RFP vs RFQ vs IFB vs ITB vs RFI: Solicitation Type Comparison
RFPs weigh price and technical approach together; RFQs are simple price quotes for well-defined items; IFBs and ITBs are sealed price bids that award to the lowest responsive bidder; RFIs collect market information without any award. Sole-source awards skip competition entirely and require a written justification.
| RFP | RFQ | IFB | ITB | RFI | Sole-source | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Buy a defined outcome; vendor proposes how | Buy a defined item; vendor gives a price | Buy against detailed specs; sealed price bids | Same as IFB — different state naming | Collect market info; no award intended | Award without competition; only 1 valid source |
| Award criterion | Best value — price + technical + past performance | Lowest quoted price (usually) | Lowest responsive, responsible bidder | Lowest responsive, responsible bidder | No award — information only | Fair & reasonable price for the single source |
| Discussions allowed? | Yes — clarifications, BAFOs common | Usually no — quotes are firm | No — sealed & final at bid opening | No — sealed & final at bid opening | Yes — dialogue is the point | Yes — negotiate directly with the vendor |
| Response format | Technical volume + price volume | Line-item price schedule | Bid form with unit prices + bid bond | Bid form with unit prices (+bond if required) | Capability statement, product info | Proposal negotiated directly with agency |
| Typical use | Complex services, IT systems, design-build | Commodities, supplies, simple services under $250K | Construction, well-defined commodity buys | Same as IFB; common in state/local procurement | Pre-RFP market research | Proprietary tech, urgent need, only 1 supplier |
| Federal authority | FAR Part 15 (Negotiated Procurement) | FAR Subpart 13.3 (Simplified Acquisition) | FAR Part 14 (Sealed Bidding) | State-level equivalent of FAR 14 | FAR 15.201 (Exchanges before RFP) | FAR 6.302 (Other than full & open) |
| Typical dollar range | Above simplified-acquisition threshold ($250K+) | Under simplified-acquisition threshold | Any threshold when specs are complete | Any threshold when specs are complete | N/A | Any — justification scales with dollar value |
How to decide which solicitation type you're responding to
- 1. Read the solicitation cover page. The first page names the solicitation type — RFP, RFQ, IFB, ITB, or RFI. If the header says "Sources Sought" or the document explicitly disclaims a contract award, treat it as an RFI. If it says the agency wants proposals, expect scoring beyond price.
- 2. Check the evaluation section. RFPs list factors like "technical approach," "past performance," and "management plan" alongside price. IFB/ITB responses are scored on price alone once responsiveness is confirmed. If evaluation criteria include only price and pass/fail responsiveness, prepare for a sealed-bid response.
- 3. Note the response format. RFPs require narrative technical volumes and separate price volumes. IFB/ITB responses use a fixed bid form with line-item pricing. RFQs are shorter — often a single-page price schedule. Do not submit an RFP-style narrative to an IFB; it will be found non-responsive.
- 4. Check for bonding and bid guaranty. IFB/ITBs for construction usually require a bid bond (5–10% of the bid) and, if awarded, performance and payment bonds. RFPs may require the same for construction, but service RFPs usually do not. RFQs almost never require bonding.
- 5. Confirm the submission deadline and format. IFB/ITBs have a bid-opening moment — late submissions are rejected without exception. RFPs may accept late submissions if the agency errs in receipt handling. Sealed bids must be submitted physically or through a portal with cryptographic sealing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between RFQ, RFP, IFB, and RFB?
RFP asks vendors to propose an approach and is evaluated on both technical merit and price. RFQ is a price quote for a well-defined item, usually for smaller purchases under the simplified-acquisition threshold. IFB (also called ITB or occasionally RFB, "Request for Bid") is a sealed-price bid where the lowest responsive, responsible bidder wins; used for construction and commodity purchases where the specs are complete.
What is the difference between RFQ, RFP, and ITB?
ITB is a state and local naming for what federal agencies call IFB — a sealed price bid on complete specifications. RFP is used when the agency needs vendor expertise to shape the solution. RFQ is a lightweight price request for defined commodities. Rule of thumb: IFB/ITB = pure price competition on complete specs; RFP = best-value evaluation of price plus technical; RFQ = fast quote for a specific item.
What does IFB mean in procurement?
IFB stands for Invitation for Bid. The agency issues a detailed specification, vendors submit sealed price bids by a fixed opening date, and award goes to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Governed federally by FAR Part 14. Also called ITB (Invitation to Bid) in most state and local procurement codes.