South American Potassium Fertilizer CDD Consultant

Quick Summary

The United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is seeking a commercial consultant for a Firm Fixed-Price contract to assess the South American Potassium Fertilizer market. This opportunity, a Total Small Business Set-Aside, requires expertise in global fertilizer supply chains, South American market dynamics, and the commercial viability of potash projects selling to Brazil. Proposals are due June 4, 2026.

Scope of Work

The consultant will provide two quotes: one for a report focused exclusively on the potassium fertilizer market, and a second with an expanded scope to include nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers. The report(s) must address:

• Global and South American potassium fertilizer supply chain overview: Key production countries (China, Russia, Canada, Middle East), capacity, output, export destinations, cost curve positioning, challenges, competitive advantages, and supply/demand gaps with forecasts.
• Historical and forecast potash prices: Muriate of Potash (MOP) granular/standard, CFR Brazil, FOB, volatility drivers, and forward curves (2026-2030), including import-parity pricing for Brazilian buyers.
• Logistics and shipping cost benchmarking: Ocean freight, port handling, and inland transport costs to South America from Canada, Russia/Belarus, Middle East, and China, with comparative delivered-cost analysis to key Brazilian demand centers.
• Commercial viability for potash projects in Argentina selling to Brazil: Delivered cost competitiveness, volume capture potential, margin analysis, new project pipeline, existing projects in South America, and impact on regional pricing.
• For the expanded scope, replicate the above for nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers.

Key Deliverables

• Kick-off meeting within 5 days of award.
• Draft report within 3 weeks of kick-off.
• Final report within 6 weeks of kick-off.

Contract & Timeline

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
• Period of Performance: 10 weeks from kick-off date.
• Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
• NAICS Code: 541611 (Management Consulting Services)
• Size Standard: $24.5 million
• Offer Due Date: June 4, 2026, 10:00 AM ET
• Published Date: May 21, 2026

Eligibility & Evaluation

• Required Experience: 10+ years of consultancy experience in the broader fertilizer sector (firm or employee).
• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance or higher and pass a DFC background investigation.
• Submission: Quotes must be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer and Contract Specialist. Price quotes in Excel, technical qualifications in Word or PDF.
• Evaluation Factors: Technical capabilities and Price. Technical and past performance, when combined, are approximately equal to cost or price.

Additional Notes

• Place of Performance: Remote or contractor's facility.
• Travel: Not required.
• FAR clauses are incorporated by reference.