RFP
Category: Procurement
Also searched as: Request for proposal
Definition (plain English)
A Request for Proposal asks suppliers to propose an approach, service scope, capability, and commercial terms for a defined business need.
Why it matters commercially
RFPs are useful when price is not the only decision factor, such as forwarder selection, 3PL services, private-label manufacturing, or inspection programs.
Example
A buyer used an RFP for a cold-chain 3PL because service levels, temperature evidence, claims handling, and systems integration mattered as much as storage price.
Common mistake
Running an RFP without weighted evaluation criteria, required evidence, service assumptions, and a clear way to compare non-price differences.
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