Request for Quote: Development of AgriFutures Goat Fibre RD&E Plan 2027-2032

⁠⁠⁠Overview

AgriFutures Australia is seeking a suitably qualified individual or organisation to undertake industry consultation and develop the AgriFutures Goat Fibre RD&E Plan 2027-2032.

About

The AgriFutures Research, Development and Extension (RD&E) Plans provide the strategic direction for investment across AgriFutures Australia's industries. They guide researchers and delivery partners in developing project proposals and support AgriFutures Australia to invest in activities that address industry priorities and emerging opportunities.

The AgriFutures Goat Fibre Program supports Australia's goat fibre industry through targeted research, development and extension activities that strengthen industry capability, productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability. The current AgriFutures Goat Fibre RD&E Plan (2021-2026) was developed in consultation with industry stakeholders and outlines the Program's strategic objectives and investment priorities.

Purpose

As the current plan approaches completion, AgriFutures Australia is commencing development of a new Goat Fibre RD&E Plan (2027-2032). The new plan will be informed by broad industry consultation and will identify the research, development and extension priorities needed to support the future growth, resilience and sustainability of the Australian goat fibre industry.

Scope

The successful respondent will be responsible for designing and delivering an industry consultation process that captures the priorities, challenges and opportunities facing the Australian goat fibre industry and translating these findings into a new RD&E Plan.

The scope includes:

• Designing and delivering an industry consultation process for the Australian goat fibre industry
• Conducting industry workshops
• Conducting one-on-one stakeholder interviews
• Conducting surveys and other engagement mechanisms
• Consultation with the Goat Fibre Advisory Panel and AgriFutures staff
• Preparing a consultation plan and stakeholder engagement approach
• Preparing a consultation summary report outlining key themes, priorities and findings
• Preparing a draft Goat Fibre RD&E Plan 2027-2032
• Preparing a revised or final Goat Fibre RD&E Plan 2027-2032 incorporating AgriFutures and industry feedback
• Presenting findings to the Goat Fibre Industry

Contractor Requirements

• Understanding of the Australian goat fibre industry and its RD&E needs, including the production of mohair and cashmere
• Proven experience engaging and communicating with growers and other primary producers
• Understanding of the role of AgriFutures Australia and the purpose of industry RD&E Plans in guiding investment decisions
• Capability and relevant experience in stakeholder consultation and developing strategic or RD&E plans
• Ability to demonstrate cost and value for money
• Desirable: 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 and how the project will be conducted and how this will meet the requirements of the RFQ, addressing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timebound) milestones aligned to the deliverables of the project
• A detailed budget, with attachments included where relevant
• Examples of similar work the respondent has completed
• Capability and relevant experience

Evaluation will be based on the following criteria:

• Project plan and proposed methodology: Weighting 50%
• Capability and relevant experience in stakeholder consultation and developing strategic or RD&E plans: Weighting 25%
• Cost and value for money: Weighting 25%
• Desirable requirement: Examples of the organisation's ability to provide a similar service

Other evaluation criteria include the professional Expression of Interest proposal, the organisation's capability and resources, history of providing a similar service, and availability to conduct the audit and proposed completion date for the report.

There is the opportunity to include additional attachments if necessary with the application in K2.

Contract Terms and Conditions

The following timeline applies to this Request for Quote:

• RFQ applications open: Friday, 4 September 2026, 12:00 PM AEST
• End of period for questions or requests for information: Friday, 18 September 2026
• RFQ applications close: Friday, 25 September 2026, 12:00 PM AEST
• Intended completion date of evaluation of responses: Friday, 2 October 2026
• Date of commencement of project: Mid October 2026
• Completion of finalised RD&E Plan: March 2027
• Project close: March 2027

The resultant contract is expected to commence mid October 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. 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. If amendments to the standard agreement are required, a statement of non-compliance must be completed for each relevant clause, and AgriFutures will assess those requests. The extent of any non-compliance will be a factor in AgriFutures Australia's evaluation of the application.

Instructions to Tenderers

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, and a detailed response will be beneficial.

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. To set up a secure account before submitting a proposal, please visit the K2 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 submitting a proposal in K2, please contact helpdesk@agrifutures.com.au.

If further information regarding the standard contracts and agreements is required, please contact Stephanie-Kate Bratton, General Counsel, at stephanie-kate.bratton@agrifutures.com.au.

Enquiries

Questions and requests for information about the RFQ should be directed to the Goat Fibre Program Manager prior to Thursday, 10 September 2026. The Program Manager will take questions via email or phone; individual responses will not be provided, and a response along with the question will be posted in the Frequently Asked Questions section.

• Contact: Stacey Lawrence, Program Manager, Goat Fibre Program
• Email: stacey.lawrence@agrifutures.com.au
• Mobile: 0429-562-313