---
title: What Is an RFP Debrief? Definition and Benefits | Aavenir
url: https://aavenir.com/glossary/rfp-debrief/
description: An RFP debrief is a meeting between a buyer and bidders after a request for proposal, explaining where each proposal was strong, where it was weak and why.
updated: 2026-11-07
---

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# What is an RFP debrief?

An RFP debrief is a meeting between a buyer and bidders after a request for proposal, explaining where each proposal was strong, where it was weak and why.

## How it works

The debrief is the final step of the request for proposal timeline. It is usually an informal conversation after the award. The procurement team explains how the proposal was scored, answers the bidder's questions and gives feedback on how it could improve. The buyer may also ask about the bidder's experience of the process.

## Benefits for buyers

- Stronger relationships with suppliers, including those who did not win.

- Better proposals next time, because suppliers know what the buyer values.

- Honest feedback on the buyer's own process and documents.

- A record that the evaluation was fair and transparent.

## Benefits for bidders

Bidders learn why they won or lost and how they compared, which helps them decide whether to bid again and how to improve. Even a winning supplier gains from hearing which parts of its proposal mattered most.

## How Aavenir handles it

[RFPflow](https://aavenir.com/solutions/rfp-management-software/) keeps every score, comment and evaluator note from a request for proposal on the event record, so the debrief can draw on exactly how each proposal was assessed.

## Keep reading

[Best and final offer A best and final offer is the last, improved bid a buyer asks shortlisted suppliers to submit in a request for proposal. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/bafo/)[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/)[Supplier evaluation Supplier evaluation assesses potential and current suppliers on measures of cost, quality, risk and capability. Read more](https://aavenir.com/glossary/supplier-evaluation/)

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

## Common questions

###

### Who should attend an RFP debrief?

From the buyer, the procurement lead and ideally an evaluator who can speak to the scoring. From the bidder, the people who wrote and led the proposal. [Read about request for proposal](https://aavenir.com/glossary/request-for-proposal-rfp/).

###

### What should a buyer share in a debrief?

How the bidder's proposal scored against the criteria, its main strengths and weaknesses and what could improve it. Do not share other bidders' confidential pricing or details. [Read about best and final offers](https://aavenir.com/glossary/bafo/).

###

### Should buyers offer debriefs to every bidder?

It is good practice to offer one, and in some public sector processes it is required. Not every bidder will accept, but the offer builds trust. [See RFPflow](https://aavenir.com/solutions/rfp-management-software/).

Have a question we have not answered? [Ask the Expert](https://aavenir.com/contact/)

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