3.01 To achieve the objectives of this assignment, the Consultant will undertake a targeted needs assessment and develop practical, evidence-based knowledge products aimed at strengthening the capacity of policymakers, quality infrastructure institutions, business support organisations, and exporters, particularly MSMEs, to understand and prepare for emerging Digital Product Passport (DPP) and related digital product requirements.

3.02 Under the overall guidance of the CROSQ Chief Executive Officer and General Project Officer – Project Implementation, the Consultant shall undertake the following tasks:

3.02.1 Needs Assessment

(a) Review outputs from the EU study to gain insights into the Digital Product Passport (DPP) and associated digital product frameworks, including but not limited to the legal and policy framework established under the EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), product scope and prioritisation, data and system requirements, implementation timelines, roles and responsibilities of economic operators, and supporting standardisation activities.

(b) Review outputs from the regional webinar series to identify concerns, knowledge and capacity gaps among CARICOM stakeholders, and to capture any updates provided on the DPP and associated digital product frameworks.

(c) Conduct interviews with MSMEs, exporters, business support organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to:

i. Identify product categories of greatest relevance to CARICOM exporters and regional trade interests;

ii. Assess stakeholder awareness and understanding of DPP fundamental requirements and their potential implications for market access;

iii. Evaluate current levels of technological readiness, including digitalisation, data management practices, traceability systems, and ICT infrastructure;

iv. Assess human and financial capacity constraints that may affect preparedness for DPP implementation.

(d) Analyse the data collected and prepare a concise, evidence-based Needs Assessment Report that:

i. Identifies priority product categories of relevance to CARICOM exporters and regional trade interests;

ii. Assesses the readiness of CARICOM MSMEs and exporters to prepare for and progressively respond to the foundational requirements of the DPP by evaluating existing knowledge, technological, human, and financial capacities and gaps;

iii. Identifies priority support needs and interventions required to strengthen the foundational capabilities needed to support future compliance with DPP requirements;

iv. Provide recommendations to inform the development of:

▪ An Introductory Guide for MSMEs and exporters to explain the current state of developments of the DPP and related digital products frameworks and the implications for CARICOM stakeholders, covering topics such as the ESPR, product scope, implementation timelines, economic operator obligations, and data and system requirements; and

▪ A Training Module for MSMEs and exporters on digital trade fundamentals, including but not limited to topics such as data governance, digital identities and electronic identification (e-ID), interoperability, trust services, consumer Internet of Things (IoT), and their relevance to DPP implementation. The Training Module should include core training materials such as a Facilitator Guide, Participant Manual, presentation slides, and practical exercises and/or case studies. Additional components may be proposed by the Consultant and agreed with CROSQ during implementation based on the findings of the Needs Assessment and the intended target audience.

3.02.2 Knowledge Products

(a) Conduct supplementary research on the DPP framework and overarching EU Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) to ensure a comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the relevant policy, regulatory, and technical environment.

(b) Prepare content outlines for the Introductory Guide and Training Module, clearly defining objectives, scope, and structure for each product.

(c) Develop the Introductory Guide and Training Module using the synthesised insights from the EU study visit, regional webinars, Needs Assessment Report, and supplementary research.

(d) Conduct research on the eight (8) standards currently under development by CENCLC/JTC 24 Digital Product Passport – Framework and System and prepare a concise Technical Brief targeted at CARICOM National Standards Bureaux (NSBs) and export and trade associations. The Technical Brief shall:

i. Provide an overview of the DPP standards development landscape;

ii. Describe the scope, purpose, and status of each standard under development;

iii. Highlight implications for CARICOM stakeholders, particularly standards bodies and quality infrastructure institutions

(e) Facilitate a regional knowledge transfer session, presenting the Introductory Guide, Training Module and Technical Brief to support stakeholder understanding and uptake of the developed materials.