Request for Quote: Deliver Practical Impacts for the Honey Bee and Pollination Industry

Overview AgriFutures Australia is inviting proposals through this Request for Quote for short-term research, extension or training projects that deliver practical impacts for the Australian honey bee and pollination industry. About AgriFutures Australia has long-term, established relationships and strong networks with the Australian honey bee industry. The AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program invests in research, development and extension to foster a more productive, sustainable and profitable Australian beekeeping industry. Within this program, AgriFutures Australia also supports the pollination of Australia's horticultural and agricultural crops. About two-thirds of Australian agricultural production benefits from insect pollination, most of which is provided by honey bees. Apiarists across the country produce almost 40,000 tonnes of honey per year, with the commercial and recreational sectors contributing $623.8 million to the Australian economy. The value of pollination services provided by honey bees is estimated to contribute $4.6 billion to the Australian economy each year. The AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program RD&E Plan 2026-31 identifies five investment priorities for the industry, alongside the strategies to achieve them. In addition, in response to the detection and establishment of Varroa destructor in Australia, the industry developed the Varroa destructor Research Strategy 2024-2027, which outlines research areas that could mitigate the impact of varroa on the industry. Purpose AgriFutures invites proposals that address one or more of the priorities and strategies outlined within the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program RD&E Plan 2026-31, or within the Varroa destructor Research Strategy 2024-2027. Proposals should focus on delivering short-term research projects, extension or training (approximately 18 months) with immediate practical implications for industry. Scope The scope includes: Delivery of a short-term research, extension or training project (approximately 18 months) addressing one or more priorities of the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program RD&E Plan 2026-31 or the Varroa destructor Research Strategy 2024-2027 Delivery of practical impacts and immediate benefits for the Australian honey bee and pollination industry Extension and adoption activities for research outcomes beyond distribution of summaries, journal papers and conference presentations Collaboration with experts in the field where relevant The indicative budget for all projects included in this round of funding is up to $230,000, with an expected completion timeframe from commencement of up to approximately 18 months. Information Requested Where applicable, proposals should clearly indicate: The project benefits and impacts for the Australian honey bee and pollination industry The objectives and outcomes of the proposed project and the link to the RD&E and/or Research Strategy objectives Who will be undertaking all aspects of the work, including whether new staff and/or students are to be employed to undertake the work The plan for extension and adoption of research outcomes from the project activity work Where relevant, any proposed collaboration with experts in the field The researcher's understanding of past research in this field Respondents will be expected to provide: A detailed project plan describing how the proposal will meet the requirements of the RFQ A detailed budget (attachments may be included) Examples of similar work the respondent has completed Capability and relevant experience There is the opportunity to include additional attachments if necessary with the application in K2. Contractor Requirements A respondent's response will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria identified below and the overall proposition presented in the respondent's response. Mandatory Requirements Project plan: 50% weighting Capability and relevant experience: 20% weighting Ability to meet requirements: 20% weighting Cost and value for money: 10% weighting Testimonials/references: Yes/No Desirable Requirements Provide examples of your organisation's ability to provide a similar service: Yes/No Other Evaluation Criteria Professional Expression of Interest Proposal Organisation's capability and resources History of providing similar service Availability to conduct audit and proposed completion date for report Contract Terms and Conditions The resultant contract is expected to commence in November 2026. AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research it procures. These contracts and agreements set out the terms on which AgriFutures Australia will engage successful applicants to carry out the project and have been developed to reflect AgriFutures Australia's statutory and other procurement responsibilities. Applicants must be familiar with the contracts and agreements before submitting a response and are advised to seek legal advice beforehand. Details of the standard contracts and agreements are available at agrifutures.com.au/contracts-and-agreements. If an applicant requires any amendments to the standard agreement, they must complete a statement of non-compliance for each relevant clause. AgriFutures will 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, and the extent of any non-compliance will be a factor in AgriFutures Australia's evaluation of the application. For further information regarding these contracts and agreements, contact Stephanie-Kate Bratton, General Counsel, email stephanie-kate.bratton@agrifutures.com.au. Instructions to Tenderers The full Request for Quote can be downloaded here: Download the full Request for Quote Key dates for this process are as follows: RFQ applications open: Wednesday, 29 July 2026, 12:00 PM AEST End of period for questions or requests for information: Wednesday, 26 August 2026, 5:00 PM AEST RFQ applications close: Tuesday, 22 September 2026, 12:00 PM AEST Intended completion date of evaluation of responses: Monday, 19 October 2026 Negotiations with respondents (if applicable): Monday, 26 October 2026 Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement: Thursday, 16 November 2026 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, visit the login page to access the new user or new company request forms. Usernames and passwords will only be issued while the applicable round is open. Guidance on the K2 system is available here: K2 guides and login For questions relating to making a submission in K2, email helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au It is expected that a contract will be awarded based on how well a respondent addresses the objectives of the open tender, with selection based on the evaluation criteria. Enquiries Questions about the RFQ should be directed to the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program prior to 5pm AEST on Wednesday, 26 August 2026. Individual responses to questions relating to the RFQ will not be provided by AgriFutures; a response, along with the question, will be posted in the Frequently Asked Questions section. Contact: Mia Lorber-Hughes, Coordinator, Honey Bee & Pollination Email: mia.lorber-hughes@agrifutures.com.au