UK Procurement Glossary
Request for Information (RFI)
A pre-procurement document asking suppliers for general information about their capability, used to shape requirements before a formal tender is issued.
Definition
A Request for Information (RFI) is a pre-procurement enquiry from a buyer asking suppliers for general information about their capability, the available market, indicative pricing or technical possibilities. RFIs are not commitments to buy — they help buyers shape requirements and understand the supplier market before issuing a formal tender.
In UK public sector, RFIs are sometimes published as Prior Information Notices (PINs) on Find a Tender Service. Responding to an RFI is often valuable: it builds relationships, demonstrates engagement and can shape the eventual tender in ways that favour you.
How this affects your bid
Respond to RFIs even though they don't lead to immediate awards. They're your best opportunity to influence the eventual specification and put your name in front of the buyer's procurement team early.
Common questions about request for information (rfi)
Does responding to an RFI commit me to bidding?
No. RFIs are non-binding. They're intelligence-gathering for the buyer, with no obligation to subsequently bid on the formal procurement that may follow.
Are RFI responses confidential?
Treatment varies — some buyers aggregate RFI responses, others share anonymised summaries. Mark sensitive information clearly if confidentiality matters.
Related terms
Prior Information Notice (PIN)
A pre-procurement notice published by a UK public sector buyer signalling intent to pro…
Request for Proposal (RFP)
A formal document inviting suppliers to propose a solution to a defined business need —…
Invitation to Tender (ITT)
The formal document a UK public sector buyer issues inviting suppliers to submit a tend…
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