Read the full name, not just the acronym
Buyers do not always use abbreviations in the same way. RFQ can refer to a quotation or a qualification process. Read the expanded title, instructions and evaluation method before assigning the notice to your estimating team.
The distinctions below are an orientation. The individual solicitation defines what must be submitted, by whom and when.
Quotation, proposal or qualification?
- RFP: Request for Proposals
- A request for a proposed approach to a requirement. Look for how the buyer evaluates technical quality, experience, price and any other stated factors.
- RFQ: Request for Quotation
- Usually seeks pricing for a specified requirement. Confirm quantities, scope, forms and the evaluation method instead of assuming price is the only consideration.
- RFSQ: Request for Supplier Qualifications
- Seeks evidence of supplier capability, often to establish a qualified group for later procurement. Check how later invitations will work.
- Prequalification
- A qualification stage, not necessarily a construction contract award. Find the application requirements and whether entry is currently open.
Official reference: City of Toronto solicitation types.
What an ACAN asks you to consider
An Advance Contract Award Notice identifies an intended award to a pre-identified supplier. Other suppliers may respond through the stated capability process. Read the required capabilities, response instructions and exact deadline before deciding whether a statement is appropriate.
Do not treat an ACAN as an ordinary request to submit a construction price. A relevant title alone does not establish that your firm can meet the stated requirements.
Official reference: CanadaBuys guidance on ACANs.
An open qualification is different from an invitation
A notice inviting new suppliers to qualify may create an entry point. A later tender restricted to suppliers already on a list may not. Check whether your firm is eligible to respond now, and whether there is a separate route to join the list.
Record the list name, application deadline, relevant work categories and any stated renewal process. Qualification itself should not be read as a promise of future work.
Route the notice to the right person
- Price or proposal requested: an estimator or bid lead reviews scope and response effort.
- Qualifications requested: someone gathers project references, credentials and required evidence.
- Capability statement requested: a senior reviewer checks whether the firm can support every required capability.
Use the bid/no-bid checklist after identifying the actual response required.
A practical working guide. For any procurement, follow the current buyer notice and its amendments.
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