As of 2024FAR 6.302
Detailed Answer
Sole source contracts are awarded without competition when justified. Finding these opportunities requires different approaches:
**Where sole source work comes from:**
- Agencies identify you as unique capability provider
- Follow-on to competitive contracts you hold
- Urgent requirements with limited time
- Proprietary rights or exclusive expertise
- 8(a) program direct awards
**Finding potential opportunities:**
- Monitor sole source justifications on SAM.gov
- Review presolicitation notices mentioning limited sources
- Track RFI responses identifying potential sole source
- Build relationships with program offices
- Attend agency industry days
**Positioning for sole source:**
- Develop truly unique capabilities
- Build strong past performance record
- Establish relationships before requirements emerge
- Respond to RFIs highlighting your unique value
- Consider 8(a) program for eligible businesses
**Understanding sole source justifications:**
- Posted publicly for contracts over $750,000
- Explain why competition is not possible
- Provide opportunity to challenge the determination
- Often reveal future requirements
**8(a) sole source authority:**
- SBA-certified 8(a) firms eligible for sole source up to $4.5M (services) or $7M (manufacturing)
- Agency must justify using sole source authority
- Significant advantage for 8(a) certified businesses
**Timing is critical:**
- Engage early before requirements are finalized
- Help shape requirements through RFI responses
- Be known before the agency needs your capability
