FAC C FEDERAL ACQUISITION
CERTIFICATION EXAM MASTERY 150
SCENARIOS WITH DETAILED CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES GRADE A+
VERIFIED | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
FAC-C Certification Practice Scenarios (Original Study
Material)
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose
of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)? A. To provide
guidance only to Department of Defense agencies. B. To codify uniform
policies and procedures for all executive agencies regarding acquisition.
C. To replace all agency-specific supplements like DFARS. D. To serve as
a legal statute passed by Congress. Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The FAR is the primary regulation for use by all
executive agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with
appropriated funds. It establishes uniform policies and procedures.
2. A Contracting Officer (CO) is determining whether to use
sealed bidding or competitive negotiation. Which factor would
most strongly favor competitive negotiation? A. The requirement
is clearly defined, and price is the primary selection factor. B. The market
is highly competitive with many responsible sources. C. The requirement
involves complex technical specifications where trade-offs between cost
and technical merit are necessary. D. The agency has ample time to
conduct an auction. Correct Answer: C Rationale:
Competitive negotiation (Best Value Continuum) is preferred when the
agency needs to consider factors other than price, such as technical
approach, past performance, or management capability, allowing for
trade-offs.
3. What is the threshold for simplified acquisition procedures
for commercial items under FAR Part 13? A. $5,000 B. $10,000
C. $250,000 D. $750,000 Correct Answer: C Rationale:
Simplified acquisition procedures generally apply to acquisitions at or
,below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), which is currently
$250,000 (subject to inflation adjustments per FAR 2.101).
4. Which clause is mandatory in all contracts exceeding the
micro-purchase threshold? A. Clause 52.203-6, Restrictions on
Subcontractor Sales to the Government. B. Clause 52.204-21, Basic
Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems. C. Clause
52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns. D. Clause 52.225-13,
Restriction on Certain Foreign Purchases. Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 52.204-21 is required in all solicitations and
contracts except those at or below the micro-purchase threshold,
ensuring basic cybersecurity safeguards are in place.
5. A contractor submits a proposal that is technically
acceptable but significantly higher in price than the
government estimate. What is the CO’s best course of action?
A. Reject the proposal immediately as non-responsive. B. Award the
contract since it is technically acceptable. C. Conduct discussions or
request a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) to allow the contractor to revise
their price. D. Cancel the solicitation. Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In negotiated procurements, if a proposal is within the
competitive range but high in price, the CO should engage in
discussions to allow the offeror to improve their proposal, including
price, before making an award decision.
6. What is the primary difference between a "definitive"
contract and an "indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity"
(IDIQ) contract? A. A definitive contract specifies exact quantities; an
IDIQ specifies minimum/maximum quantities over a period. B. A
definitive contract is always fixed-price; an IDIQ is always cost-
reimbursement. C. An IDIQ does not require a Contracting Officer. D.
There is no difference; they are synonyms. Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A definitive contract obligates specific quantities. An
IDIQ contract provides for furnishing unspecified quantities of supplies
or services within stated limits during a specified period.
7. Which small business socio-economic status allows a
company to compete for set-aside contracts reserved
specifically for service-disabled veterans? A. HUBZone. B.
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business). C. WOSB
,(Women-Owned Small Business). D. 8(a) BD Participant. Correct
Answer: B Rationale: SDVOSBs are eligible for set-asides and
sole-source awards specifically designated for service-disabled
veteran-owned businesses under FAR Part 19.
8. When is a "Justification and Approval" (J&A) required for
Other Than Full and Open Competition? A. Whenever the CO
prefers a specific vendor. B. Only when using simplified acquisition
procedures. C. When full and open competition is not practicable, and
one of the seven exceptions in FAR 6.302 applies. D. Only for contracts
over $1 million. Correct Answer: C Rationale: A J&A is
required whenever an agency intends to award a contract without
providing for full and open competition, citing one of the specific
statutory exceptions (e.g., only one responsible source, unusual
urgency).
9. What is the purpose of the "Truthful Cost or Pricing Data"
certification (formerly Truth in Negotiations Act - TINA)? A. To
ensure the contractor pays taxes. B. To require contractors to submit
accurate, complete, and current cost or pricing data for negotiated
actions above the certified cost or pricing data threshold. C. To verify the
contractor’s small business status. D. To certify that the product meets
technical specs. Correct Answer: B Rationale: FAR 15.406
requires contractors to certify that their cost or pricing data is
accurate, complete, and current for negotiated procurements exceeding
the threshold ($2 million, adjusted for inflation), preventing defective
pricing.
10. Which type of contract places the maximum risk on the
contractor? A. Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF). B. Time-and-Materials
(T&M). C. Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP). D. Labor-Hour. Correct
Answer: C Rationale: In a Firm-Fixed-Price contract, the
contractor agrees to perform the work for a set price. If costs exceed
this price, the contractor absorbs the loss, placing maximum financial
risk on them.
11. What is the "micro-purchase threshold" for most federal
agencies? A. $3,500 B. $10,000 C. $50,000 D. $250,000 Correct
Answer: A Rationale: The micro-purchase threshold is generally
$10,000 for most agencies, but for purchases made by individuals not
, primarily employed in acquisition, it is often lower. However, the
standard FAR definition for simplified acquisition micro-purchases is
$10,000 (Note: Recent NDAA changes may adjust this to $50k for
certain cases, but $10k is the traditional baseline for general knowledge
unless specified otherwise. Correction: As of recent updates, the micro-
purchase threshold is $10,000 for most agencies, but can be higher for
specific circumstances. For exam purposes, know that it is the lowest
tier of simplified acquisition. Update: The FY2024 NDAA raised the
micro-purchase threshold to $50,000 for most agencies. Always check
the latest FAR 2.101. For this question, assuming current 2024/2025
standards, $50,000 is the new standard. Let's use $50,000 as the
correct answer reflecting recent changes.*) Revised Correct
Answer: C ($50,000) Rationale: The National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) has increased the micro-purchase threshold
to $50,000 for most federal agencies to streamline low-value
acquisitions.
12. A contractor fails to deliver goods by the required date.
What is the CO’s first step before terminating for default? A.
Issue a Cure Notice or Show Cause Notice. B. Immediately terminate the
contract. C. File a lawsuit. D. Withhold all payments permanently.
Correct Answer: A Rationale: Before terminating for default,
the CO must generally issue a Cure Notice (if there is time to cure) or a
Show Cause Notice, giving the contractor an opportunity to explain the
failure or fix the issue.
13. Which clause addresses "Changes" in a fixed-price
construction contract? A. FAR 52.243-4, Changes. B. FAR 52.243-1,
Changes-Fixed Price. C. FAR 52.243-2, Changes-Cost-Reimbursement.
D. FAR 52.243-3, Changes-Time-and-Materials. Correct Answer:
A Rationale: FAR 52.243-4 is the standard "Changes" clause used
in construction contracts, allowing the CO to make changes in
drawings and specifications.
14. What is the primary goal of the Buy American Act? A. To ban
all foreign products. B. To restrict the purchase of foreign end products
and construction materials to support domestic industry, unless an
exception applies. C. To lower prices by buying from the cheapest global
source. D. To promote free trade agreements. Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Buy American Act (and related statutes like the
CERTIFICATION EXAM MASTERY 150
SCENARIOS WITH DETAILED CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH RATIONALES GRADE A+
VERIFIED | INSTANT DOWNLOAD
FAC-C Certification Practice Scenarios (Original Study
Material)
1. Which of the following best describes the primary purpose
of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)? A. To provide
guidance only to Department of Defense agencies. B. To codify uniform
policies and procedures for all executive agencies regarding acquisition.
C. To replace all agency-specific supplements like DFARS. D. To serve as
a legal statute passed by Congress. Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The FAR is the primary regulation for use by all
executive agencies in their acquisition of supplies and services with
appropriated funds. It establishes uniform policies and procedures.
2. A Contracting Officer (CO) is determining whether to use
sealed bidding or competitive negotiation. Which factor would
most strongly favor competitive negotiation? A. The requirement
is clearly defined, and price is the primary selection factor. B. The market
is highly competitive with many responsible sources. C. The requirement
involves complex technical specifications where trade-offs between cost
and technical merit are necessary. D. The agency has ample time to
conduct an auction. Correct Answer: C Rationale:
Competitive negotiation (Best Value Continuum) is preferred when the
agency needs to consider factors other than price, such as technical
approach, past performance, or management capability, allowing for
trade-offs.
3. What is the threshold for simplified acquisition procedures
for commercial items under FAR Part 13? A. $5,000 B. $10,000
C. $250,000 D. $750,000 Correct Answer: C Rationale:
Simplified acquisition procedures generally apply to acquisitions at or
,below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), which is currently
$250,000 (subject to inflation adjustments per FAR 2.101).
4. Which clause is mandatory in all contracts exceeding the
micro-purchase threshold? A. Clause 52.203-6, Restrictions on
Subcontractor Sales to the Government. B. Clause 52.204-21, Basic
Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems. C. Clause
52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns. D. Clause 52.225-13,
Restriction on Certain Foreign Purchases. Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 52.204-21 is required in all solicitations and
contracts except those at or below the micro-purchase threshold,
ensuring basic cybersecurity safeguards are in place.
5. A contractor submits a proposal that is technically
acceptable but significantly higher in price than the
government estimate. What is the CO’s best course of action?
A. Reject the proposal immediately as non-responsive. B. Award the
contract since it is technically acceptable. C. Conduct discussions or
request a Best and Final Offer (BAFO) to allow the contractor to revise
their price. D. Cancel the solicitation. Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In negotiated procurements, if a proposal is within the
competitive range but high in price, the CO should engage in
discussions to allow the offeror to improve their proposal, including
price, before making an award decision.
6. What is the primary difference between a "definitive"
contract and an "indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity"
(IDIQ) contract? A. A definitive contract specifies exact quantities; an
IDIQ specifies minimum/maximum quantities over a period. B. A
definitive contract is always fixed-price; an IDIQ is always cost-
reimbursement. C. An IDIQ does not require a Contracting Officer. D.
There is no difference; they are synonyms. Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A definitive contract obligates specific quantities. An
IDIQ contract provides for furnishing unspecified quantities of supplies
or services within stated limits during a specified period.
7. Which small business socio-economic status allows a
company to compete for set-aside contracts reserved
specifically for service-disabled veterans? A. HUBZone. B.
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business). C. WOSB
,(Women-Owned Small Business). D. 8(a) BD Participant. Correct
Answer: B Rationale: SDVOSBs are eligible for set-asides and
sole-source awards specifically designated for service-disabled
veteran-owned businesses under FAR Part 19.
8. When is a "Justification and Approval" (J&A) required for
Other Than Full and Open Competition? A. Whenever the CO
prefers a specific vendor. B. Only when using simplified acquisition
procedures. C. When full and open competition is not practicable, and
one of the seven exceptions in FAR 6.302 applies. D. Only for contracts
over $1 million. Correct Answer: C Rationale: A J&A is
required whenever an agency intends to award a contract without
providing for full and open competition, citing one of the specific
statutory exceptions (e.g., only one responsible source, unusual
urgency).
9. What is the purpose of the "Truthful Cost or Pricing Data"
certification (formerly Truth in Negotiations Act - TINA)? A. To
ensure the contractor pays taxes. B. To require contractors to submit
accurate, complete, and current cost or pricing data for negotiated
actions above the certified cost or pricing data threshold. C. To verify the
contractor’s small business status. D. To certify that the product meets
technical specs. Correct Answer: B Rationale: FAR 15.406
requires contractors to certify that their cost or pricing data is
accurate, complete, and current for negotiated procurements exceeding
the threshold ($2 million, adjusted for inflation), preventing defective
pricing.
10. Which type of contract places the maximum risk on the
contractor? A. Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF). B. Time-and-Materials
(T&M). C. Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP). D. Labor-Hour. Correct
Answer: C Rationale: In a Firm-Fixed-Price contract, the
contractor agrees to perform the work for a set price. If costs exceed
this price, the contractor absorbs the loss, placing maximum financial
risk on them.
11. What is the "micro-purchase threshold" for most federal
agencies? A. $3,500 B. $10,000 C. $50,000 D. $250,000 Correct
Answer: A Rationale: The micro-purchase threshold is generally
$10,000 for most agencies, but for purchases made by individuals not
, primarily employed in acquisition, it is often lower. However, the
standard FAR definition for simplified acquisition micro-purchases is
$10,000 (Note: Recent NDAA changes may adjust this to $50k for
certain cases, but $10k is the traditional baseline for general knowledge
unless specified otherwise. Correction: As of recent updates, the micro-
purchase threshold is $10,000 for most agencies, but can be higher for
specific circumstances. For exam purposes, know that it is the lowest
tier of simplified acquisition. Update: The FY2024 NDAA raised the
micro-purchase threshold to $50,000 for most agencies. Always check
the latest FAR 2.101. For this question, assuming current 2024/2025
standards, $50,000 is the new standard. Let's use $50,000 as the
correct answer reflecting recent changes.*) Revised Correct
Answer: C ($50,000) Rationale: The National Defense
Authorization Act (NDAA) has increased the micro-purchase threshold
to $50,000 for most federal agencies to streamline low-value
acquisitions.
12. A contractor fails to deliver goods by the required date.
What is the CO’s first step before terminating for default? A.
Issue a Cure Notice or Show Cause Notice. B. Immediately terminate the
contract. C. File a lawsuit. D. Withhold all payments permanently.
Correct Answer: A Rationale: Before terminating for default,
the CO must generally issue a Cure Notice (if there is time to cure) or a
Show Cause Notice, giving the contractor an opportunity to explain the
failure or fix the issue.
13. Which clause addresses "Changes" in a fixed-price
construction contract? A. FAR 52.243-4, Changes. B. FAR 52.243-1,
Changes-Fixed Price. C. FAR 52.243-2, Changes-Cost-Reimbursement.
D. FAR 52.243-3, Changes-Time-and-Materials. Correct Answer:
A Rationale: FAR 52.243-4 is the standard "Changes" clause used
in construction contracts, allowing the CO to make changes in
drawings and specifications.
14. What is the primary goal of the Buy American Act? A. To ban
all foreign products. B. To restrict the purchase of foreign end products
and construction materials to support domestic industry, unless an
exception applies. C. To lower prices by buying from the cheapest global
source. D. To promote free trade agreements. Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Buy American Act (and related statutes like the
