> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://resources.pipelinebio.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Submit and Manage Enquiries on Pipeline Bio

> Send a secure enquiry to a Provider, attach files or an RFP, and manage open and closed enquiries from My Enquiries.

An enquiry is a direct, secure message to a Provider. It is visible only to you and that provider, and submitting one creates no contractual obligation on either side.

Enquiries are for initial discussions. For detailed project scoping and formal pricing, prepare an RFP and attach it.

<Note>
  An active Member Account is required to send enquiries.
</Note>

## Send an enquiry

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find a service">
    Locate a service through the Directory of Providers or the Catalogue of Capabilities.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Send enquiry">
    Select **Send enquiry** on a service listing or on the Provider's storefront.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write your message">
    Complete the **Message** field, which is required. You can optionally attach files up to 25 MB, or attach an existing RFP.

    <Info>
      If the Provider is not yet registered on Pipeline Bio, optional consent fields appear allowing you to share your contact details so they can respond to you directly.
    </Info>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Submit">
    Select **Submit**. The enquiry appears in My Enquiries, and the Provider is notified.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  State the stage of your project, the decision the work supports, and any compliance requirements in your first message. Providers can respond far more usefully to a specific enquiry than to a general request for information.
</Tip>

## Manage your enquiries

Select **My Enquiries** in the Navigation Panel.

* Filter by keyword, and toggle between the **Open** and **Closed** tabs.
* Select **View chat** to open the communication channel with the Provider.
* Select **Close enquiry** to archive it. Closed enquiries can be reopened from the Closed tab.
* Select **…** then **Add RFP** to attach an RFP to an enquiry after it has been sent.

<Warning>
  Closing an enquiry disables the Provider's access to any attached RFP.
</Warning>

## Communicate within an enquiry

Each enquiry has its own secure channel.

* Type your message in the comment box and select **Submit**.
* Attach documents up to 25 MB.
* Toggle notifications on or off. Notifications are off by default; when enabled, new message alerts are sent to your account email.

## Enquiry or RFP?

| Use an enquiry when                          | Use an RFP when                               |
| -------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| You are checking whether a capability exists | You have a defined scope of work              |
| You want to gauge interest or availability   | You need comparable, structured proposals     |
| You have a short, specific question          | You are approaching several providers at once |
| You are early in scoping                     | You need formal pricing                       |

The two are not exclusive. Many projects begin as an enquiry and have an RFP attached once the scope firms up.

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Prepare an RFP" href="/resources/how-to-guides/rfp-guide">
    Build a structured brief you can share with multiple providers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Search for services" href="/resources/how-to-guides/search-for-scientific-services">
    Return to the Directory and Catalogue to extend your shortlist.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>