RFP (request for proposal)
A document in which a buyer describes a need and invites suppliers to submit formal proposals with approach, price and terms.
Definition
A request for proposal, or RFP, is a structured way to ask suppliers how they would meet a requirement. It typically describes background, goals, scope, timeline, budget range, evaluation criteria and submission rules. Suppliers respond with approach, team, references and fees. A good RFP is specific enough to compare answers fairly but leaves room for ideas. Public bodies are often required to use RFPs for purchases. Writing one takes effort, but it saves time by filtering unsuitable suppliers early. Share the evaluation criteria and weights in the document itself, which helps respondents focus and makes your later decision easier to explain.
In a sentence
The RFP asked for a two-year media plan and a fee breakdown.
Answers were scored against the criteria published in the RFP.
Common mix-up
An RFP asks for a proposal; a brief describes the problem for creative work. They often travel together.
