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
The contracting officer shall consider _______________________.
HUBZone businesses before women-owned businesses.
HUBZone, 8(a), women-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses with no order of preference.
Women-owned businesses before HUBZone businesses.
Service-disabled veteran-owned small business sole source awards before service disabled veteran-owned small business set asides.
FAR 19.203(a)
HUBZone, 8(a), women-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses with no order of preference.
The contracting officer may exercise options only after determining that all of the following are true, except:
Funds are available.
The requirement covered by the option fulfills an existing Government need.
The contractor has consented to the exercise of the option.
The contractor’s performance on the contract has been acceptable.
FAR 17.207(c)
The contractor has consented to the exercise of the option.
The Service Contract Labor Standards includes which of the following statutory exceptions where it does not apply.
Any contract for janitorial services.
Any contract for nonseverable services.
Any contract for severable services.
Any contract for public utility services.
FAR 22.1003-3 and 22.604
Any contract for public utility services.
The contracting officer shall set aside any acquisition over the simplified acquisition threshold for small business participation when there is a reasonable expectation that- (1) Offers will be obtained from at least _________ responsible small business concerns; and (2) Award will be made at _________ prices.
seven, reasonable
three, average
four, cost-plus-percentage-of-cost
two, fair market
FAR 19.5
two, fair market
Public Law _____________ authorizes extraordinary contractual actions to facilitate the national defense.
85-804
112-61
65-804
112-110
FAR 18.127
85-804
A pre-bid conference may be used for the following purposes except?
generally in a complex acquisition.
as a substitute for amending a defective or ambiguous invitation.
as a means of getting requirements
to prospective bidders as early as possible after the invitation has been issued and before the bids are opened.
as a means of briefing prospective bidders and explaining complicated specifications.
FAR 14.207
as a substitute for amending a defective or ambiguous invitation.
What occurs when the final cost exceeds the price ceiling in a fixed-price incentive fee type contract?
Contractor absorbs the difference as a loss
Final costs are recouped at contract closeout
Final costs are increased through a change order
Government absorbs the difference as a loss
FAR 16.403
Contractor absorbs the difference as a loss
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 the Government’s preferred method to purchase and pay for micro purchases?
Firm-Fixed-Price contract
Purchase order
Government-wide commercial purchase card
Cost Plus Fixed Fee contract
FAR 13.201
Government-wide commercial purchase card
____________ are used by the government to promote early exchanges of information with industry.
Requests for Proposal (RFP)
Requests for Information (RFI)
Requests for Quotation (RFQ)
Invitations for Bid (IFB)
FAR 15.201
Requests for Information (RFI)
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
When it is in the best interest of the Government to consider award to other than the highest technically rated offeror, which of the following should the Government use to select the source?
Best value
Lowest price technically available
A tradeoff process
Certified cost or pricing data
FAR 15.101-1
A tradeoff process
Which FAR clause is required in the solicitation when contracting by negotiation?
FAR 52.216-8 Fixed Fee
FAR 52.225-12 Notice of Buy American Act
FAR 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisition
FAR 52.227-1 Authorizations and Consent
FAR 15.209
FAR 52.215-1 Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisition
Which of the following is considered an unsolicited proposal?
Marketing material designed to acquaint the Government with a prospective contractor’s present products, services, and/or capabilities.
Proposal offered prior to an RFP in hopes to have their product evaluated during the research phase.
An offer of a commercial item that the vendor wishes to see introduced in the government’s supply system.
A written proposal for a new or innovative idea that is submitted to an agency on the initiative of the offeror for the purpose of obtaining a contract with the Government, and that is not in response to a request for proposals, Broad Agency Announcement, Small Business Innovation Research topic, Small Business Technology Transfer Research topic, Program Research and Development Announcement, or any other Government-initiated solicitation or program.
FAR 15.603
A written proposal for a new or innovative idea that is submitted to an agency on the initiative of the offeror for the purpose of obtaining a contract with the Government, and that is not in response to a request for proposals, Broad Agency Announcement, Small Business Innovation Research topic, Small Business Technology Transfer Research topic, Program Research and Development Announcement, or any other Government-initiated solicitation or program.
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
Which of the following should not be considered in deciding what information to obtain through an oral presentation?
The impact on the efficiency of the acquisition.
The impact (including cost) on small business.
The government’s ability to adequately evaluate the information.
The need to revise the offeror’s proposal.
FAR 15.102(c)
The need to revise the offeror’s proposal.
________________ 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
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
Implied warranty of merchantability means _____________.
items are reasonably fit for ordinary purposes for which such items are sold or used.
it is within the merchant’s ability to repair or replace any defective item.
items have a warranty that is specified in terms of months or years.
the seller refuses to put the warranty in writing.
FAR 12.404
items are reasonably fit for ordinary purposes for which such items are sold or used.
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.
Acquisition officials should state requirements with respect to an acquisition of supplies or services in terms of all the below factors EXCEPT:
functions to be performed.
performance requirements.
essential physical characteristics.
non-performance related characteristics
FAR 11.002(a)(2)(i)
non-performance related characteristics
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
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
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.
When requesting information from potential sources in market research, which of the following should agencies do?
Request the minimum amount of information necessary
Request a statement that the source is capable of performing the requested work
Request as much information as possible
Request a priced offer for determination of competitiveness
FAR 10
Request the minimum amount of information necessary
A Department of Commerce regulation in support of approved national defense, emergency preparedness, and energy programs is known as the_____________________.
Defense Priorities and Allocation System.
DOC Emergency Authorization System.
Approved program.
Defense Authorization Act.
FAR 11.600
Defense Priorities and Allocation System.
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.
The two levels of the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) are:
DX and DA
DO and DX
DE and DA
DE and DO
FAR 11.603
DO and DX
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.
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
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
the Government, Contractor
Which of the following duties is NOT a responsibility for competition advocates?
Recommend to the Contracting Officer a system of personal accountability for competition, which may include the use of recognition and awards to motivate the procurement staff.
Review the contracting operations of the agency and identify and report to the agency senior procurement executive and the chief acquisition officer.
Prepare and submit an annual report to the agency senior procurement executive and the chief acquisition officer in accordance with agency procedures.
Recommend goals and plans for increasing competition on a fiscal year basis to the agency senior procurement executive and the chief acquisition officer.
FAR 6.502
Recommend to the Contracting Officer a system of personal accountability for competition, which may include the use of recognition and awards to motivate the procurement staff.
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.
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
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, and all others are treated equally
8(a) is preferred, followed by
HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB in that order
There is no order of precedence
HUBZone is preferred, followed by 8(a), SDVOSB, and WOSB in that order
FAR 6.2
There is no order of precedence
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
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.
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
Providing technical evaluation of contract proposals.
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.
The FAR is prepared, issued, and maintained by:
The Executive Office of the President.
The Office of Management and Budget and the General Services Administration.
The National Contract Management Association.
The Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
FAR 1.103
The Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of General Services, and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Which of the following is not considered a contract?
A bilateral instrument
A grant or cooperative agreement
A job order or task letter
A purchase order
FAR 2.101
A grant or cooperative agreemen
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
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 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.
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
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
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
Which of the following is a latent defect?
The defect exists at the time of acceptance and could be discovered by a reasonable inspection
The defect is discovered by the contractor’s quality inspector
The defect exists at the time of acceptance and cannot be discovered by reasonable inspection
The defect existed at the time of delivery
FAR 2.101
The defect exists at the time of acceptance and cannot be discovered by reasonable inspection
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)
Offer
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
A FAR Representative authorized by the Secretary of Defense
Which of the following is an example of a contract under which contractors could be authorized to use government supply sources?
Government firm-fixed price contract
Contract under the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act (known as AbilityOne)
A negotiated contract with a contractor that has no other government cost reimbursement type contracts
Time-and-materials contracts for repair of commercial equipment
FAR 51.101
Contract under the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act (known as AbilityOne)
When might contracting offices request exceptions to standard forms?
Overprinting forms
Computer generated forms
Special construction and printing forms
Continuation sheets
FAR 53.106
Overprinting forms
Computer generated forms
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 ?fixed-price incentive basis
What 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
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
On what basis is Government property normally provided in performance of the contract under which it is authorized?
Rental
Cost-reimbursement
At-cost
Rent-free
FAR 45.301(a)
Rent-free
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
Federal Supply Schedules
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)
Federal Prison Industries
An Independent Government Estimate of construction costs shall be prepared and furnished to the Contracting officer for each proposed contract and contract modification anticipated to exceed:
$100,000
$1,000,000
$150,000
$500,000
FAR 36.203(a)
GSA is authorized by 40 U.S.C.501 to contract for utility services for periods not exceeding ___ years.
10
5
15
25
FAR 41.103(a
10
Protests may be filed with ______________________.
either the contracting officer or the United States Court of Federal Claims
either the agency or the General Accountability Office
the agency, the GAO, or the General Services Board of Contract Appeals (ADP acquisition)
Small Claims Court for awards under the Simplified Acquisition threshold
FAR 33.102
either the agency or the General Accountability Office
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
Which of the following is a true statement?
Contracting officers shall acquire construction using simplified Acquisition Procedures
Generally, Contracting officers shall acquire construction using cost-reimbursement contracts.
Contracting officers shall acquire construction using sealed bid procedures.
Contracting officers shall acquire architect-engineer services using an SF-44 form.
FAR 36.10
Contracting officers shall acquire construction using sealed bid procedures.
Commercial Advance Payment shall not exceed what percentage of the contract price?
10%
15%
5%
1%
FAR 32.202-1(b)(6)
15%
The Indian Incentive Program allows an incentive payment equal to __ percent of the amount paid to a subcontractor in performing the contract, if the contract so authorizes and the subcontractor is an Indian organization or Indian-owned economic enterprise.
2.5
10
5
3
FAR 26.102
5
Under the Buy American statute, a domestic end product that does not consist wholly or predominantly of iron or steel or a combination of both means all the following, except:
An end product manufactured in the United States if the product has undergone substantial transformation.
An unmanufactured end product mined or produced in the United States.
An end product manufactured in the United States if the product meets the domestic content test.
An end product manufactured in the United States if the product is a commercially available off-the-shelf item.
FAR 25.001(c) and FAR 25.003.
An end product manufactured in the United States if the product is a commercially available off-the-shelf item.
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).
A foreign end product may be purchased under the Buy American Act if___________.
the price of the lowest domestic offer is determined to be unreasonable by the CO.
the article is manufactured in South America.
the cost of the domestic components equals at least 25 percent of the total cost of all components.
the head of the agency approves the purchase.
FAR 25.10
the price of the lowest domestic offer is determined to be unreasonable by the CO.
Who is responsible for performing CAS administration for all contracts and subcontracts in a business unit?
Cognizant Federal Agency Official
Contracting Officer
Head of Contracting Agency
Head of Agency
FAR 30.60
Cognizant Federal Agency Official
Rights of the government to use, disclose, reproduce, prepare derivative works, distribute copies to the public, and perform publicly and display publicly, in any manner and for any purpose, and to have or permit others to do so.
Unrestricted rights
Restricted rights
Unlimited rights
Limited rights
FAR 27.40
Unlimited rights
A ___________________ is required only when a performance bond is required and it is determined to be in the government’s best interest to use them.
bid bond
payment bond
surety bond
performance bond
FAR 28.103-3(a)
payment bond
A contractor has made an invention under a Federal research and development contract
The contractor is a nonprofit organization
The invention is in support of military operations outside the United States
The contractor has made all required disclosures to the Government
The contractor does not have a place of business in the United States
FAR 27.302
The contractor is a nonprofit organization
The requirement for small business set asides generally does not apply to purchases:
made in September of each fiscal year
above the Truthful Cost or Pricing threshold
below the micro-purchase threshold
above the simplified acquisition threshold
FAR 19.502-2
below the micro-purchase threshold
Agencies shall, at a minimum, acquire EPEAT® ____-registered electronic products.
platinum
gold
silver
bronze
FAR 23.704
gold
Service Contracts valued in excess of ___________ must contain mandatory provisions regarding minimum wage and fringe benefits, safe and sanitary working conditions, notification to employees of the minimum allowable compensation, and equivalent Federal employee classifications and wage rates.
$2,000
$1,000
$1,500
$2,500
FAR 22.1002-1
2500
____________ 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 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
Oral presentations by offerors:
May substitute for, or augment, written information.
Are not permitted after release of the solicitation.
May take place only at the conclusion of discussions.
May not be a substitute for written information.
FAR 15.102
May substitute for, or augment, written information.
A letter contract may be used when the schedule will provide definitization of a contract no greater than _____ days after the date of the letter contract.
180
150
120
365
FAR 16.603
180
In which FAR Part is the Uniform Contract Format outlined?
Part 44
Part 2
Part 15
Part 16
FAR 15
Part 15
Which of these mandatory Government supply sources has the highest priority for services?
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
Federal Supply Schedule
FAR 8.002
Services that are on the Procurement List maintained by the Committee for Purchase From People Who Are Blind or Severely Disabled
The Federal Supply Schedule Program is also known as the:
Central Contractor Registry (CCR)
E-Buy Program
Source-Supply List (SSL)
Multiple Award Schedule Program
FAR 8.402
Multiple Award Schedule Program
Which of the following statements is true in regard to contracting officers tailoring the clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Products and Commercial Services?
Contracting officers may not tailor this clause.
Contracting officers may tailor any paragraph of this clause
Contracting officers may tailor any paragraph of this clause if a waiver is approved.
Contracting officers shall tailor this clause by addenda to the solicitation and contract.
FAR 12.302.
Contracting officers shall tailor this clause by addenda to the solicitation and contract.
Which of the following is true regarding the determination that consolidation is necessary and justified because the benefits of the consolidated acquisition would substantially exceed the benefits that would be derived from alternative contracting approaches?
Such benefits must be quantifiable in dollar amounts.
Such benefits may not include the reduction of administrative or personnel costs alone.
Such benefits that are quantifiable in dollar amounts are substantial if individually, in combination, or in the aggregate the anticipated financial benefits are equivalent to fifteen percent of the estimated contract or order value, including options.
Such benefits may include the reduction in acquisition cycle times.
FAR 7.107-2
Such benefits may not include the reduction of administrative or personnel costs alone.
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 micropurchase using the electronic funds transfer method for payment
In the elements of a PIID, positions 7 through 8 are the last two digits of the fiscal year in which the procurement instrument is issued or awarded. What do these digits refer to?
The date the action is signed, rather than the effective date
The date the effective date was awarded, rather than signed
The date the action was drafted, rather than the effective date
The date the effective date was signed, rather than the date the action was signed
FAR 4.1603(2)
The date the action is signed, rather than the effective date
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).
Public interest.
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.
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
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.
______________ 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
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; 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.
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)
