RFI (Request for Information)

An RFI is an early-stage document used to gather general information about suppliers and what's available in the market, before a buyer has narrowed down requirements enough to run an RFP or RFQ.

RFIs are typically the first step in a larger sourcing process for unfamiliar categories — used to build a shortlist of credible suppliers, not to make a purchasing decision directly.

An RFI usually asks about a supplier's capabilities, experience, scale, and typical approach, without requesting binding prices. The answers help a buyer decide which suppliers to invite to a later RFP or RFQ.

Because an RFI is not a commitment on either side, responses are generally not scored in the same way as formal bids.