Request for Quotation (RFQ)

Definition

A Request for Quotation (RFQ) is a solicitation used for simplified acquisitions (FAR Part 13) or orders against existing contracts (e.g., GSA Schedules, IDIQs, BPAs under FAR 8.4). Quotations are nonbinding offers from vendors, and the government is not required to accept any quotation. RFQs are typically short, focused on price and delivery, and result in a purchase order rather than a negotiated contract. RFQs are the dominant solicitation format for commercial-item buys under $250K and for Schedule orders.

Why It Matters

RFQs reward speed and efficiency. Responding to a Schedule RFQ in 5–10 pages within 72 hours is a fundamentally different discipline than preparing a 100-page RFP response over 30 days. Firms that build lean RFQ-response workflows — standardized past-performance citations, pricing templates, rapid compliance review — win disproportionately in the Schedule and BPA-call environment.

Example

An agency issues a Schedule RFQ for 30 laptops with 3-year warranty. The vendor submits a 4-page quote at $89K within 48 hours. The purchase order issues 5 days later.

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