Contracting officers must assess scope when modifying contracts. Proposed modifications generally constitute new work when, a) an individual modification or the cumulative effect from previous modifications result in changes that were not fairly and reasonably within the contemplation of the parties when the contract was awarded; or b) when proposed changes are not within the terms of the original contract award. New work requires competition unless one of the seven exceptions to competition found in FAR 6.302 applies. If an exception to competition applies for the new work, program officials must justify and seek approval for other than full and open competition in a J&A. See Informational Guidance at IG5306.
