XL EagleRFP (Request for Proposal)
RFP stands for Request for Proposal. An RFP is a solicitation used for negotiated buys, where the government judges more than price. It usually asks for a technical approach, past performance and a price, often in separate volumes. Federal RFPs follow negotiated procurement rules, which allow the agency to hold discussions with offerors before picking a winner.
An RFP tells you exactly how to write your response (usually Section L) and exactly how it will be scored (usually Section M). Responses to an RFP are offers, which means the government can accept one and form a contract.
Why it matters to a small contractor
RFPs reward the businesses that follow instructions to the letter and explain clearly how they will do the job. Page limits, font sizes and volume order are not suggestions. A strong small contractor can beat a bigger one by writing to the evaluation criteria instead of writing a brochure. XL Eagle writes complete proposals for $19.99 at xleagle.com/proposal-writing/.
Example
An Air Force base issues an RFP for custodial services in 14 buildings. It asks for a 15-page technical volume, three past performance references, and a price volume broken out by building and option year.
RFP: common questions
What is the difference between an RFP and an RFQ?
An RFQ is usually for simpler buys and the response is a quote, not a binding offer. An RFP is for negotiated buys where the response is a formal offer and non-price factors often carry real weight.
Can the government negotiate after RFP responses come in?
Yes. Under negotiated procurement the government may hold discussions with offerors in the competitive range, and offerors can then submit revised proposals. Many RFPs also say award may be made without discussions, so your first submission should be your best.
Want the contract without the paperwork? Send XL Eagle your price on an open government job. We write and submit the bid under our registrations, free to you. Find open jobs →