FAC-C COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE PRACTICE
EXAM FAC-C COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
PRACTICE EXAM 2026–2027: EXPERT-LEVEL
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS,
RATIONALES & FEDERAL ACQUISITION
CERTIFICATION (PROFESSIONAL) EXAM PREP
(MOST RECENT)
1. Which document provides the authority for most Federal procurement
activities?
A. The U.S. Constitution
B. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
C. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
D. Agency procedures
Answer: B. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
Rationale: The FAR establishes uniform policies and procedures governing
acquisitions by executive agencies.
2. Which acquisition planning principle helps ensure the Government obtains
the best value?
A. Delaying market research until solicitation
B. Conducting acquisition planning after award
C. Performing acquisition planning as early as practicable
D. Awarding contracts before defining requirements
Rationale: Early planning improves competition, reduces risk, and supports
successful acquisitions.
, 3. Market research is primarily conducted to:
A. Increase administrative workload
B. Limit competition
C. Avoid documenting the acquisition
D. Understand industry capabilities and available solutions
Rationale: Market research identifies commercial practices, capable vendors, and
acquisition strategies.
4. What is the preferred method of acquiring supplies and services when
available?
A. Cost-reimbursement contracts
B. Sole-source contracts
C. Commercial products and commercial services
D. Interagency agreements
Rationale: Federal policy encourages the acquisition of commercial products and
services whenever practicable.
5. Which contract type places the greatest cost risk on the contractor?
A. Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee
B. Cost-Plus-Award-Fee
C. Time-and-Materials
D. Firm-Fixed-Price
Rationale: Under a Firm-Fixed-Price contract, the contractor generally bears the
responsibility for cost overruns.
6. The primary purpose of source selection is to:
, A. Award to the lowest-priced offer regardless of quality
B. Increase procurement lead time
C. Select the offer providing the best value to the Government
D. Ensure only incumbent contractors compete
Rationale: Source selection balances price and non-price factors to determine best
value.
7. A contracting officer's authority comes from:
A. Congress only
B. The requiring activity
C. A valid contracting officer warrant
D. The contractor
Rationale: Only warranted contracting officers have legal authority to bind the
Government.
8. Which FAR Part primarily addresses acquisition planning?
A. FAR Part 8
B. FAR Part 12
C. FAR Part 15
D. FAR Part 7
Rationale: FAR Part 7 establishes acquisition planning requirements.
9. Which document defines the Government's technical needs?
A. Independent Government Cost Estimate
B. Acquisition Plan
C. Performance Work Statement or Statement of Work
D. Source Selection Plan
EXAM FAC-C COMPREHENSIVE STUDY GUIDE
PRACTICE EXAM 2026–2027: EXPERT-LEVEL
QUESTIONS WITH DETAILED ANSWERS,
RATIONALES & FEDERAL ACQUISITION
CERTIFICATION (PROFESSIONAL) EXAM PREP
(MOST RECENT)
1. Which document provides the authority for most Federal procurement
activities?
A. The U.S. Constitution
B. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
C. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
D. Agency procedures
Answer: B. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
Rationale: The FAR establishes uniform policies and procedures governing
acquisitions by executive agencies.
2. Which acquisition planning principle helps ensure the Government obtains
the best value?
A. Delaying market research until solicitation
B. Conducting acquisition planning after award
C. Performing acquisition planning as early as practicable
D. Awarding contracts before defining requirements
Rationale: Early planning improves competition, reduces risk, and supports
successful acquisitions.
, 3. Market research is primarily conducted to:
A. Increase administrative workload
B. Limit competition
C. Avoid documenting the acquisition
D. Understand industry capabilities and available solutions
Rationale: Market research identifies commercial practices, capable vendors, and
acquisition strategies.
4. What is the preferred method of acquiring supplies and services when
available?
A. Cost-reimbursement contracts
B. Sole-source contracts
C. Commercial products and commercial services
D. Interagency agreements
Rationale: Federal policy encourages the acquisition of commercial products and
services whenever practicable.
5. Which contract type places the greatest cost risk on the contractor?
A. Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee
B. Cost-Plus-Award-Fee
C. Time-and-Materials
D. Firm-Fixed-Price
Rationale: Under a Firm-Fixed-Price contract, the contractor generally bears the
responsibility for cost overruns.
6. The primary purpose of source selection is to:
, A. Award to the lowest-priced offer regardless of quality
B. Increase procurement lead time
C. Select the offer providing the best value to the Government
D. Ensure only incumbent contractors compete
Rationale: Source selection balances price and non-price factors to determine best
value.
7. A contracting officer's authority comes from:
A. Congress only
B. The requiring activity
C. A valid contracting officer warrant
D. The contractor
Rationale: Only warranted contracting officers have legal authority to bind the
Government.
8. Which FAR Part primarily addresses acquisition planning?
A. FAR Part 8
B. FAR Part 12
C. FAR Part 15
D. FAR Part 7
Rationale: FAR Part 7 establishes acquisition planning requirements.
9. Which document defines the Government's technical needs?
A. Independent Government Cost Estimate
B. Acquisition Plan
C. Performance Work Statement or Statement of Work
D. Source Selection Plan
