DAU CON Contracting Certification Exam Prep | Complete
Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales 2026/2027
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR)?
• A. To dictate internal corporate tax structures for private
contractors.
• B. To codify and publish uniform policies for acquisition of supplies
and services by executive agencies.
• C. To set salary guidelines for government civilian employees.
• D. To regulate international trade agreements between sovereign
nations.
Correct Answer: B. To codify and publish uniform policies for acquisition
of supplies and services by executive agencies.
Detailed Rationale: The FAR is established for the codification and
publication of uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by all
executive agencies of the federal government.
Question 2
Which part of the FAR governs Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?
• A. FAR Part 6
• B. FAR Part 12
• C. FAR Part 13
, • D. FAR Part 15
Correct Answer: C. FAR Part 13
Detailed Rationale: FAR Part 13 prescribes policies and procedures for
acquiring supplies and services, including commercial items, in amounts
not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.
Question 3
Under FAR Part 10, what is a mandatory requirement before developing
new requirements documents for an acquisition?
• A. Conduct market research to determine if commercial or non-
developmental items can meet agency needs.
• B. Issue a formal Stop-Work Order to all existing contractors.
• C. Negotiate profit margins directly with the President.
• D. Classify all project files as top secret.
Correct Answer: A. Conduct market research to determine if
commercial or non-developmental items can meet agency needs.
Detailed Rationale: Market research is required by FAR Part 10 prior to
developing new requirements documents to leverage existing
commercial solutions whenever possible.
Question 4
What is the standard micro-purchase threshold for supplies under
standard federal acquisitions (unless otherwise adjusted by statute)?
• A. $2,500
• B. $10,000
, • C. $25,000
• D. $250,000
Correct Answer: B. $10,000
Detailed Rationale: The standard micro-purchase threshold is $10,000
for supplies (with higher thresholds for construction or services under
specific wage determinations), streamlining low-dollar purchases.
Question 5
What is the standard Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) for most
federal procurements under normal conditions?
• A. $50,000
• B. $100,000
• C. $250,000
• D. $1,000,000
Correct Answer: C. $250,000
Detailed Rationale: The standard SAT is $250,000 (though higher
thresholds apply for contingency operations or defense against CBRN
attacks).
Question 6
When is sealed bidding (FAR Part 14) the preferred method of
contracting?
• A. When time is extremely limited and design details are
constantly changing.
, • B. When discussions with offerors are required to refine technical
proposals.
• C. When time permits, specifications are clear/complete, price is
the primary factor, and two or more responsible bidders can
compete.
• D. When acquiring highly classified R&D prototypes.
Correct Answer: C. When time permits, specifications are
clear/complete, price is the primary factor, and two or more responsible
bidders can compete.
Detailed Rationale: Sealed bidding results in a contract based on
solicitation, public bid opening, and low responsive/responsible bid
without discussions.
Question 7
What is a key characteristic of Contracting by Negotiation (FAR Part 15)?
• A. Public bid openings where awards are made automatically to
the lowest bidder without discussions.
• B. Permitting discussions, negotiations, and trade-offs between
price and non-price factors to achieve best value.
• C. Prohibiting any communication between the government and
contractors after solicitation release.
• D. Restricting awards strictly to government-owned facilities.
Correct Answer: B. Permitting discussions, negotiations, and trade-offs
between price and non-price factors to achieve best value.
Practice Questions, Answers & Detailed Rationales 2026/2027
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the Federal Acquisition Regulation
(FAR)?
• A. To dictate internal corporate tax structures for private
contractors.
• B. To codify and publish uniform policies for acquisition of supplies
and services by executive agencies.
• C. To set salary guidelines for government civilian employees.
• D. To regulate international trade agreements between sovereign
nations.
Correct Answer: B. To codify and publish uniform policies for acquisition
of supplies and services by executive agencies.
Detailed Rationale: The FAR is established for the codification and
publication of uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by all
executive agencies of the federal government.
Question 2
Which part of the FAR governs Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?
• A. FAR Part 6
• B. FAR Part 12
• C. FAR Part 13
, • D. FAR Part 15
Correct Answer: C. FAR Part 13
Detailed Rationale: FAR Part 13 prescribes policies and procedures for
acquiring supplies and services, including commercial items, in amounts
not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold.
Question 3
Under FAR Part 10, what is a mandatory requirement before developing
new requirements documents for an acquisition?
• A. Conduct market research to determine if commercial or non-
developmental items can meet agency needs.
• B. Issue a formal Stop-Work Order to all existing contractors.
• C. Negotiate profit margins directly with the President.
• D. Classify all project files as top secret.
Correct Answer: A. Conduct market research to determine if
commercial or non-developmental items can meet agency needs.
Detailed Rationale: Market research is required by FAR Part 10 prior to
developing new requirements documents to leverage existing
commercial solutions whenever possible.
Question 4
What is the standard micro-purchase threshold for supplies under
standard federal acquisitions (unless otherwise adjusted by statute)?
• A. $2,500
• B. $10,000
, • C. $25,000
• D. $250,000
Correct Answer: B. $10,000
Detailed Rationale: The standard micro-purchase threshold is $10,000
for supplies (with higher thresholds for construction or services under
specific wage determinations), streamlining low-dollar purchases.
Question 5
What is the standard Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) for most
federal procurements under normal conditions?
• A. $50,000
• B. $100,000
• C. $250,000
• D. $1,000,000
Correct Answer: C. $250,000
Detailed Rationale: The standard SAT is $250,000 (though higher
thresholds apply for contingency operations or defense against CBRN
attacks).
Question 6
When is sealed bidding (FAR Part 14) the preferred method of
contracting?
• A. When time is extremely limited and design details are
constantly changing.
, • B. When discussions with offerors are required to refine technical
proposals.
• C. When time permits, specifications are clear/complete, price is
the primary factor, and two or more responsible bidders can
compete.
• D. When acquiring highly classified R&D prototypes.
Correct Answer: C. When time permits, specifications are
clear/complete, price is the primary factor, and two or more responsible
bidders can compete.
Detailed Rationale: Sealed bidding results in a contract based on
solicitation, public bid opening, and low responsive/responsible bid
without discussions.
Question 7
What is a key characteristic of Contracting by Negotiation (FAR Part 15)?
• A. Public bid openings where awards are made automatically to
the lowest bidder without discussions.
• B. Permitting discussions, negotiations, and trade-offs between
price and non-price factors to achieve best value.
• C. Prohibiting any communication between the government and
contractors after solicitation release.
• D. Restricting awards strictly to government-owned facilities.
Correct Answer: B. Permitting discussions, negotiations, and trade-offs
between price and non-price factors to achieve best value.
