Request for Information(RFI)
A pre-solicitation document where the government seeks industry input on requirements, capabilities, and market conditions before issuing a formal solicitation.
Overview
A Request for Information (RFI) is a market research tool the government uses to gather information from industry before issuing a formal solicitation. RFIs are not solicitations — they do not result in contract awards. Instead, they help agencies refine requirements, assess available capabilities, and determine the best procurement approach. Responding to RFIs is voluntary.
Why It Matters in GovCon
RFIs are early signals of upcoming opportunities. Responding thoughtfully helps shape the eventual solicitation in your favor by educating the agency about your capabilities and the market landscape. It also puts your company on the agency's radar as a potential competitor before the formal solicitation drops.
Key Details
- Not Binding: RFI responses do not create any obligation for the government or the respondent.
- Content: Agencies may ask about technical capabilities, past experience, pricing models, staffing approaches, or interest level in a potential requirement.
- Timing: RFIs typically appear months before the actual solicitation, giving you advance notice to prepare.
- Strategy: Use RFIs to build relationships with the agency and influence requirements toward your strengths.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data aggregates RFIs alongside active solicitations so you can track upcoming requirements early in the pipeline. The AI tools help you craft RFI responses that position your capabilities effectively.
Related Terms
- Sources Sought Notice
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Market Research
- Request for Quotation (RFQ)
More Solicitations Terms
A procurement approach where the government selects the offer that provides the greatest overall benefit, considering factors beyond just price.
The group of offerors selected by the government as having a reasonable chance of being awarded the contract, based on initial proposal evaluations.
A solicitation method where the government awards a contract to the lowest-priced responsive, responsible bidder through sealed bidding.
A source selection method where the contract is awarded to the lowest-priced offeror whose proposal meets all technical requirements.
A document that describes required contract outcomes and performance standards rather than prescribing how the work should be done.
A formal solicitation document inviting contractors to submit proposals that will be evaluated on technical merit, past performance, and price.
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