eBuy, GSA’s request-for-quote (RFQ) system, has been updated to facilitate set-asides.
Now you can choose whether your requirement will be set-aside for small business or another small business category. If you decide to set-aside the requirement, then the RFQ will be viewable only by eligible Schedule contractors. For example, only HubZone Schedule contractors could view a RFQ set-aside for HubZone small business concerns.
The eBuy posting will include a label identifying what kind of a set-aside it is and language stating that quotes from Schedule contractors who are not eligible for the set-aside will not be considered for award.
If the RFQ is uploaded to eBuy, in a document that can later be downloaded and distributed outside of eBuy, we recommend the following set-aside language be put into the RFQ:
This is a notice that this order is a total set-aside for [insert either “small business concerns” or specify a subset of small business concern]. Only quotes submitted by [insert either “small business concerns” or specify a subset of small business concern] will be accepted by the Government. Any quote that is submitted by a contractor that is not [insert either “a small business concern” or specify a subset of small business concern] will not be considered for award.
Below are a couple of screenshots of how the new functionality will look for customers.
1. Area to note whether the requirement is being set-aside:
2. Area to choose what type of set-aside. Only the types of set-asides available under that SIN will show up in the drop-down menu. For example, if there are no HubZone Schedule-holders under a particular SIN, the Contracting Officer will not have the option to choose a HubZone set-aside from the drop-down menu.
Remember that Contracting Officers have to make sure there are enough contractors capable of performing the work to comply with FAR 8.405-1, 8.405-2, or 8.405-3 before proceeding with a set-aside (i.e. get quotes from 3 contractors on requirements above the SAT). Limiting sources requires the Contracting Officer to comply with the requirements of FAR 8.405-6.
3. What happens when you select a set-aside from the drop-down menu:
4.Additional language added to the RFQ posting in eCAT:
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