What makes a good RFI?
Answer
While there is a common definition for RFIs, it's not always obvious whether a question is an RFI. The tables below should help guide your decision around whether or not to submit a question as an RFI.
Note: Acceptable RFIs will be opened by an RFI Manager and addressed by the project team.
Unacceptable RFIs will stay in 'Draft' until they are either corrected or deleted.
Examples of Acceptable RFIs
| Subject | Question | Why this is an Acceptable RFI |
|---|---|---|
| Clarification on Solar Panel Specifications | The drawings specify 450W solar panels, but the submittal package includes 500W panels. Please confirm if the change is acceptable and whether any design adjustments are required. | Ensures compliance with project specifications and prevents compatibility issues. |
| Interconnection Requirements for Grid-Tied Systems | The electrical drawings do not indicate the specific utility-approved relay settings for the interconnection. Can you provide the required parameters? | Helps ensure the system meets utility company requirements and avoids delays in commissioning. |
| Wind Turbine Foundation Reinforcement Details | The geotechnical report suggests potential soil instability, but the foundation drawings do not indicate additional reinforcement. Should we proceed with the specified design or await a revised foundation plan? | Addresses potential structural concerns, avoiding costly rework or failure. |
Examples of Unacceptable RFIs
| Subject | Question | Why this is Not an Acceptable RFI |
|---|---|---|
| General Questions Answered in the Contract Documents | What type of inverters are we using on this project? Note: The inverter model is already specified in the plans and specifications. |
The information is readily available in the contract documents. See How to Search for & Filter Submittals or Search in Documents instead of opening an RFI. |
| Scope Creep or Unrelated Requests | Can we add an extra row of solar panels to maximize energy production? | RFIs should clarify project details, not request scope changes that alter the project’s original design. See How to Create a Change Notice, instead of opening an RFI. |
| Overly Broad or Vague RFIs | Can you provide more details on the electrical design? | Lacks specificity, making it difficult to provide a useful response. Instead, RFIs should reference specific drawings, spec sections, or conflicts. See How to Fill Out an RFI for details on the fields Avangrid requires. |