Request for Proposal RFP Powering the Digital Economy The Data Center Imperative
Request for Proposal RFP Powering the Digital Economy The Data Center Imperative
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Job Description
I. Introduction
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) invites proposals from qualified consultants/contractors to conduct research on the economic value and environmental costs of powering the digital economy with a sectoral focus on sustainable energy solutions for data centers in the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region.
II. About APF Canada and ABAC
APF Canada is an independent notforprofit organization focused on strengthening ties between Canada and Asia through research education and convening activities. The Foundation produces a range of research outputs including reports policy briefs case studies surveys and digital media and provides Asia Competency training for Canadian organizations and students. APF Canada serves as the Secretariat for Canadas APEC Business Advisory Council members.
This project is being conducted on behalf ofABAC and the AI & Digital Innovation Working Group. The intended audience is senior business leaders from ABAC and APEC policymakers.
III. Project Description and Objectives
Across APEC the growth of data centers is a prerequisite to meet the increasing computing requirements of the digital economy. There has been a surge in demand for data center capacity as businesses and consumers increasingly rely on digital services from AI cloud computing and data analytics to ecommerce and streaming. Both the growth of data centers and the adoption of AI rely on the availability of electric power with electricity use by the 13 largest data centers (mostly in the APEC region) expected to double by 2026.
More and more major tech companies are beginning to explore more sustainable solutions to power data centers like nuclear power hydrogen and solar power. Solutions are required to balance the digital economys demands with APEC climate goals. The research project aims to:
- Define and assess the data center dilemma incorporating relevant reports on GHG emission offsets.
- Identify the top five best practices to sustainably power data centers with clean energy being deployed in 2025 and beyond.
- Propose actionable strategies for private sector companies to sustainably power data centers while balancing costs efficiency and competitiveness.
- Forecast the implications of blockchain AI emissions and grid requirements on sustainable energy use.
- Explore policy and regulatory mechanisms to support the private sectors transition to sustainable energy solutions.
IV. Project Scope
The research will focus on five to seven APEC economies with active and growing data center markets ensuring a diverse representation of geographic locations and climates. Key research questions include:
- What sustainable energy options are accessible costeffective and sufficient for powering the digital economy in APEC economies
- What practical lowcost strategies can businesses implement to improve data center energy efficiency
- What policies and incentives can promote renewable energy adoption for data centers
- How can businesses and policymakers collaborate to ensure access to clean affordable energy for data centers
- What regulatory frameworks and government incentives can support sustainable energy adoption and efficiency improvements in data centers
The project will also build upon findings from APECs 2023 report on Promoting Energy Efficient and Resilient Data Centers in the APEC Region incorporating insights from data center operators cloud providers and renewable energy experts.
As this issue is not specific to APEC only the project team will investigate collaboration and input from SGTechs Digital Trust Advisory ASEAN the World Bank UNCTAD OECD etc. to discern how other regions are tackling this dilemma. APF Canada will provide connections to relevant partners and stakeholders.
V. Deliverables & Milestones
The consultant will be responsible for delivering:
1. Succinct Research Report including:
a. Evaluation of the problem in target economies as well as APEC more broadly at a highlevel
b. Best practices & case studies from target economies
c. Recommendations for APEC policymakers and private sectors
d. Annex: Member economy placemats (these are meant to be visual economy case studies for e.g. 12 page/economylevel stock take of the key indicators stats best practices or solutions applicable to them)
2. Virtual Presentation (midJuly 2025 of preliminary findings at ABAC III (Preparation of 10minute presentation with speaker notes and deck)
3. Preparation of an Event Presentation (midOctober 2025 to be delivered at ABAC IV (Preparation of presentation deck speaker notes etc..
VI. Project Timeline
Milestone Date
- Project Kickoff April 2025
- First Draft of Report July 1 2025
- Virtual Presentation of Preliminary Findings July 1 2025
- Final Report Submission September 1 2025
- Final Presentation at ABAC IV October 2025
These deadlines are nonnegotiable due to ABACs approval processes and scheduled events.
VII. Qualifications & Requirements
Interested consultants should demonstrate:
- Proven expertise in digital economy research energy policy and/or sustainability.
- Experience in conducting sectoral analysis and working with APEC economies/nomenclature.
- Strong analytical and written skills with the ability to synthesize complex topics into clear actionable recommendations.
- Experience engaging with private sector stakeholders and policymakers.
- Experience delivering projects on behalf of private sector stakeholders using the appropriate tone and language.
VIII. Proposal Submission
Qualified consultants should submit a proposal including:
1. Technical Proposal
- Approach and methodology
- Work plan and timeline
- Key personnel and qualifications
2. Financial Proposal
- Detailed budget including professional fees and any additional costs
3. Relevant Experience
- o Examples of similar projects completed
- o Reference from past client
- o Writing Sample
IX. Application process
Applications should include and upload all required documents belowMERGED as ONE PDF file.
- Cover letter detailing experience and suitability for the role;
- Rsum detailing professional background skills and professional experiences relevant to the responsibilities outlined in this RFP;
- Tenpage (maximum) proposal outlining approach proposed methodology timeframe and a budget for each activity (refer to VIII. Proposal submission);
- Name title and contact information (email and phone number) for two professional references. References will only be contacted if the applicant is shortlisted and the application is evaluated.
X. Submission Deadline
Proposals must be submitted no later than Sunday April;59 PM PT) with the subject line: Proposal Powering the Digital Economy RFP.
XI. Evaluation Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Relevance and quality of the proposed methodology 30
- Qualifications and experience of the consultant 30
- Feasibility of the work plan and timeline 20
- Costeffectiveness and value for money 20
XII. Contact Information
For any inquiries regarding this RFP please contact: Amanda Doyle Senior Program Manager APEC Networks Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada Email:
APF Canada and ABAC Canada look forward to receiving your proposals and working together to advance sustainability in APECs digital economy.
Employment Type
Contract
