Contract Negotiation & Award Procedures Flashcards

What is the role of the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) during contract negotiations?

Answer: The COR provides technical expertise to support the contracting officer but has no authority to negotiate or bind the government

The COR supports the contracting officer with technical judgment but cannot negotiate, commit the government, or make binding decisions — only warranted COs have that authority.

Under FAR 15.405, if the contracting officer and contractor cannot agree on a price for a sole-source contract, what may the contracting officer do?

Answer: Issue a unilateral contract if required by mission need and document the file thoroughly

FAR 15.405(b) allows the contracting officer to issue a unilateral contract at a price determined to be fair and reasonable when agreement cannot be reached, but only when urgency requires award.

What does 'price analysis' (as opposed to 'cost analysis') rely on to determine fair and reasonable pricing?

Answer: Comparison of proposed prices with market prices, catalog prices, prior contract prices, or other competitive data

Price analysis (FAR 15.404-1(b)) compares prices without examining cost elements, using market data, competitive quotes, catalog prices, or prior awards as benchmarks.

Under FAR 15.503(b), what information must be included in a postaward notice to unsuccessful offerors?

Answer: The number of offers received, the name and address of the awardee, and the contract award price

FAR 15.503(b) requires the postaward notice to include the number of proposals received, awardee identity, and the contract price.

A contractor requests a debriefing after being eliminated from the competitive range. Under FAR 15.505, the government must provide this debriefing within how many days of the request?

Answer: 5 business days

FAR 15.505(a)(1) requires the contracting officer to debrief a preaward-excluded offeror within 5 days of receiving the debriefing request.

Which of the following is a valid technique for price analysis under FAR 15.404-1(b)?

Answer: Comparing proposed prices with independent government cost estimates

Comparison with the Independent Government Cost Estimate (IGCE) is a recognized price analysis technique that does not require examining the contractor's cost structure.

Under FAR 52.215-2, what obligation does a contractor have regarding its books and records after a negotiated contract is awarded with certified cost or pricing data?

Answer: The government has the right to examine and audit the contractor's records related to the negotiation for 3 years after final payment

FAR 52.215-2 (Audit and Records — Negotiation) gives the government audit rights for 3 years after final payment to verify certified cost or pricing data accuracy.