Sole-source justification

A sole-source justification (sometimes called a single-source or direct-award justification) is the written document in which a public buyer explains why a contract was awarded without a competitive process — naming the allowed circumstance and the evidence for it.

Why the document exists

Canadian public buyers — federal, provincial and municipal — are normally required to tender competitively, with obligations flowing from their own policies and trade agreements such as the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA). Sole-sourcing is the exception, so the justification is the audit trail: it must show the exception applies, that the price is fair, and that only one practical supplier exists (if that's the claim).

What it typically contains

The recognized circumstance (e.g. only one supplier can supply the good or service; an urgent emergency; exclusivity or compatibility with existing equipment; or purchases below the agreement thresholds), the facts supporting it, market evidence, the price analysis, and the approvals obtained.

Common questions

Is a low-dollar purchase automatically allowed?

Purchases under the applicable trade-agreement thresholds are generally exempt from competitive requirements, but most organizations still apply internal policies and documentation standards.

Can a buyer split a contract to stay under thresholds?

No — splitting a requirement to avoid competition is expressly prohibited under the agreements and internal policies, and audit teams look for it.

Where are sole-source awards visible?

Buyers often publish sole-source award notices; in Canada there is also proactive disclosure of contracts over set values. You can monitor awarded contracts and opportunities on pubsec.pro to see who buys without tendering — and target them.

Related definitions

Sole-source procurement · Contract award notice · Expression of interest · MERX platform