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Section A: Fundamentals of Cost & Price Analysis (10 Questions)
Q1: A contracting officer is evaluating a proposal for a major defense acquisition
program. The contractor has submitted detailed cost breakdowns including labor hours,
material costs, and overhead rates. Which type of analysis is the contracting officer
performing?
A. Price analysis only
B. Cost analysis [CORRECT]
C. Market analysis only
D. Competitive analysis only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cost analysis involves evaluating individual cost elements (labor, materials,
overhead) for reasonableness, realism, and allocability under FAR 15.404-1(c). Price
analysis (A) evaluates total price against comparables without examining individual
elements. Market analysis (C) and competitive analysis (D) are components of price
analysis but do not involve detailed cost element evaluation.
Q2: Under the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA), what is the current threshold for
requiring certified cost or pricing data for prime contracts?
A. $500,000
,B. $750,000
C. $2,000,000 [CORRECT]
D. $5,000,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Per FAR 15.403-4, the TINA threshold for requiring certified cost or pricing
data is $2 million for prime contracts (adjusted for inflation). The $750,000 threshold
(B) applies to contract modifications. $500,000 (A) and $5,000,000 (D) are incorrect
thresholds.
Q3: A contracting officer receives only one proposal in response to a competitive
solicitation. Which statement about the requirement for certified cost or pricing data is
correct?
A. Certified cost or pricing data is never required in competitive acquisitions
B. Certified cost or pricing data may be required if the contracting officer determines
that adequate price competition does not exist [CORRECT]
C. Certified cost or pricing data is automatically waived regardless of circumstances
D. The contracting officer must cancel the solicitation and recompete
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under FAR 15.403-1(c)(1), adequate price competition is an exception to
certified cost or pricing data requirements. If only one offer is received, the contracting
officer must determine whether adequate price competition existed; if not, certified cost
, or pricing data may be required. Competition alone (A) does not guarantee exemption.
Automatic waiver (C) is incorrect. Cancellation (D) is not mandatory.
Q4: Which FAR provision defines the standards for determining whether costs are
allowable, allocable, and reasonable?
A. FAR Part 12
B. FAR Part 15
C. FAR Part 31 [CORRECT]
D. FAR Part 52
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: FAR Part 31 (Contract Cost Principles and Procedures) establishes the
standards for cost allowability, allocability, and reasonableness. FAR Part 12 (A) covers
commercial items. FAR Part 15 (B) covers contracting by negotiation. FAR Part 52 (D)
contains solicitation provisions and contract clauses.
Q5: A contractor proposes a fixed-price contract for a well-defined requirement with
minimal technical risk. Which contract type places the GREATEST risk on the
contractor?
A. Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF)
B. Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) [CORRECT]
C. Cost-Plus-Incentive-Fee (CPIF)
D. Time-and-Materials (T&M)