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Doors & Windows

Aluminum Window RFQs: Compare Suppliers on One Schedule

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An aluminum window RFQ should give every supplier the same opening schedule and identify the information needed to compare offers. Include dimensions, operation, glass, finish, performance requirements and delivery scope. Ask bidders to state exceptions clearly rather than hiding them behind a general claim of compliance.

Aluminum window rfq: practical review

Issue identical bid information

Send each bidder the same opening schedule, drawings, performance requirements, glass and finish information. Require exclusions and substitutions to be stated. Lump-sum comparisons are weak when quantities and interface work differ.

Use staged evidence

Approve capability evidence, finish and hardware samples, then coordinated shop drawings. For larger orders, define production inspections and document checks before shipping. Keep approvals tied to revision numbers.

F106 casement window and insect screen displayed in the Forge showroom
F106 casement window and insect screen displayed in the Forge showroom. Forge product catalog illustration.

A related layout to review is F106 Series All-in-One Outward Casement Window with Insect Screen. Use the product page to discuss the proposed dimensions and configuration.

Normalize delivered cost

Include packaging, freight, duties, unloading, storage, access equipment, installation, testing and damage response. Lowest ex-works price is not necessarily lowest installed cost.

Match the supplier to the project

A trading company, fabricator, system house and installer may control different parts of the order. Confirm the legal entity, factory role and responsibility for design, glass, hardware and installation information.

Request a focused evidence pack

Ask for relevant test or certification documents, material and finish data, sample units and project-specific shop-drawing capability. Verify that evidence applies to the proposed product and size.

Test communication before the order

Use a sample request and drawing review to evaluate response quality, revision control and technical clarity. Confirm capacity, lead-time basis, packaging, claims and spare-part support.

A practical planning example

Assign an ID to each opening and keep that ID on drawings, quotations and packing lists. If one bidder changes an operator type or glass package, place the change beside that opening instead of accepting a footnote covering the whole order. For a bulk or export order, also agree sample approval, labeling, packaging, replacement parts and the process for reporting shortages.

Aluminum folding door displayed with narrow glazed panels
Aluminum folding door displayed with narrow glazed panels. Forge product catalog illustration.

A related layout to review is 68 Series Folding Door. Use the product page to discuss the proposed dimensions and configuration.

Before you approve the order

  • One revision-controlled opening schedule issued to every bidder.
  • Ratings and product configuration linked to each offered system.
  • Packaging, delivery, installation and exceptions separately priced.

Questions to resolve

What makes two window quotations genuinely comparable?

They should describe the same openings, configurations and service scope. Resolve substitutions, missing performance evidence and delivery exclusions before comparing totals. Keep a written record of the supplier's final response.

Use the checks above to mark the unresolved items on your drawing or quotation. Send that marked-up version with the selected product reference so the next discussion can focus on the actual configuration.

Further reading

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