RFQ vs. RFP vs. IFB: what is the government asking for?
Government buyers use three main ways to ask for prices. The label at the top of the document tells you how much work your response takes and how the award will be decided.
RFQ: request for quotation
Used for simplified acquisitions, generally up to $350,000. You send a quote: price, delivery and whatever the RFQ asks. A quote is not a binding offer on its own; the government issues an order based on it. Most DLA parts and many small supply buys are RFQs, which makes them the easiest place to start.
RFP: request for proposals
Used for negotiated contracts. You submit a proposal, often with a technical approach, past performance and price, and the agency evaluates them against stated criteria. It may choose lowest price technically acceptable, or a best-value tradeoff where a higher price can win. RFPs take the most effort.
IFB: invitation for bids
Used for sealed bidding, common in construction. Bids are opened publicly at a set time, and the award goes to the lowest-priced bid that meets the requirements from a responsible bidder. There is little room for discussion; the price and the paperwork must be right the first time.
Which to start with
Start with RFQs. They are short, priced on the item, and decided mostly on price and delivery, which is exactly where past award prices give you an edge.
Sources
- FAR Part 13, simplified acquisition procedures
- FAR Part 14, sealed bidding
- FAR Part 15, contracting by negotiation