38.201
Coordination requirements
Contracting officers must obtain GSA Federal Supply Service approval before making any significant changes to Federal Supply Schedules.
Overview
FAR 38.201 outlines the coordination requirements for contracting officers involved in the establishment and administration of Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contracts. It mandates that before making significant changes—such as creating new schedules, discontinuing existing ones, altering coverage, or modifying item numbers—contracting officers must coordinate with and obtain approval from the General Services Administration’s Federal Supply Service (FSS). This ensures centralized oversight and consistency across federal supply schedules. All requests for such changes must be formally submitted to the GSA Federal Supply Service Office of Acquisition in Washington, DC.
Key Rules
- Coordination with GSA FSS
- Contracting officers must coordinate and secure approval from GSA FSS before establishing, discontinuing, or modifying Federal Supply Schedules.
- Scope of Changes Requiring Approval
- Approval is required for new schedules, discontinuation, changes in agency/geographical coverage, and modifications to special item numbers or national stock numbers.
- Submission of Requests
- All requests must be sent to the GSA Federal Supply Service Office of Acquisition in Washington, DC.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must coordinate with GSA FSS and obtain written approval before making any significant changes to FSS contracts.
- Contractors: Should be aware that changes to schedules may be subject to GSA approval, potentially impacting contract terms.
- Agencies: Must ensure compliance with coordination and approval procedures for FSS changes.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to maintain centralized control and consistency in the administration of Federal Supply Schedules.
- It impacts daily contracting by requiring formal coordination and approval for any major schedule changes, preventing unilateral actions by agencies.
- Common pitfalls include failing to obtain proper approval or submitting incomplete requests, which can delay or invalidate schedule changes.