ROI methodology review and enhancing data sharing across the RDC system (a two-phased project)

AgriFutures Australia is seeking applications for a two-phase project to address key challenges in ROI methodology and data sharing across the RDC system.

Background:

Australia’s rural innovation system is underpinned by 15 Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), which together represent one of the most distinctive institutional arrangements in the world for agricultural innovation. Each RDC operates as a partnership between industry and government, investing in research, development, and extension (RD&E) to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of their respective sectors—from broadacre cropping and livestock to horticulture, fisheries and forestry.

There is currently no consistent method for measuring the return on RD&E investment (ROI) across the sector. This makes it difficult to compare outcomes, communicate value to levy payers, and inform public policy decisions. Similarly, the absence of interoperable and accessible data-sharing systems constrains transparency and collaboration. Data often remains siloed across individual RDCs, consultancies and research institutions, limiting the generation of system-wide insights and opportunities for cross-sector learning.

AgriFutures Australia is seeking responses from suitably qualified applicants to undertake a two-phased project that seeks to address both challenges in a structured and practical way.

Phase 1 will undertake a comprehensive review of existing ROI methodologies, drawing on both domestic and international approaches, supported by stakeholder engagement and a detailed assessment of the availability, quality and comparability of ROI-related data. Phase 2 will extend this analysis to examine data-sharing capabilities, needs and opportunities across the RDC system, identifying barriers to interoperability and recommending practical pathways toward improved standards, governance and integration.

Ultimately, the project will support three key strategic outcomes:

•  Development of a ‘best-practice’ ROI methodology that is repeatable and highly robust, to be used by ABARES to enhance the evidence base and R&D decision making.
•  Development of a consistent framework for RDC-specific and system-level performance metrics that improve alignment and communication of impact.
•  Enhanced data-sharing practices that reduce duplication, increase transparency and enable stronger cross-sector collaboration, positioning Australia’s rural innovation system for the next generation of economic and environmental challenges.

Overview of requirements

Phase 1: ROI methodology review for public agricultural R&D investment

Objective:

•  Identify best-practice methodologies for estimating ROI in public agricultural R&D.
•  Enable consistent, defensible analysis to inform policy.
•  Support ABARES in updating ROI figures at sector and RDC levels.

Scope:

•  Assess ROI methodologies (domestic/international).
•  Address attribution, data limitations and public vs. private benefits.
•  Explore ROI at sector-wide and RDC investment levels.

Service Requirements:

•  Rapid literature review of ROI methodologies.
•  Evaluate approaches for whole-sector, RDC and industry-specific ROI.
•  Analyse attribution, time lags, spillovers, and contested returns.
•  Stakeholder consultation
•  Host technical workshop.
•  Test and collect RDC data
•  Identify data gaps.
•  Recommend update/replacement of current 8:1 ROI figure.

Deliverables:

•  Final report with:
•  Literature review
•  Methodology comparison and stakeholder views.
•  Data gap analysis.
•  Guidance on updating ROI figure.
•  Data pack with collected RDC data

Phase 2: Enhancing data sharing across the RDC system

Objective:

•  Define system-wide data sharing needs.
•  Improve alignment, usability and interoperability.

Service Requirements:

•  Stakeholder engagement (RDCs, DAFF, ABARES, ABS).
•  Identify data gaps, holdings, and sharing opportunities.
•  Assess systems/platforms for data capture and sharing.
•  Map technical, legal and governance barriers.

Deliverables:

•  Final Recommendations Report:
•  Stakeholder summary.
•  Current state of data systems.
•  Data needs/gaps assessment.
•  Practical next steps and responsibilities.
•  Options for systems alignment and governance.
•  Facilitate modular data sharing arrangements between RDCs and DAFF.

Stakeholder Engagement (Both Phases):

•  Regular steering committee meetings with DAFF.
•  RDC roundtables at start and end.
•  Ongoing consultation on ROI methods and data availability.
•  Technical workshop to discuss ROI approaches.

Timeline:

Date: Activity

12:00pm noon (AEDT) Monday, 13 October 2025: RFQ – applications open

12:00pm noon (AEDT) Tuesday, 28 October 2025: End of period for questions or requests for information

12:00pm noon (AEDT) Tuesday, 4 November 2025: RFQ – applications close

Friday, 14 November 2025: Intended completion date of evaluation of respondents responses

Monday, 17 November 2025– Friday, 21 November 2025: Negotiations with respondents (if applicable)

Monday, 24 November 2025: Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement

Wednesday, 26 November 2025: Date of commencement of Project

30 September 2026: Expected project completion date of Phase 1

30 November 2026: Expected project completion date of Phase 2

How to make a submission

Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted online using the application in K2.

Check the website 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 applicable round is open.

K2 guides and login | AgriFutures Australia

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. 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
•  Email: stephanie-kate.bratton@agrifutures.com.au

Contact:

If you have any questions about the RFQ process, please contact:

•  Noella Powell
•  Manager, Rural Futures
•  Email: Noella.powell@agrifutures.com.au