Federal Contracting Forms: SF-1449, SF-33, SF-424 and When to Use Each
Federal contracts use Standard Forms (SFs). SF-1449 covers commercial items, SF-33 covers sealed bids, SF-424 is required for every grant application. Most small businesses need SF-1449, SF-30 for amendments, and OF-347 for task orders.
The federal government runs on standard forms. Every solicitation, contract, amendment, and grant application has a designated form — often required by the FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) or 2 CFR Part 200 for grants. Using the wrong form, or skipping required blocks, gets your bid rejected. Here is what each major form is for and when you need it.
Quick Reference Table
| Form # | Name | Used For | Required When |
|---|---|---|---|
| SF-1449 | Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items | Commercial goods & services contracts | FAR Part 12 acquisitions; most common federal contract form |
| SF-33 | Solicitation, Offer and Award | Sealed bid contracts (IFB) | Non-commercial, formally advertised procurements |
| SF-26 | Award/Contract | Negotiated contracts | When contract is awarded separately from solicitation |
| SF-30 | Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract | Amending any existing contract | Any change to a solicitation or awarded contract |
| SF-18 | Request for Quotations (RFQ) | Small purchases, micro-purchases | Simplified acquisition under $250K; informal quotes |
| SF-424 | Application for Federal Assistance | All federal grant applications | Every grants.gov application — no exceptions |
| SF-424A | Budget Information — Non-Construction | Grant budget (non-construction projects) | Required with SF-424 for most program grants |
| SF-424B | Assurances — Non-Construction Programs | Legal certifications for non-construction grants | Required with SF-424 for most program grants |
| OF-347 | Order for Supplies or Services | Task orders, purchase orders | Placing orders under an IDIQ or BPA |
The Major Contract Forms, Explained
Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items
The most common federal contract form. Combines the solicitation, the offer, and the award into one document. Governed by FAR Part 12 (Commercial Items).
Use when: The government is buying commercial products or services — meaning items sold to the general public. This covers the vast majority of small business federal contracts. If you see it on SAM.gov, you will respond to it. If you win, the contracting officer converts it to an award document.
Download SF-1449 from GSA →Solicitation, Offer and Award
The older sealed-bid form. Used for formally advertised Invitations for Bid (IFBs) where the contract goes to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder — no negotiations.
Use when: The government issues an IFB for construction or non-commercial services. You fill out Blocks 10–18 as the offeror and submit. Price is the only evaluation factor.
Download SF-33 from GSA →Amendment of Solicitation / Modification of Contract
Used any time a solicitation or existing contract is changed. If a solicitation amendment comes out before the due date, the government issues it on SF-30. All contract modifications — scope changes, funding adjustments, period extensions — also use SF-30.
Use when: You receive an amendment to a solicitation you are bidding on, you must acknowledge it in your offer. Missing an amendment acknowledgment is a common reason bids are rejected.
Download SF-30 from GSA →Request for Quotations (RFQ)
The informal small-purchase form. Used for simplified acquisitions, usually under $250K. The government requests quotes, not formal offers. An RFQ does not obligate either party — the government can still walk away after getting quotes.
Use when: A contracting officer asks for a price quote on a short-term or small project. Your quote is not a binding offer until the government issues a purchase order (OF-347).
Download SF-18 from GSA →Grant Forms (SF-424 Family)
Application for Federal Assistance
The cover sheet for every federal grant application. Captures applicant info, grant program, federal award ID (if renewal), congressional district, estimated funding, and project period. Required by OMB for all discretionary grants.
Use when: Applying for any federal grant through grants.gov. No SF-424, no submission. Period.
Download SF-424 from Grants.gov →SF-424A (budget, non-construction) and SF-424B (assurances, non-construction) are required companion forms for most program grants. Construction grants use SF-424C and SF-424D instead. See the full grant forms guide for the complete breakdown.
Where to Get Official Forms
All Standard Forms and Optional Forms are maintained by GSA. Never use third-party copies — they may be outdated. Download directly from: