FAR 52.252-3—Alterations in Solicitation.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 52.252-3, Alterations in Solicitation, is a solicitation provision used when the Government needs to revise or supplement other parts of a solicitation that apply only during the solicitation phase. It tells contracting officers how to make those changes formally and transparently, and it limits the provision’s use to solicitation-stage matters rather than contract performance terms. The provision also requires clear identification of exactly what is being altered, so offerors can see what language has changed and respond accordingly. In practice, this provision helps prevent confusion, reduces the risk of inconsistent solicitation documents, and supports fair competition by making amendments or special changes easy to locate and understand. It is prescribed by FAR 52.107(c), and it is not to be used to alter provisions that are authorized for use with a deviation. For contractors, it signals that the solicitation contains special changes that may affect proposal preparation, compliance, pricing, or evaluation, so careful review is essential.
Key Rules
Use for solicitation-phase changes
This provision is used to revise or supplement other parts of the solicitation that apply only to the solicitation phase. It is not a general-purpose clause for changing contract performance terms.
Clear identification required
The solicitation must clearly identify what is being altered. The Government should state the exact portion of the solicitation being changed so offerors can tell what language controls.
Not for deviation-authorized provisions
The provision may not be used to alter any provision that is authorized for use with a deviation. Those changes must be handled under the applicable deviation authority, not through this alteration notice.
Insert only when needed
The provision is prescribed for use when the solicitation needs revision or supplementation. If no solicitation-phase changes are needed, there is no reason to include it.
Limited to solicitation documents
The language is intended to modify the solicitation itself, not the resulting contract unless the altered solicitation language is later incorporated into the award instrument or otherwise carried forward.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the solicitation needs alterations, insert FAR 52.252-3 when appropriate, and clearly describe each change so offerors can identify the altered text. Ensure the provision is not used to modify provisions that require a deviation and keep the solicitation internally consistent.
Agency
Provide acquisition guidance and ensure solicitation documents are prepared in accordance with FAR prescriptions and internal procedures. Support proper review so alterations are authorized, clear, and consistent with procurement policy.
Contractor / Offeror
Review the solicitation carefully for altered portions, understand how the changes affect proposal preparation and compliance, and account for the altered language in pricing, technical approach, certifications, and other proposal elements.
Practical Implications
This provision matters because even small solicitation changes can affect competition, proposal content, and evaluation outcomes. Offerors should not assume the base solicitation text is unchanged; the altered language may control.
A common pitfall is failing to identify the altered text clearly enough. Vague references can create ambiguity, increase protest risk, and lead to disputes over which version of the solicitation applies.
Another pitfall is using this provision to make changes that should be handled through a deviation or other formal authority. That can create compliance problems and undermine the validity of the solicitation.
Contracting officers should make sure the altered language is easy to find and consistent with the rest of the solicitation. Inconsistent edits can create conflicting instructions and confuse offerors.
Contractors should treat any altered solicitation language as mandatory reading and verify whether it changes submission instructions, evaluation factors, representations, or other proposal requirements.
Official Regulatory Text
As prescribed in 52.107 (c) , insert the following provision in solicitations in order to revise or supplement, as necessary, other parts of the solicitation that apply to the solicitation phase only, except for any provision authorized for use with a deviation. Include clear identification of what is being- altered. Alterations in Solicitation (Apr 1984) Portions of this solicitation are altered as follows: _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ _____________________________________________ (End of clause)