In the software selection process, a Request for Proposal (RFP) is a document containing binding information about contract specifications.
The RFP document highlights specific performance requirements for potential manufacturers and providers for the desired software solution. A Request for Proposal thus defines what the customer would like to have delivered in the tender for his software order and at the same time sets evaluation criteria for assessing and comparing upcoming offers.
A Request for Information (RFI) often precedes a tender process, in which non-binding prices are obtained. This is intended to make an initial preselection (for the subsequent RFP).
The goal of an RFP is to weed out unsuitable offers, formalize the desired solution, and compare project costs among different providers.
In today's world, such an approach is no longer appropriate due to increasing complexity and dynamics.