CFCM Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CFCM facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The Anti-Kickback Act of 1986 prohibits subcontractor employees from providing what to prime contractor personnel in exchange for favorable treatment? → Kickbacks of any form of compensation
2. According to OFPP Policy Letter 93-1, what is the primary purpose of a source selection plan? → To establish evaluation criteria and procedures before solicitation
3. Which foundational principle is MOST important for success in the Certified Federal Contracts Manager profession? → Commitment to continuous learning, ethical practice, and quality outcomes
4. Under FAR 32.4, advance payments are considered the least preferred method of contract financing because they: → Represent the greatest risk of loss to the government
5. Which approach best demonstrates mastery of pricing and negotiation in CFCM practice? → Applying principles to novel situations with sound judgment
6. Under FAR 52.222-26, the Equal Opportunity clause is required in contracts exceeding what threshold? → $10,000
7. A contractor appealing a termination for default has the burden of proving which of the following? → The default was excusable
8. What documentation is MOST critical to maintain for safety compliance in the Certified Federal Contracts Manager field? → Incident reports, training records, and inspection logs
9. When conducting a risk assessment for CFCM operations, which factor should receive the HIGHEST priority? → Probability and severity of potential harm
10. Which evaluation approach considers both price and non-price factors to select the offer that provides the greatest benefit to the government? → Best value tradeoff
11. Under FAR 52.249-8, what is the contractor's obligation when the government issues a cure notice for a default? → Cure the failure within 10 days or show cause why the contract should not be terminated
12. Under FAR Part 15, what is the primary purpose of a Source Selection Evaluation Board (SSEB)? → To evaluate proposals against stated evaluation factors and document findings
13. How can disputes during contract performance be minimized? → Maintain clear records and communication
14. A contractor submits a fraudulent claim under the False Claims Act. What is the potential civil penalty per false claim? → Up to $11,000 to $23,331 (inflation-adjusted)
15. Which ADR technique involves a neutral third party who facilitates negotiation but does not impose a decision? → Mediation
16. A Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) set-aside is authorized under FAR Subpart 19.15 for acquisitions in industries where women-owned small businesses are: → Underrepresented or substantially underrepresented, as determined by SBA research
17. Under FAR 9.405, a contractor listed on the System for Award Management (SAM) as suspended may: → Receive new awards only with agency head approval citing compelling urgency
18. A Performance Work Statement (PWS) differs from a Statement of Work (SOW) primarily because a PWS: → Describes outcomes and performance standards rather than methods
19. What is the statute of limitations for submitting a CDA claim? → 6 years from when the claim accrued
20. Which type of contract formation method requires a contracting officer to evaluate proposals and conduct discussions before award? → Competitive proposals (negotiated acquisition)
21. Which foundational principle is MOST important for success in the Certified Federal Contracts Manager profession? → Commitment to continuous learning, ethical practice, and quality outcomes
22. Which best practice helps prevent scope creep in federal contracts? → Maintaining a robust change management process with documented approvals
23. Which approach best demonstrates mastery of contract formation in CFCM practice? → Applying principles to novel situations with sound judgment
24. Under FAR 9.103, which party bears the burden of proving responsibility before a contract can be awarded? → The contractor must affirmatively demonstrate it meets all responsibility standards
25. Which clause requires contractors to flow down cybersecurity requirements to subcontractors handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)? → DFARS 252.204-7012
26. Which professional attribute is most valued in contract formation within the CFCM field? → Accountability and commitment to standards
27. Under FAR 52.245-1, which party is responsible for maintaining property control records for government-furnished property (GFP) provided to a subcontractor? → The prime contractor, who must flow down property requirements and maintain stewardship
28. What role does collaboration play in terminations for CFCM professionals? → It enhances outcomes through diverse perspectives and shared expertise
29. What is the PRIMARY purpose of obtaining CFCM certification in Certified Federal Contracts Manager? → To demonstrate verified competency and adherence to professional standards
30. Which clause is required in all contracts that include progress payment provisions to give the government a security interest in property? → FAR 52.232-16, Progress Payments