WARRANT BOARD QUESTIONS &
ANSWERS (RATED A+)
You receive a customer's procurement package. In it, the PWS addresses key
personnel required. The customer wants to evaluate the availability and commitment
of the proposed key personnel when evaluating offers. What would you recommend
the customer include in the instructions to offerors for proposal submission
requirements and evaluation factors? - ANSWERHave the offeror provide a list of
key personnel positions along with the minimum specific skills, experience, and
credentialing. The experience should be similar in scope and magnitude to this
requirement.
Recommend including a Factor or Subfactor that addresses Personnel Management.
This could include a recuritment/retention plan. Include key position resumes and
description of sample skill sets and how it relates to the requirements of the
solicitation. It could also ask for an organization chart. Solicitation could include the
requirement to include signed letters of intent.
Depth of experience reflects the magnitude, significance, and applicability/relevance
of the Offeror's experience in performing each of the efforts required.
A legally binding contract must contain what elements? - ANSWEROffer: Terms and
conditions binding the offeror
Acceptance: Willingness to abide to the terms and conditions
Consideration: Exchange of one thing for another
Mutual Obligation: Both parties are bound to the contract.
Competancy: Contractor has the necessary skillset to perform the contractual work
Capacity: Refers to an individual's ability to enter into a contract.
Explain the "Bona Fide Needs" rule. - ANSWERThe Bona Fide need rules states that
funds will only be used in the FY that they are needed and appropriated for. Funds
approved for use in one FY will not be used for a different FY.
Supplies - Determined by when the Gov actually requires or will be able to use the
supplies being acquired.
Services - Need of the FY in which the services are to be performed.
Severable Services: Services are continuing and ongoing in nature (i.e. help-desk
support, maintenance, or janitorial services). The benefit is received each time the
service is rendered. Can fund severable services using incremental funding.
Non-Severable Services: Represents a single undertaking that cannot be feasibly
subdivided
,What is the order of precedence for a solicitation or contract in accordance with FAR
52.215-8? For example, the specifications require a different item than is stated in
the Schedule (Section B). What does the contractor use? - ANSWERIAW FAR
15.204 (Uniform Contract Format)
1. Schedule (excluding the specifications)
2. Representations and other instructions
3. Contract Clauses
4. Other documents, exhibits, and attachments
5. Specifications
Once all receivables have been delivered/completed and verified by the
customer/COR, the ACO or KO reviews the contract files for remaining closeout
actions. Why is contract closeout so important? What actions need to be taken in
closeout? - ANSWERContract closeout frees up unused funds in which agencies can
use for other requirements. It also completes the contracting process and reduces
the likelihood of a claim against the contract.
The KO needs to verify the deilvery, the receipt of payment, and the contract's intent
of any future claim. Then the KO can complete the deobligation modification if
applicable and do the closeout in SPS and PCF.
On a full and open competitive negotiated acquisition, you have received five
proposals and determined that discussions are needed, what is the process of
determining which offerors are in the competitive range for these discussions? -
ANSWERIdentify all of the most highly rated proposals using the ratings of each
proposal against all evaluation criteria established in the solicitation (Section M). This
is your competative range.
Objective - Lessen the work of the government by only rating those proposals that
are most likely to get an award and also to lessen the offerors burden by not having
to participate in further discussions when there is not a chance for them to receive an
award.
If you have a competitive requirement, how will you determine the Best Value
Approach to use in regards to choosing LPTA or Tradeoff? Also, give at least one
example when each is appropriate. - ANSWERLPTA is when price is the most
important factor. Lowest price, no tradeoff. LPTA would be used for simpler supply
buys.
Tradeoff is when other factors outweigh cost. It is the most flexible. We always
consider cost. Evaluation of factors in mandatory on contracts exceeding $1MIL.
(Price, quality or technical, Past Performance). Tradeoff would usually be used in
more complicated requirements where certain qualities are more important to the
customer than others.
How would you mentor a new Contract Specialist (recent intern graduate) that has
been assigned to your team? What tools would you provide to your specialist in
accomplishing their duties? What tools do you use in accomplishing your duties? -
ANSWERFAR, DFARS, AFARS, ACC AI ACC-RI AI, ACC Contracting Compass.
Basically show them tools and the order of precedence. Also show them templates.
In my experience, hands on experience within the various systems of record and
understanding the contracting process is critical. I would also encourage a new
contracting specialist to seek mentorship with more experienced KOs and KSs.
, What is an unauthorized commitment? What steps do you take in evaluating,
processing and approving an unauthorized commitment? - ANSWERIAW 1.602-3
(Ratification of Unauthorized Commitments)
An unauthorized commitment occurs when funds are obligated by an unauthorized
person. The ratification process will help to determine of there was a bona fide need,
if funds were available at the time of the UA and are they available now, if the
government received a benefit, and would the government have contracted for the
product or service anyways.
IAW FAR 1.602-3, the SCO may ratify unauthorized commitment if:
1) Supplies or services have been provided to and accepted
2) The official has the authority to enter into a contract
3) The contract would have been proper if made by an KO
4) KO determines it FR
5) KO recommends payment and legal counsel concurs
6) Funds are available and were available at time of UC,
7) Ratification is conducted IAW agency policy.
When a UAC is discovered, the PCO will immediately determine the state of the
vendor's performance. If performance is ongoing , the PCO will direct the vendor to
stop work immediately unless doing so will have an adverse operational impact that
affect the life, health and/or safety of the client. Follow FAR 1.602-3 and AFARS
5101.602-3. Obtain a statement signed by the appropriate personnel describing the
circumstances ot the UC. Provide all orders, invoices, or any other documentary
evidence of the transaction. Obtain the Commander or Director's endorsement
concurring ratification of UC. Contracting Officer must provide a summary of facts
and recommendations, includes all elements included in the AFARS. Obtain legal
concurrence and approval authority signature.
Why is inspection and acceptance important to the Government? - ANSWERThese
clauses establish the expectations of the governments ability to inspect any goods or
services and outline remedies that are available to the government should the
contractor fail any part of the inspection. It helps to ensure that the government only
acquires acceptable goods and services and outlines the standards for recourse in
the case of contractor non-conformance.
Reference: FAR 46.202-3 (Standard Inspection Requirements)
Explain the difference between an offeror's experience and an offeror's past
performance. - ANSWERAn offerors experience demonstrates their experience on a
certain type of work.
The past performance describes how well they did the work
How would you define depth and breadth of an offeror's experience to be included in
a solicitation/evaluation? - ANSWERBreadth of experience reflects the Offeror's
experience in performing the full range of the efforts required.
What do you envision is the role of your CORs? When are you required to appoint
one? What authorities are you allowed to delegate to your COR? What authorities
ANSWERS (RATED A+)
You receive a customer's procurement package. In it, the PWS addresses key
personnel required. The customer wants to evaluate the availability and commitment
of the proposed key personnel when evaluating offers. What would you recommend
the customer include in the instructions to offerors for proposal submission
requirements and evaluation factors? - ANSWERHave the offeror provide a list of
key personnel positions along with the minimum specific skills, experience, and
credentialing. The experience should be similar in scope and magnitude to this
requirement.
Recommend including a Factor or Subfactor that addresses Personnel Management.
This could include a recuritment/retention plan. Include key position resumes and
description of sample skill sets and how it relates to the requirements of the
solicitation. It could also ask for an organization chart. Solicitation could include the
requirement to include signed letters of intent.
Depth of experience reflects the magnitude, significance, and applicability/relevance
of the Offeror's experience in performing each of the efforts required.
A legally binding contract must contain what elements? - ANSWEROffer: Terms and
conditions binding the offeror
Acceptance: Willingness to abide to the terms and conditions
Consideration: Exchange of one thing for another
Mutual Obligation: Both parties are bound to the contract.
Competancy: Contractor has the necessary skillset to perform the contractual work
Capacity: Refers to an individual's ability to enter into a contract.
Explain the "Bona Fide Needs" rule. - ANSWERThe Bona Fide need rules states that
funds will only be used in the FY that they are needed and appropriated for. Funds
approved for use in one FY will not be used for a different FY.
Supplies - Determined by when the Gov actually requires or will be able to use the
supplies being acquired.
Services - Need of the FY in which the services are to be performed.
Severable Services: Services are continuing and ongoing in nature (i.e. help-desk
support, maintenance, or janitorial services). The benefit is received each time the
service is rendered. Can fund severable services using incremental funding.
Non-Severable Services: Represents a single undertaking that cannot be feasibly
subdivided
,What is the order of precedence for a solicitation or contract in accordance with FAR
52.215-8? For example, the specifications require a different item than is stated in
the Schedule (Section B). What does the contractor use? - ANSWERIAW FAR
15.204 (Uniform Contract Format)
1. Schedule (excluding the specifications)
2. Representations and other instructions
3. Contract Clauses
4. Other documents, exhibits, and attachments
5. Specifications
Once all receivables have been delivered/completed and verified by the
customer/COR, the ACO or KO reviews the contract files for remaining closeout
actions. Why is contract closeout so important? What actions need to be taken in
closeout? - ANSWERContract closeout frees up unused funds in which agencies can
use for other requirements. It also completes the contracting process and reduces
the likelihood of a claim against the contract.
The KO needs to verify the deilvery, the receipt of payment, and the contract's intent
of any future claim. Then the KO can complete the deobligation modification if
applicable and do the closeout in SPS and PCF.
On a full and open competitive negotiated acquisition, you have received five
proposals and determined that discussions are needed, what is the process of
determining which offerors are in the competitive range for these discussions? -
ANSWERIdentify all of the most highly rated proposals using the ratings of each
proposal against all evaluation criteria established in the solicitation (Section M). This
is your competative range.
Objective - Lessen the work of the government by only rating those proposals that
are most likely to get an award and also to lessen the offerors burden by not having
to participate in further discussions when there is not a chance for them to receive an
award.
If you have a competitive requirement, how will you determine the Best Value
Approach to use in regards to choosing LPTA or Tradeoff? Also, give at least one
example when each is appropriate. - ANSWERLPTA is when price is the most
important factor. Lowest price, no tradeoff. LPTA would be used for simpler supply
buys.
Tradeoff is when other factors outweigh cost. It is the most flexible. We always
consider cost. Evaluation of factors in mandatory on contracts exceeding $1MIL.
(Price, quality or technical, Past Performance). Tradeoff would usually be used in
more complicated requirements where certain qualities are more important to the
customer than others.
How would you mentor a new Contract Specialist (recent intern graduate) that has
been assigned to your team? What tools would you provide to your specialist in
accomplishing their duties? What tools do you use in accomplishing your duties? -
ANSWERFAR, DFARS, AFARS, ACC AI ACC-RI AI, ACC Contracting Compass.
Basically show them tools and the order of precedence. Also show them templates.
In my experience, hands on experience within the various systems of record and
understanding the contracting process is critical. I would also encourage a new
contracting specialist to seek mentorship with more experienced KOs and KSs.
, What is an unauthorized commitment? What steps do you take in evaluating,
processing and approving an unauthorized commitment? - ANSWERIAW 1.602-3
(Ratification of Unauthorized Commitments)
An unauthorized commitment occurs when funds are obligated by an unauthorized
person. The ratification process will help to determine of there was a bona fide need,
if funds were available at the time of the UA and are they available now, if the
government received a benefit, and would the government have contracted for the
product or service anyways.
IAW FAR 1.602-3, the SCO may ratify unauthorized commitment if:
1) Supplies or services have been provided to and accepted
2) The official has the authority to enter into a contract
3) The contract would have been proper if made by an KO
4) KO determines it FR
5) KO recommends payment and legal counsel concurs
6) Funds are available and were available at time of UC,
7) Ratification is conducted IAW agency policy.
When a UAC is discovered, the PCO will immediately determine the state of the
vendor's performance. If performance is ongoing , the PCO will direct the vendor to
stop work immediately unless doing so will have an adverse operational impact that
affect the life, health and/or safety of the client. Follow FAR 1.602-3 and AFARS
5101.602-3. Obtain a statement signed by the appropriate personnel describing the
circumstances ot the UC. Provide all orders, invoices, or any other documentary
evidence of the transaction. Obtain the Commander or Director's endorsement
concurring ratification of UC. Contracting Officer must provide a summary of facts
and recommendations, includes all elements included in the AFARS. Obtain legal
concurrence and approval authority signature.
Why is inspection and acceptance important to the Government? - ANSWERThese
clauses establish the expectations of the governments ability to inspect any goods or
services and outline remedies that are available to the government should the
contractor fail any part of the inspection. It helps to ensure that the government only
acquires acceptable goods and services and outlines the standards for recourse in
the case of contractor non-conformance.
Reference: FAR 46.202-3 (Standard Inspection Requirements)
Explain the difference between an offeror's experience and an offeror's past
performance. - ANSWERAn offerors experience demonstrates their experience on a
certain type of work.
The past performance describes how well they did the work
How would you define depth and breadth of an offeror's experience to be included in
a solicitation/evaluation? - ANSWERBreadth of experience reflects the Offeror's
experience in performing the full range of the efforts required.
What do you envision is the role of your CORs? When are you required to appoint
one? What authorities are you allowed to delegate to your COR? What authorities
