Using the e-Buy system, federal agencies (buyers) may prepare and post a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for specific services and products for a designated period of time. Each RFQ is assigned to a GSA Schedule, Special Item Number (SIN) category by the buyer. The category assignment determines which Schedule contractors (sellers) may receive the e-mail notice to submit quotations. Sellers are automatically listed under their awarded SIN categories.

Buyers may notify all sellers listed under a particular SIN category or may choose to notify a lesser number of sellers. (FAR 8.405 stipulates that buyers must obtain three or more quotations for purchases over the micro-purchase threshold.) Sellers not notified may still submit a quotation for an RFQ placed under their awarded SIN. Schedule contractors are advised to check the e-Buy site each day for RFQ opportunities, since e-mail notification is not guaranteed.

Contractors who wish to submit quotations must do so at the e-Buy website. Only those contractors who have submitted their catalogs for inclusion in GSA Advantage!®  will have an opportunity to participate in e-Buy and receive requests for quotations.

Once an RFQ has closed, buyers may then evaluate and accept the quotation that represents the best value. Buyers may then issue an order to any contractor whose quotation was accepted.

More about buyers:

Government users who have an account on GSA Advantage!®  may use e-Buy by logging in through GSA Advantage!®.

Buyers who shop GSA Advantage!®  may also designate specific services and products in their shopping carts to be posted to e-Buy for quotations prior to purchase.

Buyers may attach any documents (such as a Statement of Work) to their RFQs. The ability to attach documents is particularly useful when the requirement is for services.

More about sellers:

Schedule contractors who have their catalogs posted to GSA Advantage!®  are eligible to submit quotations through e-Buy. Contractors must login at the Vendor Support Center (VSC) to use e-Buy. Contractors are automatically registered in e-Buy under their awarded SINs.

Contractors' quotations are not visible to other Schedule contractors. Only the buyer can view contractor names and quotations.

Contractors may include attachments with their quotations. Open market items, however, may not be included in their quotations. If clarifications are needed, contractors may contact the buyer via e-mail.