---
title: What Is a Request for Information (RFI)? Definition | Aavenir
url: https://aavenir.com/glossary/request-for-information-rfi/
description: A request for information (RFI) is a formal questionnaire that collects written information about suppliers' capabilities in a format that can be compared.
updated: 2026-11-07
---

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# What is a request for information?

A request for information (RFI) is a formal questionnaire that collects written information about suppliers' capabilities in a format that can be compared.

## What it is used for

A request for information is usually the first and broadest set of questions in a sourcing process. Buyers use it to learn what the market offers, gather basic facts about suppliers' products and services, and collect ideas for how a need could be met. It is a planning tool, not a request for binding offers.

## What it usually asks

- Company background, size and experience.

- Products, services and capabilities.

- Relevant customers and references.

- Approach to the buyer's need, at a high level.

- Indicative cost drivers, without binding prices.

## How it fits with other requests

The answers help narrow the field. Suppliers that fit are then invited to a request for proposal or request for quotation, where they make firm offers. [Read how the three requests differ](https://aavenir.com/blog/rfi-rfq-rfp-difference/).

## How Aavenir handles it

[RFPflow](https://aavenir.com/solutions/rfp-management-software/) builds requests for information from templates, collects answers in a structured format and shortlists suppliers for the next stage, all on one sourcing record.

## Keep reading

[Request for proposal A request for proposal asks suppliers to propose how they would meet a need, and at what cost. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/request-for-proposal-rfp/)[Request for supplier qualification A request for supplier qualification gathers suppliers' credentials to decide who is qualified to bid. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/request-for-supplier-qualification-rfsq/)[Response to questionnaire A response to questionnaire is a supplier's set of answers to the questions a buyer asks during sourcing. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/response-to-questionnaire/)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

## Common questions

###

### When should you use a request for information?

When you are still learning about the market or the solutions available, before you can write a detailed specification. It helps shape the later request for proposal. [Read about request for proposal](https://aavenir.com/glossary/request-for-proposal-rfp/).

###

### Is a request for information binding?

No. It gathers information for planning. Suppliers are not making offers, and the buyer is not committing to buy. Binding offers come in a later request for proposal or quotation. [Read about request for quotation](https://aavenir.com/glossary/request-for-quotation/).

###

### How many questions should a request for information include?

Enough to decide which suppliers to invite further, and no more. Long questionnaires discourage responses. Focus on what will actually separate suppliers. A short, focused list usually draws better answers than a long one. [Read about responses to questionnaires](https://aavenir.com/glossary/response-to-questionnaire/).

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