Procurement Steps

When goods or services are required, our process of procurement will follow one or more of these steps.

RFI (Request for Information)

This step is not a request for pricing necessarily but a need for information to help determine the scope of product or service required for an application. This step may not lead to a request for quotation (RFQ) or request for Proposal (RFP).

RFP (Request for Proposal)

An RFP is used if we have a challenge or requirement which could be resolved by several different methods of which no clear solution is obvious. RFP’s will allow suppliers to learn about our application and provide a solution, including pricing. This step may develop into more detailed discussions with one supplier which may then lead directly to a purchase order. 

RFQ (Request for Quotation)

The RFQ is considered the formal step prior to awarding a purchase order or contract. In this case the specifications are clearly defined and all bidders, once qualified, will submit a quotation. In most cases, the intention will be to award the purchase order or contract to the lowest bidder. We reserve the right to award or not award the contract to the lowest bidder, at our sole discretion.