What Is a Justification and Approval (J&A)?
A justification and approval (J&A) is the document an agency writes, and gets signed off, to explain why it is buying without full and open competition, such as from one company.
Justification and approval (J&A) in plain English
Agencies must usually let every responsible company compete. When they don't, for example because only one company can do the work or the need is urgent, the FAR asks for a written justification approved at a level that rises with the contract's value.
SAM.gov notices of the type "Justification" post these documents, usually after the award. One means the work went to a named company; it isn't an opening to bid. If you could have done the work, a capability statement to the contracting officer can still count for the next time.
Related terms
- Sole-source contract: A sole-source contract is awarded to one company without competition, which is allowed only in specific cases.
- Approved source: An approved source is a company the government has already qualified to supply a part, usually a spare part for equipment or weapons. A notice limited to approved sources names them, but other responsible sources can usually still offer.
- Solicitation: A solicitation is an agency's official request for bids, quotes or proposals. It describes the work, the terms, how to respond and how offers are judged.
Put it to work
Looking for another term? Browse the full glossary or the government contracting glossary guide.
Cyrus Hakimi writes and edits these definitions, using AI tools to help research and draft them, from the FAR, SBA rules and SAM.gov documentation. They're general information, not legal advice. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm the numbers on the official source before you act.