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A request for solution (RFS, also known as ''request for proposed solution'') is a commercial document that describes a technological or organizational situation and demands a solution (for example, a new arrangement of information technology, IT) to possible suppliers of this solution. This document is normally issued by the organization which would benefit from the solution. The buying organisation keeps a dialogue with would-be suppliers to determine together the best solution.
The difference with a request for proposal (RFP) consists of the RFS being much more open and leaving more space to innovate. Both RFP and RFS have requirements, but those of RFS are more general. RFSs also need less time to be answered, so they are likely to get a higher number of responses.
"A classic example of request for solution: the client gave general instructions regarding the solution while laying lesser restrictions on specific technology."
"In contrast to a detailed, buyer-led RFP, the RFS is an open-ended, collaborative process. The customer describes its environment, objectives, concerns, and risk tolerance and the potential suppliers come back with solutions that meet those general requirements."
The RFS may be used as the first step in a
A request for solution (RFS, also known as ''request for proposed solution'') is a commercial document that describes a technological or organizational situation and demands a solution (for example, a new arrangement of information technology, IT) to possible suppliers of this solution. This document is normally issued by the organization which would benefit from the solution. The buying organisation keeps a dialogue with would-be suppliers to determine together the best solution.
The difference with a request for proposal (RFP) consists of the RFS being much more open and leaving more space to innovate. Both RFP and RFS have requirements, but those of RFS are more general. RFSs also need less time to be answered, so they are likely to get a higher number of responses.
"A classic example of request for solution: the client gave general instructions regarding the solution while laying lesser restrictions on specific technology."
"In contrast to a detailed, buyer-led RFP, the RFS is an open-ended, collaborative process. The customer describes its environment, objectives, concerns, and risk tolerance and the potential suppliers come back with solutions that meet those general requirements."
The RFS may be used as the first step in a procurement
Procurement is the method of discovering and agreeing to terms and purchasing goods, services, or other works from an external source, often with the use of a tendering or competitive bidding process. When a government agency buys goods or serv ...
process. Once a determined solution has been selected, the process can advance one step, issuing, for example, a RFP, more specific and detailed.
Controversy
Lutz Peichert challenges the need for yet another procurement term (RFS) when RFP already exists. John Healer, on the contrary, has found "the Request for Solution language to be of value". Researchers from the University of Tennessee consider RFS "an emerging competitive bidding methodology".See also
*Call for bids
An invitation to tender (ITT, otherwise known as a call for bids or a request for tenders) is a formal, structured procedure for generating competing offers from different potential suppliers or contractors looking to obtain an award of business ...
* Request for quotation
A request for quotation (RfQ) is a business process in which a company or public entity requests a quote from a supplier for the purchase of specific products or services. RfQ generally means the same thing as Call for bids (CfB) and Invitatio ...
* Request for information
* Request for association A request for association (RFA) or request for collaboration, also called, though less frequently (see below) request for partnership, request for partner or request for alliance, is a commercial document issued by a party which invites association ...
References
{{Procurement requests Procurement Business terms