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Section A: Acquisition Planning & Market Research (FAR Parts 7, 10)
Q1: A DoD contracting officer identifies a need for new tactical radios. At what point
does acquisition planning officially begin according to FAR Part 7?
A. When the solicitation is released to industry
B. When the contract is awarded
C. When the agency need is identified [CORRECT]
D. When funding is appropriated by Congress
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: FAR 7.101 states that acquisition planning begins when an agency need is
identified. Early planning ensures adequate time for market research, requirements
development, and competition strategy formulation before solicitation release.
,Q2: A contracting officer is conducting market research for a potential commercial
satellite communication system. Which FAR part governs the requirement to conduct
market research appropriate to the circumstances?
A. FAR Part 5
B. FAR Part 7
C. FAR Part 10 [CORRECT]
D. FAR Part 15
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: FAR Part 10 (Market Research) requires agencies to conduct market research
appropriate to the circumstances to determine the availability and suitability of
commercial items and to identify and evaluate alternative practices and products.
Market research should be conducted early and continuously throughout the acquisition
process.
Q3: A requirement for specialized military equipment is expected to exceed $25,000.
Where must the contracting officer synopsize this action?
A. Local newspaper only
B. Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE) [CORRECT]
,C. Agency intranet only
D. Congressional Record
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 5.201 requires synopsizing of contract actions expected to exceed
$25,000 in the Governmentwide Point of Entry (GPE), currently SAM.gov. This ensures
maximum practicable competition and transparency in federal procurement.
Q4: A contracting officer is drafting requirements for a new logistics support contract.
To promote full and open competition, requirements should be stated in terms of:
A. Brand-name specifications only
B. Functions, performance, and essential physical characteristics [CORRECT]
C. Specific manufacturer part numbers
D. Government-unique designs only
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 11.002(a) requires requirements to be stated in terms of functions,
performance, and essential physical characteristics rather than brand-name or
, design-oriented specifications. This performance-based approach promotes
competition and commercial item acquisition.
Q5: A solicitation is posted on SAM.gov with a response deadline. What is the minimum
common response time that must be established for all offerors from the date of
publication?
A. 10 days
B. 30 days for competitive acquisitions, with exceptions for urgent requirements
[CORRECT]
C. 5 days for all acquisitions
D. 60 days minimum regardless of urgency
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 5.203 establishes minimum response times for synopsis: 30 days for
competitive acquisitions and 15 days for contract modifications. Urgent requirements
may justify shorter periods with proper documentation. The contracting officer must
establish a common response time for all offerors to ensure fairness.