Procurement evaluation & award · Core
Direct award
Also called: non-competitive award
ELI5
Award of a contract without a full competition, under a permitted justification.
Used in conversation
“The draft mentions direct award, but the scope and jurisdiction are still unclear.”
Pitch context
You will see “Direct award” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches procurement evaluation & award.
Why it matters: In procurement evaluation & award, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16