Single Source Selection (SSS)
In the previous section you learnt that CQS method helps to reduce cost, time and this method should be adopted when only cost based selection process cannot be justified.
Under the SSS method, you request the already identified consultant to prepare technical and financial proposals which are then negotiated.
Where appropriate
When there is no competition, you should use this method. You can adopt this method when it offers obvious advantages over a competitive method, as in the following cases:
- The assignment is a continuation of a previous one awarded competitively and the performance of the consultant is good.
- The consultant's prompt availability is essential (for example in emergency operations following a natural disaster).
- The contract value is very small.
- Only one consulting organisation has the qualifications required to carry out the assignment.
Type of assignment for which this method of selection is adopted
Good or excellent performance in the first assignment has to be a precondition for contract continuation. In such cases, we should weigh the importance of continuing with the same technical approach, the experience acquired and the continued professional liability of the incumbent consultant against the benefits of competition, such as fresh technical approaches and competitive remuneration rates. In these cases we have to consider and account for the time and cost of a competitive round, because it may weigh considerably on our decision.
SSS should not normally be adopted when the downstream assignment is substantially larger in value than the initial one.