Digital Certificate Frequently Asked Questions
We assist companies in obtaining GSA Schedules. Will we need a unique digital business certificate for each company we help, or, will a single digital business certificate allow us to submit schedules for various companies?
Digital Certificate FAQs
You will not need a unique digital certificate for each company you work with. You can use your digital certificate to work on any offer that you are a negotiator for. However, if your client is going to sign the final documents they will need their own certificate. The digital certificates are assigned on an individual basis and not on the company level. So, each individual will need their own certificate.
We are an independent consulting firm and do not have a DUNS number. Must we obtain one first to do eMods and eOffers?
Digital Certificate FAQs
Yes. You must have a DUNS number before you can use eOffer or eMod.
We already have digital certificates for our online store. Is this a different ACES certificate specific to the eOffer process or can we use what we have?
Digital Certificate FAQs
We use the ACES Business Representative Certificates. If this is the type of certificate you have you may use it. If you do not have this type of certificate you will need to get a new one or have the company that issued your certificate contact us to determine if their certificate is compatible.
I forgot my password, what do I do now?
Digital Certificate FAQs
Contact the digital certificate issuer. We do not have nor issue passwords for digital certificates.
Our Digital Certificate has expired. How do we update?
Digital Certificate FAQs
Please contact the issuer of the certificate on how to renewal/update an expired digital certificate. We currently accept ACES digital certificate from Operational Research Consultant (ORC) and Identrust. Contact Info: ORC (http://eoffers.orc.com, Helpdesk: 888-816-5503, aceshelp@orc.com) IDENTRUST (www.identrust.com, aceshelp@identrust.com, Helpdesk: 888-339-8904)
Is there a time limit to submit the forms for our digital certificate? We applied for it on line but have not submitted the paperwork yet.
Digital Certificate FAQs
No. There is not a time limit on submitting your paperwork. However, it takes approximately 2 weeks from the time they receive all your information to process your request.
I wanted to know where I can obtain a digital certificate at no charge from one of your approved vendors. I was told that they are located somewhere on your vendor support website but I do not see them. I would appreciate your help.
Digital Certificate FAQs
To obtain a free digitial certificate, which is good for two years: Go to http://eoffers.orc.com Select ‘Next’ Select ‘Next’ again Select ‘Next’ again Select ‘Trust CA’s’ Complete all steps in order to obtain a digital certificate ORC helpdesk numbers are: 800.816.5548 or 888.816.5503
I have a VeriSign certificate. Will that work for eMods?
Digital Certificate FAQs
Unfortunately the certificate that you have is not one that is authorized for use on the eoffer.gsa.gov website. The correct digital certificate needed is the Business Representative Certificate which can be acquired through the ACE’s ORC organization (eoffers.orc.com) or the iDentrust orginzation (www.identrust.com). If you have any further questions then please contact us at 1.866.472.9114.
I have a new computer and want to transfer the certificate to my new system. Where do I locate the digital certificate and how do I transfer it to my new system?
Digital Certificate FAQs
If the user have a Digital Cert Provided by DST the instructions are listed below. If they need additional assistance please call 888-248-4447 If their Digital Cert was provided by ORC please call for addt’l asistance (703) 246-8531 HOW TO IMPORT DIGITAL CERTFICATES TO ANOTHER PC Digital Certificates can be used by individuals working from home or from- telecommute centers. Follow the steps below to import your digital certificate to another PC. · Log onto PC · Insert Floppy or CD you exported your digital certificate to · Go to Internet Explorer · Click Tools, then Select Internet Options · Click the Content tab · Click the Certificates button, highlight your name · Click Import · Click Next on Certificate Importing Wizard · Click Browse, then click on “Look In” dropdown arrow · Highlight Drive (A:) if using a floppy disk or highlight CD Drive (D:) if using a CD · Click on “Files of Types” dropdown, Select file extension .PFX · Highlight filename · Click Open on Import Wizard · Click Next · Select Place all Certificates in following store (Personal) · Click Next · Click Finish
I have a digital certificate with ACCESS for DDTC can I use the same one for eMod?
Digital Certificate FAQs
Unfortunately the certificate that you have is not one that is authorized for use on the eoffer.gsa.gov website. The correct digital certificate needed is the Business Representative Certificate which can be acquired through the ACE’s ORC organization (eoffers.orc.com) or the iDentrust orginzation (www.identrust.com). If you have any further questions then please contact us at 1.866.472.9114 or send an email to eoffer@gsa.gov
How will I apply for Digital Certificate, if I'm a business agent for some company?
Digital Certificate FAQs
A digital certificate can be acquired through the ACE’s ORC organization (eoffers.orc.com) or the iDentrust orginzation (www.identrust.com. If you have any further questions then please contact us at 1.866.472.9114 or send an email to eoffer@gsa.gov.
How to I get free digital certificates?
Digital Certificate FAQs
You can apply for your free ACES Digital Certificate at ORC (http://eoffers.orc.com, Helpdesk: 888-816-5503, aceshelp@orc.com). You can receive up to 2 free digital certificates per DUNs#.
How to apply for digitally signed certificate?
Digital Certificate FAQs
Try the following site www.eoffers.orc.com or the iDentrust organization at www.identrust.com>. If you have any further questions then please contact us at 1.866.472.9114 or by email at eoffer@gsa.gov.
How much does the Digital Certificate Cost? How does a Company Pay for it (Credit Card, Check…)? What is the processing time after payment? Does the Certificate have an expiration date?
Digital Certificate FAQs
The digital certificate ranges between $90 and $119 bepending on the vendor you choose to use. There are several methods of payment which depend on the vendor you choose to work with. The payment method is spelled out on each vendors website. The application process takes approximately 2 weeks. Some certificates expire every year others expire every two years. Again, it depends on the vendor you choose to work with.
How long does it take after the signed and notarized certificate is received by your department to be able to submit a contract proposal, electronically?
Digital Certificate FAQs
It takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks to receive your certificate.
How do you get a digital certificate?
Digital Certificate FAQs
You should visit the ACES homepage and determine which company you want to purchase your certificate from. You can click the link from the eOffer homepage titled ‘Apply for ACES authentication certificate for secure online transactions and electronic signatures’ or go to www.gsa.gov/ACES to get to the homepage. Click Industry Partners on the left hand tool bar. This will give you a list of the companies and their prices.
How do I tell if I have a current digital certificate?
Digital Certificate FAQs
If you have a valid digital cert for the eOffer/eMod sytem, you will see either ORC ACES or DST ACES. To check in Mozilla Fire Fox, go to: Tools => Options => Advanced => Encryption => View Certificates (click on your certificates tab on the far left hand side) To check in Internet Explorer, go to: Tools => Options => Content => Certificates (click on the personal tab on the left hand side) If you do not see the digital certificate listed, you have to apply for a digital certififcate….There are two companies that provide digital certificates, they are: Operational Reserach Consultants (ORC) – ORC website – http://eoffers.orc.com – ORC helpdesk – 800.816.5548/888.816.5503 or aceshelp@orc.com. Identrust – offers digital certificates – Identrust website – www.identrust.com – Identrust helpdesk – 888.339.8904
How do I sign up for the Digital Certificate in order to access e-Mod?
Digital Certificate FAQs
There are two links for the eOffer homepage. Click the ‘ACES Cert’ or the ‘Apply for ACES authentication certificate for secure online transactions and electronic signatures’ links. These links give you information about the vendors that are authorized to sell digital certificates.
How do I put my signature on my Eoffer Final Contract Document? wmanfredi@nacr.com
Digital Certificate FAQs
After you complete negotiation with the Contracting Officer, they will prepare you offer for award. Then you will see a sign button in eOffer to put the signature on the offer.
How do i go on line and apply for a digital certificate?
Digital Certificate FAQs
Visit eOffer.gsa.gov and select Option 5 from the ‘Before you begin section’. You will be re-directed to select an issuer (ORC or Identrust). ORC offers two free digital cert per DUNs number.
How do I check to see whether or not I have a valid digital signature?
Digital Certificate FAQs
To check to see if you have a digital certificate, if you are using Internet Explorer go to: Tools => Internet Options => Content => Certificates If you are using Mozilla Fire Fox, go to: Tools => Options => Advanced => Encryption => View Certificates. Valid Cert: ACES Business Representative
How do I change my email address after obtaining an Ace Certificate using the old email address?
Digital Certificate FAQs
You will have to contact the issuing company (ORC or Identrust) that you obtained your digital certificate from and reapply for another digital certificate with the new email address.
Have certificate and have had trouble installing private key since July of 2007. Customer not very responsive. Can you please assist me?
Digital Certificate FAQs
Please contact the company where you got the certificte to help you install the private.
Forgot CryptoAPI Private Key.
Digital Certificate FAQs
Please contact the issuer of your digital certificate (ORC or Identrust) regarding the CryptoAPI Private Key. ORC’s email: aceshelp@orc.com. Indentrust email: aceshelp@identrust.com.
Does GSA currently accept DOD Digital Certificates?
Digital Certificate FAQs
We are not currently accepting DOD certificates. However, we are in the process of cross certifying the DOD certificate with our system. As soon as that process is complete, we will begin to accept the DOD certificates.
Can I purchase one digital certificate for the whole office?
Digital Certificate FAQs
No, each person in your office that will be accessing the eOffer system will need their own digital certificate. The certificates are issued on an individual basis.
Can a certificate be transfered if a person is no longer working for the business?
Digital Certificate FAQs
No.
Are consultants who are assisting firms with their eOffer application allowed to use a digital certificate or do the digital certificate owners have to be employees of the company submitting the offer?
Digital Certificate FAQs
Consulants can request their own digital certs. If the company you are assisting wants to login and negotiate and finally sign the contract, they will need a digital cert as well and placed on the negotiator’s list as ‘Authorized to sign’ during the eOffer preparation.
After being issued a certificate, can I still access eoffer if my email address needs to be changed
Digital Certificate FAQs
You should add your self as a negotiator with the new email address before you have the old email address changed. That way, when the email address is changed you can still access the system.
Digital Certificate
Digital Certificate FAQs
About Authorized Negotiator
You are required to be an Authorized Negotiator, on the Contract, to access the Contract via eMod.
What is an Authorized Negotiator?
An Authorized Negotiator is someone that legally binds the company to any changes or updates to the contract. This person is usually assigned during the offer and flows to the contract. If this person changes, a contract modification must be done to add/delete a new authorized negotiator.
If you receive and error message stating “You are not an authorized negotiator on this contract” please review the following:
If your offer was submitted via paper:
You are probably not listed in the electronic system as an authorized negotiator. If you have your digital certificate and the system states that, “There are No Authorized Negotiators on this Contract” please contact your contracting officer and have them add you as a negotiator. If a third party is maintaining your contract, make sure they are listed as a negotiator and have a valid digital certificate. The contracting officer will need your name and email address, as it appears on your digital certificate, to add you as an authorized negotiator.
If your offer was submitted electronically:
You have a current digital certificate, and the system states, “You are not an Authorized Negotiator on this contract”. Please contact the person in your company who is an authorized negotiator, to create a modification request, in eMod, to add you as a negotiator. If no one in your company is an authorized negotiator, please contact your contracting officer. If a third party is maintaining your contract, make sure they are listed as a negotiator and have a valid digital certificate. Both the contracting officer and/or the POC of your company will need your name and email address, as it appears on your digital certificate, to add you as an authorized negotiator.
If you still cannot access eMods:
Please contact the eMod help desk at (866) 472-9114.
via Digital Certificate.
