Sole Source arises when which condition is true?

Sole Source arises when which condition is true?

• A. Only one supplier possesses the unique ability or capability to meet the requirements.
• B. There are multiple suppliers with identical capabilities.
• C. It is a standard commodity with many vendors.
• D. The procurement is funded by a grant.

Answer: (A)

Sole source procurement happens when only one supplier can meet the requirements because they have the unique ability, expertise, or proprietary capability needed. In this situation, there isn’t a viable alternative that can satisfy the technical, regulatory, or interoperability needs, so competition isn’t practical or possible. That’s why bypassing competitive bidding is justified, though it still requires proper justification and documentation in the procurement file to show why no other supplier could meet the requirements. If there are multiple suppliers with identical capabilities, competition exists and a sole source approach isn’t appropriate. If the item is a standard commodity with many vendors, you can achieve best value through a competitive process. Funding by a grant doesn’t by itself create a sole-source condition; the decision rests on the ability of only one supplier to meet the requirements.

Sole source procurement happens when only one supplier can meet the requirements because they have the unique ability, expertise, or proprietary capability needed. In this situation, there isn’t a viable alternative that can satisfy the technical, regulatory, or interoperability needs, so competition isn’t practical or possible. That’s why bypassing competitive bidding is justified, though it still requires proper justification and documentation in the procurement file to show why no other supplier could meet the requirements.

If there are multiple suppliers with identical capabilities, competition exists and a sole source approach isn’t appropriate. If the item is a standard commodity with many vendors, you can achieve best value through a competitive process. Funding by a grant doesn’t by itself create a sole-source condition; the decision rests on the ability of only one supplier to meet the requirements.