If you search Contract Opportunities on SAM.gov, you will see a mix of notice types. Some are invitations to submit a binding offer. Others are the government asking questions before it decides how to buy. Knowing the difference tells you where to spend your limited time — and when a short response now can shape a contract you win later.
Market research notices: before a solicitation exists
Agencies are required to do market research before buying (see FAR Part 10). Two common notice types come from that step.
Sources sought
A sources sought notice asks businesses to say whether they are capable of doing a described piece of work. Agencies often use the responses to decide whether to set the work aside for small businesses — and for which program. If enough capable small businesses respond, the contracting officer may have the basis to set the acquisition aside under the "rule of two."
Should you respond? If the work fits you, yes. A sources sought response is one of the few ways a small business can directly influence whether a future contract is reserved for firms like it. Responses are usually short: a capability statement, relevant experience, your size and program status under the stated NAICS code, and answers to any specific questions.
Request for information (RFI)
An RFI asks industry for information to help plan an acquisition — feedback on a draft statement of work, pricing structure, feasible delivery timelines or available technologies. Under FAR 15.201(e), RFIs are used when the government does not presently intend to award a contract but wants information for planning. Responses are not offers and cannot be accepted to form a contract.
Should you respond? When the work is in your sweet spot. Thoughtful RFI comments can clarify requirements in your favor, flag unrealistic specifications, and put your company on the contracting officer's radar.
Notices that announce a coming solicitation
Presolicitation notice
A presolicitation notice announces that a solicitation is coming, often with a description, expected release date, NAICS code and set-aside status. Use it to start your go/no-go thinking and line up teammates.
Industry day and special notices
Agencies sometimes hold industry days or post special notices about events, draft documents or forecasts. Draft RFPs are especially valuable: you can see Sections L and M before the clock starts.
Solicitations: where you submit an offer or quote
Request for quotations (RFQ)
RFQs are common in simplified acquisitions (FAR Part 13) and in orders against GSA schedules. A quotation is not an offer; it is information the government can use to place an order, and an order is accepted when you accept it or begin performance. In practice, treat an RFQ seriously — your quoted price and terms will usually become the order.
Request for proposals (RFP)
An RFP is used in negotiated acquisitions under FAR Part 15. A proposal is an offer: if the government accepts it, a binding contract forms. RFPs usually include instructions (Section L) and evaluation criteria (Section M). See how to read a federal RFP.
Invitation for bids (IFB)
An IFB is used in sealed bidding under FAR Part 14, often for construction. Bids are opened publicly, and award goes to the responsible bidder whose bid conforms to the invitation and is most advantageous considering only price and price-related factors. There are no discussions.
Combined synopsis/solicitation
For commercial products and services, agencies can publish a combined synopsis/solicitation: the SAM.gov notice itself is the solicitation (see FAR 12.603). These can have short response windows, so read the notice text carefully — it may be the whole solicitation.
Award notices
Award notices tell you who won and for how much. They are useful market intelligence: they show competitors, price ranges and incumbent contractors. PinPeek's NAICS pages show recent notable awards from USAspending data for each industry.
A simple triage rule
- Sources sought / RFI in your core work: respond, briefly and specifically.
- Presolicitation / draft RFP: start your go/no-go, read L and M, line up partners.
- RFQ / RFP / IFB: make a go/no-go decision quickly, then commit fully or pass.
What a good sources sought response looks like
Keep it short and specific to the notice. Contracting officers read many responses, and they are looking for evidence that you can do this particular work. A useful structure:
- Company basics — legal name, UEI, CAGE code, address, point of contact.
- Size and status — whether you are small under the notice's NAICS code, and any SBA certifications you hold.
- Relevant experience — two or three brief examples of similar work, with customer, scope and size.
- Answers to the questions asked — in the order asked, numbered the same way.
- Constructive feedback — if a requirement seems unclear or unusually restrictive, say so politely and suggest an alternative.
Stay within any page limit, send it to the address listed by the deadline, and keep a copy. If a solicitation follows, your response is a head start on the real proposal.
Frequently asked questions
Is responding to a sources sought notice required to bid later?
Usually not. You can generally bid on the eventual solicitation without having responded. But responding can influence whether the work is set aside and helps the agency learn about you.
Is an RFI response binding?
No. An RFI response is information, not an offer. Do not include anything you consider proprietary unless you mark it appropriately, and follow the notice's instructions.
What is the difference between an RFQ and an RFP?
An RFQ asks for quotations, which are not offers and are typical of simplified acquisitions and schedule orders. An RFP asks for proposals, which are offers that the government can accept to form a contract, typically in negotiated acquisitions.
Where are these notices posted?
Most federal notices are posted to Contract Opportunities on SAM.gov. Orders under some existing contract vehicles, such as GSA schedules, may be issued through other systems, such as GSA eBuy, to vehicle holders only.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change — always check the solicitation and the official sources linked here.