Sources Sought Notice (Sources Sought)
A pre-solicitation notice the agency uses to identify available sources before deciding whether to issue an RFP and whether to set aside the procurement.
Definition
A Sources Sought notice (similar to an RFI in many respects) is published by a federal agency to gauge market interest before issuing a solicitation. The notice describes the upcoming requirement and asks interested vendors to respond with capability statements. Responses inform whether the agency will set aside the procurement for small business or compete it openly.
When it applies
Vendors should respond to Sources Sought notices in their domain — even though no contract is being awarded yet — because (1) it positions you for the eventual RFP and (2) your response can influence the set-aside determination. Failing to respond means the agency may conclude there are no qualified small businesses and not set aside the procurement.