During the lane selection part of the project creation phase, you will be offered the option to “conduct a prequalification process”. If you select that option, your template choices will be narrowed to two different options for a Request for Supplier Qualifications (RFSQ):
- RFSQ (Prequalification Version)
- RFSQ (Roster Framework Version)
RFSQ (Prequalification)
The RFSQ (Prequalification) format is used to prequalify suppliers in the first stage of a two-stage open competitive process. Bidders who meet the requirements of the RFSQ are eligible to participate in the second stage and are invited to participate in a subsequent procurement process. That subsequent process may be conducted using any competitive bidding format appropriate to the project (e.g. ITT/RFB, RFQ, RFP, NRFP). This process can be useful in eliminating unqualified proponents early in the process in order to reduce the cost and time associated with full evaluations in complex procurements.
RFSQ (Roster Framework)
In situations involving multiple relatively small contracts for the same type of good or service, it may not be efficient or cost-effective to initiate a new open procurement process each time that particular good or service is required. In such cases, the RFSQ (Roster Framework) format can be used to prequalify suppliers. Those suppliers are invited to enter into master standing roster agreements and can later be called upon to respond relatively quickly to second-stage selection processes for the same type of goods or services to meet recurring needs.
