RFQ Template for Machine Shops
Professional request for quote template for CNC machining, aerospace, and defense manufacturing. Covers all required fields for AS9100, ITAR, and commercial work.
6
Essential Sections
40+
Key Data Fields
Free
To Use & Modify
RFQ Template
1. Company Information
Identify your organization and project ownership
2. Part Information
Technical specifications for the parts being quoted
3. Technical Specifications
Material, finish, and manufacturing requirements
4. Quality & Compliance
Certification and inspection requirements
5. Commercial Terms
Pricing, payment, and delivery terms
6. Required Attachments
Documents to include with your RFQ
7. Additional Notes
Include any special instructions, clarifications, or additional requirements not covered above...
RFQ Best Practices
Be Specific with Requirements
Vague requirements lead to pricing variations. Specify exact materials, tolerances, and finishes.
Include Complete Drawings
Missing dimensions or unclear callouts cause delays. Verify drawings are complete before sending.
State Quantity Breakpoints
Request pricing for multiple quantities (5, 50, 500 pcs) to understand volume discounts.
Set Realistic Due Dates
Allow 7-14 days for complex quotes. Rush requests may result in higher pricing.
Clarify Inspection Requirements
FAI, dimensional reports, and CMM data all add cost. Only require what you need.
Identify Compliance Early
ITAR, AS9100, and Nadcap requirements significantly impact which shops can quote.
Common RFQ Mistakes to Avoid
- 1.Sending outdated or superseded drawings
- 2.Not specifying material source restrictions (domestic only, etc.)
- 3.Forgetting to include customer flow-down requirements
- 4.Unclear or missing tolerance callouts on critical dimensions
- 5.Not mentioning ITAR or export control requirements upfront
Frequently Asked Questions
What information should I include in an RFQ?
A complete RFQ should include: part number and revision, engineering drawing, material specification, quantity needed, required lead time, quality/certification requirements, and any special processes (heat treat, plating, NDT). The more detail you provide, the more accurate quotes you'll receive.
How many machine shops should I send an RFQ to?
For competitive pricing, send to 3-5 qualified shops. Sending to too many (10+) may result in lower quality responses as shops may not invest time in complex quotes if odds of winning are low.
How long should I give for quote response?
Standard practice is 7-10 business days for typical machined parts. Complex assemblies, large quantities, or parts requiring special processes may need 2-3 weeks. Rush requests should be noted as such.
What certifications should I require?
It depends on your industry. Aerospace typically requires AS9100 and often ITAR. Medical requires ISO 13485. Defense needs ITAR registration and often CAGE codes. Commercial work typically needs ISO 9001 at minimum.
Should I include target pricing?
Optional but can be helpful. If you have a target price from competitive quotes or cost estimates, sharing it can help shops know if they're in the right range. However, some buyers prefer not to anchor negotiations.
What's the difference between RFQ and RFP?
RFQ (Request for Quote) asks for pricing on defined specifications. RFP (Request for Proposal) is used when you want suppliers to propose solutions to a problem. For machined parts with complete drawings, use RFQ.
Find Machine Shops to Send Your RFQ
Browse our directory of government-verified machine shops with AS9100, ITAR, and ISO certifications.