RFPs and RFQs can become fairly lengthy documents because organizations like to "cover all the bases" to make sure that a vendor is legitimate and will supply an accurate price quote. Before you create your own RFP or RFQ, it pays to look at those created by other organizations. Use the Lycos search engine (www.lycos.com) and enter "RFP" or "RFQ" as the search term. The Nova Scotia Department of Finance site at www.gov.ns.ca/finance/ptns/tocompl.htm illustrates in great detail all of the steps and documents that can be used in a request for proposal process. Looking at these Web pages should give you a good idea of the steps in the RFP process in a government agency and the various documents that need to be prepared. An RFQ typically provides a client with a price quote on equipment, software, or services. Some companies provide clients with a standard RFQ form-often available on the Web-which helps to streamline the RFQ process. Examples include Cleveland Circuits at www.libertycontrolsales.com/rfq.htm; DFS International, Inc., Request for Quotation at www.dfsintl.com/rfiquote.html; and Mission Electronics Corporation Request for Quotation at www.dram.com/ndex.htm (then click "QuickQuote").