RFI
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Request for information |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Business & Finance, Science & Engineering |
RFI has two meanings. It stands for Request for information (management & strategy) or Radio-frequency interference (electronics & electrical).
Meanings of RFI at a glance
| # | RFI stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Request for information | Business & Finance › Management & Strategy |
| 2 | Radio-frequency interference | Science & Engineering › Electronics & Electrical |
1. Request for information
Business & Finance · Management & Strategy Abbreviations · also used in science
Preliminary procurement document that gathers general information about suppliers' capabilities, products and approaches before a buyer writes a formal RFP or RFQ. It helps the purchasing organization understand the market, refine requirements and shortlist vendors without committing to buy anything.
Example: The hospital issued an RFI to learn which telehealth vendors can integrate with its existing records system.
In construction, an RFI plays a different, specific role: a contractor submits it to the architect or engineer to clarify a drawing or specification during the build, and RFI logs are tracked closely because unanswered RFIs delay work. Responses to a procurement RFI are generally non-binding on either side.
2. Radio-frequency interference
Science & Engineering · Electronics & Electrical Abbreviations
Electromagnetic interference in the radio-frequency range, which disrupts radio, TV, Wi-Fi, GPS and other wireless reception or affects nearby electronics. Common sources include switching power supplies, LED lights, motors, plasma TVs and faulty power lines.
Example: Cheap LED bulbs in the garage were causing RFI that wiped out FM reception in the house.
Amateur radio operators often track down local RFI sources with portable receivers. Ferrite chokes, shielding and filtering reduce RFI, and regulators such as the FCC can require offending devices to be fixed or removed. In construction RFI means request for information.
Related abbreviations
More management & strategy abbreviations
- QBR – Quarterly business review
- QC – Quality control
- R&D – Research and development
- RCA – Root cause analysis
- RFP – Request for proposal
- RFQ – Request for quotation
- RFT – Request for tender
- SAM – Serviceable addressable market
See all 92 management & strategy abbreviations →