Competition is the process of obtaining supplies and services from the source whose offer is the most advantageous to the Government, based, as appropriate, on either price alone or price and other factors (e.g., past performance and quality) including the administrative cost of the purchase. Contracting officers are encouraged to use best value. Solicitations shall notify suppliers of the basis upon which award is to be made. [FAR 13]
The three sub-topics discuss competition in more detail: