GSA Specialist Federal Acquisition Regulations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under FAR 6.302-1, a sole source award may be justified when:
- Only one responsible source exists and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements (Correct answer)
- The contracting officer prefers a specific vendor due to past performance
- The acquisition is under the simplified acquisition threshold
- The requirement is classified as critical infrastructure
Correct answer: Only one responsible source exists and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements
FAR 6.302-1 permits other than full and open competition only when only one responsible source exists and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency needs.
Question 2: What is the primary distinction between a 'fixed-price' and a 'cost-reimbursement' contract type?
- Fixed-price contracts require more oversight; cost-reimbursement contracts do not
- In a fixed-price contract the contractor bears cost risk; in cost-reimbursement the government bears most cost risk (Correct answer)
- Fixed-price contracts are only used for services; cost-reimbursement for supplies
- Cost-reimbursement contracts always include incentive fees
Correct answer: In a fixed-price contract the contractor bears cost risk; in cost-reimbursement the government bears most cost risk
Under fixed-price contracts the contractor assumes cost risk and profits from efficiency; under cost-reimbursement contracts the government reimburses allowable costs, bearing most of the financial risk.
Question 3: Which FAR part governs the acquisition of commercial items and encourages their use to streamline procurement?
- FAR Part 8
- FAR Part 12 (Correct answer)
- FAR Part 15
- FAR Part 19
Correct answer: FAR Part 12
FAR Part 12 establishes acquisition policies for commercial items, requiring contracting officers to use commercial item procedures to the maximum extent practicable.
Question 4: A contractor submits a request for equitable adjustment (REA) after encountering a differing site condition. Under FAR 52.236-2, which party bears the burden of proving entitlement?
- The government, because it owns the site
- The contractor, who must demonstrate the condition differed materially from what was indicated in contract documents (Correct answer)
- A neutral third-party arbitrator
- The subcontractor who discovered the condition
Correct answer: The contractor, who must demonstrate the condition differed materially from what was indicated in contract documents
The contractor bears the burden of proving that a differing site condition existed, that it was materially different from what the contract indicated, and that it caused additional costs.
Question 5: Under FAR 9.104-1, which of the following is NOT a standard for contractor responsibility?
- Adequate financial resources to perform the contract
- Ability to comply with proposed delivery schedule
- Lowest price among all offerors (Correct answer)
- A satisfactory record of integrity and business ethics
Correct answer: Lowest price among all offerors
FAR 9.104-1 standards for responsibility include financial resources, ability to meet schedule, a satisfactory performance record, and business ethics — price is not a responsibility factor.
Question 6: When must a contracting officer synopsize a proposed contract action over $25,000 on SAM.gov under FAR 5.201?
- At least 7 days before issuance of a solicitation
- At least 15 days before issuance of a solicitation (Correct answer)
- Within 3 days after contract award
- Only for contracts over the simplified acquisition threshold
Correct answer: At least 15 days before issuance of a solicitation
FAR 5.201 requires contracting officers to publish a synopsis at least 15 days before issuing the solicitation for acquisitions over $25,000, giving industry time to respond.
Question 7: What is the purpose of the 'Competition in Contracting Act' (CICA) as implemented in FAR Part 6?
- To mandate that all contracts use sealed bidding procedures
- To require full and open competition in federal procurements unless a specific exception applies (Correct answer)
- To limit the number of bidders on any given solicitation
- To restrict foreign contractor participation in U.S. federal contracts
Correct answer: To require full and open competition in federal procurements unless a specific exception applies
CICA, implemented through FAR Part 6, requires federal agencies to use competitive procedures to the maximum extent practicable, with enumerated exceptions that must be documented.
GSA Specialist Federal Acquisition Regulations 3
Under FAR 6.302-1, a sole source award may be justified when: