Is my quotation an offer?

Yes, in the UN's terms. The UN Manual defines a quotation as an offer in response to an RFQ. Check how long your tender says it must stay open.

What is the difference between an RFP and an RFB?

In World Bank terms, an RFB suits requirements the borrower can state in detail. An RFP lets proposers offer solutions that may differ, and it uses rated criteria.

Request for Information. The UN Manual describes it as a market survey that helps identify vendors and possible solutions. It generally comes before the requirements are final.

Do I need to respond to an EOI to bid later?

It can matter, because the buyer uses responses to choose its list of invitees. The UN Manual also lets officials approach other vendors. Read the notice for how invitations will be made.

Does the lowest price always win?

No. It depends on the method. The UN awards an ITB to the lowest-priced conforming bid. The World Bank's large works document picks the highest combined technical and financial score.

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Answer · Tender terms explained

What is the difference between an RFP, RFQ, ITB and EOI?

An EOI shows your interest and experience. An RFQ asks for a price on a simple, clear need. An ITB asks for bids against requirements the buyer has fixed. An RFP asks for a proposed solution, judged on more than price. These are the UN Procurement Manual's meanings, and names vary by buyer.

The World Bank uses Request for Bids (RFB) where the UN says ITB. Always read how your own tender uses the name, and how it says bids are evaluated.

Create your workspace Reviewed 01/11/26

How do the four compare?

This table follows the UN Procurement Manual, amended 30 June 2024. Other buyers set their own rules and limits.

Name	What it asks for	Used when	How the winner is chosen
EOI (Expression of Interest)	Your interest, experience and qualifications	The buyer wants to identify vendors for a later solicitation	No award. Responses are assessed for the list of invitees.
RFQ (Request for Quotation)	A price quotation	The need is clear and specific, and low in value	Lowest price that is technically acceptable
ITB (Invitation to Bid)	A bid, in one envelope	The need is simple and can be stated fully in advance	Lowest-priced bid that substantially conforms, with pass or fail checks
RFP (Request for Proposal)	A technical proposal and a separate financial proposal	The need is complex or can be met in several ways	Cumulative or weighted analysis of the proposals

Answer · Tender terms explainedPrequalificationPrequalification is a pass or fail check of a contractor's experience, finances and eligibility before bidding. Only firms that pass are invited to bid.Answer · Preparing a bidHow bids are evaluatedBids must pass compliance and qualification first. Then price alone, or price plus quality scores, decides. Your tender states which method applies.Guide · Development-bank tenders

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What is the difference between an RFP, RFQ, ITB and EOI?

How do the four compare?

Read how your tender will be judged

What does the World Bank call them?

Do other buyers use the same names?

Which one will a construction contractor meet?

Where Bidligence fits

Questions

Sources

What is the difference between an RFP, RFQ, ITB and EOI?

How do the four compare?

Keep reading

Read how your tender will be judged

What does the World Bank call them?

Do other buyers use the same names?

Which one will a construction contractor meet?

Where Bidligence fits

Questions

Sources