An RFI doesn't lead directly to a contract. Counties use RFIs to understand a market: what products exist, typical costs, how other counties solved the same problem. The answers help them write better specifications for a later RFP or invitation for bids.
Should you answer an RFI?
Usually yes, if the work fits your business. Answering:
- puts your company on the county's radar before the real solicitation;
- lets you explain options the county may not know about;
- can help shape specifications so they don't accidentally exclude your product.
Keep it factual and useful. Avoid hard selling and don't include confidential pricing unless asked; RFI responses may become public records.
A related step is a sources sought notice, which asks vendors to say whether they could do the work.