DAWIA Contracting study guide
DAWIA Contracting · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The DAWIA Contracting credential is the professional certification for members of the defense acquisition workforce who work in the contracting functional area. It is built around the standards published for the contracting career field and is intended for acquisition professionals - contract specialists, contract administrators, price/cost analysts working in contracting shops, and the supervisors who develop them - who need to demonstrate breadth across the full contracting lifecycle rather than mastery of a single step. The DAWIA Contracting study guide has 5 sections and about 1,417 words.
01Contract Principles and Planning
Contracting begins with the FAR system and the principle that the government buys only what it needs, when it needs it, using the right appropriation. Candidates should know competition requirements (full and open competition, the limited exceptions, and the J&A process), market research, acquisition planning, and the requirement that specifications be stated functionally where practical.
291 words, about 1 min02Contract Formation and Award
Formation turns on the solicitation method and the evaluation rules stated in it. Sealed bidding uses an IFB, award to the responsive, responsible bidder whose bid is lowest, and price is the only evaluation factor.
285 words, about 1 min03Contract Administration and Pricing
Administration covers performance management and the reasonableness of price. Price analysis compares prices without examining cost elements (catalog prices, prior prices, competition, market research).
283 words, about 1 min04Contract Execution, Modification, and Termination
The changes clause lets the CO order changes within the general scope of the contract, unilaterally if necessary. The contractor must continue performance and submit a request for equitable adjustment within the stated period; a constructive change can arise from defective specifications, overzealous inspection, or direction outside the contract.
274 words, about 1 min05Special Contracting Methods and Business Relationships
Special contracting methods expand or alter normal procedures. IDIQ contracts provide for indefinite quantities during a stated ordering period; multiple-award IDIQ contracts require fair opportunity to be given to all awardees unless an exception applies.
284 words, about 1 min