Request for Information - General Guidelines and
                              Template
        A Request for Information (RFI) is a document used to obtain general
        information about products, services or suppliers. It is a formal process
        that can be used by a procuring entity when conducting its market
        research. The RFI is simply a means of gathering data in a structured and
        comparable manner. It is not binding on either the supplier or the
        procuring entity, and it does not lead to an award of contract. 
        The procuring entity is required to clearly stipulate the purpose and
        objectives of the exercise in its RFI to ensure that suppliers do not feel
        disadvantaged or disappointed due to erroneous expectations. Normally,
        participants in an RFI should also be allowed to participate in any resulting
        tender exercise.
        The information obtained from the RFI exercise can assist the public body
        in identifying available or potential solutions to their business need and
        can provide an indication of the number of suppliers available in the
        supply market. Information requested may include, but not be limited to:
        qualification and experience of the business and its key human resources,
        specifications of new or unique products, scope of services, project
        duration,   pricing   details,   warranty,   performance   metrics   and   key
        performance indicators. 
        The information obtained can be used during the procurement planning
        stage and in the development of specifications, Terms of Reference (TOR)
        or Scope of Works (SOW). The RFI may not be used as a selection method
        to procure a good or service, and the information provided by the
        contractor or supplier must not be used to design specifications that suit a
        specific contractor or supplier. It must only be used to acquire and
        broaden the procuring entity’s knowledge of what is available in the
        supply market. 
        The RFI can be advertised openly, or it can be sent to known suppliers,
        depending on the type of information to be obtained and the level of
        market knowledge. An RFI should always be written as a non-binding
        inquiry.
        Public bodies can use the attached ‘Request for Information’ template as a
        guide when inviting suppliers, contractors or consultants to provide data
        on their organisation, industry and supply market.
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               Attachment: RFI Template
                                            (Name of the Procuring Entity)
                                REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
                                                   RFI Title: Insert title
                  1.   The  (Name of the Procuring Entity)  was established by  (Act of
                       Parliament, if applicable) and is responsible for (mandate and core
                       objectives of the procuring entity).
                  2.   The (Name of the Procuring Entity) hereby issues this Request for
                       Information (RFI) to contractors/suppliers/consultants for (the name and
                       brief description of the requirements. The information provided
                       should be sufficient to allow respondents to understand the
                       organisation’s need, and the reason that the information is being
                       requested).
                  3.   This RFI does not constitute an Invitation to Bid or Request for Proposals
                       and will not result in an award of contract. The information is being
                       requested as part of the (Procuring Entity)’s market research, and the
                       information provided may be used in the planning of future procurement
                       projects. 
                  4.   Any subsequent tender process that may arise will be conducted in
                       accordance   with   the  (Procurement   Rules   and   Procedures
                       established in the Handbooks and Guidelines issue by the Office
                       of Procurement Regulations to achieve compliance with the
                       Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Act, 2015 as
                       amended). 
                  5.   Respondents are required to provide the following information (This list
                       can be amended and further developed to suit the needs of the
                       procuring entity)
                         (a) the business name, address, telephone number and email;
                         (b)the name, designation, email address and direct contact number of
                             the vendor’s designated representative for the purpose of this RFI;
                         (c) Company profile   providing   details   on   the   establishment   and
                             experience of the business, its directors or shareholders, its project
                             portfolio, major clients, service partners;
                         (d)Qualifications of key personnel;
                         (e) Brochures and data sheets;
                         (f) Brief summary of contracts completed for the provision of (goods,
                             works, services) similar in scope and nature;
                         (g)Pricing information.
                   6. Respondents may request additional information by sending an email to
                       the address provided below.
                   7. Completed packages may be delivered electronically via Dropbox or
                       similar electronic tool. 
                   8. Alternatively, one (1) printed original, and one (1) electronic copy (flash
                       drive/disc) of the completed package may be placed in a sealed envelope
                       and delivered into the appropriately labelled Tender Box located in the
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          Lobby area at the address below by (insert submission deadline date
          and time).
          Insert the address and contact information for delivery and queries
       (Name of duly authorised representative)
       (Job title of the duly authorised representative)
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