If market research shows no available commercial or non-developmental items, what should agencies do?

When market research indicates that there are no available commercial or non-developmental items, agencies should reevaluate the need and consider restating requirements. This approach allows agencies to reassess their needs and requirements in light of the findings from the market research.

Reevaluating the need is important because it may reveal that the original requirements were too specific or restrictive, which could be preventing potential vendors from offering viable solutions. By restating the requirements, agencies can broaden their scope and possibly identify new products or services that could meet their needs. This process not only encourages competition by potentially attracting more sources but also ensures that the agency is not committing resources to a solution that may not be the most effective or efficient.

The other options may not align with best practices. For example, proceeding with a sole source contract could lead to issues of compliance or justification, while seeking waivers for non-compliance might not address the underlying need effectively. Finding alternative funding sources also does not directly resolve the issue of unmet requirements, making reevaluation the most strategic choice.