RFP vs RFQ vs RFI: What’s the Difference?

A Simple Guide to Government Procurement Requests — and How to Respond with Confidence

If you're new to government contracting or just diving into the world of procurement, you've probably seen the acronyms RFP, RFQ, and RFI tossed around a lot. They all sound similar — but each serves a different purpose in the buying process. Understanding the difference is key to knowing how to respond, and how to win.

What Is an RFI (Request for Information)?

An RFI, or Request for Information, is how an agency gathers facts.

They’re not ready to buy anything yet — instead, they want to understand the market. Who offers what? What solutions are out there? What capabilities do vendors like you have?

Think of an RFI as a soft opener. Agencies may ask for:

• Capabilities statements
• Past experience
• General pricing structures (not quotes)
• Solutions overview

Why it matters: RFIs help shape future RFPs. So even though there's no contract yet, it’s a powerful chance to get noticed before the competition.

What Is an RFQ (Request for Quote)?

An RFQ, or Request for Quote, means they know what they want — and they just need pricing.

RFQs are common for products or services that are straightforward and well-defined. Think equipment, software licenses, or staffing support.

In an RFQ, the agency might ask for:

• Unit pricing
• Delivery timelines
• Terms and conditions

They’re not asking how you’ll solve a problem — they already know the scope. You’re bidding on price and availability.

Why it matters: RFQs are often fast. Government buyers compare quotes and award quickly. Make sure yours is complete, accurate, and competitive.

What Is an RFP (Request for Proposal)?

An RFP, or Request for Proposal, is the big one.

Here, the agency knows their problem, but they’re looking for the best solution. They want vendors to propose how they would do the work.

RFPs typically ask for:

• A technical approach
• Management plans
• Past performance
• Pricing
• Compliance documents

These are more involved than RFQs — and more strategic. The agency scores your proposal based on multiple factors: not just price, but also how well you understand the requirement, how qualified your team is, and how low the risk is.

Why it matters: RFPs often lead to long-term contracts. This is where great proposal writing and bid strategy come in.

What About RFx?

You may also see RFx, which is a catch-all term meaning "any kind of request" (RFP, RFQ, RFI, etc.). It’s shorthand in procurement circles when referring to all types of solicitations.

Final Thoughts

At Federal Bid Partners, we help businesses understand and respond to each type of government request the right way — whether it’s an RFI that helps you get on the radar, an RFQ that needs fast pricing, or an RFP that requires a full, polished proposal.