Which of the following is NOT a type of solicitation defined in the contracting process?

The correct answer reflects the fact that "Invitation for negotiation" (IFN) is not a recognized term within the formal contracting process. In the context of procurement and contracting, certain standardized types of solicitations are defined to streamline communication and expectations between the government (or buyer) and potential contractors (or sellers).

A Request for Proposal (RFP) is a structured solicitation process used when a buyer seeks innovative solutions or services, often where technical expertise is essential. A Request for Quotation (RFQ) seeks price quotes for specific goods or services, usually for lower value purchases where price is a major consideration. An Invitation for Bid (IFB) is a formal request for sealed bids, used mainly in procurement for competitive bidding situations where price is the predominant factor.

While negotiation is a common part of various procurement processes, it is typically conducted following submissions and evaluations rather than being defined as a type of solicitation in the same way the others are. Thus, the absence of a formal definition for an Invitation for negotiation highlights why this term does not fit within the established categories of solicitations in contracting.