SF 30, block by block

Ground truth: SF 30 (REV. 11/2016) official PDF · prescribed by FAR 53.243

What this form is

Official title: Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract
Current edition: Standard Form 30 (REV. 11/2016)
Prescribed by: GSA — FAR 53.243; used for solicitation amendments (FAR 14.208), change orders and modifications (FAR 43.301), and termination notices
Official download: https://www.gsa.gov/system/files/SF30-16c.pdf

One form, two jobs: item 9 route = amending a solicitation before award; item 10 route = modifying an existing contract/order.

The items, one by one

BlockLabel on the formWho fills it in, and with what
1CONTRACT ID CODE (+ PAGE OF PAGES)Government
2AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NUMBERGovernment
3EFFECTIVE DATEGovernment — per the back-page rules (issue date for amendments/change orders; agreed date for supplemental agreements)
4REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUISITION NUMBERGovernment
5PROJECT NUMBER (If applicable)Government
6ISSUED BY / CODEGovernment
7ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 6)Government
8NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (+ CODE, FACILITY CODE)Government — also used by the offeror when acknowledging an amendment by returning the form (method (a))
9A/9BAMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NUMBER / DATEDGovernment — checked when amending a solicitation
10A/10BMODIFICATION OF CONTRACT/ORDER NUMBER / DATEDGovernment — checked when modifying a contract or order
11THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS — offer deadline [is extended] [is not extended]; three acknowledgment methods; and the all-caps warning that failure to acknowledge by the deadline MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFERGovernment sets it; Offeror must acknowledge by one of the three listed methods
12ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)Government
13THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS — A. change order authority; B. administrative changes (FAR 43.103(b)); C. supplemental agreement authority; D. other; E. contractor [is not] [is required] to sign and return ___ copiesGovernment — the legal authority for the mod, and whether your signature is required
14DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (organized by UCF section headings)Government — back-page instructions require the net price impact to be stated
15A/B/CNAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER / CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR signature / DATE SIGNEDContractor — only when item 13E requires it
16A/B/CNAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER / UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (Signature of CO) / DATE SIGNEDGovernment — per the back page, the CO ordinarily signs supplemental agreements last

Common mistakes

  1. Blowing the acknowledgment. Item 11's own capitalized warning: failure to get your acknowledgment to the designated office before the due date MAY RESULT IN REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. Acknowledge every amendment, every time, by one of the three methods the item lists.
  2. Signature confusion on modifications. Item 13E states whether contractor signature is required. Unilateral change orders don't need it; bilateral supplemental agreements do — and the CO signs last, so don't wait for a government-signed copy before returning yours.
  3. A vague item 14. The back-page instructions require the description to state the price impact (increased/decreased/unchanged) and follow UCF section organization — sloppy item 14s create audit and closeout disputes.

FAQ

How do I acknowledge a solicitation amendment on the SF 30?

Item 11 lists three methods: complete items 8 and 15 and return the specified number of copies; acknowledge on each copy of your offer; or send a separate letter or electronic communication that references the solicitation and amendment numbers — before the offer due date.

Does the contractor always sign an SF 30 modification?

No — item 13E states whether signature is required. Administrative changes and unilateral change orders don't require it; supplemental agreements do.