In which situation would "sole source" contracting be justified?

The justification for "sole source" contracting rests on the necessity for obtaining goods or services that are available only from a specific supplier. This occurs when that supplier possesses a unique product, service, or capability that cannot be replicated by others in the market. In such cases, the contracting authority may determine that competitive bidding is not feasible or appropriate, as no other suppliers can meet the exact requirements or specifications.

Choosing a supplier that uniquely meets the specific demands ensures that the project or procurement is aligned with the overall strategy, minimizes risks associated with obtaining the product or service from less qualified vendors, and can often streamline the procurement process.

In contrast, the other scenarios outlined do not justify sole source contracting. When multiple suppliers can fulfill the needs, or when at least two suppliers can provide similar services, competitive procurement processes should be employed to obtain the best value. Furthermore, external pressure alone does not provide valid justification for a sole source contract; the decision should be guided by the specific capabilities of the suppliers in relation to the requirements of the contract.