Published 10 Jan 2023
What is an RFI Template?
An RFI template is a tool used in construction to request information from project stakeholders, especially during the procurement stage. The contractor can use the request for information template as a guide to writing an RFI. It can also help the company document the RFI response and track the RFI process from start to end.
Request for Information Template
The request for information template contains fields for RFI number, project ID, date of request, and more. Use this general and customizable RFI template to easily collaborate with project stakeholders and do the following:
- Provide an overview of the RFI
- Add image and/or text references
- Formulate your request clearly
- Include media attachments
- Specify the response due date
In this article
- RFI Format
- RFI Examples
- How to Write an RFI
- Request for Information Using SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)
- Free RFI Templates
RFI Format
The basic RFI format includes the following items:
- RFI Number
- Date of Request
- Response Due Date/ Due Dates
- Requesting Party
- Responding Party
- Section(s) Referenced
- Request/Question
- Response to RFI
- Date of Response
RFI Examples
Sample RFI Questions
Ask the following questions in an RFI:
- What [specification] do you use for [part of service]?
- When was the [previous work, part of building, etc.] completed?
- Why does the [document 1] state that [description 1] when in [document 2] it states that [description 2 contradicting description 1]?
- Where in the [building, construction site, etc.] will the [structure, fixture, etc.] be placed? Please highlight the specific location in the attached drawing.
- Who do we refer to for [health and safety issues, building permits, etc.]?
- How will the [stakeholder] perform [specific work]? This information is needed for [reason why or purpose of asking the question]. If possible, please include the [stakeholder]’s step-by-step process in the RFI response.
RFI Form Template
RFI Log Template
Construction RFI Template
How to Write an RFI
How to write a request for information in 4 steps:
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Specify exactly what you need to know
When writing an RFI, it’s good practice to only ask one question, so that the responding party can focus on answering that question. Once you have identified the question you want to ask (which can be about an issue you’ve identified, a problem that needs solving, or a point for clarification), ensure that you formulate the question as accurately and as comprehensively as possible.
The responding party should immediately know what the request is about, what information or solution they need to provide, and critical details that could help them give a sufficient answer to the question.
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Include your specifications and references
Specifications and references are important, not only to help the responding party answer the question, but also to help your organization in understanding how documents and information relate to one another. For example, if the RFIs for a particular problem always include a certain set of specifications, then the company may be able to require those specifications at an earlier stage so that the problem is, more or less, prevented. -
Determine when a RFI response is needed
Before you choose the response due date when issuing an RFI, take note of the following: a) when you are likely to send the request; b) when the responding party is likely to receive the request; and c) the complexity and breadth of information required by the request.
While it is the responsibility of the responding party to submit the RFI response on time, you should still be mindful of the time required to collect, analyze, and describe the information requested. For example, perhaps the responding party needs information from another stakeholder or can only obtain information at a certain date. Whichever the case, giving adequate time helps you not only maintain a good relationship with the responding party, but also get a sufficient answer to your query.
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Add fields for document management
Fields such as RFI number, project ID, and date of request can help you track and find your RFIs easily. Since these items should be included in every RFI, it’s better that you use an RFI template so that you don’t have to manually duplicate these items each time you make a request for information. Using an RFI template also ensures that you follow the basic RFI format whenever you write RFIs.
Request for Information Using SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor)
SafetyCulture is a document management platform that general contractors and subcontractors can use to issue a request for information.
SafetyCulture templates allow you to capture and attach images within your RFI. Plus, it’s easy to keep track of the RFIs you’ve issued since everything is in SafetyCulture—just search for the RFI number. You can also use Actions to issue RFIs to people who don’t have SafetyCulture accounts:
- Input RFI data to Actions timeline.
- Assign it to someone externally via email.
- They can make comments and upload media attachments. Once they’re done, they can change the status of the action.
Or, you can:
- Send the RFI template PDF report.
- Create an action from the RFI template inspection.
- Assign it to someone externally via email.
You can export the RFI template inspection to other tools such as Word, Excel, Google Sheets, and Google Docs with the paid plan. SafetyCulture offers a free plan with most of its core features such as Inspections and Actions. All SafetyCulture RFI templates you see here and other templates you can find in our Public Library are free to download and use as well.
Get started with SafetyCulture for free or download any of our featured RFI templates.
Free RFI Templates
RFI Form Template
This RFI template can be used as an information request form and is ideal for those who want to download or print an RFI form as PDF. The RFI form template allows you to do the following:
- Record details such as RFI number, response due date, and reference
- State the requesting company and the specific person who made a request
- Specify who from the responding company received the request and when
- State the responding company and the specific person who responded
- Specify who from the requesting company received the response and when
RFI Log Template
Construction teams can use this RFI template to issue multiple requests. You can do the following with the RFI log template:
- Create and manage several RFIs at once
- Select the status and priority of each RFI
- Note responses from other project stakeholders
- Add the RFI log number, start date, and end date
- Get a complete RFI log report with table of contents
Construction RFI Template
General contractors can use the construction RFI template to do the following:
- Add the drawing ID and multiple references if needed
- Record the change in cost (if there is any) and by what amount it increased or decreased
- Record the change in time (if there is any) and by how many days it lengthened or shortened
- Describe the request and include a media attachment
- Verify the request by adding your name, title, and digital signature