ITT vs RFP vs RFQ: Tender Document Types
Government procurement uses different solicitation types depending on what’s being bought and how proposals are evaluated. Understanding the differences between an ITT (Invitation to Tender), RFP (Request for Proposal), and RFQ (Request for Quotation) helps you allocate proposal resources correctly and respond appropriately.
Invitation to Tender (ITT)
An ITT is the formal invitation used primarily in UK and EU procurement. It invites suppliers to submit a tender (bid) for a specific contract. ITTs typically include detailed specifications, evaluation criteria, and terms and conditions. The response format is usually prescribed by the buyer. ITTs are the standard solicitation document for above-threshold EU procurement and are published on TED and national portals.
Request for Proposal (RFP)
An RFP is the predominant solicitation type in US government procurement and is widely used internationally. RFPs invite comprehensive proposals that include a technical approach, management plan, past performance evidence, and cost proposal. Evaluation weighs multiple factors—not just price. RFPs are used when the buyer wants to evaluate how different suppliers would approach the requirement, not just what they would charge.
Request for Quotation (RFQ)
An RFQ is used when the requirement is well-defined and price is the primary evaluation factor. The buyer specifies exactly what they need, and suppliers submit prices. RFQs are common for commodity purchases, catalog items, and standardized services. They require less proposal effort than RFPs or ITTs and are typically awarded to the lowest-priced responsive offeror.
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Other procurement documents
RFI (Request for Information) gathers market intelligence—no contract results. EOI (Expression of Interest) gauges supplier interest for an upcoming procurement. PIN (Prior Information Notice) announces planned EU procurement. Sources Sought notices on SAM.gov serve a similar purpose. None of these result in a contract directly, but responding to them shows engagement and helps you prepare.
How to monitor all solicitation types
Different portals use different terminology for the same concepts. TED uses ITT-style notices. SAM.gov uses RFP, RFQ, and other designations. National portals use local equivalents. Jorpex monitors all solicitation types across 50+ sources and includes the solicitation type in each alert so you can quickly identify the response effort required.