Request for Proposals – Strategic Partner Due Diligence Roll Out in Australia

Better Cotton Initiative uses a process called ‘benchmarking’ to confer one-way recognition of other credible cotton sustainability standard systems. Since 2013, this recognition has allowed farmers who comply with a successfully standard system recognised as equivalent to access the market for Better Cotton Initiative, avoid duplicative certification requirements and contribute to widen and deepen Better Cotton Initiative ’s impact.

The credibility of the recognized standard system therefore relies, in part, on Better Cotton Initiative ’s ability to select and work with competent strategic partners to support farmers. The Due Diligence process aims to reduce partnership risks for Better Cotton Initiative and also supports our partners by implementing a remediation plan to enable them to comply with Better Cotton Initiative’s requirements, strengthen their organization and ensure a long-term partnership.

The objective of the consultancy is to conduct the Due Diligence process in Australia with the existing strategic partner, the Cotton Australia, in accordance with Better Cotton Initiative’s guidelines, by the 30th of June 2026. Through direct relationships with the partners, the consultant will be responsible for reviewing and analysing the documents submitted by the strategic partner, and recommending mitigation actions, if relevant, with the support of Better Cotton Initiative’s teams.