CTCM Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Under Texas state accounting rules, an 'encumbrance' on a contract represents what? → Funds reserved against the budget to cover an anticipated expenditure
2. When developing an acquisition plan, which of the following is a critical component that should be addressed during the procurement planning stage? → An independent cost estimate (ICE).
3. A Certified Texas Contract Manager is creating a contract closeout checklist. All of the following are essential elements to include EXCEPT: → Confirming that the contractor has initiated the process for contract renewal.
4. Which document is used in Texas procurement when the agency needs to evaluate both technical merit and price, allowing for vendor negotiation? → Request for Proposals (RFP)
5. Under Texas law, when must a contract award decision be publicly posted for purchases above the competitive threshold? → On the ESBD after award to ensure transparency
6. What is the key principle of the Texas Open Meetings Act relevant to contracting? → Conducting official business in publicly accessible meetings
7. What is the purpose of maintaining a contract oversight file? → To document all monitoring activities and communications
8. What is the most effective way to establish performance metrics for a contract? → Developing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) criteria
9. Under Texas Government Code §2155.083, a state agency may make emergency purchases without competitive bidding when which condition is met? → An immediate threat to health, safety, or property exists
10. What is the benefit of using performance scorecards for contract monitoring? → To provide standardized, objective performance evaluation
11. A Texas agency contract for construction services includes a payment bond requirement. What risk does the payment bond address? → Risk that subcontractors and suppliers are not paid by the prime contractor
12. What is the primary purpose of the Texas Ethics Commission? → To provide ethics guidance and enforce standards of conduct
13. Which Texas agency maintains the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) that vendors must register on to receive solicitation notices? → Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
14. What is the primary purpose of contract oversight in Texas state contracting? → To ensure contractor performance meets contractual requirements
15. A contract manager receives an invoice that does not match the agreed contract price. What is the correct first step? → Return the invoice as defective and notify the vendor in writing
16. What is the purpose of a contract audit? → To verify compliance with terms and identify areas for improvement
17. What is a 'Request for Qualifications' (RFQ) primarily used for in Texas public procurement? → Selecting professional service providers based on expertise before price negotiation
18. The Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) is primarily used by Texas state agencies for which purpose? → Posting solicitations and contract awards over $25,000
19. What is the primary purpose of an Invitation for Bids (IFB) in Texas procurement? → To award a contract to the responsive, responsible bidder offering the lowest price
20. Which action demonstrates proper handling of confidential procurement information? → Protecting information as required by state laws and policies
21. Which element is crucial for effective contract performance monitoring? → Established performance metrics and benchmarks
22. Which payment method is most appropriate for Texas state contracts involving ongoing services delivered over time? → Progress payments tied to milestones or deliverables
23. A Texas agency contract manager must ensure a conflict of interest disclosure is obtained from which parties before contract award? → Contractors and agency employees involved in the procurement
24. Under the Texas Government Code, what is the general competitive bidding threshold that triggers formal solicitation requirements for most state agencies? → $25,000
25. Under Texas Government Code Chapter 2155, which solicitation method is typically required when a state agency purchase exceeds $25,000? → Competitive sealed bidding or competitive sealed proposals
26. In a Texas RFP evaluation, what is the role of an evaluation committee? → To objectively score proposals against pre-established criteria and recommend award
27. What is the mandatory minimum posting period for competitive solicitations on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) in Texas? → 21 calendar days
28. What is the primary risk to a state agency when a contractor submits invoices for unallowable costs under a cost-reimbursable contract? → The state pays for costs it is not legally or contractually obligated to fund
29. What constitutes a conflict of interest in Texas contracting? → When a personal interest could impair impartial judgment
30. When should contract modifications be documented? → For all changes, regardless of size or significance