fbpx

What is request for information?

Request for information (RFI) is widely used in construction once specific information is missing, misleading or clarification is needed. Usually RFI communication can happen between general contractor, subcontractor, designer, client and other parties which are involved in projects. RFI always carries important information which is necessary for better project performance and they are used to clarify following:

Why should RFI be used? 

A good RFI should always carry important information about the project. In case if something is missing in drawings, Contractor can then send an RFI to the designer. Designer then should make a response with a detailed answer.

Here is an example.

This is a potential example of an RFI between contractors and a designer in potential tender stage or execution phase sent by email. 

Example of an RFI

Dear John, 

We reviewed project documentation and there were some uncertainties or clarifications. 

  1. In Room 1024 there is missing information about finished floor material. In Room 1025 there is Oak carpet. Do we have to use Oak there also? If not please specify what material should be used! 
  2. Between apartment 86 and 87 there isn’t any specification about a wall. Should we take the same specification the same as between other apartments?
  3. There is a missing drawing of how the new development will connect with the existing building. Could you please send us a drawing?
  4. I have added a sketch of the truss connection of how we would like to execute it. It is easier for us to execute it that way it will save us production time and material costs. Thus the better price offered from us. Please review if such changes are acceptable. 

Could you please send us an answer within 5 working days.

Regards

Lets now unwrap this example.

Subject line

For the example above I would probably use following subject line: 

Subject line: RFI – [number of RFI sent], [project name or number] [problem you have] for example “RFI – 1, Green Gardens, preliminary questions during tender.

Subject line is as important as RFI itself. In most cases RFI’s are sent by email and every RFI contains crucial information. It is important to organize RFI’s and make one template in the company of how any person should send RFI’s. In our case we have made a subject line which clearly points out which RFI this is for the project Green Gardens and what questions RFI are containing. The thing is that once the project is up and running and you are in the middle of the project you may have many RFI’s. By staying organized and following one internal template you can easily track and access your old RFI’s once this information is needed. 

Conclusion

RFI’s are good instruments for requesting critical or missing information for a project. During the tender stage well structured RFI’s can show confidence to clients. 

Every company should make their own template and then every person should follow that. By staying organized it will be easier to find and filter correct RFI’s. 

Author – Emil Berzins. Follow me on