Procurement evaluation & award · Core
Single-source procurement
Also called: single sourcing
ELI5
Deliberate selection of one supplier despite alternatives, usually requiring justification.
Used in conversation
“The number is useful only if everyone calculates single-source procurement the same way.”
Pitch context
You will see “Single-source procurement” 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.
Connected terms
- Single sourcingThe search label “single sourcing” can route to both entries.
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