Request for Information (RFI)

When you need it

Raise an RFI when a specific ambiguity, conflict or missing technical detail prevents confident execution or design coordination. Prepare it after checking the current sources and attempting resolution within the project's normal coordination arrangements.

What it helps you decide

It frames one answerable question with sufficient context and evidence. The responsible party can resolve the technical uncertainty while the team separately considers any resulting instruction, scope or commercial implications.

How to complete it

1. Identify the location and current drawings or specifications, then summarize the conflicting requirements and relevant source references without reproducing unnecessary protected material.
2. State one clear question, describe attempted resolution and potential effects, and explain the requested response timing using actual work dependencies and project rules.
3. Route the question to the authorized reviewer, retain the response, and check whether a separate change instruction or revised document is needed before closing it.

Who prepares and reviews it

The engineer encountering the gap usually drafts the RFI with affected discipline input. The designated designer or technical reviewer responds; any resulting change instruction requires the actual contractual or project authorization route.