ACO CORB || Correct Answers 100%.
What are the responsibilities of an ACO? correct answers The ACO is responsible to ensure the
best interest of the Government is protected by ensuring the terms and conditions of the contracts
are appropriate and that all parties execute the contract according to the terms and conditions of
the contract. The ACO is responsible for ensuring the DCMA mission of providing Contract
Administration services to DOD activities and its partners of the delivery of quality products and
services to the warfighter, on time and on cost, by properly administrating FAR 42.302 and other
applicable regulations and instructions.
FAR 1.602-2 - "Contracting officers are responsible for ensuring performance of all necessary
actions for effective contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of the contract, and
safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships."
What is the difference between an ACO and a CA? correct answers a. The ACO has a warrant
that binds the government. The ACO decisions and documents are binding.
b. The CA prepares documents up to signature but cannot bind the government.
c. FAR 1.602-1 - "(a) Contracting officers have authority to enter into, administer, or terminate
contracts and make related determinations and findings. Contracting officers may bind the
Government only to the extent of the authority delegated to them. Contracting officers shall
receive from the appointing authority (see 1.603-1) clear instructions in writing regarding the
limits of their authority. Information on the limits of the contracting officers' authority shall be
readily available to the public and agency personnel."
What is the relationship between the prime and subcontractor? correct answers The prime is
responsible to see that the subcontractor performs IAW with the terms and conditions of the
contract. Our relationship is with the prime (privity of contract).
What are the basic sections of a contract under the Uniform Contract Format (UCF)? correct
answers Part I is the "Schedule" including the following sections:
A - Contract Form
,B - Supplies/Services with Prices/Cost/Quantities/Delivery
C - Specifications/SOW/SOO/ORD
D - Packaging & Marking
E - Inspection & Acceptance
F - Delivery or Performance
G - Contract Administration Data including Line of Accounting
H - Special Contract Provisions
Part II are the "Contract Clauses" (Section I)
Part III is the "List of Attachments (Section J)
Part IV are the "Representations & Certifications"
K - Reps and Certs (These are now on-line in ORCA)
L - Instructions to Offerors (if applicable)
M - Evaluation Factors for Award (if applicable)
What are the characteristics of a contract line item (CLIN)? correct answers Characteristics of
CLIN are: Separately Identifiable, One fund citation, Separate Delivery Schedule, Single Unit
Price.
Explain what an Informational Subline Item is, and explain what a Separately Identified Subline
Item is. correct answers a. An informational subline item is used to provide information about the
CLIN, like parts of a kit, but it shouldn't have a delivery information tied to it for shipment or
pricing information tied to it to for payment purposes. Use Info CLINs to identify each
accounting classification citation (ACRN) that is assigned to a single line item. Uses numeric
suffix.
b. A separately identifiable subline item (subclin) has the same characteristics of a CLIN so it
would be used in situations with similar characteristics. Use Sub CLINs to establish ACRNs for
severable quantities associated with a single accounting classification. It can be scheduled or
priced separately. Uses alpha suffix.
What are the duties of an ACO? correct answers The duties of an ACO includes being
responsible for the administration (including closeout) of various types of contracts. ACO's
,organize team members' work to ensure overall mission success - supporting the warfighter.
Perform administration functions such as determining eligibility and verifying evidence for
contract financing such as progress payments, PBP, reviewing and making recommendations on
pricing reports, reviewing and negotiating orders, monitoring contractor performance and
compliance with contract (and regulations). ACO's also monitor performance and take corrective
actions as necessary when problems arise regarding schedules, GFP, quality assurance, or other
issues. Assure contractor compliance with CAS via reviews of disclosure statements and
negotiate cost impacts of accounting system changes. Determine allowability and allocability of
costs.
What is the objective of proposal analysis? correct answers To ensure the final agreed upon price
is fair and reasonable.
What is the difference between cost, and price analysis? correct answers Price analysis is the
process of examining and evaluating a proposed price without evaluating its separate cost
elements and proposed profit. FAR 15.404-1(b)(2)
Cost analysis is the review and evaluation of any of the separate cost elements and profit or fee
to determine a fair and reasonable price or to determine cost realism. It is also the application of
judgment to determine how well the proposed costs represent what the cost of the contract
should be assuming reasonable economy and efficiency. FAR 15.404-1(c)
You are assigned negotiation of an unpriced order consisting of urgently needed spare parts.
After receipt of the contractor's proposal it is evident you will need more funding. You
immediately call the PCO who is out of the office for two weeks. The Contracting Officer's
Technical Representative tells you they talked with funding personnel, that there is plenty of
funding, to proceed and negotiate with the contractor and that the PCO will provide additional
funds when they return. How would you handle this? correct answers To avoid anti-deficiency
act violation ensure you get something in writing showing availability of funds. Ask the COTR
for a POC in the finance office and advise that you are unable to proceed without written
confirmation of funding availability.
What is the difference between a PNOM & PNM? correct answers The Pre-Negotiation
Objective (PNO) establishes the Government's initial negotiation parameters before conducting
the negotiation and document the Assigned Individual's determination of a fair and reasonable
, price. The Assigned Individual shall document the pre-negotiation objectives in a PNOM and
must consider the results of the cost and pricing analysis report or other reports provided.
The Price Negotiation Memorandum (PNM) is documentation of the results of the negotiation.
The Assigned Individual shall clearly state in the PNM how the negotiated price was determined
fair and reasonable. If the total negotiated price exceeds the total pre-negotiation objective, the
PNM shall include sufficient rationale for determining the price fair and reasonable.
How many days does DCMA have to review a contract and ensure data integrity? correct
answers 30 days
What 7 items should the ACO pay special attention to during CRR? correct answers 1. Financing
clauses
2. Payment instructions that conflict w/ regulatory requirements
3. Whether the contract is CAS covered
4. Billing and invoicing terms
5. Undefinitized Contract Actions to be negotiated by ACO
6. Requirements for award fee, liquidated damages, specialty metals, consent to subcontract,
electronic invoicing, first article, special contract clauses (Section H)
7. Requirements for contractors to report contract performance outside the U.S.
What 6 elements are to be reviewed during initial CRR? correct answers 1. Assignment to the
proper CMO
2. Assignment of proper pay office
3. Proper delegation received
4. Receipt of all attachments and exhibits
5. Other contract workload status
6. Requirements for additional functional support
What are the responsibilities of an ACO? correct answers The ACO is responsible to ensure the
best interest of the Government is protected by ensuring the terms and conditions of the contracts
are appropriate and that all parties execute the contract according to the terms and conditions of
the contract. The ACO is responsible for ensuring the DCMA mission of providing Contract
Administration services to DOD activities and its partners of the delivery of quality products and
services to the warfighter, on time and on cost, by properly administrating FAR 42.302 and other
applicable regulations and instructions.
FAR 1.602-2 - "Contracting officers are responsible for ensuring performance of all necessary
actions for effective contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of the contract, and
safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships."
What is the difference between an ACO and a CA? correct answers a. The ACO has a warrant
that binds the government. The ACO decisions and documents are binding.
b. The CA prepares documents up to signature but cannot bind the government.
c. FAR 1.602-1 - "(a) Contracting officers have authority to enter into, administer, or terminate
contracts and make related determinations and findings. Contracting officers may bind the
Government only to the extent of the authority delegated to them. Contracting officers shall
receive from the appointing authority (see 1.603-1) clear instructions in writing regarding the
limits of their authority. Information on the limits of the contracting officers' authority shall be
readily available to the public and agency personnel."
What is the relationship between the prime and subcontractor? correct answers The prime is
responsible to see that the subcontractor performs IAW with the terms and conditions of the
contract. Our relationship is with the prime (privity of contract).
What are the basic sections of a contract under the Uniform Contract Format (UCF)? correct
answers Part I is the "Schedule" including the following sections:
A - Contract Form
,B - Supplies/Services with Prices/Cost/Quantities/Delivery
C - Specifications/SOW/SOO/ORD
D - Packaging & Marking
E - Inspection & Acceptance
F - Delivery or Performance
G - Contract Administration Data including Line of Accounting
H - Special Contract Provisions
Part II are the "Contract Clauses" (Section I)
Part III is the "List of Attachments (Section J)
Part IV are the "Representations & Certifications"
K - Reps and Certs (These are now on-line in ORCA)
L - Instructions to Offerors (if applicable)
M - Evaluation Factors for Award (if applicable)
What are the characteristics of a contract line item (CLIN)? correct answers Characteristics of
CLIN are: Separately Identifiable, One fund citation, Separate Delivery Schedule, Single Unit
Price.
Explain what an Informational Subline Item is, and explain what a Separately Identified Subline
Item is. correct answers a. An informational subline item is used to provide information about the
CLIN, like parts of a kit, but it shouldn't have a delivery information tied to it for shipment or
pricing information tied to it to for payment purposes. Use Info CLINs to identify each
accounting classification citation (ACRN) that is assigned to a single line item. Uses numeric
suffix.
b. A separately identifiable subline item (subclin) has the same characteristics of a CLIN so it
would be used in situations with similar characteristics. Use Sub CLINs to establish ACRNs for
severable quantities associated with a single accounting classification. It can be scheduled or
priced separately. Uses alpha suffix.
What are the duties of an ACO? correct answers The duties of an ACO includes being
responsible for the administration (including closeout) of various types of contracts. ACO's
,organize team members' work to ensure overall mission success - supporting the warfighter.
Perform administration functions such as determining eligibility and verifying evidence for
contract financing such as progress payments, PBP, reviewing and making recommendations on
pricing reports, reviewing and negotiating orders, monitoring contractor performance and
compliance with contract (and regulations). ACO's also monitor performance and take corrective
actions as necessary when problems arise regarding schedules, GFP, quality assurance, or other
issues. Assure contractor compliance with CAS via reviews of disclosure statements and
negotiate cost impacts of accounting system changes. Determine allowability and allocability of
costs.
What is the objective of proposal analysis? correct answers To ensure the final agreed upon price
is fair and reasonable.
What is the difference between cost, and price analysis? correct answers Price analysis is the
process of examining and evaluating a proposed price without evaluating its separate cost
elements and proposed profit. FAR 15.404-1(b)(2)
Cost analysis is the review and evaluation of any of the separate cost elements and profit or fee
to determine a fair and reasonable price or to determine cost realism. It is also the application of
judgment to determine how well the proposed costs represent what the cost of the contract
should be assuming reasonable economy and efficiency. FAR 15.404-1(c)
You are assigned negotiation of an unpriced order consisting of urgently needed spare parts.
After receipt of the contractor's proposal it is evident you will need more funding. You
immediately call the PCO who is out of the office for two weeks. The Contracting Officer's
Technical Representative tells you they talked with funding personnel, that there is plenty of
funding, to proceed and negotiate with the contractor and that the PCO will provide additional
funds when they return. How would you handle this? correct answers To avoid anti-deficiency
act violation ensure you get something in writing showing availability of funds. Ask the COTR
for a POC in the finance office and advise that you are unable to proceed without written
confirmation of funding availability.
What is the difference between a PNOM & PNM? correct answers The Pre-Negotiation
Objective (PNO) establishes the Government's initial negotiation parameters before conducting
the negotiation and document the Assigned Individual's determination of a fair and reasonable
, price. The Assigned Individual shall document the pre-negotiation objectives in a PNOM and
must consider the results of the cost and pricing analysis report or other reports provided.
The Price Negotiation Memorandum (PNM) is documentation of the results of the negotiation.
The Assigned Individual shall clearly state in the PNM how the negotiated price was determined
fair and reasonable. If the total negotiated price exceeds the total pre-negotiation objective, the
PNM shall include sufficient rationale for determining the price fair and reasonable.
How many days does DCMA have to review a contract and ensure data integrity? correct
answers 30 days
What 7 items should the ACO pay special attention to during CRR? correct answers 1. Financing
clauses
2. Payment instructions that conflict w/ regulatory requirements
3. Whether the contract is CAS covered
4. Billing and invoicing terms
5. Undefinitized Contract Actions to be negotiated by ACO
6. Requirements for award fee, liquidated damages, specialty metals, consent to subcontract,
electronic invoicing, first article, special contract clauses (Section H)
7. Requirements for contractors to report contract performance outside the U.S.
What 6 elements are to be reviewed during initial CRR? correct answers 1. Assignment to the
proper CMO
2. Assignment of proper pay office
3. Proper delegation received
4. Receipt of all attachments and exhibits
5. Other contract workload status
6. Requirements for additional functional support
