FAR Part 6: Competition Requirements

In plain English

FAR Part 6 establishes the policies and procedures for promoting full and open competition in federal acquisitions. It covers the competitive procedures available, the limited circumstances when competition can be excluded (such as set-asides for small businesses or sole-source awards), and the justification and approval requirements for other than full and open competition. For small-business contractors, this part is important because it explains how set-asides work and when agencies can limit competition, which can create opportunities or affect your ability to bid.

Key rules

• Contracting officers must promote and provide for full and open competition using competitive procedures best suited to the circumstances, unless an exception applies. (6.101)
• Full and open competition can be achieved through sealed bids, competitive proposals, or a combination of competitive procedures. (6.102)
• Agencies may set aside solicitations exclusively for small business concerns, 8(a) participants, HUBZone small businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses, women-owned small businesses, or local firms in a major disaster area, without a separate justification. (6.203, 6.204, 6.205, 6.206)
• Contracting without full and open competition is allowed only under specific statutory authorities, such as when only one responsible source is available, there is unusual and compelling urgency, or other limited circumstances. (6.302, 6.302-1, 6.302-2, 6.302-3)
• For sole-source or non-competitive awards, the contracting officer must justify the action in writing, certify its accuracy, and obtain required approvals before awarding the contract. (6.303-1, 6.303-2, 6.304)
• Justifications for other than full and open competition must be made publicly available, generally within 14 days after contract award, with some exceptions. (6.305)
• Each executive agency must designate an advocate for competition to promote full and open competition and challenge unnecessary restrictions. (6.501, 6.502)

Who does what

In practice

• When you bid, look for solicitations set aside for small businesses, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, or EDWOSB—these limit competition to eligible firms like yours.
• If you believe a requirement is unnecessarily restrictive or should be competed, you can raise the issue with the agency's advocate for competition.
• If you are a sole-source contractor, be aware that the agency must justify and approve the non-competitive award, and the justification may be made public.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming that a set-aside requires a separate justification or determination and findings—FAR 6.203 through 6.208 explicitly state that no separate justification is required for these set-asides.
• Believing that an agency can avoid competition by simply ordering from another agency—FAR 6.002 prohibits contracting from another agency for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this part.
• Thinking that a non-competitive award can be made without any paperwork—FAR 6.303-1 requires a written justification, certification, and approval before awarding without full and open competition.

Written by AI from this part's codified text (2026-10-04); cited sections are checked against the part. A guide, not legal advice: the regulation text, the solicitation and your contract rule.