> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.fairmarkit.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.fairmarkit.com/buyers/request-for-information-rfi.md).

# Request for information (RFI)

When you need to gather information from potential suppliers about items and services, request for information (RFI) events in Fairmarkit help you compile information for your next project. On a request for information event, Fairmarkit walks you through the process to create an event, add questions, and invite suppliers to submit information. A request for information event is typically submitted before creating a request for proposal event to obtain initial details for a project.

Important: To access Fairmarkit’s request for proposal module, please contact your Fairmarkit Customer Success Representative.

### Basic workflow <a href="#basicworkflow" id="basicworkflow"></a>

This outlines the basic workflow to create, submit a request for information and review the responses. However, there can be variations to this workflow.

Note: An event goes through multiple statuses during the request process. [For more information, see Event status (Buyers)](/glossary/glossary/event-status-buyers.md).

* [Create a request for information](/buyers/request-for-information-rfi/create-a-request-for-information.md): Create an event with questions about the items and services, select the suppliers to invite, and publish your event.
* **Send to Suppliers**: Once published, suppliers can submit responses, including answers to your questions, prices, and terms, within a specified time frame. If they have questions, they can message you directly.
* [Review responses:](/buyers/request-for-information-rfi/review-event-responses.md) After suppliers respond, you will need to review their responses and mark your request for information event reviewed. You can view all of their responses on a consolidated screen for easy comparison and review. Once complete, you can mark the event reviewed and add a note about the outcome (e.g., create a RFP, out of budget, etc.).


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.fairmarkit.com/buyers/request-for-information-rfi.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.