CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION PRACTICE EXAM:
COMPREHENSIVE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
WITH DETAILED RATIONALES | GOVERNMENT
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT, FAR COMPLIANCE &
POST-AWARD ADMINISTRATION | 2026–2027 EXAM
PREP GUIDE (MOST RECENT)
1. Which phase of the acquisition lifecycle begins after contract award?
A. Acquisition planning
B. Market research
C. Contract administration
D. Contract closeout
Rationale: Contract administration begins immediately after contract award. During this phase,
the contracting team monitors contractor performance, manages modifications, resolves issues,
and ensures both parties fulfill their contractual obligations.
2. The primary purpose of contract administration is to:
A. Increase competition after award
B. Ensure both parties comply with contract requirements
C. Rewrite solicitation requirements
D. Develop independent government estimates
Rationale: Effective contract administration ensures contractual obligations are met,
performance is monitored, risks are controlled, and the government receives the supplies or
services specified in the contract.
3. Who has the legal authority to modify a government contract?
A. Program Manager
B. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)
C. Contracting Officer (CO)
D. Finance Officer
Rationale: Only the Contracting Officer possesses the legal authority to enter into, administer, or
modify contracts on behalf of the government unless authority has been specifically delegated.
, 4. A Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is primarily responsible for:
A. Signing contract modifications
B. Monitoring contractor performance and technical compliance
C. Approving claims
D. Terminating contracts
Rationale: The COR provides technical oversight, inspects performance, documents progress,
and communicates with the Contracting Officer but cannot alter contract terms.
5. Which document officially appoints a COR?
A. Purchase Request
B. Statement of Work
C. Letter of Designation
D. Invoice Approval Form
Rationale: A Letter of Designation formally identifies the COR's authority, limitations, and
responsibilities under a specific contract.
6. What is the first responsibility after contract award?
A. Conduct market research
B. Review and understand all contract requirements
C. Prepare a new solicitation
D. Develop a source selection plan
Rationale: Successful administration begins with a thorough understanding of contract terms,
performance standards, deliverables, schedules, and reporting requirements.
7. Quality assurance surveillance is intended to:
A. Increase contract pricing
B. Eliminate competition
C. Verify contractor performance meets contract requirements
D. Replace inspections
Rationale: Surveillance ensures that products or services meet established quality standards and
performance expectations identified in the contract.
8. A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is commonly associated with:
A. Sealed bidding only
B. Construction contracts only
, C. Performance-based service contracts
D. Commercial leases
Rationale: Performance-based service contracts often require a QASP to define surveillance
methods, acceptable quality levels, and performance metrics.
9. Which individual may direct the contractor to perform work outside the contract scope?
A. COR
B. Project Manager
C. Technical Lead
D. None of the above
Rationale: Only an authorized Contracting Officer may direct changes within legal authority.
Unauthorized personnel cannot expand contract scope.
10. An unauthorized commitment occurs when:
A. A contract is properly awarded
B. Someone without authority commits the government
C. A contractor submits an invoice late
D. A modification is signed by the CO
Rationale: Unauthorized commitments expose the government to legal and financial risks
because they are made by individuals lacking contracting authority.
11. Which action best documents contractor performance throughout contract
performance?
A. Informal conversations only
B. Personal notes kept at home
C. Accurate, timely contract administration records
D. Verbal agreements
Rationale: Complete documentation supports payment decisions, contract modifications,
dispute resolution, audits, and future source selections.
12. Which document establishes performance expectations for service contracts?
A. Wage Determination
B. Performance Work Statement (PWS)
C. Contract Closeout Checklist
D. Invoice Register
COMPREHENSIVE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS
WITH DETAILED RATIONALES | GOVERNMENT
CONTRACT MANAGEMENT, FAR COMPLIANCE &
POST-AWARD ADMINISTRATION | 2026–2027 EXAM
PREP GUIDE (MOST RECENT)
1. Which phase of the acquisition lifecycle begins after contract award?
A. Acquisition planning
B. Market research
C. Contract administration
D. Contract closeout
Rationale: Contract administration begins immediately after contract award. During this phase,
the contracting team monitors contractor performance, manages modifications, resolves issues,
and ensures both parties fulfill their contractual obligations.
2. The primary purpose of contract administration is to:
A. Increase competition after award
B. Ensure both parties comply with contract requirements
C. Rewrite solicitation requirements
D. Develop independent government estimates
Rationale: Effective contract administration ensures contractual obligations are met,
performance is monitored, risks are controlled, and the government receives the supplies or
services specified in the contract.
3. Who has the legal authority to modify a government contract?
A. Program Manager
B. Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)
C. Contracting Officer (CO)
D. Finance Officer
Rationale: Only the Contracting Officer possesses the legal authority to enter into, administer, or
modify contracts on behalf of the government unless authority has been specifically delegated.
, 4. A Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) is primarily responsible for:
A. Signing contract modifications
B. Monitoring contractor performance and technical compliance
C. Approving claims
D. Terminating contracts
Rationale: The COR provides technical oversight, inspects performance, documents progress,
and communicates with the Contracting Officer but cannot alter contract terms.
5. Which document officially appoints a COR?
A. Purchase Request
B. Statement of Work
C. Letter of Designation
D. Invoice Approval Form
Rationale: A Letter of Designation formally identifies the COR's authority, limitations, and
responsibilities under a specific contract.
6. What is the first responsibility after contract award?
A. Conduct market research
B. Review and understand all contract requirements
C. Prepare a new solicitation
D. Develop a source selection plan
Rationale: Successful administration begins with a thorough understanding of contract terms,
performance standards, deliverables, schedules, and reporting requirements.
7. Quality assurance surveillance is intended to:
A. Increase contract pricing
B. Eliminate competition
C. Verify contractor performance meets contract requirements
D. Replace inspections
Rationale: Surveillance ensures that products or services meet established quality standards and
performance expectations identified in the contract.
8. A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) is commonly associated with:
A. Sealed bidding only
B. Construction contracts only
, C. Performance-based service contracts
D. Commercial leases
Rationale: Performance-based service contracts often require a QASP to define surveillance
methods, acceptable quality levels, and performance metrics.
9. Which individual may direct the contractor to perform work outside the contract scope?
A. COR
B. Project Manager
C. Technical Lead
D. None of the above
Rationale: Only an authorized Contracting Officer may direct changes within legal authority.
Unauthorized personnel cannot expand contract scope.
10. An unauthorized commitment occurs when:
A. A contract is properly awarded
B. Someone without authority commits the government
C. A contractor submits an invoice late
D. A modification is signed by the CO
Rationale: Unauthorized commitments expose the government to legal and financial risks
because they are made by individuals lacking contracting authority.
11. Which action best documents contractor performance throughout contract
performance?
A. Informal conversations only
B. Personal notes kept at home
C. Accurate, timely contract administration records
D. Verbal agreements
Rationale: Complete documentation supports payment decisions, contract modifications,
dispute resolution, audits, and future source selections.
12. Which document establishes performance expectations for service contracts?
A. Wage Determination
B. Performance Work Statement (PWS)
C. Contract Closeout Checklist
D. Invoice Register
