Glossary · Updated 20 September 2026
What is an RFP?
An RFP, or request for proposal, is a document an organization uses to describe a need and invite suppliers to propose how they would meet it.
Direct answer
RFP stands for request for proposal. It normally explains the buyer’s objectives, scope, requirements, timetable, submission instructions, contract conditions, and evaluation approach. Suppliers respond with a proposal that explains their solution, evidence, price, and delivery plan.
RFP example
A municipality seeking a digital services platform might issue an RFP with security standards, hosting requirements, accessibility rules, delivery milestones, insurance thresholds, and experience criteria. Suppliers first analyze those conditions before deciding whether to prepare a full response.
RFPs and public tenders
RFP is a widely used commercial term. Public procurement procedures use jurisdiction-specific notices and documents, so teams should follow the official terminology and rules for each procedure. TED publishes procurement notices from the European Union and European Economic Area.
Limitations
An RFP summary is not a substitute for the complete document set, amendments, buyer clarifications, or professional advice. Suppliers should confirm which conditions are mandatory and preserve the original source for review.