PCBA RFQ Template: Request for Quote for EMS Providers
Incomplete RFQs lead to slow, padded or wrong quotes. This template captures what an EMS provider needs: board and BOM data, quantities, workmanship class, sourcing model, test and delivery, in a format you can export as PDF or Word.
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PCBA RFQ Request for Quote Template
Request for Quote: Printed Circuit Board Assembly
From: Acme Controls Inc. Contact: A. Buyer, buyer@example.com RFQ date: 2026-10-20 Response due: 2026-11-03
Assembly overview
Assembly: Motor controller board, PN 10-48213 Rev C Quantities to quote: 50, 250, 1000, 5000 per year PCB: 4 layer, 60 x 80 mm, 1.6 mm FR4, ENIG Workmanship standard: IPC-A-610 Class 2 Solder: Lead-free (RoHS) Material sourcing: Turnkey
Files provided
| Item | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gerber or ODB++ data | ||
| Bill of materials with MPNs and approved alternates | ||
| Pick and place (centroid) file | ||
| Assembly drawing and panel requirements | ||
| Stencil, test fixture and test procedure |
Test and inspection
AOI on all boards, in-circuit test with customer fixture, functional test per supplied procedure.
Special requirements
Conformal coating on top side, serial number label per board, date code traceability by lot.
Delivery
Lead time required: Prototype 15 working days, production 6 weeks after PO Please state shipping terms (Incoterms 2020), packaging and country of origin for all parts.
Quote must include
| Item | Quoted value |
|---|---|
| NRE (stencil, programming, fixtures) | |
| Unit price at each quantity | |
| Material cost and lead time risk parts | |
| Assembly, test and labor cost | |
| Minimum order quantity and price validity | |
| Payment terms |
Acknowledgment
Starting point only. Add your confidentiality terms and any quality agreement requirements, and have your own legal and procurement teams review before use. This is not legal advice.
Automate RFQ packages from your ERP
An optional review of generating RFQ packs from item, BOM and demand data.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use it
Fill in your company and contact details, the assembly name and revision, the quantities you want priced and the board spec. Select IPC workmanship class, solder type and whether you want turnkey, partial turnkey or consigned material. Describe test and special requirements, then export. Attach Gerbers, BOM with manufacturer part numbers, centroid file and drawings so the supplier can check design for manufacturing before quoting.
- Ask for several quantity breaks to see the price curve
- Provide approved alternates in the BOM to avoid shortage delays
- Request an itemized quote so you can compare NRE and unit cost
What a good RFQ contains
A strong RFQ states annual volume and batch size, because EMS pricing depends on setup amortization. It names the IPC-A-610 class, since class 3 means more inspection and cost than class 2. It declares who buys the components and any lifecycle or counterfeit controls. It defines test coverage and who supplies fixtures, and it sets expectations on lead time and Incoterms. A complete package reduces quote turnaround and surprises after award.
Common mistakes
Typical errors are sending a BOM without manufacturer part numbers, omitting quantities beyond the first build, leaving out test requirements and then paying for them as change orders, and not stating the compliance regime such as RoHS or ITAR handling. Comparing quotes also requires the same assumptions, so ask each supplier to state yield loss, overage and lead time on risk parts. Use the EMS scorecard to compare the shortlist beyond price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should be included in a PCBA RFQ?
Gerbers or ODB++, BOM with manufacturer part numbers, centroid file, assembly drawings, quantities and annual volume, IPC class, solder type, test requirements, sourcing model, lead time, and compliance needs such as RoHS or export control.
What is the difference between turnkey and consigned?
In turnkey, the EMS buys all components and quotes the full cost. In consigned, you supply the parts and the EMS charges for assembly. Partial turnkey splits the two. Turnkey transfers shortage risk to the EMS but adds a material markup.
Which IPC class should I request?
Class 2 suits most commercial and industrial products. Class 3 is for high-reliability products such as aerospace, medical and defense where downtime is unacceptable. Class 3 raises inspection and cost, so pick it only if the product needs it.
How many quantities should I quote?
Request three or four breaks, for example prototype, pilot, annual volume and an upside case. This shows NRE amortization and material price breaks, which helps with forecasting and with choosing a supplier for scale.
Netray can help connect the RFQ, quote and award cycle to the purchasing and item data in your ERP so quote comparisons draw on live records.
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