A dry, fibrous tape for use in an automated placement process such as ATL or AFP and a preform produced therefrom. The preform is configured for resin infusion. The tape contains a layer of unidirectional fibers, at least one nonwoven veil bonded to one side of the fiber layer, and at least binding materials present within the tape. The preform produced from laying down such tape exhibits a low-bulk property that is close to the final thickness of the cured fiber-reinforced resin article and no further consolidation or compaction is required.