Federal Contracting Acronym
RFI
Request for Information
Plain-English definition
A Request for Information collects market data before a formal solicitation. Agencies use RFIs to refine requirements, estimate industry capacity, and plan acquisition strategy. Responses are generally informational, not offers.
Why it matters
RFIs signal upcoming competitions and give capture teams early influence opportunities with customer stakeholders.
Where you will see it
SAM.gov presolicitation notices and agency industry-day announcements.
Example in context
An agency publishes an RFI on cloud migration approaches before issuing an RFP.