RobertsonKX Business Blog

Change is inevitable over time. Legislators change laws, Directors have new visions and sometimes theirs even an act of God.

The FSS program inside the VA announces such changes through solicitation amendments and mass modifications.

What’s the difference?

FSS Amendments

Amendments are changes to clauses, provisions or even forms within the solicitation after the base solicitation has been issued. Remember that the VA’s FSS program operates under an open and continuous solicitation and a FSS contract lasts between 10 and 20 years. Rest assured that change is gonna come.

Amendments must be downloaded, signed and even completed if necessary. They are a part of your proposal and ensure a current and accurate submission concerning an up-to-date proposal package.

FSS Mass Modifications

As amendments update the solicitation, mass mods update a current contract. The same framework exists just at a different stage in the game.

Contractors will be notified by their Contracting Officer and expected to sign and even complete if instructed.

Both amendments and modifications must be return timely. If not after sufficient attempts of communication then a cure notice will be sent giving the vendor one final notification to complete the contractual task.

Your CO will give you a brief description of the amendment or mass modification. Your job is usually to just sign the bottom. You don’t need a consultant for that unless you require assistance for an explanation of changes.

I tell you this because I’ve worked with vendors who have regrettably hired a consultant for amendments or mass mods when their CO explained them in 30 seconds on the telephone or by typing one sentence in an email. Your CO isn’t going to explain them in their entirety but should give you the Cliff’s Notes version.

If you do feel more comfortable with a front to back explanation then outsourcing is possible but know what you are paying for.

If you think I can help you then email nicholas.s.robertson@outlook.com for your introductory email and free consultation.