Process
Sole Source
Also known as: Non-competitive contract, Directed contract
Awarding a contract without competition, permitted only in defined circumstances.
Sole-source awards are exceptions to the default of competition, permitted in limited circumstances — genuine exclusivity, pressing emergency, or values below the threshold at which competition is required.
Because they bypass competition, they attract scrutiny and are often preceded by an ACAN giving other suppliers a chance to challenge the premise. Monitoring ACANs in your category is a legitimate way to convert an intended sole source into a competition you can enter.
Related terms
See this term in a real tender
Search current federal opportunities and read a live notice with this definition in mind.
This definition describes general Canadian federal practice and is not legal advice. Always confirm requirements against the official solicitation.