Request for Proposal (RFP): Navel Monitoring Programme

Issued by: Citrus New Zealand (CNZ)
RFP reference: CNZ‑RFP‑RD-12026
RFP release date: 30 April 2026
Deadline for questions: 7 May 2026
Deadline for proposals: 5pm, 11 May 2026
Proposed contract start: 18 May 2026

1.The Opportunity

1.1 Background

The Navel Monitoring Programme coordinates supermarket distribution centre (DC) sampling, independent clearance testing, and selected marketing company data to support blanket clearance timing, programme assurance, and market confidence for New Zealand navel oranges.

Prior to the season, CNZ confirms participation with supermarket DCs, testing laboratories, marketing companies, and independent testers. During the season, supermarket monitoring data is collected weekly and used for assurance and maturity tracking, while blanket clearance decisions are based on independent clearance testing data and pre-test data.

1.2 Purpose of this RFP

CNZ is seeking a supplier to support delivery of the Navel Monitoring Programme for the 2026 season, including coordination, data handling, communications, reporting, and end‑of‑season review.

This is an operational delivery role, working closely with CNZ, testing laboratories, independent testers, marketing companies, DCs, and CNZ’s data analysis partner (Delytics).

1.3 What’s important to us

In selecting a supplier, CNZ places importance on:

• accuracy and reliability in data handling and reporting
• strong coordination across multiple stakeholders
• clear and timely communications to growers and industry
• respect for confidentiality, particularly in clearance data, and
• value for money and delivery capability.

2. Scope of Work

The successful supplier will be responsible for delivering the following components.

2.1 Pre‑season setup (May 2026)

In 2026, this workflow will be managed by the Executive Manager. For reference, the process would typically include:

• Confirming ongoing participation with supermarket DCs, including courier arrangements and sample analysis costs
• Confirming involvement with packhouses and marketing companies
• Managing pre‑season communications in coordination with the CNZ Executive Manager
• Drafting and distributing a pre‑season letter to all navel growers and packhouses

2.2 Supermarket monitoring coordination (approximately 10‑week season)

• Receive weekly DC sample notifications (crate cards, fruit stickers)
• Receive weekly independent and pre-test data
• Input sample details into the master recording sheet and reporting spreadsheet
• Receive and compile test results from the testing laboratory
• Distribute weekly monitoring reports to navel growers and the industry distribution list
• Forward raw data weekly to Delytics for internal maturity trend analysis

2.3 Independent clearance  and pre-test data monitoring

• Collate independent clearance testing data and pre test data from approved testers, laboratories and packhouses
• Maintain and update the clearance calculation spreadsheet (with Delytics input)
• Analyse data to determine when sufficient clearance data has been received
• Recommend a blanket clearance date to CNZ in conjunction with Delytics.
• Note: CNZ will formally announce the blanket clearance date.

2.4 Programme refinements (2026 season)

CNZ is undertaking a trial this season to collect maturity data from late‑season varieties. Data will be provided by participating packhouses, collated into a central spreadsheet, and reviewed at the end of the season.

2.5 End‑of‑season activities (August / September 2026)

• Support Delytics in preparing the end‑of‑season report (including DC monitoring data and clearance analysis)
• Document programme performance and lessons learned

Provide recommendations for potential refinements for the 2027 season

3. Key Deliverables

 4. Timeframe

• Contract start: 18 May 2026
• Season delivery: June – August 2026
• Final reporting: September 2026

5. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated against the following criteria:

6. How to Respond

To respond to this RFP, please:

1. Complete the CNZ RFP Response Form and Pricing Schedule
2. Submit your response as a single PDF to
3. Use the subject line: CNZ‑RFP‑RD-12026 – [Organisation name]
4. Ensure your response is received by 5pm, 11 May 2026

CNZ will acknowledge receipt of all proposals and notify respondents of the outcome following evaluation.

7. Conditions

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

The RFP documents are available to view or download below:

RFP Navel Monitoring Programme – Delivery Support  PDF

RFP Response Form and Pricing Schedule – Navel Monitoring Programme