Request for Information (RFI)

A procurement request a buyer uses to gather general, nonbinding information from prospective sellers about their products, services, and capabilities.

Key Points

  • Used early in procurement to understand the market and refine requirements.
  • Not a bid or proposal request; typically does not ask for pricing or detailed solutions.
  • Responses describe seller capabilities, experience, and high-level approaches.
  • Often leads to a follow-on RFQ or RFP and does not create a contractual obligation.

Example

A project manager planning a new data analytics platform sends an RFI to several vendors to learn what data integration options, security certifications, and support models they offer. Based on the responses, the team refines requirements and then issues an RFP to a shortlist.

PMP Example Question

You are still shaping project requirements and want to learn what capabilities exist in the marketplace without requesting pricing. Which document should you issue?

  1. Request for Information (RFI)
  2. Request for Quotation (RFQ)
  3. Request for Proposal (RFP)
  4. Statement of Work (SOW)

Correct Answer: A — RFI, a request for information from potential sellers

Explanation: An RFI gathers general, nonbinding information about vendor capabilities and offerings; RFQs and RFPs seek pricing or detailed solutions, and an SOW describes work to be performed.

Advanced Project Management — Measuring Project Performance

Move beyond guesswork and status reporting. This course helps you measure real progress, spot problems early, and make confident decisions using proven project performance techniques. If you manage complex projects and want clearer visibility and control, this course is built for you.

This is not abstract theory. You’ll work step by step through Earned Value Management (EVM), learning how cost, schedule, and scope come together to show true performance. You’ll build a solid foundation in EVM concepts, understand why formulas work, and learn how performance data actually supports leadership decisions.

You’ll master Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), control accounts, and budget baselines, then apply core EVM metrics like EAC, TCPI, and variance analysis. Through a detailed real-world example, you’ll forecast outcomes, analyze trends, and understand contingencies and management reserves with confidence.

Learn how experienced project managers monitor performance, communicate results clearly, and take corrective action before projects slip. With practical exercises and hands-on analysis, you’ll be ready to apply EVM immediately. Enroll now and start managing performance with clarity and control.



Stop Managing Admin. Start Leading the Future!

HK School of Management helps you master AI-Prompt Engineering to automate chaos and drive strategic value. Move beyond status reports and risk logs by turning AI into your most capable assistant. Learn the core elements of prompt engineering to save hours every week and focus on high-value leadership. For the price of lunch, you get practical frameworks to future-proof your career and solve the blank page problem immediately. Backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee-zero risk, real impact.

Enroll Now