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The Request for Information (RFI)

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Class outline What is a Request for Information? Places where a RFI is included in the process. An outline for a RFI Example

Ref: Wikipedia,

What is it? A request for information (RFI) is a

standard business process whose purpose is to collect written information about the capabilities of various suppliers. Normally it follows a format that can be used for comparative purposes.

An RFI is primarily used to gather information to help make a decision on what steps to take next.

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In the case of a R&D proposal Situation: You work for a company about to

write a proposal in response to a solicitation or project description.

You have reviewed the description of the project and what the organization wants done.

But all the details are not necessarily detailed. What to do?

Make assumptions? Ask for more exact specifications of what is desired.

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In real life!!! Government SBIR/STTRs – DARPA, DOD,

USAF, US Army, US Navy, … There is a formal process here.

The projects are posted to the website There is a specified period to contact the project point

of contact and ask questions about the project. Your questions must be worded very precisely and

only ask for clarification of the specifications. Asking if a given solution is desired does not get

answered.

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On your project In your group meetings pick a project to pursue

in this class. The project may be the one you pursue in

ECE682 or one for this class. What has been specified so far? What holes are there in the specification? What questions would fill in those gaps in the

specification? Those are your questions for your RFI12/28/08 - L6 Processes Copyright 2009 - Joanne DeGroat, ECE, OSU 6

RFI templates RFIs are a formal contract process document In many cases there is a precise document

format to be followed. In the case of the SBIR/STTR there is not a

specified format but in many fields there is. Construction Some business concerns

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Group Assignments Groups have been formed Meet with your group Write up a “Team” agreement sheet that all team

members sign and get a copy of. Includes contact information Responsibilities Intent/ability to meet outside of class – pick a

meeting time or two that all can make Pick a Team Name - cannot be Buckeyes Turn in copy of signed agreement Monday

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RFI assignment Prepare a RFI for the project your group will

undertake. Format is not specified but this is a formal

business correspondence. So

Formal business letter format State the specification of the problem/project as

you understand it List the specific points that you wish clarified

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