Request for Quotation (RFQ)

A simplified solicitation used for commercial items and smaller buys.

Definition

An RFQ asks vendors to quote a price for defined goods or services, typically under simplified acquisition procedures or against an existing contract vehicle. A quote is not an offer; the government's purchase order is the offer.

Why it matters

RFQs turn around fast — often 5 to 10 days — so a reusable response library is the difference between bidding and skipping.

Example

An Army installation issues an RFQ on GSA eBuy for 400 ruggedized laptops.

Related terms

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