Request for Quote: AgriFutures Export Fodder Program Extension and Engagement Project

Traditionally, the AgriFutures Export Fodder Program has relied on research project teams to deliver R&D as well as extend the results of their projects to industry participants.

In 2021, following extensive consultation with the Export Fodder Industry, AgriFutures released a new AgriFutures Export Fodder Program Strategic RD&E Plan 2021-2026. The overarching goal of the Plan is to invest in RD&E that improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the Australian export fodder industry. The Plan includes, as one of the four Priorities, a focus on ‘Increased adoption of R&D outputs by industry and the following aligned strategies:

4.1 Provide dedicated industry-wide extension resources to increase the adoption of best practice research and innovation.

4.2 Understand and make use of a variety of extension and communication platforms to effectively demonstrate the benefits of R&D outputs to industry participants.

The Objective of this Priority and the aligned strategies is to facilitate the increased adoption of R&D outputs and innovations to drive profit across the Australian export fodder industry.

Background:

AgriFutures is seeking services from a qualified and experienced provider of extension and engagement services to support the improved productivity, profitability, and sustainability of the Australian export fodder industry through extension and engagement activities. The provision of services will be for approximately three years, with consideration to industry events and activities that may be essential to project activities.

The objective of the services is to provide extension that enables increased adoption of research and development (R&D) outcomes from the AgriFutures Export Fodder Program by growers and other industry members. The project will also improve engagement and coordination across the industry through communication, cooperation and collaboration between AgriFutures Export Fodder Program, growers, exporters, researchers, other Research Development Corporations (RD&Cs) and other industry participants.

Timeline:

Activity: Date

RFQ applications open: Thursday, 5 October 2023

End of period for questions or requests for information: Friday, 3 November 2023

RFQ applications close: Thursday 9 November 2023 5pm (AEDT)

Intended completion date of evaluation of respondents responses: Monday, 5 December 2023

Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement: Wednesday, 31 January 2024

Date of commencement of Project: Thursday, 1 February 2024

Expected project completion date: February 2027*

*It is expected that this will be a three year project, completion date can be negotiated based on timing of industry events and activities, and subsequent project requirements.

Service Requirements

At a workshop held with the export fodder industry in August 2023, several principles were identified by the industry that should be considered in the design of the AgriFutures Export Fodder Program Extension and Engagement Project, these include:

· Engagement and extension products and activities, where appropriate, should be designed and tailored to be used throughout the export fodder supply chain, including with growers, exporters, agronomists, independent advisors, transporters, RDCs and potential customers.

· Feedback loops between growers/exporters and researchers should be facilitated to improve researcher understanding of growing and market conditions and risks to improve the adoption of research.

· Information should be tailored to specific audiences, including by region, with regionally based engagement and extension focussed on Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria/NSW as separate regions.

· Extension and engagement programs should include regular evaluation and review involving the growers, exporters, researchers and AgriFutures Export Fodder Program staff and Advisory Panel.

The AgriFutures Export Fodder Program Extension and Engagement Project will:

· Use a variety of extension and communication platforms to effectively demonstrate and communicate the benefits of R&D outputs of the AgriFutures Export Fodder Program to export fodder industry participants across the supply chain – inclusive of face-to-face delivery and online platforms.

· Develop and deliver dedicated industry-wide extension resources to support the access and awareness of best practice research and innovation in export fodder production for all supply chain participants.

· Produce communication materials and educational tools that meet the identified needs of the export fodder industry to support productivity, profitability and sustainability of the industry.

· Identify, utilise and support regionally relevant and efficient adoption pathways for export fodder producers.

· Coordinate collaboration to ensure industry research is grower and commercially focused and relevant to regional production conditions and market risks.

· Facilitate collaborative opportunities for the export fodder industry to share, learn, problem solve and innovate together.

· Liaise with AgriFutures Export Fodder Program staff and Advisory Panel, researchers and the export fodder industry to coordinate extension and engagement outputs and ensure consistent messaging to all stakeholders.

The successful service provider will need to work closely with the export fodder industry and AgriFutures Export Fodder Program staff and Advisory Panel to ensure the identified objectives of an extension and industry development project are delivered.

The successful provider will have demonstrated in their proposal a clear and detailed adoption pathway, which is efficient and effective and, where appropriate, utilises existing adoptions pathways within the industry or adjacent industries.

Budget:

AgriFutures has budgeted an investment of approximately $150k/year for three years, for this project. All submissions should include a detailed budget breakdown and costings. Submissions should clearly justify the cost of each activity and the project as a whole. As with all AgriFutures’ investments, the value for money of the proposed project must be clear.

Submitting an application

Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted online using the application in K2. Applicants are required to review the full Request for Quote documentation before submitting a response.

New users need to register for access to the K2 platform, please note the provision of login details may take up to two business days.

Users must create a K2 account before submitting a proposal. To set up a secure account before submitting a proposal, please visit the login page below to access our new user or new company request forms.

Usernames and passwords will only be issued while the applicant round is open.

If you require assistance, please contact helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au

Terms of Reference:

AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research procured by AgriFutures Australia (please refer to click here. These contracts and agreements set out the terms on which AgriFutures Australia will engage successful applicants to carry out the project.

Applicants must be familiar with the contracts and agreements before submitting a response, and are advised to seek legal advice beforehand.

These contracts and agreements have been developed to reflect AgriFutures Australia’s statutory and other procurement responsibilities.

If you require any amendments to the standard agreement please complete the statement of non-compliance for each of the relevant clause. AgriFutures will then assess those requests.

Applicants will be taken to have agreed to all clauses in the Research Agreement that are not referred to in a statement of non-compliance. The extent of any non-compliance will be a factor in AgriFutures Australia’s evaluation of the application.

If you require further information regarding these contracts and agreements, please, contact Stephanie-Kate Bratton, (Legal Counsel, AgriFutures Australia) via email Stephanie-Kate.Bratton@agrifutures.com.au.

For information on the RFQ contact Stacey Lawrence, Coordinator Levied & Emerging Industries via email Stacey.Lawrence@agrifutures.com.au.

Contact:

Should you have any questions about the Request for Quote, please direct all enquires to Coordinator, Levied & Emerging Industries (details below) prior to 5.00pm AEDT Friday, 3 November 2023 (for questions relating to making a submission in K2, please email helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au).

The Coordinator, Levied & Emerging Industries will take questions via email or phone. Individual responses to questions relating to the RFQ will not be provided by the Coordinator or Manager, Levied & Emerging Industries. A response, along with the question, will be posted in the Frequently Asked Questions section, below, within 24 hours of receival.

Contact: Stacey Lawrence, Coordinator, Levied & Emerging Industries – Pasture Seeds & Export Fodder, Email:

stacey.lawrence@agrifutures.com.au

The Request for Quote closes 5.00pm AEDT Thursday, 9 November 2023.