Justification and approval (J&A)
Also called: J&A, Justification for other than full and open competition, JOFOC
Updated
What is Justification and approval (J&A)?
A justification and approval (J&A) is the written justification an agency must prepare, and have approved, before it awards a contract without full and open competition. FAR Part 6 lists seven allowed exceptions, such as only one responsible source or unusual and compelling urgency, and the J&A is normally made public after award.
When a J&A is required
Federal law requires full and open competition unless an exception applies. FAR 6.302 lists the seven exceptions: only one responsible source, unusual and compelling urgency, industrial mobilization or expert services, international agreement, authorized or required by statute, national security, and public interest. FAR 6.303 says what the justification must contain, and FAR 6.304 sets who approves it, at higher levels as the dollar value rises.
Some noncompetitive awards do not need a J&A under Part 6 because a statute allows them directly, such as certain 8(a) sole-source awards. Buys under the simplified acquisition procedures follow their own rules.
What a J&A tells a contractor
Agencies generally publish J&As on SAM.gov after award (FAR 6.305). For capture, they are useful market intelligence: they show which requirements went sole source, which incumbent the agency found to be the sole capable source, and when a bridge contract is likely to end.
If a notice of intent to sole-source appears before award, a capable company can respond with a short capability statement showing it can do the work. That response can lead the agency to compete the requirement. Keep it factual and specific to the stated requirement.
Justification and approval (J&A) in ProposalWorkspace
ProposalWorkspace syncs SAM.gov notices daily, and federal search filters by notice type, agency, NAICS and PSC, so a team can follow the notices around a requirement it is watching and save them for the team.
Justification and approval (J&A): questions and answers
Where can I find published J&As?
Most are posted on SAM.gov as justification notices after award. Searching by agency and NAICS code shows which requirements in your market were awarded without competition.
Can I challenge a sole-source award?
A company can respond to a notice of intent with evidence it is capable, and in some cases can file a protest. Protest rules and deadlines are strict, so get advice early.
ProposalWorkspaceReady when the next RFP drops.
Set up in minutes
Plans from $99 a month, billed yearly. Subscribe today or book a demo with our team.