What Is an RFQ (Request for Quotation)?

RFQ stands for request for quotation: a document a buyer sends to one or more suppliers asking for a price and lead time to make a clearly defined part or product. In manufacturing, an RFQ normally includes CAD files or drawings, quantities, material, surface finish, tolerances and the required delivery date.

In short: an RFQ says "here is exactly what we need — what will it cost and how soon can you make it?"

What Does RFQ Mean in Manufacturing?

An RFQ is used when the buyer already knows what they want. The part is designed, the requirements are written down, and the remaining question is commercial: price, lead time and terms. Because every supplier quotes against the same package, the answers can be compared line by line.

A good manufacturing quote separates one-time costs such as tooling and setup (NRE) from the unit price, states lead times, and lists its assumptions — material grade, finish, inspection level and shipping terms. When the RFQ is vague, those assumptions differ between suppliers and the quotes stop being comparable.

The response to an RFQ is a quotation. Whether a quotation is binding depends on its terms. In US federal procurement, for example, the rules state that responses to requests for quotations are "quotations, not offers," while responses to requests for proposals are offers called proposals.

RFQ vs RFP vs RFI

	RFI (request for information)	RFP (request for proposal)	RFQ (request for quotation)
Buyer knows	The problem, not the options	The goal, not the exact solution	The exact part or product
Asks suppliers for	Capabilities and information	A proposed approach plus price	Price, lead time and terms
Typical stage	Early research	Solution selection	Sourcing a defined design

What Should a Manufacturing RFQ Include?

Item	Why it matters
3D CAD file (STEP or IGES preferred) plus a 2D drawing	The model defines geometry; the drawing carries tolerances, threads and critical dimensions
Quantity, with expected annual volume	Volume decides the process and whether tooling is worth it
Material, color and surface finish	Drives material cost, process choice and post-processing
Critical tolerances and inspection needs	Tight tolerances and inspection reports add time and cost
Target delivery date	Determines whether a faster process or bridge tooling is needed
Certifications and documents	e.g. material certificates, CoC, first-article or PPAP reports
Destination and shipping terms	Affects the landed cost and which Incoterms rule applies

Sending STEP rather than STL matters: a STEP file keeps exact surfaces for machining and mold design, while an STL is a triangle mesh.

How to Write an RFQ That Gets Accurate Quotes

• Mark which dimensions are critical so suppliers do not quote every feature at the tightest tolerance.
• Ask for NRE, unit price and lead time as separate lines, at two or three quantity breaks.
• Invite DFM feedback — a supplier that flags a problem before tooling is saving you a mold change.

NICE Rapid's request-a-quote form asks for exactly this: part drawings or 3D files (STEP/IGS preferred, up to 100 MB), quantity, material, color, surface finish and your target timeline, with a response within 24 hours. RFQs can also be emailed to rfq@nice-rapidtooling.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an RFQ?

An RFQ, or request for quotation, is a request from a buyer to suppliers for a price and lead time on a clearly specified part or product. It includes the drawings or CAD files, quantity, material, finish and delivery date so every supplier quotes the same thing.

What is the difference between an RFQ and an RFP?

An RFQ is used when the buyer knows exactly what they need and wants a price. An RFP (request for proposal) is used when the buyer knows the goal but wants suppliers to propose how to achieve it, so responses are compared on approach as well as price.

Is a quotation legally binding?

It depends on the quotation's terms and the governing law. Many quotes state a validity period and conditions. In US federal procurement, responses to requests for quotations are treated as quotations, not offers, and a contract forms only when an order is accepted.

Related Services at NICE Rapid

• Rapid Prototyping — accepts STEP, IGES, STL, DWG and DXF files, with an engineering review included in every quote, not just a price.
• Low-Volume Manufacturing — DFM review and quotation confirmed within 24 hours, from one part upward.
• Request a Quote — upload STEP or IGS files with quantity, material and finish; we reply within 24 hours.

Sources

1. Federal Acquisition Regulation 48 CFR 2.101, Definitions ("Offer") — responses to requests for proposals are offers called proposals; responses to requests for quotations are "quotations", not offers — law.cornell.edu
2. Federal Acquisition Regulation 48 CFR 13.004, Legal effect of quotations — "A quotation is not an offer"; a contract is established when the supplier accepts the Government's order — law.cornell.edu