Background
AgriFutures Australia’s investments are driven by five-year RD&E plans that address the needs of our industries and stakeholders, and ensure our priorities are industry and government driven. Our aim is to increase knowledge that fosters sustainable, productive rural industries.
AgriFutures is committed to assisting the Australian rice industry to achieve the overarching water productivity target of 1.5 tonnes/ML. To achieve this target, the AgriFutures Rice Program invests in research, development and extension (RD&E) to improve the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the Australian rice industry.
The target is ambitious and will rely on whole-of-industry collaboration and investment in targeted breeding traits, agronomic and technological advancements in irrigation management, accelerated adoption of best practice research and innovation, and strengthened industry capacity to ensure the industry can meet the challenges of the future. The priorities for the Program are detailed in the AgriFutures Rice Program RD&E Plan 2021-2026 and applicants must thoroughly review the RD&E Plan prior to submitting an application.
This request for quotation is open to proposals that address Priority 4 Strengthened Industry Capacity in the RD&E Plan and more specifically, projects that address the following key area will be considered for investment:
- PhD top-up scholarships to support career pathways for researchers and industry participants with a focus on water productivity.
Please note that AgriFutures Rice Program PhD top-up scholarships are typically $10,000 per annum over three years.
Timeline
Activity |
Date |
RFQ – applications open |
Friday, 13 December 2024 |
End of period for questions or requests for information |
Monday, 13 January 2025 |
RFQ – applications close |
Wednesday, 15 January 2025 |
Intended completion date of evaluation of responses |
Friday, 24 January 2025 |
Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement |
Friday, 28 February 2025 |
Date of commencement of project |
Monday, 3 March 2025 |
Expected project completion date |
TBD* |
*AgriFutures expects that this will vary depending on the nature of the proposal.
Evaluation criteria
A respondent’s response will be evaluated against:
(a) The evaluation criteria identified in the tables below; and
(b) The overall proposition presented in the respondent’s response.
Mandatory Requirements |
Complies |
Weighting |
Project plan |
Yes/No |
30% |
Alignment with Program priorities |
Yes/No |
20% |
Capability and relevant experience |
Yes/No |
20% |
Ability to meet the requirements |
Yes/No |
20% |
Cost and value for money |
Yes/No |
10% |
Submitting an application
Applications from either individuals, organisations or partnerships are encouraged. Successful applications will include:
- Overview of the applicants PhD topic
- a project budget
- SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timebound) milestones aligned to the deliverables of the project
- details of the applicant’s skills, attributes and experience as they relate to the execution of this project
- alignment with the AgriFutures Rice Program priorities and the overarching water productivity target of 1.5 tonnes/ML.
Applications for this Request for Quotation must be submitted online using the application in K2.
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.
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://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 Louise Heaslip, General Manager, Corporate:
Contact
Questions and requests for information about the RFQ should be directed to the Coordinator, Levied and Emerging Industries prior to 5pm (AEDT) Monday, 13 January 2025 [LS1] (for questions relating to making a submission in K2, please email ).
The Coordinator, Levied and Emerging Industries will take questions via email or phone. Individual responses to questions relating to the RFQ will not be provided by the Coordinator or Manager, Levied and Emerging Industries. A response, along with the question, will be posted in the Frequently Asked Questions section, below, within 24hours of receival.
Contact
Zoe Schipp
Coordinator, Levied and Emerging Industries
02 6923 6973