FAR 18.110—Soliciting from a single source.
Plain-English Summary
FAR 18.110 addresses when a contracting officer may limit a purchase to a single source for acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition threshold. Its purpose is to recognize that, in certain urgent, low-dollar, or otherwise appropriate situations, the Government may reasonably avoid competing the requirement among multiple sources and instead solicit only one vendor. The section does not create a blanket authority to sole source; it points the reader to FAR 13.106-1(b), which contains the specific circumstances and procedures for soliciting from one source under simplified acquisition procedures. In practice, this means the contracting officer must still have a valid basis for using a single source, document the rationale, and ensure the action is consistent with competition requirements and any applicable agency procedures. For contractors, this section matters because it explains when a purchase may be directed to one vendor without broad competition, and for contracting officers it signals that even simplified buys require judgment, support, and compliance with the cited procedures.
Key Rules
Applies only below SAT
This authority is limited to purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. If the acquisition exceeds that threshold, this section does not provide the basis for soliciting from only one source.
Single-source solicitation allowed
A contracting officer may solicit from one source when the circumstances justify it. The section is permissive, not mandatory, and it depends on the conditions described in FAR 13.106-1(b).
Must follow cited procedures
The section expressly directs users to FAR 13.106-1(b) for the governing circumstances and process. That means the contracting officer must use the simplified acquisition procedures and any required justification or documentation under that provision.
Not a blanket sole-source authority
This is not a general exception to competition. The contracting officer still needs a legitimate reason to limit the solicitation to one source and must ensure the action is consistent with competition policy and agency rules.
Practical use in urgent buys
The provision is commonly relevant when time, market conditions, or the nature of the requirement make a single-source solicitation reasonable for a small purchase. Even then, the decision should be supportable and recorded in the file.
Responsibilities
Contracting Officer
Determine whether the purchase is at or below the simplified acquisition threshold and whether the circumstances support soliciting from one source. Follow FAR 13.106-1(b), document the basis for the decision, and ensure the action is consistent with applicable competition and agency requirements.
Agency
Provide internal policies, approval thresholds, and documentation requirements that govern single-source simplified acquisitions. Ensure contracting personnel understand when this approach is permitted and how it must be justified.
Contractor
Understand that a single-source solicitation may be used for certain simplified acquisitions and be prepared to respond when directly solicited. If not selected, recognize that the Government may have lawfully limited competition under the cited procedures.
Practical Implications
This section is a narrow authority for simplified acquisitions, so the first check is always whether the dollar value is at or below the simplified acquisition threshold.
The main pitfall is treating this as a general sole-source rule; the contracting officer must still rely on the specific circumstances and procedures in FAR 13.106-1(b).
Documentation matters even for small buys: if the file does not show why one source was appropriate, the action can be vulnerable to protest, audit, or internal review.
Contractors should not assume they will receive broad competition on every small purchase; some buys may be legitimately directed to a single vendor.
Contracting officers should confirm that agency supplements or approval requirements do not add extra steps before proceeding with a one-source solicitation.
Official Regulatory Text
For purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, contracting officers may solicit from one source under certain circumstances. (See 13.106-1 (b).)