Section 15.607 - Criteria for acceptance and negotiation of an unsolicited proposal(a) A favorable comprehensive evaluation of an unsolicited proposal does not, in itself, justify awarding a contract without providing for full and open competition. The agency point of contact shall return an unsolicited proposal to the offeror, citing reasons, when its substance-(1) Is available to the Government without restriction from another source;(2) Closely resembles a pending competitive acquisition requirement;(3) Does not relate to the activity's mission; or(4) Does not demonstrate an innovative and unique method, approach, or concept, or is otherwise not deemed a meritorious proposal.(b) The contracting officer may commence negotiations on a sole source basis only when- (1) An unsolicited proposal has received a favorable comprehensive evaluation;(2) A justification and approval has been obtained (see 6.302-1(a)(2)(i) for research proposals or other appropriate provisions of subpart 6.3, and 6.303-2(c));(3) The agency technical office sponsoring the contract furnishes the necessary funds; and(4) The contracting officer has complied with the synopsis requirements of subpart 5.2.62 FR 51230, 9/30/1997, as amended at 76 FR 14562, 3/16/2011