CON 2370 Simplified Acquisition Procedures
Study Guide Updated 2026-2027 All the
Lesson
What is the primary purpose of Simplified Acquisition Procedures
(SAP)?
A. Increase the administrative burden associated with small purchases
B. Require formal negotiated procedures for every acquisition
C. Reduce administrative costs while promoting efficiency and economy
D. Eliminate competition for government purchases
Answer: C. Reduce administrative costs while promoting efficiency
and economy
Rationale: Simplified Acquisition Procedures are designed to make
relatively small acquisitions more efficient and less administratively
burdensome. FAR Part 13 emphasizes reducing administrative costs,
promoting efficiency and economy, improving opportunities for small
businesses, and avoiding unnecessary burdens on both the Government
and contractors. The contracting professional still has responsibility for
competition, documentation, acquisition integrity, and compliance with
applicable requirements.
Which FAR part primarily establishes Simplified Acquisition
Procedures?
A. FAR Part 13
B. FAR Part 15
C. FAR Part 19
D. FAR Part 36
Page 1 of 65
,Answer: A. FAR Part 13
Rationale: FAR Part 13 is the principal regulatory part governing
Simplified Acquisition Procedures. It addresses the scope and policy of
SAP and contains procedures for solicitation, evaluation, award, micro-
purchases, purchase orders, BPAs, and other simplified acquisition
methods. Other FAR parts may still apply depending on the type and
circumstances of the acquisition.
What is an important policy consideration when using SAP for
acquisitions above the micro-purchase threshold but at or below the
simplified acquisition threshold?
A. The acquisition must automatically be sole source
B. The acquisition must generally be set aside for small business
concerns
C. Competition is prohibited
D. Market research is prohibited
Answer: B. The acquisition must generally be set aside for small
business concerns
Rationale: FAR 13.003 establishes a small-business set-aside policy for
acquisitions of supplies or services whose anticipated value is above the
micro-purchase threshold but at or below the simplified acquisition
threshold. This supports the Government's objective of providing small
businesses with a fair proportion of federal contracting opportunities.
The contracting officer must still follow applicable small-business
regulations and procedures when making the acquisition.
Which principle should a contracting officer emphasize when
conducting a simplified acquisition?
Page 2 of 65
,A. Avoiding all communication with potential suppliers
B. Promoting competition to the maximum extent practicable
C. Selecting the incumbent automatically
D. Limiting sources to one supplier whenever possible
Answer: B. Promoting competition to the maximum extent practicable
Rationale: Simplified procedures do not eliminate the Government's
responsibility to promote competition. FAR 13.003 and 13.104
emphasize competition to the maximum extent practicable. The
contracting officer should consider available sources, acquisition
circumstances, market information, and applicable exceptions before
deciding how much competition is appropriate.
What does the prohibition against splitting requirements primarily
prevent?
A. Dividing an aggregate requirement into smaller purchases merely to
avoid applicable thresholds or procedures
B. Combining similar requirements into one acquisition
C. Using electronic purchasing methods
D. Making multiple purchases from qualified small businesses
Answer: A. Dividing an aggregate requirement into smaller purchases
merely to avoid applicable thresholds or procedures
Rationale: Requirements may not be artificially divided simply to permit
the use of simplified procedures or to avoid requirements that apply
above a particular threshold. The contracting officer must consider the
anticipated aggregate requirement rather than manipulating individual
purchase amounts. This protects the integrity of the acquisition process
and prevents circumvention of statutory and regulatory requirements.
Page 3 of 65
, Which document is commonly associated with obtaining quotations
under simplified acquisition procedures?
A. Request for Quotations (RFQ)
B. Standard Form 33 only
C. Invitation for Bids exclusively
D. Construction contract modification
Answer: A. Request for Quotations (RFQ)
Rationale: An RFQ is commonly used when seeking quotations under
simplified acquisition procedures. The Government uses the
information received from suppliers to determine an appropriate
purchase or award in accordance with the applicable procedures. An
RFQ differs conceptually from a formal invitation for bids because a
quotation generally does not constitute an offer that the Government
can accept to form a binding contract in the same manner as a sealed
bid.
What is the primary purpose of market research before a simplified
acquisition?
A. Determine whether the Government can avoid documenting the
acquisition
B. Identify available sources, commercial solutions, competition, and
relevant market information
C. Guarantee that a particular contractor receives the award
D. Eliminate small-business considerations
Answer: B. Identify available sources, commercial solutions,
competition, and relevant market information
Page 4 of 65
Study Guide Updated 2026-2027 All the
Lesson
What is the primary purpose of Simplified Acquisition Procedures
(SAP)?
A. Increase the administrative burden associated with small purchases
B. Require formal negotiated procedures for every acquisition
C. Reduce administrative costs while promoting efficiency and economy
D. Eliminate competition for government purchases
Answer: C. Reduce administrative costs while promoting efficiency
and economy
Rationale: Simplified Acquisition Procedures are designed to make
relatively small acquisitions more efficient and less administratively
burdensome. FAR Part 13 emphasizes reducing administrative costs,
promoting efficiency and economy, improving opportunities for small
businesses, and avoiding unnecessary burdens on both the Government
and contractors. The contracting professional still has responsibility for
competition, documentation, acquisition integrity, and compliance with
applicable requirements.
Which FAR part primarily establishes Simplified Acquisition
Procedures?
A. FAR Part 13
B. FAR Part 15
C. FAR Part 19
D. FAR Part 36
Page 1 of 65
,Answer: A. FAR Part 13
Rationale: FAR Part 13 is the principal regulatory part governing
Simplified Acquisition Procedures. It addresses the scope and policy of
SAP and contains procedures for solicitation, evaluation, award, micro-
purchases, purchase orders, BPAs, and other simplified acquisition
methods. Other FAR parts may still apply depending on the type and
circumstances of the acquisition.
What is an important policy consideration when using SAP for
acquisitions above the micro-purchase threshold but at or below the
simplified acquisition threshold?
A. The acquisition must automatically be sole source
B. The acquisition must generally be set aside for small business
concerns
C. Competition is prohibited
D. Market research is prohibited
Answer: B. The acquisition must generally be set aside for small
business concerns
Rationale: FAR 13.003 establishes a small-business set-aside policy for
acquisitions of supplies or services whose anticipated value is above the
micro-purchase threshold but at or below the simplified acquisition
threshold. This supports the Government's objective of providing small
businesses with a fair proportion of federal contracting opportunities.
The contracting officer must still follow applicable small-business
regulations and procedures when making the acquisition.
Which principle should a contracting officer emphasize when
conducting a simplified acquisition?
Page 2 of 65
,A. Avoiding all communication with potential suppliers
B. Promoting competition to the maximum extent practicable
C. Selecting the incumbent automatically
D. Limiting sources to one supplier whenever possible
Answer: B. Promoting competition to the maximum extent practicable
Rationale: Simplified procedures do not eliminate the Government's
responsibility to promote competition. FAR 13.003 and 13.104
emphasize competition to the maximum extent practicable. The
contracting officer should consider available sources, acquisition
circumstances, market information, and applicable exceptions before
deciding how much competition is appropriate.
What does the prohibition against splitting requirements primarily
prevent?
A. Dividing an aggregate requirement into smaller purchases merely to
avoid applicable thresholds or procedures
B. Combining similar requirements into one acquisition
C. Using electronic purchasing methods
D. Making multiple purchases from qualified small businesses
Answer: A. Dividing an aggregate requirement into smaller purchases
merely to avoid applicable thresholds or procedures
Rationale: Requirements may not be artificially divided simply to permit
the use of simplified procedures or to avoid requirements that apply
above a particular threshold. The contracting officer must consider the
anticipated aggregate requirement rather than manipulating individual
purchase amounts. This protects the integrity of the acquisition process
and prevents circumvention of statutory and regulatory requirements.
Page 3 of 65
, Which document is commonly associated with obtaining quotations
under simplified acquisition procedures?
A. Request for Quotations (RFQ)
B. Standard Form 33 only
C. Invitation for Bids exclusively
D. Construction contract modification
Answer: A. Request for Quotations (RFQ)
Rationale: An RFQ is commonly used when seeking quotations under
simplified acquisition procedures. The Government uses the
information received from suppliers to determine an appropriate
purchase or award in accordance with the applicable procedures. An
RFQ differs conceptually from a formal invitation for bids because a
quotation generally does not constitute an offer that the Government
can accept to form a binding contract in the same manner as a sealed
bid.
What is the primary purpose of market research before a simplified
acquisition?
A. Determine whether the Government can avoid documenting the
acquisition
B. Identify available sources, commercial solutions, competition, and
relevant market information
C. Guarantee that a particular contractor receives the award
D. Eliminate small-business considerations
Answer: B. Identify available sources, commercial solutions,
competition, and relevant market information
Page 4 of 65
