Request for Quote: Thoroughbred foal crop analysis and scenario modelling

Background The Australian thoroughbred breeding industry plays a critical role in supporting the broader racing ecosystem, with foal crop levels shaping the future supply of racehorses. However, recent trends indicate a decline in the national foal crop, creating uncertainty for field sizes, race programming, ownership participation and overall industry sustainability. There is currently no comprehensive, evidence-based understanding of the optimal foal crop required to support a sustainable and competitive industry, or how changes in foal numbers influence downstream outcomes. The purpose of this Request for Quote (RFQ) is to engage a suitably qualified provider to undertake a comprehensive analysis of the Australian thoroughbred foal crop, including current status, historical trends and future trajectory. The project will involve detailed data analysis, forecasting and stakeholder consultation to examine key drivers of foal crop trends, assess impacts across the racing and breeding ecosystem, and model future scenarios. It will also identify a sustainable foal crop range and outline strategic response options to support a viable, competitive and resilient industry. Timeline Activity Date RFQ – applications open Friday, 12 June 2026 End of period for questions or requests for information Friday, 26 June 2026, 4pm AEST RFQ – applications close Wednesday, 15 July 2026, 1pm AEST Intended completion date of evaluation of responses Wednesday, 12 August 2026 Negotiations with respondents (if applicable) Thursday, 13 August 2026 Expected execution of contract or issue of agreement Tuesday, 1 September 2026 Date of commencement of project Tuesday, 1 September 2026 Expected project completion date Friday, 15 January 2027 Evaluation criteria A respondent’s response will be evaluated against: (a) The evaluation criteria identified in the tables below; and (b) The overall proposition presented in the respondent’s response. Mandatory Requirements Weighting/Complies Ability to meet the requirements: Meets indicative timeframe, included all required information and all relevant sections of the application complete 20% Capability and relevant experience 30% Value for money 20% Project plan 30% Desirable requirements Complies Provide examples of your Organisation’s ability to provide a similar service. Yes/No Other Evaluation Criteria (a) Professional Expression of Interest Proposal (b) Organisation’s capability and resources (c) History of providing similar service Submitting a response Applications for this Request for Quote must be submitted online using the application in K2. 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 should be included to clearly justify costs. Examples of similar work the respondent has completed. Capability and relevant experience. The resultant contract is expected to commence on Tuesday, 1 September 2026. It is expected that a contract will be awarded based on how well a respondent addresses the objectives of the open tender. Selection will be based on the evaluation criteria. A detailed response will be beneficial. There is the opportunity to include additional attachments if necessary with your 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, please visit the login page below to access our new user or new company request forms. Usernames and passwords will only be issued while the applicable round is open. K2 guides and login If you require assistance, please contact helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au Terms of Reference AgriFutures Australia uses standard form contracts and agreements for projects and research procured by AgriFutures Australia (please 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. 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 stephanie-kate.bratton@agrifutures.com.au Contact Should you have any questions about the RFQ, please direct all enquires to the AgriFutures Thoroughbred Horses Program (details below) prior to 4pm AEST on Friday, 26 June 2026. For questions relating to making a submission in K2, please email helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au). 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 below. Contact: Amanda Olthof, Senior Manager, Thoroughbred Horses Program Email: amanda.olthof@agrifutures.com.au Phone: 0499 384 037