How does the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) apply to the AbilityOne Program?
The AbilityOne Program is a statutorily mandated source. AbilityOne procurements are considered “other than competitive” procurements under the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA). Also, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) exempts AbilityOne procurements from the justification requirement, which normally applies to other than competitive procurements. Under FAR Part 6.302.5, full and open competition need not be obtained when a statute or express authority exists; the AbilityOne Program falls under this statute. Contracting activities should use 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c)(5) as the exception on award documents.
