ions to define materials and processes instead of using commercial off-the-shelf product names Constructions of a water tank, courthouse, or a highway are examples of the outcome of a project covered in a request for bid. Another name for an RFB is an invitation to bid (ITB). Bidders are invited to bid based on their presence on a list of qualified bidders. Maintaining a presence on such a list is based on past performances and admittance to a list is by a due diligence process. An ITB or RFB usually implies all approvals and funding is complete and minimal or no development or technological issues are known. Credible responses are in strict point-to-point form, and each paragraph or point in the response must be addressed and only with the information asked for. Unsolicited or irrelevant information may be used to disqualify the respondent from consideration. RFI means the requestor is not sure what they want, nor are they committed to any action whatsoever. They are quite likely to simply take the information, examine it, and do nothing. On the other hand, they may take the information and use it as a basis for a large complex project or program requiring senior management or even board approval. RFP is perhaps the most common of all similar actions and something of an "in-between" to the extent that the issuer knows generally what it wants and intends to budget and or buy. Final approval to commit may be subject to senior management or board approval. It means the buyer wants and invites creativity in responding to the request form and contents. RFP actions provide the most negotiating flexibility for buyer and seller. RFQ means "What is the price and when can you deliver or ship?" It is used most often in transactions involving commodities or in cases where the requirements are specified in detail sufficient to quote firm pricing and shipping information. SPECIFICATIONS Given all the procurement and contract forms and instruments men- tioned previously, specifications are usually referred to as a docu- ment. 