Submitting a modification to your GSA MAS (Multiple Award Schedule) contract may seem mundane—but missteps here can lead to delays, rejections, or even noncompliance exposures. Below are recurring pitfalls that many contractors stumble over (and how to avoid them).
1. Don’t Skip the MAS Modification Guidance
Mistake: Failing to review the official GSA modification and mass modification guidance before drafting your request. Many contractors rely on old habits or templates without verifying what the current rules are.
Why it hurts: The MAS Modification Guide is updated periodically and outlines required forms, allowed modification types, and recent policy changes. Without reviewing it, you risk submitting incomplete or incorrect documentation that leads to immediate rejection.
What to do: Always begin your mod-preparation by opening the latest GSA MAS Modification Guide and identifying the matching checklist. Use the correct version templates.
2. Don’t Use Outdated or Wrong Templates
Mistake: Using legacy templates (e.g. old Price Proposal Templates, wrong cover letters) that no longer conform to GSA’s current format requirements.
Why it hurts: Templates often change after solicitation refreshes or mass modifications. If your submission doesn’t match the expected structure, GSA may reject it outright.
What to do: Download the latest modification templates from the GSA site (e.g., for services, products, or FCP) and confirm that your version date matches GSA’s current guidelines.
3. Don’t Pick the Wrong Modification Type in eMod
Mistake: Selecting the incorrect mod type (e.g. “Add Products” when you meant “Add SIN,” or “Administrative” when changes affect pricing) in the eMod system.
Why it hurts: Each modification category has its own requirements, attachments, and review process. Choosing the wrong one can delay processing or lead to rejection.
What to do: Map your intended changes (e.g. price, SIN, terms, address) to the appropriate mod type as defined in the MAS guide. Double-check before submission.
4. Don’t Wait Too Close to Deadlines
Mistake: Submitting pricing or structural modifications at the last minute or under aggressive timing expectations.
Why it hurts: Pricing mods often undergo deeper review and negotiation, so they take longer. If GSA finds issues, will request clarification or counteroffer. If you’re in a rush (e.g. aligning with an RFQ), you may miss deadlines.
What to do: Plan ahead. If you foresee needing a mod for pricing, do so well before you need the new pricing live. Allow buffer time for back-and-forth with your Contracting Officer (CO).
5. Don’t Delay or Avoid Mandatory Mass Modifications
Mistake: Ignoring or postponing acceptance of GSA’s mass modifications (i.e. system-wide changes that affect all contractors).
Why it hurts: GSA issues mass modifications (e.g. solicitation refreshes) that must be accepted within a fixed period (typically 90 days). If you don’t accept them in time, you may lose eligibility for future modifications or fall out of compliance.
What to do: Monitor GSA’s mass modification portal and accept these required updates promptly. Don’t let them accumulate.
6. Don’t Sign the SF-30 Blindly
Mistake: Clicking “accept” or signing the SF-30 amendment form without carefully reviewing it.
Why it hurts: The SF-30 is the official instrument that finalizes the modification. If it contains errors (e.g. discount rates, contract line items, SINs, effective dates), you may inadvertently lock in incorrect terms.
What to do: Before signing, line by line verify that the SF-30 matches what was negotiated. If discrepancies exist, raise them with your CO immediately.
7. Don’t Forget to Update Related Areas
Mistake: Thinking “modification done” means only the contract file is updated—neglecting supporting systems or listings.
Why it hurts: After the mod is awarded, you’ll often need to update your GSA Advantage catalog, eLibrary metadata, internal pricing systems, or marketing collateral. If those aren’t aligned, it causes confusion or noncompliance.
What to do: After a mod is approved, run a checklist:
- Update your Advantage listings
- Sync internal quoting/pricing tools
- Reflect changes in capability statements or website
- Document and store all supporting mod files
8. Don’t Undervalue Expert Review
Mistake: Treating modification submissions as internal tasks rather than compliance deliverables.
Why it hurts: The GSA rules are complex—novel edits (name change, merging, novation, SIN additions) especially carry risk. Without an experienced eye, you may miss a required clause or misalign policy (e.g. FAR novation rules).
What to do: At minimum, have a GSA contract consultant or experienced manager review your draft modification—especially for pricing or structural changes.
Bonus: Mistakes Involving Pricing, SINs & Novation
- Unjustified price increases or changes without adequate documentation can get your mod rejected.
- Incorrect SIN mapping (e.g. adding a SIN outside your scope) or failing to include relevant gsa sin number can block your eligibility in solicitations.
- Novation errors: When your company is acquired, merged, or renamed, failing to properly execute a novation under FAR 42.12 can sever continuity of your contract.
- Ignoring the Most Favored Customer / Price Reduction Clause: If you lower commercial pricing outside your disclosed thresholds, you may have to reduce your GSA pricing via mod.
Final Thoughts
Your GSA contract is a living instrument. Modifications aren’t just admin work—they’re compliance milestones. Avoid the common mistakes above, use proper planning, and treat each mod as a deliverable that must pass rigorous review.
If you’re about to submit a modification (or several), let Capitol 50 help you. Our GSA Contract Assistance and Contract Administration Services are tailored to catch these pitfalls before your modification fails. Or, if you prefer a fast assessment, request a free audit to see where enhancements or corrections would benefit your contract.
