The process of procurement of an item (or service) can be described by five very general but distinct steps: • Decide to either make or buy the item • Originate and complete a procurement requisition for the item • Convert the procurement requisition to either a request for quote (RFQ) or a request for proposal (RFP) and issue the RFQ/RFP • Receive quotes or proposals and select the procurement source for the item • Negotiate a contract and convert the RFQ or RFP to a purchase order or subcontract, respectively