Under what circumstances might a contracting officer use a sole-source approach?

• A. Only with a proper justification and approvals showing why only one source is capable of meeting the requirements or when urgency or other exceptions apply.
• B. Only when time permits multiple bidders.
• C. Whenever a price is high.
• D. If at least two sources exist.

Answer: (B)

Sole-source procurement is allowed only when there is a valid justification and the required approvals showing that only one source can meet the agency’s needs or when urgent circumstances or other statutory exceptions apply. In practice, this means the contracting officer must document why no other source can satisfy the requirements—such as a unique capability, compatibility with existing systems, or an exclusive license—and obtain the appropriate level of approval before proceeding. Time pressure or high price alone do not justify skipping competition; if more than one source can meet the need, competition should be pursued to protect the government’s interests. If two or more sources exist, it generally signals that a sole-source action is not appropriate.