"If we wanted an event that is non-competitive, and mostly Question-and-Answer-based, a Request for Information (RFI) is best. RFIs typically include questions with various response types, but do not include pricing via line items and lots.
Here are the basic attributes of RFIs within SAP Ariba Sourcing:"
WHAT IS AN RFI?
A Request for Information (RFI) is an event type used to collect information from suppliers.
RFI events are not competitive, and participant responses are never shown to other participants.
RFIs may be open for responses for an arbitrary amount of time (several days or weeks), allowing participants to log in and respond at their convenience since they are non competitive.
WHY USE AN RFI?
Use a Request for Information (RFI) to send questions to participants, gather participant feedback, and qualify participants based on their responses.
RFI events are intended to gather non-competitive data, information, comments, or reactions from potential participants.
RFI typically do not solicit pricing information, instead, RFIs usually precede other events (RFPs or auctions) that include price.
Line item and lots are not available within content creation.
Common uses:
Consolidate or narrow the supply base by identifying which suppliers are most likely able to provide the required goods or services
Learn supplier capabilities, while suppliers learn to understand your needs
Provide answers prior to the bidding process
Used to qualify suppliers prior to bidding
Let suppliers market their qualifications:
Supplier capabilities
Budgetary information
Product research
Hardware/Software strategy
Implementation strategy
CONSIDERATIONS
Qualify suppliers for RFP or Auction:
An RFI can also be used as the qualifying round of a longer sourcing process. In the RFI step, you collect information about participants for the purpose of selecting a few of them to invite to follow-on events such as RFPs or auctions. You can reuse the information from an RFI in another, follow-on event. Full projects can serve as a container for multistage event scenarios.
Soliciting proposals:
An RFI can be used alone to solicit proposals from participants. Although awarding RFIs are uncommon, project owners can award business based on the results of an RFI.
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