RFP vs RFQ (and RFI, Sources Sought, IFB): Federal Notices Explained
Updated
An RFQ (request for quotation) asks for a price; an RFP (request for proposal) asks for a full proposal that is judged on more than price; an RFI or sources sought notice is market research, with no contract at the end. On Oct 19, 2026 SAM.gov lists 7,252 open solicitations, 878 presolicitation notices and 990 sources sought notices.
Newest sources sought notices: answer these first
RFQ: request for quotation
Used for simpler and smaller purchases, and for most commercial products. You send a price, a delivery time and any information asked for. A quotation is not a binding offer; the contract forms when the agency issues an order and you accept it. DLA's spare-parts buys on DIBBS are RFQs.
RFP: request for proposal
Used when the agency wants to compare more than price: technical approach, past performance, staffing, and price. The proposal follows the instructions and evaluation factors the RFP sets out, and the agency may hold discussions before it awards. Most services and larger contracts are bought this way.
IFB: invitation for bid
Sealed bidding: every bidder prices the same clear requirement, bids are opened at a set time, and the lowest responsive, responsible bidder wins. Common in construction.
RFI and sources sought
The agency is doing market research before it decides how to buy. Answering costs little and matters: if enough capable small businesses reply, the agency can set the contract aside for small businesses. Send a short reply with your capability statement.
Presolicitation and combined synopsis/solicitation
A presolicitation notice announces a solicitation that is coming. A combined synopsis/solicitation is one notice that is also the solicitation, used for commercial products and services: you can respond to it directly.
Questions
What is the difference between an RFP and an RFQ?
An RFQ asks for a price quote and is used for simpler purchases; an RFP asks for a full proposal that is evaluated on technical merit, past performance and price.
What is an RFI?
A request for information: market research before a purchase. No contract is awarded from it.
Should I answer a sources sought notice?
Yes, if the work fits you. Replies help the agency decide whether to set the contract aside for small businesses.
Is a quotation binding?
Not by itself. In federal RFQs the contract forms when the agency issues an order and the vendor accepts it.