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DAU CONTRACTING CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM 100+ Questions with
Answers & Rationales
SECTION 1: ACQUISITION PLANNING & MARKET RESEARCH
1. Which FAR part governs acquisition planning?
A. FAR Part 7
B. FAR Part 15
C. FAR Part 12
D. FAR Part 33
Answer: A
Rationale: FAR Part 7 prescribes acquisition planning
requirements and policies.
2. Acquisition planning is required for all acquisitions, but
written plans are required when the acquisition is expected to
exceed:
A. Simplified acquisition threshold
B. $250,000
C. $1 million
D. $10 million
Answer: A
Rationale: Written acquisition plans are required above the
simplified acquisition threshold (FAR 7.102).
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3. The purpose of market research is to:
A. Determine if commercial items or nondevelopmental items
are available to meet agency needs
B. Eliminate competition
C. Justify sole-source awards
D. Increase procurement lead time
Answer: A
Rationale: Market research identifies available commercial or
nondevelopmental items and practices (FAR Part 10).
4. Market research should be conducted:
A. Before developing new requirements and before awarding a
contract
B. Only after award
C. Only for large contracts
D. Only for commercial items
Answer: A
Rationale: Market research is conducted early and throughout
the acquisition process (FAR 10.001).
5. Which of the following is a source of market research?
A. Trade journals, catalogs, internet, and prior procurement
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history
B. Only the contracting officer's knowledge
C. Only bidder proposals
D. Only agency legal counsel
Answer: A
Rationale: Market research uses multiple sources including
publications, databases, and supplier information.
6. The simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) is generally:
A. $250,000
B. $150,000
C. $500,000
D. $1 million
Answer: A
Rationale: The standard SAT is $250,000, with higher thresholds
for certain acquisitions.
7. The micro-purchase threshold is generally:
A. $10,000
B. $25,000
C. $5,000
D. $50,000
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Answer: A
Rationale: The micro-purchase threshold is $10,000 (FAR
2.101), though it may be higher for certain contingencies.
8. A requirements document should be:
A. Clear, concise, and define the minimum needs of the
government
B. Vague to allow contractor flexibility
C. Written to favor a specific brand name without justification
D. Focused only on price
Answer: A
Rationale: Requirements must be clearly defined to promote
competition and meet minimum needs.
9. Which law requires agencies to use commercial items to the
maximum extent practicable?
A. Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA)
B. Anti-Deficiency Act
C. Competition in Contracting Act
D. Truth in Negotiations Act
Answer: A
Rationale: FASA emphasizes use of commercial items and
simplified procedures.
DAU CONTRACTING CERTIFICATION PRACTICE EXAM 100+ Questions with
Answers & Rationales
SECTION 1: ACQUISITION PLANNING & MARKET RESEARCH
1. Which FAR part governs acquisition planning?
A. FAR Part 7
B. FAR Part 15
C. FAR Part 12
D. FAR Part 33
Answer: A
Rationale: FAR Part 7 prescribes acquisition planning
requirements and policies.
2. Acquisition planning is required for all acquisitions, but
written plans are required when the acquisition is expected to
exceed:
A. Simplified acquisition threshold
B. $250,000
C. $1 million
D. $10 million
Answer: A
Rationale: Written acquisition plans are required above the
simplified acquisition threshold (FAR 7.102).
, Page |2
3. The purpose of market research is to:
A. Determine if commercial items or nondevelopmental items
are available to meet agency needs
B. Eliminate competition
C. Justify sole-source awards
D. Increase procurement lead time
Answer: A
Rationale: Market research identifies available commercial or
nondevelopmental items and practices (FAR Part 10).
4. Market research should be conducted:
A. Before developing new requirements and before awarding a
contract
B. Only after award
C. Only for large contracts
D. Only for commercial items
Answer: A
Rationale: Market research is conducted early and throughout
the acquisition process (FAR 10.001).
5. Which of the following is a source of market research?
A. Trade journals, catalogs, internet, and prior procurement
, Page |3
history
B. Only the contracting officer's knowledge
C. Only bidder proposals
D. Only agency legal counsel
Answer: A
Rationale: Market research uses multiple sources including
publications, databases, and supplier information.
6. The simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) is generally:
A. $250,000
B. $150,000
C. $500,000
D. $1 million
Answer: A
Rationale: The standard SAT is $250,000, with higher thresholds
for certain acquisitions.
7. The micro-purchase threshold is generally:
A. $10,000
B. $25,000
C. $5,000
D. $50,000
, Page |4
Answer: A
Rationale: The micro-purchase threshold is $10,000 (FAR
2.101), though it may be higher for certain contingencies.
8. A requirements document should be:
A. Clear, concise, and define the minimum needs of the
government
B. Vague to allow contractor flexibility
C. Written to favor a specific brand name without justification
D. Focused only on price
Answer: A
Rationale: Requirements must be clearly defined to promote
competition and meet minimum needs.
9. Which law requires agencies to use commercial items to the
maximum extent practicable?
A. Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA)
B. Anti-Deficiency Act
C. Competition in Contracting Act
D. Truth in Negotiations Act
Answer: A
Rationale: FASA emphasizes use of commercial items and
simplified procedures.
