Streamline Procurement through NIBS
With The Broadest Sole Source Authorized by Public Law For The Built Environment
Federal agencies have a clear path to work directly with the National Institute of Building Sciences—quickly, compliantly, and without competition.
Authorized by Congress under Public Law 93-383, Section 809(g)(3) and recognized by OMB and GSA memoranda, NIBS is a statutory sole-source authority under FAR 6.302-5. That means contracting officers can engage NIBS directly—no RFP, no protest, no delay.
NIBS isn’t a vendor. It’s a non-governmental instrument created by Congress to unite government, industry, and research in advancing the nation’s built environment. When agencies partner with NIBS, they access a trusted, pre-qualified source that delivers measurable outcomes for resilience, safety, and innovation.
Why Federal Agencies Choose NIBS
Faster Acquisition
From as short as two weeks (with an existing IDIQ,) to just 5 months when creating a new sole source IDIQ.
No Protest Risk
Fully compliant with the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA).
Reduced Workload
No lengthy market research or evaluation panels required.
Mission Alignment
Every project supports national priorities—resilience, sustainability, and performance.
Broad Applicability
Contracts and IDIQs cover all building-related sciences, standards, and technologies.
Understanding Sole Source Procurement
Most acquisitions require full and open competition under FAR Part 15. But when Congress designates a specific source, agencies may award directly under FAR 6.302-5 – Authorized or Required by Statute.
| Traditional Procurement | NIBS Sole Source | |
|---|---|---|
|
Approval Path |
FAR Part 15 |
FAR 6.302-5 (Statutory) |
|
Protest Risk |
High |
None |
|
Timeline |
6–12 months |
20–60 days |
|
Competition |
Required |
Not applicable |
|
Cost Efficiency |
Variable |
Predictable, lower overhead |
|
Mission Fit |
May vary by vendor |
Statutorily aligned to public interest |
How It Works
The NIBS sole-source process is streamlined, transparent, and proven.
Below is the standard timeline for engaging through each contracting path
Sole Sourcing Success
Federal partners leverage NIBS to translate innovation into impact.
FEMA
Strengthened seismic provisions that safeguard millions of Americans.
NAVFAC & Air Force
Modernized the Whole Building Design Guide to unify design criteria.
GSA
Deployed AI-enabled tools for lifecycle facility management.
Ready to accelerate your acquisition?
Contact NIBS today to initiate the sole-source process and mobilize the expertise your mission requires.
