The Government may issue a Sole Source Award when there is only one company or organization that can satisfy the agency’s needs. DoD, NASA, and the Coast Guard have more leeway and may issue a Sole Source Award if there are a limited number of potential sources. However, in order to issue these Sole Source Awards, these are the requirements in summary that must be met:
• It may not resemble either a pending nor upcoming solicitation
.
• It is anticipated that additional competition would not save the Government money.
• If the bid was not a Sole Source, there would be unacceptable delays.
• One of the following must be met:
◙ There is only one responsible source to obtain the services/supplies.
◙ Unusual or compelling urgency; This cannot be due to the Government’s lack of planning.
◙ Industrial Mobilization; engineering, developmental, or research capability, or expert services;
◙ International Agreement;
◙ Required by statute (e.g. utilities);
◙ National Security; or
◙ Public Interest
• There must be an explanation as to which of the above reasons is pertinent.
• There must be description of efforts that the Government has made to solicit as many sources as possible.
• Depending on the value of the award, different approvals are required.
• With a few exceptions, the justification should be made publicly available 14 days after contract award and must remain available for a minimum of 30 days on www.fedbizopps.com.
As we enter the last quarter of Fiscal Year 2017, Streamline wishes everyone a Happy and Prosperous 4th Quarter!
