FAR 43.301—Use of forms.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 43.301 explains which government forms must be used to document contract and solicitation changes, and when a different form or attachment is allowed. Its main focus is the Standard Form 30 (SF 30), Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract, which is the default form for amendments to solicitations, unilateral contract modifications under contract clauses, administrative changes, supplemental agreements, and funding actions such as adding, removing, or reinstating funds. It also identifies limited situations where the SF 30 may be used instead of being required, including certain petroleum economic price adjustments, termination notices, and purchase order modifications under FAR 13.302-3. In addition, it addresses a key disclosure rule: if a change is expected to affect price, the estimated price change must not be shown on the contractor’s copy of the SF 30. Finally, it allows use of Optional Form 336 or plain paper as a continuation sheet for longer modifications. In practice, this section is about ensuring contract changes are documented consistently, clearly, and without revealing tentative pricing information to the contractor before the government is ready to finalize it.
Key Rules
SF 30 is the default form
The SF 30 must be used for most solicitation amendments and contract modifications unless an exception applies. This makes it the standard government document for recording formal changes to contract terms, funding, and related administrative actions.
Use SF 30 for unilateral actions
The SF 30 is required for unilateral modifications issued under a contract clause that authorizes the government to act without contractor consent, including change orders and administrative changes. It also covers corrections such as typographical errors, paying office changes, and accounting or appropriation data updates.
Use SF 30 for bilateral agreements
Supplemental agreements, which are modifications signed by both parties, are also documented on the SF 30. This ensures a single standardized form is used whether the change is unilateral or mutually agreed.
Funding changes belong on SF 30
The SF 30 must be used to remove, reinstate, or add funds to a contract. This is important because funding actions affect contract administration, obligation records, and the government’s fiscal controls.
Limited optional uses are allowed
The SF 30 may be used, but is not mandatory, for petroleum price-adjustment modifications, termination notices, and certain purchase order modifications under FAR 13.302-3. These are specific exceptions where agencies may use the form even though another process may also be acceptable.
Do not show estimated price change
If a modification is expected to change the price, the estimated amount of that change must not appear on the contractor’s copy of the SF 30. This prevents the contractor from seeing a tentative government estimate before the final negotiated or determined amount is established.
Continuation sheets are permitted
Optional Form 336 or a blank sheet of paper may be used as a continuation sheet for a contract modification. This allows the government to attach additional text, clauses, or detailed instructions when the SF 30 itself does not provide enough space.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Use the SF 30 for the required categories of solicitation amendments and contract modifications, select the form properly for optional situations, and ensure the contractor’s copy does not disclose estimated price changes. The contracting officer must also ensure any continuation sheet accurately supports the modification and is consistent with the SF 30.
Contractor
Review SF 30 amendments and modifications when received, sign supplemental agreements when contractor consent is required, and rely on the executed modification rather than informal communications. The contractor should also verify that funding, administrative, and scope changes are correctly reflected in the final document.
Agency/Contract Administration Staff
Prepare and process the SF 30 or approved continuation sheet correctly, maintain accurate records of funding and administrative changes, and route modifications through the proper approval and distribution process. Staff must ensure the correct version is sent to the contractor and retained in the contract file.
Practical Implications
This section matters because using the wrong form can create documentation defects, delay contract administration, or undermine the legal effectiveness of a modification.
A common pitfall is putting an estimated price change on the contractor’s copy of the SF 30 when the rule specifically prohibits that disclosure.
Another frequent issue is failing to use the SF 30 for administrative or funding actions that seem minor but are expressly covered by the rule.
Contracting officers should be careful to distinguish between unilateral modifications, supplemental agreements, and optional-use situations so the file reflects the correct authority and form.
When a modification is lengthy or includes multiple clauses or attachments, a continuation sheet is acceptable, but it must be complete and consistent with the SF 30 to avoid ambiguity.
Official Regulatory Text
(a) (1) The Standard Form 30 ( SF 30 ), Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract, shall (except for the options stated in 43.301 (a)(2) or actions processed under part 15 ) be used for- (i) Any amendment to a solicitation; (ii) Change orders issued under the Changes clause of the contract; (iii) Any other unilateral contract modification issued under a contract clause authorizing such modification without the consent of the contractor; (iv) Administrative changes such as the correction of typographical mistakes, changes in the paying office, and changes in accounting and appropriation data; (v) Supplemental agreements (see 43.103 ); and (vi) Removal, reinstatement, or addition of funds to a contract. (2) The SF 30 may be used for- (i) Modifications that change the price of contracts for the acquisition of petroleum as a result of economic price adjustment; (ii) Termination notices; and (iii) Purchase order modifications as specified in 13.302-3 . (3) If it is anticipated that a change will result in a price change, the estimated amount of the price change shall not be shown on copies of SF 30 furnished to the contractor. (b) The Optional Form 336 ( OF 336 ), Continuation Sheet, or a blank sheet of paper, may be used as a continuation sheet for a contract modification.