News Releases
GSA's Revamped e-Buy Jumpstarts Online RFQ CompetitionGSA # 9972 July 31, 2002 WASHINGTON, DC - An online Request for Quotes (RFQ) tool created by the U.S. General Services Administration now offers Federal buyers a fresh, new look and more search muscle in today's electronic marketplace. "GSA is committed to ensuring that agencies are well-positioned to obtain the products and services they need from the commercial marketplace. E-Buy makes use of modern technology to provide an efficient and effective tool which enables Federal buyers to interact with the commercial marketplace and obtain best value solutions for their operations, " said GSA Administrator Stephen A. Perry. Launched last year as part of GSA Advantage!, e-Buy recently introduced a newer and smarter version after Federal buyers expressed a need for a simple yet flexible way to obtain quotes for services and large quantities of products. All registered users of GSA Advantage! have e-Buy access. E-Buy streamlines the buying process with point-and-click functionality by allowing RFQ's and quotes to be exchanged electronically between Federal buyers and Schedule contractors. In the process, e-Buy eliminates the need for mailing and faxing, allows electronic orders to be placed and improves search capabilities. Buyers set the parameters of the RFQ such as closing dates, vendors solicited, performance criteria and evaluation criteria. Buyers performing market research can use e-Buy to simplify the process of requesting information from Schedule contractors. "With continued focus on increasing competition under GSA's Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) program, e-Buy supports the Administration's goal of creating a market-based government that is committed to competition, innovation, and transparency," said Angela Styles, Administrator of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy of the Office of Management and Budget. GSA Advantage! is the agency's award-winning online catalog providing Web access to more than 8,800 contracts offering over 3 million products and services at www.gsaadvantage.gov. GSA contracted with Unisys Corporation, Broadvision, Sybase and Verity in the development of e-Buy. One of three service branches within the agency, FSS plays a key role in the acquisition of services and supplies, including computer and telecommunications equipment, for the federal government. Index of News Releases
Last Reviewed 7/23/2008
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