Sole-Supplier Justification: When and How
Sometimes only one supplier meets the specification. The justification needs to be evidenced — not assumed.
Quick Answer
Genuine sole-source cases include: unique technical performance, proprietary integration with an existing accredited workflow, urgent operational need with short timescales.
When Sole Source Is Defensible
Genuine sole-source cases include: unique technical performance, proprietary integration with an existing accredited workflow, urgent operational need with short timescales.
Evidence You Need
A market analysis showing why alternatives don't meet the requirement, with documented evaluation against published specification, is the bare minimum.
Approval Routes
Most forces require commercial board or equivalent sign-off above a value threshold. Engage commercial early — late-stage rejection is expensive.
Avoiding Future Lock-In
Avoid building permanent dependency on one supplier. Use sole-source as a bridge to a competed framework call-off when timescales allow.
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