8.004
Use of other sources
When mandatory sources are unavailable, agencies should prioritize non-mandatory government-wide sources before turning to open market commercial sources, while ensuring small business considerations are met.
Overview
FAR 8.004 outlines the process agencies should follow when mandatory sources for supplies and services (as listed in FAR 8.002 and 8.003) are unavailable. Agencies are encouraged to first consider non-mandatory government-wide sources, such as Federal Supply Schedules, Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs), multi-agency contracts, and blanket purchase agreements (BPAs), before turning to open market commercial sources. For services, Federal Prison Industries, Inc. should also be considered. Additionally, agencies must ensure that small business concerns, including various socio-economic categories, are given due consideration in accordance with FAR 7.105(b) and Part 19 when using non-mandatory sources.