Is it true that U.S. Federal Government agencies are required to arrange full and open competition in procurement activities?

The requirement for U.S. Federal Government agencies to arrange full and open competition in procurement activities is indeed guided by several laws and regulations, with the primary intent of promoting fairness and transparency in government contracting. The correct answer states that full and open competition is generally required unless there is legal authorization for a different approach.

This means that while the presumption is towards competition to ensure that government entities are getting the best value for taxpayer money, there are cases where exceptions apply. These exceptions can be due to specific circumstances such as national security concerns, the need for specialized services, or situations where only one supplier can meet the requirements. Such exceptions are often detailed in laws like the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other relevant statutory provisions.

This framework is designed to facilitate not just competition, but also to ensure that agencies have flexibility in their procurement processes when warranted by particular situations. Thus, the answer highlights the balance between the general requirement for competition and the recognition of circumstances that justify alternative procurement methods.