The Procurement Glossary » Request for x (RFx)
Request for x (RFx)
Sourcing & RFx
Also known as: RFx
Definition
An umbrella term for the family of formal sourcing requests — RFI, RFQ and RFP — used to solicit information or bids from suppliers.
Explanation
RFx is shorthand used when the specific document type is unimportant or when a tool supports all of them. e-Sourcing platforms typically manage the whole RFx lifecycle: building the request, distributing it, collecting responses and comparing them side by side.
Example
The sourcing calendar lists eight RFx events this quarter — a mix of RFIs, RFQs and one large RFP.
Related terms
- Request for Information (RFI) — A preliminary questionnaire used to gather information about the market and potential suppliers before running a formal RFQ or RFP.
- Request for Quotation (RFQ) — A sourcing document that asks multiple suppliers to price the same clearly-specified requirement so their bids are directly comparable.
- Request for Proposal (RFP) — A sourcing document inviting suppliers to propose how they would meet a requirement, evaluated on approach and value — not price alone.
- e-Sourcing — The use of software to run sourcing events — building RFx, distributing them to suppliers, and collecting and comparing responses online.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Request for x (RFx)?
An umbrella term for the family of formal sourcing requests — RFI, RFQ and RFP — used to solicit information or bids from suppliers. RFx is shorthand used when the specific document type is unimportant or when a tool supports all of them. e-Sourcing platforms typically manage the whole RFx lifecycle: building the request, distributing it, collecting responses and comparing them side by side.
Can you give an example of Request for x (RFx)?
The sourcing calendar lists eight RFx events this quarter — a mix of RFIs, RFQs and one large RFP.
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