Comparison
RFP vs RFQ vs RFI vs ITT: which is which?
The difference between a request for proposal, request for quotation, request for information, invitation to tender and expression of interest, and how to respond to each.
Public buyers use a soup of acronyms for their tenders, and the name tells you a lot about how much effort to put in and how you will be judged.
At a glance
| Name | What the buyer wants | How it's judged | Typical effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| RFI (request for information) | Market information before a tender | Not scored, no contract | A few hours |
| EOI (expression of interest) | Who is interested and able | Shortlisting | Half a day to two days |
| RFQual or SQ (qualifications) | Proof you meet the basics | Pass/fail or scored, leads to a shortlist | One to three days |
| RFQ (request for quotation) | A price for a clear need | Usually lowest compliant price | Hours to a day |
| RFP (request for proposal) | A full solution and price | Quality and price, weighted | One to three weeks |
| ITT (invitation to tender) | Full bid, UK and Commonwealth term | Quality and price, weighted | One to three weeks |
Request for information
The buyer is exploring. There is no contract at the end, but your answer can shape the tender. Our guide on how to respond to an RFI explains why it is worth a few hours.
Request for quotation
The buyer knows exactly what it wants, such as 40 laptops or a set number of days of a named role, and wants your price. Compliance is everything. Fill in the forms exactly, and price sharply.
Request for proposal and invitation to tender
The buyer has a problem and wants you to propose how to solve it. This is where most IT services and software work sits. Bids are scored against published criteria, and your method, team and experience matter as much as price. See how to write a winning IT proposal.
Expression of interest and qualification stages
Two-stage processes start by narrowing the field. You show you meet the basics, such as experience, financial standing and certifications, and only the shortlist is invited to the full tender. Treat the first stage seriously, because a weak answer ends the bid before it starts.
Other names you'll see
- Request for tender (RFT): common in Australia and New Zealand, similar to an RFP.
- Request for standing offer (RFSO) and request for supply arrangement (RFSA): Canadian processes to get on a standing offer or supply arrangement.
- Invitation for bid (IFB): US sealed bidding, judged on price.
- Call for competition or mini-competition: a competition among suppliers already on a framework. See open tenders vs frameworks.
Common questions
Is an RFP the same as a tender?
Broadly yes. "Tender" is the general word for the process and the bid, and an RFP is one type of tender.
Which is easier to win, an RFQ or an RFP?
RFQs are quicker to answer but usually come down to price. RFPs take more work but let a small firm win on quality and approach.
Can an RFI turn into a contract?
Not directly. An RFI is for information only, but it often comes before a tender for the same work.