RFIt

RFIt refers to a Request for Information, a procurement process document used by organizations to gather information about the capabilities of potential vendors and the potential solutions available for a particular need. It is typically issued before a more formal Request for Proposal (RFP) or Request for Quotation (RFQ). The primary purpose of an RFIt is to educate the issuing organization about the market, understand available technologies or services, and refine their requirements before committing to a specific procurement.

An RFIt is generally less detailed than an RFP and focuses on understanding what vendors offer and how they might meet an organization's needs. Questions in an RFIt often explore vendor experience, technical capabilities, general approaches to problem-solving, and potential solution architectures. It is not usually a formal bidding process, and responses are not typically used for vendor selection. Instead, the information gathered helps the organization to better define the scope and requirements for subsequent, more formal procurement documents.

The benefits of using an RFIt include reducing the risk of issuing an ill-defined RFP, discovering innovative solutions that might not have been considered, and gaining a better understanding of market pricing and timelines. It allows for a more informed and strategic approach to procurement, ensuring that the organization's final requirements are well-aligned with available market offerings.