AgriFutures Australia is seeking a qualified consultant with expertise in operational decarbonisation and emissions reduction to support AgriFutures in establishing a leadership position and minimising reliance on carbon offset programs.
This Request for Quote closes at 5pm AEDT on Friday, 31 January 2025.
Background
AgriFutures Australia is dedicated to improving the sustainability and long-term prosperity of Australian rural industries. As part of this commitment, AgriFutures is embarking on an emissions reduction journey towards achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations, ideally by 2027. This initiative aligns with the Department of Finance’s Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy, with a goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across Commonwealth operations by 2030.
To effectively navigate this transition, AgriFutures seeks a qualified consultant with expertise in operational decarbonisation and emissions reduction to support AgriFutures in establishing a leadership position and minimizing reliance on carbon offset programs.
The consultant will provide strategic guidance and develop a specific pathway to achieve this objective. Key considerations include:
- Compliance with existing government guidance on net-zero
- Prioritising emissions reduction over reliance on offsets
- Facilitating collaboration and co-design in all initiatives
- Conducting an environmental scan and literature review
- Developing a roadmap to net zero that may have application for other Research & Development Corporations (RDCs).
Timeline
Activity |
Date |
RFQ – applications open |
20 December 2024 |
End of period for requests for further information |
30 January 2025 at 12pm AEDT |
RFQ – applications close |
31 January 2025 at 5pm AEDT |
Intended completion date of evaluation of respondents responses |
21 February 2025 |
Negotiations with respondents (if applicable) |
24 – 28 February 2025 |
Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement |
1 March 2025 |
Date of commencement of Project |
1 March 2025 |
Expected project completion date |
30 June 2025 |
Evaluation criteria
To be successful in this application, you will need to demonstrate how you and/or your organisation’s approach are a best fit for provision of the services outlined above, as detailed in the full RFQ document.
Provide a summary highlighting how your organisation’s approach and services are a best fit to aid AgriFutures on approaching their decarbonisation and emissions reduction journey. Please also provide testimonials or references from companies that you have provided a similar service.
Additionally, submissions should include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Review and analyse existing guidance on government expectations regarding net-zero emissions, ensuring compliance with the Department of Finance’s Net Zero in Government Operations Strategy.
- Conduct an environmental scan and review existing literature to inform AgriFutures’ of current work in the field, prior to embarking on the decarbonisation strategy.
- Develop strategies for reducing AgriFutures’ emissions, prioritising direct decarbonisation over reliance on offsets.
- Provide tailored advice considering AgriFutures’ available resources and capacity, assessing internal resources before committing to a leadership role.
- Develop future strategies for collaboration and co-design efforts with relevant stakeholders, facilitating collaboration in all initiatives.
- Provide guidance on how developed strategies may need to be incorporated into AgriFutures’ future investment requirements, developing a roadmap to net zero that may have applications for other RDCs.
See the full RFQ document for a full criteria and weighting breakdown.
Submitting an application
Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted to the designated project contact officer (named below).
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.
- Examples of similar work the respondent has completed.
- Capability, resources and relevant experience.
The resultant Contract is expected to commence on 1 March 2025.
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 follow up with the Contact (below).
Contact
Should you have any questions about the Request for Quote, please direct all enquires to the Manager, Governance and Compliance (details below) prior to 12pm AEDT on Thursday, 30 January 2025. The Manager will take questions via email. Individual responses to questions relating to the Request for Quote 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.
Jessica Grant
Manager, Governance and Compliance
(02) 6923 6904