The AgriFutures Export Fodder Program is seeking a qualified service provider to develop and evaluate an alternative annual ryegrass toxicity (ARGT) assay to the existing ELISA.

Applications close at 12pm (AEDT) on Monday, 9 March 2026.

Service requirements

The AgriFutures Export Fodder Program is seeking a qualified service provider to develop and evaluate an alternative ARGT assay to the existing ELISA. The Australian export fodder industry is committed to upholding the highest standards of product integrity, while also investigating if a nucleic acid based, or alternative could be utilised to provide a more cost effective and efficient way of testing Australian hay.

This project will align with the AgriFutures Export Fodder Program Strategic RD&E Plan and specifically, priority 2 – continued access to export markets. This investment will contribute to ensuring that there are zero rejections of Australian export fodder into any market through compliance with importing countries bio-sanitary standards.

Outcome for industry – By December 2028, export fodder exporters will have access to an alternative ARGT test that is at least 50% cheaper and delivers reduced test turnaround times compared to the current ELISA.

Output 1 – Identification of an alternative ARGT test for the export fodder Industry.

• Lab and field experiments as required, will be undertaken to evaluate the appropriateness of the chosen alternative ARGT test. Evaluation of the alternative test will focus on cost (both lab cost and estimated paddock to lab costings), labour requirements, turn-around times, analytical equipment requirements, hay sampling and lab protocols and test accuracy/thresholds. These measurables should be compared to the existing ELISA test.

Output 2 – Review of the regulatory requirements required to implement a new ARGT test for the export fodder industry.

• This review will seek information from the relevant regulatory organisations, such as DAFF and provide recommendations on actions required to implement a new ARGT test. Ensuring regulatory compliance and validation of test results is critical.

Output 3 – Extension and training plan.

• Consideration should be given to who will be undertaking the proposed alternative ARGT test and what training and skills they will require. Development of an appropriate extension and training plan will be critical for the adoption of the new test.

Summary

Provide a summary highlighting how your organisation’s approach and services are a best fit for provision of the RFQ’s objectives.

Please provide testimonials or references from companies or organisations that you have provided a similar service.

Download full guidelines here

Timeline

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.

Submitting a response

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

Respondent’s will be expected to provide:

A detailed project plan – including timelines and the proposed milestone/reporting cycle, how the project will be conducted and how this will meet the requirements of the RFQ.
A detailed budget (differentiating salary, oncosts, travel, communications etc) – attachments may be included.
Examples of similar work the respondent has completed, including appropriate references who can be contacted to verify.
Capability and relevant experience
The resultant Contract is expected to commence in May 2026 and is expected to run for a total of two years (concluding in 2028)

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.

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

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 applicable round is open.

K2 guides and login

If you require assistance, please contact

Terms of reference

AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research procured by AgriFutures Australia (please refer to https://www.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 Service Provider 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

Contact

If you have any questions about the Request for Quote process, please contact:

James Holding
Manager, Levied Industries