Glossary term
Request for Information (RFI)
A market research notice asking industry for information; it is not a solicitation and no award results from it.
An RFI is issued to help an agency understand what the market can provide before it writes a solicitation. Responding produces no contract, but it is one of the highest-leverage activities in capture: an RFI response is a chance to shape requirements, get on the contracting officer's radar, and learn the timeline before competitors do. Treat RFIs as free positioning, not as paperwork.
Categories
- solicitation
- capture
Related terms
- Sources Sought NoticeA market research notice used to identify potential vendors and determine whether a small-business set-aside is justified.
- RFP (Request for Proposal)A formal solicitation inviting contractors to submit detailed technical, management, and price proposals.
- Market ResearchThe FAR-required process by which agencies determine whether commercial items and capable sources exist before soliciting.