What characterizes sole source procurement?

Sole source procurement is characterized by the absence of a competitive bidding process, which is why the correct answer is focused on this specific aspect. In a sole source situation, an entity determines that there is only one provider capable of delivering the required goods or services, often due to the unique qualifications or specific capabilities of that vendor.

This methodology aims to streamline the process when competition is not viable due to various factors such as specialized needs, proprietary technology, or existing contractual obligations. By bypassing the traditional competitive bidding, organizations can expedite acquisition processes and ensure timely delivery of essential resources.

Other procurement methods, such as awarding contracts to multiple vendors or using a competitive bidding system, do not apply in sole source situations. The focus here is entirely on the situation where competition is not feasible, supporting the decision to choose a singular vendor without the necessary bidding framework.