A Request for Information (RFI) is an early-stage, non-binding solicitation used by a contracting authority to gather factual and exploratory information from suppliers. An RFI usually asks open-ended questions about capabilities, available solutions, and market trends. It does not commit the buyer to a purchase, nor does it bind suppliers to submit formal bids—it’s simply a tool to help shape an upcoming procurement.
RFIs are typically used before launching a formal tender process such as a Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quotation (RFQ), or Invitation to Tender (ITT). In some procedures, RFIs can help an authority understand potential innovations or feasibility—guiding the design of requirements and the selection of the appropriate procurement route. Conducting an RFI aligns with principles of transparency and prepares the ground for more strategic, well-informed competition.
Responding to an RFI gives suppliers early visibility of forthcoming opportunities and offers a chance to influence the procurement’s scope or technical specifications. For authorities, RFIs help refine the tender, anticipate market capacity, and ensure that later calls for tender are realistic. Because RFIs are non-binding, both sides benefit from flexibility, but clear communication and documentation are essential to maintain procedural integrity and equal treatment across all participants.
You can learn more about RFI in our article.
