What is meant by "sole source procurement"?

Sole source procurement refers to the practice of acquiring goods or services from a single supplier because that supplier possesses unique capabilities or resources that are not available elsewhere. This can occur when a product is proprietary, specialized, or when only one vendor can meet the specific requirements of a project. The uniqueness of the supplier's offerings often justifies the absence of a competitive bidding process, as no other sources can fulfill the same role or provide identical, acceptable qualities.

In contexts where technology, expertise, or systems are unique to one supplier, organizations may choose to engage in sole source procurement to ensure they receive the best possible solution for their specific needs without the confusion or delays that can accompany multiple bids. This method can also streamline the procurement process, as it eliminates the need for extensive evaluations of various suppliers, thereby aligning closely with the operational needs of the purchasing organization.