A more thorough explanation:

A solicitation for bids is a request for one or more offers, usually as a first step towards forming a contract. It is also known as an invitation to negotiate, invitation seeking offers, invitation to bid, invitation to treat, preliminary letter, or offer to chaffer.

For example, a company may issue a solicitation for bids when they need to purchase goods or services. They will send out a request to potential suppliers, asking them to submit their best offer for the required goods or services. The company will then review the bids and select the supplier that offers the best value for money.

Another example is a government agency issuing a solicitation for bids for a construction project. They will ask contractors to submit their bids for the project, including details of their proposed approach, timeline, and cost. The agency will then evaluate the bids and award the contract to the contractor that meets their requirements.

These examples illustrate how a solicitation for bids is a way for organizations to gather information and select the best offer for their needs.