Request for Proposal (RFP): Market Acces

Issued by: Citrus New Zealand (CNZ)
RFP reference: CNZRFP-MA-12026
RFP release date: 30 April 2026
Deadline for questions: 11 May 2026
Deadline for proposals: 18 May 2026
Proposed contract start: 25 May 2026

1. The Opportunity

1.1 What we need

Citrus New Zealand (CNZ) is seeking proposals from suitably qualified providers to deliver market access advisory and support services for the full citrus season.

The services will support CNZ’s role in:

• Maintaining and progressing market access for New Zealand citrus,
• Engagement with regulators and government agencies,
• Technical and policy input into market access arrangements, and
• Sector confidence in export pathways.

Market access work is inherently variable, issue‑driven, and externally influenced. CNZ is therefore seeking a provider with the capability, availability, and experience to support the programme on an as‑needed basis across the full season, rather than delivery against a fixed schedule of activities.

This procurement is being run in accordance with CNZ’s Procurement Framework and fit‑for‑purpose procurement approach.

1.2 What we don’t want

CNZ is not seeking:

• Proposals based on a fixed number of meetings or hours, or
• Purely transactional services without continuity of representation or sector knowledge.

1.3 What’s important to us

In selecting a provider, CNZ places importance on:

• Strong market access and regulatory expertise relevant to horticulture
• Understanding of government‑to‑government market access processes
• Continuity of representation and institutional knowledge
• The ability to respond flexibly to emerging issues, and
• Value for money over the life of the engagement.

 1.4 Why you should bid

This is an opportunity to work closely with CNZ, government agencies, and industry stakeholders to support and strengthen export market access for New Zealand citrus across the season.

1.5 A bit about us

Citrus New Zealand represents citrus growers across New Zealand. CNZ delivers programmes, services, and research that support grower profitability, sustainability, and market confidence, including market access and biosecurity activities.

2. Our Requirements

2.1 Background

CNZ requires access to experienced market access advice and representation to support its engagement with regulators, technical working groups, and international market access processes.

The level and nature of market access activity varies by season and is influenced by external regulatory, political, and technical factors.

2.2 Key outcomes

The key outcomes sought through this RFP are:

• Informed and timely market access advice
• Effective regulatory and government engagement
• Continuity and confidence in CNZ’s market access representation, and
• Strengthened sector assurance and preparedness.

2.3 Scope of services

The successful provider will deliver market access services that may include, but are not limited to:

• Provision of expert market access and regulatory advice
• Support for bilateral and multilateral market access processes
• Attendance at market access‑related meetings and forums as required
• Technical input into submissions, protocols, or work programmes
• Advice on emerging market access risks, barriers, or opportunities
• Ad‑hoc advisory support to CNZ management and programme leads
• Liaison with government agencies and industry stakeholders

The volume and timing of services will vary across the season.

2.4 Season‑long delivery and continuity

Given the importance of continuity, institutional knowledge, and trusted representation, CNZ intends to appoint a provider to support market access services for the full season 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, subject to satisfactory performance and ongoing programme need.

2.5 Service levels

Respondents should demonstrate:

• capacity to support CNZ throughout the season,
• flexibility and responsiveness, including short‑notice availability, and
• understanding of the regulatory and operational market access environment.

2.6 Pricing

Respondents must complete the Pricing Schedule provided with this RFP.

CNZ recognises that service volumes cannot be guaranteed and encourages pricing approaches that reflect:

• Availability and continuity, and
• Variable, as‑needed service delivery.

CNZ does not guarantee a minimum or maximum volume of work.

3. Our Evaluation Approach

3.1 Evaluation criteria

3.2 Evaluation process

CNZ may seek clarification of proposals, conduct reference checks, and/or interview shortlisted respondents. Final decisions will be made in accordance with CNZ’s governance and approval requirements.

4. Pricing Information

Respondents must submit pricing in NZD (exclusive of GST), complete the Pricing Schedule in full, and clearly state any assumptions or dependencies.

5. Contract Term

The anticipated contract term is for the full citrus season 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, with any extension subject to CNZ governance approval.

6. How to Respond

Submit a single PDF including:

• completed Response Form, and
• completed Pricing Schedule

to , quoting the RFP reference in the subject line.

7. Conditions

This RFP is conducted in accordance with CNZ’s Procurement Framework and principles of fairness, transparency, proportionality, and value for money.

The RFP documents are available to view or download below:

RFP Market Access – Full Season Delivery

RFP Response Form Market Access

Pricing Schedule – Market Access – Full Season Delivery