Learn in the textbookProcurement Planning and Execution — RFI, RFP, and Procurement Policies
DefinitionAn RFI (Request For Information) is a document in which the buyer, before settling what to procure, asks vendors to supply information (情報) on technologies, products and the like.
ExplanationThe buyer tells vendors what it wants to achieve and outlines its business, and they reply with usable technologies, products and examples of past deployments. The buyer uses this information to judge whether the system is feasible and which vendors are fit to take on the work. It also lays the groundwork for drawing up the requirements.
AnalogyIt is like collecting listings and typical rents from a few real-estate agents before deciding where to move, just to see what options exist.
Memory hookR and F stand for "Request For", and I for "Information". Put together, the letters spell out a plain request: "please send us information".