Request for Quote: Development of a Honey Bee and Pollination Industry Workforce Strategy
Tender Overview
About this tender
Overview AgriFutures Australia is seeking a suitably qualified provider to develop an evidence-based, industry-informed Honey Bee and Pollination Industry Workforce Strategy, via this Request for Quote. About The Australian honey bee and pollination industry plays a critical role in supporting agricultural productivity, food security and biodiversity. Managed honey bees contribute directly to honey, beeswax, queen bee and pollination service production, while also providing essential pollination services to a broad range of Australian horticultural and agricultural industries. The industry contributes significantly to the Australian economy through both hive products and pollination services, with pollination underpinning billions of dollars of agricultural production annually. The industry is currently facing a range of workforce-related challenges which have intensified following the establishment of Varroa destructor in Australia, including: Shortages of skilled beekeepers and apiary workers Increasing technical capability requirements associated with Varroa management Limited visibility of beekeeping and pollination as a professional career pathway Challenges attracting and retaining workers in regional and remote areas An ageing workforce and succession planning concerns Limited workforce data and understanding of workforce composition Limited training pathways and inconsistency in qualifications and on-the-job training Workforce pressures associated with seasonal labour requirements and migration settings Emerging capability requirements associated with biosecurity, technology adoption, queen breeding and pollination management Purpose The workforce strategy is intended to support the long-term sustainability, growth and resilience of the Australian honey bee and pollination industry, in response to the workforce challenges outlined above. The strategy should align with the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program RD&E Plan, the National Agricultural Workforce Strategy, and broader Australian workforce development priorities. Scope The scope includes: Development of an evidence-based, industry-informed workforce strategy for the Australian honey bee and pollination industry Alignment of the strategy with the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program RD&E Plan, the National Agricultural Workforce Strategy, and broader Australian workforce development priorities Information Requested Respondents will be expected to provide: A detailed project plan describing how the proposal will meet the requirements of the RFQ, including the process and methodology for conducting the project, a project timeline, indicative consultation with key industry stakeholders and a project steering committee, clear articulation of the final output(s) and their dissemination to industry (which may include tools, communication materials and summaries of report findings), and delivery of draft outputs from the project to allow modification and refinement based on stakeholder feedback 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 below and the overall proposition presented in the response. Mandatory Requirements Project plan (weighting: 50%) Capability and relevant experience (weighting: 20%) Ability to meet requirements (weighting: 20%) Cost and value for money (weighting: 10%) Testimonials/references (complies: yes/no) Desirable Requirements Provide examples of the organisation's ability to provide a similar service (complies: 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 Indicative budget: $120,000 Project timeframe: Up to 12 months from commencement Expected contract commencement: Friday, 11 September 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. If a respondent requires any amendments to the standard agreement, a statement of non-compliance must be completed for each relevant clause, which AgriFutures will then assess. 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. Further information regarding these contracts and agreements can be obtained from Stephanie-Kate Bratton, General Counsel, email stephanie-kate.bratton@agrifutures.com.au. How to Apply 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. Usernames and passwords will only be issued while the applicable round is open. New user or new company request forms and login information are available here: K2 guides and login For questions relating to making a submission in K2, please email helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au. The indicative timeline for this Request for Quote is: RFQ applications open: Wednesday, 29 July 2026, 12:00 PM AEST End of period for questions or requests for information: Thursday, 13 August 2026, 5:00 PM AEST RFQ applications close: Thursday, 20 August 2026, 1:00 PM AEST Intended completion date of evaluation of responses: Thursday, 3 September 2026 Negotiations with respondents (if applicable): 4 to 10 September 2026 Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement: Friday, 11 September 2026 Enquiries Questions about the RFQ should be directed to the AgriFutures Honey Bee & Pollination Program prior to 5pm AEST on Thursday, 13 August 2026. Individual responses to questions will not be provided; a response, along with the question, will be posted in the Frequently Asked Questions section. Contact: Amanda Olthof, Senior Manager Email: honeybees@agrifutures.com.au
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