US Market Entry & Field Diagnostics Consultant

1.0 Background & Problem Statement

Qarbotech is a Malaysia-based agri-technology company commercialising a photosynthesis enhancement solution used as a foliar application. As part of its US market entry and validation efforts, Qarbotech is supporting an on-farm engagement in Minnesota, representing a real-world commercial use case under typical US Midwest conditions.

Qarbotech is therefore seeking an independent consultant to help troubleshoot the current situation, identify root causes, and provide a grounded “lay of the land” for introducing and validating a new agri-input product in the US, using the Minnesota case as the primary learning site.

This TOR invites consultants to propose an approach to address this problem and accelerate learning, rather than simply execute a predefined trial.

2.0 Objectives

The objectives of this engagement are to:

• Diagnose the root causes behind the non-performance or inconsistent performance observed at the Minnesota farm.
• Clarify which factors materially influence product performance and adoption under US farm conditions.
• Provide a practical understanding of the US agronomy and market reality relevant to Qarbotech’s product.
• Identify what should be prioritised, deprioritised, or avoided as Qarbotech progresses with US market entry.
• Recommend a clear path forward for product positioning, validation, and future trials in the US.

3.0 Scope of Work (Indicative)

The consultant is expected to propose a fit-for-purpose approach. The scope below is indicative and intended to guide proposal development.

3.1 Situation Assessment & Diagnostic Review

• Review the Minnesota farm context: crop, variety, soil, climate, historical practices, nutrient and water management, and equipment.
• Review all past product application records including rates, spray volume, timing, frequency, tank mixes, and handling.
• Assess operational and behavioural factors influencing execution on-farm.

3.2 Root Cause Analysis

• Identify and prioritise plausible technical, operational, environmental, and behavioural drivers of underperformance.
• Validate or invalidate key assumptions, including but not limited to:

• 1. Application rate, timing, frequency, and spray quality
  2. Water availability and weather conditions
  3. Interactions with fertilisers or biostimulants
  4. Crop variety response and local agronomic norms

3.3 Proposed Investigation / Validation Plan

• Propose targeted field investigations or trials (if required) to resolve the most critical uncertainties.
• Define what data should be collected, what can be simplified, and what is unnecessary.
• Ensure investigations are practical within a commercial farm setting.

3.4 Advisory & Learning Synthesis

• Translate findings into clear, actionable insights for Qarbotech’s management.
• Articulate implications for broader US market entry beyond the Minnesota case.
• Highlight risks, limitations, and non-obvious constraints relevant to scaling in the US.

4.0 Deliverables

Mandatory Deliverables:

• Diagnostic & Root Cause Assessment Memo
• Proposed Path-Forward Plan for the Minnesota farm and US validation
• Mid-point Update (if engagement spans the growing season)
• Final Report including:
  
  1. Root cause conclusions and confidence levels
  2. Key learnings on US agronomy and farm realities
  3. Clear recommendations on next steps, priorities, and no-go areas

Optional / Value-Add Deliverables:

• Farmer-facing execution checklist
• Internal management decision brief
• Recommendations on expert inputs required (if any)

5.0 Timeline (Indicative)

Qarbotech expects this engagement to commence in April, aligned with the client’s planting schedule in Minnesota.

Exact timing should align with the cropping calendar and the consultant’s proposed approach.

6.0 Consultant Profile

The consultant is not required to be a practising agronomist but must demonstrate strong field-level credibility and experience working within US farming systems. The ideal consultant:

• Has hands-on exposure to US commercial farms (preferably Midwest).
• Understands how new agri-input products are tested, evaluated, and adopted by growers.
• Can bridge agronomy, operations, and market realities.
• Is able to assemble or coordinate specialist expertise where needed.
• Focuses on accelerating learning and avoiding unnecessary trial-and-error.

7.0 Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested consultants are required to submit a proposal by Friday, 20th February 2026 to info@qarbotech.com. The proposed work plan should be structured to allow the engagement to commence in April, aligned with the client’s planting schedule in Minnesota.

The proposal should include:

• Proposed approach to diagnosing the problem and accelerating learning.
• Assumptions and hypotheses the consultant intends to test.
• Proposed timeline and key milestones.
• Expected deliverables.
• Team structure and external experts (if any).
• Detailed budget breakdown.
• Relevant experience and references.

Qarbotech reserves the right to seek clarifications, request revisions, or conduct interviews as part of the selection process.