CON 3900 CONTRACTING FINAL EXAM 2026 | ACCURATE CURRENTLY TESTING
VERSIONS WITH 250+ QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS AND A
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PREP STUDY GUIDE | ACCURATE FOR GUARANTEED
PASS
Question 1
Market research is a critical activity for acquisition professionals. During which specific phase of
the acquisition process must market research be conducted?
A) Only during the initial planning phase
B) Primarily during the solicitation phase
C) Exclusively after the contract award to monitor trends
D) During all phases of the acquisition
E) Only when a new requirement has not been purchased in the last 12 months
Correct Answer: D) During all phases of the acquisition
Rationale: Market research is an ongoing, continuous process rather than a one-time event.
According to FAR Part 10, agencies must conduct market research appropriate to the
circumstances before developing new requirements, before soliciting offers for acquisitions
above the simplified acquisition threshold, and even during contract performance to stay
informed of industry advancements and capabilities.
Question 2
If a contracting activity uses a procurement procedure that is specifically inconsistent with the
requirements laid out in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), this action is referred to as a:
A) Clause
B) Deviation
C) Provision
D) Modification
E) Determination
Correct Answer: B) Deviation
Rationale: A deviation occurs when an agency uses a policy or procedure that differs from
the FAR. FAR Subpart 1.4 defines deviations and establishes the requirements for their
approval. Deviations are sometimes necessary to meet specific agency needs or to test new
innovative methods of contracting, but they must be formally authorized.
Question 3
When utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) under FAR Part 13, what is the primary
goal regarding competition?
A) Restrict competition to local vendors only
B) Promote competition to the maximum extent practicable
C) Require full and open competition for all actions
D) Award only to the lowest price regardless of quality
E) Use sole source procedures by default
, 2
Correct Answer: B) Promote competition to the maximum extent practicable
Rationale: Simplified Acquisition Procedures are designed to reduce administrative costs
and improve efficiency for smaller dollar requirements. Unlike high-dollar acquisitions that
require "Full and Open Competition," SAP requires the contracting officer to promote
competition to the "maximum extent practicable," balancing speed with fairness and best
value.
Question 4
The Department of Defense (DoD) uses a specific tool to apply a structured approach for
determining the appropriate profit or fee on a contract. What is the name of this form/method?
A) DD Form 250, Material Inspection and Receiving Report
B) SF 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract
C) DD Form 1547, Weighted Guidelines Method
D) SF 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items
E) DD Form 1155, Order for Supplies or Services
Correct Answer: C) DD Form 1547, Weighted Guidelines Method
Rationale: The Weighted Guidelines Method (DD Form 1547) is used by DoD to ensure that
the profit or fee objective is structured and consistent. It accounts for factors such as
performance risk, contract type risk, and facilities capital employed, preventing arbitrary
profit percentages and rewarding contractors for taking on more risk.
Question 5
When a contracting officer is specifically acquiring commercial items of supply under FAR Part
12, which type of contract is authorized for award?
A) Any cost-reimbursement contract
B) Only firm-fixed-price or fixed-price with economic price adjustment
C) Time-and-materials contracts without limitation
D) Cost-plus-award-fee contracts
E) Labor-hour contracts only
Correct Answer: B) Only firm-fixed-price contracts or fixed-price contracts with economic
price adjustment
Rationale: FAR Part 12 dictates that the government should leverage commercial market
practices. Since commercial markets typically operate on a fixed-price basis, the FAR
restricts commercial acquisitions to firm-fixed-price (FFP) or fixed-price with economic
price adjustment (FP-EPA) to protect the government from cost risk.
Question 6
When using Sealed Bidding procedures and Invitations for Bids (IFBs) under FAR Part 14, what
contract types are the only ones allowed to be awarded?
A) Cost-plus-fixed-fee
, 3
B) Only firm-fixed-price or fixed-price with economic price adjustment
C) Time-and-materials
D) Cost-sharing
E) Incentivized cost-reimbursement
Correct Answer: B) Only firm-fixed-price contracts or fixed-price contracts with economic
price adjustment
Rationale: Sealed bidding (FAR Part 14) is based on the premise that requirements are so
well-defined that the only variable is price. Because the risk is quantifiable, cost-
reimbursement contracts are inappropriate. Only FFP or FP-EPA contracts can be used in
this competitive environment.
Question 7
Acquisition professionals often refer to the DFARS Procedures, Guidance, and Information
(PGI). Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the PGI and the DFARS?
A) The PGI is a legally binding regulation that supersedes the FAR
B) The PGI is a list of all debarred contractors
C) The DFARS PGI is a companion resource to the DFARS
D) The PGI is only used for non-DoD acquisitions
E) The PGI contains only contract clauses and no guidance
Correct Answer: C) The DFARS PGI is a companion resource to the DFARS
Rationale: The DFARS PGI provides non-regulatory procedures and guidance that are too
voluminous or fluid to be included in the formal regulation. It serves as a "how-to" manual
for DoD contracting officers, providing examples, templates, and administrative
information to supplement the rules in the DFARS.
Question 8
Regarding the government's policy on contract modifications, who is authorized to execute a
modification that legally binds the government?
A) Any government employee with a security clearance
B) Only the Program Manager (PM)
C) Only contracting officers acting within the scope of their authority
D) The contractor's CEO and the Government's Project Lead
E) Legal counsel from the Department of Justice
Correct Answer: C) Only contracting officers acting within the scope of their authority are
authorized to execute contract modifications on behalf of the Government
Rationale: Authority is a foundational concept in government contracting. Only a
warranted Contracting Officer (CO) has the legal authority to commit government funds
or change the terms of a contract. Any modification made by someone without this specific
warrant or acting outside their scope is not legally binding.
, 4
Question 9
Contract modifications are categorized as either unilateral or bilateral. Which of the following is
an accurate characteristic of a unilateral modification?
A) It requires the signature of both the CO and the Contractor
B) It is used to negotiate a change in the scope of work
C) It is only signed by a Government contracting officer, not the contractor
D) It must be approved by the Supreme Court
E) It is used only for high-value weapons systems
Correct Answer: C) Are only signed by a Government contracting officer, not the contractor
Rationale: Unilateral modifications (FAR 43.103) are issued by the CO without the
contractor’s signature. They are typically used for administrative changes (e.g., changing
the address of the paying office), issuing change orders within the general scope of the
contract, or exercising an option.
Question 10
Unless there is a specific exception authorized by law or regulation, what is the required form of
a government contract?
A) A verbal handshake agreement
B) An email thread without formal signatures
C) Must be in writing
D) Recorded via video testimony
E) Only stored on a blockchain
Correct Answer: C) Must be in writing
Rationale: FAR 2.101 defines a "contract" as a mutually binding legal relationship
obligating the seller to furnish supplies or services and the buyer to pay for them. To ensure
clarity, accountability, and legal enforceability, government policy dictates that these
agreements must be documented in writing.
Question 11
In the Federal Acquisition Regulation, several roles are defined for government officials. Which
of the following is NOT a recognized type of contracting officer?
A) Procuring contracting officer (PCO)
B) Administrative contracting officer (ACO)
C) Termination contracting officer (TCO)
D) Executive contracting officer
E) Warranted contracting officer
Correct Answer: D) Executive contracting officer
Rationale: The standard roles for contracting officers are PCO (pre-award and award),
VERSIONS WITH 250+ QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS AND A
COMPREHENSIVE EXAM PREP STUDY GUIDE | ACCURATE FOR GUARANTEED
PASS
Question 1
Market research is a critical activity for acquisition professionals. During which specific phase of
the acquisition process must market research be conducted?
A) Only during the initial planning phase
B) Primarily during the solicitation phase
C) Exclusively after the contract award to monitor trends
D) During all phases of the acquisition
E) Only when a new requirement has not been purchased in the last 12 months
Correct Answer: D) During all phases of the acquisition
Rationale: Market research is an ongoing, continuous process rather than a one-time event.
According to FAR Part 10, agencies must conduct market research appropriate to the
circumstances before developing new requirements, before soliciting offers for acquisitions
above the simplified acquisition threshold, and even during contract performance to stay
informed of industry advancements and capabilities.
Question 2
If a contracting activity uses a procurement procedure that is specifically inconsistent with the
requirements laid out in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), this action is referred to as a:
A) Clause
B) Deviation
C) Provision
D) Modification
E) Determination
Correct Answer: B) Deviation
Rationale: A deviation occurs when an agency uses a policy or procedure that differs from
the FAR. FAR Subpart 1.4 defines deviations and establishes the requirements for their
approval. Deviations are sometimes necessary to meet specific agency needs or to test new
innovative methods of contracting, but they must be formally authorized.
Question 3
When utilizing Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) under FAR Part 13, what is the primary
goal regarding competition?
A) Restrict competition to local vendors only
B) Promote competition to the maximum extent practicable
C) Require full and open competition for all actions
D) Award only to the lowest price regardless of quality
E) Use sole source procedures by default
, 2
Correct Answer: B) Promote competition to the maximum extent practicable
Rationale: Simplified Acquisition Procedures are designed to reduce administrative costs
and improve efficiency for smaller dollar requirements. Unlike high-dollar acquisitions that
require "Full and Open Competition," SAP requires the contracting officer to promote
competition to the "maximum extent practicable," balancing speed with fairness and best
value.
Question 4
The Department of Defense (DoD) uses a specific tool to apply a structured approach for
determining the appropriate profit or fee on a contract. What is the name of this form/method?
A) DD Form 250, Material Inspection and Receiving Report
B) SF 30, Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract
C) DD Form 1547, Weighted Guidelines Method
D) SF 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items
E) DD Form 1155, Order for Supplies or Services
Correct Answer: C) DD Form 1547, Weighted Guidelines Method
Rationale: The Weighted Guidelines Method (DD Form 1547) is used by DoD to ensure that
the profit or fee objective is structured and consistent. It accounts for factors such as
performance risk, contract type risk, and facilities capital employed, preventing arbitrary
profit percentages and rewarding contractors for taking on more risk.
Question 5
When a contracting officer is specifically acquiring commercial items of supply under FAR Part
12, which type of contract is authorized for award?
A) Any cost-reimbursement contract
B) Only firm-fixed-price or fixed-price with economic price adjustment
C) Time-and-materials contracts without limitation
D) Cost-plus-award-fee contracts
E) Labor-hour contracts only
Correct Answer: B) Only firm-fixed-price contracts or fixed-price contracts with economic
price adjustment
Rationale: FAR Part 12 dictates that the government should leverage commercial market
practices. Since commercial markets typically operate on a fixed-price basis, the FAR
restricts commercial acquisitions to firm-fixed-price (FFP) or fixed-price with economic
price adjustment (FP-EPA) to protect the government from cost risk.
Question 6
When using Sealed Bidding procedures and Invitations for Bids (IFBs) under FAR Part 14, what
contract types are the only ones allowed to be awarded?
A) Cost-plus-fixed-fee
, 3
B) Only firm-fixed-price or fixed-price with economic price adjustment
C) Time-and-materials
D) Cost-sharing
E) Incentivized cost-reimbursement
Correct Answer: B) Only firm-fixed-price contracts or fixed-price contracts with economic
price adjustment
Rationale: Sealed bidding (FAR Part 14) is based on the premise that requirements are so
well-defined that the only variable is price. Because the risk is quantifiable, cost-
reimbursement contracts are inappropriate. Only FFP or FP-EPA contracts can be used in
this competitive environment.
Question 7
Acquisition professionals often refer to the DFARS Procedures, Guidance, and Information
(PGI). Which statement accurately describes the relationship between the PGI and the DFARS?
A) The PGI is a legally binding regulation that supersedes the FAR
B) The PGI is a list of all debarred contractors
C) The DFARS PGI is a companion resource to the DFARS
D) The PGI is only used for non-DoD acquisitions
E) The PGI contains only contract clauses and no guidance
Correct Answer: C) The DFARS PGI is a companion resource to the DFARS
Rationale: The DFARS PGI provides non-regulatory procedures and guidance that are too
voluminous or fluid to be included in the formal regulation. It serves as a "how-to" manual
for DoD contracting officers, providing examples, templates, and administrative
information to supplement the rules in the DFARS.
Question 8
Regarding the government's policy on contract modifications, who is authorized to execute a
modification that legally binds the government?
A) Any government employee with a security clearance
B) Only the Program Manager (PM)
C) Only contracting officers acting within the scope of their authority
D) The contractor's CEO and the Government's Project Lead
E) Legal counsel from the Department of Justice
Correct Answer: C) Only contracting officers acting within the scope of their authority are
authorized to execute contract modifications on behalf of the Government
Rationale: Authority is a foundational concept in government contracting. Only a
warranted Contracting Officer (CO) has the legal authority to commit government funds
or change the terms of a contract. Any modification made by someone without this specific
warrant or acting outside their scope is not legally binding.
, 4
Question 9
Contract modifications are categorized as either unilateral or bilateral. Which of the following is
an accurate characteristic of a unilateral modification?
A) It requires the signature of both the CO and the Contractor
B) It is used to negotiate a change in the scope of work
C) It is only signed by a Government contracting officer, not the contractor
D) It must be approved by the Supreme Court
E) It is used only for high-value weapons systems
Correct Answer: C) Are only signed by a Government contracting officer, not the contractor
Rationale: Unilateral modifications (FAR 43.103) are issued by the CO without the
contractor’s signature. They are typically used for administrative changes (e.g., changing
the address of the paying office), issuing change orders within the general scope of the
contract, or exercising an option.
Question 10
Unless there is a specific exception authorized by law or regulation, what is the required form of
a government contract?
A) A verbal handshake agreement
B) An email thread without formal signatures
C) Must be in writing
D) Recorded via video testimony
E) Only stored on a blockchain
Correct Answer: C) Must be in writing
Rationale: FAR 2.101 defines a "contract" as a mutually binding legal relationship
obligating the seller to furnish supplies or services and the buyer to pay for them. To ensure
clarity, accountability, and legal enforceability, government policy dictates that these
agreements must be documented in writing.
Question 11
In the Federal Acquisition Regulation, several roles are defined for government officials. Which
of the following is NOT a recognized type of contracting officer?
A) Procuring contracting officer (PCO)
B) Administrative contracting officer (ACO)
C) Termination contracting officer (TCO)
D) Executive contracting officer
E) Warranted contracting officer
Correct Answer: D) Executive contracting officer
Rationale: The standard roles for contracting officers are PCO (pre-award and award),
