Glossary / Solicitations
Request for QuotationRFQ
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). A quotation is not an offer: the government's order is the offer, and a contract forms when the vendor accepts it (FAR 13.004). RFQs are typically short, focused on price and delivery, and result in a purchase order rather than a negotiated contract. RFQs are the usual format for buys under the simplified acquisition threshold ($350,000 since October 1, 2025) and for Schedule orders.
Why it matters to your pipeline
RFQs reward speed and efficiency. A Schedule RFQ may give you a few days to send a short quote, which is very different work from a long RFP response. Firms that build lean RFQ-response workflows, with standard past-performance citations, pricing templates, and quick compliance review, do well on Schedule orders and BPA calls.
When this term shows up in an opening GovSmith finds for you, your vCM explains what it means for that pursuit and does whatever it calls for. You decide; we do the work.
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.
Find out what applies to you
Some terms will matter to your business right away and some won’t for years. A vCM can tell you which are which.