Quality Control Contractor - Request Proposals; RFP

Quality Control Contractor - Request for Proposals (RFP)

Red Bay Coffee Roasters – Oakland, CA

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.

The Quality Control Contractor will provide the following 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)

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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 skills
  
  Proficiency with Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel
• Ability to work independently
• Availability to cup on site at the Oakland Roastery twice per week

• 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

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

• 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

Quotes and supporting materials should be submitted electronically to: