Although contracts can have a reputation of being binding, your GSA Schedule contract is meant to grow and change with your company. Anytime you need to change your address or primary Point of Contact, add or delete a product, alter a product description, or upload new photos, you are able to make these changes through a modification (mod). Each modification type requires a series of documents and/or requirements, and it can be difficult to figure out what needs to be done in order to successfully complete a mod. Thankfully, the General Services Administration (GSA) has created a guide to keep contractors up to date on all the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) modification standards.
In the ever changing world of GSA, capitalizing on the MAS Modification Guide can be beneficial for you and your business. As contract consultants, we know it’s important to take advantage of every resource and tool GSA provides, but they’re not always self-explanatory or easy to navigate. Here’s what you need to know about the MAS Modification Guide including why it’s important to you as a contractor, how to use it, and how you can make the most of it.
What is the MAS Modification Guide?
The MAS Modification Guide is a comprehensive reference sheet to all the mods available to contractors, and is meant to ensure contractors are aware of the information needed to successfully prepare and submit modification requests to their Contracting Officer.
The guide includes guidelines for submitting all modification types available in eMod, and is an essential document to help contractors maintain compliance when submitting modifications.
The MAS Modification Guide is also a living document and is updated as GSA makes changes to the MAS Program through a Solicitation Refresh. The most recent MAS Modification Guide is from June 2022, so it's important you find the right one before you begin using it.
How to Use the MAS Modification Guide
When completing modifications, there is certain documentation that is required for each one. The MAS Modification Guide breaks down each type of mod and the necessary components for each modification request.
For example, in order to add products to your GSA Schedule, you will need:
- A cover letter with required language from GSA
- End User License Agreements/Terms and Conditions (if applicable)
- Updated Commercial Sales Practices information (CSP-1)
- A Commercial Price List with an effective date
- Product Literature
- Pricing Support
- A Products Price Proposal Template
- An updated GSA Schedule Pricelist
One aspect of the MAS Modification Guide that is often overlooked is the list of proper documentation that is included and how to complete it. When Contracting Officers are reviewing modifications, they want all the documentation to be presented in a certain way.
For example, when adding Labor Categories to your GSA Schedule, a Price Proposal Template is required. The Modification Guide includes the Price Proposal Template and instructions on how to use it. The Price Proposal Template (for both products and services) is updated every so often, so it's important you are using the most recent copy.
Additionally, for other documentation that is required, such as the Past Project Experience Narratives, there are questions and necessary information that need to be addressed within the narrative.
You can learn more about how to complete modifications and different contract changes in our blog, “How to Modify Your GSA Schedule Contract." If you have any further questions about modifications you can use this webpage from GSA.
A Recent Update to the MAS Modification Guide
The MAS Modification Guidance was updated in June of 2022 to incorporate changes made in earlier Solicitation Refreshes. The modification Price Proposal Templates (different from the offer Price Proposal Templates) are now available in the MAS Modification Guide.
Why the MAS Modification Guide is Important
If you are able to routinely and efficiently keep your GSA Schedule contract up to date, you will enhance your marketability to federal customers. If you do not have all the necessary documentation for contract modifications, you are at risk of having your modifications rejected by your GSA Contracting Officer, so it’s vital that you follow the instructions outlined in the guide.
Fully utilizing the MAS Modification Guide is not only important for compliance, but also an important way to fully market your sales practices. You can do this by adhering to the MAS Modification Guide to add products or services to your Schedule. Since the prices of many products and services change over time, you can also use the guide to adjust your prices and commercial rates to ensure you are meeting the requirements of your GSA Schedule contract and staying competitive in the market. Just as long as you are still abiding by GSA's pricing rules.
Make Sure You Take Advantage of the Modification Guide
The MAS Modification Guide is your rulebook for all things related to modifications--don't let it go to waste. The government contracting process is by no means easy or self explanatory, so take advantage of this useful guide.
That being said, we understand if you still have questions about the modification process, including how to submit or draft the documents outlined in the guide. Winvale is here to help you--our consultants are equipped to address and verify that all the necessary documentation and information is included in your modifications, and they are here to guide you through the steps to make sure all requirements are met.
