Agencies use different notices for different stages of buying. The letters tell you how far along they are and what they want back.
RFP: Request for Proposal
The buyer describes a need and asks for a written proposal: approach, team, past performance and price. Scored on more than price ("best value"). Most consulting, IT, marketing and professional-services work is bought this way.
RFQ: Request for Quotation
The buyer knows exactly what it wants and asks for a price. Common for products and simple services under a threshold. Fast turnaround, often a few days.
RFI and Sources Sought
Market research, not a solicitation. The buyer asks who can do the work and how. No award follows directly, but responses shape the eventual RFP and sometimes decide whether it becomes a small-business set-aside.
IFB: Invitation for Bid
Sealed bidding, usually for construction. Lowest responsive, responsible bid wins; there is no negotiation.
Which to answer
| Notice | What they want | Award basis |
|---|---|---|
| RFP | Full proposal | Best value |
| RFQ | Price | Low price, sometimes best value |
| IFB | Sealed bid | Low bid |
| RFI / Sources Sought | Capability statement | None (research) |
On SAM.gov a "Combined Synopsis/Solicitation" is a simplified RFP for commercial items, and a "Presolicitation" is a heads-up that a solicitation is coming.
Questions
What does RFP mean?
Request for Proposal: a formal document in which a buyer describes a need and invites vendors to propose how they would meet it and at what price.
Is an RFQ binding?
A quotation is generally an offer; the buyer's purchase order forms the contract. Read the terms in the RFQ.
Should I respond to an RFI?
Yes if the work is in your lane. It costs a few pages and puts you on the buyer's list before the RFP exists.
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