A Request for Information (RFI) is a standard business process whose purpose is to collect written information about the capabilities of various suppliers. Normally it follows a format that can be used for comparative purposes. [1]
Template: Request for Information (RFI)
An RFI is primarily used to gather information to help make a decision on what steps to take next. RFIs are therefore seldom the final stage and are instead often used in combination with the following: Request for Proposal (RFP), request for tender (RFT), and Request for Quotation (RFQ). In addition to gathering basic information, an RFI is often used as a solicitation sent to a broad base of potential suppliers for the purpose of conditioning supplier’s minds, developing strategy, building a database, and preparing for an RFP, RFT, or RFQ. [1]
An RFI should be used when there are a lot of potential suppliers and you do not have the information you need about them.
The benefits of an RFI include:
- Information is gathered in a formal, structured and comparable way.
- Suppliers understand that there is a competition going on.
- You show that you try to act without a prejudice or with a preferred supplier.
- You get a formal reply from the suppliers
Table of contents
- Confidentiality
- Introduction and purpose of the RFI
- Scope
- Abbreviation and terminology
- RFI procedure
- How to deliver the answer
- Contacts
- Timeframe Background description of what is requested of [your company]
- Of the context in which the product or service will be used
- Statement of need
- Requirements
- Qualifications
- Conditions which will be terms for future RFPs or RFQs
- Form to fill in as answer to the RFI
AcqLinks and Reference:
- [1] Website: Wikipedia – Request for Information
- Request for Information Template
- Request for Information Example
Updated: 7/18/2017
