RFI vs Sources Sought: Market Research, Capability, and What to Send Back

A comparison guide for RFIs and sources sought notices, including what agencies are trying to learn and how contractors should respond.

Built for

Contractors deciding whether a market research notice deserves a response

By the end

Answer market research notices with the right amount of evidence and effort.

Field guide

RFI vs sources sought

Agency question

Some notices blend the two.

Signal

RFI: what does the market know? Sources sought: who can do this work?

Response

Identify whether the agency needs feedback, capability proof, or both.

Best response

Generic capability statements are rarely enough.

Signal

RFI: structured answers and practical comments. Sources sought: relevant past performance and capability.

Response

Use the notice questions as the outline.

Future value

The later solicitation may change labels or vehicles.

Signal

Both can shape acquisition strategy and set-aside thinking.

Response

Track follow-on timing, agency, NAICS, and scope terms.

Part 1

Both are market research, but the center of gravity differs

FAR Part 10 frames market research as a way for agencies to understand sources, commercial availability, practices, and acquisition options. RFIs and sources sought notices both fit that world.

An RFI often asks for information, comments, or industry feedback. A sources sought notice often focuses on identifying capable sources.

Part 2

Do not paste the same response into both

For an RFI, answer the questions and make useful comments. For sources sought, prove relevant capability and business status when requested. If the notice combines both, organize the response so each ask is answered cleanly.

Part 3

Track the follow-on as a capture asset

The response itself is only part of the value. Save the notice, buyer, scope terms, NAICS, PSC, likely timing, and any response you sent. That record helps when the solicitation appears later.

Examples

What this looks like in practice

ExampleSame program, two different asks

An RFI might ask vendors whether the draft technical approach is realistic. A sources sought notice for the same program might ask whether small businesses have relevant experience and capacity. Both matter, but the response emphasis is different.

Frequently asked questions

Is a sources sought notice an RFI?

They can overlap, but sources sought usually focuses more directly on identifying capable sources.

Should I send past performance?

For sources sought, usually yes when requested. For RFIs, send it when it directly supports the questions asked.

Can either lead to a set-aside?

Market research can inform set-aside decisions, especially when capable small businesses respond clearly.