A Request For Proposal (RFP) actually envelopes an Evaluation Specification. While an Evaluation Specification provides a hierarchical structure, which is made up of Parts, Sections, Requirement Groups, Requirements, etc., the RFP adds information required in the product or service acquisition process.

There are two RFP types:

• Private RFP: Used as input for an Evaluation Project
• Public RFP: Used as input for an RFP Response

A Private RFP may be viewed as an envelope for an Evaluation Specification. A Public RFP is different in that it is stripped off of information that is not intended for an offeror's eyes. In other words, a Public RFP contains an Evaluation Specification with reduced information.

Please note that you cannot modify an Evaluation Specification that is contained in an RFP. Since an Evaluation Specification has been formally approved, it cannot be modified after approval and is thus immutable.