# Notice types in plain words

> What each kind of notice on SAM.gov means, what it asks you to do, and which ones can lead to a contract.

Last verified October 2026. Page: https://victavio.com/learn/notice-types

Every notice on SAM.gov has a type. The type tells you what the buyer wants from you right now. Victavio shows the same types and uses them to sort notices into lanes.

## Notices that can lead to a contract

**Solicitation.** The buyer is asking for offers. You will often see one of these names:

- **RFQ (Request for Quotations).** Common for simpler buys. Under the FAR, a quotation is not an offer; the buyer issues an order based on it, and a contract forms when you accept the order. Read how quotes will be judged. Price often matters most, but not always.
- **RFP (Request for Proposals).** Used for negotiated buys. Proposals are judged on factors such as the technical approach, past performance and price.
- **IFB (Invitation for Bids).** Sealed bidding. The award goes to the responsible bidder whose bid meets every requirement at the lowest price. In Texas, an ITB (Invitation to Bid) works the same way.

**Combined synopsis/solicitation.** The announcement and the solicitation in one notice. It is common for commercial products and services. Treat it as a solicitation.

## Notices that come before a solicitation

**Sources Sought.** Market research. The buyer wants to know who can do the work and how to buy it. You respond with information, not a price. See [Sources Sought: why to answer them](https://victavio.com/learn/sources-sought).

**Request for Information (RFI).** Also market research. It is often posted as a Sources Sought or a Special Notice.

**Presolicitation.** Advance notice that a solicitation is coming. Some invite comments or capability statements. It is often the last good moment to contact the buyer before the solicitation posts.

**Special Notice.** Anything else the buyer wants to announce: industry days, draft documents, forecasts or pre-bid meetings. Read it to see whether it asks for a response.

## Notices about one company

**Notice of intent to sole source.** The buyer plans to award without competition. It may be posted as a presolicitation, a special notice or a combined notice. If the work is yours, you may be able to respond. See [Sole-source notices and how to challenge one](https://victavio.com/learn/sole-source-notices).

**Justification.** Explains why a buy was not competed. These are usually posted after the award, so it is too late to respond. They still show who buys what, and from whom.

## Notices after the decision

**Award notice.** Who won and, often, the amount. No response is needed. Use it to learn the market and to find primes who may need subcontractors.

## Other types

**Sale of surplus property.** The government is selling, not buying.

**Intent to bundle requirements (DoD-funded).** A defense buyer plans to combine work into one larger contract. Read it for the reasons and for any response date.

## Amendments and cancellations

Any notice can be amended or cancelled. Amendments change dates, answers and requirements. Always open the latest version before you act. See [Amendments, questions and deadlines](https://victavio.com/learn/amendments-and-questions).

## How Victavio uses types

Victavio puts Sources Sought notices, RFIs and presolicitations in the "Get noticed early" lane, sole-source notices in "Challenge it", set-asides you do not hold in "Team up or watch", and strong matches you can bid on in "Go". Award notices are not shown as matches. See [The four lanes in Victavio](https://victavio.com/learn/victavio-lanes).

## Official sources
- [FAR Part 5: Publicizing contract actions](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-5)
- [FAR 13.004: Legal effect of quotations](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/13.004)
- [FAR Part 14: Sealed bidding](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-14)
- [FAR Part 15: Contracting by negotiation](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-15)
- [FAR Part 6: Competition requirements](https://www.acquisition.gov/far/part-6)
- [SAM.gov](https://sam.gov/)

This lesson is general information, not legal advice. Rules change. Check the official source before you act.
Victavio is a Kilobytez LLC product.
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