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NCMA CFCM practice questions

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Question 1Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Under the FAR, which official is responsible for establishing and maintaining the acquisition planning process for a federal agency's programs?

  1. The competition advocate
  2. The program manager
  3. The head of the contracting activity Correct answer.
  4. The chief financial officer

Explanation

FAR Subpart 7.1 assigns responsibility for acquisition planning to the head of the contracting activity, who must ensure that planning is conducted and documented. The HCA may delegate planning tasks but retains overall responsibility for the process.

Question 2Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer must determine whether a proposed action requires a written acquisition plan under FAR Part 7. Which factor most directly drives that determination?

  1. Whether the requirement is commercial or noncommercial
  2. The geographic location of contract performance
  3. The number of offerors expected to respond
  4. The dollar value and complexity of the acquisition Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR 7.103 sets thresholds and criteria tied to dollar value and complexity, such as acquisitions exceeding specified dollar thresholds or involving significant technical or management risk. Offeror count, commerciality, and performance location are not the drivers for the written plan requirement.

Question 3Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Under FAR Part 6, which circumstance permits an agency to use other than full and open competition on the basis of unusual and compelling urgency?

  1. The need arises from an unexpected event that threatens serious injury or damage and cannot be met through competitive means in time Correct answer.
  2. The agency delayed its planning and now faces an avoidable schedule shortfall
  3. The requirement is funded with annual appropriations that expire at year end
  4. A single source has offered a lower price than any competitor would charge

Explanation

FAR 6.302-2 allows this authority only when an unusual and compelling urgency exists and the agency's need is of such an unusual and compelling nature that the delay of full and open competition would result in serious injury or damage. The lack of advance planning cannot justify the exception.

Question 4Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

An agency wishes to limit a procurement to eligible 8(a) participants. Which statutory authority supports that limited competition?

  1. FAR 6.302-7, public interest
  2. FAR 6.302-3, industrial mobilization
  3. FAR 6.302-5, authorizes the use of a statute expressly authorizing or requiring limited competition Correct answer.
  4. FAR 6.302-1, only one responsible source

Explanation

The 8(a) program operates through a statute that expressly authorizes limiting competition to eligible program participants, which is the exception codified at FAR 6.302-5. The other authorities address different circumstances such as sole source, industrial mobilization, or a public-interest determination by a senior official.

Question 5Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR Part governs the contracting methods and contract types that a contracting officer may select for a negotiated acquisition?

  1. Part 12
  2. Part 14
  3. Part 16 Correct answer.
  4. Part 15

Explanation

FAR Part 16 addresses selecting and using contract types, including fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, incentive, and time-and-materials arrangements. Part 15 covers contracting by negotiation procedures, Part 14 sealed bidding, and Part 12 commercial items.

Question 6Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is choosing a contract type for a requirement with a well-defined scope but significant uncertainty in labor hours. Which contract type best places cost risk on the contractor while preserving price certainty for the defined work?

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

Explanation

A firm-fixed-price contract places the greatest cost risk on the contractor and provides price certainty for the defined scope. The other types reimburse allowable costs or pay by labor hour, shifting more risk to the government.

Question 7Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Under FAR Part 19, what is the general rule for the period during which a concern must qualify as small for a set-aside procurement?

  1. It must qualify as small on the date it submits its initial offer, including price Correct answer.
  2. It must qualify as small throughout the entire period of performance
  3. It must qualify as small on the date the solicitation is issued
  4. It must qualify as small on the date the contract is awarded

Explanation

FAR 19.301-1 provides that a concern must qualify as small at the time it submits its initial offer, including its price, for the procurement. Size status is generally not re-evaluated after that point, subject to specific exceptions.

Question 8Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A procurement is set aside for small business, and the contracting officer receives a reasonable expectation of two or more offers from responsible small businesses. What does the rule of two require?

  1. The requirement must be set aside for small business Correct answer.
  2. The requirement must be competed on an unrestricted basis
  3. The requirement must be awarded on a sole-source basis to the incumbent
  4. The requirement must be reserved for a specific small business program such as 8(a)

Explanation

The rule of two in FAR 19.502-2 requires setting aside the acquisition for small business when there is a reasonable expectation of receiving offers from at least two responsible small business concerns and award will be made at fair market prices.

Question 9Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR Part contains the standards of conduct and procurement integrity provisions applicable to government acquisition personnel, including restrictions on disclosing contractor bid or proposal information?

  1. Part 9
  2. Part 3 Correct answer.
  3. Part 1
  4. Part 33

Explanation

FAR Part 3 addresses improper business practices and personal conflicts of interest, including procurement integrity restrictions on disclosing contractor proposal information and source selection information. Part 9 covers contractor qualifications, and Part 33 covers protests and disputes.

Question 10Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer learns that a government employee disclosed source selection information before award. Under the procurement integrity provisions, what is the primary obligation of the contracting officer?

  1. Immediately cancel the procurement without further review
  2. Ignore the disclosure if the award has already been made
  3. Disclose the information to all offerors to level the field
  4. Report the matter through the agency channels and take appropriate action, including possible referral for investigation Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR 3.104 requires that suspected violations of the procurement integrity provisions be reported to the agency official designated to receive such reports and, where appropriate, referred for investigation. The contracting officer must not simply disregard the matter or unilaterally cancel the procurement.

Question 11Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR Part establishes the responsibility determination standards a contracting officer uses to decide whether a prospective contractor is capable of performing?

  1. Part 9 Correct answer.
  2. Part 15
  3. Part 22
  4. Part 12

Explanation

FAR Subpart 9.1 sets out the general standards of responsibility, including adequate financial resources, ability to comply with the schedule, satisfactory performance record, and integrity. Part 22 addresses labor standards, and Part 15 addresses negotiation procedures.

Question 12Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A prospective contractor has an unsatisfactory record of integrity and business ethics. How should the contracting officer treat this under the general standards of responsibility?

  1. Refer the matter to the Small Business Administration automatically for all firms
  2. Find the contractor nonresponsible unless the concern is resolved through available means Correct answer.
  3. Award the contract because integrity is not a responsibility factor
  4. Make an affirmative determination of responsibility only if the record is offset by a low price

Explanation

FAR 9.104-1 lists satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics as a required element of responsibility. A contracting officer who finds the record unsatisfactory should determine the firm nonresponsible unless the concern is resolved, for example through additional information.

Question 13Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Under FAR Part 15, what is the purpose of establishing a competitive range in a negotiated acquisition?

  1. To exclude all offerors that did not submit the lowest price
  2. To satisfy the requirement for sealed bidding
  3. To identify offerors eligible for a small business set-aside
  4. To limit discussions to the most highly rated proposals Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR 15.306(c) provides that the contracting officer may establish a competitive range consisting of the most highly rated proposals, which limits the number of offerors with whom discussions are conducted. Price alone is not the basis, and the competitive range is a negotiation tool, not a set-aside mechanism.

Question 14Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which statement accurately describes the exchanges the government may have with offerors before establishment of the competitive range under FAR 15.306?

  1. The government may conduct exchanges with any offeror consistent with the solicitation and may clarify, but must not reveal other offerors' proposals Correct answer.
  2. The government may not communicate with any offeror until after award
  3. The government may reveal one offeror's technical approach to another to improve proposals
  4. The government must conduct discussions with all offerors before establishing the competitive range

Explanation

FAR 15.306 permits exchanges with offerors before establishment of the competitive range, including clarifications, but the government must not disclose one offeror's proposal information to another or engage in conduct that favors one offeror. Discussions occur after the competitive range is established.

Question 15Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR Part addresses the types of contracts and the circumstances under which each may be used, including the prohibition on cost-plus-percentage-of-cost contracts?

  1. Part 17
  2. Part 16 Correct answer.
  3. Part 32
  4. Part 31

Explanation

FAR Part 16 governs contract types and expressly prohibits cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost contracting. Part 31 covers cost principles, Part 32 financing and payment, and Part 17 special contracting methods.

Question 16Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

An agency plans to use a cost-reimbursement contract. Which condition must generally be present for that contract type to be appropriate?

  1. The requirement is fully defined and performance uncertainty is low
  2. Uncertainties involved in performance exist to the extent that costs cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy Correct answer.
  3. The contract will be awarded through sealed bidding
  4. The contractor agrees to absorb all cost overruns

Explanation

FAR 16.301-2 provides that cost-reimbursement contracts are suitable when uncertainties in performance exist to the extent that costs cannot be estimated with reasonable accuracy and the contractor's accounting system is adequate. They are not appropriate for well-defined work where cost risk can be priced.

Question 17Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR Part contains the rules on organizational conflicts of interest that a contracting officer must identify and resolve during acquisition planning?

  1. Part 3
  2. Part 15
  3. Part 9 Correct answer.
  4. Part 19

Explanation

FAR Subpart 9.5 addresses organizational conflicts of interest and requires contracting officers to identify, evaluate, and avoid, neutralize, or mitigate them. Personal conflicts of interest and procurement integrity are addressed in Part 3.

Question 18Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contractor will provide systems engineering advice that could later influence the specifications for a follow-on production contract. What type of organizational conflict of interest is most directly implicated?

  1. Biased ground rules Correct answer.
  2. Personal conflict of interest
  3. Unequal access to information
  4. Impaired objectivity

Explanation

Systems-engineering advice that shapes specifications for a follow-on competition most directly raises biased-ground-rules concerns. The contractor could influence the requirements in its own favor. Impaired objectivity instead concerns compromised judgment when evaluating work or interests in which the contractor has a stake; that separate evaluation role is not described here.

Question 19Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR Part governs the use of options in a contract and requires that the option be evaluated as part of the initial competition?

  1. Part 16
  2. Part 15
  3. Part 17 Correct answer.
  4. Part 37

Explanation

FAR Subpart 17.2 addresses options and requires that options be evaluated as part of the initial competition unless a specific exception applies. Part 16 covers contract types, Part 15 negotiation, and Part 37 service contracting.

Question 20Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

An agency wants to acquire services using performance-based acquisition. Which element is most characteristic of a performance work statement?

  1. A statement of measurable outcomes and performance standards Correct answer.
  2. A description of the contractor's internal quality control procedures
  3. A specification of the exact number of labor hours required
  4. A detailed list of tasks the contractor must perform

Explanation

A performance work statement describes the required results in measurable terms, including performance standards and quality assurance, rather than prescribing how the work must be done. This shifts focus from process to outcomes.

Question 21Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Under the FAR, what is the primary purpose of the System for Award Management exclusion records when a contracting officer is determining responsibility?

  1. To establish the contractor's past performance ratings
  2. To identify parties excluded from receiving federal contracts or certain subcontracts Correct answer.
  3. To verify that the contractor is a small business
  4. To confirm that the contractor has paid all federal taxes

Explanation

The SAM exclusions records identify parties that are excluded from federal awards or subcontracts, and the contracting officer must check them as part of the responsibility determination. Tax compliance, size status, and past performance are separate considerations.

Question 22Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Under FAR Part 6, what must the head of the agency determine before using the public-interest exception to full and open competition?

  1. That the acquisition is below the simplified acquisition threshold
  2. That the requirement is for commercial products
  3. That the use of the exception is in the public interest and the determination is documented in writing Correct answer.
  4. That at least two offerors have declined to compete

Explanation

FAR 6.302-7 requires a written determination by the head of the agency that the use of the public-interest authority is in the public interest, and the authority is subject to specific reporting requirements. It is not tied to offeror responses, dollar thresholds, or commerciality.

Question 23Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is preparing a solicitation and must decide whether to use the FAR Part 12 commercial procedures. Which consideration is most relevant to that decision?

  1. Whether the acquisition exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold
  2. Whether the contractor is a large business
  3. Whether the product or service is of a type customarily available in the commercial marketplace Correct answer.
  4. Whether the agency has used the requirement before

Explanation

FAR Part 12 applies when the acquisition is for commercial products or commercial services, defined in part by whether the item is of a type customarily used by the general public or offered for sale in the commercial marketplace. Business size, dollar threshold, and prior history do not determine commerciality.

Question 24Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Under FAR Part 33, what is the general rule regarding the timing for filing a protest with the Government Accountability Office?

  1. A protest based on alleged improprieties in a solicitation must generally be filed before the time set for receipt of initial proposals Correct answer.
  2. A protest may be filed at any time before contract performance is complete
  3. A protest must be filed before the solicitation is issued
  4. A protest must be filed within one year of award

Explanation

FAR 33.103 and the GAO bid protest rules require that protests based on apparent improprieties in a solicitation be filed before the time set for receipt of initial proposals. Other protests are generally filed within specified periods after the basis is known.

Question 25Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR Part establishes the policies for contracting for services, including the prohibition on using personal services contracts unless specifically authorized by statute?

  1. Part 39
  2. Part 12
  3. Part 19
  4. Part 37 Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR Part 37 establishes policies for service contracting, including the requirement to avoid personal services contracts unless authorized by statute and the preference for performance-based approaches. Part 39 addresses acquisition of information technology.

Question 26Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Under the FAR, which official is primarily responsible for ensuring that a proposed contract action complies with all applicable laws and regulations before signature?

  1. The contracting officer Correct answer.
  2. The contract specialist
  3. The agency's competition advocate
  4. The requiring activity's program manager

Explanation

FAR Subpart 1.602 assigns the contracting officer authority to bind the government and responsibility for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and the FAR before executing a contract action. Support personnel may prepare documents, but the accountability rests with the warranted contracting officer.

Question 27Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR part contains the general standards of conduct, including the prohibition against soliciting or accepting gratuities from contractors?

  1. FAR Part 19
  2. FAR Part 15
  3. FAR Part 9
  4. FAR Part 3 Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR Part 3, Improper Business Practices and Personal Conflicts of Interest, contains the gratuity prohibition and related integrity rules. It also addresses antitrust violations, kickbacks, and reporting requirements for suspected improper conduct.

Question 28Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer needs to determine whether a prospective contractor has adequate financial resources to perform a proposed contract. This determination falls under which FAR concept?

  1. Contractor responsibility Correct answer.
  2. Contractor qualification for a set-aside
  3. Contractor past performance evaluation
  4. Contractor responsiveness

Explanation

FAR Subpart 9.1 lists adequate financial resources among the affirmative responsibility factors a contracting officer must assess. Responsibility concerns the contractor's ability and capacity to perform, while responsiveness concerns whether the offer conforms to the solicitation.

Question 29Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR part establishes the policies and procedures for contracting for services, including the rules on inherently governmental functions?

  1. FAR Part 41
  2. FAR Part 36
  3. FAR Part 39
  4. FAR Part 37 Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR Part 37 governs service contracting and directs agencies to avoid assigning inherently governmental functions to contractors. It also covers personal services, performance-based approaches, and quality assurance for services.

Question 30Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Under the FAR, what is the default preference for acquiring supplies and services in the federal government?

  1. Limited-source competition among prequalified vendors
  2. Use of indefinite-delivery contracts only
  3. Sole-source negotiation with the incumbent
  4. Full and open competition Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR Subpart 6.1 requires that agencies obtain full and open competition through the use of competitive procedures unless a statutory exception applies. Competition is the baseline policy, and any deviation must be justified and documented.

Question 31Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR part sets forth the policies for the use of the sealed bidding method of contracting?

  1. FAR Part 16
  2. FAR Part 13
  3. FAR Part 14 Correct answer.
  4. FAR Part 12

Explanation

FAR Part 14 contains the policies and procedures for sealed bidding, including preparation of invitations for bids and public bid opening. Sealed bidding is appropriate when the requirement is clearly defined and award will be made on price.

Question 32Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is preparing to obligate funds for a new contract. Which appropriation principle governs whether the funds may be used for this purpose?

  1. The contractor's past performance rating threshold
  2. The competition advocate's prior approval requirement
  3. The purpose, time, and amount limitations of the appropriation Correct answer.
  4. The agency's small business subcontracting goal

Explanation

Appropriations law imposes purpose, time, and amount restrictions on the use of appropriated funds, often called the three-part test. A contracting officer must confirm the funds are legally available for the intended obligation before award.

Question 33Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR part contains the contract clause requirements and general provisions applicable to the acquisition of commercial products and commercial services?

  1. FAR Part 25
  2. FAR Part 12 Correct answer.
  3. FAR Part 22
  4. FAR Part 31

Explanation

FAR Part 12 establishes the streamlined procedures and clause prescriptions for commercial acquisitions, including the use of customary commercial terms. It directs contracting officers to the clauses in Part 52 that apply to commercial items.

Question 34Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is deciding whether to use a time-and-materials contract. Which FAR part provides the policies and limitations for selecting among contract types?

  1. FAR Part 19
  2. FAR Part 18
  3. FAR Part 16 Correct answer.
  4. FAR Part 17

Explanation

FAR Part 16 describes the types of contracts available and the circumstances and limitations governing each, including time-and-materials and labor-hour contracts. It also addresses the preference for firm-fixed-price arrangements when requirements are well defined.

Question 35Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer plans to use the governmentwide point of entry to publicize a proposed contract action. Which FAR part governs the synopsis requirements?

  1. FAR Part 11
  2. FAR Part 5 Correct answer.
  3. FAR Part 7
  4. FAR Part 8

Explanation

FAR Part 5, Publicizing Contract Actions, sets the requirements for synopsizing proposed contract actions in the governmentwide point of entry. It also addresses exceptions to synopsis and the timing of publication.

Question 36Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

An agency is acquiring a service that is available from a required source under the Javits-Wagner-O'Day Act program. What is the contracting officer's obligation under FAR Part 8?

  1. Acquire the service from the required source if it can meet the requirement Correct answer.
  2. Issue the requirement as a small business set-aside
  3. Use a cost-reimbursement contract to accommodate the source
  4. Conduct full and open competition regardless of the required source

Explanation

FAR Part 8 establishes priority for required sources of supplies and services, including AbilityOne (Javits-Wagner-O'Day) and Federal Prison Industries. When a required source can satisfy the requirement, the contracting officer must generally acquire from that source before considering commercial competition.

Question 37Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

Which FAR part governs the acquisition planning process, including the requirement for a written acquisition plan for certain acquisitions?

  1. FAR Part 12
  2. FAR Part 10
  3. FAR Part 11
  4. FAR Part 7 Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR Part 7 requires acquisition planning and prescribes when a written acquisition plan is required, generally for acquisitions exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold. It also addresses market research coordination and the acquisition team's role.

Question 38Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is conducting market research before finalizing an acquisition strategy. Which FAR part sets out the market research policy and the preference for commercial products and services?

  1. FAR Part 6
  2. FAR Part 15
  3. FAR Part 13
  4. FAR Part 10 Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR Part 10 requires market research appropriate to the circumstances and directs agencies to identify commercial products and services that could meet the requirement. The results inform the acquisition strategy, including whether commercial procedures or competition limitations are appropriate.

Question 39Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

An agency intends to use simplified acquisition procedures for a purchase below the simplified acquisition threshold. Which FAR part contains the applicable policies and the threshold definitions?

  1. FAR Part 14
  2. FAR Part 15
  3. FAR Part 16
  4. FAR Part 13 Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR Part 13 establishes simplified acquisition procedures and the rules for using them, including the threshold and the preference for small business concerns. It also addresses micro-purchases and the use of purchase cards.

Question 40Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is evaluating whether an offeror has a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics. Which FAR part provides the standards for this responsibility determination?

  1. FAR Part 3
  2. FAR Part 15
  3. FAR Part 9 Correct answer.
  4. FAR Part 33

Explanation

FAR Subpart 9.1 lists a satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics as an affirmative responsibility factor. The contracting officer must find the prospective contractor responsible before award unless a waiver applies.

Question 41Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is considering whether to debar a contractor for a criminal conviction related to a government contract. Which FAR part contains the suspension and debarment policies?

  1. FAR Part 9 Correct answer.
  2. FAR Part 19
  3. FAR Part 3
  4. FAR Part 6

Explanation

FAR Subpart 9.4 establishes the policies and procedures for suspending and debarring contractors, including the causes and the role of the suspending and debarring official. A criminal conviction for conduct affecting a government contract is a listed cause.

Question 42Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer must determine whether a proposed subcontractor will perform a critical portion of the work and whether advance notification is required. Which FAR part addresses subcontracting policies and consent requirements?

  1. FAR Part 44 Correct answer.
  2. FAR Part 46
  3. FAR Part 42
  4. FAR Part 45

Explanation

FAR Part 44 establishes the policies and procedures for subcontracting, including consent to subcontract and the use of subcontracting plans. It also addresses the responsibilities of the administrative contracting officer in reviewing subcontracts.

Question 43Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is determining whether a proposed change to a contract is within the scope of the contract. Which FAR part provides the authority for changes and the related clause requirements?

  1. FAR Part 33
  2. FAR Part 43 Correct answer.
  3. FAR Part 49
  4. FAR Part 32

Explanation

FAR Part 43 governs contract modifications, including the use of the Changes clause and the requirement that modifications stay within the general scope of the contract. Out-of-scope work generally requires a new procurement rather than a modification.

Question 44Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contractor has submitted an invoice and the contracting officer must determine whether to make payment. Which FAR part contains the policies for contract financing and prompt payment?

  1. FAR Part 30
  2. FAR Part 33
  3. FAR Part 32 Correct answer.
  4. FAR Part 31

Explanation

FAR Part 32 covers contract financing, including payments, the Prompt Payment Act requirements, and assignment of claims. It establishes when financing may be provided and the conditions for payment.

Question 45Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

An agency is acquiring information technology and must consider the requirements of the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act. Which FAR part addresses acquisition of information technology?

  1. FAR Part 35
  2. FAR Part 39 Correct answer.
  3. FAR Part 36
  4. FAR Part 37

Explanation

FAR Part 39 establishes policies for the acquisition of information technology, including requirements related to capital planning and the use of modular contracting. It directs agencies to consider the Clinger-Cohen Act and related IT management requirements.

Question 46Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is reviewing a proposed acquisition of research and development services and must determine whether the use of a cost-reimbursement contract is appropriate. Which FAR part specifically addresses research and development contracting?

  1. FAR Part 37
  2. FAR Part 34
  3. FAR Part 36
  4. FAR Part 35 Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR Part 35 establishes policies for research and development contracting, including the preference for cost-reimbursement arrangements when the work is exploratory and the costs cannot be estimated with confidence. It also addresses the use of grants and cooperative agreements in appropriate cases.

Question 47Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

An agency is acquiring construction services and must use the two-phase design-build selection procedure. Which FAR part contains the applicable procedures?

  1. FAR Part 34
  2. FAR Part 37
  3. FAR Part 36 Correct answer.
  4. FAR Part 15

Explanation

FAR Part 36 covers construction and architect-engineer services, including the two-phase design-build selection procedures. It also addresses the preference for sealed bidding in construction and the use of performance and payment bonds.

Question 48Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is determining whether a proposed acquisition involves a personal conflict of interest that must be mitigated. Which FAR part contains the personal conflicts of interest rules for contractor employees?

  1. FAR Part 9
  2. FAR Part 19
  3. FAR Part 15
  4. FAR Part 3 Correct answer.

Explanation

FAR Subpart 3.11 addresses personal conflicts of interest for contractor employees performing acquisition functions closely associated with inherently governmental functions. It requires the use of the applicable clause and mitigation measures.

Question 49Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is reviewing whether an acquisition is subject to the Buy American Act or a trade agreement. Which FAR part contains the foreign acquisition policies?

  1. FAR Part 25 Correct answer.
  2. FAR Part 24
  3. FAR Part 22
  4. FAR Part 23

Explanation

FAR Part 25 establishes policies for foreign acquisition, including the Buy American Act, trade agreements, and the evaluation of foreign offers. It also addresses the use of the applicable clauses and the treatment of domestic end products.

Question 50Federal contracting environment (Federal Acquisition Regulation-focused)

A contracting officer is determining whether a proposed acquisition requires an environmental analysis or the use of sustainable acquisition practices. Which FAR part contains those policies?

  1. FAR Part 37
  2. FAR Part 23 Correct answer.
  3. FAR Part 25
  4. FAR Part 22

Explanation

FAR Part 23 addresses environmental, sustainable acquisition, and energy-related requirements, including the preference for products and services that meet applicable environmental standards. It also addresses the use of the applicable clauses and reporting requirements.