Request for Quote: Economic evaluation of the Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan (2022–2027) – end of plan review

Overview AgriFutures Australia is seeking quotes from an individual or organisation to undertake an end-of-plan economic evaluation of the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan (2022-2027), in the form of a cost-benefit analysis conducted in accordance with the Council of Rural Research and Development Corporations (CRRDC) guidelines. About The current AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan is nearing the end of its term. As part of the end-of-plan process, AgriFutures Australia requires an economic evaluation of the implementation of the Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan (2022-2027) to date. Objectives The outcome of this project is to provide AgriFutures Australia with a report that details the overall benefit-cost ratio for investments made during the life of the Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan and evaluates how those investments aligned with the plan's priorities. This should include, but not be limited to: Informing industry, the community and government about the return on investment (ROI) of the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Supporting RD&E planning and decision-making by detailing current progress towards the priorities and outcomes of the Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan Signalling to researchers, collaborators and industry stakeholders how current investments are performing in addressing the Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan Ensuring good governance and transparency in the administration and management of the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Scope The scope includes: Conducting a full benefit-cost analysis of the investments made over the five years of the plan Assessing the performance and alignment of investments to the Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Plan (2022-2027) using the CRRDC framework Using targeted interviews to understand how investments made under the current plan meet the expectations and priorities of the Thoroughbred industry Conducting a Benefit-Cost Analysis (BCA) to quantify the economic benefits generated by the program's RD&E investments, including a robust BCA to estimate the program's overall benefit-cost ratio (BCR) Identifying and briefly describing the impact pathway of each investment through a logical framework, including activities, outputs, outcomes and realised or potential impacts Suggesting any gaps in the existing monitoring and evaluation plan for implementation through the remainder of the project, and providing a report outlining the success of the plan to date, recommended changes, and recommended investment Providing a Draft Report with raw data to the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program Manager for review Incorporating review comments and feedback into a Final Report delivered to AgriFutures Australia Producing a project summary document for publication on the AgriFutures website Delivering a presentation of key findings to the Thoroughbred Horses Program RD&E Advisory Panel and key industry stakeholders Following execution of contract, or at the project inception meeting, AgriFutures Australia will provide project information and researcher contact details for all projects falling within the scope of the impact assessment. Contractor Requirements An understanding of the methodology behind RDC research, development and extension strategic plans and the CRRDC impact assessment guidelines Mandatory requirement: being a government approved service provider Mandatory requirement: provision of testimonials/references Desirable requirement: examples of the organisation's ability to provide a similar service Information Requested Respondents will be expected to provide: A detailed project plan, including timelines, methodology, and how this will meet the requirements of the RFQ, addressing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timebound) milestones aligned to the project deliverables An overview of the key personnel assigned to the project, including their qualifications and relevant experience in conducting economic analyses for the agricultural sector or RDCs A detailed budget, with attachments if required Examples of similar work the organisation/respondent has completed Capability and relevant experience There is the opportunity to include additional attachments with the application in K2 if necessary. Instructions to Tenderers Timeline RFQ applications open: Thursday, 1 October 2026 End of period for questions or requests for information: Tuesday, 13 October 2026, 12:00 PM AEDT RFQ applications close: Friday, 23 October 2026, 12:00 PM AEDT Intended completion date of evaluation of responses: Friday, 30 October 2026 Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement: Monday, 9 November 2026 Date of commencement of project: Monday, 9 November 2026 Expected project completion date: Thursday, 18 February 2027 Submitting a response Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted online using the application in K2. Users must create a K2 account before submitting a proposal, by visiting 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. If assistance is required with the K2 application, please contact helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au 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. Evaluation Criteria A respondent's response will be evaluated against the evaluation criteria identified below and the overall proposition presented in the respondent's response. Project plan: 50% Capability and relevant experience: 20% Ability to meet the requirements: 20% Cost and value for money: 10% Terms of Reference AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research procured by AgriFutures Australia (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. If amendments to the standard agreement are required, 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, 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, via email stephanie-kate.bratton@agrifutures.com.au Contract Terms and Conditions The resultant contract is expected to commence on Monday, 9 November 2026 Expected project completion date: Thursday, 18 February 2027 Enquiries Questions and requests for information about the RFQ should be directed to the Coordinator, Levied Industries, prior to 12 noon (AEDT), Tuesday 13 October 2026. Individual responses to questions relating to the RFQ will not be provided directly; a response, along with the question, will be posted in the Frequently Asked Questions section. Contact: Joanna Kimber, Coordinator, Levied Industries Phone: (02) 6923-6922 Email: joanna.Kimber@agrifutures.com.au