What is a change to the solicitation called?

A change to the solicitation is referred to as an amendment. This terminology is commonly used in the context of procurement and contracting. An amendment is a formal alteration or addition to the original solicitation document, which may include changes to the terms, conditions, scope of work, or any other relevant details that could affect the bidding process or the requirements of the contract.

The use of the term "amendment" is significant because it denotes a legal and procedural update to the solicitation that all potential bidders must be aware of, ensuring that there is clarity and compliance with the updated information. It is essential in maintaining the integrity of the procurement process, allowing all interested parties the opportunity to respond to the revised solicitation effectively.

While modification, supplement, and clarification may seem relevant, they do not specifically denote a formal change to the solicitation as an amendment does. Modifications typically refer to changes made after an award is granted rather than during the solicitation phase. Supplements might imply additional information or documents that accompany the original solicitation, and clarifications generally involve explaining parts of the solicitation without altering its fundamental terms. Therefore, "amendment" accurately captures the essence of what a change to the solicitation entails.