In many military logistics scenarios, contracting is used to obtain goods and services when which condition exists?

• A. Organic capabilities are sufficient locally.
• B. Organic capabilities are insufficient, requiring external sourcing.
• C. There are no regulations to follow.
• D. The mission never requires external vendors.

Answer: (B)

Contracting in military logistics fills gaps when what the organization can do on its own isn’t enough to meet the mission. Organic capabilities are the unit’s own people, equipment, and processes. When those fall short—due to limited capacity, specialized expertise required, or surge demand—the best way to ensure readiness is to bring in external suppliers through contracts. That’s why the scenario describing insufficient internal capability requiring external sourcing is the right choice. If internal resources were already enough, there’d be no need to contract. And contracting is governed by regulations and procedures, not by a lack of rules, so the idea that there are no regulations doesn’t fit. Likewise, if the mission never requires external vendors, contracting wouldn’t be used.