Agreement Essentials

Master Service Agreements, Requests for Proposal, Sole Source Justifications

For support on MSAs, RFPs, and SSJ please connect with Strategic Sourcing. Please refer to the contracts policy for additional info.

Master Service Agreement (MSA)

A master service agreement is a contract where the terms and conditions, and pricing have been agreed by Georgetown and the supplier. Only a quote and a purchase order are needed to proceed with services. MSAs can be used by multiple departments for convenience.

  • When is it appropriate to have one?
    • Something for use by multiple departments
    • Vendor with a very high dollar amount for spend
  • Not appropriate for
    • One-off purchases
    • A contract used by only your department
    • Dollar amounts under $50k or lower dollar amounts

Heads up!

  • All technical MSAs requires UIS approval
  • All construction MSAs require Facilities approval

Requests for Anything (RFx) – Which is right for you?

Request for Proposal (RFP)

An RFP is a formal, open request for bids to complete a new major project. Strategic Sourcing manages the RFP process, communicates with bidders (vendors) and your department. This formal process is used only for professional services (marketing, construction, enterprise software, etc.).

Request for Quote (RFQ)

An RFQ is when any stakeholder asks a supplier for a price quote for an exact product or service. Stakeholders are encourages to reach out to suppliers on their own to seek quotes. Strategic Sourcing is here to support as needed.

Request for Information (RFI)

An RFI is when any stakeholder requests information from potential suppliers of a good or service. Strategic Sourcing is here to support as needed.

Sole Source Justifications (SSJ)

The SSJ is used in lieu of competitive bidding when the selected vendor has a specialized uniqueness, compatibility, or technical specifications.