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FAC-C Professional practice questions

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Question 1Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

What is the primary purpose of acquisition planning under FAR Part 7?

  1. To eliminate the need for market research once the requirement has been well defined
  2. To integrate requirement, strategy, and risk into a sound acquisition approach Correct answer.
  3. To guarantee that the lowest-priced offeror will be selected in every competitive acquisition
  4. To transfer all acquisition decisions from the contracting officer to the requiring activity

Explanation

Acquisition planning is a structured process that brings together the requirement, acquisition strategy, cost, schedule, and risk so the agency can meet its need timely and at a reasonable cost. It does not replace competition rules or market research, and decision authority remains with warranted officials.

Question 2Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a statement of work (SOW)?

  1. It lists the evaluation factors and their relative importance for source selection
  2. It describes the required work in enough detail to be priced Correct answer.
  3. It establishes the contract's fixed price and the contractor's profit rate
  4. It identifies the appropriation, fund citation, and accounting classification for the requirement

Explanation

A statement of work defines the work to be performed so offerors can understand the requirement and prepare responsive, priced proposals. Pricing, funding, and source selection terms are documented in other parts of the solicitation or acquisition file.

Question 3Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Market research, as described in FAR Part 10, is best defined as:

  1. Publicizing a proposed sole-source award in the governmentwide point of entry
  2. Negotiating price reductions with the incumbent contractor
  3. Collecting and analyzing information about market capabilities to meet agency needs Correct answer.
  4. Auditing a contractor's accounting system before award

Explanation

FAR Part 10 defines market research as collecting and analyzing information about capabilities within the market to satisfy agency needs. It informs the acquisition strategy, requirement definition, and competition approach; it is not a price negotiation or an audit function.

Question 4Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Which contract type places the greatest cost risk on the contractor and is generally suitable when requirements are well defined?

  1. Cost-plus-fixed-fee
  2. Firm-fixed-price Correct answer.
  3. Cost-no-fee
  4. Time-and-materials

Explanation

A firm-fixed-price contract places full responsibility on the contractor for the costs of performance and for any resulting profit or loss. It is best suited to well-defined requirements where cost uncertainties are limited.

Question 5Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

An independent government cost estimate (IGCE) is primarily used to:

  1. set the final contract price before proposals are received
  2. document the contractor's incurred costs after performance
  3. support budgeting and assess the reasonableness of proposed prices Correct answer.
  4. replace the need for a competitive source selection process

Explanation

An IGCE is the government's own estimate of the expected cost of the requirement. It supports budgeting, price analysis, and evaluation of whether proposed prices are reasonable, but it does not set the contract price or substitute for competition.

Question 6Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Which item best qualifies as a commercial item under FAR Part 2?

  1. A construction project designed to the government's unique specifications
  2. Software sold to the general public in substantial quantities Correct answer.
  3. A specially designed radar built only for one agency's unique mission
  4. A research and development service performed under a cost-reimbursement contract

Explanation

A commercial item includes a product customarily used by the general public or by non-governmental entities and sold or offered for sale in substantial quantities. Items designed uniquely for government missions and construction are generally not commercial items unless they meet a specific commercial-item category.

Question 7Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Sealed bidding is generally appropriate when:

  1. the requirement is clear, price is decisive, and discussions are not needed Correct answer.
  2. only one responsible source is available to meet the government's need
  3. the requirement is complex and offerors may need to revise proposals through discussions
  4. the government wants to negotiate technical approach and price with each offeror

Explanation

Sealed bidding is used when the government's requirement can be described clearly and accurately, award will be based on price, and discussions are not needed. Negotiation is used when discussions or tradeoffs are anticipated, and sole-source situations require a justification.

Question 8Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

How does a performance work statement (PWS) differ from a statement of objectives (SOO)?

  1. A PWS is prepared by offerors, while an SOO is prepared by the contracting officer
  2. A PWS sets a fixed price, while an SOO establishes a cost-reimbursement ceiling
  3. A PWS states measurable results, while an SOO states high-level goals Correct answer.
  4. A PWS is used only for construction, while an SOO is used only for services

Explanation

A performance work statement describes the required results in measurable terms that can be used for evaluation and surveillance. A statement of objectives states high-level goals and allows offerors to propose the performance approach that will meet them.

Question 9Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Which element normally belongs in an acquisition plan?

  1. A list of every offeror that will be excluded from the competition
  2. The acquisition background, objectives, and approach for cost, schedule, and risk Correct answer.
  3. The internal accounting system description for the requiring activity
  4. The contractor's final negotiated profit rate for each subcontract

Explanation

An acquisition plan documents the acquisition background, objectives, and the strategy for managing cost, schedule, performance, and risk. It supports but does not set final contract pricing or replace the contractor's own internal systems.

Question 10Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Which market research technique invites industry to provide information before the acquisition strategy is finalized?

  1. Request for information Correct answer.
  2. Contract modification
  3. Notice of intent to sole source
  4. Invitation for bids

Explanation

A request for information is a market research tool used to obtain industry feedback before the acquisition strategy or solicitation is finalized. An IFB is a formal solicitation, a sole-source notice announces a proposed noncompetitive award, and a modification changes an existing contract.

Question 11Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

After completing market research, the contracting officer should:

  1. file the results without changing the requirement or the acquisition strategy
  2. share proprietary information with all interested vendors
  3. cancel the acquisition if fewer than three sources respond
  4. document the results and use them to refine the strategy Correct answer.

Explanation

Market research must be documented and used to inform the requirement, competition approach, and acquisition strategy. The results do not automatically cancel an acquisition or permit disclosure of proprietary information.

Question 12Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

In a best value tradeoff source selection, the government may:

  1. pay more for superior technical merit when it is worth the cost Correct answer.
  2. ignore price when technical factors are included
  3. award only to the offeror with the highest technical score
  4. select the lowest-priced offer only if that offer is technically acceptable

Explanation

In a best value tradeoff, the government may select a higher-priced offer if its superior technical merit is worth the price premium. Price remains a factor, and the evaluation must follow the stated criteria.

Question 13Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

What is the main purpose of a quality assurance surveillance plan (QASP)?

  1. To describe the contractor's internal quality control procedures
  2. To define how the government will monitor performance against the PWS Correct answer.
  3. To establish the amount of any quality-related incentive fee under the contract
  4. To replace inspection requirements in the contract

Explanation

A QASP describes the methods and frequency the government will use to surveil contractor performance against the performance work statement. The contractor's own quality control plan is separate, and a QASP does not set fees or eliminate inspection terms.

Question 14Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Bundling occurs when an agency:

  1. uses a single-source justification instead of competition
  2. combines requirements that are already suitable for award to small business concerns
  3. combines separate requirements into one contract unsuitable for small business Correct answer.
  4. awards multiple small contracts to the same large business

Explanation

Bundling is a form of consolidation in which separate requirements are combined into a single contract that is likely unsuitable for small business. It triggers additional market research and justification requirements; it is not defined by the number of awards or by use of a sole-source justification.

Question 15Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

A justification and approval (J&A) is required when an agency:

  1. uses a competitive negotiated acquisition
  2. sets aside an acquisition for small business
  3. awards a contract without full and open competition Correct answer.
  4. conducts market research before issuing a solicitation

Explanation

A justification and approval documents and approves the use of other than full and open competition, with limited exceptions. Competitive acquisitions, market research, and small business set-asides do not require a J&A.

Question 16Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

An organizational conflict of interest (OCI) exists when:

  1. a contractor's price exceeds the independent government estimate
  2. an offeror submits a late proposal
  3. the contracting officer has too many acquisitions to manage
  4. a contractor's other work creates an unfair advantage or impairs objectivity Correct answer.

Explanation

An organizational conflict of interest arises when a contractor's other activities or relationships create an unfair competitive advantage or impair the contractor's objectivity in performing the contract. Price reasonableness, late proposals, and workload are separate issues.

Question 17Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

The primary purpose of a source selection plan is to:

  1. authorize the use of a sole-source justification
  2. provide the contractor's quality control plan for the project
  3. document evaluation factors, procedures, and roles before receipt of proposals Correct answer.
  4. state the contract price and profit agreed to with the selected offeror

Explanation

A source selection plan establishes the evaluation factors, procedures, roles, and schedule before proposals are received. It promotes consistent evaluation and does not set final prices, replace the contractor's quality plan, or authorize noncompetitive awards.

Question 18Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

An indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract is most appropriate when:

  1. the requirement is a one-time purchase of a single item
  2. future quantities and timing are uncertain but a framework is feasible Correct answer.
  3. the exact quantities and required delivery dates are fully known in advance
  4. the government wants to avoid establishing any minimum or maximum quantities

Explanation

An IDIQ contract is useful when the government can establish a framework but cannot determine exact future quantities or delivery dates. The contract must include minimum and maximum quantities, and it is not intended for a single known purchase.

Question 19Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Life-cycle cost analysis in acquisition planning considers:

  1. acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal costs over the life Correct answer.
  2. only the initial purchase price of the supplies or services
  3. only the costs incurred during the first year of the contract
  4. only the contractor's proposed labor rates and overhead

Explanation

Life-cycle cost analysis considers the total cost of acquiring, operating, maintaining, and disposing of an item over its useful life. It supports decisions that may trade a higher initial price for lower long-term costs.

Question 20Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Under the rule of two, an acquisition is set aside for small business when:

  1. the contracting officer prefers to work with small business
  2. the acquisition value is below the simplified acquisition threshold
  3. two or more responsible small businesses are expected to compete at fair prices Correct answer.
  4. at least one small business concern submits a technically acceptable proposal

Explanation

Under the rule of two, the contracting officer sets aside an acquisition for small business when there is a reasonable expectation that at least two responsible small business concerns will offer at fair market prices. Preference or submission of a single offer is not the test.

Question 21Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

A statement of work requires a specific brand-name component without support. This is most likely problematic because:

  1. Brand-name descriptions are prohibited in all federal acquisitions
  2. It prevents the contracting officer from using a firm-fixed-price contract
  3. It automatically converts the acquisition to a sole-source award
  4. It may be unduly restrictive of competition unless the need is justified Correct answer.

Explanation

A brand-name requirement can be unduly restrictive because it may exclude other products that could meet the government's need. Agencies must justify brand-name descriptions and may use them when necessary to ensure compatibility or satisfy a documented requirement.

Question 22Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

An agency has a well-defined requirement but expects significant cost uncertainty from unstable material prices. Which strategy is most consistent with FAR Part 16 principles?

  1. A fixed-price contract with an economic price adjustment clause Correct answer.
  2. A cost-plus-percentage-of-cost contract for the entire requirement
  3. A cost-reimbursement contract with no fee
  4. A time-and-materials contract without a ceiling or surveillance plan

Explanation

A fixed-price contract with an economic price adjustment clause can address limited cost uncertainty from material price changes while preserving the fixed-price structure. Cost-plus-percentage-of-cost contracts are prohibited, and open-ended cost-reimbursement or T&M arrangements do not match a well-defined requirement.

Question 23Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

An agency plans to use an option clause to acquire additional quantities. Which condition must be met?

  1. The option quantity must exceed the simplified acquisition threshold
  2. The option may be added after award without further consideration
  3. The option must be evaluated in the initial competition and its terms stated Correct answer.
  4. The option must be awarded to a different contractor

Explanation

Options must be evaluated as part of the initial competition, and the contract must state the option quantities and prices. An option cannot be added after award without consideration, and it is not awarded to a different contractor.

Question 24Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

An agency plans a cost-reimbursement contract for a high-risk research effort. Which condition must generally be satisfied before using this contract type?

  1. The contractor must accept all cost risk under a firm-fixed-price arrangement
  2. The contractor's accounting system must be adequate and the agency must monitor performance Correct answer.
  3. The requirement must be so clearly defined that no changes are expected
  4. The agency must have no ability to estimate costs

Explanation

Cost-reimbursement contracts require an adequate contractor accounting system for determining costs and appropriate government surveillance of performance. They are used when cost uncertainties are too great for a fixed-price contract, not when the requirement is fully defined.

Question 25Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

In acquisition planning, a requirements official proposes a specification that is so detailed it dictates the contractor's manufacturing processes. What is the best concern?

  1. It automatically requires a sole-source justification
  2. It eliminates the need for any quality assurance plan
  3. It automatically requires a cost-reimbursement contract type
  4. It may be an overly detailed design specification that restricts competition and innovation Correct answer.

Explanation

A specification that dictates manufacturing processes is a design specification and may unnecessarily limit competition and innovation. Acquisition planning should favor performance-based requirements that describe outcomes unless a design specification is justified.

Question 26Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Which contract type places the greatest cost risk on the contractor?

  1. Firm-fixed-price Correct answer.
  2. Cost-plus-fixed-fee
  3. Time-and-materials
  4. Cost-no-fee

Explanation

A firm-fixed-price contract establishes a price that is not adjusted for the contractor's cost experience, so the contractor absorbs cost overruns and benefits from savings. Cost-reimbursement and time-and-materials arrangements shift more of the cost risk to the government.

Question 27Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

What is the primary purpose of an independent government estimate (IGE)?

  1. Set the profit rate the contractor will receive
  2. Provide the government's estimate of probable cost Correct answer.
  3. Establish the maximum quantity the agency may order
  4. Substitute for a contractor's certified cost or pricing data

Explanation

The IGE gives the government its own pre-award estimate of the probable cost or price so proposals can be evaluated for reasonableness. It does not replace cost or pricing data and does not set profit.

Question 28Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

What is the primary purpose of the System for Award Management (SAM)?

  1. To track contractor past performance evaluations
  2. To centrally register and exclude entities seeking federal awards Correct answer.
  3. To process bid protests filed with GAO
  4. To host the Federal Acquisition Regulation and all agency supplements in one location

Explanation

SAM is the central federal system where entities register to do business with the government and where exclusions are recorded. It supports award eligibility and payment, not rulemaking, past performance, or protests.

Question 29Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

A performance-based acquisition (PBA) is best described as an approach that:

  1. Specifies each step the contractor must follow to perform the work
  2. Requires the contractor to use government-furnished equipment for all tasks
  3. Describes the required results and relies on measurable performance standards Correct answer.
  4. Limits competition to small business concerns

Explanation

PBA focuses on outcomes by stating required results and measurable performance standards rather than prescribing detailed methods. Contractors propose how to meet the standards, and the government surveils performance.

Question 30Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

A small business subcontracting plan is generally required when a contract:

  1. Exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold and includes any amount of subcontracting
  2. Is set aside for small business under the rule of two
  3. Is awarded to a small business concern
  4. Exceeds $750,000, has subcontracting possibilities, and is awarded to a large business Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR 19.702 requires a subcontracting plan for contracts expected to exceed $750,000 ($1.5 million for construction) that offer subcontracting possibilities and are awarded to other than small business concerns. Small business awardees and set-aside contracts are generally exempt.

Question 31Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Consolidation differs from bundling in that consolidation:

  1. Covers any grouping of previously separate requirements Correct answer.
  2. Is limited to construction contracts
  3. Requires a J&A for every contract action
  4. Applies only when the agency uses sealed bidding procedures

Explanation

Consolidation is the broader concept covering any grouping of previously separate requirements into a single solicitation or contract. Bundling is a subset of consolidation that specifically involves small business concerns and must be justified.

Question 32Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

A reverse auction is used in federal acquisition primarily when:

  1. The agency is required to use sealed bidding under the Competition in Contracting Act
  2. The agency needs to negotiate a sole-source contract
  3. Contractors compete by successively lowering prices online Correct answer.
  4. The agency wants to evaluate past performance only

Explanation

In a reverse auction, offerors compete in real time by lowering their prices, and the lowest-priced offer generally wins. It is a competitive technique, not a sole-source or sealed-bidding requirement.

Question 33Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

When past performance is used as an evaluation factor, the agency should:

  1. Evaluate the quality and relevance of the contractor's prior work Correct answer.
  2. Limit consideration to references the contractor chooses to submit
  3. Consider only the contractor's most recent contract
  4. Use past performance only for small business set-asides

Explanation

Past performance evaluation considers the quality, relevance, and recency of a contractor's prior work. Agencies may use their own data and are not limited to references the offeror submits, nor is the factor restricted to set-asides.

Question 34Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

A contracting officer's affirmative determination of responsibility is based on:

  1. The offeror's status as a small business concern under NAICS size standards
  2. The offeror's price relative to the independent government estimate
  3. The offeror's technical proposal score as rated by the evaluation board
  4. The offeror's ability to perform, including finances and integrity Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR Subpart 9.1 requires an affirmative determination that the prospective contractor has adequate financial resources, integrity, facilities, and capability to perform. Technical scores and price are evaluation matters, not responsibility.

Question 35Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Progress payments under a fixed-price contract are:

  1. Payments made only after final acceptance
  2. Payments for work completed and accepted by the government
  3. Payments before completion, based on costs incurred Correct answer.
  4. A form of advance payment secured by a bond

Explanation

Progress payments are financing payments made as work progresses, based on costs incurred by the contractor. They differ from partial payments for accepted work and from advance payments, which are made before work begins.

Question 36Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

An undefinitized contract action (UCA) must include:

  1. A firm-fixed price for all work to be performed
  2. A ceiling price and a definitization schedule Correct answer.
  3. A cost-plus-percentage-of-cost fee
  4. A waiver of the limitation on obligations

Explanation

A UCA must state a ceiling price and a schedule for definitizing the contract, and obligations before definitization are generally limited to 50 percent of the ceiling. Cost-plus-percentage-of-cost fees are prohibited.

Question 37Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

An express warranty in a contract generally provides that the contractor will:

  1. Correct or replace warranted defects during a stated period Correct answer.
  2. Perform additional work at no cost indefinitely
  3. Guarantee the entire system for its useful life
  4. Indemnify the government against all third-party claims

Explanation

An express warranty commits the contractor to remedy defects in the warranted items for a defined period. It does not guarantee the entire system for its life or provide open-ended indemnity.

Question 38Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Multi-year contracting is appropriate when:

  1. The agency wants to avoid annual appropriations entirely
  2. The requirement is highly uncertain and likely to change each year
  3. The requirement is stable and cancellation costs can be funded Correct answer.
  4. The need is for a one-time purchase of a single item

Explanation

Multi-year contracting requires a stable requirement, realistic cost estimates, and a cancellation ceiling that the agency can fund if the contract is terminated. It does not eliminate the need for appropriations.

Question 39Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Which statement about a Certificate of Competency (COC) is accurate?

  1. SBA issues it after reviewing a small firm's responsibility Correct answer.
  2. It replaces past performance evaluation
  3. It is issued by the contracting officer to certify a contractor's technical proposal
  4. It applies only to large business concerns

Explanation

When a contracting officer finds a small business concern nonresponsible, the Small Business Administration may review the matter and issue a Certificate of Competency certifying the firm's capacity to perform. A COC does not apply to large businesses or replace past performance evaluation.

Question 40Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning

Which condition must be met before using a time-and-materials contract?

  1. The work must be fully defined in a design specification
  2. The contractor must be a small business
  3. The contract must be awarded under sealed bidding
  4. No other contract type is suitable, and a ceiling price is set Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR 16.601 permits time-and-materials only when the contracting officer determines that no other contract type is suitable, a ceiling price is established, and appropriate surveillance is provided. Sealed bidding, small business status, and a complete design specification are not conditions for use.

Question 41Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation

What is the primary purpose of market research in the acquisition process?

  1. To prepare the independent government cost estimate
  2. To select the evaluation factors for the solicitation
  3. To negotiate a lower price with the incumbent contractor
  4. To determine whether commercial items can meet the need Correct answer.

Explanation

Market research is conducted to determine whether commercial or nondevelopmental items exist that could satisfy the requirement, and to inform the acquisition strategy, including contract type, competition approach, and evaluation approach. FAR Part 10 makes this a required planning step.

Question 42Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation

What document is used to collect industry feedback on a proposed requirement before a solicitation is issued?

  1. Justification and approval
  2. Request for quotation
  3. Request for information Correct answer.
  4. Invitation for bids

Explanation

An RFI is a market research tool used to obtain information from industry about capabilities, commercial practices, and the feasibility of a draft requirement before a solicitation is issued. It creates no obligation for the agency to issue a solicitation or make an award.

Question 43Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation

Which document states the government's overall objectives for a performance-based acquisition and leaves preparation of the performance work statement to the offeror?

  1. Quality assurance surveillance plan
  2. Purchase description
  3. Statement of objectives Correct answer.
  4. Statement of work

Explanation

A statement of objectives sets out the government's overall goals, scope, and constraints but does not prescribe the work in detail; offerors respond by proposing the performance work statement. It is used when the government wants to give industry latitude to propose the most effective approach.

Question 44Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation

The requirement is well defined, and the agency intends to award to the lowest-priced technically acceptable bid without discussions. Which instrument fits?

  1. Request for proposals
  2. Invitation for bids Correct answer.
  3. Request for quotations
  4. Request for information

Explanation

Sealed bidding under FAR Part 14 is used when the requirement can be described definitively, price is the deciding factor, and award will be made without discussions. The invitation for bids is the instrument used for that method.

Question 45Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation

When a "brand name or equal" purchase description is used, the solicitation must:

  1. State the salient characteristics an equal item must meet Correct answer.
  2. Limit the award to the named brand only
  3. Require a justification and approval for the brand name item
  4. Name at least three acceptable brand names

Explanation

FAR 11.104 requires that when a brand name or equal description is used, the solicitation identify the salient physical, functional, or performance characteristics that are essential to the item's intended use, so that offerors can propose acceptable equivalents.

Question 46Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation

A specification that states the required results in measurable terms and leaves the means of achieving them to the contractor is called a:

  1. Brand name specification
  2. Performance specification Correct answer.
  3. Design specification
  4. Material specification

Explanation

A performance specification states requirements in terms of required results, together with criteria for determining compliance, and leaves the method of accomplishment to the contractor. Design and material specifications instead prescribe specific characteristics.

Question 47Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation

An independent government cost estimate is best described as:

  1. The government's own cost estimate Correct answer.
  2. The contractor's certified cost proposal
  3. The maximum price stated in the solicitation
  4. The price negotiated with the successful offeror

Explanation

The independent government estimate is the government's own estimate of the expected cost or price of the work, prepared without contractor influence. It supports acquisition planning, evaluation of the reasonableness of proposed prices, and negotiations.

Question 48Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation

A sources sought notice is issued primarily to:

  1. Amend an existing solicitation
  2. Announce a contract award
  3. Satisfy the requirement for a justification and approval
  4. Identify interested and capable potential sources Correct answer.

Explanation

A sources sought notice is a market research technique used to determine whether qualified sources, including small businesses, exist and are interested in a requirement. The responses help shape the acquisition strategy and the set-aside decision.

Question 49Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation

An offeror asks where the solicitation states how proposals will be evaluated and the relative importance of the factors. That information belongs in:

  1. Section I
  2. Section B
  3. Section L
  4. Section M Correct answer.

Explanation

Section M contains the evaluation factors and significant subfactors and states their relative importance, which offerors must know in order to prepare competitive proposals. The solicitation must disclose this information before proposals are due.

Question 50Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation

After issuing a solicitation, the contracting officer decides to change a requirement. What must the contracting officer do?

  1. Verbally notify only the incumbent and keep the solicitation unchanged
  2. Cancel and reissue the solicitation in every case
  3. Issue an amendment to all parties that received the solicitation Correct answer.
  4. Wait until the closing date and address the change in discussions

Explanation

When a solicitation is changed before award, the contracting officer amends it and provides the amendment to everyone who received the solicitation; significant amendments are also publicized and may require extending the closing date. Offerors acknowledge receipt of amendments in their proposals.