The SF-18 ("Request for Quotations") is the simplest federal buying form. Agencies use it for small purchases under simplified acquisition procedures. For a small contractor it's often the easiest way into government work: short, quick to answer, and usually decided mainly on price.
One important difference from a bid: a quote on an SF-18 is not an offer the government can simply accept. The form itself says it is a request for information. The agency places an order based on the quotes, and only then is there a contract.
The blocks you complete
| Block 11, columns (e) and (f) | Unit price and amount for each line in the schedule. The agency fills in the item number, description, quantity and unit (columns a to d). |
|---|---|
| Block 12 | Discount for prompt payment (10, 20 or 30 calendar days), if you want to offer one. Optional. |
| Block 13 | Name and address of quoter: your company's legal name and address as registered in SAM.gov, including county. |
| Block 14 | Signature of the person authorized to sign the quotation. |
| Block 15 | Date of quotation. |
| Block 16 | Signer's name, telephone and title. |
Read block 10 first: it is the deadline ("on or before close of business" on the date shown). Block 5a is the issuing office your quote goes to, and block 5b names who to call with questions.
What else to send
- Anything the attached statement of work or instructions ask for, such as a short description of how you'll do the work, proof of license, or references.
- Acknowledgment of any amendments, either a signed SF-30 or a sentence listing them in your cover note. The SF-18 has no block for amendments, so it's easy to forget.
- Your UEI and confirmation that your SAM.gov registration is active.
How to stand out on a small quote
- Answer fast and completely. Small purchases often get only a few responses, and an incomplete one is easy to set aside.
- Price every line. A blank line can make the whole quote unusable.
- Call out what you included: materials, disposal, permits, travel. That makes your number easy to compare.
- Keep it to one tidy PDF with the form on top.
Small jobs build the past performance that wins bigger ones. Browse open government jobs to find quotes in your trade.