Key facts
Quick Summary
The difference is intent. An RFQ (Request for Qualifications) usually asks whether the team is qualified. An RFP (Request for Proposal) usually asks for a proposed approach, schedule, team, and price. An IFB (Invitation for Bid) usually asks for a compliant price on defined scope. Read the solicitation instructions before adding pricing, alternates, or extra material.
RFQ evaluates qualifications first; pricing is often omitted.
RFP usually evaluates approach, team, schedule, and price together.
IFB usually focuses on responsive bid documents and price.
Confirm which solicitation type you are responding to.
Match submission package to evaluation criteria.
Remove pricing from RFQ responses unless explicitly requested.
Interactive
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Document Identifier Tool
Answer 3 questions to identify the bid type.
Solicitation types
RFQ: Request for Qualifications
An RFQ is often the first step in a two-part selection process, or it may be used for professional services and qualification-based shortlists. The owner or agency wants to review whether the team has the relevant experience, capacity, and qualifications before requesting a detailed proposal or price.
What they are looking for
Team experience: Does the project manager, superintendent, or principal team match the requested scope?
Past performance: Do submitted projects match the size, delivery method, trade, owner type, or facility type requested?
Capacity: Do staffing, bonding, insurance, workload, and financial materials satisfy the instructions?
Safety record: Does the response provide the safety metrics, safety program details, or incident history requested by the solicitation?
Bid-risk note: do not include pricing in an RFQ unless the instructions request it. Some owners treat unsolicited pricing as a nonresponsive submission.
Solicitation types
RFP: Request for Proposal
An RFP asks for a proposed solution. It may evaluate technical approach, project team, schedule, safety, price, alternates, interviews, or other stated criteria. This format is common when the owner needs more than a low number.
Common evaluation categories
Price or fee proposal
Technical approach
Project team and experience
Schedule and logistics plan
Interview or presentation, when required
Response strategy
Technical approach: Explain how the team will manage logistics, phasing, risk, procurement, quality, safety, and communication.
Bid strategy: Tie strengths directly to the evaluation criteria instead of adding generic company copy.
Solicitation types
IFB: Invitation for Bid
An IFB is usually a price-focused bid on defined documents. The response package must follow the instructions closely because missing forms, late delivery, unacknowledged addenda, or incomplete bond documents can make a bid nonresponsive.
Focus: Price, Compliance, Bonding.
Bid risk: Missed scope, late addenda review, incomplete forms, and weak subcontractor coverage can create award or margin problems.
Bid strategy: Verify documents, alternates, addenda, bonds, unit prices, and subcontractor coverage before final submission.
Reference
Quick Comparison Table
| Type | Primary Question | Selection Criteria | Negotiation? |
|---|---|---|---|
| RFQ | “Who are you?” | Experience / Team | Yes (Scope) |
| RFP | “How will you do it?” | Value and Price | Yes (Best & Final) |
| IFB | “How much?” | Price Only | Usually limited |