Which of the following is not a statutory authority that permits contracting without full and open competition?

The reason that preference for local businesses is not considered a statutory authority allowing for contracting without full and open competition is that it does not fall under the established exceptions laid out in federal regulations. Statutory authorities typically include conditions like public interest, national security, and situations where only one responsible source can fulfill the contracting requirements, as these are explicitly defined and allow government agencies to bypass the competitive bidding process when certain critical needs arise.

Public interest refers to situations where it is deemed necessary to act in a manner that serves the community or a significant segment of it; national security encompasses contracts that are essential for the defense of the nation; and the condition of only one responsible source applies when there is no other provider capable of meeting the requirements. Each of these exceptions is well-defined within procurement law, ensuring that there are valid and compelling reasons to forego competition.

In contrast, a preference for local businesses does not qualify as a justification for bypassing competitive practices. While it may align with a goal of supporting local economies, it lacks the statutory grounding found in the other options. This distinction is important to maintain the integrity and fairness of the contracting process, ensuring that all relevant entities are given equal opportunity to compete for government contracts.