SARDS-Shrimp Synergy Project Risk Assessment and Audit.

Terms of Reference (TOR)

About the Organization

The Social Awareness and Rural Development Society (SARDS) is a pioneering non-governmental organization established in 1986, committed to advocating for the rights of marginalized workers across Andhra Pradesh, India. SARDS is dedicated to promoting labor welfare, child protection, gender equity, social inclusion, and community development. With a strong focus on systemic change, the organization collaborates with both local and international stakeholders to strengthen labor law enforcement, advocate for ethical labor practices, and empower vulnerable worker communities. Through its strategic initiatives, SARDS has become a key player in advancing the rights of marginalized groups in the region.

Background

India ranks among the world’s largest exporters of shrimp, with Andhra Pradesh being a major contributor to the global shrimp supply chain. However, recent investigations, notably the Corporate Accountability Lab’s report (March 2024), have uncovered significant labor rights violations within the shrimp processing sector. These violations include forced labor, child labor, debt bondage, gender-based violence, and dangerous working conditions, which continue to undermine the welfare of workers.

Such exploitative practices not only cause irreversible harm to workers but also expose businesses to substantial reputational and legal risks. In light of these grave concerns, there is an urgent need for a robust intervention to enhance transparency, accountability, and ethical practices across the shrimp supply chain.

This initiative, under the SARDS-Shrimp Synergy Project, aims to develop a comprehensive risk assessment and audit framework designed to identify high-risk zones within shrimp processing units. The project will assess existing labor conditions and provide recommendations for corrective actions that align with international labor standards, ultimately fostering ethical and sustainable labor practices across the shrimp industry. The project will be implemented in 10 coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.

Objectives

The primary objectives of this assignment are to improve labor conditions across 100 shrimp supply chain units within the 10 coastal districts of Andhra Pradesh.

The specific objectives are:

1. Develop and implement a risk assessment tool to systematically evaluate labor conditions within the shrimp supply chain units.
2. Establish a comprehensive audit framework to ensure compliance with international labor standards and ethical sourcing guidelines.
3. Identify high-risk areas related to forced labor, child labor, gender-based violence, and other forms of exploitation within the workplace.
4. Provide actionable recommendations to industry stakeholders, policymakers, and labor rights organizations to foster improvements in labor practices.
5. Promote transparency and accountability across the shrimp supply chain through structured assessments, continuous monitoring, and data-driven interventions.

Deliverables

The key deliverables for this initiative are:

1. Risk Assessment Framework: A structured, comprehensive tool to evaluate labor risks within the shrimp supply chain units.
2. Mapping Report: A report that categorizes and identifies 100 shrimp supply chain units based on risk levels, highlighting areas of concern.
3. Audit Framework: A standardized methodology for conducting audits aimed at ensuring compliance with labor rights and ethical sourcing requirements.
4. Field Assessments & Surveys: Comprehensive data collection through site visits, interviews, and surveys with workers and relevant stakeholders to assess labor conditions.
5. Audit Reports: Detailed reports outlining audit findings, identifying key risks, and proposing corrective actions and policy recommendations.
6. Final Report: A comprehensive, synthesized document summarizing the risk assessment results, audit findings, and proposed action plans to address identified issues.

Request for Proposal (RFP) Submission Details

Consultants or organizations interested in contributing to this initiative are invited to submit a detailed proposal that includes the following components:

1. Technical Approach: A clear methodology for conducting risk assessments and audits, including tools and techniques to be employed.

2. Team Composition: Detailed profiles of key personnel involved in the project, including relevant expertise and experience in labor rights assessments and audits.

3. Timeline: A detailed work plan outlining the 3-month implementation period, with specific milestones and deliverables.

4. Budget Estimate: A breakdown of project costs, including personnel, travel, materials, and other associated expenses.

5. Previous Experience: Relevant experience in conducting labor rights assessments, audits, or related fields, particularly within the shrimp industry or similar sectors.

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