On April 25, 2025, the General Services Administration (GSA) released Solicitation Refresh #26 for the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. This update introduces significant changes that federal contractors should be aware of to maintain compliance and capitalize on new opportunities.
Retirement of 32 Special Item Numbers (SINs):
GSA has retired 32 SINs due to factors such as low market demand and overlapping procurement channels. While offerings under 11 of these SINs can be transitioned to other existing SINs, the remaining 21 are no longer available under the MAS program. Contractors holding only a retired SIN must act promptly to identify alternative SINs or risk contract cancellation under clause 552.238-79.
Introduction of New Subcategories and SIN Adjustments
To align with evolving federal needs, GSA has introduced new subcategories and made adjustments to existing SINs:
- Highly Adaptive Cybersecurity Services (HACS): A new optional subgroup, “Incident Handling and Event Management (IHEM),” has been added under SIN 54151HACS.
- Cloud Services (F01): SIN 518210C has been moved to this new subcategory and now explicitly includes cloud-based AI/ML services.
- Financial Management Services (F03): SIN 518210FM has been relocated from the IT subcategory to this newly formed category.
Updates to Price Proposal Templates (PPTs)
GSA has revised the Price Proposal Templates to streamline the submission process:
- The “Commercial MFC Price” column is now labeled “MFC Price.”
- Instructions have been clarified to improve consistency and compliance.
Policy and Compliance Enhancements
Several policy updates have been implemented:
- AI and Data Usage: Contractors are prohibited from using government data to train AI/ML models without explicit written authorization from the ordering activity contracting officer.
- Aircraft Sales Clarification: Fully assembled fixed-wing or rotary aircraft are no longer within scope for SIN 336413.
Action Items for Contractors
To ensure compliance and leverage new opportunities:
- Review your current SINs to determine if any have been retired and identify suitable alternatives.
- Update your Price Proposal Templates in accordance with the new guidelines.
- Ensure adherence to the updated policies, especially concerning AI/ML data usage and product offerings.
Staying informed and proactive is crucial in navigating these changes.