When can a contracting officer make a non-competitive award under FAR?

A contracting officer can make a non-competitive award under FAR when only one responsible source is available. This situation typically arises when there are unique qualifications or capabilities that only one supplier possesses, making it impractical to seek competition. The basis for this is found in FAR Subpart 6.3, which discusses sole source procurement.

In cases where only one vendor can meet the requirements, the contracting officer must justify the decision to proceed without competition, ensuring that the need for the product or service aligns with the specific qualifications of that vendor. This approach helps streamline the procurement process in situations where time is of the essence or where the unique capabilities of a single source are essential for successful project completion.

The other options may present circumstances that do not meet the strict criteria for non-competitive awards. For example, overwhelming market competition does not justify a lack of competition; rather, it would typically lead to a competitive process. A federal emergency might allow for expedited procurement processes but does not inherently eliminate the need for sound justification regarding vendor selection. Lastly, costs exceeding a budget threshold do not relate directly to the availability of sources or the justification for non-competitive awards, as budget constraints alone do not usually dictate the competitive nature of the procurement process.