The AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program goal is to invest in RD&E that will secure a productive, sustainable and more profitable Australian beekeeping industry and secure pollination of Australia’s horticultural and agricultural crops. To ensure the Program goal is achieved, AgriFutures Australia is currently seeking research proposals to address targeted investment priorities outlined below.

As part of this Open Call, AgriFutures Australia is seeking research proposals that align with at least one of the priorities in the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program RD&E Plan 2020-2025 OR proposals addressing at least one of the targeted activities to improve hive productivity outlined in the full Open Call document below.

We welcome and encourage your collaboration with other research providers to build the critical research mass necessary to meet our objectives.

Download the full Open Call document

Evaluation Criteria

A respondent’s response will be evaluated against:

(a) The evaluation criteria identified in the table below; and

(b) The overall proposition presented in the respondent’s response.

Mandatory Requirements 

Capability and relevant experience: 20%

Technical skills: 30%

Cost and value for money: 20%

Project plan: 30%

Desirable requirements

Provide examples of your Organisation’s ability to provide a similar service: Yes/No

Other Evaluation Criteria

Professional Expression of Interest Proposal

Organisation’s capability and resources

History of providing similar service

Detailed communications and extension pathways for research findings

The assessment criteria, proposal requirements and a submission checklist are outlined in the full Open Call document.

Respondent’s will be expected to provide:

• A detailed project plan – including timelines, how the project will be conducted and how this will meet the requirements of the Open Call. Addressing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timebound) milestones aligned to the deliverables of the project.
• A detailed budget – attachments may be included.
• Examples of similar work the respondent has completed.
• Capability and relevant experience.

The resultant Contract is expected to commence on 2 March 2026.

It is expected that a contract will be awarded based on how well a respondent addresses the objectives of the open tender. Selection will be based on the evaluation criteria. A detailed response will be beneficial. There is the opportunity to include additional attachments, if necessary, with your application in K2.

Submitting an application

Applications for this Open Call must be submitted online using the PRP application in K2.

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.

Click here to login to K2

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.

K2 user guides and login

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 https://agrifutures.com.au/contracts-and-agreements/). 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

General Counsel

Email: Stephanie-Kate.Bratton@agrifutures.com.au

Contact

Should you have any questions about the Open Call, please direct all enquires to Mia Lorber-Hughes, Program Coordinator prior to 5pm on Wednesday, 20 August 2025 (for questions relating to making a submission in K2, please email helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au).

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

Contact:

Mia Lorber-Hughes

Coordinator, Levied Industries (Honey Bee & Pollination)

Email: honeybees@agrifutures.com.au

Phone: 0437 811 347