Compare Single to Sole Source | Back to Basics

What is the difference and why use one over the other? Compare Sole Sourcing and Single Sourcing for Strategic Procurement

Single Source vs Sole Source Procurement:

Comparing Single to Sole Source Procurement. What is the difference and why use one over the other? Compare Sole Sourcing and Single Sourcing for Strategic Procurement.

Two terms that look almost identical on paper but describe fundamentally different procurement situations. Knowing which applies to your project is essential — especially if your organization operates under public procurement rules.

Procurement: Single Source - vs. - Sole Source.

If you work in procurement, operations, or project leadership, you have likely encountered both terms. They are often used interchangeably — and that is a mistake that can have real consequences, particularly for organizations subject to competitive procurement regulations.

The distinction matters strategically too. Choosing the wrong sourcing method for a given situation can limit your negotiating power, create supplier dependency you did not plan for, or expose your organization to compliance risk. This article defines each method clearly, compares their advantages and challenges side by side, and includes a decision tool to help you identify which method fits your current procurement scenario.

“The difference between sole source and single source is not just terminology — it is the difference between a deliberate strategy and a legal requirement.”