Refresh 32 Update: GSA Issues New Guidance Ahead of Release

The General Services Administration (GSA) released additional guidance regarding the Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) Refresh 32, including updates to the draft SCP-FSS-001 instructions and changes to previously announced requirements. While much of Refresh 32 remains unchanged, several important developments could affect contractors pursuing or maintaining a GSA Schedule contract. 

Global Services is monitoring these developments and has outlined the most significant updates below. 

Key Refresh 32 Updates 

• Joint Venture Changes Removed. GSA announced that all proposed Joint Venture (JV) changes have been removed from Refresh 32. This includes the previously proposed limitation on the number of JV MAS contracts a company could hold. For now, contractors can continue operating under the current JV framework. GSA stated that any future JV-related changes will be addressed in a later refresh and that industry will receive advance notice before implementation. 

• Experience Substitutions Limited to Startup Springboard Participants. The draft SCP-FSS-001 narrows when offerors may rely on the experience of affiliates, predecessor companies, or key personnel. Under the new language, these substitutions are only available to Startup Springboard participants. This change limits flexibility for traditional MAS offerors and reinforces GSA’s preference for demonstrating experience directly attributable to the offeror. 

• Clarification on Past Performance and Project Experience Requirements. GSA clarified that eligible Startup Springboard participants may use previous work substitutions for both Past Performance submissions and Relevant Project Experience narratives. This creates consistency across multiple evaluation factors and provides clearer guidance for qualifying Startup Springboard offerors. 

• Increased Verification of References and Supporting Documentation. The draft instructions state that GSA may request additional documentation to validate customer references, Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs), and Relevant Project Experience submissions. Examples of supporting documentation may include invoices, statements of work, contract documents, or subcontract agreements. Contractors should prepare to substantiate any references included in their proposals. 

• Definition of “Predecessor” Added. The draft SCP-FSS-001 now references the Federal Acquisition Regulation definition of a predecessor company. While largely a clarification, this addition provides greater transparency regarding when predecessor experience may be used and how it should be documented by eligible Startup Springboard participants. 

What Should Contractors Do? 

Contractors planning to submit a new MAS offer should carefully review the draft SCP-FSS-001 and assess whether any of these clarifications affect their proposal strategy. Although these updates are narrower in scope than the original Refresh 32 announcement, they provide important insight into GSA’s expectations for experience, past performance, and proposal validation. 

If you have questions about how these changes may impact your business, contact Global Services for help understanding and preparing for Refresh 32.