Alternate Offer and Source Approval Request Guidance

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Source Approval Request (SAR)
and Alternate Offer (AO) Guide

November 2022

DLA SAR and AO Guide

CHANGE RECORD

Revision Number
-

Date
11/2022

Description
Initial Release

DLA SAR and AO Guide

DLA SAR and AO Guide

DLA SAR and AO Guide
Definition of SAR vs AO
Source Approval Request (SAR) – A Source Approval Request can be submitted at any time, and is a package of information provided by a prospective new supplier to become an approved source for procurement of a National Stock Number (NSN). This package must contain all technical data needed to demonstrate competence to manufacture the NSN to the same, or better, level of quality than the current approved source(s).
To be eligible for source approval, the NSN must be currently procured on an “other than full and open competition” basis, such as the following Acquisition Method Suffix Codes (ASMC): Source Controlled (AMSC B), Source Restricted (AMSC C), CAGE & Part Number (AMSC D). ASMC G will not be evaluated as material in this status is already full and open competition. Alternate Offer (AO) – An “Alternate Offer” is submitted for evaluation against an active solicitation in order for a company and their product information to be reviewed, potentially qualifying them as an “Approved Source” on the current (and future) solicitations. When submitting an alternate offer for a specific solicitation, this should be clearly stated in the package cover letter with the solicitation number, and the name of the Contracting Officer listed on the solicitation. The solicitation number must be included in the package to be considered as an alternate offer.

**NOTE: AMSC B may require additional documentation, on letterhead, from the source controlling the NSN demonstrating that permission has been granted to use their technical data to become an approved source of supply. **NOTE: Alternate Offers submitted under an Automated Solicitation (with “T” or “U” in the 9th position of the solicitation number) will NOT be considered for instant procurement. Alternate Offers submitted against an Automated Solicitation will only be considered for future DLA procurement requirements consideration.
**NOTE: If submitting an Alternate Offer against a “Manual Solicitation” procurement (a solicitation with letters OTHER THAN “T” or “U” in the 9th position of the solicitation number) – Contracting Officers may consider submitted Alternate Offers, so these requests are to be sent to the Contracting