Request for information
In addition to gathering basic information, an RFI is often used as a solicitation sent to a broad base of potential suppliers for the purpose of conditioning suppliers' minds, developing strategy, building a database, and preparing for an RFP, RFT, or RFQ.The ubiquitous availability of the Internet has made many government agencies turn either to state-run or vendor-operated websites which provide listings of RFIs as well as RFPs and RFQs.Many allow vendors to sign up at no charge to receive e-mails of requests either generally or for specific categories of product or service for which there is an interest.Or for legal reasons, a response must be sent in hard copy form and/or on CD/DVD disc or USB flash drive by mail or delivery service.Today, it is common for RFI management software to automatically track all activities related to RFIs and alert all personnel when there are status changes to help increase productivity and avoid construction delays.