RFP vs RFQ vs RFI
RFP, RFQ, and RFI are three distinct types of government solicitation. An RFI (Request for Information) — like a sources sought — is market research that awards nothing. An RFQ (Request for Quotation) asks for a price quote under simplified procedures and is largely price-driven. An RFP (Request for Proposal) asks for a full technical and price proposal and is evaluated on best value.
The three at a glance
| Type | Purpose | Award? | Typically used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| RFI / Sources Sought | Market research | No | Gauging the market, shaping the buy |
| RFQ | Get a price quote | Yes | Simplified acquisitions (FAR 13), commercial items |
| RFP | Get a full proposal | Yes | Negotiated, best-value procurements (FAR 15) |
How to respond to each
- RFI / [sources sought](/glossary/sources-sought): a short capability response — no pricing commitment, but it can influence the eventual solicitation and any set-aside.
- RFQ: a quote, usually emphasizing price and basic technical acceptability; common for buys under the simplified acquisition threshold.
- RFP: a complete proposal — technical approach, past performance, and price — scored on best-value tradeoff under FAR Part 15.
Match your effort to the type
Don’t pour proposal-grade effort into an RFI, and don’t under-invest in an RFP. Reading the solicitation type first tells you how much to write and what the evaluators will weigh.
Let AI classify the solicitation and extract exactly what it asks for — free to try.
Analyze a solicitation →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an RFP and an RFQ?
An RFQ (Request for Quotation) asks for a price quote under simplified procedures and is largely price-driven. An RFP (Request for Proposal) asks for a full technical and price proposal evaluated on best value, typically under FAR Part 15.
Does an RFI result in a contract?
No. An RFI (Request for Information), like a sources sought notice, is market research. The agency gathers information to plan the acquisition; no award is made directly from an RFI.