How to Use AI to Read a Government Solicitation or RFQ

To use AI to read a government solicitation or RFQ: download the full package (notice, amendments and attachments), confirm it is public and not CUI, give the AI the whole package, ask a fixed list.

Step 1: Get the whole solicitation package

On SAM.gov, open the notice and download every attachment, and check the notice history for amendments.

Step 2: Check what you are allowed to upload

Solicitations posted publicly on SAM.gov and DIBBS are public documents.

Step 3: Ask these questions in this order

These prompts work in most AI tools.

1. “In plain English, what is the government buying, how many, and where does it ship?”
2. “What is the response due date and time, including the time zone?
3. “Is this a set-aside? Which type, and which NAICS code and size standard apply?”
4. “Is first article testing required?
5. “What packaging and marking are required?
6. “What are the delivery terms (days after award, FOB origin or destination) and where is inspection and acceptance?”
7. “Which certifications, registrations or quality requirements must the supplier meet (for example CMMC level or a quality system)?”
8. “For a part: is the source restricted to approved manufacturers or part numbers?
9. “List everything the quote or offer must include, and how and where it must be submitted.”
10. “List any clause or requirement a small supplier is likely to miss, with the section or page number.”

Step 4: Check every answer against the source

Ask the AI to give the section, page or line for each answer, then open that spot and read it.

Step 5: Decide bid or no-bid

Use the answers to sort the opportunity: pursue (you can meet every gate), review (one open question, such as packaging or first article), or skip (a gate you cannot meet, such as an approved-source.

Step 6: Submit on the official portal

Submit your quote or offer where the solicitation says: SAM.gov instructions, DIBBS for DLA RFQs, or the agency’s named system.

What should I ask about a DLA DIBBS RFQ specifically?

• The NSN and item description, quantity and unit of issue.
• The Acquisition Method Suffix Code (AMSC) and any approved-source CAGE and part numbers.
• The packaging data line (MIL-STD-2073 codes). Our free packaging code decoder translates it.
• First article testing, required delivery days, FOB point and inspection point.
• Whether technical data or drawings are listed and how to get them.

How does FedOpp do this?

AI Contract Reader reads the RFQ, RFP or solicitation PDF you upload, or the DLA PDF from the RFQ row, and returns a plain-English brief: scope, set-asides, deadlines, CMMC, packaging, first-article.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I use ChatGPT or another AI to read a government solicitation?

Yes, for public solicitations.

What should I ask AI about an RFQ?

Ask what is being bought and how many, the due date and time zone, the set-aside, whether first article testing is required, the packaging requirement, delivery terms, inspection and acceptance.

What does AI get wrong in solicitations?

The common misses are later amendments that change dates or quantities, requirements buried in attachments, scanned pages it cannot read, and clause numbers or dates it states with false confidence.

Can AI read a DLA DIBBS RFQ?

Yes. A DIBBS RFQ PDF is a public document an AI tool can summarize.

Is an AI summary enough to bid on?

No. Use the summary to decide faster whether to pursue, then read the governing sections of the official solicitation yourself before you price and submit.

How does FedOpp help read solicitations?

FedOpp's AI Contract Reader turns an RFQ, RFP or solicitation PDF into a plain-English brief with deadlines, gates, risk flags and next actions, and Ask CCO answers follow-up questions.

Related guides

• AI government contracting software
• I found a solicitation on SAM.gov: now what?
• DIBBS bid checklist
• How to find government contracts to bid on

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