When is the use of the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) exceptions applicable?

The correct choice reflects a fundamental principle of the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA), which aims to promote full and open competition in the acquisition process. CICA exceptions are specifically applicable in situations where strict adherence to the requirement for full and open competition is not feasible. This could occur for various reasons, such as the necessity for unique capabilities that no other vendor can provide or circumstances involving urgent and compelling need that would preclude waiting for a competitive process.

CICA exceptions allow contracting officers to bypass the typical procurement procedures when it's determined that the necessary conditions for competition cannot be met. This promotes efficiency while still attempting to uphold the intent of competition in procurement practices.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the conditions under which CICA exceptions are invoked. Awards without exception don't align with the need for limited competition, and the threshold of contract value alone does not dictate the applicability of CICA exceptions. Additionally, trivial needs that can be fulfilled easily typically do not fall under CICA exceptions, as these situations generally allow for simpler procurement processes without necessitating competition waivers.