Sole Source

What is sole source?

A sole-source acquisition uses an applicable legal authority to obtain supplies or services from one source instead of conducting the usual competition. The authority and acquisition procedures determine the required conditions. A contractor's belief that it is uniquely qualified does not itself authorize a sole-source award.

Why it matters

A notice describing a proposed sole-source award requires a different response from an open competitive solicitation. The contractor needs to understand what the agency is requesting and whether it is accepting capability information. Sending a full proposal when the notice requests a capability statement can miss the purpose of the response.

How the process works

First identify the authority cited in the notice. For example, Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 6.302-1 addresses circumstances involving only one responsible source and no other supplies or services that satisfy agency requirements. Other authorities and acquisition programs have different conditions. Do not apply one justification process or threshold to every situation.

Read the notice, supporting documents, response instructions, and deadline together. Record the specific capabilities the agency considers necessary. If the notice invites responses, explain how your company can meet those needs and provide relevant evidence. The contracting officer determines how that information affects the acquisition.

Worked example

An agency publishes an illustrative notice of intent to purchase support for specialized equipment. Another contractor believes it can perform the work. Its capture lead checks whether the notice accepts capability statements and identifies the required response date.

The technical team supplies evidence of compatible equipment, qualified staff, and relevant performance. The response addresses the agency's stated needs rather than arguing that the company deserves an award. Providing information does not guarantee a competition or a contract, but it gives the agency something specific to evaluate.

Common mistakes

Do not confuse a proposed sole-source notice with a completed award. Do not assume every notice permits the same response. Avoid unsupported claims of exclusivity, and distinguish access to equipment from the right and ability to perform the required work. Track amendments because they can change the response instructions.

References and next steps

Read FAR 6.302-1 alongside the authority and instructions in the actual notice. Use a Bid/no-bid decision guide to decide whether further research or a permitted response justifies the effort.