What's the difference between adding an assignee to a RFI and forwarding an RFI for review?

Background

Procore's RFIs tool has several functions that provide users with different ways to collect replies from subject matter experts for questions that are posed in your project's Requests for Information (RFIs).

Answer

If the creator of an RFI (or the RFI Manager) has added you as an assignee to an RFI, you will need to review the RFI and provide an answer for the question in the form of a reply. See Respond to an RFI. If you need replies from other users on the project, you can use the 'Add Assignee' or 'Forward for Review' features. Below is an explanation of how each function works:

How does the 'Add Assignee' function work?

If you have been designated as an assignee on an RFI, you will automatically have the option to use the 'Add Assignee' function. This gives you the ability add one (1) or more additional assignees to the RFI which will apply the Ball In Court responsibility for replying to all of the newly assigned users. See Add Assignees to an RFI as an Assignee on an RFI.

Example: Add an Assignee

Matt has been designated as an assignee on an RFI. When he reviews the RFI question, Matt determines that in order to provide the best response, input is needed from Bill and Tanya. To collect their input, Matt decides to designate both Bill and Tanya as additional assignees. After completing the 'Add Assignee' process on the RFI, Procore lists all three (3) users (i.e., Matt, Bill, and Tanya) as having Ball In Court (BIC) responsibility for replying to the RFI.

How does 'Forward for Review' work?

If you have been designated as an assignee on an RFI, you also have the option to use the 'Forward for Review' function. This gives you the ability to add one (1) additional assignee to the RFI. It also shifts the Ball In Court responsibility to that user. Once your assignee submits a reply, BIC responsibility for providing a reply is shifted back to you. See Forward an RFI for Review.

Example: Forward for Review

Lydia has been designated as an assignee on an RFI. When she reviews the question, Lydia determines that she wants James to review and reply to the RFI, before she can submit her reply. After completing the 'Forward for Review' process, BIC responsibility shifts to James. Once James submits his response, BIC responsibility is returned to Lydia.