CON 237 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures Exam 2026/2027 Edition | DAU Aligned | FAR Part 13
CON 237 SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
PROCEDURES EXAM
Complete Solution - 2026/2027 Edition
Aligned with DAU CON 237 Course Curriculum | Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13
| Simplified Acquisition Procedures Competency Standards
Total Questions: 100 Time Allocation:3.0 Hours
Cognitive Mix: 25% Recall | 50% Application | 25% Analysis Format: Multiple Choice (A-D)
Passing Score: 75% (75/100) Edition: 2026/2027
Examination Instructions: This certification examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions
covering Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13
and the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) CON 237 course curriculum. Each question has exactly
one correct answer. Questions span eight sections: SAP Overview & Planning, Acquisition Planning &
Market Research, Solicitation/Evaluation/Award, Thresholds & Micro-Purchases, Contract Types &
Pricing, Contract Administration & Closeout, Ethics & Compliance, and Special Categories &
Set-Asides. The cognitive distribution is 25% recall, 50% application, and 25% analysis, including 15
scenario-based, 10 calculation-based, and 10 FAR Part 13 / DAU-specific questions. Each answer
includes a rationale citing the relevant FAR citation and DAU CON 237 curriculum reference.
Section 1: Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) Overview & Planning
Questions 1 - 15 | 15 Questions
Q1. Which Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part specifically governs Simplified
Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition
threshold?
A. FAR Part 10 - Market Research
B. FAR Part 13 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures *[CORRECT]*
C. FAR Part 14 - Sealed Bidding
D. FAR Part 15 - Contracting by Negotiation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, is the regulatory authority for streamlining the
acquisition of supplies and services at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT). FAR Part 10
governs market research, Part 14 governs sealed bidding, and Part 15 governs contracting by negotiation;
each applies a more rigorous procedure than SAP. The DAU CON 237 curriculum emphasizes Part 13 as the
principal mechanism for reducing administrative burden while preserving competition and integrity.
CON 237 SAP Exam - Complete Solution Page 1
,CON 237 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures Exam 2026/2027 Edition | DAU Aligned | FAR Part 13
Q2. A contracting specialist is preparing a purchase for office furniture valued at $185,000
using SAP. Which of the following best describes the principal purpose and benefit of using
SAP for this acquisition?
A. To circumvent the competition requirements of CICA and award without any market research
B. To reduce administrative burden and cycle time while preserving fairness, integrity, and
reasonable competition *[CORRECT]*
C. To allow sole-source awards without justification for any dollar value under the SAT
D. To permit the use of cost-reimbursement contracts for low-dollar commercial purchases
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SAP exists to streamline the acquisition process for low-dollar-value purchases, reducing
administrative burden and procurement cycle time without sacrificing fairness, integrity, or reasonable
competition. FAR 13.002 explicitly states the objective is to simplify procedures for commercial and
noncommercial items. SAP does not exempt the contracting officer from competition requirements (CICA
still applies), nor does it permit unrestricted sole-source awards or the use of cost-reimbursement contracts,
which are generally inappropriate for simplified acquisitions.
Q3. What is the current Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) for most civilian agency
acquisitions under FAR Part 13, as adjusted for inflation?
A. $150,000
B. $200,000
C. $250,000 *[CORRECT]*
D. $500,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Simplified Acquisition Threshold is $250,000 for most acquisitions, as set forth in FAR 2.101
and adjusted periodically for inflation. The DAU CON 237 curriculum stresses that this threshold governs the
applicability of FAR Part 13 procedures. $150,000 was the prior threshold; $500,000 applies only under the
FAR 13.5 test program for certain commercial items; $200,000 is not a current FAR threshold.
Q4. A requiring activity requests a purchase of $215,000 in commercial services and asks the
contracting officer to use FAR Part 15 negotiated procedures for 'flexibility.' Which response is
most consistent with FAR Part 13 and DAU CON 237 guidance?
A. Use Part 15 because the customer prefers it and it provides more flexibility
B. Use Part 13 because the acquisition is below the SAT and SAP must be used to the maximum
extent practicable *[CORRECT]*
C. Use Part 14 sealed bidding to ensure full and open competition
D. Split the requirement into two smaller purchases to avoid both Part 13 and Part 15
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 13.003(a) requires agencies to use SAP to the maximum extent practicable for acquisitions at
or below the SAT. The contracting officer should not default to Part 15 simply for 'flexibility' when the
acquisition is below the threshold; Part 13 provides streamlined tools including RFQs, oral solicitations, and
combined synopses. Part 14 sealed bidding is also unnecessary. Splitting the requirement would be an
improper contract splitting violation under FAR 13.003(c).
CON 237 SAP Exam - Complete Solution Page 2
,CON 237 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures Exam 2026/2027 Edition | DAU Aligned | FAR Part 13
Q5. Which of the following correctly distinguishes SAP (FAR Part 13) from Sealed Bidding
(FAR Part 14)?
A. Part 13 requires sealed bids; Part 14 permits oral solicitations
B. Part 13 emphasizes streamlined solicitations and quotations; Part 14 requires issuance of an
IFB and publicly opened sealed bids *[CORRECT]*
C. Part 13 is for supplies only; Part 14 is for construction only
D. Part 13 prohibits price competition; Part 14 mandates price competition only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR Part 14 (Sealed Bidding) requires an Invitation for Bid (IFB) with publicly opened sealed bids
and award to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. FAR Part 13 (SAP) permits streamlined solicitations
including RFQs, oral solicitations, and combined synopsis/solicitation. Part 13 applies to both supplies and
services below the SAT, while Part 14 is not dollar-limited but is best suited for clearly defined requirements.
Both methods permit price competition.
Q6. Within the acquisition team under SAP, which individual has the primary responsibility
for certifying the availability of funds and ensuring the requirement is properly defined
before solicitation?
A. The Contracting Officer (alone, with no input)
B. The Requiring Activity, with the Contracting Officer certifying funds availability before
award *[CORRECT]*
C. The Competition Advocate, who reviews all SAP actions
D. The Small Business Specialist, who must approve every purchase request
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under FAR Part 13 and DAU CON 237, the Requiring Activity is responsible for properly defining
the requirement, providing an IGCE, and submitting a complete purchase request package. The Contracting
Officer verifies funding availability and certifies funds before award under the Anti-Deficiency Act and FAR
13.106-3. The Competition Advocate and Small Business Specialist have specific oversight roles but do not
certify funds or define the requirement.
Q7. Which of the following is NOT a typical role or responsibility of the Contracting Officer
under FAR Part 13 SAP?
A. Conducting market research and determining price reasonableness
B. Selecting the appropriate acquisition method and contract type
C. Approving the agency's annual budget appropriation from Congress *[CORRECT]*
D. Determining contractor responsibility and awarding the contract
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Contracting Officer's responsibilities under SAP include market research, price
reasonableness determinations, acquisition method selection, contract type selection, responsibility
determinations, and contract award. However, the CO does not approve congressional appropriations - that
is a legislative function performed by Congress. Funding certification confirms availability of appropriated
funds but does not approve the appropriation itself.
CON 237 SAP Exam - Complete Solution Page 3
, CON 237 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures Exam 2026/2027 Edition | DAU Aligned | FAR Part 13
Q8. Which of the following best describes the statutory and regulatory basis for Simplified
Acquisition Procedures?
A. Title 41 of the U.S. Code and FAR Part 13, implementing streamlined procedures to reduce
administrative costs for small purchases *[CORRECT]*
B. Title 10 of the U.S. Code alone, applicable only to defense acquisitions
C. Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations, exclusively governing commercial products
D. The Small Business Act and FAR Part 19, which apply only to small business set-asides
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SAP derives its statutory authority primarily from Title 41 U.S. Code (Section 1901 et seq.) and is
implemented through FAR Part 13. This statutory framework authorizes streamlined procedures to reduce
administrative costs and cycle time for low-dollar-value acquisitions. Title 10 governs defense acquisition
broadly but is not the sole authority for SAP. FAR Part 19 implements small business programs but does not
establish SAP itself.
Q9. A contracting officer is evaluating whether SAP is appropriate for a $230,000 purchase of
IT equipment that is a commercial item. Which statement most accurately reflects FAR Part 13
applicability and limitations?
A. SAP is prohibited for any IT equipment regardless of commercial item status
B. SAP may be used for commercial items at or below the SAT, and the FAR 13.5 test program
extends streamlined procedures up to $7.5 million for certain commercial items *[CORRECT]*
C. SAP may only be used if the requirement is split into multiple awards under $10,000 each
D. SAP is mandatory but only if sealed bidding is determined to be impractical
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR Part 13 applies to commercial items at or below the $250,000 SAT. Additionally, FAR 13.5
(Test Program for Certain Commercial Items) authorizes simplified procedures for certain commercial items
up to $7.5 million ($13.5 million for acquisitions subject to the enhanced threshold). SAP is not prohibited for
IT equipment and contract splitting to avoid thresholds is prohibited. Sealed bidding is not a prerequisite for
using SAP.
Q10. SCENARIO: A program manager contacts the contracting office requesting a purchase of
$245,000 in laboratory supplies, with delivery required within 30 days. The supplies are
commercially available from multiple distributors. The PM insists on using a sole-source
award to a preferred vendor 'to save time.' Which is the most appropriate action for the
contracting officer?
A. Award sole-source to the PM's preferred vendor to meet the urgent 30-day requirement
B. Use SAP with competition to the maximum extent practicable, publicize the requirement on
SAM.gov, and document why sole source is not justified *[CORRECT]*
C. Reject the purchase request entirely because the requirement is too urgent for SAP
D. Convert the requirement to an Interagency Agreement to bypass SAP rules
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Even urgent requirements below the SAT must follow SAP procedures, including competition to
the maximum extent practicable under FAR 13.104. A 30-day delivery timeline is achievable through SAP
with RFQs to multiple vendors. Sole-source awards require a justification under FAR 13.106-1(b) and are not
appropriate where commercial competition exists. The CO should publicize the synopsis on SAM.gov unless
an exception applies. Rejecting the request or using an interagency agreement to bypass SAP is improper.
CON 237 SAP Exam - Complete Solution Page 4
CON 237 SIMPLIFIED ACQUISITION
PROCEDURES EXAM
Complete Solution - 2026/2027 Edition
Aligned with DAU CON 237 Course Curriculum | Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13
| Simplified Acquisition Procedures Competency Standards
Total Questions: 100 Time Allocation:3.0 Hours
Cognitive Mix: 25% Recall | 50% Application | 25% Analysis Format: Multiple Choice (A-D)
Passing Score: 75% (75/100) Edition: 2026/2027
Examination Instructions: This certification examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions
covering Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13
and the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) CON 237 course curriculum. Each question has exactly
one correct answer. Questions span eight sections: SAP Overview & Planning, Acquisition Planning &
Market Research, Solicitation/Evaluation/Award, Thresholds & Micro-Purchases, Contract Types &
Pricing, Contract Administration & Closeout, Ethics & Compliance, and Special Categories &
Set-Asides. The cognitive distribution is 25% recall, 50% application, and 25% analysis, including 15
scenario-based, 10 calculation-based, and 10 FAR Part 13 / DAU-specific questions. Each answer
includes a rationale citing the relevant FAR citation and DAU CON 237 curriculum reference.
Section 1: Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) Overview & Planning
Questions 1 - 15 | 15 Questions
Q1. Which Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part specifically governs Simplified
Acquisition Procedures (SAP) for acquisitions at or below the simplified acquisition
threshold?
A. FAR Part 10 - Market Research
B. FAR Part 13 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures *[CORRECT]*
C. FAR Part 14 - Sealed Bidding
D. FAR Part 15 - Contracting by Negotiation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR Part 13, Simplified Acquisition Procedures, is the regulatory authority for streamlining the
acquisition of supplies and services at or below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT). FAR Part 10
governs market research, Part 14 governs sealed bidding, and Part 15 governs contracting by negotiation;
each applies a more rigorous procedure than SAP. The DAU CON 237 curriculum emphasizes Part 13 as the
principal mechanism for reducing administrative burden while preserving competition and integrity.
CON 237 SAP Exam - Complete Solution Page 1
,CON 237 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures Exam 2026/2027 Edition | DAU Aligned | FAR Part 13
Q2. A contracting specialist is preparing a purchase for office furniture valued at $185,000
using SAP. Which of the following best describes the principal purpose and benefit of using
SAP for this acquisition?
A. To circumvent the competition requirements of CICA and award without any market research
B. To reduce administrative burden and cycle time while preserving fairness, integrity, and
reasonable competition *[CORRECT]*
C. To allow sole-source awards without justification for any dollar value under the SAT
D. To permit the use of cost-reimbursement contracts for low-dollar commercial purchases
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SAP exists to streamline the acquisition process for low-dollar-value purchases, reducing
administrative burden and procurement cycle time without sacrificing fairness, integrity, or reasonable
competition. FAR 13.002 explicitly states the objective is to simplify procedures for commercial and
noncommercial items. SAP does not exempt the contracting officer from competition requirements (CICA
still applies), nor does it permit unrestricted sole-source awards or the use of cost-reimbursement contracts,
which are generally inappropriate for simplified acquisitions.
Q3. What is the current Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) for most civilian agency
acquisitions under FAR Part 13, as adjusted for inflation?
A. $150,000
B. $200,000
C. $250,000 *[CORRECT]*
D. $500,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Simplified Acquisition Threshold is $250,000 for most acquisitions, as set forth in FAR 2.101
and adjusted periodically for inflation. The DAU CON 237 curriculum stresses that this threshold governs the
applicability of FAR Part 13 procedures. $150,000 was the prior threshold; $500,000 applies only under the
FAR 13.5 test program for certain commercial items; $200,000 is not a current FAR threshold.
Q4. A requiring activity requests a purchase of $215,000 in commercial services and asks the
contracting officer to use FAR Part 15 negotiated procedures for 'flexibility.' Which response is
most consistent with FAR Part 13 and DAU CON 237 guidance?
A. Use Part 15 because the customer prefers it and it provides more flexibility
B. Use Part 13 because the acquisition is below the SAT and SAP must be used to the maximum
extent practicable *[CORRECT]*
C. Use Part 14 sealed bidding to ensure full and open competition
D. Split the requirement into two smaller purchases to avoid both Part 13 and Part 15
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 13.003(a) requires agencies to use SAP to the maximum extent practicable for acquisitions at
or below the SAT. The contracting officer should not default to Part 15 simply for 'flexibility' when the
acquisition is below the threshold; Part 13 provides streamlined tools including RFQs, oral solicitations, and
combined synopses. Part 14 sealed bidding is also unnecessary. Splitting the requirement would be an
improper contract splitting violation under FAR 13.003(c).
CON 237 SAP Exam - Complete Solution Page 2
,CON 237 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures Exam 2026/2027 Edition | DAU Aligned | FAR Part 13
Q5. Which of the following correctly distinguishes SAP (FAR Part 13) from Sealed Bidding
(FAR Part 14)?
A. Part 13 requires sealed bids; Part 14 permits oral solicitations
B. Part 13 emphasizes streamlined solicitations and quotations; Part 14 requires issuance of an
IFB and publicly opened sealed bids *[CORRECT]*
C. Part 13 is for supplies only; Part 14 is for construction only
D. Part 13 prohibits price competition; Part 14 mandates price competition only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR Part 14 (Sealed Bidding) requires an Invitation for Bid (IFB) with publicly opened sealed bids
and award to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder. FAR Part 13 (SAP) permits streamlined solicitations
including RFQs, oral solicitations, and combined synopsis/solicitation. Part 13 applies to both supplies and
services below the SAT, while Part 14 is not dollar-limited but is best suited for clearly defined requirements.
Both methods permit price competition.
Q6. Within the acquisition team under SAP, which individual has the primary responsibility
for certifying the availability of funds and ensuring the requirement is properly defined
before solicitation?
A. The Contracting Officer (alone, with no input)
B. The Requiring Activity, with the Contracting Officer certifying funds availability before
award *[CORRECT]*
C. The Competition Advocate, who reviews all SAP actions
D. The Small Business Specialist, who must approve every purchase request
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under FAR Part 13 and DAU CON 237, the Requiring Activity is responsible for properly defining
the requirement, providing an IGCE, and submitting a complete purchase request package. The Contracting
Officer verifies funding availability and certifies funds before award under the Anti-Deficiency Act and FAR
13.106-3. The Competition Advocate and Small Business Specialist have specific oversight roles but do not
certify funds or define the requirement.
Q7. Which of the following is NOT a typical role or responsibility of the Contracting Officer
under FAR Part 13 SAP?
A. Conducting market research and determining price reasonableness
B. Selecting the appropriate acquisition method and contract type
C. Approving the agency's annual budget appropriation from Congress *[CORRECT]*
D. Determining contractor responsibility and awarding the contract
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The Contracting Officer's responsibilities under SAP include market research, price
reasonableness determinations, acquisition method selection, contract type selection, responsibility
determinations, and contract award. However, the CO does not approve congressional appropriations - that
is a legislative function performed by Congress. Funding certification confirms availability of appropriated
funds but does not approve the appropriation itself.
CON 237 SAP Exam - Complete Solution Page 3
, CON 237 - Simplified Acquisition Procedures Exam 2026/2027 Edition | DAU Aligned | FAR Part 13
Q8. Which of the following best describes the statutory and regulatory basis for Simplified
Acquisition Procedures?
A. Title 41 of the U.S. Code and FAR Part 13, implementing streamlined procedures to reduce
administrative costs for small purchases *[CORRECT]*
B. Title 10 of the U.S. Code alone, applicable only to defense acquisitions
C. Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations, exclusively governing commercial products
D. The Small Business Act and FAR Part 19, which apply only to small business set-asides
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: SAP derives its statutory authority primarily from Title 41 U.S. Code (Section 1901 et seq.) and is
implemented through FAR Part 13. This statutory framework authorizes streamlined procedures to reduce
administrative costs and cycle time for low-dollar-value acquisitions. Title 10 governs defense acquisition
broadly but is not the sole authority for SAP. FAR Part 19 implements small business programs but does not
establish SAP itself.
Q9. A contracting officer is evaluating whether SAP is appropriate for a $230,000 purchase of
IT equipment that is a commercial item. Which statement most accurately reflects FAR Part 13
applicability and limitations?
A. SAP is prohibited for any IT equipment regardless of commercial item status
B. SAP may be used for commercial items at or below the SAT, and the FAR 13.5 test program
extends streamlined procedures up to $7.5 million for certain commercial items *[CORRECT]*
C. SAP may only be used if the requirement is split into multiple awards under $10,000 each
D. SAP is mandatory but only if sealed bidding is determined to be impractical
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR Part 13 applies to commercial items at or below the $250,000 SAT. Additionally, FAR 13.5
(Test Program for Certain Commercial Items) authorizes simplified procedures for certain commercial items
up to $7.5 million ($13.5 million for acquisitions subject to the enhanced threshold). SAP is not prohibited for
IT equipment and contract splitting to avoid thresholds is prohibited. Sealed bidding is not a prerequisite for
using SAP.
Q10. SCENARIO: A program manager contacts the contracting office requesting a purchase of
$245,000 in laboratory supplies, with delivery required within 30 days. The supplies are
commercially available from multiple distributors. The PM insists on using a sole-source
award to a preferred vendor 'to save time.' Which is the most appropriate action for the
contracting officer?
A. Award sole-source to the PM's preferred vendor to meet the urgent 30-day requirement
B. Use SAP with competition to the maximum extent practicable, publicize the requirement on
SAM.gov, and document why sole source is not justified *[CORRECT]*
C. Reject the purchase request entirely because the requirement is too urgent for SAP
D. Convert the requirement to an Interagency Agreement to bypass SAP rules
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Even urgent requirements below the SAT must follow SAP procedures, including competition to
the maximum extent practicable under FAR 13.104. A 30-day delivery timeline is achievable through SAP
with RFQs to multiple vendors. Sole-source awards require a justification under FAR 13.106-1(b) and are not
appropriate where commercial competition exists. The CO should publicize the synopsis on SAM.gov unless
an exception applies. Rejecting the request or using an interagency agreement to bypass SAP is improper.
CON 237 SAP Exam - Complete Solution Page 4
