CAM Communication & Documentation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CAM discovers a significant cost variance during monthly analysis. What document should the CAM prepare to formally communicate the cause, impact, and corrective action?
- A Variance Analysis Report (VAR) (Correct answer)
- A Work Authorization Document
- A Baseline Change Request
- A Statement of Work revision
Correct answer: A Variance Analysis Report (VAR)
The Variance Analysis Report is the formal document CAMs use to explain variance root causes, impacts, and corrective actions.
Question 2: During an EVMS surveillance review, what is the CAM's primary communication responsibility?
- Explain and defend the data and processes within their control account (Correct answer)
- Refer all questions to the program manager
- Present only favorable performance metrics
- Negotiate contract terms with the customer
Correct answer: Explain and defend the data and processes within their control account
CAMs must be able to personally explain their control account data, processes, and performance during surveillance interviews.
Question 3: A CAM maintains a notebook (or electronic equivalent) for their control account. What is its primary purpose?
- To provide an organized, auditable record of all control account documentation (Correct answer)
- To replace the program's official cost accounting system
- To track personal performance goals
- To store customer contact information
Correct answer: To provide an organized, auditable record of all control account documentation
The CAM notebook consolidates work authorizations, budgets, schedules, and variance analyses into one auditable reference.
Question 4: Which document formally communicates the scope, schedule, and budget authorized to a CAM before work begins?
- The Work Authorization Document (WAD) (Correct answer)
- The Integrated Program Management Report
- The monthly status briefing
- The corrective action log
Correct answer: The Work Authorization Document (WAD)
The Work Authorization Document formally conveys authorized scope, schedule, and budget to the CAM prior to starting work.
Question 5: A CAM's variance explanation states only 'costs were higher than planned.' Why is this documentation inadequate?
- It restates the variance without identifying root cause, impact, or corrective action (Correct answer)
- It exceeds the allowed word count for a VAR
- It should have been written by the scheduler instead
- Variances never require written explanation
Correct answer: It restates the variance without identifying root cause, impact, or corrective action
Acceptable variance narratives must identify the root cause, quantify impacts, and describe corrective actions, not just restate the numbers.
Question 6: When a CAM briefs monthly performance to the program manager, which combination of information is most appropriate?
- Cost and schedule variances, EAC status, risks, and corrective action progress (Correct answer)
- Only the raw timecard data for the period
- Personnel performance appraisals
- The full contract terms and conditions
Correct answer: Cost and schedule variances, EAC status, risks, and corrective action progress
Monthly CAM status communication focuses on variances, estimate at completion, risks, and corrective action status.
Question 7: A customer asks a CAM for informal performance data outside official reporting channels. What is the best practice?
- Coordinate with the program manager and provide data through approved reporting channels (Correct answer)
- Share whatever data the customer requests immediately
- Refuse all communication with the customer
- Provide verbal estimates without documentation
Correct answer: Coordinate with the program manager and provide data through approved reporting channels
Performance data should flow through approved channels to ensure consistency and configuration control of reported information.
CAM Communication & Documentation 2
A CAM discovers a significant cost variance during monthly analysis.
What document should the CAM prepare to formally communicate the cause, impact, and corrective action?