[Jordan Blake]

An RFI takes time and can produce marketing-heavy responses. When does it actually improve the acquisition?

[Ethan Cole]

Accepted answer

Use an RFI when key market information is missing, such as available commercial capabilities, typical pricing, implementation models, security evidence, accessibility, data rights, or likely competition. Ask only questions that could change the requirement or acquisition approach, and do not request a full proposal. Document what the agency learned and how it affected the plan. FAR Part 10 lists RFIs and industry communication as market research techniques.

[Marcus Reed]

Community reply

How narrowly should RFI questions be written so the agency can still learn about approaches it did not anticipate?

[Author]

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