Request for Proposal: Development of a crop monitoring system using remote sensing and field data mapping

Better Cotton is the world’s largest cotton sustainability programme. Our mission is to help cotton communities survive and thrive while protecting and restoring the environment. We operate in 26 countries and have trained over 2.9 million farmers.

Visit: www.bettercotton.org

Background

This RFP is part of the ISEAL-funded GIT4OV project to improve smallholder livelihoods through geospatial technologies. The consultant/firm will develop a hybrid crop monitoring system using remote sensing, field data, and machine learning to provide real-time monitoring for cotton production.

Geospatial Information Technology (GIT) & Agriculture

• Supports crop monitoring, yield prediction, soil analysis
• Combines GIS, remote sensing, GPS, and geospatial data
• Improves decision-making for sustainable agriculture

Scope of Work & Deliverables

1. Design ML-based solutions for field boundary detection
2. Develop algorithms for:
   • Land cover, biomass, and crop health
   • Soil health, weather, and pest detection
3. Integrate remote sensing with local agriculture & weather data
4. Develop web-based system with GUI
5. Deliver Web-GIS training module
6. Create farmer-friendly guidelines

Key Deliverables

• Inception Report
• Remote Sensing Module
• Web GIS Module
• Farmer Advisory Module
• Draft and Final System Versions
• Source Code, Manual, and Guidelines

Timeline

• 12 Sep 2025: Applications deadline
• 18 Sep 2025: Application review & shortlisting
• 25 Sep 2025: Selected firm notified
• 01 Oct 2025: Start of consultancy
• By 30 Mar 2026: All deliverables completed

Evaluation Criteria

Technical

• Understanding of assignment
• Experience and expertise
• Sample work relevance

Financial

• Clarity and detail of budget
• Value for money

Contact & Support

Email queries to: tender@bettercotton.org with subject: RFP #2025-8-ID CMRS

Deadline for questions: 5th September 2025

Deadline for proposals: 12th September 2025

Better Cotton Commitment

Better Cotton is committed to transparency, equal opportunity, anti-bribery, and ethical business practices.

• Legally registered firms with relevant remote sensing experience
• PhD or Postgraduate degree in Remote Sensing, GIS, or related field
• 7+ years experience in geospatial systems development
• Experience with scalable web GIS systems
• Strong coordination, English communication skills

Optional

• Experience in the agriculture or cotton sector

Proposal Requirements

Applications must be submitted in two phases:

1. Fill initial form via Better Cotton Application Form
2. Upload documents via secure link emailed post submission

Submit the following:

• Technical Proposal (approach, methodology, team, CVs, references)
• At least one sample of past relevant work
• Detailed Financial Proposal (all-inclusive)
• Proof of ability to invoice and deliver by March 2026