Q&A Deck 4 Flashcards
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
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 52.10
Create and reference electronic group listing of provisions and clauses
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
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
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
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
The Bonds statute requires performance and payment bonds for any construction contract valued in excess of _________?
$150,000
$650,000
$1,000,000
$2000
FAR 28.102-1(a)
$150,000
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
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
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
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 clauseFAR 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
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
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
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
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
What are the two approaches to value engineering as per FAR 48?
incentive and optional
optional and mandatory
incentive and mandatory
incentive and voluntary
FAR 48.101
incentive and mandatory
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.
What is the preferred method of transporting supplies for the Government?
Chartered vessels
Government-leased vehicles
Government-owned vehicles
Commercial carriers
FAR 47
Commercial carriers
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
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
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
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
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
What is the primary purpose of a postaward orientation?
To provide understanding for a contractor that did not understand the work requirements at the time offers were submitted
To achieve a clear and mutual understanding of all contract requirements and identify and resolve potential problems
To make adjustments to any subcontracts which may be necessary under the prime contract
To alter the ?final agreement arrived at in negotiations which led to the contract award
FAR 42.501
To achieve a clear and mutual understanding of all contract requirements and identify and resolve potential problems
An 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
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
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
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
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.
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
Reasonable risk taking is appropriate as long as risks are:
Controlled and unmitigated
Uncontrolled and unmitigated
Controlled and mitigated
Controlled and inexpensive
FAR 39.102
Controlled and mitigated
What provides federal agencies with a simplified process of acquiring commercial supplies and services in varying quantities while obtaining discounts associated with volume buying?
Effective competition.
Federal Supply Schedule.
Modular contracting.
Service contract.
FAR 38.101
Federal Supply Schedule.
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
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
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
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
In which of the following cases is a Research and Development contract most appropriate?
Whenever the agency head deems it appropriate.
When the work or methods cannot be precisely described in advance.
When the success of the agency’s goals is fully assured.
When supplies or services are being acquired for a purpose other than Federal use.
FAR 35.002
When the work or methods cannot be precisely described in advance.
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 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
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
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
What is the customary progress payment rate for a large business concern?
25%
50%
80%
15%
FAR 32.501-1
80%
What is the customary progress payment percentage rate for small business concerns?
10%
50%
85%
15%
FAR 32.501-1
85%
ayment from the government will be based on receipt of a proper invoice and ____________.
Interest
Payment due dates
Delivery criteria
Satisfactory contract performance
FAR 32.905(a)
Satisfactory contract performance
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.
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
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
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 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
osts 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
otal cost equals _________ plus indirect costs allocable to the contract.
fixed costs
overhead costs plus fringe costs
cost of goods sold
direct
FAR 31.201-1
direct
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
A ___________ means a form of security assuring that the bidder will not withdraw a bid within the period specified for acceptance and will execute a written contract and furnish required bonds within the allotted time following award.
bid guarantee
deposit
bond
insurance
FAR 28.001
bid guarantee
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
________________ 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 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
What is the relationship between the Economy Act and more specific statutory authority, like the statutory authorities for the Federal Supply Schedules or Governmentwide acquisition contracts?
The Economy Act applies when more specific statutory authority does not exist.
The Economy Act always applies, regardless of whether more specific statutory authority exists.
Orders using the Federal Supply Schedules or Governmentwide acquisition contracts are to be treated as Economy Act orders.
The Contracting Officer must use discretion in deciding whether to use the Economy Act or more specific statutory authority that may apply to an acquisition.
FAR 17.502-2(b)
The Economy Act applies when more specific statutory authority does not exist.
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.
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.
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