As noted above, an RFI is used when no firm intent to purchase has been established. Once a decision has been made to purchase a particular requirement, an RFP is required. An RFP documents and fully informs potential suppliers of the Postal Service’s requirements for the particular purchase, including proposal expectations and identification of best value criteria. The finalized RFP is used to generate competitive proposals from potential suppliers. Additional information on RFPs can be found in Section 2-2, Start Request for Proposal Development.
