EOI (Expression of Interest)

An Expression of Interest (EOI) is typically the first step in procuring consultancy or specialized services. Rather than immediately inviting priced bids, the procuring agency asks interested firms to submit their qualifications, experience, and capability to perform the assignment.

The agency then evaluates the EOI responses and shortlists a smaller number of firms (commonly 3-7), who are invited to submit full technical and financial proposals in a subsequent Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. EOIs are common for consultancy, IT systems, and specialized technical assignments where firm-specific expertise matters more than price alone.