An LOI is usually one to a few pages: a brief statement of interest, the most relevant qualifications, and a clear point of contact. It is shorter and less formal than an SOQ but should still map directly to what the opportunity needs.
When agencies request a Letter of Interest
Agencies sometimes ask for a Letter of Interest as an early, lightweight screening step. Rather than requiring a full qualifications package up front, the owner uses the LOI to gauge which firms are genuinely interested and broadly qualified before inviting a smaller group to submit more detailed materials. This keeps the initial submission burden low for firms and gives the agency a quick read on the field.
In this role, the LOI functions as a first filter. Firms that respond and clearly connect their background to the opportunity may be shortlisted or invited to submit a fuller package, while the LOI itself is rarely the sole basis for award. Treating it as a serious, tailored submission - not a formality - is what separates firms that advance from those that do not.
What to include and how to structure it
Because an LOI is short, every element should earn its place. A focused letter usually covers a handful of items and nothing more:
- A clear opening statement naming the specific project or opportunity and confirming the firm's interest
- A brief summary of the most relevant qualifications and directly comparable experience
- A short note on the firm's understanding of the opportunity or the value it can bring
- A named point of contact with title, phone, and email
- A professional closing and signature from an authorized representative
Order matters. Lead with interest and relevance so the reader knows within the first few lines why the firm fits, then support it with concise evidence. Keep formatting clean and readable, and mirror any structure or response items the agency specified in its request.
LOI vs. SOI vs. SOQ
These three documents are related but distinct, and agencies use the terms in different ways. Understanding the differences helps a firm submit the right depth of material for what was actually requested.
| Document | Typical length | Primary use |
|---|---|---|
| Letter of Interest (LOI) | One to a few pages | Express interest, often as an early screening step |
| Statement of Interest (SOI) | Short, often letter length | Signal interest in a posted opportunity, sometimes with brief qualifications |
| Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) | Longer, structured package | Present detailed qualifications for evaluation and shortlisting |
An SOI and an LOI overlap heavily and are sometimes used interchangeably, both keeping things brief. An SOQ is a more substantial, structured response - the kind typically submitted in response to a Request for Qualifications. Always match the document to the agency's exact wording and instructions.
Solicited vs. proactive letters
A solicited LOI responds to a specific request from an agency and should follow that request precisely - addressing any listed items, deadlines, and submission format. A proactive or unsolicited LOI is sent on the firm's own initiative to introduce itself and express interest in upcoming or potential work, even when nothing has been formally advertised.
Proactive letters work best when they are specific rather than generic - naming a particular program, agency, or type of work and explaining why the firm is a natural fit. Done well, an unsolicited LOI keeps the firm on the radar so that when a relevant opportunity does arise, the firm is already a known and credible name.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Running too long - an LOI that reads like a full proposal defeats its purpose
- Staying generic - a boilerplate letter that could apply to any opportunity signals low effort
- Burying or omitting the point of contact, making follow-up harder for the agency
- Ignoring the agency's specific instructions or requested response items
- Focusing on the firm's history instead of the reader's needs and the opportunity at hand
Kept tight, tailored, and clearly connected to what the opportunity needs, an LOI does more than express interest - it positions a firm as a serious, easy-to-work-with candidate for the current pursuit and for future work. Flodoc keeps firm information and past-project details organized so tailoring each letter is faster.