What is a sole-source contract?
A contracting officer may determine that a particular contract can go as a sole-source based on the following criteria (see FAR Part 6): (1) Only one source is capable of responding due to the unique or specialized nature of the work; (2) The new work is a logical follow-on to an original Federal Supply Schedule order provided that the original order was placed in accordance with the applicable Federal Supply Schedule ordering procedures. The original order must not have been previously issued under sole source or limited source procedures; (3) The item is peculiar to one manufacturer. A brand name item, whether available on one or more schedule contracts, is an item peculiar to one manufacturer; or (4) An urgent and compelling need exists, and following the ordering procedures would result in unacceptable delays.
