Government Procurement Certification Government Procurement Processes & Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the FAR, what is the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) as of 2023?
- $100,000
- $150,000 (Correct answer)
- $250,000
- $500,000
Correct answer: $150,000
The simplified acquisition threshold is $150,000, below which agencies may use simplified acquisition procedures instead of full and open competition requirements.
Question 2: Which procurement method requires a contracting officer to document why only one source can satisfy the requirement?
- Sealed bidding
- Competitive negotiation
- Sole source justification (Correct answer)
- Blanket purchase agreement
Correct answer: Sole source justification
A sole source justification (J&A) must be prepared and approved before awarding a contract without competition, documenting the specific authority and rationale.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) in federal procurement?
- To obligate funds for a multi-year project
- To simplify recurring purchases from established sources (Correct answer)
- To authorize emergency sole-source awards
- To create a mandatory-use contract vehicle
Correct answer: To simplify recurring purchases from established sources
A BPA is a simplified acquisition method that allows agencies to fill recurring needs by establishing charge accounts with qualified sources, reducing paperwork per transaction.
Question 4: Under FAR Part 15, what distinguishes 'discussions' from 'clarifications' in competitive acquisitions?
- Clarifications involve all offerors; discussions involve only the apparent winner
- Discussions may allow proposal revisions; clarifications do not (Correct answer)
- Clarifications require CO approval; discussions do not
- Discussions are limited to price; clarifications address technical factors
Correct answer: Discussions may allow proposal revisions; clarifications do not
Clarifications are limited exchanges that do not allow proposal revisions, while discussions (conducted in the competitive range) permit offerors to revise their proposals.
Question 5: What document formally authorizes a contractor to begin work before a contract is fully executed?
- Letter of intent
- Undefinitized contract action (UCA) (Correct answer)
- Memorandum of understanding
- Notice to proceed
Correct answer: Undefinitized contract action (UCA)
An Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) authorizes work to begin before price and other terms are agreed upon, with definitization required within a specified period.
Question 6: Which of the following is NOT a valid basis for using other than full and open competition under FAR 6.302?
- Unusual and compelling urgency
- Only one responsible source
- The contracting officer's preference for a known vendor (Correct answer)
- National security considerations
Correct answer: The contracting officer's preference for a known vendor
A contracting officer's personal preference for a vendor is never a valid statutory exception to competition requirements under FAR 6.302.
Question 7: When must an agency publish a pre-solicitation notice (Sources Sought) on SAM.gov before issuing an RFP?
- For all acquisitions over $10,000
- For acquisitions over $25,000 unless an exception applies (Correct answer)
- Only for construction contracts over $2 million
- For all sole-source awards regardless of value
Correct answer: For acquisitions over $25,000 unless an exception applies
FAR 5.201 requires agencies to post a synopsis on SAM.gov at least 15 days before issuing a solicitation for acquisitions over $25,000, unless a specific exception applies.
