The scope of work includes two program reviews (evokeAG. and growAG.) and development of a GIN Strategy for 2027-2032, this will encompass current programs and recommendations for the future approach. This scope of work is designed to ensure a thorough, evidence-based review, and strategic approach for the GIN function, supporting AgriFutures’ objectives and the broader innovation ecosystem.
All aspects of this work will be fed into AgriFutures’ Strategic Research and Innovation Plan 2027 – 2032 which will be completed in parallel to this scope of work.
Submissions for this RFQ close on Wednesday, 21 January 2026 at 5pm AEDT.
Background
AgriFutures Global Innovation Networks was established as strategic function and one of 5 focus areas (Focus Area 5) in AgriFutures Australia Strategic Research & Innovation Plan 2022-2027. It has one priority in the 16:5:5 plan which is “Engage with the global agrifood innovation system by: Ensuring Australia is a leader in accessing and adopting, as well as developing and exporting, agrifood technologies and innovation.” Programs detailed in the plan at the time of publishing included evokeAG., AgriFutures growAG., Producer Technology Uptake Program, Innovation Hubs, extensionAus, and Global Challenge Project.
During the delivery of the AgriFutures Strategic Research & Innovation Plan 2022-2027 there has been a movement away from programs other than evokeAG. and growAG. resulting in several of the above programs being wound down. Reasons for these included challenges around clear impact measurement and program design, the evolution of the ecosystem resulted in players better positioned to deliver like activity, and the long-term sustainability of the program beyond initial funding.
However, despite the consolidation in programs the GIN function and its program delivery have matured to play a critical national coordination role, connecting research, innovation, industry, and international markets in unique way both in a domestic and international context. evokeAG. and growAG. are seen by stakeholders and partners as trusted platforms that connect producers, innovators, investors, and researchers. The Global Innovation Networks function amplifies this by creating pathways for international partnerships and technology adoption. The two programs work to increase the visibility and global positioning of Australian agrifood innovation, ensuring Australia competes for international partnerships, investment, and technology. Part of their role is as the connective tissue in a fragmented but thriving domestic agrifood ecosystem and to drive investment through the acceleration of research and innovation into commercial opportunity. Based on recent impact assessments conducted both programs have delivered a positive benefit to cost ratio.
Services required
All stages of the project require the following:
- AgriFutures and Stakeholder Engagement
- Internal engagement with the GIN team, wider AgriFutures business, and AgriFutures Leadership Team through interviews and workshops.
- Engage and collect feedback from external stakeholders and previous interviews conducted in previous stakeholder interviews
- The number of anticipated interviews/engagement sessions would be between 25 to 40)
- Strategic Positioning
- Clarify the role of the GIN function’s programs, evokeAG. and growAG.
- Develop and test the long-term vision for evokeAG., growAG. along with a combined approach for the two programs.
- Establish alignment between GIN and its programs with and AgriFutures’ strategic objectives and statuary requirements.
- Performance and Impact Metrics
- Propose performance and impact metrics, considering current impact assessment and MER frameworks.
- Governance and Operational Efficiency
- Review governance structures to ensure transparency, agility, and accountability.
- Provide recommendations for resource allocation, partnership management, and decision-making models that support operational efficiency and strategic ambition.
- Risk and Opportunity Assessment
- Develop frameworks for assessing risk and opportunity associated with GIN programs and function e.g., commercial, reputational, geopolitical, regulatory, and market risks and opportunities.
Selection criteria
Respondents 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 RFQ.
- A detailed budget – attachments may be included.
- Travel, accommodation, and expenses should be factored into budgets.
- Examples of similar work the respondent has completed.
- Capability, resources and relevant experience.
Attendance at AgriFutures evokeAG. in Melbourne on 16 -18 February 2026 is required for successful respondents. Tickets will be supplied by AgriFutures.
The successful respondent is expected to commence the scope of work on 26 February 2026 and conclude the work by 29 May 2026. The anticipated budget for this work is between $30,000.00 and $40,000.00 ex GST.
It is expected that a contract will be awarded based on how well a respondent addresses the objectives of the tender. Selection will be based on the evaluation criteria. A detailed response will be beneficial.
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.
- A professional detailed project plan – including timelines, how the project will be conducted and how this will meet the requirements of the RFQ (40%)
- A detailed budget – attachments may be include (30%)
- Capability, resources and relevant experience (20%)
- Testimonials/references and case studies/examples of similar work the respondent has completed (10%)
How to make a submission
Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted to the designated project contact manager:
Harriet Mellish
Ph: 0417 389 106
Timeline
Activity |
Date |
RFQ applications open |
Wednesday, 11 December 2025 |
RFQ applications close |
Wednesday, 21 January 2026 |
Intended completion date of evaluation of respondents proposals. |
Friday, 30 January 2026 |
If needed meetings with shortlisted preferred respondents |
Wednesday, 4 February – Thursday, 5 February 2026 |
Notification of successful respondent |
Friday, 6 February 2026 |
Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement |
Tuesday, 10 February 2026 |
Attendance of successful respondent at evokeAG. 2026 (compulsory) |
Monday, 16 February – Wednesday 18 February 2026 |
Date of commencement of Project |
Thursday, 26 February 2026 |
Expected entire project completion date |
Friday, 29 May 2026 |
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.
Click here to view contracts and agreements
If you require further information regarding these contracts and agreements please, contact:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the budget for this RFQ?
The indicative budget range is $30,000–$40,000 (AUD). This reflects the anticipated scope and deliverables outlined in the RFQ. It also considers the extensive insights and data that will be made available to the successful respondent. This includes but is not limited to:
- Qualitative and quantitative data collected for growAG. rebrand and re-platform (collected between Oct 2024 and October 2025).
- Qualitative and quantitative data collected as part of the evokeAG. and growAG. impact assessments completed between February and July 2025.
- Previous evokeAG. survey responses.
- Budgets and financial information.
Respondents should propose cost-effective approaches within this envelope. If alternative approaches require a higher budget, please outline these options clearly for consideration.
Is there flexibility in the budget?
While the budget is indicative, AgriFutures is open to solutions within the proposal that maximise value within the stated range. Any proposal exceeding this range must justify additional costs and demonstrate significant strategic benefit.