RFP vs RFQ vs IFB: What's the Difference?

If you're new to government contracting, the alphabet soup of solicitation types can be confusing. RFP, RFQ, IFB, RFI, Sources Sought — each means something different and requires a different response strategy.

Here's what you need to know about the three main types.

RFP — Request for Proposal

An RFP is the most common solicitation type for complex services and solutions. The agency describes what they need, and you propose how you'd deliver it.

Key characteristics:

• Evaluated on best value — not just price
• Technical approach, past performance, and management plan matter
• Allows for negotiation and discussion
• Common for IT services, consulting, construction, and professional services

Your response includes: Technical proposal, management approach, past performance references, staffing plan, and pricing volume — typically as separate documents.

RFQ — Request for Quotation

An RFQ asks for a price quote on specific goods or services with clearly defined specifications. There's less room for creativity — the agency knows exactly what they want.

Key characteristics:

• Evaluated primarily on price
• Specifications are detailed and fixed
• Common for commodity purchases, supplies, and well-defined services
• Often used on GSA Schedule (GSA eBuy)

Your response includes: Line-item pricing, delivery timeline, and confirmation you meet specifications.

IFB — Invitation for Bid

An IFB is a sealed-bid process where the lowest responsive, responsible bidder wins. Period.

Key characteristics:

• Evaluated on lowest price — no technical evaluation
• Must meet all requirements exactly (responsive)
• Must be a capable contractor (responsible)
• Common for construction, commodities, and simple services
• No negotiation — your bid is your final offer

Your response includes: Completed bid form with pricing. That's it.

Quick Comparison

	RFP	RFQ	IFB
Evaluation	Best value	Price-focused	Lowest price
Negotiation	Yes	Sometimes	No
Complexity	High	Medium	Low
Response effort	Weeks	Days	Days
Common for	Services, IT, consulting	Products, GSA orders	Construction, commodities

Don't Forget Pre-Solicitation Notices

Before an RFP drops, agencies often post:

• RFI (Request for Information) — the agency is researching the market. Responding helps shape the eventual RFP.
• Sources Sought — the agency wants to know who can do the work. Always respond — it gets you on the radar.
• Pre-Solicitation Notice — the agency is announcing an upcoming RFP. Start preparing now.

These pre-solicitation notices are gold. They give you weeks or months of lead time before your competitors even know the opportunity exists.

Next Steps

• How to find government RFPs across 2,000+ sources
• How to read an RFP — understand every section before you respond
• How to write a winning government proposal
• Start your free trial to see RFPs, RFQs, and IFBs matched to your business