Q&A Deck 2 Flashcards
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
What are the two types of contract modifications?
- Negotiated and administrative
- Limited and unlimited
-Enforceable and unenforceable - Unilateral and bilateral
FAR 43.103
Unilateral and bilateral
What bond secures fulfillment of the Contractor’s obligations under a patent provision?
- Advance payment bond
- Annual bid bond
- Performance bond
- Patent infringement bond
FAR 28.001(4)
Patent infringement bond
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
The contracting officer may modify provisions and clauses if:
- substitute words are agreed upon by both parties
- all changes are documented thoroughly
- Â the FAR authorizes their modification
- the situation calls for modification
FAR 52.104(a)
- Â the FAR authorizes their modification
What types of costs are normally segregable and accountable under the terms of the Change Order Accounting clause?
indirect costs
fringe costs
general and administrative costs
direct costs
FAR 43.203
direct costs
If the Government has determined that it is in its best interests to purchase from the committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled, the contracting officer shall authorize contractors purchasing supply items for Government use that are available from the Committee for Purchase from People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled to purchase such items if they are available from the following agencies through their distribution facilities except for:
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA),
- General Services Administration (GSA)
- National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
FAR 51.101
National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA)
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 terminating contracting officer shall recommend the release of excess funds to the contracting officer within how long after the receipt of the termination notice?
30 days
3 months
10 days
14 days
FAR 49.105-2
30 days
If the contractor does not have an approved purchasing system, consent to subcontract is required for all of the following except which?
- Cost-reimbursement contracts
- Fixed-price contracts below the simplified acquisition threshold
- Time-and-materials contracts
- Letter contracts
FAR 44.201-1(b)
Fixed-price contracts below the simplified acquisition threshold
Which of the following is required for the Government to effect a no-cost settlement in lieu of a termination for convenience or default?
- There are no outstanding debts due to the Government
- The price of the contract is less than $5,000
- Government property was furnished
- The contractor has outstanding obligations
FAR 49.109-4
There are no outstanding debts due to the Government
Regarding the authority to use extraordinary contractual actions, agencies shall maintain complete records of all actions taken under FAR 50.1.For request for relief processed, these records shall include, as a minimum the following except:
- Approval above the contracting officer.
- The contractor’s request.
- All relevant memorandums, correspondence, affidavits, and other pertinent documents.
- A copy of the contractual document implementing an approved request.
FAR 50.101-3
Approval above the contracting officer.
Who oversees government contract quality assurance for seafood?
- Food and Drug Administration
- Department of Agriculture
- National Marine Fisheries Service of the Department of Commerce
- Department of Commerce
FAR 46.408
National Marine Fisheries Service of the Department of Commerce
Which of the following is true about requests for the use of Government property by international organizations?
- The foreign organization may receive title to the Government-furnished property
- Such requests shall never be granted
- The Government must charge the international organization a rental fee
- Such requests shall be processed in accordance with agency procedures
FAR 45.302
Such requests shall be processed in accordance with agency procedures
Which of the following is not an appropriate use for Standard Form 30?
- A unilateral amendment to a solicitation
- A change order issued under the Changes clause
- The addition of funds to a contract
- A price change, with the amount of the change furnished to the contractor on the form
FAR 43.201
A price change, with the amount of the change furnished to the contractor on the form
Which of the following is true about a Government bill of lading?
- It cannot be used as a receipt for goods
- It is not an accountable transportation document
- It applies to transportation of contractor personnel
- It is authorized and prepared by a Government official
FAR 47.001
- It is authorized and prepared by a Government official
What kind of contract directly engages the time and effort of a contractor whose primary purpose is to perform an identifiable task rather than to furnish an end item of supply?
Nonpersonal services contract.
Federal Supply Schedule.
Service contract.
Modular contract.
FAR 37.101
Service contract.
A performance work statement:
- includes measurable performance standards
- is difficult to evaluate based on contractor performance
- must include performance incentives
- always results from a Statement of Objectives
FAR 37.601(b)(2)
includes measurable performance standards
What is the purpose of the monthly review of utility service invoices?
- To review the financial status of the contract.
- To examine competitive markets for better service offerings.
- To review that the contract remains under the simplified acquisition threshold.
- To ensure the accuracy of the invoices.
FAR 41.401
- To ensure the accuracy of the invoices.
Which type of construction contract should be used when the price for materials is likely to fluctuate with market conditions?
- Cost reimbursement
- Firm-fixed-price contract
- Fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment
- Time & Materials contract
FAR 36.207(c)
- Fixed-price contract with economic price adjustment
What is the preferred method for acquiring services?
- Sealed Bidding procedures
- Bundling
- Multi-year contracting
- Performance-based acquisition
FAR 37.102(a)
- Performance-based acquisition
For agencies delegated authority to establish new Federal Supply Schedules, what must the contracting officer do prior to establishing such a contract?
- Obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget
- Obtain permission from the Administrator of General Services
- Obtain approval from the GSA Federal Supply Service
- Obtain advisory or assistance services
FAR 38
Obtain approval from the GSA Federal Supply Service
To the maximum extent practicable, FAR Part 37 requires the use of what for acquisitions of services?
- Cost-reimbursement contracts
- Multiyear contracts
- Performance-based acquisition
- Negotiated extensions to existing contracts
FAR 37
- Performance-based acquisition
Which of the following is not an example of information technology?
A building’s digital thermostat
A modem
A computer hard drive
Software development
FAR 39
A building’s digital thermostat
n indirect cost rate established temporarily for interim reimbursement of incurred indirect costs and adjusted as necessary pending establishment of final indirect cost rates is called what?
Billing rate
Prevailing rate
Required rate
Interim rate
FAR 42.7
Billing rate
All of the following statements concerning Federal Supply Schedules are true EXCEPT:
- They provide Federal agencies with a simplified process of acquiring commercial supplies and services in varying quantities while obtaining volume discounts.
- Firms provide supplies and services at stated prices for given periods of time, for delivery within a stated geographic area.
- Federal agencies not identified in the schedules as mandatory users may issue orders under the schedules.
- Federal agencies not identified in the schedules as mandatory users may NOT issue orders under the schedules.
FAR 38.101
- Federal agencies not identified in the schedules as mandatory users may NOT issue orders under the schedules.
Payment by the government is made on the _______ day after the designated billing office receives a proper invoice.
30th
13th
3rd
10th
FAR 32.904(b)
30th
Which of the following shall be used when the principle purpose of the transaction is to stimulate or support research and development for another public purpose?
Firm-fixed-price contracts
Sealed bids
Letter contracts
Grants or cooperative agreements
FAR 35.003(a)
Grants or cooperative agreements
Does a $75,000 claim resulting from a reduction of $350,000 and an increase of $275,000 require certification?
- Yes, because the aggregate value of the claim exceeds $500,000.
- No, because the claimed amount is less than $500,000.
- Yes, the aggregate value of the claim exceeds $100,000.
- No, because the claimed amount is less than $100,000.
FAR 33.207
- Yes, the aggregate value of the claim exceeds $100,000.
What is the customary progress payment percentage rate for small business concerns?
10%
50%
85%
15%
FAR 32.501-1
85%
The Contracts Dispute Act of 1978 states contractors shall provide certification as specified in FAR 33.
$100,000
$15,000
$65,000
$150,000
FAR 33.207(a)
$100,000
Generally, which type of contract shall be used to acquire construction?
Cost-plus-award fee
Cost-plus-incentive fee
Firm-fixed-price
Letter contracts
FAR 36.207(a)
Firm-fixed-price
What is a market condition that exists when two or more contractors, acting independently, actively contend for the government’s business in a manner that ensures that the government will be offered the lowest cost or price alternative or best technical design meeting its minimum needs?
National Security System
Non-Personal Services Contract.
Effective Competition
Modular Contracting
FAR 34.001
Effective Competition
In preparing work statements, technical and contracting personnel shall consider and, as appropriate, provide in the solicitation all of the following EXCEPT:
- a statement of the area of exploration, tasks to be performed, and objectives of the research or development effort.
- reporting requirements and information on any additional items that the contractor is require to furnish as the work progresses.
- 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.
FAR 35.005
- a precise description of the work and methods.
Which of the following is NOT true about Advance Agreements?
- In writing, executed by both parties
- Negotiated after the incurrence of costs
- Negotiated before a contract
- Negotiated during a contract
FAR 31.109(b)
- Negotiated after the incurrence of costs
A ____________ ensures payment as required by law to all persons supplying labor or material in the prosecution of the work provided for in the contract.
Bid bond
Performance bond
Payment bond
Patent infringement bond
FAR 28.001
Payment bond
Which bond type secured performance and fulfillment of the contractor’s obligation under a contract?
Payment bond
Performance bond
Advance payment bond
Bid guarantee
FAR 28.001(6)
Performance bond
A cost is ____________ if it does not exceed that which would be incurred by a prudent person in the conduct of competitive business.
bona fide
allowable
reasonable
allocable
FAR 31.201-3
reasonable
The Contracting Officer shall not award a CAS-covered contract until the _____________ has made a written determination that the required disclosure statement is adequate.
Program Manager
Agency Head
Cognizant Federal Agency Official
Contracting Activity
FAR 30.202-6
Cognizant Federal Agency Official
Which of the following is not a type of surety?
Co-surety
Individual
Corporate
Multiple
FAR 28.001
Multiple
What does CASB stand for?
- Contract Administration Standards Bulletin
- Citizen Accounting Standards Board
- Cost Accounting Standards Board
- None of the above
FAR 30.000
- Cost Accounting Standards Board
Which of the following is not a reason to allocate a cost to a government contract?
- It is necessary to the overall operation of the business.
- Bona fide need.
- It benefits both the contract and other work, and can be distributed to them in a reasonable manner.
- It is incurred specifically for the contract.
FAR 31.201-4
Bona fide need.
Costs for contingencies are generally __________ for historical costing purposes.
Allowable
Estimated
Unallowable
Allocated
FAR 31.205-7 (b)
Unallowable
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?
Paperwork Reduction Act
Federal Records Act
Freedom of Information Act
Privacy Act of 1974
FAR 24.203(a)
Freedom of Information Act
________________ provides for upward or downward revision of the state contract price upon occurrence of specified contingencies.
- Fixed-Price with prospective price determination
- Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee contracts
- Fixed ceiling price with retroactive price determination
- Fixed-Price with economic price adjustment
FAR 16.203
- Fixed-Price with economic price adjustment
Some acceptable contents of a subcontracting plan include the following.
- A description of the method used to develop the subcontracting goals.
- The description of the method used to identify potential sources for solicitation purposes.
- A statement of the total dollars planned to be subcontracted.
- Assurances that the offeror will include the clause at 52.219-6.
FAR 19.704
- Assurances that the offeror will include the clause at 52.219-6.
Which of the following is not included in an Interagency Acquisition?
- Funds citation
- Small business subcontracting plan
- Delivery requirements
- A description of the supplies and services
FAR 17.50
Small business subcontracting plan
The contracting officer must, to the extent practicable, provide maximum participation opportunity to all of the following EXCEPT:
- Veteran-owned small business
- HUBZone small business
- Disabled-minority-owned small business
- Service-disabled veteran-owned small business
FAR 19.2
- Disabled-minority-owned small business
What does FEMP stand for?
- Federal Energy Management Program
- Federal Energy Management Products
- Federal Environment Management Program
- Federal Environment Management Products
FAR 23.103
- Federal Energy Management Program
A Certificate of Competency is:
- A Certificate issued by the Contracting officer upon reviewing a small business concern and determining the concern is capable of performing a specific Government contract.
- The Certificate by the small business concern stating its ability to perform a specific Government contract.
- A Certificate issued by the Department of Labor upon reviewing a small business concern and determining the concern is capable of paying prevailing wage rates on a specific Government contract.
- A Certificate issued by the SBA stating that the holder is responsible for the purpose of receiving and performing a specific Government contract.
FAR 19.601(a)
- A Certificate issued by the SBA stating that the holder is responsible for the purpose of receiving and performing a specific Government contract.
Which agency establishes small business size standards on an industry-by-industry basis?
- Bureau of Economic Analysis
- Small Business Administration
- Agency for International Development
- Census Bureau
FAR 19.1
Small Business Administration
This law states laborers and mechanics must be paid time and a half for overtime work (e.g.;40 hours/week)?
- Wage Rate Requirements statute
- Kickbacks statute
- Minimum Wage Act
- Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act
FAR 22.403-3
Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act
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.
- Copeland (Anti-Kickback) Act threshold, Truthful Cost Or Pricing threshold
- make-or-buy threshold, sale-of-goods threshold
- micro-purchase threshold, simplified acquisition threshold
- nano-purchase threshold, micro-purchase threshold
FAR 19.502-5
- micro-purchase threshold, simplified acquisition threshold
Which of the following is not a method for simplified acquisition?
- Blanket purchase agreement
- Purchase order
-Governmentwide commercial purchase card - Advance agreement
FAR 13.3
Advance agreement
A post-award debriefing of offerors shall NOT include which of the following:
- The overall ranking of all offerors.
- The overall evaluated cost or price (including unit prices), and technical rating of the successful offeror and the debriefed offerors.
- Commercial and financial information, including cost breakdowns, indirect cost rates, and similar information.
- Reasonable responses to relevant questions about whether source selection procedures contained in the solicitation, applicable regulations, and other applicable authorities were followed.
FAR 15.506
- Commercial and financial information, including cost breakdowns, indirect cost rates, and similar information.
Which analytical technique shall be used to determine the probable cost of performance for each offeror under cost-reimbursement type contracts?
Regression analysis
Unbalanced pricing
Cost realism analysis
Technical analysis
FAR 15.404-1
Cost realism analysis
A ______________ is the review and evaluation of any separate cost elements and profit or fee in an offeror’s or contractor’s proposal, as needed to determine a fair and reasonable price or to determine cost realism, and the application of judgment to determine how well the proposed costs represent what the cost of the contract should be, assuming reasonable economy and efficiency.
Price analysis
Cost Analysis
Technical Analysis
Cost Realism Analysis
FAR 15.404
Cost Analysis
The objective when negotiating contract type and price is to negotiate one that will result in:
- Lowest price for the government
- Reasonable contractor risk and greatest incentive for efficient and economical performance
- Reasonable risk to the government and greatest incentive for cost savings
- Reasonable incentive for fast delivery and lowest risk to the government
FAR 16.103
Reasonable contractor risk and greatest incentive for efficient and economical performance
Price means cost plus any ___________ applicable to the contract type.
fee or profit
administration fee
fixed fee
processing fee
FAR 15.401
fee or profit
Two-Step bidding can use which of the following types of contracts?
Firm-Fixed-Price
Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee
Time & Materials
None of the above
FAR 14.502
Firm-Fixed-Price
________________ Contracts place maximum risk and full responsibility for all costs and resulting profit and loss upon the Contractor.
Firm-Fixed-Price
Incentive
Cost Reimbursement
Time & Material
FAR 16.202
Firm-Fixed-Price
Which of the following is an order for supplies or services for which the price is not established at the time of issuance of the order?
Purchase order
Unpriced Purchase Order
Letter Contract
Blanket Purchase Order
FAR 13.302-2
Unpriced Purchase Order
What is price analysis?
- The review and evaluation of the separate cost elements excluding profit in an offeror’s proposal.
- The process of examining and evaluating a proposed price by evaluating its separate cost elements and proposed profits and is used when cost or pricing data are not required.
- The review and evaluation of the separate elements and profit in an offeror’s proposal.
- The process of examining and evaluating a proposed price without evaluating its separate cost elements and proposed profits and is used when cost or pricing data are not required.
FAR 15.404
The process of examining and evaluating a proposed price without evaluating its separate cost elements and proposed profits and is used when cost or pricing data are not required.
If market research establishes that the Government’s need may be met by a type of item or service customarily available in the commercial marketplace, the contracting officer must solicit and award any resultant contract in accordance with FAR Part ___.
10
11
13
14
FAR 10.002
10
What is the purpose of market research?
- Determining if commercial or non-developmental items are available to meet the government’s needs or could be modified to meet them.
- Publishing formal requests for information.
- Ensure that legitimate needs are identified and tradeoffs evaluated to acquire items that meet those needs.
- Communicating online with industry, acquisition personnel, and customers.
FAR 10.002
Determining if commercial or non-developmental items are available to meet the government’s needs or could be modified to meet them.
The contracting officer must consider the potential impact on pricing, competition, and contract administration before using the ___________ clause.
disputes
termination
liquidated damages
competition
FAR 11.501
liquidated damages
For variation in quantity clauses, the overrun or underrun permitted in each contract should be based upon the normal commercial practices of a particular industry for a particular item, and the permitted percentage should be no larger than is necessary to afford a contractor reasonable protection.
20%
1%
10%
5%
FAR 11.701(b)
10%
For a seller who has multiple Defense Priorities and Allocation System (DPAS) orders from federal agencies, the correct order of priority (highest being ?first) for orders from contracts in support of the national defense:
- DO rated orders, DX rated orders, unrated orders
- DX rated orders, DO rated orders, unrated orders
- DO rated orders, unrated orders, DX rated order
- Unrated orders, DO rated orders, DX rated orders
FAR 11.603
- DX rated orders, DO rated orders, unrated orders
When should a Contracting Officer use the liquidated damages clause?
- All contract types, all the time
- Commercial items on T&M contracts
- Never
- When delivery or performance is so important that the government may reasonably expect to suffer damage and the extent or amount of damage is impossible to estimate accurately or prove.
FAR 11.501
When delivery or performance is so important that the government may reasonably expect to suffer damage and the extent or amount of damage is impossible to estimate accurately or prove.
When should acquisition planning begin?
- Generally, no later than one year before the anticipated award date of the contract.
- Once a contracting officer’s representative (COR) has been nominated.
- As soon as practicable after the agency’s fiscal year funding has been appropriated by Congress.
- As soon as the agency need is identified, preferably well in advance of the fiscal year in which contract award or order placement is necessary.
FAR 7.104
- As soon as the agency need is identified, preferably well in advance of the fiscal year in which contract award or order placement is necessary.
When contracting for commercial items, the contracting officer must establish price reasonableness and take into account which of the following customary commercial terms and conditions?
Speed of delivery
Quantities ordered
Length of performance period
All of the above
FAR 12.209
All of the above
Agencies are required to use the results of market research to determine _______________.
- the extent of participation by large business.
- all companies that can provide the required goods or services.
- the extent to which commercial items or non-development items could satisfy the need.
- The ?final cost of the goods or services.
FAR 10.001
the extent to which commercial items or non-development items could satisfy the need.
Time of delivery/performance must be __________________.
- implied based on merchantability standards and industry usage
- realistic and clearly stated within the solicitation
- unduly restrictive of competition
- as short as practical to reach an unreasonable price determination
FAR 11.402
realistic and clearly stated within the solicitation
What criteria is not a valid consideration to make an award based on other than full and open competition?
- Demonstration of unique capability specific to the services proposed.
- Resembles the substance of a competitive acquisition.
- Substantial duplication of cost unrecoverable through competition.
- Schedule impact causing unacceptable delays.
FAR 6.3
- Resembles the substance of a competitive acquisition.
Which instrument is indicated by the letter designation A, in position 9 of the PIID?
Basic ordering agreements.
Basic purchasing agreements
Blanket ordering agreements
Blanket purchase agreements
FAR 4.1603(3)
Blanket purchase agreements
When must contracting officers synopsize contract awards?
- When contract awards exceed $25,000
- When contract awards exceed $15,000
- When contract awards exceed $30,000
- When contract awards exceed $20,000
FAR 5.3
When contract awards exceed $25,000
A competition advocate:
- is appointed by the Officer of Federal Procurement Policy
- is the Head of the Procuring Activity
- promotes acquisition of commercial items; promotes full and open competition; challenges ambiguous and restrictive work statements; challenges barriers to the acquisition of commercial items and full and open competition
- is the Head of the Agency who promotes competition
FAR 6.502
promotes acquisition of commercial items; promotes full and open competition; challenges ambiguous and restrictive work statements; challenges barriers to the acquisition of commercial items and full and open competition
Acquisition plans for service contracts or orders must describe the strategies for implementing _____ acquisition methods or must provide rationale for not using those methods.
Performance-based.
Outcome-based.
Streamlined.
Innovative.
FAR 7.105
Performance-based.
Prohibition on a ByteDance Covered Application includes the social networking service TikTok or any successor application or service developed or provided by ByteDance Limited or an entity owned by ByteDance Limited. This prohibition applies to the presence or use of a covered application on any information technology owned or managed by______, or on any information technology used or provided by the _______ under a contract, unless an exception is granted.
the Government, Contractor
the Contractor, Vendor
the Vendor, Government
the Government, Government
FAR 4.2202 (b)
the Government, Contractor
A contractor’s arrangement to pay contingent fees for soliciting or obtaining Government contracts is considered contrary to public policy.
- The costs of contingent fees cannot be passed back to the Government
- Such an arrangement violates the Truthful Cost or Pricing Data statute
- Such arrangements may lead to attempted or actual exercise of improper influence
- It indicates a contractor is attempting to use bribery to obtain the contract
FAR 3.402
Such arrangements may lead to attempted or actual exercise of improper influence
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
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
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)
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.
______________ 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
Which of the following would be buying-in?
- Submitting an offer at negotiated costs to receive follow-on contracts at artificially high prices
- Submitting an offer below anticipated costs to receive follow-on contracts at artificially high prices
- Submitting an offer below negotiated costs with the expectation of decreasing the contract amount after award
- Submitting an offer above anticipated costs with the expectation of decreasing the contract amount after award
FAR 3.5
- Submitting an offer below anticipated costs to receive follow-on contracts at artificially high prices
What is the federal policy on standards of conduct?
- The general rule is to avoid strictly any conflict in government-contractor relationships
- The general rule is to avoid strictly any conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest in government-contract relationships.
- The general rule is to avoid strictly any conflict of interest except for token gifts or gratuities in government-contractor relationships.
- The general rule is to avoid conflict of interest in government-contractor relationships, unless a full public disclosure is made.
FAR 3.101-1
The general rule is to avoid strictly any conflict of interest or even the appearance of a conflict of interest in government-contract relationships.
When might contracting offices request exceptions to standard forms?
- Overprinting forms
- Computer generated forms
- Special construction and printing forms
- Continuation sheets
FAR 53.106
- Special construction and printing forms
A _____ is a written objection by an interested party to any of the following: a solicitation or other request by an agency for offers; cancellation of a solicitation or other request; an award or proposed award of a contract; or a termination or cancellation of an award of a contract as long as the written objection contains an allegation that the termination or cancellation is based in whole or in part on improprieties concerning the award of the contract.
claim
dispute
general procedure
protest
FAR 33.1
protest
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
A contractor may assign monies due or to become due under a government order/contract only when the contract value totals _________ or more.
$25,000
$1,000
$100
$500
FAR 32.802
$1,000
Which of the following is a true statement about the use of warranties?
- The cost of a warranty to the Government shall not affect the benefits to be derived
- The CO should always include a warranty in a cost-reimbursement contract
- A warranty should not provide a specific period of time for its use
- The use of a warranty is not mandatory
FAR 46.703
- The use of a warranty is not mandatory
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
Contract items are technically classified as-
complex and non-complex
critical and non-critical
commercial and military-federal
supply or service
FAR 46.203
commercial and military-federal
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
For a supplemental agreement, when is the effective date of a contract modification?
- the date agreed upon by the contracting parties
-the issue date
-the date received by the contractor
-the date received by the government
FAR 43.101
- the date agreed upon by the contracting parties
Who determines collateral savings of a VECP?
- the Government
- the contractor
- the Government and the contractor
- the contractor and the contracting officer
FAR 48.103
the Government
hat shall the ACO use as a basis for granting, withholding, or withdrawing approval of the prime contractor’s authority to sign subcontracts?
- Only the past performance of the contractor
- Contractor purchasing system review
- Quality assurance surveillance
- Postaward survey
FAR 44.301
- Contractor purchasing system review
Property acquired, fabricated, or otherwise provided by the contractor for performing a contract, and to which the Government has title, is called what?
Government-furnished property
Government-leased property
Contractor inventory
Contractor-acquired property
FAR 45.402
Contractor-acquired property
If it is in the Government’s interest, and if supplies or services required in the performance of a Government contract are available from Government supply sources, contracting officers may authorize contractors to use these sources in performing:
- A contract using Federal Prison Industries.
- Government-wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACS)
- Federal Supply Schedules
- A contract under the “AbilityOne” Program
FAR 51.101
A contract under the “AbilityOne” Program
What law empowers the President to authorize agencies exercising functions in connection with the national defense to enter into, amend, and modify contracts, without regard to other provisions of law related to making, performing, amending, or modifying contracts, whenever the President considers that such action would facilitate the national defense?
Executive Law 49-005
Public Law 85-804
E.O. 10673
OMB Circular 90-043
FAR 50.101-1
Public Law 85-804
Unless more time is needed for evaluation, how many days does a contracting officer have to accept or reject a VECP proposal?
- within 30 days from its receipt by the Government
- within 45 days from its receipt by the Government
- within 15 days from its receipt by the Government
- within 25 days from its receipt by the Government
FAR 48.103
- within 45 days from its receipt by the Government
To which of the following subcontracts may a contracting officer consent?
- A subcontract that makes the results of arbitration between the prime contractor and subcontractor binding on the Government
- A subcontract obligating the contracting officer to deal directly with the subcontractor
- A subcontract providing for payment on a ?fixed-price incentive basis
- A subcontract providing for payment on a cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost basis
FAR 44.203(b)
- A subcontract providing for payment on a cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost basis
For a contract with which of the following would the DCAA generally not be the responsible audit agency?
- Federal Prison Industries
- An 8(a) small business
- An educational institution
- Any contractor providing architect-engineer services
FAR 42.101(b)
An educational institution
Drawings submitted by a contractor to show the construction of a particular structure as actually completed under the contract are called what?
Plans
Design drawings
Record drawings
Specifications
FAR 36
Record drawings
Who is authorized to execute contract modifications on behalf of the Government?
- Only the head of the contracting agency
- Only the COR
- Any contracting officer
- Only a contracting officer acting within the scope of his or her authority
FAR 43.102
- Only a contracting officer acting within the scope of his or her authority
A legal instrument in which a contractor guarantees performance of the contract, the obligations under the contract are assumed by a successor in interest, and the government recognizes the transfer of the contract and related assets is called what?
Assignment
Novation agreement
Transfer agreement
Change-of-name agreement
FAR 42.12
Novation agreement
Which of the following is not true in the acquisition of information technology?
- “Modular contracting” means use of one or more contracts to acquire information technology systems in successive, interoperable increments
- “National security system” means any telecommunications or information system operated by the United States Government
- Prior to entering into a contract for information technology, an agency should analyze risks, benefits, and costs.
- When acquiring information technology services, solicitations must describe any minimum experience or educational requirement for proposed contractor personnel.
FAR 39.104
When acquiring information technology services, solicitations must describe any minimum experience or educational requirement for proposed contractor personnel.
Which of the following is NOT considered a utility service under FAR Part 41?
- Electric service
- Cable television (CATV) and telecommunications service
- Natural gas service
- Sewage service
FAR 41.102
- Cable television (CATV) and telecommunications service
Within _____ work day(s) of filing a protest with the GAO, a copy must be provided to the contracting officer.
5
1
3
7
FAR 33.104(a)(1)
1
What is a payment for accepted supplies or services, including payments for accepted partial deliveries?
Delivery payments
Final/partial acceptance
Commercial payments
Progress payments
FAR 32.001
Commercial payments
Commercial Advance Payment shall not exceed what percentage of the contract price?
10%
15%
5%
1%
FAR 32.202-1(b)(6)
15%
Which contract financing arrangement places the obligation on the agency?
- Advance Payment for non-commercial items
- Advance Payment
- Loan Guarantee for defense production
- Private Financing
FAR 32.303
- Loan Guarantee for defense production
Claims in excess of $100,000, or regardless of the amount claimed when using arbitration pursuant to 5 U.
- The claim is CAS Certified
- The claim is made in good faith
- The holder is responsible (with respects to all elements of responsibility) for the purpose of receiving and performing a specific government contract
- The total costs are the sum of the direct and indirect costs allocable to the contract, less any allocable credits, plus any allocable costs for money.
FAR 33.207(c)
- The claim is made in good faith
______________ means the lead agency responsible for managing, administering, or monitoring overall use of the FFRDC under a multiple sponsorship agreement.
Non-Sponsor
Multiple Sponsor
Primary Sponsor
Sponsor
FAR 35.017(b)
Primary Sponsor
Application of Cost Principles to ____________ contracts and subcontracts shall not be construed as a requirement to negotiate agreements on individual elements of cost in arriving at agreement on total price.
Fixed Price
Architectural
Time and Material
Construction
FAR 31.102
Fixed Price
When there is a contract dispute, the __________ __________ ________ refers to any procedure or combination of procedures voluntarily used to resolve issues in controversy.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Allowance Dispute Resolution
Allowance Deduction Refund
Alternative Discourse Reflection
FAR 33.201
Alternative Dispute Resolution
When data is developed at private expense and that data is delivered to the Government, the Government should acquire what type of rights to it?
- If it is cost effective, the Government should always negotiate for unlimited rights as this provides the most benefit to the Government.
- The Government should acquire only those rights essential to its needs.
- The Government cannot acquire any rights to data developed at private expense.
- Prospective contractors usually must provide unlimited rights in data as a condition of the procurement, regardless of how the data was originally developed.
FAR 27.102(d) and FAR 27.406-1(c).
The Government should acquire only those rights essential to its needs.
When applying an alternate to FAR 52.215-2 or FAR 52.215-5 the determination and findings in Foreign Acquisitions must identify the contract and its purpose, and identify if the contract is with a foreign contractor or with a foreign government or an agency of a foreign government; describe the efforts to include the basic clause; describe the price and availability of the supplies or services from the United States and other sources; and determine that it will best serve the interest of the United States to use the appropriate alternate clause.
True
False
FAR 25.1001
False
The policies and procedures for trade agreements, including the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement (WTO GPA), Free Trade Agreements, least developed country designation, the Caribbean Basin Trade Initiative, the Israeli Trade Act, and the Agreement on Trade in Civil Aircraft, do not apply to all the following, except:
- Acquisitions set aside for small businesses.
- Acquisitions under simplified acquisition procedures.
- Acquisitions from the AbilityOne program.
- Acquisitions of end products for resale.
FAR 25.400(a) and FAR 25.401(a).
- Acquisitions under simplified acquisition procedures.
The following are examples when special-fuels excise taxes are NOT imposed in many contracting situations when the supplies are for any of the following except:
- The exclusive use of any State or political subdivision, including the District of Columbia (26 U.S.C.4041 and 4221).
- A nonprofit educational organization (26 U.S.C.4041 and 4 221).
- Purchases under the Ability One program. (41 U.S.C. chapter 85).
- Emergency vehicles (26 U.S.C.4053 and 4 064(b)(1)(c)).
FAR 29.202
- Purchases under the Ability One program. (41 U.S.C. chapter 85).
Which of the following is NOT true?
- The government encourages the maximum practical commercial use of inventions made.
- The government should be indemnified against infringement of US patents.
- The government will refuse to award a contract on grounds that the prospective contractor may infringe a patent.
- The government requires contractors obtain permission from copyright owners before including privately-owned work to be delivered under contract.
FAR 27.104(a)
- The government requires contractors obtain permission from copyright owners before including privately-owned work to be delivered under contract.
What is food that meets all quality and labeling standards imposed by Federal, State, and local laws and regulations even though the food may not be readily marketable due to appearance, age, freshness, grade, size, surplus, or other conditions?
excess food
donatable food
wholesome food
Apparently wholesome food
FAR 26.401
Apparently wholesome food
The __________ Act makes it unlawful to induce, by force, intimidation, threat of procuring dismissal from employment, or otherwise, any person employed in the construction or repair of public buildings or public works, financed in whole or in part by the United States, to give up any part of the compensation to which that person is entitled under a contract of employment.
- Copeland (Anti-Kickback) Act
- Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act
- Wage Rate Requirements Statute
- Minimum Wage Act
FAR 22.403-2
- Copeland (Anti-Kickback) Act
This law provides that federal contracts in excess of $2,000 to which the United States or the District of Columbia is a party for construction, alteration, or repair (including painting and decorating) of public buildings or public works within the United States, shall contain a clause that no laborer or mechanic employed directly upon the site of the work shall receive less than the prevailing wage rates as determined by the Secretary of Labor.
- Wage Rate Requirements (Construction)
- Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act
- Minimum Wage Act
- Kickbacks statute
FAR 22.404-1(b)
Wage Rate Requirements (Construction)
Who determines the appropriate NAICS code(s) and related small business size standard(s) that is/are included in solicitations?
- Contracting officer
-SBA Procurement Center Representative
-Program Manager
-Agency Head
FAR 19.303
- Contracting officer
Assume that the CO has rejected the SBA’s recommendation to set aside an acquisition.
- proceed with full and open competition.
- suspend action on the acquisition.
- complete a fair and reasonable price determination.
- complete an SBA override signed by the next higher person in the CO’s chain of command.
FAR 19.502-8
- suspend action on the acquisition.
Which of the following contract types puts the most risk on the buyer?
Cost Plus Fixed Fee
Time & Material
Firm Fixed Price
Fixed-Price with Incentive Fee
FAR 16.101
Fixed-Price with Incentive Fee
Public Law _____________ authorizes extraordinary contractual actions to facilitate the national defense.
85-804
112-61
65-804
112-110
FAR 18.127
85-804
What is a multi-year contract?
- A contract for the purchase of supplies or services for more than one, but not more than five, program years, under which the contracting officer must establish and exercise an option for each program year after the first.
- A contract for the purchase of supplies or services for more than one, but not more than five, program years, under which the contracting officer does not have to establish and exercise an option for each program year after the first, and performance during the second and subsequent years of the contract may be contingent upon the appropriation of funds.
- A contract which is funded with multi-year appropriations.
- A contract for the purchase of supplies or services for more than one, but not more than five, program years, under which full funding for all program years must be obligated at contract inception.
FAR 17.103
- A contract for the purchase of supplies or services for more than one, but not more than five, program years, under which the contracting officer does not have to establish and exercise an option for each program year after the first, and performance during the second and subsequent years of the contract may be contingent upon the appropriation of funds.
Which of the following is not one of the four parts in the Uniform Contract Format?
Contract Clauses
Representations and Instructions
The Schedule
Statement of Work
FAR 15.204-1
Statement of Work
At a minimum, the Contracting officer must use ________________ to determine whether the price is fair and reasonable when acquiring commercial items.
cost analysis
price analysis
the GSA Catalog
Field pricing
FAR 15.403
price analysis
Which of the following is not an exception to certified cost or pricing data requirements?
Emergency acquisition
Adequate price competition
Commercial items
Prices set by law or regulation
FAR 15.403-1
Emergency acquisition
____________ are written instruments of understanding that contain terms and conditions that apply to future orders, a description of supplies and services to be provided, and methods for pricing, issuing, and delivering future orders.
Indefinite-Delivery Arrangements
Blanket Purchase Agreements
Basic Ordering Agreements
Fixed-Price Contracts
FAR 16.703
Basic Ordering Agreements
The Government prefers to issue multiple awards for which of the following?
Requirement contracts
Basic Ordering Agreements
Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contracts
Letter Contracts
FAR 16.5
Indefinite Delivery Indefinite
An acquisition of supplies or services that has an anticipated dollar value exceeding the micro-purchase threshold and not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold:
- Is reserved exclusively for small business concerns and shall be set aside
- Shall be fulfilled with the acquisition of commercial items
- Must be purchased using a government-wide commercial purchase card
- Must be set aside for HUBZone small business concerns or service-disabled veteranowned small business concerns
FAR 13.003
- Is reserved exclusively for small business concerns and shall be set aside
When identical supplies are on the Procurement List issued by Federal Prison Industries, Inc. which takes first priority per the FAR?
- General Services Administration (GSA)
- Federal Prison Industries, Inc.
- AbilityOne participating nonprofit agencies
- Commercial sources
FAR 8.704
- Federal Prison Industries, Inc.
Which of these mandatory government supply sources has the highest priority for supplies?
- Federal Supply Schedule
- Service Disabled Veteran Owned - Small Businesses
- Federal Prison Industries, Inc.
- Services that are on the Procurement List maintained by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
FAR 8.002
- Federal Prison Industries, Inc.
_______________ is an online shopping service through which ordering activities may search specific information (national stock number, part number, common name), review delivery options and place orders directly with schedule contractors.
E-Buy
SAM.gov
GSA Advantage!
Federal Supply Schedule (FSS)
FAR 8.402
GSA Advantage!
Which of the following acquisitions may not use the acquisition procedures of FAR Part 12?
- Performance-based acquisition
- Acquisition of a commercial-off-the-shelf item
- A purchase made directly from another Federal agency
- Acquisition based on the results of market research
FAR 12
- A purchase made directly from another Federal agency
Contracts for commercial items shall ________________.
- rely on the contractor’s existing quality assurance systems.
- rely on either the contractor’s quality assurance system or the government system, whichever is more stringent.
- include all relevant government specifications.
- include provisions for source inspection.
FAR 12.207
rely on the contractor’s existing quality assurance systems.
Which of the following contract types can be used for the acquisition of commercial items?
- Firm-Fixed-Price or Cost Plus Fixed Fee
- Firm-Fixed-Price or Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment
- Any contract type authorized in the FAR
- Firm-Fixed-Price only
FAR 12.207(a)
- Firm-Fixed-Price or Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment
An agency must transmit a notice of proposed contract action to the governmentwide point of entry at least 15 days before issuance of a solicitation, or a proposed contract action the Government intends to solicit and negotiate with only one source under the authority of FAR 6.302, except that, for acquisitions of commercial products or commercial services:
- The Contracting Officer must transmit the notice at least 40 days before issuance of a solicitation if the acquisition is covered by the World Trade Organization Government Procurement Agreement or a Free Trade Agreement.
- The Contracting Officer may establish a shorter period for issuance of the solicitation if the estimated amount of the contract action is less than the simplified acquisition threshold
- The Contracting Officer transmits the notice only if subcontracting opportunities exist.
- The Contracting Officer may use the combined synopsis and solicitation procedure.
FAR 5.203.
- The Contracting Officer may use the combined synopsis and solicitation procedure.
A prospective contractor would be obligated to register in the System for Award Management database prior to contract award in which of the following cases?
- A contract awarded by a deployed contracting officer in the course of military operations
- A micropurchase using the electronic funds transfer method for payment
- A contract with an individual for performance outside the United States and its outlying areas
- A contract for emergency operations in response to a natural disaster
FAR 4.1102
- A contract with an individual for performance outside the United States and its outlying areas
What competitive procedures do not fulfill the requirement for full and open competition?
- Sealed bids or use of 2 step sealed bidding process.
- Published scientific or peer reviews found during acquisition planning.
- Source selection for architect-engineer contracts in accordance with FAR 36.6.
- Use of General Services Administration Multiple Award Schedules.
FAR 6.1
Source selection for architect-engineer contracts in accordance with FAR 36.6.
A written acquisition plan must include the following EXCEPT:
- Applicable conditions
- Risk and Risk Mitigation
- Statement of Need
- Source Selection Evaluation Board Report
FAR 7.105
- Source Selection Evaluation Board Report
The National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) is implemented in which two publications? The National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) (32 CFR part 117) and the _________:
- DoD Manual 5220.22, Volume 2, National Industrial Security Program: Industrial Security Procedures for Government Activities.
- DoD Manual 5220.20, Volume 5, National Industrial Security Program: Industrial Security Procedures for Government Activities.
- DoD Manual 5220.22, Volume 5, National Industrial Security Program: Industrial Security Procedures for Civilian Activities.
- DoD Manual 5220.20, Volume 2, National Industrial Security Program: Industrial Security Procedures for Civilian Activities.
FAR 4.402(b)
DoD Manual 5220.22, Volume 2, National Industrial Security Program: Industrial Security Procedures for Government Activities.
- DoD Manua
All of the following functions in federal procurement activities, with respect to prime contracts, are considered to be inherently governmental functions or are to be treated as such, except:
- Determining whether contract costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable.
- Providing technical evaluation of contract proposals.
- Accepting or rejecting contractor products or services.
- Participating as a voting member on performance evaluation boards.
FAR 7.503
- Determining whether contract costs are reasonable, allocable, and allowable.
When should a Contracting Officer publicize a requirement in the GPE though a synopsis?
- The Contracting Officer should publicize 1 week prior to solicitation.
- The Contracting Officer should publicize 30 days prior to solicitation.
- The Contracting Officer should publicize 1 month prior to solicitation.
- The Contracting Officer should publicize 15 days prior to solicitation.
FAR 5.203
- The Contracting Officer should publicize 15 days prior to solicitation.
The competitive procedures available for use in fulfilling the requirements for full and open competition are any of the following EXCEPT:
- Sealed bids
- Competitive proposals
- Combination of competitive procedures, such as two-step sealed bidding
- Lowest price technically acceptable
FAR 6.102
- Lowest price technically acceptable
Contractors must retain all records pertaining to a government contract for a minimum of ____________ from the date final payment is made under the contract.
Three years
Ten years
Six years
One year
FAR 4.7
Three years
Which authority permitting other than full and open competition may be used when none of the other authorities in FAR 6.302 apply?
International agreement.
National security
Public interest.
Unusual and compelling urgency.
FAR 6.302-7(b).
Unusual and compelling urgency.
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.
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 is a covered employee?
- Covered employee means an individual who performs an acquisition function and is an employee of the contractor; or a subcontractor that is a self-employed individual treated as a covered employee of the contractor because there is no employer to whom such an individual could submit the required disclosures.
- Covered employee means an individual who performs an acquisition function closely associated with inherently governmental functions and is an employee of the contractor; and subcontractors that are self-employed individuals treated as a covered employee of the contractor because there is no employer to whom such an individual could submit the required disclosures.
- Covered employee means an individual who performs an acquisition function closely associated with inherently governmental functions and is an employee of the contractor; or a subcontractor that is a self-employed individual treated as a covered employee of the contractor because there is no employer to whom such an individual could submit the required disclosures.
- Covered employee means an individual who performs an acquisition function closely associated with inherently governmental functions and is an employee of the contractor; or a subcontractor employee of the contractor who performs an acquisition function closely associated with inherently governmental functions .
FAR 3.11
Covered employee means an individual who performs an acquisition function closely associated with inherently governmental functions and is an employee of the contractor; and subcontractors that are self-employed individuals treated as a covered employee of the contractor because there is no employer to whom such an individual could submit the required disclosures.
A 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)
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. A global warming potential is defined as _____.
10
0.1
0.01
1
FAR 2.101
1
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
Governmentwide point of entry (GPE)Â 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
