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U.S. Government Contracting > FSI PA221 > Flashcards

FSI PA221 Flashcards

1
Q

Price reasonableness means always choosing the lowest price possible, even if the delivery timeline is longer.

True or False

A

False

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2
Q

For overseas posts, the GSA schedules on GSA Advantage is always going to include pricing from local vendors at post.

True or False

A

False

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3
Q

Which of these qualify for an exception to the rule on using required sources?
1. Time constraints – the required source won’t get you the item in time.
2. Lowest price – the required sources is too expensive.
3. Unattractive item - the required source doesn’t meet beauty standards
Correct

A
  1. Time constraints – the required source won’t get you the item in time.
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4
Q

What do you need to do when performing a price analysis?

A

Examine and evaluate offerors’ prices for reasonableness using one or more of the techniques described in FAR 15.404-1(b)(2)

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5
Q

It is not necessary for SOWs to be clear, precise, complete, and concise as long as they adhere to FAR policies.

True or False

A

False

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6
Q

An Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) is:

A

A detailed estimate of the costs to the Government of the items or services to be acquired.

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7
Q

Direct costs: (choose one)
1. Are accumulated by logical cost groupings so that distribution can be made with benefits accruing to several cost objectives.
2. Cannot be traced to a single unit or output.
3. Is any cost that can be identified specifically with any cost objective such as a product.
4. Remain relatively constant as the volume of production or business changes.

A
  1. Is any cost that can be identified specifically with any cost objective such as a product.
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8
Q

Salaries of the executive officers of a company are an example of:
1. Indirect costs.
2. Direct costs.
3. Fixed costs.
4. Variable costs.

A

Indirect costs

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9
Q

When preparing an IGCE for a level of effort type contract the effort is simplified because the labor hours are known.

True or False

A

True

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10
Q

The two “families” of contracts are:

  1. Cost Reimbursement
  2. Labor Hour
  3. Time and Materials
  4. Fixed Price
A

Cost Reimbursement and Fixed Price

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11
Q

The Statement of Work (SOW) is the basis for developing evaluation factors.

True or False

A

True

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12
Q

The “Lowest Price Technically Acceptable” (LPTA) basis of award is used when (select all that apply):

  1. A CR contract is contemplated.
  2. All evaluation criteria are go/no-go.
  3. A best value selection will be made.
  4. A multiple distinction of merit is used.
A
  1. All evaluation criteria are go/no-go.
  2. A best value selection will be made.
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13
Q

The competitive range must include offers that:

A

Are most highly rated.

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14
Q

If an offeror is eliminated from the competitive range, it should be notified in writing.

True or False

A

True

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15
Q

How many business days do you have to send out notices to unsuccessful offerors?

A

Three days

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16
Q

For a formal contract at post, when proposals are evaluated for LPTA by a Technical Evaluation Panel, contract award will be based on:
1. The criteria defined by the Chief of Mission
2. Which offer has the lowest price, regardless of technical acceptability
3. It is based on the preference of the requiring office alone
4. Which offer has the best technical proposal, regardless of price

A
  1. It is based on the preference of the requiring office alone
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17
Q

Which of the following is included in contracts using the Uniform Contract Format?

  1. The statement of work
  2. Contract administration information and requirements
  3. A list of contract clauses
  4. All of the above are included in those contracts which use the Uniform Contract Format
A
  1. All of the above are included in those contracts which use the Uniform Contract Format
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18
Q

Which of the following require Arab League Boycott certifications?

  1. Contracts over $250,000
  2. Contract over $7,000,000
  3. Purchase orders
  4. None of the above
A
  1. Contracts over $250,000
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19
Q

If there is requirement at post for personal services from an American dependent, post will obtain these services:

  1. By negotiating and awarding a BPA for the services
  2. By paying the American dependent with petty cash for up to 12 months
  3. Through a Personal Services Contract negotiated at post.
  4. Through Human Resources recruitment and a personnel appointment action.
  5. By asking the GSO to place a contract for the services
A
  1. Through Human Resources recruitment and a personnel appointment action.
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20
Q

Using the “lowest priced technically acceptable offer” evaluation method means:

  1. The technical proposals will be evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis
  2. The Contracting Officer cannot ask for Final Proposal Revisions
  3. The Contracting Officer must award to the lowest priced offeror regardless of technical acceptability
  4. There is no need for any technical evaluation at all
A
  1. The technical proposals will be evaluated on an acceptable/unacceptable basis
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21
Q

Where in the FAR can you find all required contract clauses?

A

FAR Part 52

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22
Q

When only one offeror responds to a solicitation, and the offer is received on time, is evaluated and found to be technically acceptable, the next step the Contracting Officer should take is:

A

Evaluate price reasonableness based on a government cost or price analysis

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23
Q

An offerer is deemed not responsible for award if the Contracting Officer determines: (4 items)

A
  1. The offerer cannot comply with the delivery schedule
  2. The offeror does not have a record of satisfactory performance
  3. Local law makes the offeror ineligible to sign a contract
  4. The offerer lacks sufficient financial resources to perform as required
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24
Q

Which of the following statements about evaluation factors and criteria is false?

  1. The solicitation should clearly state the significant evaluation factors and any significant sub-factors
  2. Evaluation criteria may be drafted by the requiring office
  3. Evaluation criteria must be changed after proposals are received and evaluated, as a way of avoiding award protests
  4. Evaluation criteria may include general experience as a factor
  5. A/OPE includes suggested technical evaluation criteria in their “boilerplate” solicitations
A
  1. Evaluation criteria must be changed after proposals are received and evaluated, as a way of avoiding award protests
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25
Q

The FAR says that you should notify unsuccessful offerors of the award:

A

Within three days after contract award, with a letter that reveals public information such as the name of the winning company and the amount of the award

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26
Q

Which of the following is NOT included among fair elements of a legal contract?

  1. Certainty of terms
    Consideration
  2. A “no fault” insurance clause
  3. Offer and acceptance
  4. Legal purpose
A
  1. A “no fault” insurance clause
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27
Q

When you brief the technical evaluation panel, you will:

A

Explain the technical evaluation criteria specified in the RFP that must be used to evaluate the proposals received

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28
Q

If you find out that an unsuccessful competing contractor is filing a protest, you will first:

A

Consult with A/OPE immediately

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29
Q

When conducting negotiations, overseas Contracting Officers are allowed to:

  1. Consult the Ambassador for guidance in selecting the right contractor
  2. Convert RFPs to “sealed bidding”
  3. Use the written method of negotiation instead of face-to-face meetings
  4. Restrict competition to the incumbent contractor
  5. Bargain secretively
A
  1. Use the written method of negotiation instead of face-to-face meetings
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30
Q

Contracts for “Personal Services” are those in which:

A

Is characterized by the employer-employee relationship it creates between the U.S. Government and the contractor’s personnel

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31
Q

Which of the following is true when conducting negotiations?
1. You will never conduct negotiations orally
2. You will always negotiate with all offerors together, never individually
3. Only written discussions are documented in the file
4. Negotiations may be conducted with only those offerors in the competitive range.

A
  1. Negotiations may be conducted with only those offerors in the competitive range.
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32
Q

The U.S. government’s usual procedure concerning option years in a contract is to:

A

Have a base year and a maximum of four option years in contracts, requiring the government to only re-solicit every five years

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33
Q

When you brief the technical evaluation panel, you will:

A

Explain the technical evaluation criteria specified in the RFP that must be used to evaluate the proposals received

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34
Q

Which of the following is TRUE of contract negotiations?

  1. You will never conduct negotiations orally
  2. You will always negotiate with all offerors together, never individually
  3. Only written discussions are documented in the file
  4. Negotiations may be conducted with only those offerors in the competitive range
  5. None of the above are true
A
  1. Negotiations may be conducted with only those offerors in the competitive range
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35
Q

In a service contract, the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)…

A

Has only the authority contained in his/her designation memorandum

36
Q

When a contractor provides goods or services, three steps are required before the Government can pay the contractor’s invoice.

A

Receipt, inspection, and acceptance

37
Q

Contracting Officers are authorized to decide or settle all claims arising under, or relating to, a contract that includes the disputes clause (FAR 52.233-1), EXCEPT for:

A

Claims made seven years after the dispute began

38
Q

If a contractor fails to perform satisfactorily, the Contracting Officer will usually:

A

Contact the contractor immediately and insist that they remedy the deficiency

39
Q

The required clauses “Termination for Default” and “Termination for Convenience of the Government” in a contract authorizes the Contracting Officer to:

A

Terminate the contract at any point, but must first consult with A/OPE and L/BA

40
Q

The definition of the “Disputes” clause in a contract means that:

A

The Contracting Officer will render a “Final Decision” in response to the contractor’s claim, but the contractor can appeal this decision

41
Q

When an “Inspection” clause is inserted into a contract, this gives the Contracting Officer or the COR the right to:

A

Inspect and test all services called for by the contract

42
Q

In order to exercise an option year, the Contracting Officer must place a written determination in the contract file. According to FAR 17.207, that determination must address the most advantageous method of meeting the Government’s needs, contractor is performing satisfactorily, funds are available, best method of meeting the requirement considering prices and other factors, and contractor is not listed on EPLS within SAM.

A

True

43
Q

When a “Changes” clause (including the alternates) is inserted into a contract, the Contracting Officer can invoke this clause to make any or all of the following changes EXCEPT:

A

Adding work that is outside the scope of the original contract

44
Q

You will close out a contract file:
1. As soon as the COR gives you a statement of Inspection and Acceptance
2. As soon as the contractor finishes the job
3. As soon as the USDO/FMO makes a final payment to the contractor
4. Ten years after the completion of work
5. After all administrative details (including a, band c above) listed in the contract closeout checklist are complete

A
  1. After all administrative details (including a, band c above) listed in the contract closeout checklist are complete
45
Q

When soliciting for architectural and engineering services, Contracting Officers are required to:
Deal only with U.S. architectural and engineering firms…

A

Limit the pure design costs for plans and specifications for A&E services to six percent of the estimated construction cost

46
Q

According to A/OPE, which is the most complete answer describing the roles that the COR and CO play in combatting trafficking of persons?

  1. The Contracting Officer should discuss the importance of TIP prevention and the requirements of the clause at the Pre-Proposal Conference.
  2. None, this is the contractor’s responsibility to comply with the clause.
  3. The CO is required to include TIP clauses in the Solicitation and Contract documents.
  4. The COR should ensure contractor compliance with their Housing plan and Recruitment plan during contract administration and monitoring.
  5. The CO and COR are required to do 1, 3, and 4.
A
  1. The CO and COR are required to do 1, 3, and 4.
47
Q

Which of the following should you send within three calendar days of contract award?
1. Cure notice
2. Notice to unsuccessful offerors
3. Notice to proceed

A
  1. Notice to unsuccessful offerors
48
Q

When a Contracting Officer Representative directs a contractor to perform work beyond the scope of the contract without the Contracting Officer’s authorization, it is defined as:

A

Unauthorized Commitment

49
Q

An unauthorized commitment can only be ratified when:
1. Supplies or services provided to and accepted by the Government, or the Government otherwise has obtained or will obtain a benefit resulting from performance of the unauthorized commitment;
2. The ratifying official has the authority to enter into a contractual commitment;
3. The contracting officer reviewing the unauthorized commitment determines the price to be fair and reasonable
4. Funds are available and were available at the time the unauthorized commitment was made; and
5. All of the above

A
  1. All of the above
50
Q

The definition of “inspection” is:

A

Examining and testing supplies or services to determine whether they conform to contract requirements.

51
Q

Some hardware at the main computer center broke. Joe, the COR, called the manufacturer and arranged to have them come out and service the equipment. Harriet, the CO, found out what Joe has done a month later when she received an invoice from the manufacturer for the work they performed. This is an example of:

A

An unauthorized commitment

52
Q

According to the material in Module 2, there are several essential elements present in a contract in order to be legally enforceable. Which of the following is NOT an essential element of a contract?
1.Offer and Acceptance
2. Provision for payment
3. Consideration
4. Capacity to contract

A
  1. Provision for payment
53
Q

What FAR Part covers types of contracts?

A

FAR Part 16

54
Q

True or False? A firm fixed priced contract describes the contract’s “cost or pricing arrangement.”

A

True

55
Q

Contract XIE-19-3856 includes labor categories, hours for each labor category, and labor rates for each category that are used to reimburse the contractor for the hours incurred performing the contract requirement. Materials consumed during performance are reimbursed at cost, plus overhead. What type of contract is this?

A

Time and Materials (T&M)

56
Q

You are a contracting officer for the ABC Agency. You have a customer with a requirement for guard services in a building leased by your agency. Your customer was able to define the requirement with an acceptable degree of certainty. What contract type are you going to recommend to your customer?

A

Firm-Fixed-Price (FAR 16.202-1)

57
Q

If a contracting officer agrees to pay the ABC Lawn Maintenance LLC $50 for each hour they spend mowing a Federal agency’s HQ lawn, this is an example of what type of contract?

A

Labor hour (LH)

58
Q

What does SAP stand for?

A

Simplified Acquisitions Procedure

59
Q

What does SAT stand for?

A

Simplified Acquisitions Threshold

60
Q

After completing PA221 Acquisitions, you will qualify for an overseascontracting warrant. How much of a warrant will you qualify for?

A

$250,000

61
Q

What is the FAR?

A

Federal Acquisition Regulation

62
Q

What is the DOSAR?

A

Department of State Acquisition Regulations

63
Q

Which part of the FAR establishes policies and procedures unique to the acquisition of commercial items?

A

FAR part 12

64
Q

What is a “Bona Fide Need: in the context of Federal acquisitions?

A

Meeting an actual, legitimate need for the purchase.

65
Q

In order to use SAP for purchasing a noncommercial item, the price cannot exceed what?

A

$250,000

66
Q

What is limited to $10,000?

A

Micro-purchase threshold

67
Q

All of the following are valid Justifications for Other Than Full and Open Competition EXCEPT:

  1. National security
  2. Most of the potential offerors in your host country cannot read English
  3. Limited competition is allowed by a U.S. statute
  4. Unusual and compelling urgency
  5. Only one source can meet a post requirement
A
  1. Most of the potential offerors in your host country cannot read English
68
Q

A CO should use SAP when?

A

Estimated value of requirement is equal to or less than the SAT

69
Q

You have a requirement for five new HVAC chillers. Each chiller is estimated to cost $1.6 million. Can you use SAP?

A

No. The SAT for commercial items is $7.5 million and this totals $8 million

70
Q

True / False. Contracting Officers must solicit at least 3 quotes for every procurement regardless of the total cost.

A

False. For purchases under $10,000, all you need is one quote

71
Q

This FAR Part covers most details about the policies and procedures associated with SAP.

A

part 13

72
Q

What is an exception to the rule on using required sources?

A

Time constraints – the required source won’t get you the item in time.

73
Q

The description of the “who, what, where, when, why, or how” for a Government requirement for products or services is called:

A

SOW - Statement of Work

73
Q

Criteria to assess offeror abilities to meet the Government’s needs, and to assess the relative merit of competing proposals, is:

A

Evaluation Criteria

74
Q

True/False: The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) recommends market research prior to developing new requirements documents and generally requires market research prior to soliciting requirements of any value.

A

True

74
Q

True/False: When using SAP, the basis for award must always be price alone

A

False

75
Q

Where can you locate a sample solicitations with boilerplate text recommended for use by overseas posts?

A

A/OPE’s Intranet web site

76
Q

Where in the FAR can you find all required contract clauses?

A

FAR part 52

77
Q

At a pre-proposal conference, it is a good idea for you to:

A

Inform attendees that the official answers to their questions will be sent to them in writing

78
Q

A “Request for Proposals” (RFP):

A

Shall be published a minimum of 30 days before offers are due (and even longer for some types of contracts)

79
Q

All of the following statements about market research are true EXCEPT:
1. Market research is prohibited for acquisitions above the simplified acquisition
2. Market research allows the USG to determine if commercial items are available to meet the agency’s needs
3. One primary purpose of market research is to identify qualified sources of supply
4. Conducting product searches on the Internet is a valid way of conducting market research
5. Asking other entities how they meet requirements similar to yours is a valid way to conduct market research

A
  1. Market research is prohibited for acquisitions above the simplified acquisition
80
Q

What is the best way to handle inquiries about a solicitation is to:

A

Insist that all inquiries be made in writing so the answers can be share with all the interested offerors

81
Q

Acquisition plans and budget projections are best prepared by…

A

a team effort involving the FMO, GSO, and requiring office

82
Q

When conducting negotiations, overseas Contracting Officers are allowed to:
1. Consult the Ambassador for guidance in selecting the right contractor
2. Convert RFPs to “sealed bidding”
3. Use the written method of negotiation instead of face-to-face meetings
4. Restrict competition to the incumbent contractor
5. Bargain secretively

A
  1. Use the written method of negotiation instead of face-to-face meetings
83
Q

All of the following are valid reasons for amending a solicitation EXCEPT:
1. The Contracting Officer failed to include an attachment listing Government-furnished property
2. The incumbent contractor key personnel is on sick leave
3. The requiring office has a change in its needs
4. At a pre-proposal conference, a potential offeror points out an important ambiguity in the solicitation
5. Extending the closing date for receipt of proposals would greatly enhance competition

A
  1. The incumbent contractor key personnel is on sick leave
84
Q

What document is normally prepared first?

A

The statement of work or specification

85
Q

True / False. Agencies should not perform acquisition planning and conduct market research for all acquisitions in order to promote and provide for acquisition of commercial items and to obtain competition to the maximum extent practicable

A

False

U.S. Government Contracting (1 decks)

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