---
title: What Is a Request for Tender (RFT)? Definition | Aavenir
url: https://aavenir.com/glossary/request-for-tender-rft/
description: A request for tender (RFT) is an open invitation to suppliers to submit offers, usually sealed bids, in a set format for clearly defined work.
updated: 2026-11-07
---

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# What is a request for tender?

A request for tender (RFT) is an open invitation to suppliers to submit offers, usually sealed bids, in a set format for clearly defined work.

## How it compares with other requests

A request for tender sits between a request for proposal and a request for quotation. It defines the required work more tightly than a request for proposal, which invites suppliers to propose their own approach, but less tightly than a request for quotation, which mainly asks for prices on a fixed specification.

## Where tenders are used

Tenders are most common in the public sector, where rules govern how they are prepared and evaluated. Those rules usually demand impartiality, openness and strict adherence to published evaluation criteria. Private companies also use tenders for construction, infrastructure and large service contracts.

## What a tender document includes

- Background and the work required.

- Specifications and service levels.

- Contract terms the winner must accept.

- Evaluation criteria and their weights.

- The submission format and deadline.

## How Aavenir handles it

[RFPflow](https://aavenir.com/solutions/rfp-management-software/) runs tenders end to end: it publishes documents, collects sealed responses by the deadline, scores them against published criteria and keeps a full record of the evaluation for audit.

## Keep reading

[Open tendering Open tendering lets any qualified supplier bid for a contract, usually through a public notice. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/open-tendering/)[Request for information A request for information is a structured set of questions sent to suppliers to learn what the market can offer. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/request-for-information-rfi/)[Solicitation A solicitation is a buyer's formal request for suppliers to submit information, quotes, proposals or bids. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/solicitation/)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

## Common questions

###

### What is the difference between a request for tender and a request for proposal?

A tender defines the work closely and asks suppliers to bid on it, often as sealed bids. A request for proposal leaves more room for suppliers to propose how they would meet the need. [Read about request for proposal](https://aavenir.com/glossary/request-for-proposal-rfp/).

###

### What is a sealed bid?

A bid that stays closed until the deadline passes, so no supplier can see or react to another's offer. All bids are then opened together, which keeps the process fair. [Read about open tendering](https://aavenir.com/glossary/open-tendering/).

###

### What happens if a tender arrives late?

In most formal processes a late tender is rejected to keep things fair, unless the rules allow an exception. Suppliers should submit well before the deadline. [Read about late tenders](https://aavenir.com/glossary/late-tender/).

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