In a scenario where only one offer is received for a noncommercial item, what is the correct assessment of that offer?

When only one offer is received for a noncommercial item, the assessment is primarily focused on the reasonableness of the proposed price. In such a situation, the absence of competitive offers may lead one to conclude that the price is reasonable; this is because the typical method for establishing price reasonableness—through competition—does not apply when only one bid is present.

Typically, contracting officers are tasked with determining whether the price put forth by the sole offeror is fair and reasonable, and they may rely on various methods such as previous prices paid for the same or similar items, market research data, or independent cost estimates. Thus, the prevailing assumption under these circumstances is that the lack of competition does not automatically make the price unreasonable. Instead, it provides a starting point for evaluation.

The other assessments presented in the options do not accurately reflect the procedures and policies guiding the evaluation of offers, particularly when competition is absent. For example, certification and documentation of the price may be necessary, but this obligation does not negate the broader context of evaluating price reasonableness in light of competition. Additionally, automatically rejecting the offer or deeming the proposed price unreasonable without further investigation is not consistent with proper procurement practices.