What term describes a noncompetitive procurement process in which the procuring entity solicits only 1 prospective contractor?

What term describes a noncompetitive procurement process in which the procuring entity solicits only 1 prospective contractor?

• A. Open bidding
• B. Sole-source contracting
• C. Competitive bidding
• D. Single-vendor procurement

Answer: (B)

Sole-source contracting describes a noncompetitive procurement, where only one prospective contractor is solicited. This happens when there is a unique source for the goods or services—such as a patented technology, an exclusive distributor, or an urgent need that makes bidding impractical. Because the process seeks only one bidder, there is no competitive bid to compare options. The other terms imply competition: open bidding and competitive bidding involve multiple bidders and a competitive evaluation, while single-vendor procurement is not the standard formal term for this scenario.

Sole-source contracting describes a noncompetitive procurement, where only one prospective contractor is solicited. This happens when there is a unique source for the goods or services—such as a patented technology, an exclusive distributor, or an urgent need that makes bidding impractical. Because the process seeks only one bidder, there is no competitive bid to compare options. The other terms imply competition: open bidding and competitive bidding involve multiple bidders and a competitive evaluation, while single-vendor procurement is not the standard formal term for this scenario.