M ULTI STAGE T ENDER 2014-15
T
3: P
Y
C
T
4: A
P
F
S
© Grains Research and Development Corporation 2013

2

Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 4
Contact Information ................................................................................................................. 7
Key Dates .................................................................................................................................. 7
Guidelines for Applicants ........................................................................................................ 8
A Quick Checklist ................................................................................................................... 13
PROTECTING YOUR CROP ................................................................................................... 14
19.03.2014 Impacts of host resistance on disease-induced yield loss for selected foliar and root diseases (including nematodes) in wheat and barley crops ……………………….16
ADVANCING PROFITABLE FARMING SYSTEMS ………………………………………………. .21
11.04.2014 Northern Farming Systems – integrating research solutions for profitable outcomes ……………………………………………………………………………………………….23

The purpose of this component of the GRDC Multi-stage Tender Plan 2014-15 (Plan) is to inform potential research partners about two of the Corporation’s new investment priorities for 2014-15. This Plan provides an opportunity for researchers to apply to work with GRDC in furthering the identified priorities through the delivery of research projects selected by GRDC as a result of this competitive, multi-stage tender process.
This document sets out the priorities and the Guidelines necessary for applicants to submit a tender to
GRDC in response to this Plan.
In preparing this Plan, 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 2014-15 investments.
Responses should address the research priorities and all Selection Criteria identified in this Plan . Failure to do this may result in a tender not being considered by the GRDC for investment.
How are GRDC investment priorities determined?
The GRDC Multi-stage Tender Plan 2014-15 is the result of a rigorous consultative process, incorporating the following considerations:

Initiating strategies to achieve new strategic intentions of the 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 o
Meeting Market Requirements
Improving Crop Yield o o
Protecting Your Crop
Advancing Profitable Farming Systems o Improving Your Farm Resource Base o Building Skills and Capacity

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.

Consultation with stakeholders through GRDC Regional Panels
The GRDC Regional and National Panels play an important role in determining the Corporation’s investment priorities. The Panels consult extensively with growers and researchers through regional cropping solutions groups, linkage groups, tours, site visits and project reviews. Identification of research, development and extension (RD&E) requirements for the 2014-15 investment cycle began in 2012. Prioritisation of the research issues took place during the early part of 2013 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 2013.
4


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) 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 m anagement 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 2014-15
The GRDC already has over $130 million in continuing investments for 2014-15. There are some important
RD&E issues that are of high priority to the industry where the GRDC is NOT seeking new investments in 2014-
15 because the Corporation believes that these are being adequately addressed within the current portfolio.
How do we intend to pursue new investment priorities?
GRDC uses various different market approaches to pursue its investment priorities throughout each year.
These include ‘open’ tender processes (single and multi-stage approaches), ‘limited’ tender opportunities to a class or category of potential applicants as well as ‘direct’ negotiations with pre-identified research organisations.
This Plan outlines GRDC’s multi-stage tender process whereby GRDC is looking for applicants to identify innovative options against the identified priorities as part of the initial stage of assessment. From this assessment GRDC will identify a shortlist of tenders in each of the priorities. These shortlisted tenders will enter a second stage of assessment that may involve further detailed consultation between shortlisted applicants and
GRDC with the aim of developing those tenders into a comprehensive project specification for final consideration by GRDC. From these specifications, successful tenders may then be selected for investment.
Responding to the GRDC
Initial responses are now sought using the Multi-stage Tender Form 2014-15 , which is available on the GRDC website http://www.grdc.com.au/Investment-Plan . Applicants must submit their tender in the required GRDC
Multi-stage Tender Form and ensure it is lodged by the relevant Closing Time as described in this Plan .
Following assessment of responses, the GRDC may further negotiate project specifications with selected organisations.
How does the GRDC assess tenders?
The Guidelines (below) set out the process for assessment of tenders by GRDC. 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 set out in
5

this Plan. A shortlist of preferred tenders is then prepared and those applicants will be invited to submit a detailed project specification to GRDC.
A significant proportion of tenders received each year by GRDC are not shortlisted to proceed to the project specification stage.
Throughout the selection process all tenders remain confidential.
Guidelines
Please read the Guidelines on pages 9 of this document. These provide important information about the
GRDC’s requirements in relation to submission of tenders under this Plan.
A failure to adhere to these Guidelines may result in a tender not being considered by the GRDC for investment under this process.
6

Contact Information
The GRDC welcomes questions from potential applicants on any of the proposed investments within the investment priorities set out in this Plan. These questions should be submitted via email to tenders@grdc.com.au
, setting out the details of the enquiry as well as details of the research ‘theme(s)’ and project number(s) as relevant to that enquiry. Questions will be accepted no later than one (1) week before the
Closing Time for Tenders.
Potential applicants should direct all enquiries about this tender to the email address noted above, and should not seek to contact individual GRDC staff directly to discuss their proposed applications.
The GRDC will endeavour to publish the questions with answers within 3 working days on its website at http://www.grdc.com.au/Investment-Plan . The GRDC will not disclose the source of the questions.
Potential applicants should visit the above website link in order to consider any additional information published by GRDC about this Plan which may be relevant to their application.
Lodgement of Tenders
Tender must be lodged in accordance with the requirements set out in this Plan, including that they must be lodged by the relevant Closing Time and in the form of the Multi-stage Tender Form 2014-15 available on the
GRDC website http://www.grdc.com.au/Investment-Plan .
All tenderers must be lodged by sending them electronically (via email) to: tenders@grdc.com.au
Release of the GRDC Multi-stage Tender Plan
2014-15
24 December 2013
Close of submission of applicant questions 26 January 2014
CLOSING TIME for lodgement of tenders under the GRDC Multi-stage
Tender Plan 2014-15
Stage 1 – Initial assessments and shortlisting
2:00PM (AEST) Monday 3
FEBRUARY 2014
4 February 2014 to 28 February
2014
By 10 February 2014 Anticipated date of notification to applicants on outcomes of Stage1
Stage 2 – Detailed assessments and finalisation of specifications with shortlisted applicants
Anticipated date of notification to applicants on outcomes of Stage1 and award of 14-15 R&D contracts
Commencement of new R&D contracts
Some of the projects may commence pre 1 July 2014 depending on evaluation and contracting progress.
February 2014 to March 2014
By 30 March 2014
From 1 July 2014
7

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 Australian grains industry.
This GRDC Multi-stage Tender Plan 2014-15 , therefore, provides a competitive process by which GRDC’s prospective partners can propose, plan and develop high quality, professional research projects that help to drive innovation in the Australian grains industry, taking account of the research priorities and themes identified by
GRDC in this Plan. The information contained in these Guidelines is intended to provide a clear basis for applicants in developing a comprehensive response to the investment priorities published in this Multi-stage
Tender Plan 2014-15.
1. Selection Criteria
The overall objective of this competitive process is for GRDC to select investments under each of the GRDC identified research themes, that:
 represent overall value for money taking account of the technical and performance qualities of the research proposals tendered, as well as the associated risks and costs; and
 deliver beneficial outcomes to the Australian grains industry.
Each research theme outlined in this plan also contains various proposed projects, each of which sets out the relevant Selection Criteria. Tenders will be assessed against the applicable Selection Criteria which provide critical guidance on what you need to demonstrate in order to be competitive in this process. Applicants must address each Selection Criterion as part of their tender. If Selection Criteria are weighted, this will indicate their relative importance.
Each project also contains a ‘proposed investment’ which represents a maximum amount GRDC intends to invest in these areas under this Multi-stage Tender Plan 2014-15 . All amounts are specified in Australian dollars.
Applicants must consider these amounts in determining budgets as part of their tendered pricing, noting that the overall costs of proposals will form part of GRDC’s assessment. Tendered pricing should be in Australian dollars, unless otherwise stated. Prices not stated in Australian dollars may be converted to Australian dollars for the purposes of comparative evaluation as part of this process.
2. Lodgement of Responses
Tenders must be in the form of the Multi-stage Tender Form 2014-15 (available at the GRDC website http://www.grdc.com.au/Investment-Plan ) and signed by the relevant applicant(s) in accordance with these
Guidelines.
Tenders must be lodged electronically (via email) to: tenders@grdc.com.au
Tenders must be received by GRDC on or before the Closing Time of 2:00PM (AEST) MONDAY DAY 3
FEBRUARY 2014.
3. Multi-applicant tenders
The GRDC will consider tenders from multiple applicants. This allows applicants to team up with other applicants to develop and lodge a tender.
A tender involving more than one applicant must either:
 be signed by each named applicant (either under a single tender document or in identical signed counterparts of that tender); or
 contain written letter(s) of acceptance of, and support for, the tender signed by each of the named applicants.
Multiapplicant tenders must indicate which applicant will be the ‘lead organisation’ responsible for negotiation of the detailed proposal with the GRDC pursuant to this process.
8

4. Late tenders
Any tenders not received in full on or before the Closing Time and in the manner specified in section 2 of these
Guidelines will be taken to be late and may, at the GRDC’s discretion, be excluded from consideration. The decision of the GRDC as to whether a tender is a late tender will be final.
5. Multiple (separate) tenders
Applicants may lodge more than one tender to the investment priorities listed in this Plan. However, applicants should note that each tender will be assessed separately against the Selection Criteria on its own merits.
Applicants should therefore ensure each separate tender is self-contained and addresses all requirements relevant to that tender.
6. Part proposals
While the GRDC may consider proposals from applicants to carry out only part of a research project, the GRDC encourages applicants in this position to consider partnering with other potential applicants to develop a complete tender.
7. Matters Concerning Tenders
7.1 Ownership of Tender Documents
The GRDC must retain all documents submitted in response to this Multi-stage Tender 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.
Submission of a tender in this process does not affect the ownership of any intellectual property rights that may exist in the tender, which will not be transferred to the GRDC. However, GRDC (including its officers, employees and permitted advisers and contractors) may use and reproduce any material contained in the tender, or provided by the applicant in response to this process, to the extent necessary to conduct the assessment and in the preparation of any resultant contract (if applicable).
7.2 Applicants to inform themselves
Applicants are considered to have:
 examined the GRDC Multi-stage Tender Plan 2014-15 , any document referred to in it and any other information made available in writing by the GRDC to potential applicants for the purpose of preparing tenders;
 examined these 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; and
 satisfied themselves as to the correctness and sufficiency of their tender including their costing.
7.3 Applicants ’ acknowledgement
Tenders are made on the basis that applicants acknowledge, agree and represent 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 Multi-stage Tender 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;
 they have the authority and all permissions necessary to submit their tender (including proper authority and consent necessary to submit the tender on behalf of other applicants named in their tender), including the submission of the details of the proposed research project;
 their tender, including the submission of the tender in this process as well as the proposed research project, does not violate the intellectual property rights of any person and all necessary consents, releases, assignments and licences have been obtained by the applicant;
 their tender does not contain any content that is illegal, contrary to any laws, in breach of any confidence owed to another person or defamatory; and
 their tender does not contain any misrepresentations or suggestion that any entity has the approval or sponsorship of any other entity which it does not have.
9

8. Assessment Process
This assessment process involves the evaluation of the tender on merit as it relates to the priorities and Selection
Criteria in this Multi-stage Tender Plan; consideration of its relationship to existing investment in a thematic area; and an overall assessment of the tender against the full GRDC portfolio and overall value for money. The assessment will take place in March 2014 , leading up to the preparation of the GRDC’s Annual Operational Plan
(AOP) 2014-15.
8.1 Stage 1 - initial assessment stage
Following receipt of tenders in response to this Plan, GRDC will evaluate all valid tenders using a tender evaluation team and other experts, if appropriate.
All valid tenders will be evaluated against the relevant Selection Criteria as outlined in this Plan.
Tenders that do not address the Selection Criteria, or fail to adequately demonstrate overall value for money or the ability to deliver beneficial outcomes to the Australian grains industry generally, risk not progressing 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 project.
The GRDC may, based on the initial assessment stage, determine a shortlist for progression to Stage 2 of this process.
GRDC aims to notify applicants on outcomes of Stage 1 by 31 March 2014.
8.2 Stage 2 –detailed negotiation and assessment stage
Shortlisted applicants will be invited by the GRDC to submit further, detailed information regarding their tender, with a view to developing a GRDC project specification for final assessment by GRDC. Detailed specifications must be submitted using the format specified by the GRDC. The terms and conditions of the
GRDC’s standard Research and Development Agreement will form the basis of shortlisted research projects (see section 11 below).
GRDC may enter into negotiations or discussions with applicants during this stage.
All shortlisted detailed project specifications will then be evaluated by GRDC against the relevant Selection
Criteria as outlined in this Plan. GRDC will select successful projects for investment by GRDC based on its final assessment of that proposal and in light of the overall value for money of the proposal and its ability to deliver beneficial outcomes to the Australian grains industry.
GRDC aims to notify shortlisted applicants on outcomes of Stage 2 in early 2014, with the aim that 2014-15 research contracts will be entered into with successful applicants by the end of March 2014 in readiness for commencement of contracted research projects from 1 July 2014.
GRDC’s decision in relation to the shortlisting of tenders, or selection of successful tenders under any stage of this process, is final. GRDC may shortlist and/or select any number of tenders (including zero) as a result of evaluation in each of the research themes identified in this Plan.
GRDC will take reasonable steps to promptly notify the applicants of the outcome of the evaluation of their tenders under this process. GRDC will, on request, make available a debrief outlining the reasons that a tender was unsuccessful.
Notwithstanding any other section of this Plan:

G RDC’s commitment to invest in a successful project remains at all times subject to an agreed contract being executed by the relevant successful applicant(s) and the GRDC; and
 all awarded contracts arising from the process will be subject to the approval o f the Corporation’s AOP by the Minister responsible for R&D Corporations. [ Note: 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 .]Some of the projects may commence pre 1 July 2014 as they have already received approval as part of an earlier
AOP.
9. Confidentiality
GRDC will treat information contained in a tender as confidential as part of this assessment process.
10

In support of its evaluation process, the GRDC reserves the right to refer a tender to external contractors, advisers or experts for advice, verification or assistance. If the GRDC does so it will require those external persons to treat the information as confidential before the GRDC provides that information to them. The GRDC reserves the right not to disclose any external expert’s advice or opinion on any aspect of this process to applicants.
The confidentiality of information arising from any successful project will be as specified in the relevant contract between the successful applicant and the GRDC. GRDC reserves the right to publically disclose the names of any contractors awarded a contract under this process as well as any subcontractors engaged under those contracts.
10. No obligation to accept any tender
The GRDC is not obliged to accept any tender submitted.
Applicants should be aware that, as required under Commonwealth policy, GRDC will not enter into a contract with a supplier that has had a judicial decision against it (not including decisions under appeal) relating to employee entitlements and has not paid the claim. GRDC may seek to verify this position prior to the award of any contract.
11. GRDC Research Agreement 2014-15
GRDC’s investments under this Plan will be made under the terms of the GRDC’s standard Research Agreement
(Two-Party or Multi-Party, as applicable). Copies of the 2013-14 GRDC standard Research Agreement are available at http://www.grdc.com.au/Apply/Research-Agreements . The 2014-15 GRDC standard Research
Agreement will not depart significantly from the 2013-14 version and will be available at the above website link from January 2014.
Applicants should therefore make themselves aware of the terms of the standard Research Agreement as part of preparing and submitting their application under this process. Tenders are submitted to GRDC on the basis that any resultant research and development projects will be delivered under those terms.
The GRDC reserves the right to negotiate the terms and conditions of contracts as it deems appropriate for each project.
12. 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 at any stage, but may decline to accept any clarification that effectively alters the tender or attempts to retract material business or technical issues specified in its tender or previously resolved during negotiations with GRDC.
13. Disclaimer
APPLICANTS PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCESS ENTIRELY AT THEIR OWN RISK.
This Multi-stage Tender Plan does not in any way commit, or otherwise oblige, the GRDC to proceed with any part described in it.
The GRDC (including its directors, employees, agents and contractors) will not be responsible or liable in any way for any costs incurred by any applicants associated with applying for, or participating in, any stage of this process, irrespective of the outcome of this process.
To the extent permitted by law, the GRDC excludes all rights, remedies, guarantees, conditions and warranties in respect of this process whether based in statute, common law or otherwise arising in any way out of this application process including, without limitation, arising in relation to:
 technical malfunctions, delays, inaccuracies or failures, including those resulting from accessing any materials related to the investment process;
 any incorrect, inaccurate or incomplete information communicated in the course of, or in connection with, this process; or
 the receipt, custody, handling and/or evaluation of any tender submitted in connection with this process.
14. The GRDC's Rights
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
11

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 GRDC
Multi-stage Tender Plan 2014-2015 solely on financial grounds, regardless of the quality of tenders.
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:
 change the structure, timing, approach, contents or requirements of the tender process, including amending this Multi-stage Tender Plan ; or
 suspend or cancel this tender process; in which case it will endeavour to notify applicants (e.g. via its website).
Applicants should be aware that GRDC is a Commonwealth authority and therefore is subject to specific
Commonwealth laws and policies that are relevant to the manner in which it conducts its business. In this regard, applicants should be aware that:

GRDC is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth) which gives members of the public specific
 rights of access to documents in the possession of the GRDC;
GRDC may be subject to requirements to disclose details about its activities (including its contracts) as part of Ministerial and/or Parliamentary reporting requirements.
In addition to any other right contained in these Guidelines, GRDC may immediately exclude any applicant from this process where it considers that the applicant (and/or any person associated with that applicant) has:
 engaged in misleading or deceptive conduct in relation to this application process;
 engaged in any collusive tendering, anti-competitive conduct, or any other unlawful or unethical conduct in connection with this application process; or
 attempted to improperly influence any officer, employee or agent of GRDC, or violate any applicable laws regarding the offering of inducements in connection with this process.
12

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 GRDC Multi-stage 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 Selection Criteria?
It is extremely important to demonstrate that you comply with all specified conditions and that you address all the
Selection Criteria and any other specified requirements. Remember, if you do not address the Selection 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 in each tender listed in this Plan is the cap.
Have you emphasized what sets you apart from your competitors?
Think about how you would evaluate your tender against the Selection 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.
13

This theme aims to develop cost-effective control options that prevent pests, weeds and diseases from causing crop yield and quality losses, and increase growers’ profit.
Existing control measures for pests, weeds and diseases require on-going review in light of:
 potential and actual incursions of exotic pests
 changes in regulation of pesticide use and access
 the need to reduce the cost and increase the speed of delivery of resistant and tolerant varieties manage herbicide and pesticide resistance provide ongoing stewardship of gene technology and pesticide products to support long-term access.
The ‘Protecting your crop’ theme develops the cultural, chemical and genetic options available to manage key pests, weeds and diseases in each region. Management options need to take into account cost-effectiveness, resilience of control strategies and flexibility to fit different farming systems.
The table below details the aspirational and intermediate outcomes for this theme, as well as the performance measures.
Table Planned outcomes for Theme
—Protecting your crop
Aspirational outcome (10+ years)
Australian grain growers managing their farms to maximise profit and reduce risk by adopting effective, sustainable and efficient control of weeds, pests and diseases .
Intermediate outcomes (5 years)
Outcome Practice changes and key metrics
Effective, sustainable and efficient management of weeds
Effective, sustainable and efficient management of vertebrate and invertebrate pests
Effective, sustainable and efficient management of cereal rusts
Effective, sustainable and efficient management of cereal (non-rust), pulse and oilseed fungal pathogens
Effective, sustainable and efficient management of nematodes
Effective, sustainable and efficient management of viruses and bacteria
 Growers use a combination of new genetic, biological, cultural and chemical weed management tools to reduce crop losses and minimise control costs.
Growers use a combination of new genetic, biological, cultural and chemical tools to reduce crop losses and minimise control costs of vertebrate and invertebrate pests.
Growers use a combination of new genetic, cultural and fungicide management tools to reduce crop losses and minimise control costs of cereal rusts.
Growers use a combination of new genetic, cultural and fungicide management tools to control cereal
(non-rust), pulse and oilseed root and foliar fungal diseases.
New genetic, biological and cultural management



A greater proportion of growers and their advisers monitor crops for pests, weeds and diseases.
Breeders and pre-breeders use available genetic diversity for resistance and tolerance breeding.
Growers and their advisers cost-effectively manage pests, weeds and diseases.
A greater proportion of growers and their advisers use practices to increase pesticide longevity and reduce the risk of resistance.

More than 70% of growers are aware of integrated weed, pest or disease management practices, and 50% use some form of integrated management methods on their farm.
14

tools for the control of nematodes are delivered.
Growers use a combination of new genetic and cultural management tools for the control of viruses and bacteria.
Biosecurity and pesticide stewardship
Effective biosecurity and science-based support for pesticide and genetic technology stewardship.



A greater proportion of growers and their advisers use surveillance and biosecurity measures to manage and prepare for incursion and containment of exotic plant pests, plants and diseases.

At least 50% of growers undertake on-farm practices to maintain or improve their biosecurity.
Breeders and pre-breeders use available genetic diversity to deliver varieties resistant to high-risk biosecurity threats.
A greater proportion of growers and their advisers manage stewardship of pesticides and varieties to prolong pesticide effectiveness and ensure safety to health and the environment.

90% of growers undertake activities to delay the onset of or manage herbicide resistance in weed populations.
15

Issue:
GRDC currently invests approximately $1.5M p.a. on the development of disease resistance and tolerance ratings for a wide range of foliar pathogens, crown rot, common root rot (CRR), cereal cyst nematode (CCN) and root lesion nematodes ( Pratylenchus. thornei , P. neglectus and other Pratylenchus species) on wheat and barley varieties. Despite this significant and well-warranted, level of investment, less has been done in terms of the yield losses due to these diseases. In particular, the development of disease response curves indicating the potential yield losses associated with the selection of varieties with low levels (MS, S, VS) of varietal resistance has been identified by GRDC panels as a priority.
Project Description:
This investment will seek to develop robust guidelines (response curves) that effectively demonstrate and promote the production losses associated with selected foliar and root diseases, for the range of disease resistances/tolerances in current and near-to-release wheat and barley varieties. Nematode number build-up under different resistance profiles will also be measured and communicated post-harvest to demonstrate the implications for the following season if a variety with poor genetic resistance is used.
Contracted operators and researchers will, where possible, utilise field validation sites that are integrated with existing trial networks (grower group extension sites and NVT pathology, etc.) to ensure maximised cost efficiency and exposure to growers and advisers.
Data captured will be submitted annually to a centralised database for storage and made readily accessible for other industry R, D and E activities.
Extension, communication and promotional plans will be put in place at the time of contracting and complement/collaborate with GRDC communication resources and personnel. Annual review of these activities in light of evaluation and monitoring results will ensure the investment stays on track to achieve the stated investment R.O.I.
It is expected that final outcome statements will be finalised as part of the multi-staged tender process but in general applicants should expect that they will consist of:
Outcome:
The anticipated OUTCOME of the investment is:
Growers to have a minimum of 15% improved wheat and barley production and/or system cost efficiency through enhanced knowledge pertaining to effective management decisions that consider regional economic thresholds for controlling the major foliar and root pathogens of wheat and barley where host resistance is available.
An important INTERMEDIATE OUTCOME is to be:
Deliver annually commencing 31 December 2016, response curves that reflect the impact of wheat and barley foliar diseases including but not limited to all rusts, yellow (tan) spot in wheat and spot and net blotch in barley; response curves for yield impacts of nematodes including P neglectus nationally and P thornei (Southern & Northern), and P. teres (Western), and in the presence and absence of crown rot in the Northern Region on wheat and barley are known by industry.
Note: GRDC is willing to consider other diseases of cereals on a case by case basis where justified on a regional level or as a perceived threat.
Outputs:
As part of this multi-stage tender process, GRDC invites applicants to design, plan and submit their own ensemble of delivery outputs that they feel are necessary to achieving the investment outcome. Applicants are to be informed that all submissions will be rigorously scrutinised on these S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Realistic and Tangible) outputs as part of the evaluation process.
16

The following are some examples of the general output activities anticipated from this investment:
1. A coordinated and collaborative research program that maximizes collaborative interaction between researchers and minimizes overlap and duplication of effort.
2. By March 2016, a technical publication collating the results and outcomes of relevant research on yield loss – host resistance relationships for important foliar and root diseases of wheat and barley
3. Yield loss – host resistance relationships presented to growers in a variety of differing formats, including on paper (fact-sheets, reports, inclusion in sowing guides etc), through the NVT website, and in novel
‘learning’ formats such as ‘Rustman’.
4. Extensive further field results on disease/yield loss relationships for priority diseases accomplished through appropriate field experimentation on the specific disease.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to $900,000 per year for 5 years in this project nationally
Applying:
Applicants may submit proposals for individual Modules. However, GRDC encourages applicants that use project coordination and collaboration between organisations to deliver the projects.
Applicants are encouraged to:

Submit proposals for more than one Module of the investment.

Build partnerships between research organisations, breeding companies, agribusiness and regional grower groups.

Identify opportunities to build skills and capacity.

Describe whether investment outcomes/ outputs can be cost effectively enhanced, expanded, more widely adopted or fast tracked by the allocation of additional funding.
Applications must:

Be submitted using the GRDC Multi-stage Tender Form.

Include a detailed budget outlining the potential investment from all parties and defining the funds sought in each year of the project.

While answering selection criteria 4 (within modules 3,4,5,6), include well-defined
S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Tangible) outputs that clearly describe what is being delivered as part of the research proposal.
This investment is split into 6 modules as outlined below;
Module 1: Coordination
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Selection Criteria tabulated below.
Tenderers must address all of the mandatory criteria for each module that is being applied for.
Criteria 1 A demonstrated ability to provide leadership to a complex, multi-disciplinary, multi-organisation research project
Mandatory
Criteria 2 Mandatory
Criteria 3
Criteria 4
Criteria 5
Understanding of the nature and importance of host plant resistance to the development of disease and subsequent yield loss associated with the major wheat and barley fungal and nematode diseases
Demonstrated ability to liaise at a high level and to coordinate research across research organisations
A record of productive interaction with researchers, statisticians and administrators in the development and management of project-based research
Demonstrated ability to present complex technical material at a range of levels to differing audiences
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Criterion 6 To attend a workshop to be held on Friday 14 or 21 st of February 2014 Desirable
17

Module 2: Data collation, databasing and delivery formats
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Selection Criteria tabulated below.
Tenderers must address all of the mandatory criteria for each module that is being applied for
Criteria 1 Understanding of the nature and importance of host plant resistance to the development of disease and subsequent yield loss associated with the major wheat and barley fungal and nematode diseases
Mandatory
Criteria 2 Mandatory
Criteria 3
Demonstrated ability to interact productively with researchers, statisticians and administrators in the processes of identification, access approval, and data acquisition of existing disease-induced yield loss data
Knowledge of the principles of data acquisition, quality control, and storage in relation to complex biological data
Mandatory
Criteria 4
Criteria 5
Criterion 6
An interest in the development of novel delivery formats for yield loss data using web-based and/or mobile platforms.
A demonstrated ability to prepare complex technical material in writing for reporting at a variety of levels.
Desirable
Mandatory
To attend a workshop to be held on Friday 14 or 21st of February 2014 Desirable
Module 3: Research investigating the effect of varying levels of host resistance on yield loss for crown rot (Fusarium pseudograminarium and F. culmorum) (Australia-wide)
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Selection Criteria tabulated below.
Tenderers must address all of the mandatory criteria for each module that is being applied for
Criteria 1 Advanced understanding of the biology and ecology of crown rot in relation to cereal crops.
Mandatory
Criteria 2
Criteria 3
Criteria 4
Criteria 5
Criteria 6
Criteria 7
Criterion 8
Advanced understanding of the nature and importance of host plant resistance to the minimization of crop yield loss from crown rot
Mandatory
Relevant track record and experience of the tenderer and of all key personnel
(including potentially sub-contracted agents) to complete a program of relevant research.
Presentation of a clear plan on how the task(s) will be undertaken including a detailed budget allocated to activity(s) leading to planned outputs
A research proposal relevant to both Eastern and Western Australia and incorporating collaborative arrangements with relevant research organisations.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory Agreement to collaborate productively with the Coordinator and other modules of the initiative (including annual meetings) to contribute to the overall objectives of the initiative
Agreement to facilitate access to historical research results on yield loss – host resistance (including where appropriate the raw data) by the Coordination (Module
1) and Data Collation (Module 2) modules of the initiative
To attend a workshop to be held on Friday 14 or 21st of February 2014
Mandatory
Desirable
18

Module 4: Research investigating the effect of varying levels of host resistance on yield loss for pratylenchus (Pratylenchus spp.) (Australia-wide)
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Selection Criteria tabulated below.
Tenderers must address all of the mandatory criteria for each module that is being applied for
Criteria 1 Advanced understanding of the biology and ecology of Pratylenchus spp in relation to cereal crops.
Mandatory
Criteria 2
Criteria 3
Criteria 4
Criteria 5
Advanced understanding of the nature and importance of host plant resistance to the minimization of crop yield loss from soil borne Pratylenchus spp .
Mandatory
Relevant track record and experience of the tenderer and of all key personnel
(including potentially sub-contracted agents) to complete a program of relevant research.
Presentation of a clear plan on how the task(s) will be undertaken including a detailed budget allocated to activity(s) leading to planned outputs.
A research proposal relevant to both Eastern and Western Australia and incorporating collaborative arrangements with relevant research organisations.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Criteria 6
Criteria 7
Criterion 8
Agreement to collaborate productively with the Coordinator and other modules of the initiative (including annual meetings) to contribute to the overall objectives of the initiative
Agreement to facilitate access to historical research results on yield loss
– host resistance (including where appropriate the raw data) by the Coordination (Module
1) and Data Collation (Module 2) modules of the initiative
To attend a workshop to be held on Friday 14 or 21st of February 2014
Mandatory
Mandatory
Desirable
Module 5: Research investigating the effect of varying levels of host resistance on yield loss for yellow spot (Pyrenophora tritici-repentis), septoria nodorum blotch (Stagonospora
nodorum) and septoria tritici blotch (Septoria tritici) (Australia-wide)
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Selection Criteria tabulated below.
Tenderers must address all of the mandatory criteria for each module that is being applied for
Criteria 1 Advanced understanding of the biology and ecology of wheat foliar diseases. Mandatory
Criteria 2
Criteria 3
Criteria 4
Criteria 5
Criteria 6
Criteria 7
Criterion 8
Advanced understanding of the nature and importance of host plant resistance to the minimization of crop yield loss from wheat foliar diseases
Mandatory
Relevant track record and experience of the tenderer and of all key personnel
(including potentially sub-contracted agents) to complete a program of relevant research.
Presentation of a clear plan on how the task(s) will be undertaken including a detailed budget allocated to activity(s) leading to planned outputs.
A research proposal relevant to both Eastern and Western Australia and incorporating collaborative arrangements with relevant research organisations.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory Agreement to collaborate productively with the Coordinator and other modules of the initiative (including annual meetings) to contribute to the overall objectives of the initiative
Agreement to facilitate access to historical research results on yield loss – host resistance (including where appropriate the raw data) by the Coordination (Module
1) and Data Collation (Module 2) modules of the initiative
To attend a workshop to be held on Friday 14 or 21st of February 2014
Mandatory
Desirable
19

Module 6: Research investigating the effect of varying levels of host resistance on yield loss for spot form net blotch of barley (Pyrenophora teres f. sp. maculata), net form net blotch of barley (Pyrenophora teres f. sp. teres), scald (Rhynchosporium secalis) and leaf rust
(Sclerophthora macrospora) (all Australia-wide),and for powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis)
(Western Region only).
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Selection Criteria tabulated below.
Tenderers must address all of the mandatory criteria for each module that is being applied for
Criteria 1 Advanced understanding of the biology and ecology of barley foliar diseases. Mandatory
Criteria 2
Criteria 3
Criteria 4
Criteria 5
Criteria 6
Criteria 7
Criterion 8
Advanced understanding of the nature and importance of host plant resistance to the minimization of crop yield loss from barley foliar diseases
Mandatory
Relevant track record and experience of the tenderer and of all key personnel
(including potentially sub-contracted agents) to complete a program of relevant research.
Presentation of a clear plan on how the task(s) will be undertaken including a detailed budget allocated to activity(s) leading to planned outputs.
A research proposal relevant to both Eastern and Western Australia and incorporating collaborative arrangements with relevant research organisations.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Agreement to collaborate productively with the Coordinator and other modules of the initiative (including annual meetings) to contribute to the overall objectives of the initiative
Agreement to facilitate access to historical research results on yield loss
– host resistance (including where appropriate the raw data) by the Coordination (Module
1) and Data Collation (Module 2) modules of the initiative
Mandatory
Mandatory
To attend a workshop to be held on Friday 14 or 21st of February 2014 Desirable
Procurement Method: Multi-stage Tender
Closing Date: 3 February 2014 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details: tenders@grdc.com.au
20

This theme aims to provide growers and their advisers with the tools to design and manage a farming system with the flexibility to adapt and respond; manage risk; and generate profit.
The ’Advancing profitable farming systems’ theme will:
 ensure that research results from the other themes are integrated on farm
 undertake production agronomy research for systems development
 provide an important conduit for identifying on-farm production constraints and opportunities to inform activities in other themes.
The investment strategies for this theme will differ across agroecological zones and farming systems, and will be a combination of:
 applied farming systems research to overcome major, widespread regional constraints
 short-term development and extension activities to improve technologies or practices for a target group of growers in an agroecological zone.
The table below details the aspirational and intermediate outcomes for this theme, as well as the performance measures.
Planned outcomes for Theme —Advancing profitable farming systems
Aspirational outcome (10+ years)
Australian grain growers managing farming systems that are able to respond and adapt to changing environmental and market conditions to reduce risk and deliver an increase in profitability.
Outcome
Intermediate outcomes (5 years)
Practice changes and key metrics
Knowing what is important (key business drivers)
Identification and understanding of the opportunities, risks and potential impacts of key farming practices in each agroecological zone is improved.
 Information is available in each GRDC agroecological zone about the main opportunities, constraints, and risks to farming systems.

The GRDC receives information at least annually via the regional panels.


Data is also available in each zone about how whole-farm and farming system decisions affect those opportunities, constraints and risks.
Better methods and tools developed for comparison and ranking of the impacts of opportunities and risks on farm profit and sustainability, both short- and long-term.
 A greater proportion of growers and their advisers use information and tools to identify and rank constraints and opportunities to increase profit.

70% of growers place a high importance on the use of decision tools to assist them with strategic or tactical decision-making.
Planning strategically (building system benefits and rotations)

Growers adopt integrated management of opportunities and constraints to increase profit and minimise risk across seasons (above the five-year rolling average).
A greater proportion of growers and their advisers are aware of the actual and potential impacts of their management on the farming systems across seasons and across the farm, based on regionally validated data as well as their own records.

Growers implement long-term, strategic plans to take advantage of identified opportunities, manage constraints and reduce risks, while retaining flexibility to respond to unforeseen events.
21



More than 25% of growers have developed a whole-farm business plan which takes account of strategic opportunities, constraints and risks.
Effective management practices for opportunities, constraints and risks are developed, validated and demonstrated in each agroecological zone.
Responding tactically (individual crop agronomy)
Gross margin generated from the major crops in each agroecological zone is increased.


An increased proportion of growers use crop-specific best management practices to optimise their tactical (within season) agronomy for each individual crop.
Growers use improved strategies to cost-effectively acquire crop inputs.
22

2014.04.11 Northern Farming Systems – integrating research solutions for profitable outcomes
Issue:
Recent analysis suggests that growers in the northern grains region are achieving individual crop production results that are (on average) closer to water-limited yield potential than achieved by their southern and western counterparts. However, overall system performance has been reported as poor with only 30% of crop sequences achieving >75% of water-limited yield potential despite adequate inputs.
To remedy this, the following key practice changes must be realised in order to build more sustainable and viable farming systems that are supported by optimised grain production:
 Growers can identify, monitor and evaluate the production and economic drivers of their system
 Growers accessing and applying integrated approaches in their decision making to maximise water and nutrient use efficiency
 Growers taking a proactive approach to avoid future production threats and to maximise opportunities as they arise
Project Description:
Research investment to date has increased yield potential of specific crops through improved technologies such as disease-tolerant varieties, integrated pest and weed management and crop rotations (which include legumes and disease break crops). While conservation agriculture, controlled traffic and guidance systems have created opportunities for greater production efficiencies. For the northern grains region in particular, a better understanding of factors that influence the amount of water stored in soils, such as improved fallow management, infiltration and storage capacity, and increased resource availability through amelioration of subsoil constraints have also provided a source of greater yield and income stability.
While the aforementioned research outcomes (and many others) are credited with improving short-term (1-3 years) efficiency and production frontiers, an opportunity exists to work towards greater farming system optimisation and resilience. GRDC is therefore seeking to invest in farming systems research that will proceed with a 2 module approach to achieving the key practice changes and derived outcome.
Module 1 : Farm Practices Research
This module is a multistage call for research providers able to design, lead and undertake collaborative applied farm practices research to develop and refine strategic decision making thresholds and frameworks (2-5 year scale). While research efforts will consider regionalised issues, the overall objective will be maximised water and nutrient use by providing a better understanding of the effects of, and interaction between:
1. Fallow management (weed control and stubble management) and the effects on stored soil water
2. Sequencing impacts and associated relationships with disease, crop nutrition and weed burden(s)
3. Sustainable rotations to minimise production threats but also flexible in times of opportunity
4. ‘System resets’ - Critical thresholds to production and/or profit that require strategic responses i.e.
Rotation switch or ‘strategic’ tillage for high weed burden
Module 2: Complex Systems Research
This module is a multistage call for complex systems research to set, analyse, understand and improve farming system performance benchmarks. While a range of benchmarks are commonly applied to individual crops, this research will study meaningful production trends and related drivers to assist in improving whole-of system performance. Applications for this module may include (but not be limited to) the:
1. Development of robust methodologies to quantify and assess farming system performance which consider the key drivers of productivity, profitability and sustainability.
2. Provide regional guidelines on the levels of uncertainty/sensitivity that surround key system practices i.e. crop/variety rotation, input usage and weed management, with a view to understand and explain the relationship between optimised system performance versus downside risk(s).
3. Opportunities for improving farming system performance benchmarks through stochastic planning.
23

Expected Outcome:
From June 2016, Agronomists, growers, and researchers will have improved knowledge and tools to reliably increase the profitability of farming systems in central and south west of Queensland, the Darling Downs and
Maranoa, North East and North West NSW, Central West and Western Plains of NSW. The effective communication and extension of rigorously tested and clearly defined farming system decision thresholds and frameworks will not only result in a much clearer understanding of the constraints to achieving a minimum of
10% improvement in achievable W.U.E. but also shift grower attitudes in relation to the perceived risks of system variability. It is expected that this investment will achieve no less than a 3:1 return on investment for industry by
June 2020.
Outputs:
As part of this multi-stage tender process, GRDC invites applicants to design, plan and submit their own ensemble of delivery outputs that they feel are necessary to achieving the investment outcome. Applicants are to be informed that all submissions will be rigorously scrutinised on these S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Realistic and Tangible) outputs as part of the evaluation of mandatory selection criteria 2.
Proposed Investment:
The GRDC expects to invest up to a total of $650,000 per year for 5 years in this project in the northern grains region.
Applying:
Applicants are encouraged to:



Submit fully incorporated competitive bids that integrate both modules 1 & 2
Build partnerships between organisations and regional grower groups.
Identify opportunities to build skills and capacity.


Applications must:

Include well-defined S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Tangible) outputs that clearly describe what is being delivered as part of the investment proposal.
Be submitted using the GRDC Multi-stage Tender Form.
Include a detailed budget outlining the potential investment from all parties and defining the funds sought in each year of the project.

Provide written submissions that answer all mandatory selection criteria for each of the modules that applied for.
Specific Selection Criteria:
Evaluation of the tender will take into account the Selection Criteria tabulated below.
Tenderers must address all of the generic selection criteria.
Criteria 1 A sound understanding of the role and importance of the specific module for
Criteria 2 improving farming system productivity and profitability.
Presentation of a clear plan describing how the proposed research will be undertaken including the detailed S.M.A.R.T. outputs considered appropriate for achieving the intended investment outcome. Note: All responses must have a demonstrated plan for monitoring, evaluating, reporting and improving delivery against the investment outcome and required ROI minimum of 3:1.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Criteria 3 Mandatory
Criteria 4
Criteria 5
Criteria 6
Relevant track record and experience of the nominated project supervisor and nominated project personnel.
Clarity of project structure and management arrangements, including sub-contractors if applicable.
Cost effectiveness and value for money of the tender response including cash and/or in-kind commitments and leverage in the form of domestic linkages that are useful, if not essential, to progress the investment activities. A budget breakdown should be submitted with a breakdown of costing’s for key project outputs.
Presentation of a clear plan and demonstrated ability to form productive networks and linkages to ensure coverage across the required areas of the GRDC northern region and build on R, D & E already undertaken in related areas.
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Procurement Method: Multi-stage Tender
Closing Date: 3 February 2014 at 2pm AEST
Contact Details: tenders@grdc.com.au
24

25