Request for Information (RFI)

What is a Request for Information (RFI)?

A Request for Information (RFI) is a preliminary market research tool used by Australian government agencies to collect information from potential suppliers before committing to a formal procurement process. An RFI does not result in a contract — it informs the agency’s procurement strategy.

How Does an RFI Differ from Other Approaches?

Unlike a Request for Tender or Request for Proposal, an RFI is non-binding for both the agency and the respondent. Key differences include:

• No contract is awarded from an RFI process
• Responses are not evaluated competitively in the traditional sense
• Participation does not guarantee an invitation to the subsequent tender
• The agency is gathering intelligence, not selecting a supplier

When is an RFI Used?

Government agencies issue RFIs when they need to:

• Understand the market — what solutions exist and who can provide them
• Estimate costs — gather indicative pricing to inform budget planning
• Define requirements — learn about capabilities before drafting a Statement of Requirements
• Test approaches — explore whether a particular delivery model is feasible

Why Should Suppliers Respond to RFIs?

Although responding to an RFI will not directly win you a contract, there are strategic benefits:

• Your input may shape the eventual tender specifications in ways that suit your strengths
• It builds awareness of your organisation with the buying agency
• It provides early visibility of upcoming opportunities
• Agencies sometimes use RFI respondents as a starting point for Select Tender invitations

Tips for Tenderers

• Be helpful, not salesy — agencies want genuine market intelligence.
• Be honest about limitations — overpromising at the RFI stage can undermine credibility later.
• Ask clarifying questions — RFIs are a dialogue, not a one-way submission.