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Author: laura long

GSA eBuy Introduces New Improvements on August 14

On August 14, GSA eBuy will roll out new data elements and quality-of-life upgrades for both buyers and sellers. (Buy.GSA.Gov August 11, 2025)

For buyers:
You can now indicate whether you are requesting quotes (RFQs), proposals (RFPs), or information (RFIs). Request numbers will display updated prefixes to reflect the type of request you create (e.g., RFI1234567 or RFP8901234). (ibid)

We have also added new fields on the “request details” page so you can share more specific information about your postings:

  • Follow-on Requirement — Check Box
  • Historical Task Order Number (PIID from FPDS)
  • Previous RFI Information — Check Box
  • Commercial or Non-commercial — Radio Button
  • Contract Type — Dropdown
  • Award Method — Dropdown
  • Ordering Contracting Officer
  • Ordering Contracting Specialist (ibid)

For sellers:
You will now see this additional information, helping you match your offerings more precisely to buyer requests. (ibid)

For more details on these enhancements, see this PDF. (ibid)

Questions about how to use the new rollout? Give us a call.

FAR Revisions – making it simple

FAR Reform: What Contractors Need to Know About the Latest Proposed Changes

The FAR Council continues to update the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) in response to the executive order “Restoring Common Sense to Federal Procurement.” These proposed changes aim to simplify and streamline federal buying. So far, updates target FAR Parts 1, 10, 11, 18, 34, 39, 43, and 52.

Although these changes are still in the review stage, many agencies have already started applying them. Here’s what federal contractors should know:

New Proposed FAR Revisions – In Plain Terms

Part 10: Market Research

  • Agencies now have more flexibility in how they conduct market research at any dollar level.
  • They must still research larger buys (above the simplified acquisition threshold).
  • They no longer have to research smaller buys if good pricing info is available.
  • The FAR removes suggested research steps.
  • New clause FAR 52.210-1 (Market Research) will appear in solicitations and contracts for noncommercial buys over $6 million.

Part 11: Describing Agency Needs

  • Agencies no longer need to prioritize green products listed in the Green Procurement Compilation.
  • Agencies can rely on commercial market acceptance to decide if an item fits their needs.
  • Removes measures controlling the identification and availability of specifications.
  • The FAR drops specific rules for specs and delivery schedules.
  • It keeps rules under DPAS for contracts tied to national defense and emergency programs.

Part 18: Emergency Acquisitions

  • Agencies no longer need to prioritize sustainable options during emergency buys.
  • Emergency flexibilities remain in place for disasters, security events, and contingency operations.

Part 39: Buying IT and Communications Tech

  • Contracting officers do not need to evaluate every stage of modular IT contracts for the best contract vehicle.
  • Agencies will no longer need IT vendors to list minimum education or experience for proposed staff.

Part 43: Contract Modifications

  • The FAR clarifies how agencies should document and define change orders.
  • Contracting officers won’t have to list every major event when reviewing requests for pricing adjustments.

What This Means for Contractors

These changes mark a shift toward faster, more practical procurement. Even though the FAR updates are not finalized, agencies are already putting many into action. Contractors should track these changes closely to stay ahead, and stay compliant, to stay competitive.

Questions regarding the latest proposed revisions to the FAR? Give us a call.

Transactional Data Reporting gets really big

GSA Expands TDR to Boost Transparency and Smarter Federal Buying

The U.S. General Services Administration is expanding its Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) program to provide federal buyers and industry partners with clearer insight into what the government purchases and how much it pays. Starting in June 2025, GSA will extend TDR to 62 additional product and cloud service Special Item Numbers (SINs), with full expansion to all SINs by the end of fiscal year 2026. Moving forward, TDR participation will be mandatory for all SIN holders. (U.S. General Services Administration June 9, 2025)

“GSA is leveraging technology to drive innovation, create a more efficient government, and improve citizen experiences. Data is central to these efforts to deliver the best outcomes and reduce costs in federal acquisition,” said GSA Acting Administrator Stephen Ehikian. “Expanding our use of Transactional Data Reporting will provide critical insights into pricing and procurement, ultimately ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.” (ibid)

TDR captures pricing and purchasing data for goods and services sold through GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule (MAS). It eliminates outdated sales tracking requirements, reduces contractor reporting burdens, and provides actionable data that drives smarter buying decisions. (ibid)

“Comprehensive data on purchased items and corresponding prices will empower our contracting officers to negotiate effectively and secure the best value for taxpayer dollars,” said Federal Acquisition Service Commissioner Josh Gruenbaum. “Much like our private industry partners, GSA depends on data to make the best decisions about procurement. Transactional Data Reporting will provide the federal government with the critical and essential market intelligence to help aid the government’s effort to create a transparent, optimized and streamlined marketplace for goods and services.” (ibid)

GSA designed the expanded TDR program to streamline operations, lower administrative costs, and make it easier for small businesses to participate in federal contracting. (ibid)

TDR Delivers Key Benefits:

  • Drives Best Value: Shared pricing insights sharpen competition and improve government-wide procurement results.
  • Reduces Burdens: Simplified reporting saves vendors thousands of hours annually.
  • Unlocks Market Intelligence: Agencies and suppliers gain valuable data for smarter planning and stronger supply chains. (ibid)

This expansion marks a major step toward a more data-driven, efficient, and inclusive federal marketplace. If you have questions concerning any part of the TDR expansion, give us a call.

This Refresh is MASsive

GSA recently announced the upcoming release of MAS Solicitation 47QSMD20R0001 – Refresh #27 via the GSA Interact community. GSA’s Federal Acquisition Service plans to issue the refresh in June 2025, with contractors required to accept the mass modification within 90 days of issuance. (BUY.GSA.GOV June 9, 2025)

Key changes in Refresh #27 include:

General Solicitation Updates:

  • Added sections for revoked Executive Orders and the EO on Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs
  • Revised the “General Out of Scope Items” section
  • Updated instructions in SCP-FSS-001 for all offerors
  • Retired 10 SINs (see Significant Changes document)
  • Expanded the Transactional Data Reporting (TDR) pilot to 62 more SINs and make TDR mandatory for all Product SINs and Cloud SIN 518210C
  • Incorporate updated Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS) Wage Determinations
  • Limited requirement for resellers to provide a Letter of Supply to items proposed under IT (Category F) and Printing/Photographic Equipment (A10, Category A)
  • Clarified base/accessory item proposal rules
  • Apply minor updates to the Price Proposal Template for Products
  • Incorporate clause/provision updates through FAC 2025-04 and GSAR Change 199 (excluding Change 187) (ibid)

Category-Specific Revisions:

  • Office Management (A): Updated SIN 511120 and removed Media Products Subcategory (A06)
  • Facilities (B): Revised SINs under Maintenance (B01), revisions to SIN 561210FAC and Supplies (B04): Revisions to SIN 322291 Restroom products
  • Furniture (C): Revised SINs in Packaged Furniture (C07): SIN 33721P and Fitness (C09): SIN 339920S
  • Miscellaneous (G): Revised SINs for Flags, Banners, Pennants and Related Products 33999F, Subcategory (G02):, Apparel Subcategory (G05): SIN 3152, Clothing and SIN 339113PA Protective Apparel, and 4PL Services (G06)
  • Travel (L): Updated SIN 531 under Employee Relocation (L01) (ibid)

⚠️ The Mass Mods Portal will be offline the weekend of June 28th for maintenance. (ibid)

Have questions about the refresh or acceptance instructions? Give us a call.