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Glossary

What is a response to questionnaire?

A response to questionnaire is the set of answers a supplier gives to a buyer's predefined sourcing questions, used to evaluate and shortlist suppliers.

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Where it fits in sourcing

Questionnaires are usually part of a request for information or request for proposal. They ask suppliers about their qualifications, experience, financial stability, technical ability, references and anything else the buyer needs to judge fit. The supplier's answers are its response to questionnaire.

Question types

A good questionnaire mixes formats so answers are easy to give and easy to compare:

How buyers use the responses

The buyer scores each response against set criteria and weights, then compares suppliers to build a shortlist. Structured questions are scored quickly and consistently, while long answers and attachments show how well the supplier understands the need. The responses also become a record of what each supplier claimed, which is useful when drafting the contract.

How Aavenir handles it

RFPflow builds questionnaires with every common question type, collects supplier responses online and scores them against weighted criteria, with reviewers working from the same view.

Keep reading

Pricing template A pricing template is the structured sheet suppliers fill in to price each line in a request for quotation or proposal.Read more 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 Request for supplier qualification A request for supplier qualification gathers suppliers' credentials to decide who is qualified to bid.Read more

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Common questions

What questions go in a sourcing questionnaire?

Questions about the supplier's company, experience, financial health, technical capability, security, compliance, references and approach to the work. Ask only what you will evaluate. Read about request for information.

How are questionnaire responses scored?

Each question or section gets a weight that reflects its importance, and evaluators score answers against defined criteria. Weighted scores are totaled to rank suppliers. Read about supplier evaluation.

How can suppliers write a stronger response?

Answer exactly what is asked, give evidence such as case examples or certifications and keep to the format. Vague or generic answers score poorly against specific criteria. See RFPflow.

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