When the Government changes its requirements or terms and conditions, the contracting officer must what?

When the Government changes its requirements or terms and conditions, the contracting officer must amend the solicitation. Amending the solicitation allows for the modification of the original terms to reflect new requirements, ensuring that all potential bidders or contractors are aware of the changes and can respond appropriately. This process is crucial for maintaining transparency and fairness in the contracting process, as it keeps all participants informed and provides them with the opportunity to adjust their proposals or bids accordingly.

Issuing a new solicitation would not be necessary unless the changes are so significant that the original solicitation can no longer be used effectively. Canceling the contract is also not appropriate unless the changes are insurmountable and make the contract unviable. Merely notifying the awardee does not ensure that all interested parties are kept up to date with the contractual terms, which is a vital aspect of maintaining an open and competitive procurement environment. Thus, amending the solicitation is the appropriate action in response to changes in Government requirements.