How You Buy

he rules for buying off the Federal Supply Service schedules differ depending on what and how much you're buying. Here's a primer.

Product Purchases

Total price is less than $2,500:

• Order from any schedule vendor.

Total price exceeds $2,500:

• Compare three vendors' price lists or look online at GSA Advantage.
• Select the best value.

Order exceeds the maximum order threshold for a given schedule:

• Follow procedures for over $2,500.
• Review additional price lists.
• Seek price reductions from contractors.
• Place your order with the best-value contractor.

Purchases of Services

1. Prepare a request for quotes including:

• Performance-based description of the work to be done.
• Delivery schedule.
• Acceptance criteria.

2. Send the RFQ to three or more schedule contractors.

3. Ask contractors to submit:

• A firm, fixed price or ceiling price (for labor-hour and time-and-material orders).
• Project management plan (optional).
• Oral presentations (encouraged).

  4. Make a best-value task order.

Best value?

A best value selection covers more than lowest price, for example:

• Performance on similar jobs.
• Special product or service features.
• Trade-in considerations.
• Probable life of the item.
• Warranty.
• Environmental and energy efficiency concerns.
• Technical qualifications.
• Maintenance availability.