What type of modification is signed only by the contracting officer?

A unilateral modification is a type of contract modification that is signed only by the contracting officer, which means it does not require the agreement or signature of the contractor. This type of modification is often used to make changes that are allowed under the terms of the existing contract, such as administrative changes, changes required by law, or changes within the scope of work.

The authority of the contracting officer to issue unilateral modifications is established under federal acquisition regulations, which allows them to enforce contract provisions and make course corrections without necessitating contractor concurrence. This ensures that the government can respond quickly to changing circumstances while maintaining control over the contract.

In contrast, joint modifications require the agreement and signature of both parties, reflecting mutual assent to contractual changes. Bilateral modifications require both the government and contractor to negotiate and agree to any changes in contract terms. Lastly, there is no formal category known as a supplemental modification in standard contracting terminology, which makes this option less relevant.