You're referred to the lab's quote department. An engineer in that department discusses your testing requirements and assesses the lab's ability to respond. He or she may consult others within the lab or introduce you to a test-department manager so you can discuss your needs. The quote department processes the RFQ and determines prices for each test, based on the required materials plus required engineering, technician, and machinist hours. The pricing normally includes developing procedures, preparing test fixtures, performing tests, and writing test reports.
Engineering management reviews the quote representative's estimate.
The lab's contracts department drafts a quotation letter, presenting the price by line item, an estimate of lead-time required prior to test, and the estimated test time. You receive the quotation letter. If the quotation is acceptable, you issue a purchase order. Once the purchase order is accepted by the contracts office, the work is assigned to a specific test engineer who will communicate with you throughout the execution of your test program. Step 2 is where you'll need to answer the most questions about your product and its test needs.