2 CFR 930.135: Competition.

(a) Department of Energy (DOE) awards other transaction (OT) agreements using non-procurement, non-Federal financial assistance competitive processes in a merit-based selection process:

(1) In every case where required by statute; and

(2) To the maximum extent feasible, in all other cases. If it is not feasible to use competitive process, the reason for not using a competitive process must be documented by the Agreements Officer (AO), meaning the cognizant warranted DOE or National Nuclear Security Administration official authorized to execute and administer OT agreements.

(b) The AO must document any restrictions on awardee eligibility.