This long course introduces the practical methods and routines procurement professionals use to find, qualify, and invite suppliers into a sourcing process. Learners will develop hands-on familiarity with market-research channels, trade directories, and keyword-based discovery approaches; understand the differences among the major early-stage sourcing documents (RFI, RFQ, RFP); and learn how to prepare clear solicitation templates that produce comparable supplier responses. The course is focused on building reliable supplier shortlists through structured outreach—covering how to populate and manage supplier lists, construct RFIs and RFQs using approved templates, and draft RFP/RFQ documents that drive competitive, compliant responses. Emphasis is on repeatable procedures, accurate data capture, and early-stage documentation that enable subsequent evaluation and negotiation.
Supplier Sourcing and RFI/RFQ/RFP Execution
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Supplier Sourcing and RFI/RFQ/RFP Execution
This course is part of Procurement Essentials: Streamline and Boost Success Professional Certificate
Instructor: Professionals from the Industry
Included with
Recommended experience
What you'll learn
Recall key sources and access procedures for supplier discovery and market research.
Apply keyword searches and discovery channels to build a preliminary supplier list with key data.
Use standard RFI and RFQ templates to solicit, capture, and track supplier information and pricing.
Compile core RFP components using approved templates to drive competitive, comparable responses.
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March 2026
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There are 4 modules in this course
Designed for mastering core procurement functions, this training demystifies the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process. It provides a practical, step-by-step guide on identifying mandatory data fields and applying standardized templates to solicit and track vendor pricing effectively. You will explore real-world case studies and engage in hands-on activities to build custom RFQs and utilize tracking systems for managing responses. The content ensures you can manage the quoting process confidently, gathering clear, comparable pricing to make sharp, data-driven sourcing decisions while maintaining a structured, fair, and transparent purchasing environment.
What's included
4 videos2 readings3 assignments
This section focuses on mastering early-stage supplier engagement by distinguishing between a Request for Information (RFI) and a Request for Quotation (RFQ). You will learn to analyze project needs to determine whether to explore the market or solicit firm pricing. Through hands-on activities, you will master a standardized, three-step process for issuing a professional RFI: populating a template, distributing it to suppliers, and systematically filing responses. By utilizing real-world templates and best practices, you will build a portfolio demonstrating your ability to conduct clean, compliant, and effective market research that establishes a strong foundation for procurement success.
What's included
5 videos2 readings3 assignments
Designed for mastering core procurement functions, this training demystifies the Request for Quotation (RFQ) process. It provides a practical, step-by-step guide on identifying mandatory data fields and applying standardized templates to solicit and track vendor pricing effectively. Participants explore real-world case studies and engage in hands-on activities to build custom RFQs and utilize tracking systems for managing responses. The content ensures learners can manage the quoting process confidently, gathering clear, comparable pricing to make sharp, data-driven sourcing decisions while maintaining a structured, fair, and transparent purchasing environment.
What's included
3 videos2 readings2 assignments
This practical training addresses the challenge of selecting the right procurement tool by detailing the critical differences between a Request for Proposal (RFP) and a Request for Quotation (RFQ). You will master the art of drafting clear, professional RFPs using standardized templates to compile essential components, including detailed scopes of work, evaluation criteria, and realistic timelines. Transitioning from theory to application, the content involves analyzing scenarios and interacting with AI simulations. The experience culminates in a final project where you draft a complete RFP package, ensuring you can create documents that attract qualified vendors and drive successful outcomes.
What's included
3 videos4 readings2 assignments
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Frequently asked questions
Yes. The course starts with supplier discovery methods and explains sourcing documents step by step. Learners will be introduced to the process of purchasing for businesses.
You'll work with standard solicitation templates (RFI, RFQ, and RFP) and learn spreadsheet-based supplier lists and tracking approaches. Templates are presented so you can adapt them to your organization's systems.
The course focuses on repeatable outreach, accurate data capture, and consistent documentation—core inputs for supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract management taught in subsequent courses.
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Financial aid available,
¹ Some assignments in this course are AI-graded. For these assignments, your data will be used in accordance with Coursera's Privacy Notice.