FAC-C Professional CON 3990V Contracting Certification Exam
| Comprehensive Practice Questions & Explanations
2026/2027
Question 1
What is the primary standard of conduct regarding gifts from
contractors to government employees?
• A. Gifts are permitted if they are under $50.
• B. Gifts are generally prohibited, regardless of value, to avoid the
appearance of influence.
• C. Gifts are permitted if the contractor is not currently working on
a contract.
• D. Gifts are permitted only if they are for the entire office.
Correct Answer: B. Gifts are generally prohibited, regardless of value, to
avoid the appearance of influence.
Detailed Rationale: Federal employees are subject to strict standards of
conduct (FAR Part 3). Accepting gifts from contractors is generally
prohibited to maintain integrity and avoid any appearance of bias or
influence.
Question 2
What is the legal instrument that establishes the authority of a
Contracting Officer (CO)?
• A. A Letter of Employment
, • B. A Warrant (Certificate of Appointment)
• C. A Delegation of Authority memo
• D. A Security Clearance
Correct Answer: B. A Warrant (Certificate of Appointment)
Detailed Rationale: A CO's authority to bind the government is derived
specifically from their warrant, which defines the scope and monetary
limits of their authority.
Question 3
Under FAR Part 6, what is the general policy regarding competition?
• A. Agencies should limit competition to established vendors.
• B. Agencies must promote and provide for full and open
competition.
• C. Agencies should prioritize sole-source awards for speed.
• D. Competition is only required for contracts over $1 million.
Correct Answer: B. Agencies must promote and provide for full and
open competition.
Detailed Rationale: The Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) requires
agencies to use full and open competition unless a specific statutory
exception applies (e.g., sole source, urgent/compelling).
Question 4
Who is responsible for the overall acquisition planning process per FAR
Part 7?
• A. The Finance Office
, • B. The Program Manager
• C. The Contracting Officer, in coordination with the team
• D. The Small Business Specialist
Correct Answer: C. The Contracting Officer, in coordination with the
team
Detailed Rationale: Acquisition planning is a team effort, but the CO is
responsible for ensuring the acquisition plan is developed and
implemented effectively to satisfy the agency's needs.
Question 5
Which of the following is an "Inherently Governmental Function"?
• A. Analyzing budget data for the agency
• B. Developing a statement of work for a contract
• C. Awarding a contract
• D. Providing janitorial support
Correct Answer: C. Awarding a contract
Detailed Rationale: Committing the government to a binding contract is
an inherently governmental function because it involves the exercise of
substantial discretion and value judgment.
Question 6
When is Market Research (FAR Part 10) required?
• A. Only for contracts exceeding the Simplified Acquisition
Threshold (SAT)
, • B. Before developing new requirements and before soliciting
offers
• C. Only for sole-source procurements
• D. Only after the solicitation is released
Correct Answer: B. Before developing new requirements and before
soliciting offers
Detailed Rationale: Market research is a continuous process that must
be conducted before new requirements are developed to understand
market capabilities and commercial practices.
Question 7
What is the government's policy regarding the acquisition of
commercial items (FAR Part 12)?
• A. Avoid commercial items in favor of custom-built solutions
• B. Require contractors to follow unique federal specifications
• C. Procure commercial items to the maximum extent practicable
• D. Only procure commercial items if they are below $10,000
Correct Answer: C. Procure commercial items to the maximum extent
practicable
Detailed Rationale: FAR Part 12 dictates that agencies must conduct
market research to determine if commercial items are available, as they
are generally cheaper and easier to support.
Question 8
| Comprehensive Practice Questions & Explanations
2026/2027
Question 1
What is the primary standard of conduct regarding gifts from
contractors to government employees?
• A. Gifts are permitted if they are under $50.
• B. Gifts are generally prohibited, regardless of value, to avoid the
appearance of influence.
• C. Gifts are permitted if the contractor is not currently working on
a contract.
• D. Gifts are permitted only if they are for the entire office.
Correct Answer: B. Gifts are generally prohibited, regardless of value, to
avoid the appearance of influence.
Detailed Rationale: Federal employees are subject to strict standards of
conduct (FAR Part 3). Accepting gifts from contractors is generally
prohibited to maintain integrity and avoid any appearance of bias or
influence.
Question 2
What is the legal instrument that establishes the authority of a
Contracting Officer (CO)?
• A. A Letter of Employment
, • B. A Warrant (Certificate of Appointment)
• C. A Delegation of Authority memo
• D. A Security Clearance
Correct Answer: B. A Warrant (Certificate of Appointment)
Detailed Rationale: A CO's authority to bind the government is derived
specifically from their warrant, which defines the scope and monetary
limits of their authority.
Question 3
Under FAR Part 6, what is the general policy regarding competition?
• A. Agencies should limit competition to established vendors.
• B. Agencies must promote and provide for full and open
competition.
• C. Agencies should prioritize sole-source awards for speed.
• D. Competition is only required for contracts over $1 million.
Correct Answer: B. Agencies must promote and provide for full and
open competition.
Detailed Rationale: The Competition in Contracting Act (CICA) requires
agencies to use full and open competition unless a specific statutory
exception applies (e.g., sole source, urgent/compelling).
Question 4
Who is responsible for the overall acquisition planning process per FAR
Part 7?
• A. The Finance Office
, • B. The Program Manager
• C. The Contracting Officer, in coordination with the team
• D. The Small Business Specialist
Correct Answer: C. The Contracting Officer, in coordination with the
team
Detailed Rationale: Acquisition planning is a team effort, but the CO is
responsible for ensuring the acquisition plan is developed and
implemented effectively to satisfy the agency's needs.
Question 5
Which of the following is an "Inherently Governmental Function"?
• A. Analyzing budget data for the agency
• B. Developing a statement of work for a contract
• C. Awarding a contract
• D. Providing janitorial support
Correct Answer: C. Awarding a contract
Detailed Rationale: Committing the government to a binding contract is
an inherently governmental function because it involves the exercise of
substantial discretion and value judgment.
Question 6
When is Market Research (FAR Part 10) required?
• A. Only for contracts exceeding the Simplified Acquisition
Threshold (SAT)
, • B. Before developing new requirements and before soliciting
offers
• C. Only for sole-source procurements
• D. Only after the solicitation is released
Correct Answer: B. Before developing new requirements and before
soliciting offers
Detailed Rationale: Market research is a continuous process that must
be conducted before new requirements are developed to understand
market capabilities and commercial practices.
Question 7
What is the government's policy regarding the acquisition of
commercial items (FAR Part 12)?
• A. Avoid commercial items in favor of custom-built solutions
• B. Require contractors to follow unique federal specifications
• C. Procure commercial items to the maximum extent practicable
• D. Only procure commercial items if they are below $10,000
Correct Answer: C. Procure commercial items to the maximum extent
practicable
Detailed Rationale: FAR Part 12 dictates that agencies must conduct
market research to determine if commercial items are available, as they
are generally cheaper and easier to support.
Question 8
