FCC Post-Award Administration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A contracting officer receives a contractor's request for equitable adjustment (REA) following a government-directed change. What is the primary basis for evaluating the REA?
- The contractor's overall profit margin on the contract
- The actual cost impact causally linked to the government change (Correct answer)
- The contractor's historical performance ratings
- The total remaining contract value
Correct answer: The actual cost impact causally linked to the government change
An REA must be evaluated based on the actual costs that are directly and causally linked to the government-directed change.
Question 2: Under FAR 42.302, which contract administration function is typically delegated to a Contract Administration Office (CAO)?
- Approving contract award
- Conducting source selection evaluations
- Reviewing and approving contractor invoices (Correct answer)
- Determining contract type
Correct answer: Reviewing and approving contractor invoices
Reviewing and approving contractor invoices is a standard contract administration function delegated to the CAO under FAR 42.302.
Question 3: What document formally incorporates a change to a contract's scope, price, or schedule after award?
- Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Modification (SF 30) (Correct answer)
- Letter Contract
- Determination and Findings (D&F)
Correct answer: Modification (SF 30)
A contract modification executed on Standard Form 30 is the official instrument used to change contract terms after award.
Question 4: A contractor submits a cost voucher 45 days after the end of the performance period. Under the Prompt Payment Act, when must the government pay an undisputed invoice?
- Within 7 days of receipt
- Within 14 days of receipt
- Within 30 days of a proper invoice being received (Correct answer)
- Within 60 days of performance completion
Correct answer: Within 30 days of a proper invoice being received
The Prompt Payment Act requires federal agencies to pay undisputed, proper invoices within 30 days of receipt.
Question 5: Which clause gives the government the unilateral right to order changes within the general scope of a contract?
- Termination for Convenience clause
- Changes clause (FAR 52.243-1) (Correct answer)
- Disputes clause
- Inspection clause
Correct answer: Changes clause (FAR 52.243-1)
FAR 52.243-1, the Changes clause, grants the contracting officer the authority to direct changes within the contract's general scope.
Question 6: A contractor claims that a government action constituted a 'constructive change.' This means the government:
- Formally issued a contract modification
- Informally directed work beyond the contract scope without issuing a formal change order (Correct answer)
- Terminated the contract for default
- Reduced the contract price
Correct answer: Informally directed work beyond the contract scope without issuing a formal change order
A constructive change occurs when the government directs additional work or restricts performance informally, without issuing a formal written change order.
Question 7: Under FAR Part 49, when a contract is terminated for the convenience of the government, what is the contractor generally entitled to recover?
- Full anticipated profit on unperformed work
- Only direct costs incurred before termination
- Costs incurred plus a reasonable profit on work performed and settlement costs (Correct answer)
- A fixed percentage of the original contract price
Correct answer: Costs incurred plus a reasonable profit on work performed and settlement costs
Termination for convenience settlements allow recovery of allowable costs incurred, a reasonable profit on work performed, and reasonable settlement costs.
FCC Post-Award Administration 2
A contracting officer receives a contractor's request for equitable adjustment (REA) following a government-directed change.
What is the primary basis for evaluating the REA?