A BOQ and an RFQ are related procurement documents, but they are not the same thing. A bill of quantities (BOQ) describes the equipment, quantities and measurable supply items. A request for quotation (RFQ) is the complete enquiry issued to suppliers so they can prepare a technical and commercial offer. For electrical switchgear projects, the BOQ is normally one part of the RFQ package.
BOQ vs RFQ: the short answer
| Item | BOQ | RFQ |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Bill of quantities | Request for quotation |
| Main purpose | Lists equipment, quantities and measurable scope | Invites suppliers to submit a technical and commercial quotation |
| Typical content | Panel references, descriptions, ratings, quantities and accessories | BOQ, SLD, specifications, commercial terms, delivery requirements and response instructions |
| Prepared by | Consultant, EPC contractor, estimator or project procurement team | Buyer, EPC contractor or procurement organization |
| Supplier response | Completed unit rates, clarifications or compliance notes | Technical offer, commercial offer, deviations, lead time and documentation list |
In practical terms: the BOQ tells the supplier what items need to be priced, while the RFQ tells the supplier how to quote the complete project requirement.
What belongs in a switchgear BOQ?
A useful switchgear BOQ should identify each assembly and its quantity without trying to replace the electrical drawings or technical specification. Every BOQ reference should match the single-line diagram and cabinet schedule.
- Panel or assembly reference
- Equipment description and application
- Rated voltage and frequency
- Rated current or feeder rating
- Short-circuit requirement, when defined
- Fixed, plug-in or withdrawable construction
- IP rating and installation environment
- Required metering, protection and control functions
- Quantity and spare requirements
- Approved component brand or acceptable alternatives
A line such as “one set of switchgear” is usually too broad for comparable pricing. The number of sections, incoming and outgoing feeders, bus arrangement and special functions should be traceable to the project documents.
What belongs in the complete RFQ package?
The RFQ package gives the supplier enough technical and commercial context to prepare a controlled offer. For a project-based electrical assembly, it commonly includes:
- RFQ letter or enquiry sheet with due date and contact details
- BOQ or priced schedule
- Single-line diagram (SLD)
- Feeder, load, motor or circuit schedule
- Technical specification and applicable IEC requirements
- Approved vendor or component list
- Site conditions, room layout and cable-entry information
- Inspection, testing and documentation requirements
- Destination, packing method and requested delivery schedule
- Commercial terms and a clear list of requested supplier deliverables
Use the SLD and BOQ preparation guide to coordinate feeder references and document revisions before issuing the enquiry.
How the documents work together
- The SLD defines the electrical arrangement. It shows sources, incomers, bus sections, couplers and outgoing feeders.
- The BOQ lists the supply items. It converts the designed arrangement into identifiable assemblies and quantities.
- The specification defines construction and performance. It states standards, enclosure, separation, components, inspection and documentation requirements.
- The RFQ controls the enquiry. It combines the documents, identifies the response deadline and tells suppliers what must be included in the quotation.
Example for a low-voltage switchgear enquiry
| Reference | BOQ description | Supporting RFQ information |
|---|---|---|
| PCC-01 | Main low-voltage PCC assembly, project quantity | SLD, bus rating, fault level, feeder schedule, metering and room layout |
| MCC-01 | Motor control centre, project quantity | Motor list, starting method, control voltage, interlocks and communication |
| ATS-01 | Automatic transfer panel, project quantity | Source ratings, transfer sequence, neutral arrangement and generator signals |
| ENC-01 | Custom electrical enclosure, project quantity | Dimensioned layout, material, IP rating, installation conditions and component cut-outs |
The descriptions above illustrate document structure only. Actual ratings and quantities must come from the approved project design.
Common BOQ and RFQ mistakes
- BOQ references do not match the SLD
- Different ratings appear in different document revisions
- The RFQ omits the fault level or installation environment
- Component brands are stated without series or approved alternatives
- Testing and document requirements are added only after pricing
- Supplier scope and site-installation scope are not separated
- The requested delivery date is given without the destination or approval schedule
How suppliers should respond
A useful supplier quotation should identify the offered configuration, technical compliance, exclusions, deviations, component basis, lead time, packing basis and quotation validity. Unconfirmed values should be marked for clarification rather than presented as approved project data. For low-voltage assemblies, the buyer can also use the IEC 61439 procurement checklist to compare responses.
Choose the equipment scope
Review the complete electrical equipment range, including PCC switchgear, motor control centres, automatic transfer panels and custom electrical enclosures.
Frequently asked questions
Is a BOQ enough to obtain a switchgear quotation?
A preliminary budget may be possible, but a technically comparable quotation normally also needs the SLD, system ratings, installation conditions, component requirements and requested documentation.
Can an RFQ be issued without a final BOQ?
Yes. A buyer can issue an RFQ using an SLD and feeder schedule, but the supplier will need to state the interpreted scope and any assumptions. A controlled BOQ improves price comparison.
Who prepares the BOQ?
The BOQ is commonly prepared by the consultant, EPC contractor, estimator or project procurement team. The supplier may clarify or complete missing details but should not silently change the project scope.
What information is needed before pricing?
At minimum, provide the equipment type, system voltage, rated current, fault level where applicable, feeder arrangement, installation environment, quantity and destination. See the switchgear quotation information guide for a fuller checklist.
Send the RFQ package for review
Zejiefu reviews the submitted BOQ, SLD and technical specification to identify the requested equipment, missing inputs and quotation boundaries before preparing a project-based response.