We ask:

Operating System
What operating system will the software be using?

Purpose
What is the purpose or goal of the software? Does it automate a complex manual procedures? Does it implement a formula or a complex calculation? If possible, please provide several sentences describing the purpose of the software. Is it based on a formula? What is the name of the formula? Is there a flow chart or picture available that describes what the software needs to do?

Performance
How fast does the software need to be? Is it mission-critical? How reliable does the software need to be? How many users will be using the software? Will this software be running continuously for several hours?

Hardware
Does the software tool require special hardware? Will the application require large amounts of memory?

Software
Does this software depend on other special software(s) being installed? If yes, are there any version numbers, or build dates, involved? Is support required for multiple versions of software?

Features
What special features are required? What must it do in order to work properly?

Security
Are there any special security requirements? Is there any proprietary or sensitive information involved? Is strong encryption required?

Database
Is a database required? If yes, what database? Are any version numbers or build dates a concern?

Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure
Is a confidentiality or Non-Disclosure agreement required?