CON 1100V PRACTICE TEST | COMPREHENSIVE
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES | DEFENSE ACQUISITION
UNIVERSITY (DAU) FEDERAL CONTRACTING
FUNDAMENTALS STUDY GUIDE | 2026 EDITION.
1. Which stage of the Contracting Life Cycle identifies the government's need
and develops the acquisition strategy?
A. Solicitation
B. Evaluation
C. Acquisition Planning
D. Contract Administration
Rationale: Acquisition Planning is the foundation of the contracting process, where
requirements, funding, market research, and acquisition strategies are
established.
2. Which document serves as the primary regulation governing most federal
acquisitions?
A. DFARS
B. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
C. GAO Red Book
D. Federal Register
Rationale: The FAR establishes uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by
executive agencies.
3. Which Contracting Life Cycle stage includes issuing requests for offers?
A. Acquisition Planning
B. Contract Administration
,C. Solicitation
D. Closeout
Rationale: During the solicitation phase, the government formally requests
proposals, bids, or quotations.
4. Which individual has the legal authority to bind the government
contractually?
A. Program Manager
B. Contract Specialist
C. Requiring Activity Manager
D. Contracting Officer
Rationale: Only a duly appointed Contracting Officer possesses authority to enter
into, administer, or terminate contracts.
5. Which FAR Part primarily addresses acquisition planning?
A. Part 8
B. Part 7
C. Part 15
D. Part 19
Rationale: FAR Part 7 provides policies and procedures for acquisition planning.
6. Which acquisition pathway focuses on rapidly delivering software
capabilities?
A. Major Capability Acquisition
B. Acquisition of Services
C. Software Acquisition
D. Defense Business Systems
Rationale: Software Acquisition emphasizes iterative software delivery using
modern development approaches.
7. What is the primary objective of market research?
, A. Increase competition protests
B. Eliminate commercial products
C. Understand available industry capabilities
D. Determine contract administration procedures
Rationale: Market research helps agencies understand commercial capabilities
before defining acquisition strategies.
8. Which principle best describes integrity in federal contracting?
A. Award to preferred vendors
B. Reduce documentation whenever possible
C. Ignore ethical concerns if costs are reduced
D. Conduct business fairly, impartially, and ethically
Rationale: Public trust requires fairness, integrity, and ethical conduct throughout
the acquisition process.
9. Which acquisition pathway is intended to provide enduring military
capability?
A. Software Acquisition
B. Acquisition of Services
C. Major Capability Acquisition
D. Urgent Capability Acquisition
Rationale: Major Capability Acquisition supports long-term military systems and
modernization.
10.What is the purpose of a solicitation?
A. Close the contract
B. Conduct surveillance
C. Request offers from potential contractors
D. Approve invoices
Rationale: Solicitations communicate government requirements and invite
contractor responses.
EXAM QUESTIONS WITH VERIFIED ANSWERS &
DETAILED RATIONALES | DEFENSE ACQUISITION
UNIVERSITY (DAU) FEDERAL CONTRACTING
FUNDAMENTALS STUDY GUIDE | 2026 EDITION.
1. Which stage of the Contracting Life Cycle identifies the government's need
and develops the acquisition strategy?
A. Solicitation
B. Evaluation
C. Acquisition Planning
D. Contract Administration
Rationale: Acquisition Planning is the foundation of the contracting process, where
requirements, funding, market research, and acquisition strategies are
established.
2. Which document serves as the primary regulation governing most federal
acquisitions?
A. DFARS
B. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
C. GAO Red Book
D. Federal Register
Rationale: The FAR establishes uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by
executive agencies.
3. Which Contracting Life Cycle stage includes issuing requests for offers?
A. Acquisition Planning
B. Contract Administration
,C. Solicitation
D. Closeout
Rationale: During the solicitation phase, the government formally requests
proposals, bids, or quotations.
4. Which individual has the legal authority to bind the government
contractually?
A. Program Manager
B. Contract Specialist
C. Requiring Activity Manager
D. Contracting Officer
Rationale: Only a duly appointed Contracting Officer possesses authority to enter
into, administer, or terminate contracts.
5. Which FAR Part primarily addresses acquisition planning?
A. Part 8
B. Part 7
C. Part 15
D. Part 19
Rationale: FAR Part 7 provides policies and procedures for acquisition planning.
6. Which acquisition pathway focuses on rapidly delivering software
capabilities?
A. Major Capability Acquisition
B. Acquisition of Services
C. Software Acquisition
D. Defense Business Systems
Rationale: Software Acquisition emphasizes iterative software delivery using
modern development approaches.
7. What is the primary objective of market research?
, A. Increase competition protests
B. Eliminate commercial products
C. Understand available industry capabilities
D. Determine contract administration procedures
Rationale: Market research helps agencies understand commercial capabilities
before defining acquisition strategies.
8. Which principle best describes integrity in federal contracting?
A. Award to preferred vendors
B. Reduce documentation whenever possible
C. Ignore ethical concerns if costs are reduced
D. Conduct business fairly, impartially, and ethically
Rationale: Public trust requires fairness, integrity, and ethical conduct throughout
the acquisition process.
9. Which acquisition pathway is intended to provide enduring military
capability?
A. Software Acquisition
B. Acquisition of Services
C. Major Capability Acquisition
D. Urgent Capability Acquisition
Rationale: Major Capability Acquisition supports long-term military systems and
modernization.
10.What is the purpose of a solicitation?
A. Close the contract
B. Conduct surveillance
C. Request offers from potential contractors
D. Approve invoices
Rationale: Solicitations communicate government requirements and invite
contractor responses.
