Contracting Foundations Examination Review

Practice flashcards covering federal contracting regulations, including FAR requirements, contract modifications, terminations, and subcontracting procedures.

How are contract items technically classified?

Commercial and Military-Federal.

Which type of change does NOT require a bilateral modification?

Administrative changes (such as a change in the contracting officer technical representative, funding strip, or paying office).

What is a major difference between federal and commercial contracting regarding the 'Changes' clause?

The 'Changes' clause allows the government to unilaterally make changes to a contract without the contractor's agreement.

A bilateral modification must be used for all specific actions except which one?

Issuing termination notices.

Under what condition can a contracting officer avoid providing full and open competition?

If he or she justifies it in writing, certifies the accuracy and completeness of the justification, and obtains the appropriate level of approval.

What action does a contracting officer normally take after a termination for default if the surety does NOT arrange for completion?

Arrange for completion of the work by awarding a new contract based on the same plans and specifications.

Which council, in addition to the DAR Council, does the FAR secretariat provide for to keep a synopsis of current FAR cases?

Civilian Agency Acquisition Council (CAAC).

What is the definition of a letter contract?

Normally a written preliminary contractual instrument that authorizes a contractor to begin performance immediately.

Which of the following is NOT one of the seven exceptions to full and open competition mentioned?

Economy Act.

Which of the following is NOT considered an administrative change?

Change in the delivery date.

A unilateral modification is NOT used for which following action?

To definitize letter contracts.

What is the government's preferred remedy when terminating a contract for a commercial item for cause?

To acquire similar items from another contractor and charge the defaulted contractor with any excess reprocurement costs.

Regarding the 'Option to Extend Services' clause, what is true about the rates?

The clause enables the government to require continued performance at the rates specified in the contract.

What is the responsibility of a prime contractor that provides government property to a subcontractor?

They remain responsible for the property in accordance with the terms of the prime contract.

Options for increased quantities of supplies or services may NOT be expressed in what terms?

A range of quantities for various items.

Who is the individual designated in writing by the contracting officer to assist in technical monitoring?

Contracting officer's representative (COR).

When purchasing commercial items under FAR Part 12, what quality requirement does the government rely on?

The contractor's existing quality assurance system.

What is the FAR Part 47 definition of a common carrier?

A person holding him or herself out to the general public to provide transportation for compensation.

Which type of fixed-price contract is generally exempt from liability for loss of government property?

Competitively awarded fixed-price contracts.

What is the main advantage for ordering offices when placing orders under a Federal Supply Schedule?

Ordering offices may stop seeking further competition.

What are the two types of authorized deviations?

'individual' and 'class.'

What was the Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) established to facilitate?

To facilitate rapid industrial mobilization in case of a national emergency.

In what two forms may a cost-plus-fixed-fee contract be written?

Completion or term.

Who makes the determination to establish a 'forward pricing rate agreement' (FPRA)?

The cognizant contract administration agency.

Under what condition is a stop-work order generally issued by the government?

If it is advisable to suspend work pending a decision and a supplemental agreement is not feasible.

What is an example of an excusable delay in construction contracting?

An excavation that could not be started promptly due to a flood at the site.

On what basis is government property normally provided to a contractor during contract performance?

On a rent-free basis.

What is the policy regarding 'inherently governmental functions'?

Agencies shall not use contractors to perform inherently governmental functions.

What are the two broad categories into which contract types are grouped?

Fixed-price contracts and cost-reimbursement contracts.

What does the Federal Acquisition Regulations System consist of besides the FAR?

Agency acquisition regulations that implement or supplement the FAR.

What is modular contracting?

The use of one or more contracts to acquire information technology systems in successive, interoperable increments.

If a contractor lacks an approved purchasing system, for which specific actions is consent to subcontract required?

Cost-reimbursement contracts, time-and-materials contracts, and unpriced actions.

Who is generally responsible for determining the responsibility of a subcontractor?

The prime contractor.

What is the preferred method of transporting supplies for the government?

Commercial carrier.

What is the dollar threshold for procurements that requires a small business subcontracting plan?

$$750,000$$

At what undelivered balance price should a contract normally NOT be terminated for convenience?

When the price is less than $5,000$.

What are the two ways interagency acquisition may be accomplished?

Direct or assisted acquisitions.

If a contractor has an approved purchasing system, when is consent to subcontract required?

Only for subcontracts specifically identified by the contracting officer in the 'subcontracts' clause of the contract.

When should Quality Assurance Surveillance Plans (QASP) be prepared?

In conjunction with the statement of work.

Who is responsible for granting consent to subcontracts if not retained by the PCO?

The administrative contracting officer (ACO).

The CPSR review provides the ACO a basis for what?

Granting, withholding, or withdrawing approval of the contractor's purchasing system.

How may the Government authorize and consent to a contractor's use of inventions covered by U.S. patents?

By expressly authorized consent through the insertion of the clause at 52.227-1.