The Simple Request for Quotation (RFQ) Process for Procurement

In this series, explores core topics in procurement. Most #business people are familiar with the abbreviations #RFP and RFQ, but what is the difference, and how are they used?

The choice of which type of document to use depends on the product or service required and the desired outcome – is it a #proposal or a detailed price bid that is needed?

A #Request for Proposal (RFP) is a formal method of receiving detailed and comparable proposals from different suppliers for a specified product or service. It is a comprehensive document that should provide all the required information to make an informed #purchasing decision for strategic #purchases. An RFP process may take anything from a few weeks to six months.

A Request of Quotation (RFQ) is a competitive bid document used when inviting suppliers or contractors to submit a price bid for products or services where the requirements are standardized or produced in repetitive quantities. An RFQ is often used for high-volume/low-value items and should be completed more quickly than an RFP. The #buyer must provide a technical specification as well as his commercial requirements. The #document may sometimes be referred to as an #Invitation to Bid or Invitation to #Tender.

How to write an RFQ document

A well-constructed RFQ should open with an introduction to the company and its business and a statement of the need. It then allows suppliers to express their offers clearly to fulfill that need and provides the buyer with a fair way to select the best solution. An efficient way to do this is to provide bidders with a template that is designed to elicit the full information required in a format that allows for easy comparison. Time spent in preparation will save time and frustration later.

A 6 Step RFQ Process

While requests for quotes come in all shapes and sizes, they generally follow six key steps. Let's review the process from the point of view of a game of snakes and ladders.

1. Preparation of the document

Start your RFQ by preparing the relevant documentation. Identify clear requirements with input from internal stakeholders to make sure you’ve included all the necessary requirements which are at least these:

° Definition of the products or services required with detailed specifications

° Delivery requirements

° Quantities

° Payment terms

° The proposed method of evaluation

° Decision timeline and review process

° Contract terms and conditions

° Submission requirements

The template, in a format that can easily be compared such as Excel, should include quantities, cost breakdown, if applicable, pricing, volume discounts, and total price (before taxes).

2. Define the #supplier list

The RFQ could be open to all possible bidders. The global #market is dynamic and there are new entrants all the time. To streamline the #process it may be necessary to run a pre-selection event prior to sending your RFQ to a closed list of approved bidders. This is the point at which you need to assess both financial and operational risks.

3. Send out RFQ

The RFQ must include clear #instructions for its completion and the due date for submissions. It is important to allow enough time for a bidder to formulate his response. The RFQ should include, as an attachment, the buyer’s terms and conditions. During the bid preparation period, there must be a method by which any potential supplier can ask clarification questions and receive answers. All bidders should be provided with the same information.

There are many service providers with hosted solutions and e-sourcing software that can automate some parts of the process, including the Q&A and sharing the answers. Bidders can upload their offers with the required supporting documents and receive notifications.

4. Receive responses and analyze results

Whether received from an automated system or manually, #bids must be subject to confidentiality to ensure a fair result.

Best practice: close the #bidding on the due date and open all bids immediately thereafter.

5. Select the successful supplier

The evaluation process is made easier and speedier if an efficient, well-thought-out template is used. The successful bidder will be the one offering the lowest price for the goods or services specified while complying with all selection criteria. There may be a clarification process necessary, and minor negotiations needed to reach the right result. The deal is only completed when the contract is signed.

Best practice: Document all the actions that were taken during the RFQ process including the number of bids sent out, the number of bids received, the evaluation criteria, the bid evaluation committee members, and the final decision.

6. Advise unsuccessful suppliers

Notify the other bidders that the contract has been awarded. Thank them for their participation; you may need them again at a future date.

The 1-6 steps listed above are those which are traditionally followed in the commercial sector of the economy. Government departments and other public authorities may have more stringent rules for their #RFQ process.

What to watch out for with RFQs

The RFQ process can become subject to irregularities if the list of bidders is manipulated or unnaturally restricted to limit the competition. The process also has the potential to be abused as requirements can be broken down into smaller parcels to avoid a more lengthy and complex RFP process. Don’t let that happen to you.