RFI vs SOW
RFI (Request for Information) and SOW (Statement of Work) both come up in business conversations and get confused. Here's the plain-English difference, side by side, so you can use each one with confidence.
The key difference: RFI refers to request for information, while SOW refers to statement of work — they describe different things even when they show up in the same sentence.
RFI — Request for Information
An informal early-stage document buyers send to gather information about what vendors can do — before a formal RFP.
SOW — Statement of Work
A document attached to a master contract that defines the specific deliverables, timeline, and price for a project.
When to use RFI
Reach for "RFI" when the conversation is specifically about request for information. An informal early-stage document buyers send to gather information about what vendors can do — before a formal RFP.
When to use SOW
Reach for "SOW" when the conversation is specifically about statement of work. A document attached to a master contract that defines the specific deliverables, timeline, and price for a project.
FAQs
What is the difference between RFI and SOW?
RFI stands for Request for Information — An informal early-stage document buyers send to gather information about what vendors can do — before a formal RFP. SOW stands for Statement of Work — A document attached to a master contract that defines the specific deliverables, timeline, and price for a project.
Are RFI and SOW the same thing?
No. They're often used in the same conversation because they're related, but they describe different concepts. RFI = Request for Information. SOW = Statement of Work.
When should I use RFI vs SOW?
Use RFI when you're specifically referring to request for information. Use SOW when the topic is statement of work.