RFI (Request for Information)

An RFI is a non-solicitation notice a federal buyer publishes to gather market information and feedback before structuring a real requirement. Answering it commits you to nothing — but it is your best chance to shape the eventual RFP.

What it is

Per CanadaBuys, "a Request for information (RFI) or Letter of interest (LOI) is used when detailed information and feedback are required from offerors" — for example where a buyer outlines a potential requirement and asks businesses to describe their ability to satisfy it and suggest how the eventual solicitation might be structured. An RFI is explicitly not a solicitation: it must clearly indicate that there is no commitment to future purchases or contracts, and answering one does not give you any standing in the later competition.

What the buyer is trying to learn

RFIs are an early-engagement tool. CanadaBuys lists their objectives as letting suppliers assess and comment on the adequacy and clarity of the requirements, offer alternative solutions (including lower-impact ones), and comment on the procurement strategy, preliminary basis of payment and timelines — while helping the buyer decide whether to proceed as planned, refine cost estimates and requirements, and become a better-informed buyer about industry offerings. On CanadaBuys you can see this in practice: real notices carry the notice type "Request for Information," such as PSPC's RFI on GoC advertising, media planning and buying services.

Why suppliers should still answer

There is no contract at stake, but the shaping value is real. The buyer uses RFI feedback to finalize requirements and the procurement strategy before drafting the RFP — so a well-argued response can move evaluation criteria, timelines or the basis of payment in directions that favour your solution. CanadaBuys also notes the two-step pattern: because preparing proposals is costly, buyers may issue an RFI/LOI to develop a short list and then issue an RFP only to the short-listed suppliers. Departments increasingly route RFI responses through platforms like SAP Business Network, so register on CanadaBuys and watch the tender feed for RFI notices early.

Common questions

Does responding to an RFI cost anything?

No. It is a request for market input, not a bid — there is no evaluation against competing suppliers, no award, and no bid security.

How is an RFI different from an expression of interest?

They overlap heavily in purpose. An RFI solicits structured information and feedback on a defined potential requirement; an expression of interest (EOI) is typically a broader call for parties interested in an upcoming opportunity. Both are market-engagement tools, neither is a solicitation.

Related definitions

RFP · RFQ vs. RFP · Expression of interest