GSA Refresh Updates are official revisions issued by the General Services Administration (GSA) to modify the terms, conditions, structure, and content of the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Solicitation. These updates are released periodically and are commonly referred to as “Solicitation Refreshes.” Each refresh introduces specific changes that may include updated clauses, revised submission requirements, new or revised Special Item Numbers (SINs), regulatory compliance updates, or other structural modifications to the GSA MAS program.
Every refresh is identified by a refresh number (e.g., MAS Refresh #19), which corresponds to a formal amendment to the solicitation. Contractors are notified through GSA’s Interact platform and must review and accept the new terms via a Mass Modification (Mass Mod) in the eMod system.
Purpose of GSA Refresh Updates
The main goals of Solicitation Refresh Updates are to:
- Ensure the MAS program aligns with updated federal acquisition regulations (FAR and GSAR)
- Maintain compliance with executive orders and government-wide policy shifts
- Introduce or remove SINs based on agency demand or market trends
- Improve clarity and efficiency in the solicitation process
- Communicate structural or procedural changes to existing and prospective contractors
These updates support a living, adaptable contracting framework that reflects evolving mission requirements, procurement standards, and industry practices.
What Can Be Updated in a Solicitation Refresh
Each GSA Refresh Update may include changes to one or more of the following components:
1. Special Item Numbers (SINs)
- Addition of new SINs to support emerging technologies or services
- Consolidation of overlapping SINs
- Deletion of SINs with low usage or redundancy
- Realignment of SINs within updated Large Categories or Subcategories
2. Solicitation Clauses and Provisions
- Incorporation of new FAR or GSAR clauses
- Updates to existing contract terms, including pricing practices, compliance requirements, or delivery expectations
- Adjustments to environmental, labor, or cybersecurity policies in line with federal mandates
3. Submission Requirements
- Revisions to the documentation required for new offers or modifications
- Streamlining or clarification of proposal instructions
- Changes to technical narrative requirements or past performance thresholds
4. Administrative and Policy Changes
- Revisions to templates and forms (e.g., Pricing Proposal Template, CSP disclosures)
- Updates to socio-economic program language
- Alignment with new GSA systems like FCP or changes in catalog policy
Process for Accepting Refresh Updates
All contractors holding a MAS contract must formally acknowledge and accept each new Refresh Update by completing the corresponding Mass Mod in eMod. The steps typically include:
- Notification email from GSA with a link to the new Refresh documentation
- Review of the Solicitation Refresh Summary, Attachments, and Mass Mod Instructions
- Log in to the eMod system using a valid GSA FAS ID
- Locate and initiate the pending Mass Mod
- Accept updated clauses and confirm contract information
- Submit the mod for GSA processing
Failure to accept a Mass Mod tied to a Refresh Update may result in a contractor being ineligible for new awards or modifications and may impact contract compliance status.
Impact on Contractors
Contractors should pay close attention to every Refresh Update, as the changes may affect:
- SIN eligibility and scope of contract
- Required terms and reporting obligations
- Pricing disclosures and adjustment methods
- Participation in socio-economic or sustainability initiatives
- Eligibility for new opportunities on eBuy or GSA Advantage
Contractors must ensure their internal teams — including compliance, pricing, sales, and legal — are aware of the refresh contents and implement required changes.
Where to Find Refresh Information
GSA provides detailed information about each Solicitation Refresh through:
- The GSA Interact MAS Community
- The official SAM.gov solicitation page for MAS
- eMod notifications and Mass Mod announcements
- Webinars and GSA training sessions
- Solicitation Refresh Summary and Attachments (published with each release)
Contractors are strongly encouraged to subscribe to GSA Interact and monitor their eMod dashboards to stay informed.
Best Practices for Managing Refresh Updates
- Assign a compliance lead to track and respond to Mass Mods promptly
- Review changes internally before acceptance to understand impacts on operations or pricing
- Document internal approvals and distribute summary notes to stakeholders
- Update internal templates (e.g., CSPs, capabilities statements) to reflect new language or clause references
- Check your catalog and GSA Advantage listings after refresh-related changes to ensure alignment
Conclusion
GSA Refresh Updates are an essential part of the MAS program’s lifecycle, ensuring the solicitation remains relevant, compliant, and aligned with federal policy and marketplace trends. For contractors, timely review and acceptance of each refresh via Mass Mod is both a compliance obligation and a strategic opportunity to stay competitive in the federal marketplace. Maintaining awareness of solicitation changes is key to contract health, modification approval, and continued access to federal buyers.
