As the end-of-year spending deadline approaches, the IT Storefront introduced two major capabilities July 24 to help address supply chain volatility.
EITaaS Solution Architect Chris Palen said fluctuating material and component costs have caused vendors to withdraw some laptop and desktop options from the marketplace.
"Integrating an automated request for quote process into the IT Storefront delivers a critical stopgap for the Department of the Air Force during this peak purchasing window," said Palen.
The new capability allows buyers to submit an RFQ to obtain current device pricing from multiple vendors within a product category. It then automates the ordering process for a selected quote through an intuitive user interface and the existing IT Storefront workflow.
Additionally, users can request quotes for nonstandard devices through a specialized product selection process. This enables vendors to provide pricing for products outside the standard catalog to meet unique mission requirements.
Although the ability to order single- and multifunction printers through the Digital Print and Imaging contract vehicle has been available in the IT Storefront since April, the latest enhancement allows buyers to replenish consumable supplies, such as toner, without purchasing a new printer.