What is a RFI (Request for Information)?
Also known as: Request for Information
A request for information (RFI) is a market-research tool the government uses to gather information from industry about capabilities, pricing approaches, or solutions before deciding how to buy. An RFI is not a solicitation and does not lead directly to an award.
RFI vs. RFP vs. RFQ
- RFI — gathers information; no award, no pricing commitment.
- RFQ — requests a price quote, typically for simpler or commercial buys.
- RFP — requests full proposals to be evaluated for award of a negotiated contract.
How to use an RFI to your advantage
Responding to an RFI educates the agency about what is possible and lets you introduce your firm before requirements are locked. A well-crafted RFI response can shape the eventual solicitation in your favor.
Frequently asked questions
Is an RFI the same as a sources sought notice?
They overlap. Both are market research with no award. A sources sought specifically seeks to identify capable (often small) businesses, while an RFI more broadly gathers technical or pricing information. Agencies sometimes use the terms interchangeably.
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