A request for information is a structured inquiry used to learn about market capabilities, supplier approaches, technologies, capacity, or available solutions before a formal buying decision. An RFI typically supports discovery and requirements development rather than price-based award. Clear questions, response handling, confidentiality, evaluation purpose, and next-step expectations help avoid treating it as an implied commitment.
In plain English
It gathers market and supplier information before the organization is ready to request a final offer.
Illustrative example
At Northstar Industrial Systems, the sourcing team asks potential suppliers about global service coverage, integration approach, and implementation capacity while requirements are still being refined.
- Related terms
- Request for proposal; Request for quotation; RFx; Supplier discovery
- Lifecycle stages
- Source
- Stakeholders
- Procurement; Supplier; IT and Security; Operations