Which item is included in an RFP that is not typically part of an RFQ?

• A. Detailed break-out of services costs
• B. Owner/Program Manager Contact Information
• C. Project/Program Description
• D. Selection Criteria

Answer: (D)

When you issue an RFP, you’re not just asking for proposals—you’re establishing how those proposals will be judged. The item that is included in an RFP but not typically part of an RFQ is the set of selection criteria used to evaluate and compare proposals. These criteria, and the weights or scoring methods assigned to them, create a transparent framework for making the final choice. They guide evaluators on what matters most—such as technical approach, project understanding, team qualifications, schedule, risk management, and cost—and help ensure the decision is fair and repeatable.

In contrast, an RFQ focuses on qualifying vendors based on their qualifications and experience, not on how proposals will be scored. It doesn’t usually publish a formal evaluation rubric because a selection decision hasn’t been made yet. Cost breakouts and project descriptions can appear in both documents, but the distinctive feature of an RFP is the explicit selection criteria used to evaluate proposals.