An RFP (Request for Proposals) asks you to explain how you will do the work and at what price, and the agency picks the best overall value. An RFQ (Request for Quotations) mainly asks for a price on a defined need. An IFB (Invitation for Bid) is a sealed bid where award usually goes to the lowest priced bidder that meets every requirement. Knowing which one you are reading changes how you respond, and it is a core skill in our Government Contracting Academy and Friday Contracting Workshops.
RFP: Request for Proposals
An RFP is used when the agency wants to compare different approaches, not just prices. You will usually write a technical approach, a management plan, past performance and a price section. Evaluators score your proposal against stated criteria.
- What wins: the best overall value as defined in the evaluation section.
- Your focus: answer every requirement, show you understand the problem, and prove you can deliver.
RFQ: Request for Quotations
An RFQ is common for simpler or smaller purchases where the need is already well defined. The agency mostly wants your price, delivery time and confirmation that you meet the specifications. Some RFQs also ask for short technical information.
- What wins: often price, sometimes price plus a few other factors listed in the RFQ.
- Your focus: accurate pricing, on-time submission and complete forms.
IFB: Invitation for Bid
An IFB is a sealed bidding process. Bids are typically opened at a set time, and award usually goes to the lowest priced bid that is responsive (meets all requirements) from a responsible bidder (able to perform). There is little or no room for negotiation or for fixing mistakes after the deadline.
- What wins: the lowest responsive, responsible bid.
- Your focus: sharp pricing and zero errors on required forms.
How to tell which one you have
Do not rely only on the title. Read the instructions to offerors and the evaluation section. Those two parts tell you what to submit and how the award will be decided. Rules differ by agency and level of government, so always follow the solicitation in front of you.
Class details
- Government Contracting Academy: 54 hours, 9 modules, and a finished career portfolio. Modules cover how government buys, procurement and ethics, registrations and certifications including SAM.gov, finding opportunities, bid/no-bid, reading solicitations, RFPs and grant notices, proposals and grant narratives, pricing inputs, and post-award contract administration.
- Academy day cohort: Monday to Thursday, 12 to 4 PM, November 23 to December 16, 2026 (no class November 26).
- Academy evening cohort: Tuesday and Thursday, 6 to 9 PM, January 12 to March 11, 2027.
- Academy tuition: $1,497 paid in full, or 3 payments of $499.
- Friday Contracting Workshops: 2 hours every Friday, 12 to 2 PM (no workshop November 27, December 25 or January 1). Topics rotate: finding bids, reading an RFP, bid/no-bid, compliance matrices, proposal and grant narratives, SAM.gov and certifications. $97 per workshop, or a 4-pass for $297.
- Format: every class is offered in person at 255 N. D Street, Suite #200-XXVII, San Bernardino, CA 92401, or live online from anywhere in the U.S.
- Why it fits this topic: reading solicitations, RFPs and grant notices is a full Academy module, and a Friday Workshop focuses on reading an RFP line by line.
- Funding note: Our application to California's Eligible Training Provider List is in progress. Once approved, eligible residents may have tuition paid by the county.
How to enroll
- Apply online. It takes about 2 minutes.
- Pay with the class pay link: Academy, $1,497 in full, Academy, 3 x $499, one Friday Workshop, $97, or Friday Workshop 4-pass, $297. You can also see every option on the tuition page.
- We confirm your seat within 2 business days.
Want to ask questions first? Join our free Info Session and Orientation every Monday, 5:00 to 5:45 PM Pacific, online. Register on the enroll page to get the link. Full program details are on the Contracting Academy page.
FAQ
Is an RFQ response a binding offer?
It depends on the agency and the wording of the RFQ. In many federal RFQs a quote is not treated as a binding offer, but you should read the solicitation carefully and never assume. The Academy teaches you where to look.
Which is easiest for a new small business?
Many new contractors start with RFQs because the requirements are often simpler. The right choice depends on your capacity and the specific opportunity, which is why we teach bid/no-bid decisions.
Can I learn this in a single Friday Workshop?
Yes, a 2-hour Friday Workshop on reading an RFP gives you a practical start for $97. For the full process, the Government Contracting Academy covers all 9 modules.
Questions? Call or text (909) 454-7076, or email info@ayangbahfoundation.org.