# What is an RFP? An RFP (request for proposal) is the solicitation used in negotiated acquisitions; it states the requirement, the terms and the evaluation factors, and asks offerors for proposals that can become binding contracts. RFPs are used for negotiated acquisitions under FAR Part 15, usually for larger or complex requirements. An offer submitted in response can be accepted to form a binding contract.Checked on 2026-11-12.Official source: [FAR 15.203](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/15.203) | Term | RFP | | --- | --- | | Source | FAR 15.203 | ## RFP meaning An RFP (request for proposal) is the solicitation used in negotiated acquisitions; it states the requirement, the terms and the evaluation factors, and asks offerors for proposals that can become binding contracts.RFPs are used for negotiated acquisitions under FAR Part 15, usually for larger or complex requirements. Section L of the RFP tells offerors how to prepare proposals and Section M states how they will be evaluated, whether by best-value tradeoff or lowest price technically acceptable. An offer submitted in response can be accepted to form a binding contract. ## Questions What is the difference between an RFP and an RFQ?An RFP asks for offers that can become contracts and is evaluated against stated factors; an RFQ asks for quotes, which are not offers.Where are RFPs posted?Federal RFPs above the posting thresholds are published on SAM.gov as solicitations. ## Related - [RFQ](https://samgovapi.io/glossary/rfq) - [Opportunity search](https://samgovapi.io/opportunity-search) - [Glossary](https://samgovapi.io/glossary)Updated 2026-11-12. Sources checked 2026-11-12.Independent. Not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by GSA, SAM.gov or any U.S. government agency. Registering in SAM.gov is free at sam.gov.

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