How does a request for information differ from an RFP?
In U.S. federal procurement, an RFI gathers market information. A request for proposals invites offers against stated requirements. Responding to the RFI does not establish a bid or an award.
Read NASA’s lunar procurement record
NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services procurement page separates requirements RFIs, the presolicitation synopsis, and draft and final requests for proposals. A supplier describing its capabilities at the first stage is doing something different from submitting a proposal under a final solicitation.
Does a draft RFP mean bids are due?
Read the notice and its instructions. A request for comments on draft terms is different from a final invitation to submit offers. Record the document type, deadline and requested response before describing the competition as open for bids.
Read the sources
NASA CLPS2 procurement documents · FAR Part 15 on RFIs and RFPs