RFx is a collective term for structured supplier requests such as an RFI, RFQ, or RFP. The final letter changes with the type of response the buyer needs: information for discovery, a quotation for a defined requirement, or a proposal for a more complex solution.
How is RFx used?
RFx is an umbrella label, so the buyer must choose the request type that matches the decision. An RFI gathers market information, an RFP evaluates different proposed solutions, and an RFQ requests comparable commercial offers for a defined requirement. The event instructions should tell suppliers what response is expected and how it will be assessed.
Quick reference for RFx
| Check | What it means for the transaction |
|---|---|
| Category | Procurement and sourcing |
| Record to keep | Keep the requirement, requester, supplier response, evaluator and approval together when they apply. |
| Do not infer | Do not treat a sourcing record as a purchase order, invoice or proof of delivery unless that later document has actually been issued. |
