INVESTMENT PLAN
(OPEN AND MULTI-STAGE TENDERS)
2012-13
GRDC
The GRDC is a statutory authority established to plan
and invest in R&D for the Australian grains industry.
Its primary objective is to support effective competition
by Australian grain growers in global grain markets,
through enhanced profitability and sustainability.
Its primary business activity is the allocation and
management of investment in grains R&D.
©
Grains Research and Development Corporation 2011
FOREWORD
The GRDC is pleased to release the Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage
Tenders). This document includes only those priorities subject to open tender and multistaged tender procurement methods and does not include direct negotiations, limited
tenders and continuing investments. Other open tenders and multi-stage tenders may
be advertised throughout the year. It is advised that potential partners and contractors
regularly visit the GRDC web site for information.
The overall 2012-13 Investment Plan builds on the GRDC Strategic R&D Plan 2007-121,
the direction of the next strategic plan being developed for 2012-17, situational analysis
of the Corporation’s immediate and broader business environment, rigorous review of
existing investments, Australian Government and grower priorities, and a consultative
process with grain growers, research partners and other key stakeholders.
This 2012-13 Investment Plan provides an opportunity for prospective research partners
to work with the GRDC to ensure that Australian grain growers have knowledge of, and
access to, technologies and practices to enable them to effectively compete in global
grain markets. The four strategies implemented during 2007-12 that supported this
corporate objective were:




Coordinate a national grains R&D agenda and portfolio
Deliver against Australian Government priorities
Grow and leverage total grains R&D investment, and
Ensure R&D is market driven.
Ahead in 2012-17, GRDC will build on these strategies by placing emphasis on:
 National coordination
 Focussing on delivering value
 Regional delivery
 Global reach
 ‘Your GRDC working with you’ – actively listening and engaging with growers and the
broader grains industry.
The Australian Government priorities and grain grower’s priorities will be reinforced in
2012-13 investments including those detailed in this document. The overall Investment
Plan addresses climate change, productivity growth, supply chain and markets, natural
resource management, biosecurity, innovative skills and technology development and
adoption so as to increase farm profitability and sustainability.
The GRDC will collaborate with its research partners with clearly defined performance
measures and outcomes that will provide growers with the technologies and practices
they require to remain competitive in global grain markets. We look forward to working
with our research, development and extension partners over the coming years.
John Harvey
Managing Director
1 GRDC Strategic R&D Plan 2007-12 can be downloaded from the GRDC website www.grdc.com.au
3
4
Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................... 7
Contact Information ............................................................................ 10
Key Dates ......................................................................................... 10
Guidelines for Applicants ..................................................................... 11
Questions and Answers ....................................................................... 15
A Quick Checklist ................................................................................. 15
Improving Crop Yield ........................................................................... 16
2.1.4.01C Australian Soybean Breeding Program ........................................ 16
Protecting Your Crop ........................................................................... 18
3.2.2.01C Fungicide Evaluation Of New Generation Actives In Cereals And Pulse
Crops .................................................................................... 18
Profitable Farming Systems ................................................................. 20
4.2.1.01C More profit from crop nutrition .................................................. 20
4.3.1.01C Nitrogen Fixation in Farming Systems ........................................ 24
Maintaining the Farm Resource Base ................................................... 27
5.2.1.01C Improved Management of Soil Organic Matter for Profitable and
Sustainable Cropping ............................................................... 27
Building Skills and Capacity ................................................................. 31
6.2.4.01C Graduate Certificate And Diploma In Sustainable Grains Production
For Industry Advisers And Growers. ........................................... 31
Grower Services .................................................................................. 33
7.2.3.01C Northern Agribusiness Trial Extension Network ............................ 33
7.2.3.02C Western Agribusiness Trial Extension Network ............................. 35
7.2.4.01C Technical Workshops – Northern Region ..................................... 37
7.2.4.02C Technical Workshops – Southern Region..................................... 39
7.2.4.03C Grains Research Updates – Northern and Southern ...................... 41
7.2.4.04C Improving Practice Of Spray Drift Management Techniques ........... 44
7.2.4.05B Improving Grain Storage Extension ........................................... 46
7.2.4.06C National And Regional Agribusiness Reference Groups .................. 48
7.4.3.01C Converting information from research reports for a grower audience ..
............................................................................................ 51
5
6
Introduction
The purpose of the GRDC Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage Tenders) is to
inform our potential research partners about some of the Corporation’s new investment
priorities for 2012-13. This document includes only those priorities with open tender
and multi-stage tendering procurement methods.
Other open tenders and multi-stage tenders may be advertised throughout the year.
It is advised that potential partners and contractors regularly visit the GRDC web
site for tender information.
In preparing the GRDC Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open Tenders and Multi-stage Tenders),
significant thought and energy has gone into developing a strong and coherent statement of
the GRDC’s investment intentions. By clearly expressing our investment priorities, potential
applicants are guided in preparing their tender applications so as to meet the Corporation’s
requirements for 2012-13 investments.
Responses that do not address the research priorities and all selection criteria identified in the
GRDC Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage Tenders) will not be considered by the
GRDC.
How are GRDC investment priorities determined?
The GRDC Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage Tenders) is the result of a
rigorous consultative process, incorporating the following considerations:

Building on the Strategies in the GRDC’s Strategic R&D Plan 2007-12–
Prosperity through Innovation to achieve the following:




Better farming practices and having them adopted faster
Growers having access to superior varieties that enable them to effectively compete
in global grain markets
Delivery of new products and services to assist growers to effectively compete in
global grain markets.
Initiating strategies to achieve new strategic intentions of the upcoming
Strategic Plan 2012-17





National coordination – ensuring that programs are nationally coordinated and the
Australian grains industry has access to the infrastructure and capability it needs for
the future
Focussing on delivering value – investing in programs that address the key industry
priorities with the greatest potential returns. The focus will be created through
investment strategies under the following themes:
o
Growers Meeting Market Requirements
o
Improving Crop Yield
o
Protecting Your Crop
o
Profitable Farming Systems
o
Maintaining the Farm Resource Base
o
Building Skills and Capacity
o
Grower Services
Regional delivery – delivering the outputs of research in innovative products and
services relevant to growers and their advisers in each region
Global reach – proactively sourcing new technologies and innovation from around the
world for the Australian grains industry
‘Your GRDC working with you’ – actively listening and engaging with growers and the
broader grains industry.
7

Consultation with stakeholders through GRDC Regional Panels
The GRDC Panels play an important role in determining the Corporation’s investment
priorities. The Panels consult extensively with growers and researchers through regional
advisory committees, linkage groups, tours, site visits and project reviews. Identification of
research, development and extension (RD&E) requirements for the 2012-13 investment cycle
began in 2010. Prioritisation of the research issues took place during the early part of 2011
and took into account an evaluation of the progress of existing investments, regional issues,
outcomes of project reviews and the current portfolio balance. The new priorities and
outcomes were discussed and refined by Panels and GRDC staff during the Investment
Planning Week in August 2011.

Delivering on National Research and Rural R&D Priorities
The Australian Government’s National Research Priorities are; an environmentally sustainable
Australia, promoting and maintaining good health, frontier technologies for building and
transforming Australian industries, and safeguarding Australia. The Australian Government’s
Rural R&D Priorities, revised in May 2007 are: productivity and adding value, supply chain and
markets, natural resource management, climate variability and climate change, and
biosecurity. Innovation skills and technology are included as two additional areas which
provide critical support for the Rural R&D Priorities. They reflect that fostering skills and
technological development is essential to underpin the achievement of the research and
development priorities.
Further details on the Rural R&D Priorities (May 2007)2 and their objectives are as follows:
o Productivity and Adding Value
Improve the productivity and profitability of existing industries and support the
development of viable new industries.
o Supply Chain and Markets
Better understand and respond to domestic and international market and consumer
requirements and improve the flow of information through the whole supply chain,
including to consumers.
o Natural Resource Management
Support effective management of Australia’s natural resources to ensure primary
industries are both economically and environmentally sustainable.
o Climate Variability and Climate Change
Build resilience to climate variability and adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate
change.
o Biosecurity
Protect Australia’s community, primary industries and environment from biosecurity
threats.
Supporting the Rural R&D Priorities
o Innovation Skills
Improve the skills to undertake research and apply its findings.
o Technology
Promote the development of new and existing technologies.

Continuing investments in 2012-13
The GRDC already has over $100 million in continuing investments for 2012-13. There are
some important RD&E issues that are of high priority to the industry where the GRDC is NOT
seeking new investments in 2012-13 because the Corporation believes that these are being
adequately addressed within the current portfolio.
2 A copy of the National Research & Rural Priorities Booklet can be downloaded via a direct link
from the GRDC Investment Plan page
8
How do we intend to pursue new investment priorities?





Multi-stage tender - where GRDC is looking for innovative options or the entire
specifications require input from potential providers. The first round will be Expression
of Interest and the second round will be Direct Negotiation. These priorities are
published in the GRDC Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage Tenders). All
priorities in this Investment Plan are being addressed through the open tender
process or multi-stage tendering process. Other Multi-stage tenders may be
advertised throughout the year.
Expression of Interest - may be used to identify research priorities or partner(s) to
procure research outputs, goods/services, which are not readily defined, to clarify and
refine project specifications, and commercialise research outputs
Open tender - where there is potentially a large pool of possible providers. These
priorities are published in the GRDC Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage
Tenders). All priorities in this Investment Plan are being addressed through the
open tender process or multi-stage tendering process. Other open tenders may
be advertised throughout the year.
Limited tender - where there is a limited pool of known possible providers, usually less
than five. Providers will be contacted directly by the GRDC.
Direct negotiation - where the partners already exist but contracts expire; where
direct negotiation is likely to deliver the best outcome, and for example where an
existing provider has demonstrated strong performance through outcomes and
partnership development.
Responding to the GRDC
Initial responses are now sought using the tender form, which is available on the GRDC
website http://www.grdc.com.au/investmentplan. Following assessment of responses, the
GRDC may further negotiate project specifications with selected organisations.
How does the GRDC assess tenders?
For each identified priority, a tender evaluation team is formed. In most cases the tender
evaluation team is a combination of Regional Panel members and GRDC managers. External
experts may be contracted to provide advice to the tender evaluation team in their
assessment of tenders. The team assesses each response against all selection criteria as
published in the External Investment Plan.
The tender evaluation team recommendations and rankings are forwarded to the regional and
national panels. The panels look at the recommendations to ensure that regional and national
priorities, and any issues raised during investment planning, have been adequately
addressed. Where this is the case, the recommended tenderer will be invited to submit a
detailed project specification to GRDC.
A significant proportion of tenders received each year by GRDC are not recommended to
proceed to the project specification stage.
Throughout the selection process all tenders remain confidential. All staff, consultants and
panel members of the GRDC are bound by confidentiality arrangements.
Guidelines
Please read the Guidelines on pages 12-16 of this document. These provide important
information about the GRDC’s requirements in relation to submission of responses.
9
Contact Information
The main phone contact number for the GRDC is +61 (2) 6166 4500.
In the first instance, please direct enquiries to the contact person listed under ‘Contact
Details’ for each individual Research Priority. If there is any doubt as to the correct contact
for your enquiries, please email the Manager Procurement and Contracting, Cathy Stewart,
c.stewart@grdc.com.au
All electronic forms should only be sent to: tenders@grdc.com.au
Postal address:
Grains R&D Corporation
PO Box 5367
KINGSTON ACT 2604
Location:
Grains R&D Corporation
Level 1, Tourism House, 40 Blackall Street
BARTON, ACT 2600
Telephone:
Facsimile:
Email:
Web:
02 6166 4500
02 6166 4599
tenders@grdc.com.au
www.grdc.com.au
Key Dates
Release of the GRDC Investment Plan
2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage
Tenders)
Thursday 8 September 2011
Closing date for tenders listed in the
GRDC Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open
and Multi-stage Tenders)
2 PM AEST Thursday 20 October 2011
Anticipated date for formal GRDC
Response
December 2011
10
Guidelines for Applicants
The GRDC values the capacity of our investment partners to think creatively about how they can
assist in overcoming the challenges facing the Australian grains industry. Projects in which the
GRDC invests are the product of a partnership between the Corporation, stakeholders and other
investors to provide maximum benefit to the industry. As is appropriate for a partnership, the
ultimate design of the research project is the outcome of negotiations between these parties.
The publication of the GRDC Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage Tenders), therefore,
is only the first part of the process by which the GRDC and partners can exchange ideas and
jointly develop research projects that help to drive innovation in the Australian grains industry.
The information contained in these guidelines is intended to provide a clear basis for developing a
response to investment priorities published in this Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multistage Tenders), and to identify factors that may be important in any further negotiation process.
Evaluation criteria
Your submission will be assessed against the evaluation criteria which provide critical guidance on
what you need to demonstrate to win the tender. You must address each criterion. Evaluation
criteria are often weighted according to their relative importance, and of course will vary from
tender to tender.
Lodgement of Responses
Responses to this Investment Plan are to be received at the GRDC office by 2pm AEST on
Thursday 20 October 2011.
All tenders must be submitted both:
Electronically to tenders@grdc.com.au, using Word templates available on the GRDC website –
link is http://www.grdc.com.au/investmentplan
and
one signed hardcopy sent to:
Contracts Coordinator
Grains R&D Corporation
PO Box 5367
KINGSTON ACT 2604
or
delivered to:
Contracts Coordinator
Grains R&D Corporation
Level 1, Tourism House, 40 Blackall Street
BARTON ACT 2600
The hard copies of tenders are to be double enveloped with the inner envelope clearly
marked “Open Tender” or “Multi-stage Tender” and the Tender number and the closing
date.
11
Electronic and signed copies of the proposals to be lodged
Both the electronic copy and signed paper copy of each tender must be received by the GRDC by
the closing date.
A tender involving a number of applicants must be signed by each partner named in it as being a
participant. Alternatively each participating organisation may indicate their acceptance of, and
support for, the tender directly with the GRDC Contracts Coordinator (see page 10 for contact
details).
Tenders involving more than one partner may be lodged in counterparts. This allows each partner
to individually lodge a signed copy of the same tender. The proposal must indicate which partner
will be the lead organisation responsible for negotiation of the final proposal with the GRDC.
The GRDC will assume, unless otherwise advised in writing, that the electronic copy and paper
copy of a tender are identical.
Late Tenders
Any tenders received after the closing date and time will be taken to be late and may, at the
GRDC’s discretion, be excluded from consideration.
Joint Tenders
The GRDC will consider joint tenders. This allows applicants to team up with other applicants to
develop and lodge a tender.
Alternative Tenders
Potential partners may lodge more than one tender to the investment priorities listed in this
Investment Plan. However, applicants should note that each tender will be assessed separately
against the selection criteria on its own merits.
Part Proposals
The GRDC will consider proposals from applicants, researchers or teams to carry out only part of a
project. The GRDC, however, encourages applicants in this position to consider partnering or
other forms of collaboration with other potential providers to develop a complete tender.
Creating Consortia
The GRDC reserves the right to amalgamate components from competing tenders, by negotiation
with the relevant applicants. In doing so the GRDC will comply with its obligations to protect
intellectual property.
Matters Concerning Tenders
Ownership of Tender Documents
The GRDC must retain all documents submitted in response to this Investment Plan for project
evaluation purposes. All tenders will become the property of the GRDC, which may use the
information for evaluation purposes, as evidence of lodgement and for the preparation of any
subsequent agreement.
This clause does not affect any intellectual property rights that may exist in the tender, which will
not be transferred to the GRDC.
12
Applicants are considered to have:




Examined the GRDC Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage Tenders), any
document referred to in it and any other information made available in writing by the GRDC
to potential partners for the purpose of preparing tenders
Examined the Guidelines for Applicants
Examined all further information which is obtainable by making reasonable enquiries
relevant to the risks and other circumstances having an effect on their tender
Satisfied themselves as to the correctness and sufficiency of their tender including their
costing.
Tenders are made on the basis that potential partners acknowledge that:


They do not rely on any warranty or representation made by, or on behalf of, the GRDC,
other than those expressly made in this Investment Plan, but have relied on their own
inquiries in respect of the subject and their tender;
The GRDC will not be responsible for the costs or expenses incurred by applicants in
preparing and lodging their tenders.
Assessment Process and Acceptance of Tenders
Following receipt of tenders to the GRDC Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage
Tenders), the Corporation will evaluate all tenders using a tender evaluation team and other
experts, if appropriate.
Tenders that do not address the research priorities and selection criteria as outlined in this
Investment Plan 2012-13 (Open and Multi-stage Tenders), or fail to adequately demonstrate the
ability to deliver outcomes to the Australian grains industry, will not progress beyond the initial
assessment stage. Competitive tenders will need to be written with a view to satisfying the very
stringent requirements outlined for each research priority – quality tenders and research
management techniques are prerequisites for consideration.
The assessment process involves the evaluation of the tender on merit as it relates to the
priorities in this Investment Plan; consideration of its relationship to existing investment in a
thematic area; and an overall assessment of the tender against the full GRDC portfolio. The
assessment will take place in November 2011, leading up to the preparation of the GRDC’s Annual
Operational Plan 2012-13 (AOP).
GRDC will notify successful applicants that projects may be contracted from 1 January 2012. For
tenders in this External Investment Plan, the timing of notification is expected to be no later than
31 January 2012.
All contracts arising from the process will be subject to the approval of the Corporation’s Annual
Operational Plan (AOP) by the Minister responsible for R&D Corporations. The GRDC will be able
to enter into the contracts before approval of the AOP, but cannot make any payment until the
AOP is approved by the Minister.
External Review
In support of its evaluation process, the GRDC reserves the right to refer a tender to an external
expert for advice. If the GRDC does so it will require the external expert to sign a confidentiality
deed before the GRDC provides the tender. The GRDC reserves the right not to disclose the
external expert’s advice to the researcher.
Obligation to accept any tender
The GRDC is not obliged to accept any tender submitted.
13
GRDC Research Agreement 2012-13
The GRDC will expect to contract using the GRDC Research Agreement. The GRDC Research
Agreement was reviewed in detail with key research partners in 2010 and changes incorporated
into the 2011-12 Research Agreement. The 2012-13 Research Agreement should not depart
significantly from the 2011-12 Agreement. The GRDC reserves the right to negotiate the terms
and conditions of contracts as it deems appropriate for each project. Where the project involves
more than one research organisation, it may be appropriate for the parties to use the Multi-Party
Research Agreement, which is closely modelled on the Standard Research Agreement. Copies of
the 2011-12 GRDC Standard and Multi-Party Research Agreement are available at
www.grdc.com.au.
Clarification
The GRDC reserves the right to seek clarification in relation to any ambiguity or uncertainty from
all or any applicants in relation to their tenders, but may decline to accept any clarification that
effectively alters the tender.
Negotiations
In some cases, the mix of tenders received by the GRDC may indicate the need for negotiation to
establish the most appropriate structure of the final investment (see Creating Consortia earlier
in this section).
Disclaimer
This Investment Plan does not in any way commit, or otherwise oblige, the GRDC to proceed with
any part described in it.
Variation
The GRDC reserves the right to amend this Investment Plan as it chooses.
Termination
The GRDC reserves the right, at its absolute and unfettered discretion, to terminate the
assessment process of any or all tenders. In particular, applicants should note that the GRDC's
ability to fund new investments depends on receiving sufficient levy receipts each year as well as
maintaining its current and future reserves within the prudential limits. Accordingly, the GRDC
may not be able to fund all or any of the projects listed in this Investment Plan 2012-2013 (Open
and Multi-stage Tenders) solely on financial grounds, regardless of the quality of tenders.
The GRDC's Rights
Without limiting its rights at law or otherwise and notwithstanding anything else contained in this
document, the GRDC reserves the right in its absolute discretion at any time to:
(a)
Change the structure, timing, approach, contents or requirements of the tender
process (including the evaluation process)
(b)
Vary or extend any time or date in this document for all or any Tenderer or other
persons, at any time and for such period, as the GRDC in its absolute discretion
considers appropriate
(c)
Suspend or vary any tender process or any part of it
(d)
Conduct a further procurement process
(e)
Call for new Tender responses
(f)
Accept a Tender response on such terms as the GRDC in its absolute discretion
accepts, without prior notice to any other Tenderer
(g)
Accept a Tender response, and/or enter into a Contract, for part only of the services
which are the subject of this document.
14
Questions and Answers
The GRDC welcomes questions from potential applicants on any of the specific research priorities
in this Investment Plan. These should be submitted in writing (email preferred) to the contact
details listed in the priority specifications. The GRDC will endeavour to publish the questions with
answers within 3 working days on its website at http://www.grdc.com.au/investmentplan. The
GRDC will not disclose the source of the questions. Questions will be accepted no later than one
(1) week before the Closing Date for Receipt of Tenders.
A Quick Checklist
The following checklist presents some key points to consider when preparing your tender
response:
Do you understand all the requirements?
It may sound simple, but be sure to read the tender document carefully, highlighting key
points, and seek clarification, if you are uncertain about any issue.
Have you planned your tender and allowed plenty of time to meet the deadline?
Late tenders may not be accepted, so make sure you know where and when your tender
must be lodged. If you need to form a consortium or engage sub-contractors, be sure to
allow others enough time to provide input into the tender submission.
Is your response straightforward and to the point?
You will always need to complete the tender form. Your tender will be evaluated on content,
not extravagant presentation. It is also a good idea to use simple, straightforward language
and keep to the point. Have you done a spell check? Do not assume that the tender
evaluation team has an implied knowledge of your methodology. Explain all acronyms.
Have you addressed all mandatory conditions and evaluation criteria?
It is extremely important to demonstrate that you comply with all specified conditions and
that you address all the evaluation criteria and any other specified requirements.
Remember, if you do not address the evaluation criteria, there is no point in submitting a
tender response.
Have you demonstrated value for money?
Value for money is the key consideration of GRDC. Budget is obviously important, but so too
are service standards, quality, performance and whole-of-life costs. The budget stated is the
cap for the tender.
Have you emphasized what sets you apart from your competitors?
Think about how you would evaluate your tender against the evaluation criteria if you were
the official responsible for assessing tender responses. You may wish to emphasis areas
where you exceed the requirements, and where you feel you can add value. Your tender
may be competing against several alternative proposals, so be sure to clearly identify
potential points of difference from your competitors.
15
Improving Crop Yield
2.1.4.01C
Australian Soybean Breeding Program
Issue:
Soybean is an integral component of a diverse range of cropping systems in Australia (summer
and winter grains, sugar, rice, cotton and beef and dairy grazing systems). This proposed
investment seeks to support the development of varieties that deliver a reliable, robust and
profitable soybean phase to maximise the benefits of soybean to the farming systems and improve
overall farm profits.
Aim:
Australian grain growers with access to new soybean varieties for irrigated and dryland production
systems with maximum quality that can be supported by the specific environment in which the
crop is grown.
Project Description:
Variety Develoment
There is potential for soybeans to be used as a rotation crop in irrigated cotton areas in
addition to its role as a rotation crop in the cane growing areas. The irrigated cotton region
offers excellent growing conditions for high quality soybean production and has the potential
to capitalise on the growing demand for high grade seed.
The GRDC in partnership with industry has identified the following areas for the breeding
program to focus on. This is to support an increase in annual grain production to the target of
200,000 tonnes (average over last five years just under 50,000 tonnes).

Queensland Coastal and northern regions (Bundaberg to Atherton and Burdekin)
Varieties with broad adaptation to planting date and latitude

Darling Downs, Bundaberg and Central Queensland
Focus on high value culinary grain with high yield

NSW North Coast
High weathering tolerance is essential for this region along with maintenance of other
traits to meet high culinary markets if taken through to grain.

NSW Central, Riverina and Murrumbidgee regions (irrigation areas)
Early maturity required to fit into tight rotations, but also broad adaptation to planting
date and the potential to produce high value grain and yields.
New varieties will possess a clear hilum and specific quality attributes to match market
requirements and to assist with value adding; appropriate adaptation to photoperiod;
environmental conditions and disease challenges in the diverse cropping regions of Australia.
New clear hilum varieties will possess desirable combinations of higher yield, better
agronomic traits, broader adaptation, better disease resistance, better weathering tolerance
and higher value and specific culinary or functional traits. These traits are to be benchmarked
against current varieties.
Variety Evaluation
Evaluation will be under the auspices of the breeding program and will occur in the key target
areas as identified above. This work may be undertaken by the breeding program or the
breeding program may subcontract this to other providers.
16
Market access and increased profitability
This proposed investment seeks to lift food-grade soybeans to higher potential specific
culinary or functional quality grades and to vertically integrate varietal evaluation and
selection through to the consumer. By doing so Australian soybeans will be more valuable to
the processing sectors who pay a premium to growers for improved quality. Necessarily this
means greater research investment in testing for specific traits and greater collaboration with
the processing sector.
Regional adaptation
Traditional soybean varieties are quite photosensitive, that is they are adapted to a relatively
narrow range of planting dates and to a narrow north-south range. With the change to
specific culinary or functional types, there will be an increase in the number of varieties
released. In order for the maintenance of seed stocks to be manageable it is necessary to
maintain and intensify the ongoing program to remove photosensitivity from adapted varieties
and replace it with crop duration governed by photoinsensitive juvenile genes so that
individual varieties possess much broader adaptation to planting windows and latitude.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $500,000 per year for five years in this project.
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
2.1.4.01C
Criteria 1
2.1.4.01C
Criteria 2
2.1.4.01C
Criteria 3
2.1.4.01C
Criteria 4
2.1.4.01C
Criteria 5
2.1.4.01C
Criteria 6
2.1.4.01C
Criteria 7
2.1.4.01C
Criteria 8
2.1.4.01C
Criteria 9
A sound understanding of the nature and importance of the tender to the
soybean breeding program and the Australian grains industry
Soundness of the experimental approach and R&D methods
Mandatory
Soundness of project management arrangements
Mandatory
Demonstrated leadership skills including the capacity to coordinate
multidisciplinary research activities
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with industry
Mandatory
Excellent relevant track record of the project supervisor and of all key
personnel
Freedom to operate for all project outputs
Mandatory
A clearly defined pathway for delivery of outputs to the Australian
research and breeding sectors
The cost effectiveness and value for money of the tender response,
including cash and/or in-kind commitments from the applicants and
leverage in the form of domestic or international linkages that are useful,
if not essential, to progress the project
Mandatory
Procurement Method:
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Wendy Bosci
Administrative Coordinator, Improving Crop Yield
17
w.bosci@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
Protecting Your Crop
3.2.2.01C
Fungicide Evaluation Of New Generation Actives In Cereals And
Pulse Crops
Issue:
The Australian grains industry is heavily dependent on group three demethylation inhibitors (DMIs)
for cereal foliar disease control. There is a strategic need to broaden the range of actives used for
disease control to manage fungicide resistance risks as well as the range of actives available to the
grains. Following the severe shortages of pulse fungicides in 2010 in Australia, it is clear that a
broader range of actives is required to address control options in the future to address the
dependence on carbendazim and chlorthalonil.
The GRDC invested in a limited efficacy study program in 2011 to determine the most effective
options for future registration. This has been carried out with the support of fungicide registrants.
Further trial work is required to achieve efficacy data suitable for label registration and provide
growers and advisors with independent information on fungicide performance.
Aim:
This investment aims to reduce the future threat of fungicide shortages and broaden the range of
fungicide actives to manage resistance and potential future regulatory threats.
Project Description:
The project will be fully scoped following a muti-stage open tender call. The project will require
expertise in the delivery of field pathology and fungicide application trials. The project can use a
combination of simulated and natural field pathogen infection. The project will be delivered in a 3
year period to support the submission of efficacy data to the APVMA.
Objective
Deliver two new pulse and two new cereal fungicide registration packages of new modes of
action for use in the Australian grains industry to manage current and future fungicide
resistance threats.
Output 1:
Delivery of a nationally coordinated program of new modes of action to existing cereal
fungicide resistance threats with initial laboratory/glasshouse scoping for cross resistance to
powdery mildew in barley. Deliver data packages from field trials of new modes of action of
cereal and pulse foliar fungicides of both registered and un-registered products as single
actives and mixtures for resistance management in a range of environments and crops
including wheat, barley, chickpeas, lentils and faba beans in Northern, Southern and Western
Regions.
Output 2:
Communication of findings (where registered) to advisors and growers via a range of GRDC
communication channels and through close collaboration with farming systems groups.
Develop draft guidelines for fungicide resistance management in the Australian Grains
industry in collaboration with key stakeholders including CropLife Australia and member
companies.
Output 3:
Where products are not registered, permits to be sought with further investment in good
laboratory practice residue trials under the minor use program and/or engagement with
registrants for label registration.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $450,000 per year for three years in this project.
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
18
3.2.2.01C
Criteria 1
3.2.2.01C
Criteria 2
3.2.2.01C
Criteria 3
3.2.2.01C
Criteria 4
3.2.2.01C
Criteria 5
3.2.2.01C
Criteria 6
3.2.2.01C
Criteria 7
3.2.2.01C
Criteria 8
An understanding of the role and value of fungicide disease management
products for the Australian grains industry
Detail and soundness of the approach to be taken for the three key
outputs of the Tender Document
Demonstrated technical knowledge and experience of the key personnel in
the conduct of glasshouse, controlled environment and field studies of
foliar diseases and conduct of fungicide trials for integrated disease
management.
Soundness of the project structure and management arrangements,
including sub-contractors if applicable.
Demonstrated project management and project monitoring and evaluation
skills.
Demonstrated ability to form productive networks and linkages to ensure
coverage across Australia and build upon research already undertaken in
related areas.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with program
participants, advisors and grain growers and ability to link with other
GRDC extension programs, CropLife Australia and chemical companies.
The cost effectiveness and value for money of the tender response,
including cash and/or in-kind commitments from the applicants and
leverage in the form of domestic or international linkages that are useful,
if not essential, to progress the project.
Procurement Method:
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Lucinda Staley
Administrative Coordinator, Protecting Your Crop
19
l.staley@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
Profitable Farming Systems
4.2.1.01C
More profit from crop nutrition
Issue:
Fertiliser application is the largest single variable expense for growers in producing a crop (13% of
total costs in 2010-11; ABARES 2011), but is also a major determinant of profit. While fertiliser
prices have come down from the peak achieved in 2008 the trend continues upwards because it is
either linked directly to the price of fossil fuels (for N) or high grade sources of raw materials are
limited and being depleted (for P and K). A carbon tax will also increase energy costs that will
further increase the price of fertilisers. Grain growers will need to manage these expensive inputs
differently in the future as climate variability increases the financial risk of their use, and as
cropping systems continue to evolve.
Aim:
This national program of research, development, extension and communication will build on the
results of the current More Profit from Crop Nutrition Initiative which concludes in June 2012. The
aim is to improve the return on investment from fertiliser inputs by improving the nutrient use
efficiency of crops, improving the capacity of soils to supply nutrients, reducing the soils
propensity to lose or lock-up nutrients and develop improved fertiliser product formulation and
design including the use of potentially valuable low cost and waste inputs. The program has six
key outcomes:
Outcomes:
1. Make nutrient use efficiency traits available to plant breeders in adapted backgrounds.
2. Better match N,P, K and S inputs to meet crop demand and minimise losses and tie-up
(Projects 1, 2, 3 & 4).
3. Make better use of micro-nutrients to correct deficiencies and enhance crop yield
(Projects 5 & 6).
4. Develop and test new fertiliser products and adjuvants.
5. Provide information to growers to make effective fertiliser decisions (Project 7, 8 & 9).
6. Coordination of a program with a lasting legacy of analysed, reported and published
information (Projects 10 & 11).
Program description:
The GRDC will manage the investment as a suite of integrated projects. The projects will be
developed using a mix of procurement methods and timeframes.
In the first instance Multi-stage tenders are being called for the delivery of 11 specific projects.
The GRDC is calling for Expressions of Interest from organisations, groups or individuals that
address the selection criteria for one or more of the projects. Each project can involve partnerships
between research organisations, growers or agribusiness.
Project 1
An accurate test for available soil sulfur
To manage nutrient inputs you first need to be able to measure plant availability with reasonable
accuracy. Soil tests for P and S in particular have been unreliable and have at best provided a
broad guide to nutrient availability to the crop. An improved P test is close to commercialisation;
however, a more accurate test for plant available S is required.
Develop an accurate test for available soil sulfur developed if feasible. This project needs to be
undertaken in three stages:
1. Candidate methods identified and compared to the current “hot KCl” method by 30 June
2014.
2. If a new method shows promise then undertake field testing by 30 June 2016.
3. If the new method has superiority over the current method then develop a commercialisation
plan by 30 June 2017.
20
Project 2
Regional soil testing guidelines
Regional soil testing guidelines and critical soil testing values are being developed (DAQ00148;
DAV00095; UMU00035). These approaches look at each nutrient on its own, however, increasingly
multiple nutrient constraints (N, P, K and S) are occurring in the one paddock.
Develop GRDC regional soil testing guidelines, critical soil test values and nutrient application
strategies for N, P, K and S. The range of application strategies will include the widest range of
possible options including the use of foliar fertilisers.

Guidelines developed with current knowledge and made available by 30 June 2013.

Guidelines improved through to 30 June 2017.
Project 3 - characterisation of N response curves
The better fertiliser decisions project (DAN00132) has identified the paucity of data for nutrient
response surfaces, especially when you move away from N and P in wheat and barley. Even for N,
the regional response surfaces to calculate nitrogen use efficiency are inadequate to provide advice
at local scales. A coordinated approach to capturing response surface data for the major crops
(wheat, barley, canola, grain legumes and sorghum) is required.
Characterise regional N response curves for optimising productivity as a factor of soil organic
matter, rotation and N management.

Establish a network of sites and N response surfaces in relation to soil organic matter
determined through measurement and modelling by 30 June 2015.

Use the information to demonstrate management of greenhouse gas emissions and to
maximise nitrogen use efficiency through to 30 June 2017.
Project 4
Reassessment of the value and use of fixed nitrogen
As fertiliser prices rise and a carbon economy moves closer, fixed atmospheric N through legumes
becomes more of an imperative in farming systems. The Crop Sequencing Initiative (CSA00029;
DAS00119 and DAW00213) will provide an opportunity to allow more detailed measures of N
fixation and the contribution legumes can make to overall nitrogen use efficiency and whole of
system profitability. This can provide a basis for the reassessment of the value and use of fixed N
under various fertiliser price scenarios.
Reassess the value and use of fixed N under various fertiliser price scenarios.

Identify useful datasets for example from the crop sequencing intiative by 30 June 2013.

Undertake economic modelling by 30 June 2014 and strategies identified for the use of crop
and pasture legumes for crop nutrition through to 30 June 2017.
Project 5
Use of micronutrients
There is a perception that micronutrients or trace elements are being depleted in cropping
systems. It is timely to assess the extent and impact of deficiencies for micronutrients (zinc,
copper, manganese, molybdenum, cobalt) on farm. If perceived deficiencies are shown to be real
then identification of the environmental and management factors that may result in crops
experiencing trace element deficiencies will aid in their management.
Reassess the use of micronutrients through:

A national survey of the extent of micronutrient (zinc, copper, managanese, molydenum,
boron) deficiencies across all regions and agroecological zones with analysis against
environmental and management metadata by 2013.

A regional assessment of micronutrient application strategies and trace element formulations
undertaken in plot and field scale in partnership with regional groups by 30 June 2015.

Regional management strategies developed through to 30 June 2017.
Project 6
The role of calcium
A specific opportunity has been identified to make use of foliar calcium nutrition to manage and
prevent the lodging of high yielding crops.


Understand the role of foliar calcium in reducing cereal lodging through survey and field
experimentation by 30 June 2015.
Develop and communicate management recommendations if appropriate by 30 June 2016.
21
Project 7
A framework to assess profitability and risk of nutrient management
strategies
Models such as APSIM can be useful to integrate information from a range of sources for a range
of nutrients and for the interactions between those nutrients. An economic framework can be
developed that uses biophysical information and allows a range of crop nutrition and fertiliser
strategies to be tested at the whole farm scale.



Develop a framework for the assessment of profitability and risk of nutrient management
strategies at the whole farm scale by 30 June 2015.
The framework will be made available on the web and for training and communication (see
project 8 and 9).
The framework will be populated with the latest information through to 30 June 2017.
Project 8
Extension and training
Ultimately new and existing information on crop nutrition needs to be integrated in a way to allow
growers and their advisors to make effective fertiliser decisions. Information needs to be relevant
and timely to a specific paddock and farm business. Regional crop nutrition experts cannot be on
call to all farmers.
Crop Updates are an important forum but short courses that provide more comprehensive training
with opportunities to try it at “home” and come back for follow up will help to develop advisors and
lead growers into crop nutrition experts at least in their own district and on their own farm.


Develop a national approach to extension and training by 30 June 2013 – including updates
and short courses based in the first instance on existing information and on new information
as the initiative progresses
Deliver the extension and training program through to 30 June 2017.
Project 9
Communication strategy
Importantly, the program will provide a lasting legacy of analysed reported and published
information in accessible reports and scientific papers in refereed journals all available and
accessible on the web.


A communication strategy developed by 30 June 2013 and delivered through to 30 June 2017
including publications, website and mobile device applications.
The strategy will cover existing information in the first instance and new information as the
program progresses.
Project 10
Program coordination
Part of the success of the current More Profit from Crop Nutrition Initiative has been the national
coordination provided through CSA00021. This has provided for the peer review of project
specifications and progress reports, the coordination of communication, modelling and economic
analysis efforts, an annual meeting to critique project performance and emerging ideas and
identification of capacity gaps. Such an approach will remain crucial to the delivery of outputs in a
new phase of the program.


Interest is sought from organisations capable of coordinating the More Profit from Crop
Nutrition Program.
This can be undertaken along with the delivery of other projects or as a project on its own.
Project 11
Post doctoral fellow in the Western Region
Crop nutrition research capacity in the Western Region has been reduced with the recent and
empending retirement of key senior scientists.
Interest is sought from organisations capable of attracting a high calibre post doctoral fellow for a
three year term commencing in early 2012 to undertake research in improved in season N and P
management, greater agronomic effectiveness of N fertilisers and improved knowledge of
relationships between soil amendments and microbial function.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $4,100,000 per year for five years in this program.
22
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below.
Tenderers may wish to address the selection criteria for one or more of the projects. All tenderers
must address all of the generic selection criteria:
4.2.1.01C
Criteria 1
4.2.1.01C
Criteria 2
4.2.1.01C
Criteria 3
4.2.1.01C
Criteria 4
4.2.1.01C
Criteria 5
4.2.1.01C
Criteria 6
4.2.1.01C
Criteria 7
Project 1
Project 2
Project 3
Project 3
Project 4
Project 5
Project 7
Project 8
Project 9
Project 10
Project 10
Project 11
Generic criteria to be addressed in all expressions of interest
Presentation of a clear plan on how the project(s) will be undertaken
including which nutrients, crops and regions will be targeted and a
detailed budget.
An understanding of the nature of the issue to the Australian grains
industry.
Demonstrated ability to function and communicate as part of a complex R,
D and E team.
Demonstrated soundness of the project structure and management
arrangements, including sub-contractors if applicable.
Demonstrated project management and project monitoring and evaluation
skills.
Demonstrated ability to form productive networks and linkages to ensure
regional and national coverage and build upon research already
undertaken in related areas.
The cost effectiveness and value for money of the tender response,
including cash and/or in-kind commitments from the applicants and
leverage in the form of domestic or international linkages that are useful,
if not essential, to progress the project.
Specific criteria to be addressed for particular projects
Demonstrated experience in the development of soil tests.
Demonstrated ability to develop and deliver regional nutrient guidelines
and strategies.
Demonstrated understanding of the nitrogen cycle and approaches to
improve nitrogen use efficiency in the field.
Demonstrated ability to undertake regional crop nutrition trials.
Demonstrated ability to source information on fixed N and a capacity to
undertake economic analysis.
Demonstrated experience in desk top and field survey, crop nutrition
experimentation and development of regional nutrient guidelines and
strategies.
Demonstrated experience in biophysical and economic modelling.
Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering technical training
material, ideally in crop nutrition, to grain growers and their advisors.
Demonstrated experience in developing and delivering technical, ideally in
crop nutrition, communication strategies to growers and their advisors.
Demonstrated experience in coordinating complex agricultural R, D and E
programs.
Demonstrated capacity to provide coordination and leadership to a diverse
group of scientists, advisors and technical experts to deliver crop nutrition
outcomes to grain growers.
Demonstrated ability to attract, lead and inspire postdoctoral fellows in
soil and crop nutrition.
Procurement Method:
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
for Project 1
Mandatory
for Project 2
Mandatory
for Project 3
Mandatory
for project 3
Mandatory
for project 4
Mandatory
for project 5
Mandatory
for Project 7
Mandatory
for Project 8
Mandatory
for Project 9
Mandatory
for Project
10
Mandatory
for project
10
Mandatory
for project
11
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Wendy Bosci
Administrative Coordinator, Profitable Farming Systems
23
w.bosci@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
4.3.1.01C
Nitrogen Fixation in Farming Systems
Issue:
The National Rhizobium Program has demonstrated an industry wide issue of poor legume N2
fixation due to inoculation failures in some areas, suboptimal inoculation outcomes and declining
N2 fixation in Australian pasture systems. Overcoming the abiotic and biotic limitations to
biological N2 fixation and the development of effective strains of rhizobia for new legume
genotypes is imperative to satisfy the demand for N in sustainable agricultural production systems
in the future.
Nitrogen from Rhizobial N-fixation is still the cheapest form of input nutrient available in farming
systems. Increasing global demand for food production and higher energy costs associated with
the production and application of nitrogen fertilisers, combined with the need to reduce carbon
emissions will see the reliance on biological N2 fixation increase. While significant advances in the
science behind N-fixation have been made in the last decade we have yet to see the benefits fully
realised in the field.
Aim:
This national program of R,D & E will build on the results of the past three generations of the
National Rhizobium Program which concludes in June 2012. The aim is to quantitatively increase
the amount and utilisation of nitrogen from legume/rhizobial symbiosis in farming systems.
Individually focused projects (5-8) managed and coordinated under an overarching national
strategy will ensure the scientific discipline by regional matrix is effectively delivered.
Five years of funding for the program is being applied to provide longer term stability and a more
comprehensive strategy. The program will have a number of projects of less than five years giving
the opportunity for review and refocus in core areas. The first activity of the program will be the
development of a strategy and benchmarking survey.
Projects within the program will seek different levels of leverage depending on the direct alignment
of each with GRDC strategy. In particular, projects focusing predominantly on pasture legumes will
require alternative cash input from the other RDCs with GRDC making up no more than 25% of the
total equity.
Program Description:
Project 1: Benchmarking the Outcomes and Impacts of Nitrogen Fixation.
Background
The last comprehensive survey of the outcomes and impacts of nitrogen fixation was done
in the late 1990’s. This project will bookend the program with comprehensive
benchmarking information on the uptake, use, effectiveness and outcomes from nitrogen
fixation in Australian farming systems.
Outputs:

Quantitative measurement through surveying of the uptake, use, effectiveness and
impact of inoculant use on a region by region basis.

Measurement of the effectiveness and impact of two decades of investment in
rhizobial research.

Recommendations for research, development and extension activities likely to have a
significant increase in the outcomes from nitrogen fixation.
Project 2: Coordinator – Nitrogen Fixation Program (0.2-0.3FTE).
Funding likely to begin in January 2012
Responsibilities/Outputs:

Develop a NFP business plan that includes a national vision, objectives, strategies,
targets, monitoring and evaluation plan.

Develop a NFP extension and education plan that disseminates NFP outputs and
messages to end users. Identify the key messages and coordinate the extension
personnel to provide an effective communication program. Develop a process to
evaluate the effectiveness of the communication plan.
24




Collaboration with Nutrient Improvement Project outcome “Reassessment of the value
and use of fixed N under various fertiliser price scenarios”.
Coordinate and monitor the NFP projects and report annually to the GRDC and other
stakeholders. Identify cross industry shared investment opportunities for NFP
projects and secure outside funding where appropriate.
Coordinate NFP scientific meetings to ensure communication between NFP and
industry.
Coordinate the legacy of analysed reported and published information in accessible
reports and scientific papers in refereed journals
Project 3: Extension of Nitrogen Fixation Program Outputs to End Users
Background:
During the last two decades the National Rhizobium Program (NRP) has been built on
cooperation and collaboration between Australian rhizobiologists based at several key
centres across the nation.
The expertise and knowledge base of the NRP currently resides in the key rhizobiologists
located across the nation (CRS - Howieson, O’Hara, Yates, Brau; SARDI/UA – Ballard,
Denton; QDEEDI – Seymour; Sydney U – Deaker).
To maximise benefits from past, current and future research outcomes there is a need for
the outputs from the NRP to be coordinated into key messages and extended to growers to
improve legume N utility by adoption of various techniques.
Applicants able to leverage this investment through funding from other RDC’s and
institutions will be preferred.
Outcomes:

A 20% increase in the uptake of rhizobial inoculants resulting in an increase in the
amount of nitrogen in the cropping systems from N-fixation.

A 50% reduction in reported inoculation failures and suboptimal inoculation
responses.

Key communicators trained in NRP outcomes and techniques and provided with
supplementary aids to extend NRP key messages to growers. Messages extended and
techniques adopted.

Understanding of the adoption of the techniques and feedback to key communicators
to refine their messages if appropriate.
Outputs:

Key messages and techniques for extension to growers distilled from the proposed
‘Handbook on Rhizobia and Inoculation of Legumes’ due for publication in November
2011.

An extension plan that communicates key messages and techniques to growers and
consultants across all key regions.

Regional workshops in collaboration with Pulse Breeding Australia delivering
information about inoculation and N-fixation in the context pulse and pasture
cropping.

Implementation of the extension plan via appropriate delivery channels. May include
training for regional agronomists and consultants, development of complementary
aids such as factsheets and/or applications etc

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the extension program. May include the
utility of focus groups or grower surveys to assess uptake of key messages and
techniques.
Projects: 4-7 Open Expression of Interest
Applicants are invited to submit projects of between three and five years for inclusion
within the N-Fixation Program. The projects will be assessed by GRDC together with the NFixation coordinator. While the submission format is flexible they should clearly address
the following output and outcome objectives. Detailed budgets should be supplied covering
potential investment from all parties.
25
Areas of specific interest to the GRDC

Support of the breeding activities of PBA and other legume breeders to ensure new
varieties are compatible with commercial rhizobial strains with the ultimate goal of
creation of breeding objectives based on a N-Fixation index for each variety.

Improving the N-Fixation performance of grain and forage legumes for better
productivity in the tropics & sub-tropics.

Exploitation of rhizobial genomes for practical outcomes such as broader host range
and better genetic stability.
Outputs:

Specific and measurable outputs from the project, including who they will be delivered
to, where and how.
Outcomes:

How will the project ultimately benefit Australian Grain Growers?

How will the outputs be converted to outcomes and by whom and how?
Proposed Investment:



Applicants are invited to apply for each of the individual projects within this program
separately.
Clearly define the funds being sought in each year of the program.
The GRDC expects to invest up to $800,000 in 2012-13 and 2016-17 and $700,000 in 201314, 2014-15 and 2015-16 in this initiative.
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
4.3.1.01C
Criteria 1
4.3.1.01C
Criteria 2
4.3.1.01C
Criteria 3
4.3.1.01C
Criteria 4
4.3.1.01C
Criteria 5
4.3.1.01C
Criteria 6
4.3.1.01C
Criteria 7
4.3.1.01C
Criteria 8
A sound understanding of the nature and importance of the tender to the
Australian grains industry
Soundness of the project approach and R&D methods to be employed
including strong statistical support
Soundness of project management arrangements
Mandatory
Demonstrated leadership skills including the capacity to coordinate
multidisciplinary research activities
Excellent relevant track record of the project supervisor and of all key
personnel
Demonstrated technical knowledge and experience of all key personnel
Mandatory
A clearly defined pathway for delivery of outputs to the Australian Grain
industry.
The cost effectiveness and value for money of the tender response,
including cash and/or in-kind commitments from the applicants and
leverage in the form of domestic or international linkages that are useful,
if not essential, to progress the project
Mandatory
Procurement Method:
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Wendy Bosci
Administrative Coordinator, Profitable Farming Systems
26
w.bosci@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
Maintaining the Farm
Resource Base
5.2.1.01C
Improved Management of Soil Organic Matter for Profitable and
Sustainable Cropping
Issue:
It is likely that by 2012 growers will be operating in a carbon economy. The Carbon Farming
Initiative (CFI) and the Clean Energy Future Plan will increase the importance of understanding
organic matter and organic carbon and their role in the farming system.
Growers will need to be able to accurately measure their soil organic carbon stocks; know what
potential their soil has to sequester carbon; understand the impact of their farming system on
stocks of organic matter and emissions of nitrous oxide; and understand the role of organic matter
for soil function and profitability.
Aim:
This national program of research, development and extension aims to increase growers’ certainty
about the value of soil organic matter to their farming system and the levels required to remain
profitable and sustainable in the emerging carbon economy.
The program has four key outcomes:
1. A nationally recognised and CFI approved set of protocols for measuring and monitoring soil
organic carbon on-farm published and available to farmers and their advisors.
2. Growers and their advisers will have access to tools and information based on peer-reviewed
data to estimate the upper limit of carbon sequestration for their environment, soils and
cropping systems; whether their farming system and management is increasing, decreasing
or maintaining soil organic carbon; and the impact of management practices on labile carbon,
available nitrogen and greenhouse gas emissions in cropping systems.
3. Quantification of the link between the different fractions of soil organic carbon and soil
functions such as water holding capacity, nutrient cycling and soil structure.
4. Tools and information developed to help growers and their advisers calculate the costs and
benefits of managing and building soil organic matter.
Program Description:
The program is split into seven projects. The GRDC will manage the investment as a suite of
integrated projects.
The GRDC is calling for Tenders from organisations, groups or individuals that address the
selection criteria for one or more of the projects. Each project can involve partnerships between
research organisations, growers or agribusiness.
Project Description:
Project 1. Coordination and extension
Coordinate the program of research, development and extension to ensure:






Delivery or R&D outcomes to the grain growers in the GRDC agroecological zones.
A consistent approach to measurement and interpretation.
Coordination of the extension, communication, modelling and economic efforts.
Peer review project specifications and progress reports.
Peer review project performance and findings in an annual meeting.
A legacy of analysed and published information in accessible reports and scientific papers
in refereed journals
The coordination project will be required to develop a communication and extension plan and
a monitoring and evaluation plan. The project will also be responsible for monitoring the
projects and ensuring they report annually to the GRDC and other stakeholders.
27
The coordination project may also identify opportunities for additional funding where
appropriate.
This can be undertaken as a project on its own or with the delivery of other projects.
Project 2. Desktop study
By 30 April 2012, a desktop study of the literature and underlying data describing the:

Link between soil organic matter and soil function

Potential to develop pedo-transfer functions
Project 3. Measuring carbon stock
By 30 June 2013, nationally agreed protocols for paddock scale on-farm testing and
monitoring of organic carbon stock, published in plain english and available to grain growers.
The protocols will specify:
• How and when growers need to measure soil carbon (by 31 March 2012).
• How often and at what scale to measure soil carbon to account for spatial and temporal
variability (by 31 March 2012).
• How the uncertainty (error) associated with soil carbon stock measurements could be
treated in carbon accounting systems (by December 2012).
• If precision agriculture technology can be used to measure soil carbon or aid in predicting
spatial and temporal variations.
These protocols will be compatible with those being developed by the National Carbon
Accounting System (NCAS) for the Carbon Farming Initiative and relevant for both on-farm
monitoring and for trading and offset purposes.
Project 4. National publication
By 30 June 2013, a national publication – ‘Managing soil organic matter on-farm’ – written,
compiled, printed and distributed to farmers and agronomists. The publication will be no longer
than 100 pages. It will synthesise and explain current knowledge and ensure science-based
messages are used to inform management. The publication will summarise the current
research on soil organic matter, in particular:
•
How carbon cycles and its effect on profitability.
•
The amount of organic carbon and nutrients (N, P, S) in soil organic matter.
•
The link between organic matter, labile carbon, available soil nitrogen and greenhouse gas
emissions in cropping systems.
•
Whether management (burning/pulse crops/tillage/pasture) increases, decreases or
maintains soil organic carbon.
It will have relevance to all grains regions but identify regional differences
Project 5. Carbon sequestration
By 30 June 2014, identification and publication of the potential of the major soils and
managment systems in each of the grains regions to sequester organic carbon. This will be a
technical potential, defined by soil type and environment. Important research questions are:
• How much carbon is it possible to sequester in different soil types and with different
management and how vulnerable is the sequestered carbon to subsequent change?
• What management practices increase soil carbon?
• What is the effect of management (strategic tillage, stubble burning, rotations) on organic
matter and organic carbon?
• What role will legume-based nitrogen play in carbon cycling and sequestration?
• What are the benefits and trade-offs of increasing soil carbon?
Project 6. Soil carbon functionality
By 30 June 2016, published benchmarks for the major soil types which identify the amount
and quality of soil organic matter needed to maintain key soil functions (structure, waterholding, nutrient availability) and therefore plant growth under different farming systems and
practices.
Important questions are:
• At what level of soil carbon do you start losing key soil functions (structure, water-holding,
nutrient availability) and therefore impact on crop production and profitability?
• How do optimal levels of soil carbon change with soil type and environmental conditions?
• Can we preferentially accumulate particular forms of carbon to improve particular
functions?
This information will also be used to improve the capability of simulation models to model
carbon and define the impact on soil functions.
28
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
Identify the soil types for inclusion and prioritise them in terms of extent and value
to grains cropping.
Identify the soil organic matter functions that are important to those soils and how
to characterise them.
Develop the relationships for the high priority soil types by 2016.
Extend work to additional soil types by 2017.
Project 7. Economics and risk
Development of a region, soil type and environment specific web-based tool (compatible with
FullCAM) to:
• calculate the change in soil carbon stock from different management techniques
• predict the impact of environmental conditions, soil properties and farm management
practice on the stocks of soil organic carbon and its component fractions
• estimate the amount of soil organic matter and its fractions needed for soil functioning
• calculate the cost of options available to increase soil organic matter
Stage 1
Stage 2
Stage 3
Stage 4
By 30 June 2015, a web-based tool to calculate the change in soil carbon stock
from different management techniques. It will take into account region, soil type,
rainfall and environmental constraints and the effect on greenhouse gas emissions.
By 30 June 2015, development and validation of a computer modelling system
capable of predicting the impact of environmental conditions, soil properties and
farm management practice on the stocks of soil organic carbon and its component
fractions.
By 30 June 2017, incorporation of the expressions relating the amount of soil
organic matter and its fractions to soil functioning within the modelling framework
developed in Task 5.
By 30 June 2017, inclusion of an economic model to allow growers to calculate the
cost of options available to increase soil organic matter. The model needs to
calculate the amount and cost of N, P and S needed to increase soil carbon and the
carbon price required to make carbon sequestration profitable (including all
potential productivity benefits).
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $4.25 million over the next five years in this program.
Applicants are invited to apply for each of the individual projects within this program separately.
Applications must clearly define the funds being sought in each year of the program.
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Selection Criteria tabulated below.
Tenderers may wish to address the selection criteria for one or more of the tasks.
All tenderers must address all of the generic selection criteria
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 1
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 2
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 3
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 4
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 5
Presentation of a clear plan on how the task(s) will be undertaken
including a detailed budget.
Mandatory
Soundness of the project structure and management arrangements,
including sub-contractors if applicable.
Mandatory
Demonstrated project management and project monitoring and evaluation
skills.
Mandatory
Track record, technical knowledge and experience of the project
supervisor and of all key personnel
Mandatory
A clearly defined plan for delivery of outputs to the Australian research
and extension sectors as well as to Australian grain growers in each of the
GRDC Agro-ecological zones.
Mandatory
29
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 6
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 7
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 8
Demonstrated ability to form productive networks and linkages to ensure
coverage across Australia and build on research already undertaken in
related areas and to link with other GRDC climate change programs.
Mandatory
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with program
participants, advisors and grain growers.
Mandatory
The cost effectiveness and value for money of the tender response,
including cash and/or in-kind commitments from the applicants and
leverage in the form of domestic or international linkages that are useful,
if not essential, to progress the project.
Mandatory
Specific criteria for each task
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 9
Demonstrated leadership skills including the capacity to coordinate
complex, multi-disciplinary research teams.
Mandatory
for Project 1
5.2.1.01C
Demonstrated experience delivering extension programs to grain growers.
Mandatory
for Project 1
Demonstrated understanding of the Carbon Farming Initiative and the
National Carbon Accounting System (NCAS).
Mandatory
for Project 3
Demonstrated experience writing high impact extension publications for
grain growers including an ability to write about complex issues in plain
English.
Mandatory
for Project 4
Identification and prioritisation of the major cropping soils, rotations and
management systems to be studied.
Mandatory
for Project
5, 6 & 7
Demonstrated experience using the Agricultural Production Systems
Simulator (APSIM).
Mandatory
for Project 5
Demonstrated understanding of FullCAM, particularly the CAMAg and Roth
C models.
Mandatory
for Project 7
Demonstrated experience developing and validating biophysical and
economic modelling tools.
Mandatory
for Project 7
Criterion 10
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 11
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 12
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 13
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 14
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 15
5.2.1.01C
Criterion 16
Procurement Method:
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Wendy Bosci
Administrative Coordinator, Maintaining the Farm Resource Base
30
w.bosci@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
Building Skills and Capacity
6.2.4.01C
Graduate Certificate And Diploma In Sustainable Grains Production
For Industry Advisers And Growers.
Issue:
The grains industry and farming community makes use of many people in advisory roles and, at
times, these advisors can have limited knowledge of grains production systems. This is particularly
the case with new and inexperienced participants in the industry who may have been exposed to
relatively little grains information during their training, even at tertiary levels. While many will
develop their knowledge and expertise in the industry over time, there are concerns about the
range of information and issues they are exposed to, particularly if they are based in smaller
centres and when staff turnover is high. This project will ensure that they develop a broader and
more balanced understanding of complex industry issues more quickly than would otherwise occur,
and be exposed to the latest research undertaken by GRDC.
Aim:
The aims of the Sustainable Grains Production course are to build at least 180 new students within
the grains industry over the next three years across the Northern and Southern grains regions,
and to accelerate the adoption of research and extension that improves the economic and
environmental performance of the grains industry.
This will be acheived by providing:

post graduate and undergraduate part time training with competency to both Graduate
Certificate and Gradute Diploma levels

coursework mapped to enable credit of units for further studies (e.g. Degrees)

regular and relevant redevelopment of course material

development of an online monitoring system with the GRDC to track candidates during and
post study

increased engagement of agribusiness in the program both in course material development
and presentation of practical experience

regular involvement of researchers and industry experts in the program
Project Description:
This project provides grain specific training for advisers, farmers and others within the Northern
and Southern grains regions. Industry advisers play an increasingly important role in assisting
producers in decision making and the adoption of new technology, and it is vital that they have a
sound understanding of the underlying principles of grain production, and are exposed to new
research findings and industry initiatives to ensure their roles in industry under different disciplines
and capacities are of the highest quality.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $332,000 per year ($166,000 per region) for three years in this
project in the GRDC Northern and Southern Regions.
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
6.2.4.01C
Criteria 1
6.2.4.01C
Criteria 2
6.2.4.01C
Criteria 3
6.2.4.01C
A sound understanding of the nature and importance of the tender to the
Australian grains industry
Demonstrated capability to attract and retain students into the programs,
with at least 60 candidates per annum
Demonstrated evidence that coursework is of a high standard that will
attract students, is mapped to appropriate competency standards and
includes both theoretical and practical application
Demonstrated ability to regularly monitor and evaluate student attitudes
31
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Criteria 4
6.2.4.01C
Criteria 5
6.2.4.01C
Criteria 6
6.2.4.01C
Criteria 7
6.2.4.01C
Criteria 8
6.2.4.01C
Criteria 9
6.2.4.01C
Criteria 10
to the program including (but not limited to): marketing of the course;
satisfaction levels of coursework and delivery, relevance of the coursework
to their career; currency of the information; use of innovative delivery
methods. Provision of the findings annually to the GRDC.
Ability to annually review and evaluate, in conjunction with the GRDC, the
curriculum to ensure content is current and consistent with latest
research, development and extension findings and the delivery is
innovative.
Soundness of project management arrangements, including a clearly
defined plan of activities to ensure success of the program
Ability to develop and share a database of candidates with the GRDC and
monitor candidates post graduation to measure areas of retention by
industry, with quarterly reports to the GRDC
Demonstrated leadership and experience of the project supervisor and of
all key personnel, including evidence of technical knowledge and the
capacity to coordinate multidisciplinary learning activities.
Evidence of a clearly defined pathway for delivery of the course and
placement of candidates in the Australian research and advisory sectors
The cost effectiveness and value for money of the tender response,
including cash and/or in-kind commitments from the applicants and
leverage in the form of domestic or international linkages that are useful,
if not essential, to progress the project
Procurement Method:
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Merrilyn Baulman
Administrative Coordinator, Building Skills and Capacity
32
m.baulman@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
Grower Services
7.2.3.01C
Northern Agribusiness Trial Extension Network
Issue:
The GRDC’s investment in farming systems projects with grower groups currently addresses a
range of issues in the local areas surrounding these groups. There remains the opportunity
however, to meet the extension needs of smaller more localised groups and individual growers
outside these areas.
In recognising these needs the GRDC is calling for tenders that target areas not currently being
directly addressed by GRDC supported farming systems projects with the view of coordinating
minor trial and extension programs with local agribusiness.
Aim:
The aim of this initiative is to enhance communication and extension activities between private
agronomists, agribusiness and local growers based around agronomic trials in targeted areas of
the GRDC’s Northern Region.
Ideally it will also encourage coordinated communication and extension activities between private
agronomists, agribusiness and local grower networks.
The initiative will consist of four individual projects on issue-based agronomic trials throughout the
GRDC’s Northern cropping region during the 2012 season.
The actual agronomic issues that are to be addressed through this project are to be detailed in the
individual applications.
Project Description:
Part of an agribusiness agronomist’s time will be contracted to develop, conduct and deliver key
research trials and associated communication and extension activities. The tender responses
should include a trial plan outlining the issue that they will be investigating and its relevance to the
local area. These trials will ideally be based around specific tactical issues such as soil health, crop
nutrition, rotations, spray application or the identification and management of cereal diseases.
Generic variety evaluation will not be considered as a research issue in this specific initiative.
A key feature of these projects will be the provision of an extension network by the private
agribusiness companies, working in close collaboration with the GRDC and the trials themselves.
This network will be based around existing groups rather than the formation of new groups.
The GRDC is seeking tenders from interested parties to carry out the services listed below for a
period of 12 months. The GRDC may however consider extending individual contracts depending
on their respective performance.
The GRDC through this open tender seeks up to four suitable contractors to:









Locate, design, conduct and communicate agronomic experiments in accordance to trial
guidelines available from the GRDC website*
Improve communication and extension of research outcomes and activities from localised
experiments through agronomists, private sector advisers and grower groups
Interpret experiment data and apply practical applications in accordance to trial guidelines
available from the GRDC website*
Provide an economic analysis on the results from the trials
Develop consistent and targeted agronomic communication and extension around these trials
Ensure that information for growers and advisers is current and accessible
Increase the understanding of the potential of these trials as part of their farming system
Conduct open days, field walks and speak at field days, GRDC Updates etc
Deliver agronomic extension that will enhance farm and crop management best practice
particularly in relation to the issues being investigated in the trials.
33
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $100,000 for four individual projects within the GRDC’s Northern
Region during 2012, up to $25,000 per project.
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of responses to tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated
below:
7.2.3.01C
Criteria 1
7.2.3.01C
Criteria 2
7.2.3.01C
Criteria 3
7.2.3.01C
Criteria 4
Extent of tenderers understanding of trial guidelines available from
the GRDC website. *
Quality of the trial plan and issue to be investigated in the trial.
Mandatory
Access to grain grower and grains industry networks.
Mandatory
Cost effectiveness of the proposal, including cash and
in – kind commitments from tenderers.
Mandatory
Mandatory
* Trial guidelines are available from www.grdc.com.au/trialguidelines
Procurement Method:
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Maureen Cribb
Manager Publications, Grower Services
m.cribb@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
34
7.2.3.02C
Western Agribusiness Trial Extension Network
Issue:
The GRDC’s investment in grower group-based projects currently addresses a range of issues in
the local areas surrounding these groups. There is still the opportunity however, to meet the
extension needs of smaller more localised grower groups and individual growers outside these
areas.
In recognising these needs the GRDC is calling for tenders that target areas not currently being
directly addressed by GRDC supported farming systems projects with the view of coordinating
minor trial and extension programs with local agribusiness.
Aim:
The aim of this initiative is to enhance communication and extension activities between private
agronomists, agribusiness and local growers based around agronomic trials in targeted areas of
the GRDC’s Western Region.
Ideally it will also encourage coordinated communication and extension activities between private
agronomists, agribusiness and local grower networks. The initiative will consist of six individual
projects on issue-based agronomic trials throughout the GRDC’s Western cropping region during
the 2012 season.
The actual agronomic issues that are to be addressed through this project are to be detailed in the
individual applications.
Project Description:
Part of an agribusiness agronomist’s time will be contracted to develop, conduct and deliver key
research trials and associated communication and extension activities. The tender responses
should include a trial plan outlining the issue that they will be investigating and its relevance to the
local area. These trials will ideally be based around specific tactical issues such as soil health, crop
nutrition, rotations, spray application or the identification and management of cereal diseases.
Generic variety evaluation will not be considered as a research issue in this specific initiative.
A key feature of these projects will be the provision of an extension network by the private
agribusiness companies, working in close collaboration with the GRDC and the trials themselves.
This network will be based around existing groups rather than the formation of new groups.
The GRDC is seeking tenders from interested parties to carry out the services listed below for a
period of 12 months. The GRDC may however consider extending individual contracts depending
on their respective performance.
The GRDC through this open tender seeks up to six suitable contractors to:









Locate, design, conduct and communicate agronomic experiments in accordance to trial
guidelines available from the GRDC website*
Improve communication and extension of research outcomes and activities from localised
experiments through agronomists, private sector advisers and grower groups
Interpret experiment data and apply practical applications in accordance to trial guidelines
available from the GRDC website*
Provide an economic analysis on the results from the trials
Develop consistent and targeted agronomic communication and extension around these trials
Ensure that information for growers and advisers is current and accessible
Increase the understanding of the potential of these trials as part of their farming system
Conduct open days, field walks and speak at field days, GRDC Updates etc
Deliver agronomic extension that will enhance farm and crop management best practice
particularly in relation to the issues being investigated in the trials.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $150,000 for six individual projects within the GRDC’s Western
Region during 2012, $25,000 per project.
35
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of responses to tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated
below:
7.2.3.02C
Criteria 1
7.2.3.02C
Criteria 2
7.2.3.02C
Criteria 3
7.2.3.02C
Criteria 4
Extent of tenderers understanding of trial guidelines available from
the GRDC website. *
Quality of the trial plan and issue to be investigated in the trial.
Mandatory
Access to grain grower and grains industry networks.
Mandatory
Cost effectiveness of the proposal, including cash and
in – kind commitments from tenderers.
Mandatory
Mandatory
* Trial guidelines are available from www.grdc.com.au/trialguidelines
Procurement Method:
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Maureen Cribb
Manager Publications, Grower Services
m.cribb@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
36
7.2.4.01C
Technical Workshops – Northern Region
Issue:
The GRDC has recently held a number of workshops to develop the skills of advisers, researchers
and growers in addressing issue specific challenges facing the grains industry. As the desire for
information continues to grow, segments of the grains industry are requesting greater levels of
technical detail. The Technical Workshops sought through this request for tender are to be
designed with a specific focus on delivering highly detailed insights into key grains R, D and E
issues.
Aim:
The project will deliver a series of coordinated and detailed technical information workshops across
the Northern grains region. This will involve the delivery of specialised technical workshops to
enable more effective communication and extension of cutting edge research for end users. This
investment will enable the GRDC and its partners to development technical training materials for
the delivery of focussed training to targeted segments of the grains industry and stakeholders.
Project Description:
The GRDC has recently run a series of workshops to develop the skills of advisers, researchers and
growers in addressing specific challenges facing the grains industry. Topics supported to date
include weed management, canopy management, foliar disease management, grain quality and
NVT training.
The GRDC wishes to engage a suitably qualified and experienced person(s) or company to work
with the GRDC to further develop technical workshops for growers, advisers and other industry
representatives in the GRDC Northern Region. A key feature of these projects will be to work in
close collaboration with the GRDC and researchers themselves.
Topics identified for workshop applications in the Northern Region are:
 Peanut agronomy
 Weed resistance – outlining costs benefits of best practice vs. bad practice – targeting groups
 Stubble management
 Best use of limited water
 Irrigation management
 Foliar disease management
 Nutrition of winter and summer crops
 Crop physiology – nutrition based on sound science
 Soil nutrition – cropping specific
 Weeds; round-up, hard to kill and water quality in controlling weeds
 Spray drift and water quality
 Fungicide application
 PA bringing it all together
 Drivers of farm profitability
 Soils and crop rotation effects on abiotic and biotic stresses
 Other topics identified by the applicant if substantiated to GRDC.
It is expected that the applicant will facilitate the delivery of the workshops to industry segments
and will be responsible for arranging all administrative and logistical requirements of the
workshops.
Workshop delivery will include an emphasis on the delivery of information to and from growers,
consultants, agribusiness and other industry customers. The applicant is expected to demonstrate
the methodology of intended workshops is appropriate to ensure that uptake and adoption is
maximised.
To complement existing events it is proposed that this investment will improve access and
discussion of highly technical information, which will be subsequently disseminated widely across
the grains industry by both the applicant and the GRDC.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $30,000 for up to one individual workshop series within the
GRDC’s Northern Region with a review at the conclusion of the workshops to determine next steps.
37
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
7.2.4.01C
Criteria 1
An understanding of the nature and importance of the tender to the Northern
grains industry
1.1
Demonstrated understanding and ability to address the issue(s)
proposed for the workshop(s)
1.2
Clear linkages with proposed target audiences (e.g. agribusiness,
consultants, other industry institutions/representatives) – including
proposed target audience, numbers of participants, entry costs (if
applicable) and methods for delivery
1.3
Demonstrated understanding of the need for these workshops
Demonstrated ability to attract relevant presenters from GRDC-funded
research projects or the broader agricultural and business sectors to reflect the
topic(s) proposed including opportunities to make presenters from workshops
available for other GRDC based events.
Mandatory
Mandatory
7.2.4.01C
Criteria 6
Soundness of the proposed workshop delivery methods and project
management arrangements, including
3.1 Outline the frequency, location and repetition of workshop(s) for the
Northern Region
3.2 Projected participant numbers per workshop
3.3 Demonstrated ability to schedule face to face technical workshops in a
planned way to meet timing and geographical location requirements to
maximise participation by proposed target audiences
3.4 Demonstrated access and ability to collaborate with grain grower, adviser,
research providers, agribusiness and other agricultural industry networks.
3.5 Demonstrated ability to coordinate all administrative tasks involved
including venues, catering, travel and accommodation arrangements for
participants
3.6 Demonstrated ability to integrate into workshop programs technical
aspects with environmental sustainability, farm profitability and
implications for business management (e.g. financial considerations)
3.7 Demonstrated ability to widely promote the workshop including via GRDC
diary dates (www.grdc.com.au/diarydates) and communication
mechanisms
3.8 Demonstrated ability to maintain/facilitate follow up action/support with
participants after the workshop
Development of pre and post key performance adoption indicators/targets and
methods for measurement and evaluation on a per workshop basis, including
the development and provision of a report at the conclusion of the workshop
for publication on the GRDC website and for use in other GRDC extension
mechanisms and provision of workshop participant contact details to the GRDC
in electronic format.
Demonstrated ability to use workshop materials as training tools.
The cost effectiveness of the tender response including cash and a detailed
overview of in-kind commitments from the applicants. Costs should be
itemised per workshop. This includes the ability to actively seek and leverage
sponsorship opportunities.
Contact details of at least three referees who are familiar with the tenderer’s
previous work in providing similar services.
7.2.4.01C
Criteria 7
Identify innovative and other value added options that are cost effective and
deliver value for money
Mandatory
7.2.4.01C
Criteria 2
7.2.4.01C
Criteria 3
7.2.4.01C
Criteria 4
7.2.4.01C
Criteria 5
Procurement Method:
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Maureen Cribb
Manager Publications, Grower Services
m.cribb@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
38
7.2.4.02C
Technical Workshops – Southern Region
Issue:
The GRDC has recently held a number of workshops to develop the skills of advisers, researchers
and growers in addressing issue specific challenges facing the grains industry. As the desire for
information continues to grow, segments of the grains industry are requesting greater levels of
technical detail. The Technical Workshops sought through this request for tender are to be
designed with a specific focus on delivering highly detailed insights into key grains R, D and E
issues.
Aim:
The project will deliver a minimum of three series of coordinated and detailed technical information
workshops across the Southern grains region. This will involve the delivery of specialised technical
workshops to enable more effective communication and extension of cutting edge research for end
users. This investment will enable the GRDC and its partners to development technical training
materials for the delivery of focussed training to targeted segments of the grains industry and
stakeholders.
Project Description:
The GRDC has recently run a series of workshops to develop the skills of advisers, researchers and
growers in addressing specific challenges facing the grains industry. Topics supported to date
include weed management, canopy management, foliar disease management, grain quality and
NVT training
The GRDC wishes to engage a suitably qualified and experienced person(s) or company to work
with the GRDC to further develop technical workshops for growers, advisers and other industry
representatives in the GRDC Southern Region.
A key feature of these projects will be to work in close collaboration with the GRDC and
researchers themselves.
Topics identified for workshop applications in the Southern Region are:

Disc seeding systems – including relationship with chemicals and disc seeding systems

Using yield maps to assess large scale trials and to map crop variability

Using variable rate inputs for a better economic outcome

Managing seed quality for re-seeding

NVT training

Understanding grain quality

Pest management in no-till farming systems

Foliar disease management

Hygiene management in grain storages

Plant physiology workshops – cereals, oilseeds and pulses

Other topics identified by the applicant if substantiated to GRDC.
It is expected that the applicant will facilitate the delivery of the workshops to industry segments
and will be responsible for arranging all administrative and logistical requirements of the
workshops.
Workshop delivery will include an emphasis on the delivery of information to and from growers,
consultants, agribusiness and other industry customers. The applicant is expected to demonstrate
the methodology of intended workshops is appropriate to ensure that uptake and adoption is
maximised.
To complement existing events it is proposed that this investment will improve access and
discussion of highly technical information, which will be subsequently disseminated widely across
the grains industry by both the applicant and the GRDC.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $90,000 for up to three individual workshop series within the
GRDC’s Southern Region, up to $30,000 per workshop series.
39
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
7.2.4.02C
Criteria 1
7.2.4.02C
Criteria 2
7.2.4.02C
Criteria 3
7.2.4.02C
Criteria 4
An understanding of the nature and importance of the tender to the Southern
grains industry
1.1
Demonstrated understanding and ability to address the issue(s)
proposed for the workshop(s)
1.2
Clear linkages with proposed target audiences (e.g. agribusiness,
consultants, other industry institutions/representatives) – including
proposed target audience, numbers of participants, entry costs (if
applicable) and methods for delivery
1.3
Demonstrated understanding of the need for these workshops
Demonstrated ability to attract relevant presenters from GRDC-funded
research projects or the broader agricultural and business sectors to reflect the
topic(s) proposed including opportunities to make presenters from workshops
available for other GRDC based events.
Mandatory
Soundness of the proposed workshop delivery methods and project
management arrangements, including
3.1
Outline the frequency, location and repetition of workshop(s) for the
Southern Region
3.2
Projected participant numbers per workshop
3.3
Demonstrated ability to schedule face to face technical workshops in a
planned way to meet timing and geographical location requirements to
maximise participation by proposed target audiences
3.4
Demonstrated access and ability to collaborate with grain grower,
adviser, research providers, agribusiness and other agricultural industry
networks.
3.5
Demonstrated ability to coordinate all administrative tasks involved
including venues, catering, travel and accommodation arrangements for
participants
3.6
Demonstrated ability to integrate into workshop programs technical
aspects with environmental sustainability, farm profitability and
implications for business management (e.g. financial considerations)
3.7
Demonstrated ability to widely promote the workshop including via
GRDC diary dates (www.grdc.com.au/diarydates) and communication
mechanisms
3.8
Demonstrated ability to maintain/facilitate follow up action/support with
participants after the workshop
Development of pre and post key performance adoption indicators/targets and
methods for measurement and evaluation on a per workshop basis including
the development and provision of a report at the conclusion of the workshop
for publication on the GRDC website and for use in other GRDC extension
mechanisms and provision of workshop participant contact details to the GRDC
in electronic format.
Mandatory
7.2.4.02C
Criteria 6
Demonstrated ability to use workshop materials as training tools.
The cost effectiveness of the tender response including cash and a detailed
overview of in-kind commitments from the applicants. Costs should be
itemised per workshop. This includes the ability to actively seek and leverage
sponsorship opportunities.
Contact details of at least three referees who are familiar with the tenderer’s
previous work in providing similar services.
7.2.4.02C
Criteria 7
Identify innovative and other value added options that are cost effective and
deliver value for money
7.2.4.02C
Criteria 5
Procurement Method:
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Maureen Cribb
Manager Publications, Grower Services
m.cribb@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
40
7.2.4.03C
Grains Research Updates – Northern and Southern
Issue:
To provide face to face adviser, grower, irrigation and high rainfall updates in the GRDC Northern
and/or Southern Regions to outline and gather feedback on RDE issues of greatest significance to
growers and advisers.
Aim:
There are several important key aims for future GRDC update series:













To continue to provide cutting edge R, D and E information through face to face interaction
between the GRDC, growers and advisers.
To increase update attendances in the Northern and Southern Regions
To provide appropriate networking between GRDC, its investment partners and participants to
improve information flows.
To provide a dynamic and engaging learning environment for participants to maximise
adoption of new technologies and practices.
An ability to highlight GRDC’s responsiveness to emerging industry issues and trends.
To deliver a higher quality, lower cost project to the GRDC.
To deliver updates in high rainfall and irrigated zones where appropriate.
Improving interactivity in the updates
Greater use of a wide range of keynote speakers that provide timely, relevant and quality
information
Target programs for differing skillsets, including experienced and less experienced advisers
Continued importance of “on ground” take home messages
Potential expansion of the number updates in GRDC regions
Provision of regular recommendations on an ongoing basis to the GRDC on suggested
improvements in the program
Project Description:
GRDC is seeking a suitable Update contractor/s with the ability to deliver face to face GRDC
Research Update series in either one or both of the GRDC’s Northern and Southern grain growing
regions for a three (3) year period. The GRDC Research Update services will involve:

The delivery of a program to growers and advisers through face to face adviser and grower
updates (showcasing GRDC and partner R, D & E outputs).

The Updates will be conducted within each of the GRDC’s Northern and Southern Regions
(including summer cropping updates in the Northern Region, high rainfall and irrigation zones
in the Southern Region)

The production of GRDC research update newsletters, email newsletters and other innovative
delivery mechanisms within the GRDC’s Northern Region.
It is expected that Update coordinators will be provide the GRDC a participant list in electronic
Excel format of update participants for integration into the GRDC customer relationship database,
in accordance with GRDC’s obligations under the Privacy Act.
Regular liaision regularly with GRDC Executive Managers and Program Managers, GRDC Panel
Members and GRDC investment partners to identify and coordinate Update issues and latest
research, development and extension topics.
It will be expected that the providers will demonstrate evidence of quality in delivering the
following each of the following services:

Sourcing, researching and planning the Research Update Program for growers in the
respective regions (incorporating a itemised breakdown of costs).

Sourcing, researching and planning the Research Update Program for advisers in the
respective regions (incorporating a itemised breakdown of costs)

Distribution of Update promotional material by fax, mail and/or email on a per item basis.

Production of Update proceedings.

Production of Update newsletters.

Expenses associated with the usage of interstate and international speakers (including
airfares, accommodation and incidental expenses) used in the Research Update program over
the duration of the contract.

Costs for all keynote speakers, including international speakers
41
The next contract will need to employ innovative technologies such as social media and also
consider succession planning of the provider to ensure that adequate backup plans are in place to
deliver update programs.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $300,000 per annum in the Northern Region for three years and
$600,000 per annum in the Southern Region for three years in this project. Applicants can tender
for one or both regions.
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 1
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 2
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 3
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 4
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 5
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 6
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 7
Proposed methods in which the services provided will enhance the
adoption of new practices and technologies and measures to track
progress throughout the life of the program.
Demonstrated ability to ensure all content delivered at Updates will
provide economic and farm business management considerations.
Acknowledgement that the GRDC requires the production of a detailed
GRDC Research Update Business Plan which generates and
coordinates GRDC Research Update activities guided by the GRDC’s
Manager Extension and Grower Programs and the relevant regional
panel chairman (on behalf of the regional panel), following potential
shortlisting of this procurement process. Acknowledgment that the
GRDC will expect status against this plan to be reported upon
quarterly. Evidence of this Business Plan will not only consider in detail
the criteria listed in this plan, but also provide detailed information on
risk management processes associated with the Update services.
A demonstrated understanding of customer segment needs, including
a well-defined awareness and distinction between target audiences
and processes to address specific needs. This includes scheduling of
face to face Updates in a planned way to meet timing and
geographical location requirements to maximise participation and
satisfaction by growers, advisers and agribusiness:

Access to grain grower, adviser, research providers and
agricultural industry networks

Ability to work closely with the Regional Cropping Facilitator
groups in the Northern and Southern Regions and to determine
agendas that are regionally specific

A demonstrated understanding in the differentiation between
adviser and grower updates both in terms of content and
technical data

Evidence that agendas/topics will be agreed upon with the
regional panels and the GRDC prior to promotion

Proposed locations and timings of updates and justifications
explaining how these updates will maximise impact to growers
and advisers.

A demonstrated understanding of how the Update provider will
differentiate materials for both experienced/inexperienced
advisers and growers

Demonstrated evidence to ensure senior
agribusiness/advisers/consultants continue to/will attend
Updates.
Track record and demonstrated agricultural sector knowledge and
experience of the key personnel who will deliver the Update services.
Ability to work collaboratively and share information with other Update
Coordinators and GRDC’s national and other regional communication
providers, attract relevant speakers from GRDC-funded research
projects or the broader agricultural or business sectors to reflect the
topics proposed, including opportunities to include and share
international speakers.
Ability to develop innovative approaches for the delivery of Research
Updates and relevant information, including the use of novel
technologies.
42
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 8
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 9
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 10
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 11
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 12
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 13
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 14
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 15
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 16
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 17
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 18
7.2.4.03C
Criteria 19
The cost effectiveness and value for money of the response and a
detailed provision of cost structures for participants of the updates
and the methodologies used to determine this, both at grower and
adviser level. Demonstrated innovative cost structures to encourage
participation by growers and advisers.
Demonstrated methodologies the tenderer will use for proposed
project evaluation of the Update services, including impact analysis
and changes to attitudes on specific topics of interest to the GRDC,
both pre, during and post update events.
Extent to which the tenderer proposes to manage the delivery of
Update services and ensure continuity of the team delivering Update
services.
Contact details of at least three referees who are familiar with the
tenderer’s previous work in providing Update or similar services.
Term of engagement and performance of the Services in accordance
with the Service Contract.
Full details of any subcontractors that may be used to conduct Update
services.
Conflict of interest identification and management.
Mandatory
Understanding that all Update participants will be provided quarterly
to the GRDC in electronic Excel format for integration into the GRDC
customer relationship database, in accordance with GRDC’s obligations
under the Privacy Act.
Ability to liaise regularly with GRDC Executive Managers and Program
Managers, GRDC Panel Members and GRDC investment partners to
identify and coordinate Update issues and latest research,
development and extension topics.
When costing services the Applicant must include in its response a
total estimated price including (but separately identified) GST to
perform the services together with separate fees including (but
separately identified) GST for each of the following services:

Sourcing, researching and planning the Research Update Program
for growers in the respective regions (incorporating an itemised
breakdown of costs)

Sourcing, researching and planning the Research Update Program
for advisers in the respective regions (incorporating an itemised
breakdown of costs)

Distribution of Update promotional material by fax, mail and/or
email on a per item basis

Production of Update proceedings, on a per item basis

Production of Update newsletters, on a per item basis

Expenses associated with the usage of interstate and
international speakers (including airfares, accommodation and
incidental expenses) used in the Research Update program over
the duration of the contract

Venue and infrastructure.
Fees are to include all costs for all keynote speakers, including
international speakers.
Acknowledgment that the GRDC will undertake a Services Agreement
during the negotiation phase.
Innovative and other value added options that are cost effective and
deliver value for money.
Mandatory
Procurement Method:
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Maureen Cribb
Manager Publications, Grower Services
m.cribb@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
43
7.2.4.04C
Improving Practice Of Spray Drift Management Techniques
Issue:
Management of spray drift presents an on going problem for the grains industry. The movement of
farm chemicals away from the site of application can impact on other crops (through damage or
residue violations), it can impact on native vegetation, animals and biodiversity, and it can impact
human health. Each impact representing potential economic, environmental or trade related risk to
the grains industry. At the same time growers are constantly wanting to maximise the efficacy of
application to ensure that pests, weeds and diseases are managed effectively.
Aim:
The approach for this project is to implement an integrated extension strategy focusing on all
points where growers and applicators seek information, training, equipment and products for
pesticide application in the GRDC Northern, Southern and Western Regions.
The program will have several key aims:

Conduct timely and regionally specific face to face demonstration of the technical and financial
impacts of good versus poor chemical applications with at least 3500 growers attending the
training over the three year period

At least 350 advisers/consultants attended over the three year period

At least 80 machinery dealerships participated in the training over the three year period

Regular upgrades to materials as information from GRDC, researchers and regulators becomes
available

Develop and implement a network of trainers skilled in spray application to deliver regular
pesticide application workshops

Review and integrate website resources into the newly created www.grdc.com.au/spraylinks
website promote weather websites that are most useful for spray application

Develop and update, in conjunction with the GRDC a series of fact sheets on topical issues
relating to spray application

To improve understanding of meteorological conditions as part of the spray drift training
packages

To incorporate spray drift training into accredited packages

To work closely with growers farming systems groups, agribusiness and consultants in the
Northern, Southern and Western Regions

To continue replicated trials to assist the development of materials for the workshops

To incorporate regional variation into workshop materials

Evaluation and exit surveys to understand change in practices and intent of participants

Produce and distribute regular publications, products and services for the GRDC following the
workshops.
 Collaborate with GRDC to ensure that key messages relating to new developments in pesticide
application are distributed via GRDC delivery networks, particularly the GRDC CRM to target
growers that may not attend workshops
 Ensure that industry changes (including outcomes from the National Working Party for
Pesticide Application are incorporated into training programs with pesticide application)
Project Description:
Much of the risk associated with spray drift is able to be managed through a greater understanding
of the factors that contribute to drift, such as; nozzle selection, machinery setup, manner of
operation and meteorological conditions.
Access to this understanding can be provided to grain growers through high quality training,
supported by practical field research. However, this knowledge must also be supported by a
network of suitably skilled advisers, resellers and dealers that all support the same message.
Supporting delivery through new resources will inform new participants.
The GRDC wishes to engage a suitably qualified and experienced person(s) or company to work
with the GRDC to conduct spray drift training in one or more the GRDC Northern, Southern and
Western Regions.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $450,000 per year ($150,000 per region) for three years on this
project.
44
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
7.2.4.04C
Criteria 1
7.2.4.04C
Criteria 2
7.2.4.04C
Criteria 3
7.2.4.04C
Criteria 4
7.2.4.04C
Criteria 5
7.2.4.04C
Criteria 6
7.2.4.04C
Criteria 7
7.2.4.04C
Criteria 8
7.2.4.04C
Criteria 9
7.2.4.04C
Criteria
10
7.2.4.04C
Criteria
11
An understanding of the nature and importance of the tender
to the Australian grains industry.
Soundness of the proposed delivery methods and project
management arrangements, including

Ability to schedule face to face spray drift workshops in a
planned way to meet timing and geographical location
requirements to maximise participation by extension
professionals, researchers, advisers, agribusiness,
resellers, machinery manufacturers and other relevant
industry customers

Proposed methods and soundness of project evaluation
arrangements, including impact analysis

Ability to coordinate all administrative tasks involved
including venues, catering and registration arrangements

Ability to integrate technical aspects with implications for
farm profitability and implications for business
management (e.g. financial considerations) into spray
drift programs

Evidence of a sound approach to, and ability in,
communicating and promoting the workshop widely to
the grains industry

Demonstrated ability to maintain/facilitate follow up
action/support with participants after the workshop.
Access to grain grower, adviser, research providers,
agribusiness, regulatory authorities, training institutions,
state affiliates and other agricultural industry networks.
Demonstrated ability to incorporate all materials generated
under this investment into accredited spray drift training
programs and other adult learning/registered courses and to
adapt to new R and D outcomes into training materials
Demonstrated technical knowledge and experience of the key
personnel to address proposed spray drift management
awareness process and to measure practice change pre,
during and post workshop. Demonstrated communication
skills of nominated personnel.
Develop and provide a timely plain English report on a
quarterly basis for publication on the GRDC website and for
use in other GRDC extension mechanisms.
The cost effectiveness of the tender response including cash
and in-kind commitments from the applicants.
Understanding that all spray drift participants will be provided
quarterly to the GRDC in electronic Excel format for
integration into the GRDC customer relationship database, in
accordance with GRDC’s obligations under the Privacy Act.
Demonstrated plans to use train the trainer processes that
will ensure ongoing succession planning for the delivery of on
farm grain storage extension.
Demonstrated ability to work closely with the GRDC to ensure
all materials are posted on the GRDC website
Mandatory
Innovative and other value added options that are cost
effective and deliver value for money.
Mandatory
Procurement Method:
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Maureen Cribb
Manager Publications, Grower Services
m.cribb@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
45
7.2.4.05B
Improving Grain Storage Extension
Issue:
To develop and implement extension packages for a range of issues relating to the economics and
on farm management of grain storage to growers, advisers and manufacturers in the Northern,
Southern and Western grains regions.
The objective of this project is to ensure growers have the confidence to implement practical grain
storage options on farm. This project will provide improved understanding and awareness on
issues to do with on farm storage of grain, with at least 360 advisers (120 per region) participating
in workshops and 6,000 growers (2,000 per region) implementing grain storage options over the
three year period, as a result of extension activities (to be measured by the successful provider).
The objective can be broken down into these main segments:

Collate industry information into one place.

Conduct demonstrations and workshops in each GRDC region to provide on farm training and
provide follow-up support to ensure that growers are confident in making decisions whether to
adopt and how to manage on-farm storage

To make sure growers are equipped with skills and knowledge so growers can make decisions
about grain storage management appropriate to their situation.

To ensure ongoing capacity exists for the training of grain storage extension.
Aim:
The project will provide information resources and pre and post follow-up services for grain
growers and associated service industries in the field of grain storage. Enabling informed decisions
based on research outcomes in areas such as pest control, grain quality management and storage
equipment investment options. It is also envisaged that further investment will also add a focus
towards greater integration with silo manufacturers, farming systems groups and agribusiness.
This project aslo has a major role in ensuring the CRC for National Plant Biosecurity research and
development outcomes are integrated into training and extended back to growers and their
influencers.
Project Description:
This investment aims to build on existing work through the maintenance and ongoing
enhancement of industry based resources and expand the suite of follow-up services on the topic
of grains storage. Delivery of on farm grain storage options requires extension services nationally
to ensure growers make fully informed decisions for maximum value for their harvest.
Specific issues to be addressed include:
•

•

•
•
•
Preparation and management techniques to maximise profit:
Full management packages to develop guidelines – including the key questions growers
should ask in determining and implementing storage options
Economics of grain storage and market conditions, including the delivery of farm storage
management options and levels of risk
Tactics for minimising insect resistance to grain storage chemicals
Grain hygiene principles for on farm storage
Chemical application and MRL incidences
Ongoing information to meet legislative, safety and end-user requirements
The GRDC wishes to engage a suitably qualified and experienced person(s) or company to work
with the GRDC to develop on farm storage materials, economic packages and ongoing grower and
adviser based support to improve quality of uptake of adoption of on farm grain storage by
growers. It is expected that the successful applicant(s) will need to work closely with agribusiness,
grower groups, grain handlers and other industry organisations to widely disseminate information
generated and feedback received. Applicants may choose to respond in one or more of the three
GRDC regions over a three-year period.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $600,000 per annum for up to three years for this project.
($200,000 per annum in the Northern Region, Southern Region and Western Region).
46
Specific Selection Criteria
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 1
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 2
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 3
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 4
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 5
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 6
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 7
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 8
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 9
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 10
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 11
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 12
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 13
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 14
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 15
7.2.4.05C
Criteria 16
An understanding of the nature and importance of the tender to the
Australian grains industry.
Demonstrated ability to run face to face demonstrations and collate existing
resources generated in on-farm storage in each of the GRDC regions,
according to regional requirements but maintain a degree of consistency in
approach national. The GRDC requires the number of workshops proposed
during the three year period to be listed and likely target audiences and
projected numbers.
Demonstrated ability to ensure all extension materials will incorporate
economic and risk management considerations of on farm grain storage,
including proposed measures and methods for comparison against “best
practice” and quality assured principles. This includes the ability to deliver
economic analysis and engage with appropriate expertise.
Demonstrated ability to ensure agribusiness, grower groups, suppliers,
resellers, grain handlers and other industry organisations adopt on farm
grain storage extension products and services from this work.
Demonstrated ability to create or further develop a range of supporting
materials, such as toolkits, factsheets, newsletters and other information
resources covering on farm storage.
Demonstrated ability to provide follow-up support for growers and their
influencers outside workshops, including proposed techniques to
demonstrate practice change.
Proposed monitoring and evaluation techniques to determine impact of all
materials generated within the on farm grain storage extension project.
Ability to work closely with the GRDC to provide targeted and timely
dissemination of outcomes.
Ability to use grower case studies and ability to work with media and other
industry dissemination vehicles.
Demonstrated project management skills including a detailed
implementation plan for face to face contact with growers and advisers to
disseminate key messages for on-farm grain storage.
Demonstrated ability to promote grain storage activities and opportunities to
leverage from other grains industry activities to maximise participation.
Demonstrated ability to work and deliver all information generated to the
GRDC for insertion on the GRDC website and GRDC customer relationship
management system, including details of all participants.
Demonstrated technical knowledge and experience of the key personnel,
including sub-contractors if applicable.
Demonstrated plans to use train the trainer processes that will ensure
ongoing succession planning for the delivery of on farm grain storage
extension.
The cost effectiveness and value for money of the tender response, including
cash and/or in-kind commitments from the applicants and leverage
opportunities.
Innovative and other value added options for the extension and economics
of on farm grain storage.
Procurement Method:
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Maureen Cribb
Manager Publications, Grower Services
m.cribb@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
47
7.2.4.06C
National And Regional Agribusiness Reference Groups
Issue:
Growers continue to use agribusiness and consultants to validate on farm decisions. This project
demonstrates the importance of GRDC engaging with agribusiness, in all its forms, to create an
additional conduit for the results of grains industry funded R, D and E to be delivered to grain
growers. Agribusiness has an equivalent desire to engage with GRDC.
Aim:
The




objective of these projects is to;
Strengthen GRDC’s relationship with agribusiness
Improve information collection
Disseminate research findings
Provide an avenue for agribusiness to participate in the investment process.
To collate grower Research, Development and Extension issues in a timely manner and to provide
feedback via a large pool of consultants nationally and within the regions

To ensure that consultants are made aware of the issues facing the grains industry in a timely
manner from an R,D, E context

To assist in understanding the influence of pratices adopted by growers at a regional level

To involve agribusiness in strategic and tactical operations of the GRDC and other issues of
significance to the Australian grains industry

To involve agribusiness in testing new GRDC extension based platforms
 To ensure regional agribusiness can engage with the GRDC Panel system and GRDC based
investments in a formal manner
Project Description:
This project focuses on facilitating the engagement of agribusiness with GRDC at a strategic and
operational level with agribusiness representatives through ongoing maintenance of a National
Agribusiness Reference Group (NARG) and Regional Agribusiness Reference Groups (RARG) that
will function in the GRDC Northern, Southern and Western Regions to:

Ensure identification of key issues for attention of GRDC in terms of delivery of RD&E outputs
via agribusiness advisers to grain grower levy payers

Consider grains policy and relevant future industry issues that might affect grains RD&E
priorities and industry profitability

Develop collaborative working relationships at a national and regional level including specific
and relevant regional projects on as required basis

Link where appropriate to GRDC delivery activities to double as a feedback mechanism and
seek out wider data that will inform a more focussed and structured engagement strategy

Determine key issues for potential joint project work

Report quarterly on progress agribusiness engagement that arise from the market research
 Engage GRDC in NARG and RARG activities
The Services are to continue to manage on behalf of the Grains Research and Development
Corporation (GRDC) the facilitation of the GRDC-Agribusiness Engagement Strategy with clearly
defined facilitation to enable ongoing management of the relationship with agribusiness by the
GRDC at the conclusion of this project.
Key facilitation will include:
NARG

At least two face to face meetings per year with agendas agreed in conjunction with the GRDC

Other interaction:
o
Informal between meeting contact
o
Email network
o
Provide quarterly feedback on key issues

Act as a network for communicating issues and feeding into GRDC investments and extension

Pre, during and post evaluation of all meetings and teleconferences
48
RARG




At least one face to face meeting per year – two groups in each GRDC region with agendas
agreed in conjunction with the GRDC
Other interaction:
o
Informal between meeting contact
o
Email network
o
Provide quarterly feedback on key issues
Act as a network for communicating issues and feeding into GRDC investments and extension
Pre, during and post evaluation of all meetings and teleconferences
Outcomes from facilitating stronger relationships and participation with agribusiness include:

Increasing efficiency and consistency in grains research and advisory work through:
o Two way communication
o Networks and package to aid R&D adoption
o Regular input to research, development and extension priorities

Agribusinesses acting as a partner with GRDC to achieve environmental and production
practice change in their networks of growers;
o Increase research adoption of agreed issues per annum between the GRDC and
agribusiness

Measure the ability to obtain many different perspectives of the grains industry from a wide
range of varied agribusinesses enabling a strong strategic focus for the industry;

Improving the quality and uptake of information and knowledge generated by focusing on
communication, extension and delivery issues;

Agribusiness participating with grain producers to identify RD&E priorities for the future;

Establishing arrangements for participation of both GRDC and agribusiness in strategic
planning activities.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $120,000 per year for three years in this project to cover both
the National and Regional Agribusiness Reference Groups.
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 1
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 2
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 3
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 4
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 5
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 6
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 7
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 8
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 9
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 10
7.2.4.06C
Criteria 11
An understanding of the scale and potential relevance of this project to the
Australian grains industry.
Ability to provide assistance and support in developing responses to
meeting issues including analysis of agribusiness needs and challenges and
the design of creative solutions.
Ability to provide high quality communication (written and verbal) with
stakeholders on strategic and operational issues – including ability to
shape strategic thinking and achieving results.
The cost effectiveness of the tender response including cash and in-kind
commitments from the applicant.
Demonstrated project management skills, including development of a
proposed implementation plan and associated support materials.
Soundness of the proposed methodology, including project management
and project evaluation arrangements on a quarterly basis to the GRDC.
Ability to liaise and work collaboratively with the GRDC’s Regional Panels
and other GRDC project staff as required.
Demonstrated ability to meet short deadlines and proven communication
and facilitation skills.
Demonstrated technical knowledge, communication skills, organisational
skills and experience of the key personnel when partnering with
agribusiness.
Ability to work closely with the Regional Cropping Solutions groups
Mandatory
Innovative and other value added options that are cost effective and
deliver value for money.
Mandatory
49
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Procurement Method:
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Maureen Cribb
Manager Publications, Grower Services
m.cribb@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
50
7.4.3.01C
Converting information from research reports for a grower
audience
Issue:
Projects often generate research reports for a number of reasons, be it compliance, scientific
discovery or to validate complex hypotheses. Often these reports are written in such a way that
interpretation is difficult for industry, particularly growers to understand. With this in mind, it is
important that the GRDC translates this information into a format that can be widely understood
by growers and the people that influence them.
Aim:
To publish electronically and hard copy:

a series of A4 booklets written in plain English which contain relevant and timely information
in an easy to use format

topics of high relevance to the grains industry across the Northern, Southern and Western
Regions

to deliver publications in a manner that is timely to industry needs and key decision cycles for
growers
Project Description:
This project consists of the following:




The re-writing (or sub-editing in some cases) of GRDC finalised research reports which have
been identified for wider distribution to the grains industry. Some reports will require
extensive re-writing into plain English (particularly where the content is at a high technical
level) and in other instances excellent sub-editing skills will be required.
Provision of graphic design, production and print services (where applicable) to the GRDC of
nominated A4 research reports. All reports must conform to the GRDC’s research reports
template and the design is to be inclusive of the redrawing of any information graphics, layout,
proof-reading, author’s corrections, image sourcing and preparation etc. Each research report
is to be provided to the GRDC in XML, tagged PDF and in HTML formats. Where a report has
been identified by the GRDC for print, numbers will be determined by the GRDC and delivery
will be to the GRDC’s distribution outlet in Canberra. The final draft of all reports are to be
submitted to the GRDC for approval and all finalised reports are to submitted to the GRDC as
PDF print-ready files.
Provision of a draft media release, webpage or email/SMS text promoting the content of each
of the research reports.
A minimum of 20 research reports are to be delivered in this project.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $150,000 per year for 3 years in this project.
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Specific Selection Criteria tabulated below:
7.4.3.01C
Criteria 1
7.4.3.01C
Criteria 2
7.4.3.01C
Criteria 3
7.4.3.01C
Criteria 4
7.4.3.01C
Criteria 5
Demonstrated technical knowledge of the grains industry
Mandatory
Proven ability of sound writing and editing skills, with a focus on grower
friendly written products
Demonstrated graphic design and production and printing skills
Mandatory
Excellent relevant track record of the project supervisor and of all key
personnel involved in the project
The cost effectiveness and value for money of the tender response,
including cash and/or in-kind commitments from the applicants is
essential to progress this report.
Mandatory
51
Mandatory
Mandatory
Procurement Method:
Multi-stage Tender (refer page 9)
Closing Date:
20 October 2011 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details:
Maureen Cribb
Manager Publications, Grower Services
m.cribb@grdc.com.au
Ph 02 6166 4500
52