AgriFutures Australia is looking for a website agency to place on a retainer for a one-year term (27 April 2026 – 27 April 2027, with the option to extend for a further two years from 27 April 2027 – 27 April 2029), to respond to maintenance, development and improvement requests for the organisation’s WordPress-based website (www.agrifutures.com.au).
The website agency will work closely with the AgriFutures Corporate Communications team to ensure the website continues to operate efficiently, with the end user always front of mind. The website needs to remain relevant, accessible, engaging and the source-of-truth in this rapidly evolving world of AI. We are after an agency who can respond swiftly to ad-hoc issues and requests, but who also presents us with opportunities and ideas to enhance the website’s performance and customer experience.
This Request for Quote (RFQ) closes at 5pm AEDT on Friday 27 March 2026.
Background
AgriFutures Australia has a unique role among the RDCs, investing in research and development for emerging and high‑growth rural industries that do not have their own dedicated RDC. We are strongly committed to transparency and ensuring our R&D delivers practical, positive outcomes for farmers and regional communities.
Our website is a critical channel for sharing research reports, programs, scholarships and funding opportunities with our stakeholders. As audience behaviours shift—particularly with the rise of AI‑driven search and discovery—we want our website to evolve as a trusted and meaningful source of information.
We are seeking an ongoing website agency partner to help maintain and enhance our platform, ensuring it continues to reflect the value and impact of AgriFutures Australia’s work.
Service requirements
Service requirements include:
- WordPress website supported internally day‑to‑day
- Agency lead for complex and critical issues
- Major website development and enhancements
- Platform, plugin and patch management
- Australian hosting, security and data compliance, including alignment with recognised security frameworks
- Documented security and governance processes
- Collaboration with agencies and internal teams
- Proactive UX and engagement recommendations
- Website relevance in an AI‑driven environment
- Flexible 40‑hour retainer support model, and invoicing at completion of each 40‑hour block
- Four‑hour response for critical issues
- Fortnightly online work‑in‑progress meetings
- Initial planning and workflow setup session.
For all service requirements including submission requirements, please refer to the full RFQ document:
Timeline
Activity |
Date |
RFQ applications open |
Monday 9 March 2026 at 9am AEDT |
RFQ applications close |
Friday 27 March 2026 at 5pm AEDT |
Intended completion date of evaluation of responses |
Friday 10 April 2026 |
Expected issue of agreement or execution of contract |
Wednesday 22 April 2026 |
Date of commencement of retainer |
Monday 27 April 2026 |
Expected retainer completion date |
Friday 27 April 2027 (with option to extend for a further two years) |
Making a submission
Respondents will be expected to provide:
- A detailed budget including hourly charge rate, retainer block rate (all excluding GST) and other relevant rates/charges.
- The availability of hours your agency/organisation can offer per week and month
- Team structure
- Suggested process/workflow and the ability to work with/manage interactions with multiple stakeholders
- Capability and relevant experience
- Examples where your organisation/agency has suggested website improvements/ideas which have enhanced UX, SEO/GEO/AEO, etc.
- Examples of related work, including testimonials or references
Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted prior to 5pm AEDT on Friday 27 March 2026 to the AgriFutures Contact (Georgie Davies) via .
Selection will be awarded based on performance against the evaluation criteria outlined in the full RFQ document. AgriFutures Australia may shortlist respondents based on written submissions. Shortlisted respondents will be invited to present to the assessment committee as part of the evaluation process. The resultant Contract is expected to commence in April 2026.
Terms of reference
AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research procured by AgriFutures Australia (please refer to agrifutures.com.au/legal). 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, AgriFutures Australia
Contact
Enquiries about the RFQ (including requests for clarification or further information), as well as completed RFQ responses must be submitted to:
Georgie Davies
Manager, Communications Channels
Please note that any requests for clarification or additional information made, together with the corresponding responses, may be published in the FAQ section below upon receival.