Title 41 › Subtitle I — Federal Procurement Policy › CHAPTER 33 — PLANNING AND SOLICITATION › § 3303
An executive agency may run a competition under section 3301 but leave out a particular current supplier to set up or keep an alternative source. The agency head must decide that doing this will do one of several things, such as increase or keep competition and likely lower overall cost; help national defense by keeping a supplier or facility ready for emergencies or mobilization; keep essential research or development capability at an educational, nonprofit, or Federally funded research center; make sure a reliable supply stays available; meet expected needs based on past high demand; or fill a critical medical, safety, or emergency need. The agency cannot make this kind of exclusion for an entire class of purchases or contracts. An agency may also limit a competition so only small businesses can win, under sections 9 and 15 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 638, 644). Contracts awarded this way do not need the justification and approval required by section 3304(e)(1).
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Public Contracts, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Legislative History
Reference
Citation
41 U.S.C. § 3303
Title 41, Public Contracts
Last Updated
Sep 22, 2026
Release point: 119-110