Overview
This section prescribes the procedures for submitting recommendations to update federal standardization documents and establishes the mandatory guidelines agencies must follow when modifying existing standards for specific procurement needs.
Key Rules
- Submission of Changes (GSA): Recommendations for changes to documents in the GSA Index of Federal Specifications, Standards and Commercial Item Descriptions must be sent to the GSA Federal Supply Service, Office of Acquisition.
- Submission of Changes (ASSIST): Recommendations for changes to documents found on the ASSIST website must be submitted directly to the "cognizant preparing activity" responsible for that document.
- Modifications for Agency Use: If an agency uses an existing standard but modifies it to meet specific requirements, they must comply with:
- The Federal Standardization Manual (for civilian agencies).
- DoD Manual 4120.24, Defense Standardization Program (DSP) Procedures (for Defense components).
Practical Implications
- Contractors and government personnel have a formal mechanism to report technical errors or suggest improvements to specifications, ensuring that federal standards remain current with industry advancements.
- Agencies cannot arbitrarily change standard specifications; they must adhere to formal manual procedures to ensure that modified requirements remain standardized and transparent for potential bidders.