Q&A Deck 5 Flashcards
Last Final Exam
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 52.102
Create and reference electronic group listing of provisions and clauses
How should alternates to a given provision or clause be titled per FAR Part 52?
Alternate A, Alternate B, Alternate C
Alternate 1, Alternate 2, Alternate 3
Alternate a, Alternate b, Alternate c
Alternate I, Alternate II, Alternate III
FAR 52.105
Alternate I, Alternate II, Alternate III
Where can executive agencies obtain standard and optional forms?
GSA Forms Library
Acquisition.gov
From the prescribing agency
Via internet search
FAR 53.107
GSA Forms Library
Acceptable forms of security include all of the following except:
Certified cashier’s checks
Credit card
U.S. bonds or notes
Cash
FAR 28.203-2(a)
Credit card
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 32.80
$1,000
ow 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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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 48.10
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
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
FAR 45.302
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
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
As part of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-296, Congress enacted the SAFETY Act to:
Promote a safe workplace including a drug free workplace
Encourage contractors not to text while driving.
Provide risk management and litigation management protections for sellers of Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) in the supply and distribution chain.
Require cybersecurity protocols and related technologies.
FAR 50.203
Provide risk management and litigation management protections for sellers of Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) in the supply and distribution chain.
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 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
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 43.10
Only a contracting officer acting within the scope of his or her authority
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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
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.
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 42.1
Novation agreement
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
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
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
Payment 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(
Satisfactory contract performance
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
$150,000
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
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
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
Delivery payments
______________ 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
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 percentage rate for small business concerns?
10%
50%
85%
15%
FAR 32.501-1
85%
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
he least preferred method of contract financing is:
Loan guarantees
Advance payments
Unusual contract financing
Private financing
FAR 32.10
Advance payments
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.
A “bona fide need” refers to a genuine, legitimate, or actual need for something, as opposed to a perceived or fabricated one. The term is often used in legal, financial, and business contexts to describe situations where there is a real requirement or necessity for goods, services, or actions. For example:
In government contracting: A “bona fide need” rule ensures that funds are obligated only for requirements that genuinely arise in the period for which the funds are available.
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.
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
Which of the following is not a type of surety?
Co-surety
Individual
Corporate
Multiple
FAR 28.001
Multiple
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
Factors for determining whether a cost is allowable include all of the following except:
Terms of the contract
Allocability
Reasonableness
Total price
FAR 31.201-2
Total price
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 25.103
the price of the lowest domestic offer is determined to be unreasonable by the CO.
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
Total 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 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
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 27.401
Unlimited rights