What information is typically included in a Request for Information (RFI)?

A Request for Information (RFI) serves as a preliminary step in the procurement process, primarily aimed at gathering insights about suppliers' capabilities. This information helps organizations understand the potential offerings from various suppliers, assess their expertise, and evaluate whether they can meet specific needs or requirements. Including capabilities in an RFI allows buyers to determine how well potential suppliers can fulfill the project's demands, thereby informing subsequent steps in the procurement process.

The focus on capabilities aids in establishing a baseline for further discussions, potentially leading to Requests for Proposals (RFPs) or Requests for Quotations (RFQs) based on the insights gained. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the supplier's skills, services, and overall capacity before delving into more specific areas like legal compliance, financial projections, or past performance.