FAC-C Professional study guide
FAC-C Professional · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The FAC-C Professional (Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting – Professional) is the professional-level contracting credential in the federal civilian acquisition workforce certification framework. It is aimed at contracting professionals - typically 1102-series specialists, contract specialists moving into senior roles, and the supervisors who review their work - who must demonstrate command of the entire acquisition life cycle: requirements definition and acquisition planning, market research and solicitation, evaluation and award, and post-award administration through closeout. FAI (the Federal Acquisition Institute, housed within GSA) maintains the certification program, publishes the curriculum, and delivers courses through FAI CSOD, so requirements are revised periodically and should be confirmed against FAI's own certification pages before you build a study plan. One announced change is that CON 7300V: Price Analysis becomes mandatory for civilian agency professionals pursuing the credential on Nov. The FAC-C Professional study guide has 4 sections and about 1,508 words.
01Contract Foundational Skills and Acquisition Planning
Acquisition planning (FAR Part 7) begins with a validated requirement and an integrated acquisition team: the requiring activity, the contracting officer, legal counsel, the small business specialist, finance, and often the COR. Every later decision flows from the requirement's characteristics, so candidates must see the chain from requirement to contract type to competition strategy to administration burden.
407 words, about 2 min02Pre-Award: Market Research, Requirements, and Solicitation
Market research (FAR Part 10) is the bridge between a need and a strategy. It answers whether commercial items exist, how many capable sources there are, what price is realistic, and whether a small business set-aside is appropriate.
392 words, about 2 min03Award: Evaluation, Negotiation, and Contract Formation
Evaluation factors, their relative importance, and the rating method belong in Section M before proposals arrive. Best-value tradeoff (FAR 15.101-1) lets the government pay a premium for superior non-price value.
364 words, about 2 min04Contract Administration and Performance Management
The contracting officer retains authority after award; the COR or administrative contracting officer performs day-to-day surveillance, quality monitoring, and invoice review but cannot direct changes or authorize work outside the contract. Bilateral supplemental agreements handle changes both parties sign.
345 words, about 2 min