This week the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) has issued four linked RFTs investigating the physical and chemical properties of soil in Australia’s northern region. This organisation has been established under the Department of Agriculture to invest in research and development to create enduring profitability for Australian Growers, particularly within the grains industry. The RFTs released this week aim to procure the information and tools necessary to enable growers to diagnose spatially the presence, type and severity of soil constraint(s), specifically sodicity, acidity, salinity and soil structure by 15 March 2022.
While linked in subject matter, these RFTs are quite varied in their outcomes and involve a wide range of skills. Therefore it is expected that the responses will require a collaborative approach and may include a number of public and private partnerships. When tender responses involve consortiums, or partnerships of any kind, it is important to ensure cohesion in the write up, and demonstrate clear lines of responsibility and communication between all parties.
The Northern soils investment is set to span over 5 years and the GRDC encourages whole of region tenders for all projects, however the GRDC will also consider multiple local tenders for Project B. Tenders are due 30 Oct 17 and are to be submitted via the GRDC portal, not Austender. Contracts are expected to start March 2018.
If you are after specific advice on these tenders or any other opportunity listed below, feel free to contact us.