Logo
Red Bay Coffee

Quality Control Contractor - Request for Proposals (RFP)

Red Bay Coffee, Oakland, California, United States, 94616

Save Job

Quality Control Contractor - Request for Proposals (RFP) Red Bay Coffee Roasters – Oakland, CA

1. Overview Red Bay Coffee is requesting quotes from qualified Quality Control (QC) professionals to provide ongoing sensory and quality assurance services in support of our Production and Retail operations. The selected contractor will conduct regular cuppings, document results, and deliver timely feedback.

This is an

independent contractor engagement , not an employment role.

2. Scope of Work The Quality Control Contractor will provide the following services:

Core QC Services

Conduct production cuppings on site at Red Bay Coffee’s Oakland Roastery twice per week

Follow Red Bay Coffee’s established QC and cupping protocols

Deliver cupping results and written feedback no later than 12:00 p.m. the day following roasting

Maintain accurate and organized QC data records (Google Sheets or equivalent)

Ongoing Quality Evaluation

Evaluate roast profiles and provide actionable feedback to the Roasting team

Conduct weekly espresso QC during café visits and log findings

Conduct weekly batch brew QC and log results

Evaluate green coffee samples, including physical analysis and sensory feedback

Reporting & Documentation

Compile and submit a weekly QC report, including:

Blend averages

Brew reports

Preferred roast profiles and observations

Share findings with relevant internal stakeholders (Production, Retail, Coffee Leadership)

Additional Support (As Needed)

Assist with green coffee sample roasting and cupping preparation

Support R&D projects related to new products

Participate in internal or external education sessions (virtual or in-person), as requested

3. Required Qualifications

Q Grader certification or a modern equivalent demonstrating professional sensory calibration

2–5 years of experience in specialty coffee quality control, roasting, or sensory analysis

Strong cupping, evaluation, and data-logging skillsProficiency with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel

Ability to work independently

Availability to cup on site at the Oakland Roastery twice per week

4. Deliverables & Timeline

On-site production cuppings: 2x per week

Written cupping results and feedback: by 12:00 p.m. the day after roasting

Weekly QC summary report

Logged espresso and batch brew QC data

5. Quote Submission Requirements Interested contractors should submit a quote that includes:

Proposed pricing structure

Hourly rate and/or per-cupping rate

Any minimum weekly or monthly fees

Availability (days/times able to cup on site)

Relevant qualifications and certifications

Brief summary of QC and sensory experience

Proposed start date

6. Contract Terms

This engagement will be structured as an independent contractor relationship

Contractor will invoice Red Bay Coffee per agreed-upon terms

All work must adhere to Red Bay Coffee’s QC standards and timelines

7. Submission Instructions Quotes and supporting materials should be submitted electronically to:

hr@redbaycoffee.com.

#J-18808-Ljbffr