Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Review

Flashcards covering Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) core concepts, acquisition planning, market research (Part 10), commercial items (Part 12), and negotiated acquisitions (Part 15).

What are the core responsibilities of a Contracting Officer (CO)?

COs ensure contract compliance, safeguard U.S. interests, verify fund availability, ensure performance aligns with contract terms, and act as impartial stewards of taxpayer resources. RFO FAR 1.402-1 Authority

What is a "commercial product" or "commercial service"?

A product or service sold in the commercial marketplace with minimal or no modifications for government use, such as off-the-shelf software (MS Office) or standard consulting services. FAR 2.101

What is the primary purpose of acquisition planning?

To meet agency needs effectively, economically, and timely while minimizing risks and ensuring compliance. RFO FAR 7.102

What is a "responsible contractor"?

A contractor with adequate financial resources, compliance with delivery schedules, satisfactory performance and ethics records, necessary skills, and no active exclusions in SAM. RFO FAR 9.104-1 General standards.

What is the difference between an RFQ and an RFP under Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?

An RFQ (Request for Quotation) is used for commercial acquisitions valued up to $9M to obtain quotations followed by a purchase order, not resulting in a binding offer (RFO FAR 12.201-1). An RFP (Request for Proposal) is used for negotiated acquisitions and results in a formal, binding proposal (RFO FAR 15.102).

What does the Bona Fide Needs Rule (31 U.S.C. 1502) require?

It requires that funds be obligated for needs arising in the fiscal year of the appropriation (time) and for the authorized purpose (purpose).

What is the definition of a "Contracting Officer" according to FAR 2.101?

A person with authority to enter, administer, or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings, as delegated by a warrant.

What is defined as "full and open competition" in FAR 6.003?

A procurement process where all responsible sources are permitted to compete, maximizing value and fairness.

What are the seven exceptions to full and open competition under FAR 6.302?

(1) Only one responsible source, (2) Unusual and compelling urgency, (3) Industrial mobilization, (4) International agreements, (5) Authorized by statute, (6) National security, and (7) Public interest.

What are the primary goals of market research as stated in FAR 10.002?

To identify commercial or non-developmental items, inform contract type and acquisition strategy, and promote competition and small business participation.

What components must a Justification and Approval (J&A) include per FAR 6.303-2?

The requirement, reason for non-competition, market research, impact of non-competition, and approval signature.

Under FAR 8.405-3, what is the "fair opportunity" requirement for schedule contractors?

All schedule contractors must have a chance to compete for orders exceeding the micro-purchase threshold of $10,000$, unless an exception applies.

How is an item determined to be commercial under FAR Part 12?

By reviewing the item against FAR 2.101 definitions, verifying it is sold in the commercial marketplace, and documenting the determination in a D&F.

According to FAR 15.306(c), what is the difference between negotiations and discussions?

Discussions involve negotiations within the competitive range to improve proposals, while negotiations are broader and include final contract terms.

What is the "best value continuum" described in FAR 15.101?

A method balancing cost and non-cost factors, ranging from Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) to tradeoff processes prioritizing technical merit.

What is the role of the Source Selection Authority (SSA) in FAR Part 15?

The SSA makes the final award decision, ensuring it aligns with evaluation criteria and provides the best value to the government.

What documentation is required for a FAR Part 15 award according to FAR 15.406-3?

A source selection decision document, evaluation records, and evidence of fair and reasonable pricing (such as a price analysis report).

What steps are required to ensure compliance during a FAR Part 15 negotiation and source selection process?

Develop a clear solicitation, conduct fair proposal evaluations, establish a competitive range, conduct meaningful discussions, request final proposal revisions (FPRs), support the source selection decision, and notify/debrief offerors.

What determines if an acquisition can use simplified acquisition procedures under FAR Part 13 in conjunction with FAR Part 12?

The acquisition must involve commercial items and have an estimated value below the simplified acquisition threshold of $7.5\text{ million}$.

What are the specific steps for conducting market research according to FAR 10.002?

(1) Review existing information (SAM, CPARS), (2) Issue a Request for Information (RFI), (3) Engage with industry, (4) Consult small business programs, (5) Analyze commercial practices, and (6) Document findings in a report.

If market research finds only one capable vendor, what acquisition strategy is considered under FAR 6.302-1?

A sole source acquisition (only one responsible source), which requires a Justification and Approval (J&A) document per FAR 6.303.

What is the "Rule of Two" in FAR 19.502-2 regarding small business participation?

The requirement to determine if at least two responsible small businesses can meet the requirements to justify a small business set-aside.

What are the potential consequences of failing to conduct adequate market research?

Non-competitive acquisitions, cost inefficiencies, poor performance, and missed small business opportunities.

According to FAR 8.002, what is the order of priority for mandatory sources?

Agencies must first check the AbilityOne Procurement List before moving to the GSA Federal Supply Schedules (FSS).

Why are GSA Schedules considered an efficient option under FAR 8.404(d)?

They offer pre-vetted contractors with fair and reasonable pricing, serving as a mandatory source to streamline procurement.