A Request for Information (RFI) is used to solicit information from qualified vendors on the products and services they recommend to address your business problem or functionality.

An RFI is primarily used to gather information to help make a decision on what steps to take next. RFIs are therefore seldom the final stage and are instead often used in combination with the following: request for proposal (RFP), request for tender (RFT), and request for quotation (RFQ).

In addition to gathering basic information, an RFI is often used as a solicitation sent to a broad base of potential suppliers for the purpose of conditioning suppliers' minds, developing strategy, building a database, and preparing for an RFP or RFQ.

The Request For Information contains the following topics:

  Introduction and Purpose
  RFI Information
        Confidentiality Information
        RFI Process Stipulations
        RFI Schedule
        Vendor Presentation
  Business Opportunity Overview
        Company Profile
        Business Driver
        Business Application Functions and Features
  RFI Response Configuration
  Vendor Response Information
        General Vendor Information
        Vendor Vision and Capability
  Product or Application Technical Information
        Product or Application Technical Functions & Features
        Hardware Requirements
        Software Requirements
  Vendor Pricing Information
  Total Lifecycle Costs.

Scroll down to the IT Request for Information example below.