Introduction: Flashcards
FAR Parts 1, 2, 52, 53 and 20, 21 & 40
Introduction
FAR Parts 1, 2, 52, 53 and 20, 21 & 40
FAR Part 1 - Federal Acquisition Regulations System
FAR Part 2 - Definitions of Words and Terms
FAR Part 52 - Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses
FAR Part 53 - Forms
FAR Parts 20, 21, and 40 - Reserved
______________ products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product or service.
Environmentally Friendly
Environmentally Conscientious
Environmentally Preferable
Environmentally Advantageous
FAR 2.101
Environmentally Preferable
How should alternates to a given provision or clause be titled per FAR Part 52?
Alternate A, Alternate B, Alternate C
Alternate 1, Alternate 2, Alternate 3
Alternate a, Alternate b, Alternate c
Alternate I, Alternate II, Alternate III
FAR 52.105
Alternate I, Alternate II, Alternate III
Where can executive agencies obtain standard and optional forms?
GSA Forms Library
Acquisition.gov
From the prescribing agency
Via internet search
FAR 53.107
GSA Forms Library
The contracting officer may modify provisions and clauses if:
substitute words are agreed upon by both parties
all changes are documented thoroughly
the FAR authorizes their modification
the situation calls for modification
FAR 52.104(a)
the FAR authorizes their modification
Which of the following is a latent defect?
The defect exists at the time of acceptance and could be discovered by a reasonable inspection
The defect is discovered by the contractor’s quality inspector
The defect exists at the time of acceptance and cannot be discovered by reasonable inspection
The defect existed at the time of delivery
FAR 2.101
The defect exists at the time of acceptance and cannot be discovered by reasonable inspection
How does Part 52 define a modification?
a minor change in the details of the FAR
a minor change in the details of a provision or clause that is not authorized by the FAR
a change in the details of a provision or clause that is specifically authorized by the FAR
a minor change in the details of a provision or clause that is specifically authorized by the FAR and does not alter the substance of the provision or clause
FAR 52.101
a minor change in the details of a provision or clause that is specifically authorized by the FAR and does not alter the substance of the provision or clause
Which of the following is correct about the FAR citation 15.506(a)?
15 is the part, 5 is the subpart, 06 is the section, and a is the paragraph.
1 is the part, 5 is the subpart, 506 is the section, and a is the paragraph.
15 is the part, 5 is the subpart, 06 is the paragraph, and a is the sentence.
15 is the part, 50 is the subpart, 6 is the section, and a is the paragraph.
FAR 1.105-2
15 is the part, 5 is the subpart, 06 is the section, and a is the paragraph.
he Federal Acquisition Regulations system was established for the codification and publication of uniform policies and procedures for which of the following?
All branches of the U.S. Military
The Department of Defense
The Administrative Agency
All executive agencies
FAR 1.101
All executive agencies
he FAR is prepared, issued, and maintained by:
The Executive Office of the President.
The Office of Management and Budget and the General Services Administration.
The National Contract Management Association.
The Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
FAR 1.103
The Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Who is responsible for printing, publishing, and distributing the Federal Acquisition Regulation?
The DAR Council and CAA Council, jointly
The FAR Secretariat, as authorized by GSA
A FAR Representative authorized by the Secretary of Defense
The Administrator of General Services
FAR 1.201-2
The FAR Secretariat, as authorized by GSA
Which of the following is a special form of written approval by an authorized official that is required by statute or regulation as a prerequisite of taking certain contract actions?
Determination and Findings (D&F)
Offer
Advisory and Assistance Service (AAS)
Agency Acquisition Regulation (AAR)
FAR 1.701
Determination and Findings (D&F)
How can an agency working in a specific category of contracts streamline incorporating provisions and clauses?
Continue to cite the provisions and clauses individually
Create and reference electronic group listing of provisions and clauses
Print and collate multiple copies of the necessary provisions and clauses
Provide provisions and clauses upon request
FAR 52.102
Create and reference electronic group listing of provisions and clauses
Revisions to the FAR will be prepared and issued through the coordinated action of:
The Defense Logistics Agency and the General Services Administration.
The General Services Administration and the FAR Secretariat.
The Defense Acquisition Regulations Council and the Civilian Acquisition Council.
The FAR Revisions Board and the FAR Secretariat.
FAR 1.201-1
The Defense Acquisition Regulations Council and the Civilian Acquisition Council.
What does the introductory text of each provision or clause include?
cross-reference to the FAR
identification of modified text
the full text of the provision or clause
rationale for inclusion of the provision or clause
FAR 52.101
cross-reference to the FAR
Which of the following is not a condition under which an unauthorized commitment may be ratified?
Funds are available and were available at the time the unauthorized commitment was made.
The ratifying official has the authority to enter into a contractual commitment.
The unauthorized commitment is under the simplified acquisition threshold.
The contracting officer reviewing the unauthorized commitment determines the price to be fair and reasonable.
FAR 1.602-3(c)
The unauthorized commitment is under the simplified acquisition threshold.
Which of the following best describes an “unauthorized commitment”?
An agreement which is not binding solely because the government representative who made it lacked the authority to enter into that agreement.
An agreement which is not binding because the individual who made it was not a government representative.
An agreement that is binding because the government representative who made it appeared to have the authority to enter into that agreement on behalf of the government.
A special form of written approval that is required by statute or regulation.
FAR 1.602-3(a)
An agreement which is not binding solely because the government representative who made it lacked the authority to enter into that agreement.
Which of the following is not considered an offer?
A response to a solicitation that, if accepted, would bind the offeror to perform the resultant contract
A response to a request for quotations
A response to a request for proposals
A response to an invitation for bids
FAR 2.101
A response to a request for quotations
distinct six-position code consisting of a combination of alpha and/or numeric characters assigned to identify specific agency offices, units, activities, or organizations by the General Services Administration for civilian agencies and by the Department of Defense for defense agencies is the:
Activity Address Code (AAC)
Procurement Instrument Identification (PIID)Â
Line Item Number
CAGE Code Number
FAR 2.101
Activity Address Code (AAC)
Governmentwide point of entry (GPE) means the single point where Government business opportunities greater than ___________, including synopses of proposed contract actions, solicitations, and associated information, can be accessed electronically by the public.
35000
20000
35000
25000
FAR 2.101
25000
This term refers to consolidating two or more requirements for supplies or services previously provided or performed under separate or small contracts into a solicitation for a single contract that is likely to be unsuitable for award to a small business concern.
Subcontracting
Grouping
Joinder
Bundling
FAR 2.101
Bundling
In the FAR citation “FAR 25.1102(a)(2),” what is referred to by the number 11?
Subsection 25.11
Subpart 25.11
Paragraph 11
Section 11
FAR 1.105-2
Subpart 25.11
Best value means:
The expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the contractor’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit even if the requirements have been changed.
The expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the government’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement.
The outcome of an acquisition that, in the government’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit even if the requirements have been changed.
The expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the contractor’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement.
FAR 2.101
The expected outcome of an acquisition that, in the government’s estimation, provides the greatest overall benefit in response to the requirement.
Which of the following is not considered a contract?
A bilateral instrument
A grant or cooperative agreement
A job order or task letter
A purchase order
FAR 2.10
A grant or cooperative agreement
Which of the following is not one of the contracting officer’s authorities and responsibilities?
To obtain the lowest price on behalf of the government.
To enter into and sign contracts on behalf of the government.
To ensure that all requirements of law, executive orders, regulations, and all other applicable procedures including clearances and approvals have been met.
To terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.
FAR 1.6
To obtain the lowest price on behalf of the government.
Where can you make a recommendation for a new form if you are not affiliated with an executive agency?
Government Accountability Office
General Services Administration
the FAR Secretariat
Recommendations are not permitted
FAR 53.108
the FAR Secretariat
hen might contracting offices request exceptions to standard forms?
Overprinting forms
Computer generated forms
Special construction and printing forms
Continuation sheets
FAR 53.106
Overprinting forms
Global warming potential means how much a given mass of a chemical contributes to global warming over a given time-period compared to the same mass of carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide’s global warming potential is defined as _____.
10
0.1
0.01
1
FAR 2.10
1
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering.
What is the Federal Acquisition Regulation?
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is a set of instructions written for federal employees conducting
“acquisitions,” or buying goods and services. This acquisition process is also called contracting, procurement, purchasing, or “buying stuff.”
The FAR explains to the government employees
—mostly government contracting officers-what processes to follow when “buying stuff” on behalf of the federal agency. For example, the FAR prescribes which clauses to insert depending on the substance and purpose of a federal contract.
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering.
Does the FAR also include the text of the standard clauses the contracting officer is supposed to insert in my government contracts?
Yes, you can find those standard FAR clauses in FAR Part 52, Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses.
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering.
Is the FAR a set of laws or a set of regulations?
The FAR consists of regulations, which means it is created by federal agencies, as distinguished from laws, which are passed by Congress. However, much of the FAR is based on laws passed by Congress. The FAR
“implements” the substance of the law. For example, FAR Part 6, Competition Requirements, implements the substance of a law called the Competition in Contracting Act. FAR Part 19, Small Business Programs, implements the Small Business Act.
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering.
What are the guiding principles of the FAR?
The guiding principles of the FAR are as follows:
Satisfy the federal client in terms of cost, quality, and delivery.
Maximize the use of commercial products and commercial services.
Select contractors with good past performance or the ability to perform.
Promote competition among contractors.
Conduct business with integrity, fairness, and transparency.
Fulfill government policy objectives.
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering
What is the most interesting section in the FAR?
The most interesting section is FAR 1.102-5(e), which states the following:
“If a policy or procedure, or a particular strategy or practice, is in the best interest of the Government and is not specifically addressed in the FAR, nor prohibited by law (statute or case law), Executive order or other regulation, Government members of the Team should not assume it is prohibited.
Rather, absence of direction should be interpreted as permitting the Team to innovate and use sound business judgment that is otherwise consistent with law and within the limits of their authority.
Contracting officers should take the lead in encouraging business process innovations and ensuring that business decisions are sound.”
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering
What does FAR 1.102-5(e) mean in plain English?
In plain English, FAR 1.102-5(e) means the government can do things differently and innovate if nothing prohibits the new way of doing business.
Unless you find something that says you cannot do so, go ahead and try out new ideas that benefit the government. This section encourages positive changes to government contracting.
This process sounds quite different from the rigid, over-regulated, complicated mess that is the usual government contracting. Many contracting officers do not know about this section of the FAR. Many fear using this authority because it requires initiative and risk taking. If you have great ideas for improving the process or doing things in a completely new and different way, send your ideas to the government along with the text of FAR 1.102-5(e).
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering
To whom does the FAR apply?
The FAR applies to federal employees conducting acquisitions, a function otherwise known ascontracting, procurement, purchasing, or “buying stuff.” The FAR is written primarily for contracting officers, who have the authority to sign, modify, administer, and terminate contracts on behalf of the federal government.
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering
Does the FAR apply to government contractors?
No, but that does not mean that the FAR is not relevant to government contractors! For a full explanation, read Introductory Chapter 2, “No, the FAR Does Not Apply to Government Contractors.”
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering
Where can I find the official text of the FAR?
The official, online source of the FAR is www.acquisition.gov, which is maintained by the General Services Administration. However, I must warn you: I have found several errors over the years in this “official” source. For that reason, although www.acquisition.gov is convenient and easy to use, I do not trust it fully.
Another official source for any regulation, including the FAR, is the electronic Code of Federal Regulations,
available online at www.ecfr.gov. Many other websites reproduce the FAR or discuss the FAR. Just remember that the official website for the FAR is www.acquisition.gov and the official website for all regulations, including the FAR, is www.ecfr.gov.
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering
What is the Code of Federal Regulations?
The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) is the organized set of all federal regulations, including the FAR. The CFR is organized by titles and chapter. The FAR is Chapter 1 of Title 48 of the CFR.
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering
How is the FAR organized?
The FAR is organized into 53 parts. Each part is further divided into subparts, sections, and subsections. You only need to understand the level of detail for parts of the FAR. For example, FAR Part 19 covers Small Business Programs. FAR Part 6 covers Competition Requirements. This book gives you a plain-English summary of all 53 FAR parts.
FAR PART 1, FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM
FAR Part 1 provides you the basics of how the Federal Acquisition Regulation works, including its purpose, applicability, arrangement, and numbering
What part of the FAR matters most to my government contracting company?
The most important part is FAR Part 52, which contains the standard contract clauses.