Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC)?

GWACs are defined in Part 2 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) as task order or delivery order contracts for information technology (IT) established by one agency for governmentwide use. Each GWAC is operated by an executive agent designated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant to section 5112(e) of the Clinger-Cohen Act. The Economy Act does not apply when placing orders under GWACs. To use GWACs, agencies must obtain a delegation of authority from the GWAC program office.

2. What is Contract Access Fee (CAF)?

The CAF is a fee paid by customers to cover GSA's cost of operating the Federal Supply Service Government Wide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) program. The fee is a percentage of reported sales under the GWAC contracts.

3. What is E-Buy?

E-Buy is an online Request for Quote (RFQ) tool designed to facilitate the request for submission of quotes for a wide range of commercial services and products offered by Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contractors who are on GSA Advantage!. E-Buy, a component of GSA Advantage!, allows federal agencies (buyers) to maximize their buying power by leveraging the power of the Internet to increase Schedule contractor (seller) participation to obtain quotes that will result in a best value purchase decision. E-Buy provides Schedule contractors with greater opportunities to offer quotes and increase business volume for services and products provided under their Schedule contracts. E-Buy streamlines the buying process with point-and-click functionality by allowing RFQs and responses to be exchanged electronically between federal agencies and Schedule contractors. In short, e-Buy provides both agencies and contractors with a tool that will result in savings of time and money.

4. What is Delegation of Authority?

GSA's GWAC program offices grant and administer delegations of authority for the GWAC vehicles administered by their offices. The process is easy—

• Take training provided by the GWAC program office. This instruction usually consists of general GWAC training, available at fsstraining.gsa.gov and contractspecific training, which can be delivered by GWAC program office personnel by teleconference or in person. You may also take training delivered at your site by the GSA GWAC program office. Please contact the GSA GWAC program office to set the date and location.

This page was last updated 19 May 2009.