Contracting Test 2 Flashcards
Different Types of Brainstorming
Structured brainstorming
Free-form brainstorming
Silent-brainstorming
What are the 6 basic problems/decision making steps
Define the Problem: Analyze Potential Causes Identify Possible Solutions: Analyze and compare alternatives Select an alternative(s) Implement the selected alternative(s) and Evaluate Progress
What conclusion does problem solving help you develop
Best fit solution
Which is the most important step?
Properly defining the problem
Group activity that generates ideas without risk
Brainstorming
-Produces a “shopping list” of ideas
Analysis not included
Goal is to Generate Ideas
Structured Brainstorming
Solicit one idea from each person in sequence
Participants may say “pass”
A complete round of passes ends the session
Advantage of structured brainstorming:
Equal participation, regardless of rank or personality
Disadvantage of structured brainstorming
-Lacks spontaneity and can be rigid
Free-Form Brainstorming
Participants contribute ideas as they come to mind
Advantages:
Participants build on each other’s ideas
Relaxed atmosphere
Disadvantages of free-form brainstorming
Less assertive (lower ranking participants may not contribute)
Ideal approach could be combining structured and free-form
Begin with structured brainstorming and finish with unstructured brainstorming
Silent Brainstorming
Sticky notes Post papers for viewing Advantages Prevents disruptive analysis More open if anonymous Disadvantages Group loses synergy that comes from open session
What are the three types of solicitations?
- Request for Quotation – Simplified Acquisition Procedures - FAR Part 13
- Invitation for Bid – Sealed
- Bidding – FAR Part 14
Request for Proposal – Negotiation – FAR Part 15
Which type of contract requires a vendor to give their “best effort”?
Cost Reimbursement
Contracting by negotiation is authorized at any dollar amount when discussions are necessary
True or False
True
When is a Blanket Purchasing Agreement (BPA) appropriate?
Repetitive needs for supplies or services when specific items, quantities, and prices are not known but a substantial number are anticipated (BOA over SAT)
What are the two most common types of best Value evaluations?
Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA)
-Award is made to lowest priced acceptable offeror
Government has decided lowest price is the best value
Tradeoff
-Award may be made to any acceptable offeror based on integrated assessment of all evaluation factors in addition to cost/price
What does Best Value mean?
Any competitive negotiated acquisition having a basis for award stating that factors in addition to cost/price will be considered in selecting the successful offeror(s)
FAR Part 14
Sealed Bidding
Type of contract where the Contractor is required to deliver the product or perform the service at agree-to price
Firm fixed Price Contract
Contract represents full payment for the work – Contractor exceeds at own risk
Loss of profit
Type of contract where contractor is required to deliver “best effort”
Cost Reimbursement
Reasonable, allowable and allocable costs will be reimbursed
Contract amount represents an estimate of total cost
Cannot be exceeded without KO’s approval
Streamlined method of acquiring supplies and services (including construction, research & development and commercial items
SAP
Generally limited to acquisitions under $150,000, except for certain contingency operations where the dollar threshold may be higher
Cannot split requirements to stay under dollar thresholds
Exceptions—Required sources (Federal Prison Industry or Ability One personnel) or existing contracts
Micro-purchases
$5,000 for supplies and services
$2,000 construction
Actions above the micro-purchase threshold up to SAT
Purchase Order
Specify the quantity of supplies or scope of services ordered
Contain date and place of delivery
Set aside for small businesses.
A document, sent to prospective contractors by a Government agency, requesting the submission of offers or information
Solicitation
Streamlined method of acquiring supplies and services (including construction, research & development and commercial items
SAP
Generally limited to acquisitions under $150,000, except for certain contingency operations where the dollar threshold may be higher
Cannot split requirements to stay under dollar thresholds
Exceptions—Required sources (Federal Prison Industry or Ability One personnel) or existing contracts
Micro-purchases
$5,000 for supplies and services
$2,000 construction
Actions above the micro-purchase threshold up to SAT
Purchase Order
Specify the quantity of supplies or scope of services ordered
Contain date and place of delivery
Set aside for small businesses.
Multi-purpose pocket size purchase order form
SF44 Purchase Order Invoice-Voucher
Primarily for on-the-spot, over-the-counter purchases of supplies and non-personal services while away from the purchasing office or at isolated activities
Preferred method for Solicitation
Sealed Bidding (FAR part 14)
Must be used for construction
Used for easily definable requirements
No discussions with bidders
Government MUST award to lowest responsible bidder
Contract must be fixed price
Government expects to receive more than one bid
Sufficient time for bidders to prepare bids
Discussions with offerors permitted
Negotiations (FAR part 15)
Award can be made based on factors other than price
Contract may be fixed price or cost reimbursement
Used when sealed bidding is not practical
May be used for sole source or competitive actions
Offeror allowed to revise proposal as a result of discussions
Source Selection Boards
Posting threshold >$5K up to SAT (Purchase Order)
5-15K - Advertise Locally
15-25K - Public Display
>25K - Advertised on FedBizOpps
What type of contract must be awarded for a
commercial item?
FFP
How long do you have to definitize a letter
contract
180 Days
What are some of the factors to consider when
selecting a contract type?
Price competition
Price analysis
Cost analysis
Type and complexity of requirement
Urgency of requirement
Period of performance or length of production run
Contractor’s technical capability and financial responsibility
Adequacy of contractor’s accounting system
Concurrent contracts
Extent and nature of proposed subcontract
Acquisition history
What document must be completed prior to
awarding a Time and Materials contract?
KO must complete a Determination and Findings