Under what conditions should contracting officers solicit bids according to FAR 6.401(a)?

The correct choice is based on the principle that competition is a fundamental tenet of government contracting. According to FAR 6.401(a), contracting officers are required to solicit bids when there is a reasonable expectation of receiving more than one sealed bid. This requirement helps ensure that agencies obtain the best value by encouraging competition among multiple offerors.

Having multiple bids allows for a comparative evaluation, which is essential in assessing price, quality, and other factors efficiently and effectively. Solicitations are a way to publicly invite interest, which not only promotes fairness but also enhances the integrity of the procurement process.

The other conditions mentioned, such as having limited time for solicitation or discussing with offerors, do not align with the core principle of fostering competition, which is essential for proper bidding practices. They pertain to different operational scenarios that do not inherently require the solicitation of multiple bids. The emphasis on expecting more than one sealed bid thus ensures that the benefits of competition are realized in the contracting process.