RFx

[edit] Introduction

RFx is an acronym used to represent the term, ‘Request for X’ where ‘X’ is one of the other terms that is part of the procurement process. Examples include:

• RfB - Request for Bid. A Request for Bid (RfB) is where a vendor or service provider is asked to submit a proposal (a ‘tender’, 'quote' or ‘bid’) to secure work for its business.
• RfI - Request for Information. A Request for Information (RfI) is a formal question asked by one party on a project to the another party.
• RfP - Request for Proposal. A Request for Proposal (RfP) is a statement provided by the client that describes the nature of a project, the nature of an appointment and a description of the information required from the vendor or service provider.
• RfQ - Request for Quotation or Request for Quote. A Request for Quotation (RfQ) is a priced summary of the work to be undertaken, or the materials to be supplied, or the services to be provided.
• RfC - Request for Change. This is similar to a change order.

RFx can incorporate just one of these processes or any combination of them. It can also include all of the processes in a complex, multi-stage procurement approach (RfI to RfP to RfQ to RfB to RfC).

[edit] RfX and e-procurement

In electronic procurement (or e-procurement) arrangements, RfX transactions can be managed through the use of RfX software. This technology can be used to automate different parts of the e-procurement process.

E-procurement refers to tendering processes carried out online and through information and networking systems. It can be a highly effective way of managing complex supply chains with multiple tiers of suppliers. E-procurement software automates procurement-related functions, procedures and processes, reducing the need for paper-based and human processes.

An e-procurement system can use RFx software to centralise information, so everything related to transactions can be accessed online from one place. One major benefit to this arrangement is the reduction of duplicate orders. It also supports tracking for each portion of the purchasing cycle.

Most RfX software includes a selection of RfX tools. These can come in the form of project templates that help to standardise transactions and improve documentation and data management accuracy.

Some RfX templates include the following documents associated with the procurement process:

• Construction service agreements.
• Equipment purchasing and maintenance agreements.
• Purchase order terms and agreements.
• Rental agreements.
• Software as a Service SaaS agreements.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Automated vendor selection.
• Bidder.
• Bill of quantities software.
• Computers in construction tendering.
• E-procurement.
• E-sourcing.
• Managing the procurement process.
• Procurement route.
• Request for information RFI.
• Request for proposals from consultants RFP.
• Request for quotation.
• Source to pay software S2P.
• The benefits of e-procurement in construction.
• Tender documentation.