vegetable varieties, promotes sustainable production systems, and strengthens resilient seed systems for smallholder farmers.
As part of these efforts, WorldVeg is implementing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Seed Kit Project to improve vegetable production and food security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. High-quality tomato seed is required for distribution through seed kits. s the required quantity exceeds WorldVeg's internal seed production capacity, WorldVeg seeks to contract a qualified commercial seed company to produce, process, package, certify, and deliver tomato seed in accordance with WorldVeg's technical specifications and quality standards.
3. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT
The overall objective of the assignment is to procure commercial production services for four (4) OP tomato varieties meeting WorldVeg quality standards and project timelines.
Expected results include:
- Commercial seed production successfully completed.
- Seed quality verified in accordance with WorldVeg specifications.
- Seed packaged and labelled in accordance with WorldVeg requirements.
- Seed delivered to the designated destination with all required export documentation.
4. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The Contractor will:
4.1 Seed Production
- Produce, process, package and deliver four (4) OP tomato varieties supplied by WorldVeg.
- Produce a minimum of 15 kg of seed per variety (total minimum production of 60 kg).
- Establish and manage commercial seed production fields using appropriate agronomic practices to ensure high seed quality and genetic integrity.
- Maintain varietal identity and genetic purity throughout seed production according to WorldVeg quality standards.
4.2 Seed Harvesting and Processing
- Harvest, clean, process, and condition the seed according to recognized commercial seed production standards.
- Ensure complete seed lot traceability throughout production, processing, storage, and shipment.
- Apply seed treatment only if requested or approved by WorldVeg and clearly document any treatment applied.
4.3 Quality Assurance
Conduct seed quality testing and provide official test reports demonstrating compliance with the following minimum quality requirements:
- Germination rate of ≥ 85%.
- Seed moisture content within acceptable storage limits.
- Genetic purity meeting WorldVeg specifications.
- Freedom from seed-borne pathogens and contaminants, supported by appropriate phytosanitary and quality testing.
4.4 Packaging and Labelling
- Package the seed into 5g packets using packaging materials approved by WorldVeg.
- Label all seed packets according to WorldVeg requirements, including:
- Variety name;
- Lot number;
- Seed weight;
- Production year; and
- Any additional information required by WorldVeg.
4.5 Export and Delivery
- Prepare all required export documentation, including but not limited to:
- Phytosanitary Certificate;
- Certificate of Origin; and
- Any additional documents required for export and import.
- Arrange and cover all transportation and shipping costs for delivery of the packaged seed to the designated destination (Democratic Republic of the Congo or Benin, depending on final project logistics).
4.6 Contract Management
- Maintain regular communication with WorldVeg throughout the production process and promptly report any issues that may affect production, quality, or delivery timelines.
- Facilitate inspections by WorldVeg or its authorized representatives of the production fields, seed processing facilities, and quality control procedures at any stage of contract implementation.
5. SCHEDULE AND MILESTONES
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No
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Deliverable
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Due Date
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Review Period
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Accepted by
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Successful planting and establishment of the tomato crop in the production field
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15-Oct-2026
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7 working days
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Srinivasa Reddy (SCA)
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Field production completed
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15-Mar-2027
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7 working days
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Srinivasa Reddy (SCA)
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Seed harvesting, processing, and conditioning completed
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30-Apr-2027
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7 working days
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Assaf Eybishitz (HQ)
Srinivasa Reddy (SCA))
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Quality testing completed and official quality test report submitted
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30-Jun-2027
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10 working days
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Assaf Eybishitz (HQ)
Srinivasa Reddy (SCA)
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Seed packaged in accordance with WorldVeg specifications
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30-Jul-2027
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10 working days
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Srinivasa Reddy (SCA)
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Export documentation completed
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30-Sep-2027
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10 working days
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Srinivasa Reddy (SCA)
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Shipment delivered to the designated destination
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30-Nov-2027
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10 working days
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Mwasilwa Ambali (WCA-CH)
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Note: The above dates are estimates based on an anticipated contract commencement date of 1 September 2026. Actual implementation may vary depending on the planting schedule, growing season, weather conditions, seed maturation, and export logistics. The overall contract duration is expected to be approximately 6–8 months.
6. WORLDVEG RESPONSIBILITIES
WorldVeg will:
- Provide breeder seed and technical specifications for the tomato varieties.
- Review and approve the proposed packaging design and labeling.
- Monitor production progress and provide technical feedback where required.
- Review and accept deliverables in accordance with the contract.
- Process payments in accordance with the contractual payment terms
7. PAYMENT TERMS
Deliverable-based. No reimbursable expenses shall be provided under this Contract.
Communication and Submission
All inquiries regarding this RFB must be submitted in writing before 4:45PM [Taipei Time] on 20 August 2026 to the contact point below:
WorldVeg HQ Procurement Office
purchaseing@worldveg.org
Subject line: Inquiries about PR1075615 Commercial Production, Processing, Packaging and Delivery of Open-Pollinated Tomato Seed
All bids must be submitted before 4:45 PM [Taipei Time] on 28 August 2026 to the contact point below:
WorldVeg HQ Procurement Office
purchasing@worldveg.org
Subject line: Bids for PR1075615 Commercial Production, Processing, Packaging and Delivery of Open-Pollinated Tomato Seed
Late submissions will not be considered.