CON 237 DAU Practice Exam | 2026/2027 200 Questions - 100% Correct with Solutions
DEFENSE ACQUISITION UNIVERSITY
CON 237 DAU
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% CORRECT |
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) Certification
Aligned with DAU CON 237 Course Curriculum, FAR Part 13, DFARS Part 213, and related procurement
statutes
Total Questions 200 Multiple Choice (4 options, ONE correct)
Cognitive Distribution 25% Recall / 50% Application / 25% Analysis
Format 70% Scenario-Based / 30% Direct Knowledge
8 (Thresholds, Micro-Purchases, Sources, Market Research, Commercial Items, Evaluation,
Sections
Small Business, Case Studies)
Reference Materials FAR Part 13, DFARS Part 213, FAR Part 8, Part 12, Part 19, DAU CON 237 Curriculum
Special Inclusions 40 scenario-based, 30 regulatory interpretation, 20 threshold/calculation questions
EXAMINEE INSTRUCTIONS
This practice examination assesses the candidate's readiness for the DAU CON 237 certification on Simplified
Acquisition Procedures. Each question presents four answer choices (A-D); select the SINGLE BEST answer.
Correct answers are marked *[CORRECT]* and are followed by a rationale citing the applicable FAR Part 13
section, DFARS Part 213 section, or DAU CON 237 curriculum reference. Candidates are encouraged to
review the cited authorities in full when studying. Scenario-based questions test the application of contracting
judgment to real-world procurement situations; direct-knowledge questions test recall of thresholds, source
priorities, and regulatory requirements.
This practice examination is an educational preparation tool. It is not an official DAU examination and does not guarantee
success on the actual certification. Always consult current FAR, DFARS, and DAU guidance for official procurement
decisions.
Defense Acquisition University | FAR Part 13 | DFARS
Practice
Part
Examination
213 - For Training Use Page 1
,CON 237 DAU Practice Exam | 2026/2027 200 Questions - 100% Correct with Solutions
Section 1: Simplified Acquisition Thresholds & Scope of SAP
Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), aggregate value rules, applicability, small business reservations, and statutory
exceptions under FAR Part 13 and DFARS Part 213.
Q1. A contracting officer is preparing to acquire office furniture with an estimated total value of $180,000,
including all option periods. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the use of Simplified
Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?
A. SAP may not be used because the requirement exceeds $150,000.
B. SAP may be used because the aggregate value of the acquisition and all options does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. *[CORRECT]*
C. SAP may be used only if the requirement is set aside for small business.
D. SAP may be used only with approval of the Head of the Contracting Activity.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under FAR 13.000 and 13.003, SAP may be used when the aggregate value of the acquisition and all options
does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), which is generally $250,000 (FAR 2.101). The CO may use SAP
without HCA approval at this value. The small business reservation in FAR 19.502-2(a) applies but does not bar SAP use.
Q2. A requirements office has submitted a purchase request for IT services totaling $2,250,000 over a five-year
period. The contracting officer is considering using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. What is the correct
determination?
A. SAP may be used because the requirement is for services rather than supplies.
B. SAP may not be used because the aggregate value exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold.
*[CORRECT]*
C. SAP may be used if the requirement is split into smaller increments.
D. SAP may be used only if a commercial item.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SAP cannot be used for an acquisition of $2.25 million because the aggregate value far exceeds the SAT of
$250,000 (FAR 13.003). Splitting the requirement to evade thresholds is a violation of FAR 13.003(c) (cannot divide to avoid
SAP restrictions) and the anti-deficiency concept. Commercial items above the SAT may use other procedures but not SAP
unless specific statutory authority applies.
Q3. Which of the following acquisitions is ELIGIBLE for Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?
A. A construction project estimated at $3,000,000.
B. A catalog-priced wash rack service at $102,000 per year, including options. *[CORRECT]*
C. A major weapon system development contract at $15,000,000.
D. A multi-year IT services contract estimated at $1,500,000.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The catalog-priced wash rack at $102,000 is below the SAT ($250,000) and is therefore eligible for SAP under
FAR 13.003. Construction ($3M), weapon system development ($15M), and IT services ($1.5M) all exceed the SAT and
require other acquisition methods (e.g., sealed bidding or negotiated procedures under FAR Parts 14 or 15).
Defense Acquisition University | FAR Part 13 | DFARS
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,CON 237 DAU Practice Exam | 2026/2027 200 Questions - 100% Correct with Solutions
Q4. Under FAR Part 13, when can Simplified Acquisition Procedures NOT be used, even if the dollar value is
below the SAT?
A. When the acquisition is for commercial products.
B. When the contracting officer determines that use of SAP would not be in the best interest of the
Government and the approach would not result in adequate competition. *[CORRECT]*
C. When the requirement is set aside for small business.
D. When the requirement is below the micro-purchase threshold.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per FAR 13.003(b), the CO may use SAP unless the CO determines that it would not be in the Government's best
interest or would not result in adequate competition. SAP is not mandatory below the SAT; it is permitted subject to the CO's
judgment. Commercial items, small business set-asides, and micro-purchases all benefit from SAP, not preclude it.
Q5. A contract specialist is evaluating a requirement for $225,000 in commercial supplies. Which authority
governs the SAP threshold for this acquisition?
A. FAR 13.000 only.
B. FAR 2.101 (SAT definition) and FAR 13.003 (Applicability), with special thresholds for commercial
items under FAR 13.500. *[CORRECT]*
C. DFARS 213.7003 only.
D. Title 41 U.S.C. § 1901 only.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SAT ($250,000) is defined at FAR 2.101; applicability is at FAR 13.003. For commercial items, FAR 13.500
provides an elevated threshold (currently $7.5 million, or $15 million for certain acquisitions) authorizing SAP for
commercial items above the standard SAT. DFARS 213 implements these in the DoD context. Title 41 U.S.C. § 1901 is the
underlying statutory authority for SAP.
Q6. For acquisitions of supplies and services exceeding $5,000 but not exceeding $250,000, FAR 19.502-2(a)
requires that the acquisition be:
A. Set aside exclusively for large businesses.
B. Automatically reserved exclusively for small business concerns unless the CO determines they will be
unable to obtain two or more offers from small businesses that are competitive in terms of market price,
quality, and delivery. *[CORRECT]*
C. Synopsized in the GPE regardless of any exception.
D. Awarded to the lowest bidder without regard to size.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per FAR 19.502-2(a), acquisitions between $5,000 (now $3,500 micro-purchase threshold referenced in some
regulations; the rule itself triggers at the micro-purchase threshold) and the SAT are automatically reserved exclusively for
small business concerns, unless the CO makes the determination described. This automatic reservation supports the SBA's
socioeconomic goals. Synopsizing and size of award are separate considerations.
Defense Acquisition University | FAR Part 13 | DFARS
Practice
Part
Examination
213 - For Training Use Page 3
, CON 237 DAU Practice Exam | 2026/2027 200 Questions - 100% Correct with Solutions
Q7. A contracting officer is considering using SAP for a commercial product estimated at $7,000,000. Which
authority, if any, permits this?
A. No authority; SAP cannot be used above the SAT.
B. FAR 13.500 provides authority for SAP use for commercial items up to $7.5 million (and up to $15
million for certain acquisitions as authorized by statute). *[CORRECT]*
C. DFARS 213.301 permits SAP up to $10 million for commercial items.
D. FAR 13.003-1 permits SAP up to $5 million for commercial items.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 13.500 authorizes SAP for acquisitions of commercial items that do not exceed $7.5 million (or $15 million
for acquisitions described in 41 U.S.C. 1903(a), such as emergency response or certain DoD-unique items). The CO must
still conduct market research and follow the procedures in 13.5. DFARS 213.500 implements this in the DoD context but does
not create a separate $10 million threshold.
Q8. The term "aggregate value" when determining SAP eligibility refers to:
A. Only the base period of the contract.
B. The total value of the acquisition including all options and potential modifications. *[CORRECT]*
C. The total of all contracts awarded to the same contractor in a fiscal year.
D. The value of supplies only, excluding services.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per FAR 13.003(a)(1) and the CO's responsibilities under FAR 13.104, the aggregate value includes the base
period plus all option periods. This prevents agencies from using SAP for what is effectively a larger requirement by
structuring it in base + option years. Including options in the threshold calculation is a core SAP rule.
Q9. A contracting officer splits a $400,000 requirement into two separate $200,000 purchase orders to use SAP.
What is the legal status of this action?
A. Permissible if each purchase order is below the SAT.
B. A violation of FAR 13.003(c), which prohibits dividing requirements to avoid SAP restrictions or to use
SAP when the aggregate exceeds the threshold. *[CORRECT]*
C. Permissible if approved by the small business specialist.
D. Permissible if the CO documents the split as "operationally necessary."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 13.003(c) prohibits dividing a requirement to bring it under the SAP threshold or to evade SAP rules. This is
a serious violation of acquisition integrity. Splitting must be based on legitimate operational need, not threshold avoidance.
The CO would be subject to adverse action under DFARS and DoD ethics rules.
Defense Acquisition University | FAR Part 13 | DFARS
Practice
Part
Examination
213 - For Training Use Page 4
DEFENSE ACQUISITION UNIVERSITY
CON 237 DAU
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
100% CORRECT |
Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP) Certification
Aligned with DAU CON 237 Course Curriculum, FAR Part 13, DFARS Part 213, and related procurement
statutes
Total Questions 200 Multiple Choice (4 options, ONE correct)
Cognitive Distribution 25% Recall / 50% Application / 25% Analysis
Format 70% Scenario-Based / 30% Direct Knowledge
8 (Thresholds, Micro-Purchases, Sources, Market Research, Commercial Items, Evaluation,
Sections
Small Business, Case Studies)
Reference Materials FAR Part 13, DFARS Part 213, FAR Part 8, Part 12, Part 19, DAU CON 237 Curriculum
Special Inclusions 40 scenario-based, 30 regulatory interpretation, 20 threshold/calculation questions
EXAMINEE INSTRUCTIONS
This practice examination assesses the candidate's readiness for the DAU CON 237 certification on Simplified
Acquisition Procedures. Each question presents four answer choices (A-D); select the SINGLE BEST answer.
Correct answers are marked *[CORRECT]* and are followed by a rationale citing the applicable FAR Part 13
section, DFARS Part 213 section, or DAU CON 237 curriculum reference. Candidates are encouraged to
review the cited authorities in full when studying. Scenario-based questions test the application of contracting
judgment to real-world procurement situations; direct-knowledge questions test recall of thresholds, source
priorities, and regulatory requirements.
This practice examination is an educational preparation tool. It is not an official DAU examination and does not guarantee
success on the actual certification. Always consult current FAR, DFARS, and DAU guidance for official procurement
decisions.
Defense Acquisition University | FAR Part 13 | DFARS
Practice
Part
Examination
213 - For Training Use Page 1
,CON 237 DAU Practice Exam | 2026/2027 200 Questions - 100% Correct with Solutions
Section 1: Simplified Acquisition Thresholds & Scope of SAP
Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), aggregate value rules, applicability, small business reservations, and statutory
exceptions under FAR Part 13 and DFARS Part 213.
Q1. A contracting officer is preparing to acquire office furniture with an estimated total value of $180,000,
including all option periods. Which of the following statements is correct regarding the use of Simplified
Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?
A. SAP may not be used because the requirement exceeds $150,000.
B. SAP may be used because the aggregate value of the acquisition and all options does not exceed the
simplified acquisition threshold of $250,000. *[CORRECT]*
C. SAP may be used only if the requirement is set aside for small business.
D. SAP may be used only with approval of the Head of the Contracting Activity.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Under FAR 13.000 and 13.003, SAP may be used when the aggregate value of the acquisition and all options
does not exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), which is generally $250,000 (FAR 2.101). The CO may use SAP
without HCA approval at this value. The small business reservation in FAR 19.502-2(a) applies but does not bar SAP use.
Q2. A requirements office has submitted a purchase request for IT services totaling $2,250,000 over a five-year
period. The contracting officer is considering using Simplified Acquisition Procedures. What is the correct
determination?
A. SAP may be used because the requirement is for services rather than supplies.
B. SAP may not be used because the aggregate value exceeds the simplified acquisition threshold.
*[CORRECT]*
C. SAP may be used if the requirement is split into smaller increments.
D. SAP may be used only if a commercial item.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: SAP cannot be used for an acquisition of $2.25 million because the aggregate value far exceeds the SAT of
$250,000 (FAR 13.003). Splitting the requirement to evade thresholds is a violation of FAR 13.003(c) (cannot divide to avoid
SAP restrictions) and the anti-deficiency concept. Commercial items above the SAT may use other procedures but not SAP
unless specific statutory authority applies.
Q3. Which of the following acquisitions is ELIGIBLE for Simplified Acquisition Procedures (SAP)?
A. A construction project estimated at $3,000,000.
B. A catalog-priced wash rack service at $102,000 per year, including options. *[CORRECT]*
C. A major weapon system development contract at $15,000,000.
D. A multi-year IT services contract estimated at $1,500,000.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The catalog-priced wash rack at $102,000 is below the SAT ($250,000) and is therefore eligible for SAP under
FAR 13.003. Construction ($3M), weapon system development ($15M), and IT services ($1.5M) all exceed the SAT and
require other acquisition methods (e.g., sealed bidding or negotiated procedures under FAR Parts 14 or 15).
Defense Acquisition University | FAR Part 13 | DFARS
Practice
Part
Examination
213 - For Training Use Page 2
,CON 237 DAU Practice Exam | 2026/2027 200 Questions - 100% Correct with Solutions
Q4. Under FAR Part 13, when can Simplified Acquisition Procedures NOT be used, even if the dollar value is
below the SAT?
A. When the acquisition is for commercial products.
B. When the contracting officer determines that use of SAP would not be in the best interest of the
Government and the approach would not result in adequate competition. *[CORRECT]*
C. When the requirement is set aside for small business.
D. When the requirement is below the micro-purchase threshold.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per FAR 13.003(b), the CO may use SAP unless the CO determines that it would not be in the Government's best
interest or would not result in adequate competition. SAP is not mandatory below the SAT; it is permitted subject to the CO's
judgment. Commercial items, small business set-asides, and micro-purchases all benefit from SAP, not preclude it.
Q5. A contract specialist is evaluating a requirement for $225,000 in commercial supplies. Which authority
governs the SAP threshold for this acquisition?
A. FAR 13.000 only.
B. FAR 2.101 (SAT definition) and FAR 13.003 (Applicability), with special thresholds for commercial
items under FAR 13.500. *[CORRECT]*
C. DFARS 213.7003 only.
D. Title 41 U.S.C. § 1901 only.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The SAT ($250,000) is defined at FAR 2.101; applicability is at FAR 13.003. For commercial items, FAR 13.500
provides an elevated threshold (currently $7.5 million, or $15 million for certain acquisitions) authorizing SAP for
commercial items above the standard SAT. DFARS 213 implements these in the DoD context. Title 41 U.S.C. § 1901 is the
underlying statutory authority for SAP.
Q6. For acquisitions of supplies and services exceeding $5,000 but not exceeding $250,000, FAR 19.502-2(a)
requires that the acquisition be:
A. Set aside exclusively for large businesses.
B. Automatically reserved exclusively for small business concerns unless the CO determines they will be
unable to obtain two or more offers from small businesses that are competitive in terms of market price,
quality, and delivery. *[CORRECT]*
C. Synopsized in the GPE regardless of any exception.
D. Awarded to the lowest bidder without regard to size.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per FAR 19.502-2(a), acquisitions between $5,000 (now $3,500 micro-purchase threshold referenced in some
regulations; the rule itself triggers at the micro-purchase threshold) and the SAT are automatically reserved exclusively for
small business concerns, unless the CO makes the determination described. This automatic reservation supports the SBA's
socioeconomic goals. Synopsizing and size of award are separate considerations.
Defense Acquisition University | FAR Part 13 | DFARS
Practice
Part
Examination
213 - For Training Use Page 3
, CON 237 DAU Practice Exam | 2026/2027 200 Questions - 100% Correct with Solutions
Q7. A contracting officer is considering using SAP for a commercial product estimated at $7,000,000. Which
authority, if any, permits this?
A. No authority; SAP cannot be used above the SAT.
B. FAR 13.500 provides authority for SAP use for commercial items up to $7.5 million (and up to $15
million for certain acquisitions as authorized by statute). *[CORRECT]*
C. DFARS 213.301 permits SAP up to $10 million for commercial items.
D. FAR 13.003-1 permits SAP up to $5 million for commercial items.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 13.500 authorizes SAP for acquisitions of commercial items that do not exceed $7.5 million (or $15 million
for acquisitions described in 41 U.S.C. 1903(a), such as emergency response or certain DoD-unique items). The CO must
still conduct market research and follow the procedures in 13.5. DFARS 213.500 implements this in the DoD context but does
not create a separate $10 million threshold.
Q8. The term "aggregate value" when determining SAP eligibility refers to:
A. Only the base period of the contract.
B. The total value of the acquisition including all options and potential modifications. *[CORRECT]*
C. The total of all contracts awarded to the same contractor in a fiscal year.
D. The value of supplies only, excluding services.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Per FAR 13.003(a)(1) and the CO's responsibilities under FAR 13.104, the aggregate value includes the base
period plus all option periods. This prevents agencies from using SAP for what is effectively a larger requirement by
structuring it in base + option years. Including options in the threshold calculation is a core SAP rule.
Q9. A contracting officer splits a $400,000 requirement into two separate $200,000 purchase orders to use SAP.
What is the legal status of this action?
A. Permissible if each purchase order is below the SAT.
B. A violation of FAR 13.003(c), which prohibits dividing requirements to avoid SAP restrictions or to use
SAP when the aggregate exceeds the threshold. *[CORRECT]*
C. Permissible if approved by the small business specialist.
D. Permissible if the CO documents the split as "operationally necessary."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: FAR 13.003(c) prohibits dividing a requirement to bring it under the SAP threshold or to evade SAP rules. This is
a serious violation of acquisition integrity. Splitting must be based on legitimate operational need, not threshold avoidance.
The CO would be subject to adverse action under DFARS and DoD ethics rules.
Defense Acquisition University | FAR Part 13 | DFARS
Practice
Part
Examination
213 - For Training Use Page 4
