Request for Qualifications (RFQ, State/Local)

A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) in state and local procurement is a pre-solicitation document that invites vendors to submit information about their experience, credentials, technical capacity, and organizational capability so that the agency can assess which firms are qualified to compete for a planned contract. Unlike a Request for Proposals (RFP) or Invitation for Bids (IFB), an RFQ does not typically request price information and does not result in a contract award by itself. It is a screening step that narrows the competitive pool before the agency issues a formal solicitation.

What is a Request for Qualifications?

State and local agencies use the RFQ process most frequently for professional services such as architecture, engineering, and land surveying (A/E/S services), information technology consulting, construction management, and other specialized domains where evaluating credentials before price is legally required or practically sensible.

Many states have enacted qualifications-based selection (QBS) laws for architecture and engineering services that parallel the federal Brooks Act (40 U.S.C. 1101-1104). Under QBS, agencies select the most qualified firm first and then negotiate a fair and reasonable fee. The RFQ initiates that process by collecting statements of qualifications (SOQs) from interested firms.

A typical RFQ asks vendors to provide: firm overview and organizational structure; relevant project experience with descriptions of similar engagements; key personnel resumes and license verification; evidence of financial stability; references; and certifications such as small business, minority-owned, or veteran-owned status. The agency evaluates SOQs, shortlists the most qualified firms, and then issues an RFP or begins negotiations with the top-ranked firm.

The RFQ is distinct from an RFI (Request for Information), which is a market research tool focused on gathering information about the market generally rather than screening specific vendors for a defined procurement.

Why it matters for contractors

Responding to RFQs with thorough, well-organized statements of qualifications is a foundational business development activity for professional services and specialty contractors. Being shortlisted through an RFQ process positions your firm as one of a small number of competitors for the subsequent RFP, dramatically improving your odds compared to an open competitive solicitation.

SOQ responses should be tailored specifically to the evaluation criteria listed in the RFQ. Generic corporate capability statements that do not map to the stated requirements perform poorly. Lead with the most relevant project experience, present key personnel clearly with credentials that match the stated requirements, and include measurable outcomes from past projects rather than broad claims.

Example

A regional transit authority issues an RFQ for program management services to support a $400 million capital expansion project. The RFQ requests SOQs demonstrating experience managing transit capital programs of comparable scale, key personnel qualifications including a project manager with ten or more years of transit experience, and references from at least three similar engagements. Twelve firms respond. The authority evaluates and shortlists four firms, then issues an RFP to those four requesting detailed technical and management proposals along with pricing. The shortlisted firms have a one-in-four chance of award rather than competing against all twelve respondents.