Background
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 below
The AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program Open Call closes 12 noon (AEDT) on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.
Timeline
Activity |
Date |
Open Call – Preliminary Research Proposal (PRP) applications open |
4pm (AEDT) Wednesday, 16 July 2025 |
End of period for questions or requests for information |
Wednesday, 20 August 2025 |
Open Call – PRP applications close |
12pm (AEDT) Wednesday, 27 August 2025 |
Intended completion date of evaluation of respondents’ responses |
Monday, 13 October 2025 |
Request for Full Research Proposals (FRPs) – applications open |
Monday, 13 October 2025 |
Request for Full Research Proposals (FRPs) – applications close |
Monday, 10 November 2025 |
Intended completion date of evaluation of FRPs |
Monday 15 December 2025 |
Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement |
Monday, 2 February 2026 |
Date of commencement of Project |
Monday, 2 March 2026 |
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 |
Weighting/Complies |
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.
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.
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:
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 ).
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:
Phone: 0437 811 347
The AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program Open Call closes 12 noon (AEDT) on Wednesday, 27 August 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Does the current RD&E plan 2020-2025, influence project duration?
No, the current RD&E plan 2020-2025, does not influence project duration.
What is the budget range for projects under this call?
The AgriFutures Honey Bee and Pollination Program has an annual budget that is available for RD&E. The open call will consider and invest in multiple projects in line with the RD&E plan to meet industry needs. We ask researchers to determine the budget that they think is required to meet their proposed project outputs and outcomes.
What level of co-contribution is expected?
There is no level of required co-contribution. However, co-contribution of cash and/or in-kind are positive components of a project proposal as they improve industry’s value for money. If there is any in-kind or cash contributions that will be made to your project, these must be shown in the budget.
Can multiple project proposals be submitted by a single research organisation?
There is no limit to the number of proposals that a research organisation submits. However, the panel will consider the research organisations capacity to deliver on multiple projects, if successful.
Can researchers address more than one of the listed “challenges” in their research proposal?
We ask that researchers identify the one challenge that is prioritised in their research proposal. We understand that any given research proposal may cover multiple challenges, and these may be discussed in the proposal. However, it is important to prioritise the main challenge that will be targeted.
What is the expected project duration?
There is no pre-determined expected project duration. We ask researchers to present an appropriate project duration that will allow for the successful delivery of designated outputs and outcomes.
Is this Open Call a 2 stage application process?
Yes, it is 2 stage. Stage 1 is for Preliminary Research Proposals (PRPs) and then successful applications will be asked to move to stage 2 and complete a Full Research Proposal (FRP).
Is this project open to non-Australian-based companies?
Yes it is, as long as they can demonstrate that they can produce suitable recommendations for Australian producers.
Can I talk to the Panel about my proposal?
Please do not contact Advisory Panel members to discuss your project proposal ideas or ask them about any of the specific priorities identified in the open call.
We do encourage you to contact other industry members for input on your proposal ideas so that they can align to the needs of industry. We also encourage you to list in your proposal who within industry you have spoken to.
Can you provide feedback on my proposal idea?
Unfortunately, AgriFutures and the Advisory Panel are unable to answer questions directly related to your proposal. We suggest that you examine the strategic plan to provide direction on the needs and priorities for industry and consult with other industry members to find out what is important for industry.
The Advisory Panel will consider all research proposals that are submitted.
Can I collaborate with other research providers or consultants?
Yes, you can submit a collaborative proposal. In fact, we encourage it because it can enhance research outcomes and commercialisation opportunities.
Will my proposal be considered if I do not have an industry partner?
All submitted proposals will be considered. A proposal does not need an industry partner or contribution to be considered.
We encourage you to read the industry RD&E Plan and to contact someone from industry to ensure that your proposal aligns with the needs and priorities of industry and to contact someone from industry to ensure that your proposal aligns with the needs and priorities of industry.
My project idea does not seem to fit with the current RD&E priorities in the open call. Can I still submit a project?
There were a number of specific priorities identified in the open call, however we are encouraging applications that align with the Varroa destructor Research Strategy and the Honey Bee & Pollination Program RD&E Plan. If your idea aligns with the Plan, then it is applicable to industry and will be considered in the assessment process.
It is important to identify the specific benefits that might arise from your research and the impact that this may have on industry.
What is the budget for this open call?
The AgriFutures xx program has an annual budget that is available for RD&E. This open call will consider and invest in multiple projects in line with the RDE Plan to meet industry priorities.
In K2, there is a question relating to steering committees. Do you intend to use a steering committee for your project? If yes, who would be represented on the committee?
Steering committees provide useful guidance and feedback on projects. If your project is successful, AgriFutures Australia will help to develop a steering committee if one is needed.
We welcome any recommendations regarding who should be on the steering committee.
In the budget, is the contribution from the partner or University required?
If there is any in-kind or cash contributions that will be made to your project, these must also be shown in the budget.
Do I need to provide a CV of the each project member for the PRP, or they would be needed for FRP?
You do not need to provide a CV of all project members in the PRP. You are asked to provide the capability and experience of the research organisation in 250 words or less. Please name any additional people that will be involved in the project. If you are asked to submit a Full Research Proposal, the capabilities and experience of all project team members will be required.
Are there specific templates, budget categories, or cost eligibility guidelines that applicants should follow when preparing the budget section of an application?
Yes. In K2, you’ll be guided through a budget template with predefined fields to complete. You’re also encouraged to upload a detailed attachment outlining your proposed budget, including any relevant justifications or breakdowns that support your approach.