When Was GSA Refresh 23 Released?
GSA released Refresh 23 on December 18, 2024. Refresh 24 is already in the works and is slated for this month.
What Changed with Solicitation Refresh 23?
Several changes originally intended for Refresh 23 have been postponed to Refresh 24. Below are the most notable changes that made the final cut for Refresh 23. In addition to the updates highlighted below, Refresh 23 also includes the typical administrative cleanup and the incorporation of clause and provision updates through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2025-01 and GSAR Change 192, with the exception of Change 187.
Overview of Refresh 23 Changes
- SCLS Wage Determinations
- Price Proposal Templates (PPTs)
- Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Free Packaging
- FASC-Prohibited Unmanned Aircraft System
- Updated Modification Guide
- SIN Specific Changes
SCLS Wage Determinations
Refresh 23 incorporates the updated Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) Wage Determinations, which are posted on GSA’s website here.
Price Proposal Templates (PPTs)
No refresh would be complete without Price Proposal Template changes. The list below details the most recent PPT changes.
- Products PPT – The Products PPT for both new offers and modifications now includes “Updated Options and Accessories language to be consistent with the Product File and SCP-FSS-001” and “Updated Unit of measure/issue definition” on the Read Me First tab. It also adds a new ‘Reference’ tab with ANSI unit of measures and ‘Change Log’ tab.
- Services and Training PPT – The Services and Training PPT for both new offers and modifications now includes a ‘Change Log’ tab.
- SINs 541930 Translation and Interpretation Services 611630 Linguistic Training and Education PPT – now includes a ‘Change Log’ tab.
- SIN 561510, Travel Agent Services PPT – Now includes a Read Me First tab with instructions, as well as updated formulas where needed and “Reserved” Contract Line Item Numbers (CLINs) for future use by the Travel Management Company (TMC) Program Management Office (PMO)
Single-Use Plastic (SUP) Free Packaging
In an effort to advance the reduction of single-use plastic waste, GSA is implementing an initiative that encourages contractors to provide products that are free of single-use plastic. As part of this effort, Refresh 23 includes an update to the GSA Advantage GSAR clause 552.238-88, as well as the addition of two GSAR clauses:
- 552.238-118, Single-use Plastic (SUP) Free Packaging Identification
- 552.238-119, Single-use Plastic (SUP) Free Packaging Availability
The GSAR clause update and additions:
- Provide instructions and regulations regarding the use of SUP free packaging identification.
- Allow contractors to identify products that include:
- SUP Free Shipping Packaging (Shipping Containment Materials) and/or
- SUP Free Brand Packaging (Product Containment Materials)
- If the contractor is not the manufacturer, they can coordinate with the manufacturer to add the relevant information to the Verified Products Portal (VPP).
- Allow contractors to note within their price list if SUP free packaging is provided at either a price premium or discount.
- Provide SUP free identification icons in GSA Advantage and allows government buyers to search for products with SUP-free packaging.
Please note, GSA is not banning single-use plastic. The new SUP free guidelines and related icons benefit contractors by allowing them to advertise SUP free packaging, and government customers by allowing them to search for and easily identify products that meet plastic waste reduction goals.
FASC-Prohibited Unmanned Aircraft System
Refresh 23 includes the incorporation of FAR 52.240-1 Prohibition on Unmanned Aircraft Systems Manufactured or Assembled by American Security Drone Act – Covered Foreign Entities (NOV 2024).
The incorporation of FAR 52.240-1 means GSA contractors cannot:
- Deliver any FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system. This is considered any unmanned aircraft (drone), aircraft system, or associated elements (including communication links and the components that control the unmanned aircraft) that are manufactured or assembled by an entity listed by the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) as an American Security Drone Act covered foreign entity.
- On or after December 22, 2025, operate a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system in the performance of the contract or use federal funds for the procurement or operation of a FASC-prohibited unmanned aircraft system
Updated Modification Guide
If you currently hold a GSA MAS Contract and are looking to make any modification updates, make sure to download the latest MAS Modification Guide released with Refresh 23. Below is a summary of the main changes to the MAS Modification Guide.
- Note added to specify that a modification must be submitted prior to posting any price reductions on GSA Advantage.
- The associated SIN must be included with product additions, deletions, pricing changes, and part number changes, as well as product/service description changes.
- Reminder note added stating that within 30 days of the completion of a modification, GSA must receive an updated Price List with all awarded offerings and terms and conditions for GSA Advantage.
- Signed cover letter for the addition of an authorized negotiator(s) must indicate if they are authorized to sign.
- Supporting documentation was updated to be consistent with the solicitation.
- Guidance added for a “Revise Terms and Conditions” modification for Contractor Team Arrangements (CTAs).
SIN Specific Changes
Facilities and Waste Management:
If you hold or are pursuing SIN 561210FAC, Facilities Maintenance and Management, you should know that “renewal energy systems” was removed from the SIN description and two notes were added to the SIN instructions. The new notes emphasize that waste management is meant for “cradle-to-grave” services and that supplies provided under the SIN can only be ordered in conjunction with services offered under the SIN.
Furniture & Furnishings:
Each SIN listed below now includes a note within the SIN description stating that contract-level Contractor Team Arrangements (CTAs) apply to all orders under the SIN.
- SIN 337121P Packaged Household Dormitory and Quarters Furniture
- SIN 337127P International Packaged Furniture
- SIN 33721P Packaged Office Furniture
- SIN 339113P Packaged Healthcare Furniture
Industrial Products:
Pursuing the Hardware Store Front SIN 332510S will be a little less challenging since Refresh 23 includes the removal of the requirement to include your complete storefront.
Also, if you hold one of the Industrial Products SINs listed below, you should know GSA added an FOB note that applies to individual items that weigh 70 or more pounds.
- SINs 335220D Domestic Appliances
- SIN 335220E Export Appliances
IT:
- SIN 517312, Wireless Mobility Solutions now includes a revised note under SIN Instructions, bullet 11, Considerations for Wireless Carrier Services.
- If you are pursuing SIN 518210FM, Financial Management Quality Service Management, be sure to download the most recent templates. The following templates/documents were updated with Refresh 23:
- FM Solution/Service Definition Template
- Technical Narrative Response Template
- Core FS Pre-Built BIE Response Template
- Core FS OCD Execution Plan
- The already lengthy instructions for the Highly Adaptive Cybersecurity Services (HACS) SIN 54151HACS are now even longer. A new note states that HACS SIN labor categories must align with the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Careers and Studies (NICCS) Workforce Framework for Cybersecurity (NICE Framework).
Office Management:
If you hold one of the Office Management SINs listed below, you should know GSA revised and expanded the FOB note that applies to individual items that weigh 70 or more pounds.
- SIN 339940, Office Products
- SIN 339940OS4, OS4 Office Products and Supplies
- SIN 339940OVER, OS4 Overseas Office Products and Supplies
- SIN 339940SVC, Office Supply Support Services
Transportation & Logistic Services:
- SIN 532112, Leasing of Passenger Cars, SUVs, Vans and Light Trucks, saw “minor updates to SIN specific template and offer requirements document”.
- SIN 336212, Trailers and Attachments, and SIN 3361V, Vocational Vehicles, now include a new note within the SIN instructions.
Travel:
- SIN 531110, Long Term Lodging, saw “minor updates to the SIN specific template and offer requirements document”.
- SIN 561510, Travel Agent Services, experienced the bulk of changes within the Travel Large Category, with an updated Statement of Work and Price Proposal Template that incorporate performance-based metrics and compliance with the upcoming next generation of the E-Gov Travel Service program (ETSNext).
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