FEDERAL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

What Is GSA eBuy? How MAS Contractors Receive and Answer RFQs

GSA eBuy is an online system where federal buyers send requests for quotation (RFQs) to GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contractors. It is not a public marketplace. Buyers select the contractors who receive each request, generally based on the SINs involved, and MAS holders respond through the system.

What does eBuy do?

For buyers, eBuy provides a way to request quotes from multiple MAS contractors, attach requirements, and compare responses using the FSS ordering procedures. For contractors, it delivers requests tied to the SINs on their contracts and provides a place to submit quotes and questions.

Who sees eBuy requests?

Buyers choose which contractors receive an RFQ, and they typically select by SIN. If you do not hold the SIN, you will not see the request. If you hold the SIN, you may still not receive a given request, because buyers can choose a subset. This is why your SIN portfolio matters, and why your visibility through GSA eLibrary and GSA Advantage still counts.

How does the process work?

1. A buyer posts an RFQ, specifying SINs, requirements, and a response deadline.
2. Selected MAS contractors are notified by email and can view the request in eBuy.
3. Contractors submit quotes, and may ask questions, by the deadline.
4. The buyer evaluates responses and makes an award, sometimes after clarifications.

Orders and BPAs established through eBuy are placed under the MAS contract terms.

How do you set up eBuy?

• Register, and log in with your GSA credentials, including multi-factor authentication where required
• Confirm your SINs and points of contact are accurate
• Turn on email notifications, and use a shared mailbox so requests are not missed
• Assign a person and a backup to monitor daily

How do you write a strong eBuy response?

• Follow the buyer’s instructions exactly, including format and page limits
• Answer every requirement, and state assumptions clearly
• Show relevant experience and past performance
• Quote prices that are supportable, and consider discounts below your schedule price if your business can support them
• Submit early, since late responses are often not considered
• Keep a record of what you submitted

Evaluation methods vary by requirement. Some are decided on lowest price among technically acceptable quotes, and others use best value. Read the RFQ for the stated basis.

How is eBuy different from GSA Advantage?

Many contractors use both. Advantage supports direct orders for catalog items, and eBuy supports more customized needs. See GSA MAS SINs Explained.

What about BPAs?

Agencies may use eBuy to establish blanket purchase agreements with selected contractors for recurring needs. A BPA can create ongoing orders, but it does not guarantee a purchase volume.