Overview
This section prescribes the mandatory and optional use of Standard Form 30 (SF 30) for solicitation amendments and contract modifications, establishing it as the primary vehicle for documenting changes to federal requirements and agreements.
Key Rules
- Mandatory Use of SF 30: The SF 30 must be used for solicitation amendments, change orders, unilateral modifications authorized by contract clauses, administrative changes (e.g., correcting typos or updating accounting data), supplemental agreements, and any funding adjustments.
- Optional Use of SF 30: The form may be used at the government's discretion for petroleum price adjustments, termination notices, and specific purchase order modifications under FAR Part 13.
- Price Estimate Confidentiality: If a modification is expected to result in a price change, the government's internal estimate of that change must be omitted from the copies of the SF 30 provided to the contractor.
- Continuation Sheets: When additional space is required, agencies may use Optional Form 336 (OF 336) or standard blank paper as a continuation sheet.
- Exceptions: These rules do not apply to actions processed under FAR Part 15 (Contracting by Negotiation) or the specific optional scenarios listed in 43.301(a)(2).
Practical Implications
- Standardization: Use of the SF 30 ensures a uniform "paper trail" across the federal government, making it easier for both contractors and auditors to identify the specific nature, authority, and funding impact of any contract change.
- Negotiation Integrity: By withholding estimated price changes from the contractor's copy of the modification, the government protects its negotiation position and ensures that the contractor provides an independent cost proposal.