GSA Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. A contracting officer discovers that a contractor's invoices consistently lack required supporting documentation. The BEST corrective action is to: → Withhold payment and issue a written notice specifying the deficiency
2. What is the primary purpose of a Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS)/CPARS entry filed after contract completion? → To document contractor performance for use in future source selections
3. Under FAR 32.905, what is the required payment due date for commercial items if no specific due date is stated in the contract? → 30 days after receipt of a proper invoice or acceptance, whichever is later
4. What is a 'utilization review' in the context of federal real property management? → An assessment of whether a facility is being used efficiently and at its intended capacity
5. What is the primary purpose of GSA's eBuy platform in the federal procurement process? → To allow agencies to request quotes from GSA Schedule vendors electronically
6. Under the Federal Travel Regulation, receipts are generally required for lodging expenses and any other individual expense exceeding: → $75
7. What is a 'blanket travel authorization' in federal travel management? → An authorization covering multiple recurring trips for a defined period
8. Which GSA regulation requires lessors to provide building access for federal employees with disabilities consistent with the Architectural Barriers Act? → 41 CFR Part 102-73
9. What is the GSA Fleet program's primary function? → Providing interagency vehicle fleet management, leasing, and maintenance services
10. What tool is used to evaluate contractor performance? → CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System)
11. Which federal regulation governs the management of personal property acquired with federal funds? → FAR Part 45
12. Under the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA), a contractor must submit certified cost or pricing data for negotiated contracts exceeding: → $2 million
13. Which type of audit is conducted by DCAA to determine whether a contractor's accounting system is adequate for accumulating costs under a government contract? → Preaward accounting system survey
14. When a contractor requests an equitable adjustment (REA) under FAR 52.243-1, which document must the government use to formally modify the contract? → Standard Form 30 (SF-30)
15. Which procurement method allows a GSA contracting officer to award a contract based on one offer when only one responsible source exists? → Sole source justification under FAR 6.302-1
16. Which disposal method allows GSA to sell surplus federal real property through a public auction or sealed bid process? → Competitive Sale
17. What tool helps users navigate the FAR system online? → Acquisition.gov
18. Which document establishes the baseline performance standards against which a contractor's deliverables are measured? → Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)
19. The GSA Acquisition Manual (GSAM) supplements which overarching federal acquisition regulation? → Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
20. What does a Contracting Officer (CO) do? → Awards and manages contracts
21. Under GSA's OAS (Office of Administrative Services) policies, which document type is used to establish an interagency agreement for shared services? → Interagency Agreement (IAA) / 7600A/7600B
22. What is the consequence of non-compliance in procurement documentation? → Legal and financial penalties
23. Under FAR 9.104-1, which of the following is NOT a standard for contractor responsibility? → Lowest price among all offerors
24. What is the E-Gov Travel Service (ETS) used for in federal agencies? → A government-wide online travel booking and expense management system
25. What is the 'Lodging Plus' per diem method? → A method that reimburses actual lodging costs plus a fixed M&IE allowance
26. Under the FAR, a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) established against a GSA Schedule contract has a maximum ordering period of: → The remaining period of the underlying Schedule contract
27. What is the primary federal statute that grants GSA authority over the management of federal real property? → Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949
28. Under the Antideficiency Act, what is prohibited without proper congressional authorization? → Obligating or expending funds in excess of or before an appropriation is made
29. What does 'constructive cost' mean in the context of federal travel? → The estimated cost of the least expensive authorized mode of transportation
30. Under FAR Part 13, what is the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) for most federal procurements? → $150,000