What is RFQ?
Request for Quotation
An RFQ (Request for Quotation) asks suppliers for prices on clearly defined items; in project bids it can also mean Request for Qualification.
What is an RFQ?
A Request for Quotation invites suppliers to quote prices for goods or services that are already clearly specified. The buyer is mainly comparing price, delivery and basic terms.
In Indian government buying, quotations are often used for lower-value purchases, sometimes through a limited tender sent to selected suppliers. In large infrastructure and PPP projects, RFQ usually means Request for Qualification: a first stage that shortlists bidders before the RFP.
How a quotation RFQ works
For a Request for Qualification, bidders instead submit experience, financial strength and team details. Only those who qualify receive the RFP.
- The buyer lists the items, quantities, specifications and delivery terms
- Suppliers send quotations by the due date, in the format asked
- The buyer compares the quotes, often in a comparative statement
- The lowest acceptable offer usually gets the purchase order
Tips for bidders
Quote exactly to the listed specifications. Offering alternatives without being asked can make your quote non-responsive.
State validity, taxes, delivery period and payment terms clearly. For a qualification-stage RFQ, focus on documents and credentials, not price.
Reply before the due date even if you decide not to quote, when the buyer asks for a regret letter. It tells the buyer you still want to receive future enquiries.
Common questions
Common questions about RFQ in government tenders.
An RFQ is one form of tender, usually simpler and used for lower values or well-defined items.
It usually means Request for Qualification, the stage where the authority shortlists bidders on experience and financial capacity before the RFP.
Small quotation enquiries often don’t, but some do. Follow the RFQ document.
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