RFP & Procurement Glossary
Plain-English definitions for the terms that show up in every RFP, RFQ, and procurement document.
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- CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification)DoD cybersecurity assessment framework required for contractors handling CUI.
- Color Team ReviewStructured proposal review process using sequential review teams.
- Compliance MatrixTable mapping each RFP requirement to the proposal section that addresses it.
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- RFI (Request for Information)An information-gathering document used before a formal solicitation.
- RFP (Request for Proposal)A formal solicitation inviting vendors to submit proposals to deliver a defined scope of work.
- RFQ (Request for Quotation)A solicitation focused on price for clearly defined goods or services.
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- SAM.govOfficial U.S. government website for federal contractors and grant recipients.
- Scope of WorkDetailed description of work activities included in a project.
- Section 508U.S. federal law requiring accessibility of federal IT products.
- Section LFederal RFP section containing instructions to offerors.
- Section MFederal RFP section listing evaluation factors and significant subfactors.
- Set-AsideProcurement reserved for a specific category of small businesses.
- SOC 2Audit framework for service organizations covering security, availability, and confidentiality.
- SOW (Statement of Work)Contract document defining tasks, deliverables, schedule, and acceptance criteria.