RFI template in Arabic: request for information
A request for information (RFI) is a written question the contractor sends the consultant when drawings or specifications are unclear or conflict. The file is free, in Excel, with no sign-up, and has two sheets: the request form itself, and a log of every request that works out the reply due date and how long the reply took.
Free, with no sign-up and no email · Excel file (xlsx) in Arabic, right-to-left, ready to print
When to send an RFI
- When two drawings conflict, such as a structural drawing and an HVAC or plumbing one.
- When information needed to build is missing: a size, a level or an unspecified material.
- When you propose an alternative that needs the consultant's approval before you build it.
- In every case: a written reply protects the contractor if the solution adds cost or time.
What is in the file?
- The «طلب استيضاح» (request) sheet: a one-page A4 portrait form with the request details, the question, the proposed answer, the cost and time impact, the consultant's reply and decision, and the signature boxes.
- The «سجل طلبات الاستيضاح» (RFI log) sheet: one line per request, with formulas for the reply due date and the actual reply days.
- One example request filled in on the form, three example lines in the log marked «مثال», and empty rows with their formulas.
How to fill it, step by step
- Give the request a new sequential number and write it on the form and in the log.
- Type the project, discipline, priority, drawing and specification references and the subject.
- Write the question clearly, then the solution you propose, and state whether it affects cost or time.
- Sign and send it, then type the date sent and the response period in the log, so the reply due date appears.
- When the reply arrives, type its date and the consultant's decision in the log, and the actual reply days are worked out.
- If the reply affects cost or time, follow up the variation order or extension of time request and note its number.
Column guide: what goes in each column
The RFI form
| Column in the file | What to write |
|---|---|
| رقم الطلبRFI number | A sequential number that never repeats, such as RFI-001, written the same way in the log. |
| التخصصDiscipline | Structural, architectural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC... |
| الأولويةPriority | Low, medium or high. High is for what stops the work. |
| مرجع اللوحةDrawing reference | The number of the drawing or drawings concerned. |
| مرجع المواصفة/الكودSpec or code reference | The specification clause or code concerned, if any. |
| الموضوعSubject | A short title the request is known by in the log. |
| الاستفسارQuestion | The question, clearly: where the conflict or gap is, what you need to know and by when. |
| الإجابة المقترحة من المقاولContractor's proposed answer | The solution you propose. It speeds up the reply: the consultant approves or adjusts instead of starting from scratch. |
| أثر على التكلفةCost impact | Yes or no, with a note if there is one. |
| أثر على المدةTime impact | Yes or no, with a note if there is one. |
| رد الاستشاريConsultant's reply | Written by the consultant, who then picks a decision: approved, approved with notes, rejected or re-evaluate. |
| تاريخ الردReply date | The date of the consultant's reply, copied to the log. |
RFI log
| Column in the file | What to write |
|---|---|
| مNo. | Line number. |
| رقم الطلبRFI number | The same number as on the form. |
| الموضوعSubject | The request title. |
| التخصصDiscipline | The request discipline. |
| مرجع اللوحةDrawing reference | The drawing number. |
| تاريخ الإرسالDate sent | The date the request reached the consultant. |
| مدة الرد (يوم)Response period (days) | The response period in your contract. If the contract is silent, type what was agreed. |
| تاريخ الرد المطلوبReply dueformula | Date sent + response period. A formula, do not type in it. |
| تاريخ الردReply date | The date of the consultant's reply. Leave it empty until the reply arrives. |
| أيام الرد الفعليةActual reply daysformula | Reply date minus date sent. It stays empty until the reply date is typed. |
| الحالةStatus | Under review until the reply, then the consultant's decision. |
| أثر على التكلفةCost impact | Yes or no. «نعم» (yes) means a variation order to follow up. |
| أثر على المدةTime impact | Yes or no. «نعم» (yes) means an extension of time request to follow up. |
| ملاحظاتNotes | The variation order or extension of time request that came out of it. |
An example from the log in the file
Three requests in the log, with a 7-day response period in the example (type the period in your contract):
| RFI-001: beam clashes with an HVAC duct | Answered after 4 days, approved with notes |
|---|---|
| RFI-002: drain stack diameter | Answered after 10 days, 3 days late, with a time impact |
| RFI-003: corridor tile type | Under review, no reply yet |
The second line is what an extension of time request rests on: the date sent, the reply date and the impact, all in one log.
Practical notes
- One question per request; a request with five questions waits for the hardest one.
- Attach a clip or a marked-up part of the drawing showing where the conflict is.
- Do not build the proposed solution before the written reply, unless the consultant instructs you in writing.
- Review the log weekly and remind the consultant about requests past their reply date.
Send RFIs from Ta3mir
In Ta3mir an RFI is numbered automatically and reaches the consultant, who replies from their own account; the review period comes from the contract terms, and a reply with a cost or time impact can start a variation order or an extension of time request.