Public Procurement & Contracting Flashcards

A public agency receives only one bid in response to a competitive solicitation. What is the most appropriate next step?

Answer: Re-solicit or conduct market research to determine if the single bid represents fair market value

A single bid may indicate inadequate market outreach or unattractive terms; the agency should verify the price is fair and reasonable before proceeding.

Which of the following best describes 'liquidated damages' in a government contract?

Answer: A pre-agreed dollar amount per day assessed for contractor delays beyond the completion date

Liquidated damages are pre-determined daily charges written into the contract that compensate the agency for delays without requiring proof of actual harm.

Under the Brooks Act, which type of federal procurement requires agencies to select consultants based on qualifications rather than price?

Answer: Architecture and Engineering Services

The Brooks Act mandates that federal agencies select architecture and engineering firms based on professional qualifications, then negotiate a fair and reasonable fee.

What is the purpose of a 'change order' in a public construction contract?

Answer: To formally modify the scope, schedule, or price of an existing contract

Change orders are written amendments to the original contract that document agreed-upon changes in scope, cost, or schedule, maintaining the contract's legal integrity.

A vendor files a 'bid protest' after contract award. What are they challenging?

Answer: The agency's solicitation process, evaluation, or award decision

A bid protest is a formal complaint by an offeror alleging that the procurement was conducted improperly, challenging the solicitation, evaluation methodology, or award decision.

Which procurement practice helps ensure small and disadvantaged businesses have opportunities to compete for government contracts?

Answer: Set-aside programs that reserve certain contracts for qualifying small businesses

Small business set-asides reserve specific procurement opportunities for small, minority-owned, veteran-owned, and other disadvantaged businesses to promote equitable access.

What does 'price reasonableness' determination require a contracting officer to establish?

Answer: That the price is fair and not excessive compared to market benchmarks or competition

A price reasonableness determination documents that the government is paying a fair price, using market data, prior contracts, independent estimates, or competitive offers as benchmarks.