(a) Competitive agreements. Consistent with 31 U.S.C. 6301(3), NASA uses competitive procedures to award cooperative agreements whenever possible.

(b) Awards using other than competitive procedures. Solicitations for award of a Cooperative Agreement shall not be issued to, nor negotiations conducted with a single source unless—

(1) Use of such actions is documented in writing; and

(2) Concurrence and approvals are obtained. The dollar thresholds will be determined by the total value of the resources committed to the Cooperative Agreement (cash and quantifiable in-kind contributions).