Invitation to Quote (ITQ)
A request for a price from selected suppliers (often via an ASL or framework) for defined goods or services; less formal than an ITT.
Definition
An Invitation to Quote, abbreviated ITQ, is a request sent to selected suppliers asking them to submit a price for defined goods or services. It is typically less formal than an Invitation to Tender and is used for low-value or routine purchases where a full tender process would be disproportionate. ITQs are commonly issued under approved supplier lists, frameworks, or for sub-threshold spend where the buyer has identified a small number of viable suppliers via prior engagement or market knowledge.
How it works in practice
An ITQ usually consists of a short specification, a deadline for response, a price submission template, and (sometimes) a small number of quality-related questions. The shape varies by buyer: some local authorities use a single-page ITQ for under-£25,000 work; others use a more substantial template that approaches an ITT in structure. ITQs invite at minimum three quotes (the standard public sector requirement for sub-threshold spend) and often more. The award criterion is usually a mix of price (dominant) and a small number of quality factors (relevant experience, proposed timeline, key staff). ITQs do not typically require a Selection Questionnaire because the buyer has pre-qualified the recipients via an ASL or framework or because the value is below the threshold for formal selection. Response time is short: ITQs typically allow one to three weeks for response, much less than the 30-plus days for a full above-threshold tender. Suppliers should treat ITQ requests as serious commercial offers: even though the format is light, the resulting call-off is legally binding and the price submitted is the price billed.
Common questions
How is an ITQ different from an ITT?
An ITQ is a shorter, lighter request used for low-value or routine spend. An Invitation to Tender is the formal tender document used for higher-value or more complex procurements, with full specification, evaluation criteria, contract terms, and structured response sections. ITQ awards are often dominated by price; ITT awards typically use weighted quality and price criteria.
How many suppliers should receive an ITQ?
Public sector best practice is at least three quotes for any sub-threshold spend. For higher-value ITQs (still sub-FTS-threshold) five or more is common. Buyers operating from an approved supplier list typically issue to all eligible suppliers in the relevant category, which may be ten or more.
Can an ITQ be used for above-threshold contracts?
No. Contracts above the FTS threshold must follow a compliant procurement procedure (Open, Restricted, Competitive Dialogue, Competitive Procedure with Negotiation, Innovation Partnership). ITQs are confined to sub-threshold spend or to call-offs under frameworks that allow ITQ-shaped responses.