GSA Refresh 26: Retired SINs, New HACS Subgroup & Key Changes

Key Points:

• GSA Refresh 26 retires 32 SINs, introduces new IT subcategories, and adds the HACS Incident Handling and Event Management subgroup.
• Updates clarify I-FSS-600 publication rules and revise Price Proposal Templates for both offers and modifications.
• Contractors must accept the Mass Mod, update price lists, and ensure catalog compliance on GSA Advantage and eLibrary.
• Price Reporter helps GSA contractors adapt quickly, update documentation, and maintain compliance under the new solicitation structure.

• What Is the MAS Refresh 26 and Why It Matters
• Summary of Key Updates in Refresh 26
• Retired SINs: Streamlining and Market Optimization
• I-FSS-600 Clause: Clarification on Publication Rules
• Price Proposal Template (PPT) Updates
• New IT Subcategories: Cloud and Financial Management Services
• New HACS Subgroup: Incident Handling and Event Management (IHEM)
• Large Category and SIN-Level Updates
• Broader Impact of Refresh 26 on GSA Contractors
• Expert Recommendations from Price Reporter
• Final Thoughts
• FAQ: Understanding GSA Refresh 26 and Its Impact on Contractors

The General Services Administration (GSA) regularly releases solicitation refreshes to keep the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program aligned with current federal procurement needs, policy updates, and market trends. These periodic updates ensure that the MAS structure remains efficient, transparent, and reflective of evolving technologies and industry standards. Each refresh introduces new requirements, removes outdated elements, and clarifies existing procedures to help both federal buyers and contractors operate under a unified and compliant framework.

On April 25, 2025, GSA issued MAS Solicitation Refresh 26, which must be formally accepted by all current Schedule holders through a Mass Modification. This refresh brings several notable changes that impact a wide range of contractors and SIN structures.

Among the most significant updates are:

• The retirement of 32 Special Item Numbers (SINs) across multiple Large Categories.
• The addition of a new subgroup under Highly Adaptive Cybersecurity Services (HACS) for Incident Handling and Event Management (IHEM).
• The creation of two new IT subcategories, Cloud Services and Financial Management Services.
• Updated Price Proposal Templates and clarified publication rules for price lists within the GSA Advantage environment.
• Technical and administrative revisions across multiple Large Categories to refine scope and compliance.

Refresh 26 represents another important step in GSA’s ongoing effort to modernize the MAS program, simplify contract management, and ensure that government procurement continues to reflect the realities of today’s marketplace.

What Is the MAS Refresh 26 and Why It Matters

A solicitation refresh is GSA’s formal process for updating the terms, conditions, and structure of the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) program. Through each refresh, GSA revises solicitation language, updates Special Item Numbers (SINs), refines templates, and introduces regulatory changes that keep the program compliant with current federal acquisition policies. These updates are designed to ensure that contractors and government buyers operate under the same, most current standards, minimizing ambiguity, and maintaining consistency across all contracts.

MAS Refresh 26 incorporates new regulatory guidance issued through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-03 and GSAR Change 196. These updates bring the MAS solicitation into alignment with the latest Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and General Services Acquisition Regulation (GSAR) adjustments, while excluding GSAR Change 187, which was deemed inapplicable to this solicitation. The integration of these changes reflects GSA’s ongoing effort to streamline acquisition practices and ensure that contract requirements accurately represent current market and policy realities.

Importantly, the effects of Refresh 26 extend to both new offerors and existing contract holders. Companies preparing to submit new offers must use the revised solicitation documents and templates, while existing contractors are required to accept the Mass Modification associated with the refresh to maintain contract compliance. Accepting the modification ensures that all active MAS contracts remain up to date with the latest solicitation structure, thereby preserving eligibility for future opportunities and preventing compliance issues during audits or renewals.

Summary of Key Updates in Refresh 26

GSA’s Refresh 26 introduces several important modifications that impact how contractors structure their MAS offerings and maintain compliance. The updates are designed to streamline procurement, reduce redundancy, and align contract documentation with evolving government and industry standards. Below is a concise overview of the main changes included in this solicitation update:

• Retirement of 32 Special Item Numbers (SINs): Multiple SINs across various Large Categories have been removed due to low demand, overlapping scope, or administrative inefficiency.
• Clarification of the I-FSS-600 Clause: The clause governing publication of products and services on the GSA Advantage environment has been updated to clarify where and how price lists can be displayed.
• New Subgroup under SIN 54151HACS: A new optional subgroup, Incident Handling and Event Management (IHEM), has been added to the Highly Adaptive Cybersecurity Services (HACS) SIN to support enhanced cybersecurity response capabilities.
• Creation of Two New IT Subcategories: The Cloud Services (F01) and Financial Management Services (F03) subcategories have been established to better organize offerings and reflect the growing importance of digital and financial modernization.
• Updated Price Proposal Templates: Both product and service offer templates have been revised, including renamed columns and clearer submission instructions for new offers and contract modifications.
• Category-Level Revisions: Several Large Categories, including Furniture, Information Technology, Office Management, and Security, now include new restrictions, clarified notes, and scope updates to ensure consistent application across all SINs.

Together, these updates mark a significant structural adjustment to the MAS program, emphasizing modernization, data integrity, and regulatory clarity.

Retired SINs: Streamlining and Market Optimization

One of the most notable outcomes of GSA’s Refresh 26 is the retirement of 32 Special Item Numbers (SINs) across several Large Categories. This decision was driven by a comprehensive review of demand, relevance, and administrative efficiency within the MAS program. According to GSA, the retired SINs either overlap with existing contract offerings, generate limited sales activity, or impose administrative costs that outweigh their procurement benefits.

The primary goal behind this consolidation is to streamline the MAS structure, eliminate redundancy, and create a more efficient and focused marketplace for both agencies and contractors. By retiring underutilized SINs, GSA reduces unnecessary complexity and makes it easier for contracting officers to identify relevant solutions.

Out of the 32 retired SINs:

• 11 SINs can be transitioned into other existing MAS SINs under different categories.
• 21 SINs are fully removed from the schedule, meaning the related products or services may now only be offered through either commercial platforms or the open market.

Below is an example of how several retired SINs have been reclassified or removed:

Large Category	SIN Retired as of Refresh 26	Alternative Procurement Channel
Furniture & Furnishings	33721R – Remanufactured Furniture	Open Market
Office Management	333316OS – Overseas Copiers and Supplies	Other MAS SINs or Commercial Platforms
Industrial Products and Services	333414 – Water Heaters	Other MAS SINs
Miscellaneous	335210 – Personal Care Items	Commercial Platforms or Open Market

After the release of Refresh 26 in April 2025, GSA began issuing unilateral modifications to automatically remove the affected SINs from existing contracts. Contractors who held one or more of these SINs have already received official notifications through the Mass Modification system. Those modifications required vendors to review and update their FSS price lists and GSA Advantage catalogs to ensure alignment with the new structure. Any remaining discrepancies or outdated listings should be corrected promptly to maintain full compliance and prevent catalog suspension.

I-FSS-600 Clause: Clarification on Publication Rules

GSA’s Refresh 26 introduces an important clarification to the I-FSS-600 clause that governs how contractors publish product and service information within the GSA Advantage environment. The updated language eliminates ambiguity about where listings can appear and defines the digital platforms included under the “GSA Advantage environment.”

Under the revised clause, contractors are no longer permitted to publish the same products or services simultaneously on both GSA Advantage and a text file. Instead, they must choose one approved method of publication. This clarification ensures that each item or service offering appears in only one location within the system, helping to prevent duplication and inconsistencies across listings.

The term “GSA Advantage environment” now explicitly includes GSA eLibrary and GSA eBuy, making it clear that the rule applies across all associated platforms. This means that a contractor’s catalog, price list, or service file hosted on any of these systems is considered part of the same publication environment.

For Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) and other commercially available products, contractors must continue publishing their offerings either directly on GSA Advantage or through a text file posted within the GSA Advantage environment. The same rule now applies to service offerings, which must be published using one of two approved methods:

1. Through a Price List generated by the FAS Catalog Platform (FCP).
2. Through a Text File posted on the GSA Advantage environment.

In both cases, contractors are prohibited from using both options at the same time.

GSA implemented this clarification to reduce confusion, remove redundant data, and improve the overall integrity of catalog information available to federal buyers. By standardizing how contractors publish and update their listings, the agency aims to create a more transparent, efficient, and user-friendly procurement environment for all stakeholders.

Price Proposal Template (PPT) Updates

As part of GSA’s ongoing effort to simplify contract documentation and improve consistency across submissions, Refresh 26 introduces several updates to the Price Proposal Templates (PPTs) used for both new offers and contract modifications. These templates are critical to the MAS solicitation process because they standardize how contractors present pricing data, discounts, and terms for review by contracting officers.

In the revised templates, several column titles and instructions have been updated to improve clarity. The most visible changes include:

• The column previously labeled “Commercial MFC Price” is now titled “MFC Price.”
• The column “Discount offered to Commercial MFC” has been renamed “Discount offered to MFC.”

These edits may seem minor, but they reflect GSA’s broader goal of simplifying documentation and removing unnecessary terminology that can cause confusion during data entry or review. In addition, the instructions found on Tab A of the templates have been rewritten to make it easier for contractors to correctly input information and understand how pricing data should align with their commercial sales practices.

All contractors are required to use these updated templates, whether they are submitting a new offer or processing a modification to an existing MAS contract. Using outdated forms may lead to processing delays or rejections, as contracting officers will now evaluate submissions based on the revised format.

Price Reporter recommendation: Contractors should review their internal pricing spreadsheets and data entry workflows to ensure consistency with the new templates. It is also advisable to double-check that any automated systems or catalog management tools are updated to reflect the renamed columns and revised instructions. Aligning internal documentation with GSA’s new templates will help prevent discrepancies and keep contract submissions compliant with the latest MAS requirements.

New IT Subcategories: Cloud and Financial Management Services

GSA’s Refresh 26 introduces structural updates within the Information Technology (IT) Large Category to better organize offerings and reflect the government’s growing emphasis on digital modernization. Two existing SINs have been moved from the IT Solutions subcategory into newly established subcategories that more accurately represent their scope and strategic importance.

SIN 518210C – Cloud Computing and Cloud Related IT Professional Services has been reassigned to a new subcategory titled Cloud Services (F01). This subcategory centralizes offerings related to cloud infrastructure, migration, data hosting, and managed services. The updated SIN description now explicitly includes cloud-based artificial intelligence and machine learning functionality, acknowledging the rapid integration of AI and automation into federal IT systems.

Similarly, SIN 518210FM – Financial Management Quality Service Management Office (FM QSMO) Core Financial Management Solutions and IT Professional Services has been moved to the newly created Financial Management Services (F03) subcategory. This change highlights the government’s ongoing efforts to modernize federal financial systems and ensure interoperability across agencies through standardized financial management solutions.

These reorganizations are not simply administrative. They represent GSA’s broader commitment to aligning the MAS structure with federal digital priorities such as cloud adoption, cybersecurity, and data-driven decision making. By separating Cloud and Financial Management Services into distinct subcategories, GSA provides agencies with clearer acquisition pathways and helps contractors more effectively position their offerings in areas of high strategic demand.

For vendors, this means revisiting how products and services are categorized under their MAS contracts. Contractors offering solutions that involve AI-enabled cloud technologies or financial management platforms should ensure that their offerings align with the updated subcategory definitions to remain competitive and compliant in the evolving federal IT landscape.

New HACS Subgroup: Incident Handling and Event Management (IHEM)

As part of Refresh 26, GSA expanded the Highly Adaptive Cybersecurity Services (HACS) SIN 54151HACS by adding a new optional subgroup titled Incident Handling and Event Management (IHEM). This addition reflects the federal government’s increasing focus on cybersecurity readiness, rapid response, and continuous monitoring across all agency systems.

The new subgroup is designed to support agencies in managing and responding to cybersecurity incidents and operational events in real time. The IHEM subgroup covers a full range of activities that help organizations detect, analyze, and respond to potential threats, including:

• Monitoring of organizational assets to identify deviations from expected activity.
• Detecting and declaring incidents and events that could affect security or operations.
• Performing triage and containment to prevent escalation.
• Conducting remediation and recovery to restore normal operations.

The framework for IHEM services is aligned with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines, ensuring that the services offered under this subgroup meet widely accepted federal standards for cybersecurity response and resilience.

For contractors specializing in cybersecurity, this new subgroup presents a valuable opportunity to expand their MAS offerings. It allows vendors to position their capabilities more precisely within the HACS structure and demonstrate their expertise in proactive and reactive security operations. By including incident handling and event management under SIN 54151HACS, GSA enables agencies to procure comprehensive cybersecurity services from a single, trusted source, while contractors benefit from clearer categorization and improved visibility in the federal cybersecurity marketplace.

Large Category and SIN-Level Updates

In addition to the major program-wide changes, GSA’s Refresh 26 includes several technical and administrative revisions across multiple Large Categories and SINs. These updates are intended to clarify scope, remove outdated requirements, and ensure consistent standards across all MAS offerings.

Furniture & Furnishings

Within this category, GSA has removed outdated references to testing requirements that previously mandated the use of specific certified laboratories. The affected SINs, including correctional and international furniture, no longer require testing exclusively from labs listed in the previous purchase description. However, testing and documentation requirements under the current standards remain in effect, ensuring continued quality and compliance without unnecessary administrative constraints.

Office Management

For contractors under the Office Management category, the Letter of Compliance for SIN 339940OS4 (Office Products and Supplies) has been updated. The standard delivery requirement has been adjusted from four business days to seven calendar days. This change gives vendors greater flexibility in fulfilling orders while maintaining service reliability for federal buyers.

Information Technology

The IT category has received several important updates reflecting the government’s evolving priorities in data governance and artificial intelligence. GSA has added a new provision that prohibits the use of government data for training AI or machine learning models without explicit written authorization from the ordering activity’s contracting officer. The rule defines government data broadly to include any information, metadata, document, or media generated or obtained by or on behalf of the government.

In addition, GSA updated the general instructions for all IT offerors to include the new subcategories introduced in this refresh: Cloud Services (F01), Financial Management Services (F03), and IT Services (F05). These revisions are designed to make it easier for contractors and contracting officers to navigate offerings and identify relevant solutions.

Professional Services

Under the Professional Services category, SIN 541611 (Management and Financial Consulting, Acquisition and Grants Management Support, and Business Program and Project Management Services) has been revised. The update makes administrative adjustments to the Program Evaluation Services subgroup based on feedback from contractors and acquisition staff. These clarifications ensure consistent application of subgroup requirements and reduce confusion during offer submission or modification.

Security and Protection

In the Security and Protection category, GSA updated the instructions for SIN 336413 (Aircraft Armoring and Helicopter Equipment). The revised guidance explicitly states that the award of fully assembled rotary-wing or fixed-wing aircraft is excluded under this SIN. Contractors are prohibited from submitting proposals for the sale, lease, or procurement of complete aircraft, including helicopters or airplanes. The change ensures that only equipment, components, and modification services fall within the SIN’s scope, maintaining a clear boundary between defense procurement and general security contracting.

These updates collectively strengthen the consistency and clarity of MAS documentation. Contractors should review their SIN assignments and category attachments to confirm that their current offerings remain aligned with the latest solicitation language.

Broader Impact of Refresh 26 on GSA Contractors

The release of Refresh 26 reflects GSA’s broader strategy to modernize the Multiple Award Schedule program through simplification, digital alignment, and stronger oversight. Each change introduced under this update supports one or more of GSA’s long-term goals: reducing redundancy, improving procurement efficiency, and strengthening focus areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and financial modernization.

By retiring underused SINs and clarifying contract requirements, GSA is making the MAS structure more transparent and easier to navigate for both contractors and federal buyers. The addition of new IT subcategories and the HACS subgroup demonstrates GSA’s recognition of the evolving technology landscape and the need for flexible acquisition pathways that address emerging risks and innovation opportunities. These updates also reinforce the government’s commitment to data protection and responsible use of AI technologies across all procurement channels.

For contractors, the practical impact of Refresh 26 extends beyond compliance. Vendors who act quickly to align with the new solicitation terms can maintain continuity, minimize disruption, and stay visible to agencies seeking their products and services. To remain fully compliant and competitive under the updated MAS framework, contractors should:

• Accept the Mass Modification associated with Refresh 26 to ensure their contract reflects the latest solicitation terms.
• Review all active Special Item Numbers (SINs) to determine whether any have been retired or reassigned.
• Update price lists, templates, and internal pricing documentation to match the revised formats and column titles.
• Verify GSA Advantage and eLibrary listings to ensure that published products and services comply with the new I-FSS-600 publication rules.

Taking these steps promptly will help contractors avoid potential catalog suppression or audit issues while positioning their companies to benefit from the more streamlined and forward-looking MAS program.

Expert Recommendations from Price Reporter

Staying compliant during solicitation updates requires a proactive and organized approach. Based on our experience supporting hundreds of GSA contractors, the Price Reporter team recommends taking several practical steps to ensure a smooth transition under Refresh 26.

First, conduct a full audit of your active SINs and product catalogs. This review will help identify any listings affected by the retirement of SINs or the creation of new subcategories. Removing or reclassifying outdated items early prevents compliance issues and keeps your catalog visible to federal buyers.

Second, verify compliance with the new IT and HACS requirements. Contractors offering cybersecurity, cloud, or financial management solutions should confirm that their offerings are properly aligned with the new subcategories and the updated HACS subgroup definitions. Ensuring technical descriptions, capabilities, and documentation match the new standards will strengthen your position in future opportunities.

Third, review and update your Price Proposal Templates (PPTs) and price lists to reflect the latest column names and instructions introduced in Refresh 26. Consistency between internal pricing systems and the new template format will prevent delays when submitting new offers or modifications.

Finally, evaluate whether your contract requires a modification to realign SIN assignments or adjust service descriptions. A timely modification can help preserve eligibility for future opportunities and demonstrate compliance with the new solicitation framework.

Price Reporter helps GSA contractors adapt to solicitation changes quickly and compliantly. Our specialists provide full support of catalog updates, SIN restructuring, and modification management to ensure that your contract remains accurate, competitive, and fully aligned with GSA’s latest requirements.

Final Thoughts

GSA’s Refresh 26 represents a key step toward the continued modernization of the Multiple Award Schedule program. By simplifying its structure, removing redundant SINs, and strengthening the focus on cybersecurity, cloud, and AI-driven services, GSA is shaping a more transparent and efficient marketplace for federal procurement. These updates also highlight the agency’s commitment to aligning acquisition processes with emerging technologies and the evolving needs of government buyers.

For contractors, timely action is essential. Reviewing and updating contracts, price lists, and catalog data in accordance with the new solicitation requirements will help ensure ongoing compliance and uninterrupted visibility on GSA Advantage. Staying proactive allows vendors to maintain a competitive edge and benefit from the opportunities created by the restructured MAS framework.

Founded in 2006, Price Reporter has been helping businesses navigate every stage of working with GSA, from contract acquisition and catalog management to compliance and automation. With more than nineteen years of experience and over one thousand contractors served, our team continues to deliver the expertise and tools needed to succeed in the federal marketplace. Contact Price Reporter to ensure your GSA Schedule remains compliant and competitive under the latest Refresh 26 requirements.

FAQ: Understanding GSA Refresh 26 and Its Impact on Contractors

What is GSA Refresh 26 and why was it introduced?

GSA Refresh 26 is an update to the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) solicitation, released in April 2025. It was designed to modernize the structure of the MAS program by removing outdated SINs, improving data accuracy, and strengthening compliance standards. The refresh also aligns the solicitation with recent regulatory changes under FAC 2025-03 and GSAR Change 196. Overall, its purpose is to make the federal procurement process more efficient, transparent, and relevant to current market needs.

How does Refresh 26 affect existing GSA contractors?

All current MAS contract holders must accept the Mass Modification associated with Refresh 26 to stay compliant. Contractors may need to remove retired SINs from their contracts, update price lists and templates, and confirm that their catalogs reflect the latest publication requirements. Vendors offering IT or cybersecurity services should also review the new subcategories and HACS subgroups to ensure accurate classification. Failing to complete these updates may result in catalog suppression or delayed contract modifications.

What are the main changes included in Refresh 26?

Refresh 26 introduces several key updates that impact multiple Large Categories. It retires 32 SINs, adds new IT subcategories for Cloud and Financial Management Services, and creates a new HACS subgroup for Incident Handling and Event Management. The update also includes changes to the I-FSS-600 clause, revised Price Proposal Templates, and stricter rules for how contractors publish product and service data on GSA Advantage. Together, these adjustments improve program structure and eliminate redundancy.

What should contractors do to comply with the new requirements?

Contractors should start by reviewing all active SINs and identifying those affected by retirement or reassignment. They must then update their FSS price lists, PPTs, and catalog data to reflect the new solicitation format. Verifying listings on GSA Advantage and eLibrary is equally important to ensure compliance with updated rules of publication.  Accepting the Mass Mod as soon as possible will help contractors avoid potential interruptions to their government business.

How can Price Reporter assist contractors during the Refresh 26 transition?

Price Reporter helps GSA contractors navigate solicitation updates and maintain compliance during the Refresh 26 transition. Our team supports businesses in reviewing SIN assignments, updating price lists, and preparing contract modifications in line with GSA requirements. We also assist with catalog updates through the FAS Catalog Platform and help automate contract management processes to keep operations efficient. With more than nineteen years of experience and over one thousand contractors served, Price Reporter provides the expertise and digital tools needed to ensure your GSA Schedule remains accurate and competitive.