Competition in Federal Contracting: An Overview of the Legal Requirements

Abstract

This report describes the competition requirements currently governing the procurement activities of federal agencies. It addresses (1) what contracts are subject to competition requirements; (2) what constitutes full and open competition for government contracts; (3) what is meant by full and open competition after exclusion of sources; (4) the circumstances permitting agencies to award contracts on the basis of other than full and open competition; (5) the special simplified procedures for small purchases; (6) the competition requirements for task order and delivery order (TO/DO) contracts; and (7) legislative reforms relating to competition.