An RFQ asks for a quotation. An RFP asks for a proposal. That distinction affects how the government forms an agreement, but the label alone does not tell your team how much work a response requires. Read the actual response instructions, evaluation approach and incorporated terms before assigning the estimate.
Start with the acquisition procedure
Under FAR 13.004, a quotation is not an offer. In the simplified acquisition procedure described there, the government’s resulting order is an offer that the supplier accepts. Do not generalize that explanation into a claim that every document labeled RFQ follows identical mechanics.
FAR 15.203 describes RFPs used in negotiated acquisitions. A competitive RFP describes the requirement, anticipated terms, information expected in the proposal, and evaluation factors. Agency procedures, commercial-product provisions and solicitation-specific instructions still matter.
Your first review note should identify the governing procedure and where the package states it. If the title and instructions appear inconsistent, record the conflict for clarification.
Compare the work your response must contain
| Review question | For a quotation | For a proposal |
|---|---|---|
| What must be returned? | Locate the line-item schedule, certifications, required attachments and submission instructions. | Locate required volumes, page limits, forms, technical content and price information. |
| How will it be evaluated? | Read the stated award basis. Do not assume the lowest number alone wins. | Connect each evaluation factor to the evidence and explanation requested. |
| What terms need review? | Examine the proposed order terms and any representations made by the quote. | Examine anticipated contract terms and whether alternatives are permitted. |
| What must happen first? | Check drawing access, source approval, site events and questions deadlines. | Check the same prerequisites. A longer narrative does not remove them. |
| What happens after submission? | Follow the stated process for clarification, order issuance and acceptance. | Follow the stated process for discussions, revisions and award. Do not assume another revision opportunity. |
Use the requirements matrix to assign these items individually. “Prepare quote” is too broad to show whether engineering, security or contracts has the next action.
An RFQ can still require substantial preparation
The dated Hellfire adapter RFQ contains a controlled drawing-access process before a supplier can examine the manufacturing package. The word RFQ does not make that access work optional.
The Warren engine assembly package places important instructions deep in its attachments. In both cases, reading the public notice summary is insufficient to plan the response. These are retained examples, not a fresh verification of their current requirements.
Produce a one-page response plan
Write down the response format, evaluation factors, required attachments, delivery route, exact deadline and owner for each contribution. Separate documents required with the response from evidence checked later. Add a review point before submission to confirm the current amendment set.
When compliance evidence is one contribution, Deep Fathom can demonstrate its assessment and evidence workflows. Your team owns pricing, proposal preparation and the decision to submit. Review bid requirements.
Continue with how to review the complete solicitation. Sources above were read September 7, 2026. Use the editions and deviations incorporated into your package.