Q&A Deck 1 Flashcards
What is the order of precedence among the 8(a) Program, HUBZone Program, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Procurement Program, and Women-Owned Small Business Program?
- 8(a) is preferred, followed by HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB in that order
- HUBZone is preferred, followed by 8(a), SDVOSB, and WOSB in that order
- 8(a) is preferred, and all others are treated equally
- There is no order of precedence
Correct: There is no order of precedence
What is the preferred method of transporting supplies for the Government?
- Government-leased vehicles
- Chartered vessels
- Commercial carriers
- Government-owned vehicles
Correct: Commercial carriers
In preparing work statements, technical and contracting personnel shall consider and, as appropriate, provide in the solicitation all of the following EXCEPT:
- Information on factors such as personnel, environment, and interfaces that may constrain the results of the effort.
- A precise description of the work and methods.
- Reporting requirements and information on any additional items that the contractor is required to furnish as the work progresses.
- A statement of the area of exploration, tasks to be performed, and objectives of the research or development effort.
FAR Part 9
A precise description of the work and methods.
Under the conditions outlined in FAR Part 27.302, when might a contractor without a place of business in the United States be required to assign title to an invention to the Government?
- If the invention is protected by a patent filed in the contractor’s home country.
- If the invention is solely funded by the contractor’s private resources.
- If the invention is disclosed to the government after the patent protection expires.
- If the invention is made under a Federal research and development contract, is not protected by a patent, and the contractor fails to disclose it to the government within the specified time frame.
FAR Part 27.302
- If the invention is made under a Federal research and development contract, is not protected by a patent, and the contractor fails to disclose it to the government within the specified time frame.
Under what circumstances can a contractor request an extension of time for completion of a construction contract and what is the process for making such a request according to FAR part 11.5?
- A contractor can request an extension of time within 10 days of the beginning of a delay caused by a variation in estimated vs actual quantity of unit-priced items.
- A contractor can request an extension of time if the variation in estimated vs actual quantity of unit-priced items exceeds +/- 15%. The request must be made within 10 days of the beginning of the delay.
- A contractor can request an extension of time if the variation in estimated vs actual quantity of unit-priced items is less than +/- 15%. The request must be made within 10 days of the beginning of the delay.
- A contractor cannot request an extension of time for completion.
FAR 11.5
A contractor can request an extension of time if the variation in estimated vs actual quantity of unit-priced items exceeds +/- 15%. The request must be made within 10 days of the beginning of the delay.
What law governs the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personally identifiable information about individuals that is maintained in systems of records by federal agencies?
- Federal Records Act
- Freedom of Information Act
- Cybersecurity Act
- Privacy Act of 1974
Correct: Privacy Act of 1974
Which FAR part specifies the definitions for words and terms that are to be used unless another FAR part provides a different definition for that part?
- Part 5
- Part 4
- Part 1
- Part 2
Correct: Part 2
Which contract type places maximum risk and full responsibility for all costs and resulting profit or loss on the contractor?
- Time-and-materials
- Cost-reimbursement
- Firm-fixed-price
- Indefinite-delivery
Correct: Firm-fixed-price
What is GSA Standard Form 30 (SF30)?
- Annual Bid Bond
- U.S. Government Purchase Order
- Solicitation Offer and Award
- Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract
Correct: Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract
In which of the following cases may an agency consider an unsolicited proposal on a sole source basis?
- The proposal is for research, and justification and approval have been obtained
- The proposal closely resembles a pending competitive acquisition requirement
- The substance of the proposal is available from another source without restriction
- The proposal does not contain cost-related or price-related information
Correct: The proposal is for research, and justification and approval have been obtained
Which of the following terms means a list of products that have been examined and tested, and have satisfied all applicable requirements?
- Evaluated products list
- Procurement list
- Qualified products list
- Federal Supply Schedule
Correct: Qualified products list
If market research indicates that commercial or nondevelopmental items might not be available to satisfy agency needs, what shall the agency do?
- Solicit and award a contract for a developmental item
- Reevaluate the need and determine whether the need can be restated to permit commercial or nondevelopmental items to satisfy the agency’s need
- Order a similar item from a GSA schedule and modify it to fit the agency’s need
- Cancel the agency’s requirement
Correct: Reevaluate the need and determine whether the need can be restated to permit commercial or nondevelopmental items to satisfy the agency’s need
Which of the following is an inherently governmental function?
- Transporting a prisoner to a Federal prison
- Conducting a community relations campaign
- Interviewing applicants for Federal employment
- Providing legal advice to Government officials
Correct: Interviewing applicants for Federal employment
Which of the following is not a required element in a Broad Agency Announcement?
- A description of the agency’s research interest
- An estimate of the level of effort required
- The criteria by which proposals will be selected
- The period of time during which proposals will be accepted
Correct: An estimate of the level of effort required
Which agency resolves questions on whether a technology qualifies for SAFETY Act protections?
- Department of Homeland Security
- Department of Defense
- General Services Administration
- Department of State
Correct: Department of Homeland Security
In which of the following cases may a time-and-materials contract be used?
- The contracting officer determines that certified cost or pricing data is not required for price reasonableness.
- The contracting officer determines that the contract type if fair and reasonable.
- The contracting officer determines that the contract type is the best value.
- The contracting officer prepares a determination and findings that no other contract type is suitable.
Correct: The contracting officer prepares a determination and findings that no other contract type is suitable.
Which of the following is not a reason to use a liquidated damages clause in a solicitation?
- A negative performance incentive for timely delivery or performance is needed
- The Government may reasonably expect to suffer damage if the delivery is delinquent
- Timely performance is so important that the Government will suffer damage if performance is delinquent
- The extent of the damage expected by the Government cannot be accurately estimated
Correct: A negative performance incentive for timely delivery or performance is needed
What is buying-in?
- Providing a thing of value to a contractor for the purpose of improperly obtaining favorable treatment in connection with a contract
- Dividing the market, so that certain competitors bid low only for contracts awarded by certain agencies or in certain geographical areas
- Purchasing additional supplies or services called for in a contract, within a specified period of time, by exercising a right in the contract
- Submitting an offer below anticipated costs, expecting to increase the contract amount after award or to receive follow-on contracts at higher prices
Correct: Submitting an offer below anticipated costs, expecting to increase the contract amount after award or to receive follow-on contracts at higher prices
For research and development work performed under a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract, what is the maximum fee that may be negotiated?
- 15 percent of the contract’s estimated cost, excluding fee
- 25 percent of the contract’s estimated cost, including fee
- 1000000
- Any amount that the Government determines is fair and reasonable
Correct: 15 percent of the contract’s estimated cost, excluding fee
Which of the following contract types would be most appropriate for acquisition of a commercial item?
- Time-and-materials
- Firm-fixed-price
- Labor-hour
- Cost-sharing
Correct: Firm-fixed-price
Except for copyrighted works, what rights does the Government acquire in data first produced in the performance of a federal procurement contract?
- Reserved rights
- Limited rights
- Unlimited rights
- None—the contractor retains all rights in the data
Correct: Unlimited rights
Which of the following is true about the priority of DPAS-rated orders?
- DO-rated orders take preference over DX-rated orders, and both take preference over unrated orders
- DX-rated orders take preference over DO-rated orders, and unrated orders take preference over both
- DO-rated orders have equal preference with other DO-rated orders
- DX-rated orders have equal preference with unrated orders
Correct: DO-rated orders have equal preference with other DO-rated orders
What is the purpose of first article testing and approval?
- To ensure that a prospective contractor is responsible
- To test and approve an item during research and development
- To ensure than an item can be placed on a qualified products list
- To ensure that a contractor can furnish a product that conforms to all contract requirements for acceptance
Correct: To ensure that a contractor can furnish a product that conforms to all contract requirements for acceptance
What is the difference between a personal services contract and a nonpersonal services contract?
- Under a personal services contract, the personnel rendering the services appear to be subject to government supervision and control
- Under a nonpersonal services contract, the tools and equipment used are supplied by the government
- Under a personal services contract, any overtime accrued by the personnel rendering the services will not be compensated
- Personal services contracts are used for a small number of personnel, and nonpersonal services contracts are used for a large number of personnel
Correct: Under a personal services contract, the personnel rendering the services appear to be subject to government supervision and control
What is a CPSR and what is its purpose?
- Contractor Pricing System Review; to ensure that a contractor is correctly and accurately applying dollar thresholds in its pricing
- Contractor Purchasing System Review; to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness with which the contractor spends Government funds
- Counterfeit Part Surveillance Report; to detect and avoid the use of parts which have been misrepresented or unlawfully reproduced
- Contractor Program Status Register; to record the price, quality, delivery, and technical and financial capabilities of competing vendors
Correct: Contractor Purchasing System Review; to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness with which the contractor spends Government funds
Which of the following is a true statement about the role of the Acquisition Team?
- The authority to make decisions shall generally be vested in the highest level within the FAR system
- The Government usually does not provide training for Government participants on the Team
- The procurement policies and procedures that are used by members of the Acquisition Team are outlined in the FAR
- If a policy or procedure is not specifically addressed in the FAR, the Acquisition Team should assume that it is prohibited
Correct: The procurement policies and procedures that are used by members of the Acquisition Team are outlined in the FAR
The process of establishing a reasonable amount to be paid for supplies or services is called what?
- Cost analysis
- Pricing
- Solicitation
- Source selection
Correct: Pricing
Which of the following public relations or advertising costs would be unallowable?
- Responding to inquiries on company policies
- Participating in community service activities
- Providing a tour or open house of a facility
- Hosting a ceremony to announce a new product
Correct: Hosting a ceremony to announce a new product
Who is generally responsible for granting approval of a contractor’s purchasing system?
- The prime contractor
- The procuring contracting officer
- The fee-determining official
- The administrative contracting officer
Correct: The administrative contracting officer
In an acquisition plan, which of the following is a responsibility of the agency head (or the agency head’s designee)?
- Encouraging offerors to supply developmental items whenever practicable
- Promoting and providing for full and open competition
- Ensuring that acquisition planners employ bundling to the maximum extent possible
- Designating and authorizing a COR
Correct: Promoting and providing for full and open competition
If the contracting officer receives only one acceptable offer at a reasonable price from a responsible small business concern in response to a set-aside, the contracting officer should …
- perform market research to avoid “bundling.”
- resolicit without the set-aside restriction for “full and open competition.”
- seek additional small business offers under the “rule of two.”
- make an award to that firm
Correct: make an award to that firm.
Which of the following is the Government permitted to do after receipt of proposals?
- Reveal the names of individuals providing reference information about an offeror’s past performance
- Consider revisions to an offeror’s proposal after that proposal has been eliminated
- Make an award without holding discussions, if the solicitation says this is intended
- Make an award without documenting the source selection decision
Correct: Make an award without holding discussions, if the solicitation says this is intended
Which of the following is true about acquisitions for which the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement applies?
- The contracting officer must not include technical requirements in solicitations solely to preclude the acquisition of eligible products
- Least developed country end products, construction material, and services shall not be treated as eligible products
- Only U.S.-made or designated country end products shall be acquired, unless offers for such end products are either not received or are insufficient to fulfill the requirements
- The dollar value of the acquisition is not a determining factor in the applicability of trade agreements
Correct: The contracting officer must not include technical requirements in solicitations solely to preclude the acquisition of eligible products
Which of the following is NOT an example of information technology?
- A building’s digital thermostat
- A computer hard drive
- Software development
- A modem
Correct: A building’s digital thermostat
What is required when a change order is not forward priced?
- A Limitation of Funds clause
- An agreement that the contractor will stop work
- Documentation of the change order and an agreement to an equitable adjustment in contract terms
- Only that the change order be documented
Correct: Documentation of the change order and an agreement to an equitable adjustment in contract terms
When evaluating a proposal, what rating method is an agency required to use to assess the evaluation factors specified in the solicitation?
- Adjectival or color ratings
- A numerical weighting system
- A combination of numerical weights and ordinal rankings
- The agency may use any method or combination of methods
Correct: The agency may use any method or combination of methods
Which of the following is a technique used to promote the early exchange of information with industry?
- Oral presentations
- Contract evaluation
- Market research
- Source selection
Correct: Market research
Which of the following does NOT justify the use of emergency acquisition flexibilities?
- The acquisition is in support of a contingency operation
- The acquisition is to facilitate the defense against a nuclear attack against the United States
- The acquisition is to replace Government property that was involved in a crime
- The President has issued a major disaster declaration
Correct: The acquisition is to replace Government property that was involved in a crime
Which of the following would be necessary for sealed bidding to be appropriate?
- Discussions with the responding offerors are required
- There is a reasonable expectation of receiving only one bid
- A very limited amount of time is available to evaluate bids
- The award will be made on the basis of price and price-related factors
Correct: The award will be made on the basis of price and price-related factors
Which is NOT true of state and local taxes on federal purchases and leases?
- Generally, the federal government is immune.
- Where exemptions exist, the contracting officer must take advantage of them.
- Subcontractor purchases of commercial products under federal prime contracts are always immune to state and local taxes.
- Contractors and subcontractors must consult with the agency when there are exemptions that may apply.
FAR Part 29
Subcontractor purchases of commercial products under federal prime contracts are always immune to state and local taxes.
Which of the following functions are normally delegated from the Contracting Officer to the Contract Administration Office (CAO)?
- auditing the financial and accounting aspects of the contractor’s cost control systems
- post-award administrative functions
- adjudicating claims under the Disputes clause
- deciding agency bid protests
FAR Part 42
post-award administrative functions
The obtaining of opinions, special knowledge, or skills from noted experts would be included in what kind of service?
- Performance-based service
- Advisory and assistance service
- Continuing service
- Expert assistance service
Correct: Advisory and assistance service
Who is authorized to execute contract modifications on behalf of the Government?
- Only a contracting officer acting within the scope of his or her authority
- Only the COR
- Only the head of the contracting agency
- Any contracting officer
Correct: Only a contracting officer acting within the scope of his or her authority
A cash fund of fixed amount established by an advance of funds, for disbursement in cash for relatively small amounts is called what?
- Imprest fund
- Petty cash
- Voucher
- Third-party draft
Correct: Imprest fund
A mineral required for production in performance of a contract is not mined in the United States, but can be acquired from another country. How does the Buy American statute apply in this case?
- The mineral must be acquired from a domestic supplier
- The mineral is considered a foreign end product
- Performance of the contract must be stopped until a domestic substitute becomes available
- The mineral may be acquired from a foreign source if it is in the best interest of the Government
Correct: The mineral may be acquired from a foreign source if it is in the best interest of the Government
A defense subcontractor provides a gift of vehicles to a prime contractor, and in return the prime contractor awards the subcontractor a valuable military subcontract. Which of the following is true?
- The prime contractor and the subcontractor are subject to civil and criminal penalties
- The prime contractor is subject to civil penalties, but not criminal penalties
- The subcontractor, but not the prime contractor, is subject to civil or criminal penalties
- The prime contractor and the subcontractor are not subject to civil penalties
Correct: The prime contractor and the subcontractor are subject to civil and criminal penalties
The Government’s policy is to try to resolve all contractual issues in controversy by what?
- Mutual agreement at the contracting officer’s level
- Procedures other than alternative dispute resolution
- Unilateral agreement by the contracting agency
- Mutual agreement at the Executive level
Correct: Mutual agreement at the contracting officer’s level
A failure in estimating, accumulating, or reporting costs to comply with applicable cost accounting standards is called what?
- Deviation
- Nonconformity
- Noncompliance
- Digression
Correct: Noncompliance
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
Correct: The FAR Secretariat, as authorized by GSA
Which of the following is true during a disaster or emergency response?
- Preference is given to local businesses.
- The micro-purchase threshold may be applied to all related acquisitions.
- When transitioning work to local businesses, agencies will automatically be required to cancel or renegotiate existing contracts to accommodate the emergency response.
- Written justifications are not required.
Correct: Preference is given to local businesses.
If hazardous materials are expected to be used during contract performance, what must the apparent successful offeror do prior to contract award?
- Make all reasonable efforts to procure nonhazardous materials instead
- Make a list of the hazardous materials to be used available to the public
- Furnish hazardous material data on a Material Safety Data Sheet
- Require bonding and insurance during performance of the contract
Correct: Furnish hazardous material data on a Material Safety Data Sheet
If a prospective contractor is qualified and eligible to receive an award, but lacks adequate financial resources to perform the contract, can the contractor be determined responsible?
- The contractor shall be determined responsible
- The contractor shall be determined nonresponsible
- If the contractor presents evidence of the ability to obtain adequate financial resources, the contractor may be determined responsible
- If the contractor is a small business, the contractor shall be determined responsible
Correct: If the contractor presents evidence of the ability to obtain adequate financial resources, the contractor may be determined responsible
For a contract exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold, an offeror (other than an individual) that does not agree to provide a drug-free workplace is what?
- Subject to suspension or debarment
- Eligible only for contracts of 30 days duration or less
- Not considered a responsible source
- Required to inform the Government of drug abuse violations that have occurred
Correct: Not considered a responsible source
Which of the following is true about size standards?
- The size standards established by the SBA are universal for all industries
- NAICS codes are updated by OMB every year
- Application of size standards includes specifying the size standard in the solicitation
- A new NAICS code can be used for up to 12 months before SBA issues a size standard for it
Correct: Application of size standards includes specifying the size standard in the solicitation
An indefinite-quantity contract is best used when:
- a recurring need is anticipated.
- engineering and design services are needed.
- for research and development efforts.
- for development and production.
Correct: a recurring need is anticipated.
What law specifies how agencies shall make their records available upon public request, imposes strict time standards for agency responses, and exempts certain records from public disclosure?
- Privacy Act of 1974
- Federal Records Act
- Freedom of Information Act
- Paperwork Reduction Act
Correct: Freedom of Information Act
Which of the following types of taxes are allowable contractor costs?
- Federal, State, and local taxes.
- Taxes from which exemptions are available to the contractor directly.
- Taxes in connection with financing and refinancing.
- Federal income and excess profits taxes.
Correct: Federal, State, and local taxes.
What can a contractor access online at www.sam.gov?
- DataBank
- Contract Opportunities
- Entity Information
- All of the above
FAR Part 4
- All of the above
The unilateral right in a contract by which the Government may elect to purchase additional supplies or services called for by the contract is called what?
- Extension
- Continued portion
- Modification
- Option
Correct: Option
According to FAR Part 11.502 Procedures, what must be included in construction contracts with liquidated damages provisions?
- The liquidated damages clause should specify the specific milestones for the assessment of liquidated damages.
- The liquidated damages clause should outline the consequences of non-payment of liquidated damages.
- The liquidated damages clause will include a provision for extending the contract completion date.
- The liquidated damages clause must describe the rate(s) of liquidated damages assessed per day of delay, including the estimated daily cost of Government inspection, superintendence, and other associated expenses.
FAR Part 11.502
The liquidated damages clause must describe the rate(s) of liquidated damages assessed per day of delay, including the estimated daily cost of Government inspection, superintendence, and other associated expenses.
Which of the following is not a method for simplified acquisition?
- Blanket purchase agreement
- Governmentwide commercial purchase card
- Advance agreement
- Purchase order
Correct: Advance agreement
Each acquisition of supplies or services that has an anticipated dollar value above the ______________, but not over the ___________, shall be set aside for small business unless the contracting officer determines there is not a reasonable expectation of obtaining offers from two or more responsible small business concerns that are competitive in terms of fair market prices, quality, and delivery.
- advance payment threshold; simplified acquisition threshold
- micro-purchase threshold; simplified acquisition threshold
- simplified acquisition threshold; truthful cost or pricing threshold
- small business threshold; large business threshold
Correct: micro-purchase threshold; simplified acquisition threshold
In holding discussions with each offeror within the competitive range, which of these improvement areas is the contracting officer NOT required to discuss?
- Every area in which the proposal could be improved.
- Adverse past performance information to which the offeror has not yet had a chance to respond.
- Significant weaknesses.
- Deficiencies
15.306
- Every area in which the proposal could be improved.
