CTCM - Certified Texas Contract Manager Procurement Planning and Formation Questions and Answers

Question 1

A Texas state agency is planning a procurement for a new IT system expected to cost approximately $7 million.
According to the State of Texas Procurement and Contract Management Guide, which of the following is a mandatory step in the procurement planning and formation phase for a solicitation of this value?

Accepted Answer

Submitting the solicitation to the Contract Advisory Team (CAT) for review.

Answer

Obtaining an exemption from the Department of Information Resources (DIR).

Answer

Conducting a pre-bid conference with at least five potential vendors.

Answer

Securing a formal protest bond from the apparent winning bidder before award.

Question 2

During the needs assessment phase of procurement planning, a contract manager's primary objective is to:

Accepted Answer

Clearly define the agency's actual requirements and objectives for the purchase.

Answer

Select the most appropriate procurement method.

Answer

Pre-qualify a list of potential vendors.

Answer

Develop a detailed, independent cost estimate.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Subcontracting Plan (HSP) in the procurement formation process?

Accepted Answer

To require prime contractors to demonstrate a good faith effort to include HUBs in subcontracting opportunities.

Answer

To guarantee that a certain percentage of the contract value is awarded to HUB vendors.

Answer

To provide a price preference for prime contractors that are certified HUBs.

Answer

To exempt prime contractors from using subcontractors if they are a certified HUB.

Question 4

A contract manager is preparing to procure professional services from an engineering firm. Which procurement method is required by the Professional Services Procurement Act (PSPA) in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Request for Qualifications (RFQ), with selection based on demonstrated competence and qualifications, followed by negotiation of a fair and reasonable price.

Answer

Invitation for Bids (IFB), awarding to the lowest responsible bidder.

Answer

Request for Proposal (RFP), where cost is the primary evaluation factor.

Answer

TXMAS purchase, selecting a vendor directly from the pre-approved schedule.

Question 5

When developing an acquisition plan, which of the following is a critical component that should be addressed during the procurement planning stage?

Accepted Answer

An independent cost estimate (ICE).

Answer

The final, signed contract document.

Answer

A list of all agency employees who will be involved in contract monitoring.

Answer

The vendor's performance report from a previous contract.

Question 6

A state agency needs to purchase standard office supplies with an estimated total value of $40,000. Under Texas procurement guidelines, which of the following is the most appropriate action to take after identifying the need?

Accepted Answer

Utilize a simplified acquisition procedure, such as soliciting quotes from multiple vendors, potentially from the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL).

Answer

Issue a formal Invitation for Bids (IFB) and post it on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) for 30 days.

Answer

Make the purchase directly from a single, preferred vendor without seeking competition.

Answer

Submit a request for delegated purchasing authority to the Legislative Budget Board (LBB).