Request for Information (RFI)
Also called: RFI, request for information, market research notice
A Request for Information is a market research notice: the agency asks industry to describe capabilities, approaches or pricing structures before it decides how, or whether, to buy. Nothing is awarded from an RFI.
RFIs are authorized by FAR 15.201 (exchanges with industry before receipt of proposals) and FAR Part 10 (market research). On SAM.gov an RFI is usually posted as a sources sought or special notice. The agency uses the responses to shape the requirement, decide on a set-aside and estimate the budget.
What to check: what the agency actually asked (page limit, format, questions to answer), whether it asks for your business size and certifications, and whether the response can be used to argue for a small business set-aside under FAR 19.502.
What it is not: a bid. You cannot win an RFI, and a strong response does not guarantee the RFP will follow. It is also not a promise of confidentiality unless the notice says so, so mark proprietary material.
See also: Sources sought notice, Request for Proposal (RFP), Presolicitation notice, Set-aside
Questions that use this term
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