1
CON 3990V CERTIFICATION EXAM
Actual Exam 2026/2027 Complete Questions
and Verified Answers with Detailed
Rationales Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: CON 3990V Certification Exam
Q1-Q20: Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) & Legal Framework
Q1: Which FAR part establishes the policies and procedures for simplified acquisition
procedures for contracts not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold?
A. FAR Part 8
B. FAR Part 12
C. FAR Part 13 [CORRECT]
D. FAR Part 15
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: FAR Part 13, "Simplified Acquisition Procedures," establishes the policies and
procedures for simplified acquisitions, which are procurements of supplies and services
(including construction, research and development, and commercial items) not exceeding the
simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), currently set at $250,000 (as adjusted periodically). This
part streamlines the acquisition process by reducing documentation requirements, eliminating
formal evaluation plans, and allowing for more flexible contracting methods such as oral
solicitations and simplified evaluation techniques. FAR Part 8 covers required sources of
supplies and services; Part 12 covers acquisition of commercial items; and Part 15 covers
contracting by negotiation for larger, more complex acquisitions.
Q2: Under the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA), what is the general requirement for
full and open competition?
A. Competition is required only for contracts over $1 million
B. All government procurements must be conducted with full and open competition through the
use of competitive procedures, unless a specific statutory exception applies [CORRECT]
,2
C. Competition requirements apply only to commercial item acquisitions
D. Sole source awards are permitted without justification for contracts under $100,000
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984 (CICA), codified in 10 U.S.C. § 2304
and 41 U.S.C. § 3301, establishes the fundamental principle that all government procurements
must be conducted with full and open competition through the use of competitive procedures,
unless a specific statutory exception or authority permits otherwise. CICA requires contracting
officers to use competitive procedures (such as sealed bidding or competitive negotiation) and to
promote and provide for full and open competition in soliciting offers and awarding government
contracts. Exceptions include circumstances such as unusual and compelling urgency, industrial
mobilization, international agreements, or when the supplies or services required are available
from only one responsible source. The requirement applies regardless of dollar value, though
simplified procedures exist for lower-value acquisitions.
Q3: What is the purpose of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 in
relation to commercial items?
A. To eliminate all competition requirements for commercial item acquisitions
B. To establish that commercial items are generally available in the commercial marketplace and
should be acquired using streamlined procedures [CORRECT]
C. To require cost or pricing data for all commercial item contracts
D. To mandate that all commercial items be purchased through GSA schedules only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 fundamentally changed
how the federal government acquires commercial items by establishing the presumption that the
government should rely on the commercial marketplace to satisfy its needs. FASA created FAR
Part 12, "Acquisition of Commercial Items," which provides streamlined procedures for
acquiring commercial supplies and services. The Act recognizes that commercial items are
developed at private expense for the commercial marketplace and that the government should
leverage commercial market practices rather than imposing unique government requirements.
FASA raised the simplified acquisition threshold, encouraged the use of commercial practices,
and eliminated the requirement for cost or pricing data for commercial item acquisitions
(substituting commercial item determinations and other pricing information). It does not
eliminate competition requirements but rather streamlines the process.
Q4: Which of the following is NOT a valid method of procurement under FAR Part 6
(Competition Requirements)?
,3
A. Sealed bidding
B. Competitive negotiation
C. Sole source acquisition without justification [CORRECT]
D. Two-step sealed bidding
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: FAR Part 6 establishes the requirements for competition in government contracting.
Valid methods of procurement include: (1) sealed bidding (FAR Part 14), used when the
government issues an invitation for bids and awards to the responsible bidder submitting the
lowest responsive bid; (2) competitive negotiation (FAR Part 15), used when sealed bidding is
inappropriate and the government conducts discussions with offerors and evaluates proposals on
factors other than price alone; and (3) two-step sealed bidding, which combines elements of
negotiation and sealed bidding. Sole source acquisitions are permitted only when one of the
statutory exceptions to full and open competition applies (such as only one responsible source,
unusual and compelling urgency, or industrial mobilization), AND when the contracting officer
justifies the use of other than full and open competition in writing and obtains proper approvals
as required by FAR 6.303 and 6.304. Conducting a sole source acquisition without proper
justification and approval violates CICA and FAR requirements.
Q5: What is the primary purpose of the Contract Disputes Act (CDA) of 1978?
A. To eliminate all disputes between contractors and the government
B. To provide a comprehensive statutory framework for the resolution of contract disputes
through negotiation, certification, and appeals [CORRECT]
C. To require all contract disputes to be resolved through litigation in federal court
D. To establish that contractors have no rights to appeal government decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (CDA), codified at 41 U.S.C. §§ 7101–7109,
establishes a comprehensive statutory framework for handling disputes arising under government
contracts. The CDA requires contractors to certify claims over $100,000, provides for contracting
officer decisions on claims, establishes the right to appeal to the Armed Services Board of
Contract Appeals (ASBCA) or the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA), and permits
appeals to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit. The Act encourages negotiation and mutual agreement but provides formal procedures
when disputes cannot be resolved informally. The CDA does not eliminate disputes but rather
provides an orderly process for their resolution, and it preserves contractor rights to appeal
adverse contracting officer decisions rather than eliminating those rights.
, 4
Q6: Under FAR Part 3, what is the requirement regarding gratuities to government
personnel?
A. Small gratuities under $25 are permitted
B. Gratuities are prohibited if they are intended to influence contract award or performance
[CORRECT]
C. Gratuities are permitted if disclosed to the contracting officer
D. Gratuities are allowed for non-personal services only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR Part 3, "Improper Business Practices and Personal Conflicts of Interest,"
specifically prohibits contractors from offering or giving gratuities (gifts, favors, or anything of
monetary value) to government personnel if the gratuity is intended to influence the award of a
contract or the performance of a contract. FAR 3.202 specifically addresses the Gratuities clause
(FAR 52.203-3), which provides that if the contracting officer finds that the contract price was
increased by any significant amount because the contractor or any of its representatives offered
or gave gratuities to any officer or employee of the government, the contract may be terminated
for default. The prohibition is not limited by dollar amount; even small gratuities intended to
influence are prohibited. The key element is the intent to influence, not the monetary value of the
gratuity.
Q7: What is the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) as established by statute and
adjusted periodically?
A. $100,000
B. $150,000
C. $250,000 [CORRECT]
D. $500,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) is established by 41 U.S.C. § 134 and is
currently set at $250,000 (as of the 2024 adjustment). The threshold is adjusted periodically for
inflation by the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council in accordance with the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act. Acquisitions at or below the SAT may use simplified acquisition
procedures under FAR Part 13, which reduce administrative burden, allow for oral solicitations,
permit streamlined evaluation methods, and generally expedite the procurement process. The
SAT was increased from $150,000 to $250,000 effective August 13, 2018, and remains at that
level as of 2026/2027 unless further adjusted.
CON 3990V CERTIFICATION EXAM
Actual Exam 2026/2027 Complete Questions
and Verified Answers with Detailed
Rationales Pass Guaranteed - A+ Graded
Section 1: CON 3990V Certification Exam
Q1-Q20: Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) & Legal Framework
Q1: Which FAR part establishes the policies and procedures for simplified acquisition
procedures for contracts not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold?
A. FAR Part 8
B. FAR Part 12
C. FAR Part 13 [CORRECT]
D. FAR Part 15
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: FAR Part 13, "Simplified Acquisition Procedures," establishes the policies and
procedures for simplified acquisitions, which are procurements of supplies and services
(including construction, research and development, and commercial items) not exceeding the
simplified acquisition threshold (SAT), currently set at $250,000 (as adjusted periodically). This
part streamlines the acquisition process by reducing documentation requirements, eliminating
formal evaluation plans, and allowing for more flexible contracting methods such as oral
solicitations and simplified evaluation techniques. FAR Part 8 covers required sources of
supplies and services; Part 12 covers acquisition of commercial items; and Part 15 covers
contracting by negotiation for larger, more complex acquisitions.
Q2: Under the Competition in Contracting Act (CICA), what is the general requirement for
full and open competition?
A. Competition is required only for contracts over $1 million
B. All government procurements must be conducted with full and open competition through the
use of competitive procedures, unless a specific statutory exception applies [CORRECT]
,2
C. Competition requirements apply only to commercial item acquisitions
D. Sole source awards are permitted without justification for contracts under $100,000
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Competition in Contracting Act of 1984 (CICA), codified in 10 U.S.C. § 2304
and 41 U.S.C. § 3301, establishes the fundamental principle that all government procurements
must be conducted with full and open competition through the use of competitive procedures,
unless a specific statutory exception or authority permits otherwise. CICA requires contracting
officers to use competitive procedures (such as sealed bidding or competitive negotiation) and to
promote and provide for full and open competition in soliciting offers and awarding government
contracts. Exceptions include circumstances such as unusual and compelling urgency, industrial
mobilization, international agreements, or when the supplies or services required are available
from only one responsible source. The requirement applies regardless of dollar value, though
simplified procedures exist for lower-value acquisitions.
Q3: What is the purpose of the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 in
relation to commercial items?
A. To eliminate all competition requirements for commercial item acquisitions
B. To establish that commercial items are generally available in the commercial marketplace and
should be acquired using streamlined procedures [CORRECT]
C. To require cost or pricing data for all commercial item contracts
D. To mandate that all commercial items be purchased through GSA schedules only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA) of 1994 fundamentally changed
how the federal government acquires commercial items by establishing the presumption that the
government should rely on the commercial marketplace to satisfy its needs. FASA created FAR
Part 12, "Acquisition of Commercial Items," which provides streamlined procedures for
acquiring commercial supplies and services. The Act recognizes that commercial items are
developed at private expense for the commercial marketplace and that the government should
leverage commercial market practices rather than imposing unique government requirements.
FASA raised the simplified acquisition threshold, encouraged the use of commercial practices,
and eliminated the requirement for cost or pricing data for commercial item acquisitions
(substituting commercial item determinations and other pricing information). It does not
eliminate competition requirements but rather streamlines the process.
Q4: Which of the following is NOT a valid method of procurement under FAR Part 6
(Competition Requirements)?
,3
A. Sealed bidding
B. Competitive negotiation
C. Sole source acquisition without justification [CORRECT]
D. Two-step sealed bidding
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: FAR Part 6 establishes the requirements for competition in government contracting.
Valid methods of procurement include: (1) sealed bidding (FAR Part 14), used when the
government issues an invitation for bids and awards to the responsible bidder submitting the
lowest responsive bid; (2) competitive negotiation (FAR Part 15), used when sealed bidding is
inappropriate and the government conducts discussions with offerors and evaluates proposals on
factors other than price alone; and (3) two-step sealed bidding, which combines elements of
negotiation and sealed bidding. Sole source acquisitions are permitted only when one of the
statutory exceptions to full and open competition applies (such as only one responsible source,
unusual and compelling urgency, or industrial mobilization), AND when the contracting officer
justifies the use of other than full and open competition in writing and obtains proper approvals
as required by FAR 6.303 and 6.304. Conducting a sole source acquisition without proper
justification and approval violates CICA and FAR requirements.
Q5: What is the primary purpose of the Contract Disputes Act (CDA) of 1978?
A. To eliminate all disputes between contractors and the government
B. To provide a comprehensive statutory framework for the resolution of contract disputes
through negotiation, certification, and appeals [CORRECT]
C. To require all contract disputes to be resolved through litigation in federal court
D. To establish that contractors have no rights to appeal government decisions
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (CDA), codified at 41 U.S.C. §§ 7101–7109,
establishes a comprehensive statutory framework for handling disputes arising under government
contracts. The CDA requires contractors to certify claims over $100,000, provides for contracting
officer decisions on claims, establishes the right to appeal to the Armed Services Board of
Contract Appeals (ASBCA) or the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA), and permits
appeals to the U.S. Court of Federal Claims and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal
Circuit. The Act encourages negotiation and mutual agreement but provides formal procedures
when disputes cannot be resolved informally. The CDA does not eliminate disputes but rather
provides an orderly process for their resolution, and it preserves contractor rights to appeal
adverse contracting officer decisions rather than eliminating those rights.
, 4
Q6: Under FAR Part 3, what is the requirement regarding gratuities to government
personnel?
A. Small gratuities under $25 are permitted
B. Gratuities are prohibited if they are intended to influence contract award or performance
[CORRECT]
C. Gratuities are permitted if disclosed to the contracting officer
D. Gratuities are allowed for non-personal services only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR Part 3, "Improper Business Practices and Personal Conflicts of Interest,"
specifically prohibits contractors from offering or giving gratuities (gifts, favors, or anything of
monetary value) to government personnel if the gratuity is intended to influence the award of a
contract or the performance of a contract. FAR 3.202 specifically addresses the Gratuities clause
(FAR 52.203-3), which provides that if the contracting officer finds that the contract price was
increased by any significant amount because the contractor or any of its representatives offered
or gave gratuities to any officer or employee of the government, the contract may be terminated
for default. The prohibition is not limited by dollar amount; even small gratuities intended to
influence are prohibited. The key element is the intent to influence, not the monetary value of the
gratuity.
Q7: What is the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) as established by statute and
adjusted periodically?
A. $100,000
B. $150,000
C. $250,000 [CORRECT]
D. $500,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) is established by 41 U.S.C. § 134 and is
currently set at $250,000 (as of the 2024 adjustment). The threshold is adjusted periodically for
inflation by the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council in accordance with the Office of Federal
Procurement Policy Act. Acquisitions at or below the SAT may use simplified acquisition
procedures under FAR Part 13, which reduce administrative burden, allow for oral solicitations,
permit streamlined evaluation methods, and generally expedite the procurement process. The
SAT was increased from $150,000 to $250,000 effective August 13, 2018, and remains at that
level as of 2026/2027 unless further adjusted.
