David Harding, Founder · WinAContract
Published May 18, 2026 · Updated May 19, 2026
Federal contracting uses three primary solicitation types: the Request for Proposal (RFP), the Request for Quotation (RFQ), and the Invitation for Bid (IFB). They look similar from the outside but have different rules, different evaluation methods, and different submission strategies. Knowing which is which is the difference between a compliant bid and a no-bid.
Invitation for Bid (IFB) — sealed bidding
The IFB is the oldest and most rigid solicitation type, governed by FAR Part 14. The contracting officer publishes detailed, complete specifications and invites sealed price bids. Award goes to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. Period. There’s no negotiation, no technical evaluation beyond responsiveness, and no opportunity to revise your bid after submission.
IFBs are used when the requirement is fully defined (a quantity of widgets to a published spec, a janitorial scope with hours and frequencies, a paving job with bill-of-materials) and price is the only differentiator. If you see an IFB, your job is to bid the lowest price you can profitably accept — not to write a 40-page technical narrative.
Request for Proposal (RFP) — best value or trade-off
The RFP is the dominant solicitation type for services, IT, and complex work. Governed by FAR Part 15. The contracting officer publishes requirements and evaluation criteria (Section M), and bidders submit both a technical proposal and a price proposal. The contracting officer can negotiate, award without discussions, or open a competitive range and conduct discussions before final proposal revisions.
Award is not necessarily to the lowest price. The government can — and often does — pay more for technical superiority, lower risk, or stronger past performance. The trade-off analysis is what makes RFPs the place where your proposal writing actually matters. Win themes, technical approach, and past-performance citations all influence the outcome.
Request for Quotation (RFQ) — simplified acquisitions
The RFQ is the workhorse of simplified acquisitions, governed by FAR Part 13. Used for purchases at or below the simplified acquisition threshold ($250,000 for most goods and services, with higher thresholds for some categories) and for orders against GSA Schedules under FAR Subpart 8.4. RFQs are technically not offers — vendors submit quotations, and the government issues an order. There’s no contract until the government accepts.
RFQs are faster, lighter on documentation, and easier for new vendors to compete in. Many federal first wins come through RFQs. Evaluation can still be based on best value, lowest price, or any reasonable method the contracting officer documents.
Side-by-side
| IFB | RFP | RFQ | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FAR part | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 13 |
| Evaluation basis | Lowest responsive bid | Best value / trade-off | Varies |
| Negotiation allowed? | No | Yes | Yes (informal) |
| Typical use | Construction, supplies | Services, IT, complex | Below SAT, Schedule orders |
| Submission is binding offer? | Yes | Yes | No (quotation only) |
Which should you target?
New vendors usually have the most success starting with RFQs — lower stakes, lighter paperwork, faster turnaround. Once you have a couple of past-performance citations, RFPs become viable. IFBs are a specialist game; if you’re not already a low-cost provider in a commodity space, IFBs are usually not where to spend your time.
Related reading
See how to win your first SAM.gov contract, federal contract search, AI RFP writing, the contracting glossary, and our best SAM.gov alternatives roundup.