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RFPs: Overview
What RFPs are, who they're for, and how they fit into your sourcing workflow on Human Cloud.
What is an RFP?
An RFP (Request for Purchase) on Human Cloud is a structured way to ask solutions specific questions before making a buying decision. You create a set of questions, select which solutions should receive them, and get answers back — all in one place.
Unlike a brief (which focuses on project deliverables and pricing), an RFP is designed for information gathering — evaluating capabilities, compliance, experience, and fit through direct Q&A.
Who is it for?
| Role | How you use RFPs |
|---|---|
| Buyers | Create and send RFPs, review responses side-by-side, shortlist or pass on solutions |
| Solutions | Receive RFPs, answer questions, attach supporting documents and case studies |
| Partners | Create RFPs on behalf of client organizations and share them with the buyer |
Key features
- Up to 25 structured questions — with a template library covering staffing, compliance, technology, pricing, and more
- Side-by-side comparison — review all solution responses in a table view
- Verdicts — shortlist, follow up, or pass on each response
- Messaging — continue the conversation with any solution directly within the RFP
- Sharing — generate a link to share your RFP publicly or with specific vendors
- Attachments & case studies — solutions can upload files and link relevant work
- Smart suggestions — solutions get answer suggestions based on their past responses
RFP vs Brief
| RFP | Brief | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Evaluate capabilities through Q&A | Request a proposal with pricing |
| Response format | Answers to your questions + attachments | Accept/decline with a quote |
| Best for | Comparing multiple solutions on specific criteria | Getting pricing and scope for a defined project |
| Buyer action | Shortlist / Follow Up / Pass | Award / Follow Up / Pass |