Common marketing stages

A firm's general pursuit of clients so as to be considered in the selection process for future projects

A firm's pursuit of a client regarding work on a specific project

Often a first step in a formal selection process where a client requests information about a firm's general qualifications to perform work on a potential project

It typically does not list the scope of work or request a fee proposal, fees, or proposed project team information. Firms often respond to RFQs with standard brochure-type materials.

This stage most often has a firm due date associated with it.

Request for firms to supply relevant experience and detailed information (such as a fee proposal, schedule, scope of work, project approach, team member resumes and consultants) for the delivery of the project

A project owner sends an RFP to a shortlist of qualified firms. The RFP can be the first step in the selection process, or it can follow the RFQ.

This stage most often has a firm due date associated with it.

Time period when the proposal due date has passed and the firm is waiting to hear a decision about the next step, such as an interview for the selection process

The presentation that may be the final stage of a formal selection process. A project owner selects a short list of firms from the proposals received to present their pitch for the project.   

This stage most often has a firm due date associated with it.