What is a contract modification that is only signed by the contracting officer called?

A contract modification that is only signed by the contracting officer is termed a unilateral modification. This type of modification allows the government or the contracting authority to make changes to the terms of a contract without requiring the agreement or signature of the other party involved in the contract.

Unilateral modifications are commonly used for issues such as changes in the scope of work, adjustments for changes in the contract price, or other administrative changes that do not require the consent of the contractor. The contracting officer has the authority to make these changes on behalf of the government, signifying that any adjustments can proceed without needing mutual agreement.

In contrast, bilateral modifications require the agreement and signatures of both parties involved in the contract, ensuring cooperation and mutual consent before changes are finalized. This distinction is crucial for understanding the dynamics and authority in contract management. Other terms like "joint modification" and "amendment" may refer to related processes but do not specifically capture the essence of a modification executed solely by the contracting officer.