DIRECT ANSWER / 01
Separate known requirements, targets and open items in a custom RFQ
A custom fibre assembly RFQ is a requirements package for joint review, not just a price request with length and quantity. Include application, mating parts, fibre and lane map, routing, environment, quantity and acceptance method; mark unknown fields as open.
Use this for OEM equipment, special harnesses, onboard routing and replacement assemblies. This workflow is procurement advice; the cited standards cover interfaces, measurement or inspection, not a mandatory RFQ format. Start with a discussion revision, then freeze the order through approved drawings and BOMs instead of defaulting to another supplier’s catalogue values.
SELECTION MATRIX / 02
Purchasing decision matrix
| Item | Identify | Correct action | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interfaces | Full references and mating parts at both ends | Attach drawings and define pins, key and end face separately | Providing only a photograph |
| Optical path | Fibre, positions, active lanes and branches | Freeze mapping with port IDs and viewing direction | Writing only straight or crossed |
| Mechanics | Length datum, envelope, bends and installation | Provide a layout and critical tolerances | Treating a catalogue outline as a project drawing |
| Performance | Target limits and corresponding test conditions | Obtain supplier feasibility and method confirmation | Requesting a loss value without a method |
| Revision and quantities | Samples, volume forecast, schedule target and document state | Separate targets from approved requirements | Treating a target schedule as guaranteed lead time |
RFQ INPUTS / 03
Minimum inputs a supplier can verify
| Category | Required input or confirmation |
|---|---|
| Project brief | Application, equipment, known conditions, open items, sample count and volume forecast |
| Technical attachments | End drawings, lane map, dimensions, BOM, revision and permitted substitutions |
| Acceptance package | Inspection, mapping, optical tests, environmental validation scope, labels and reports |
BUYER FAQ / 04
Purchasing FAQ
Can I inquire without a complete part number?
Yes. Provide equipment and interface photos, known dimensions and application; retain unknowns as review items.
Can a typical value be an acceptance limit?
Not automatically. Agree limits, methods and configuration and record them in approved documents.
Can the BOM change freely after sample approval?
Do not assume so. Agree change approval and revalidation scope and align sample and production revisions.
How should supplier quotations be compared?
Align interfaces, origin, construction, testing, labels and deliverables before comparing price; list all deviations.
What should be sent first?
Start with application, mating parts, route/length, quantity and target schedule; then add the lane map and acceptance requirements.
SOURCES / 05
Sources and applicability
Sources checked: 2026-10-01. This guide clarifies purchasing fields; it does not replace current equipment data sheets, full standards or the approved project drawing.