For machined, cast or fabricated parts, the drawing is the specification. A quote can be for a different revision, a looser tolerance or a missing surface treatment without saying so. This page covers how the RFQ package is assembled from drawings and how the returned quotes are tested against the same reading of them.
The RFQ package is one drawing set with one revision, a note of critical dimensions and the material and treatment callouts. The RFQ asks suppliers to state deviations explicitly. The comparison lists, per supplier, what was quoted against what was asked, so an unnoticed change in tolerance or finish is visible before it appears in the price.
A quote that arrives without referencing the revision is not discarded; it is marked unavailable for the revision, with a question listed for you.
Grade named, and whether a mill or material certificate is supplied with each batch.
Which critical dimensions the supplier states it can hold and how it plans to measure them.
Coating or finish and who performs it, as written in the quote.
Format and sampling, as offered.
Machining, casting or forming and any outsourced step the quote reveals.
Tolerance and inspection rows take priority; the price tiers are read after they match.
The sample is the reference and the RFQ states that no drawing exists. Quotes are compared on what each supplier states it will make from it; no design work is requested.
The incumbent's quote is the baseline row and alternatives are tested against it.
Missing views, unmarked critical features and open notes found in the drawing set are listed as questions for you before the RFQ is finalised; the design itself is not reviewed.
Prototype, first batch and series, each priced separately where you need them.
Tooling, fixtures and first-article inspection as their own lines.
Piece prices on matching tiers, one-off items beside them, deviations in a separate column.
Research reports what can be established from public and provided sources. It is not a guarantee about a counterparty's future conduct and not legal advice.
No. They are the input for the RFQ; engineering review of the design is not included.
The RFQ asks for evidence and the report records what suppliers state. Capability is established by samples, which you arrange.
The answer sheet fixes the columns. An answer that does not fit them is shown as received and flagged.
No obligation. We read your request and reply with a straight answer.
Tell us what you need to find out and by when. We confirm scope before any work starts.
Request research