RFQ and RFP Serve Different Stages of Selection
Architects frequently confuse an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) and an RFP (Request for Proposals), and exam writers know this. The confusion is understandable because both are procurement documents - but they are used at different stages of selection, ask for different information from firms, and serve different purposes in the client's decision-making process.
The RFQ comes first. Its purpose is to narrow the field of firms to a qualified short-list. The RFP comes second (if used at all) and asks the short-listed firms for detailed project proposals. In a strict QBS process such as one governed by the Brooks Act, an RFP may not exist - selection proceeds from the RFQ short-list directly to fee negotiation with the top-ranked firm.
What an RFQ Asks For
An RFQ solicits qualifications only - no fee information is requested. Typical RFQ content includes firm history and size, relevant project experience, team resumes and key personnel, project approach or methodology, and references. On federal projects, this is submitted on Standard Form 330 (SF 330). The owner uses RFQ responses to evaluate and rank firms by their competence and experience, then selects a short-list of the most qualified firms (typically three to six).
What an RFP Asks For
An RFP builds on the RFQ. Short-listed firms receive the RFP and are asked to provide more specific information about how they would approach the particular project. RFP content may include a preliminary project understanding, proposed scope of services, project schedule, team structure and subconsultant identification, and sometimes a proposed fee or fee range. On private projects (not subject to Brooks Act), price may be a formal RFP evaluation criterion.
How They Work Together
| Factor | RFQ | RFP |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Qualify and short-list firms | Select among short-listed firms |
| Stage | First step | Second step |
| Information requested | Qualifications only | Approach, scope, sometimes fee |
| Fee discussed? | Never | Sometimes (not in Brooks Act) |
| Federal form used | SF 330 | Project-specific proposal |
| Required for Brooks Act? | Yes | No - negotiation follows RFQ |
Why Private Owners May Skip the RFQ
Private owners are not bound by the Brooks Act and often have the flexibility to combine qualifications and proposal requests into a single document, or to use a direct negotiation process with a preferred firm. However, many sophisticated private owners - especially institutions, healthcare systems, and universities - still follow a two-stage process because the RFQ helps them avoid reviewing detailed proposals from firms they would not ultimately select.
Key Exam Points
- RFQ = qualifications only; no fee. RFP = project-specific proposal; may include fee.
- Brooks Act sequence: RFQ short-list → rank by qualifications → negotiate fee with top firm.
- SF 330 is the standard form for federal RFQ submissions.
- An RFP is NOT used in a strict Brooks Act selection - fee negotiation happens after ranking, not before.
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