Request for information (RFI) meaning

Request for Information (RFI) Before launching a formal tender for outsourced information technology services, organisations commonly seek essential details from prospective suppliers. This is usually achieved by circulating a Request for Information (RFI) to multiple providers. A company might deploy an RFI to clarify the solution it aims to procure, or as a market‑warming step to test supplier appetite for the engagement. More often, the RFI’s chief purpose is to shortlist suppliers, after which a fuller Request for Proposal (RFP) or an Invitation to Tender can be issued. An RFI should be crafted to draw out a set of standard data about the supplier, including its corporate make‑up and international footprint, together with details of the supplier’s experience and typical service catalogue. High‑level pricing indications can also be requested. The extent of detail sought will depend on both the complexity of the services to be outsourced and the company’s own clarity about what it expects from its outsourcing partner...

Antitrust Commission carries out dawn raids in non-alcoholic drinks sector; sends RFI in personal care sector The Commission stated it has conducted surprise inspections at the premises of companies active within the non‑alcoholic beverages sector across several Member States. At the same time, the Commission has issued a formal request for information to a business active in the personal care field. The Commission fears the undertakings involved may have infringed Articles 101 and 102 of the TFEU. In particular, it is closely examining potential limits on the movement of goods within the Single Market and unlawful market partitioning. See further, press release here Mergers The Commission cleared the acquisition of joint control of Skyline GP, LLC by the Public Sector Pension Investment Board and DigitalBridge Group, Inc...

Originally authored by James E. Meadows, Culhane Meadows PLLC for Lexis Practical Guidance® US, and adapted for Lexis+® UK. This Practice Note sets out the issues a customer commissioning an outsourcing should consider in engaging with the market of potential service providers, together with alternative ways to progressively narrow options at key points in the selection journey. It is intended for general commercial practitioners advising private sector business customers on outsourcing transactions, and it does not address public procurement outsourcing. In choosing a procurement route for an outsourcing agreement, there is no single strategy that suits every case; distinctive circumstances often demand a bespoke approach. For example, although clients (customers of outsourcing services) frequently favour competitive tendering, in particular situations a sole-source option can secure terms comparable to those typically achieved through formal competition, particularly where existing relationships can be leveraged or a phased path is adopted to realise the outsourcing function’s aims. The most appropriate solution often involves nuanced variations on conventional wisdom...

CASE HUB NOTE—appeal lodged before the Court of Justice in Case C- 466/19 P ARCHIVED —this archived case hub reflects the position at the date of the judgment of 9 April 2019; it is no longer maintained. See further: timeline, commentary, and related cases. Case facts An appeal was brought before the General Court to overturn a formal request for information (RFI) issued by the European Commission in its ongoing Article 102 TFEU inquiry into Qualcomm’s alleged predatory pricing (Case AT.39711). Outline The appeal sought annulment of the Commission’s RFI adopted during the pending investigation. Outcome On 9 April 2019, the General Court handed down its judgment, dismissing the appeal in full. It rejected assertions that the RFI was disproportionate or excessive and that the Commission had not provided adequate reasons for issuing it. The Court reiterated that the Commission has ‘broad powers of investigation and assessment’. Parties Applicants: Qualcomm, Inc. and Qualcomm Europe, Inc. (together Qualcomm) Defendant: European...

The Commission holds extensive investigatory powers to enforce EU competition law and pursue antitrust infringements, including cartels. Among these, it may require undertakings and associations of undertakings to provide all necessary information... Two types of request for information (RFI) Article 18 of Regulation 1/2003 provides for two forms of request for information (RFIs): Simple RFIs, which are voluntary—recipients are not obliged to reply; if they choose to respond, they may leave some questions unanswered. However, they must not submit false or misleading information. A simple RFI should: state the legal basis and the purpose of the request identify the information sought, including documents containing that information set the time-limit for providing the information indicate the penalties for supplying incorrect or misleading information RFIs by decision, which are compulsory—recipients are required to provide all information requested. An RFI by decision shall: ...