What is a request for proposal (RFP)?

• A. An inquiry to a vendor about prices for products of a specified quality
• B. A shipping agreement
• C. A payment term sheet
• D. A contract to supply goods over a period

Answer: (A)

An RFP is a formal invitation to suppliers to submit proposals detailing how they would meet defined needs, including how they would approach the project, timelines, and pricing. The option describes asking vendors for prices for products that meet specific quality criteria, which captures the essential pricing and specification element of an RFP. In practice, an RFP invites multiple vendors to present their solutions and quotes so the buyer can compare options and select the best fit based on price and how well the proposal meets the requirements. The other choices describe a shipping agreement, a payment term sheet, or a standing contract to supply goods rather than the solicitation process used to gather competitive proposals.