CPPB exam prep
Prepare for the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) exam with this in-depth
study guide. Covers procurement principles, contract administration, legal issues, and
ethics. Ideal for public sector professionals aiming to pass the CPPB and advance their
purchasing careers."
An entity purchases several different types of mobile phones to meet employees' preferences.
This is causing inefficiencies. What action can be taken to address and correct the inefficiencies?
A. creation of performance specifications B. sole sourcing C. benchmarking D.
standardization ..... ANSWER ...... standardization
A buyer has been invited to join a supplier account rep for lunch to discuss the performance of a
contract. How should the buyer respond to the invitation? A. decline the supplier's offer and
suggest a meeting in the office B. join the supplier for lunch, but pay for himself C. ask the end
user to join the supplier and the buyer for lunch anc count it as a business meeting D. report
the supplier to the supervisor ..... ANSWER ...... decline the supplier's offer and suggest a
meeting in the office
A buyer has been working on a solicitation for several days. Now the end users have requested
that the buyer mail the bid only to local suppliers. How should the buyer respond to this
request? Add language to the bid that only local suppliers can submit proposals B. explain that
agency procedures require that all bids be electronically posted to allow for open and fair
competition C. explain that he can only put "Buy America" language in bid specifications .....
ANSWER ...... explain that agency procedures require that all bids be electronically posted to
allow for open and fair competition
The ratio between inputs such as staff hours or salary and outputs is a way of measuring what
attribute? A. efficiency B. effectiveness C. contributions D. progress ..... ANSWER ......
efficiency
Legislation enacting a sustainable procurement initiative was passed during this legislative
session. The agency has a limited staff and resources with which to implement the legislation.
What type of program would be most easily implemented? A. alternative fuel vehicles B.
energy efficient equipment C. recycled paper D. comprehensive recycling program .....
ANSWER ...... recycled paper
At an entity hosted small business educational and outreach workshop, the entity small
business program coordinator noticed that only a few suppliers are actively participating in
asking questions and discussion. In reaction, she works diligently to engage other suppliers
who are not contributing. What role is she assuming? A. encourager B. observer C. information
seeker D. gate keeper ..... ANSWER ...... gate keeper
The city's IT dept has a need to purchase 20 copies of a how-to-use over-the-counter software
book for various user departments within the agency. The book is commonly available and it is
,estimated that the total cost would be $900, which is below the established bid threshold. The
buyer has confirmed that the book is not currently on any agency contracts. Which type of
purchase is considered most economical in this case? A. emergency B. sole source C. pcard D.
invitation for bids ..... ANSWER ...... pcard
A buyer wishes to enter into a cooperative purchase with a regional alliance that could save a
great deal of money. What is the buyer's first step? A. Determine if there is legal authority to
do this B. Determine if the cost is advantageous C. Determine if local suppliers are impacted D.
Determine if your terms and conditions are in compliance ..... ANSWER ...... determine if
there is legal authority to do this
While on vacation the Chief Procurement Officer left a Procurement Manager in charge of
operations via an interoffice memo. The Procurement Manager was faced with an emergency
purchase that needed signature for $50K. What gives him the authority to sign for this
emergency purchase? A. apparent authority B. express authority C. the Procurement Manager
has authority to sign because it is an emergency purchase D. implied authority .....
ANSWER ...... express authority
An agency with a local small business preference program is accepting bids for a roofing
project. Only Company C is in the local jurisdiction. Businesses located outside the local
jurisdiction will have 5% of the bid amount added to their total bid amount. Company A bids
$49,300. Company B bids $49,150. Company C bids $51,650. Company D bids $51,640. Which
company should receive the award based on total low bid? ..... ANSWER ...... B $49,150
When all mandatory requirements of a bid are met, what is the value of competitive quotes and
competitive sealed bids? A. drives a decision based on price B. provides evaluation guidelines on
which to base the award C. provides a reliable indicator of a robust supplier market D. it has no
value ..... ANSWER ...... drives a decision based on price
What is the purpose of a cost analysis? A. compares each price quoted the entity as a result of
the bid process B. an attempt to protect reasonable cost in a cost benefit analysis C. helps
determine the supplier's costs actually incurred for the nonstandard items D. helps determine
functional requirements at the lowest possible cost without impacting need and suitability .....
ANSWER ...... helps determine the supplier's costs actually incurred for the nonstandard items
The Sherriff's Dept is planning on acquiring a scanner to be used on work release inmates
entering and leaving the jail. The scanner will have a lifespan of 10 years. The price for the
scanner is $11,000. Maintenance must be performed on this machine monthly to ensure
accuracy. Monthly maintenance will be $150. What is the life cycle cost for this entire purchase?
A. $11,000 B. $29,000 C. $18,000 D. $36,000 ..... ANSWER ...... $29,000
Dept of Water Resources is preparing a bid document for a new and complex composite water
meter. What action should the buyer take to better ensure responsive bids? A. use brand name
or equivalent specifications B. determine the industry standards for meter suppliers C.
determine the life cycle cost of the meter D. schedule a pre-bid conference ..... ANSWER ......
schedule a pre-bid conference
,An agency is deciding whether to purchase new or used riding mowers. What is the most
appropriate analysis method to use to make this decision? A. historical price analysis B. life
cycle cost analysis C. cost analysis D. price analysis ..... ANSWER ...... life cycle cost analysis
Five entity owned buildings are under renovation and the parts of these renovations incude
replacing the flooring. Each building has an estimated 4400 sq ft of floor surface that will
require new flooring. 65% will be tile and 35% will be hardwood. If the tile is $8.00 per sq ft for
the supply and install, what is the estimated cost of this project? A. $39,820 B. $418,000 C.
$218,900 D. $199,100 ..... ANSWER ...... $199,100
The Sherriff's Dept is requesting that a solicitation be put out for commissary items for the
county jail. To assist in maintaining order and for the safety of county employees and the
inmates, the dept is providing the buyer with a list of specific items to be procured. Little to no
deviation from this list will be allowed. Under the circumstances, what is the most appropriate
type of specifications taht the buyer should use? A. combination B. design C. brand name or
approved equal D. performance ..... ANSWER ...... brand name or approved
A Dept Manager has requested that the Procurement Dept issue a request for bids for their
yearly supply of pipe and fittings. The buyer researched the market and found pricing for pipe
and fittings remained relatively stable. What type of contract should the buyer recommend? A.
definite quantity term contract B. spot purchase C. time and materials contract D. term
contract ..... ANSWER ...... definite quantity term contract
The Corrections Dept has a budget of $1,000,000 annually for the purchase of frozen
vegetables. The buyer will issue an invitation for bids. How should the budget value be handled
in the solicitation? A. should be included to help the bidders understand their effort or quality B.
should be included to create a level playing field which enhances the quality and
competitiveness of responses C. it is nonessential information for formulating a bid for this type
of procurement D. including the budget will tend to push up the bid values ..... ANSWER ......
should be included to create a level playing field which enhances the quality and
competitiveness of responses
An agency issued an invitation to tender with the lowest responsive and responsible bidder as
criteria for award. Four contractors submitted bids. The low bidder was a contractor with
whom the entity had documented performance issues in the past. The last contract had ended
with a show cause letter for poor performance when the contract term ended. What would be
the most appropriate step for the entity to take to ensure the project will be completed on time
and within budget? A. bypass the low bid and award to the next responsive and responsible
bidder B. conduct a post award startup and conference C. conduct a briefing D. issue a
conditional award subject to contractor submitting a larger performance bond than originally
requested ..... ANSWER ...... conduct a post award startup and conference
The procurement professional was tasked with organizing a negotiation with a new contractor
for a long term contract for the supply of widgets. Neither side will budge on some moderate
issues. What planning activity could the official have put more effort into to avoid this impasse?
A. conducting a mock negotiation B. analyzing the other side's tactics C. generating a variety of
options D. designing optimal solutions ..... ANSWER ...... generating a variety of options
, During the negotiation, it may be necessary to do which of the following? A. hide your
intentions from the other team B. rigidly adhere to specific details C. anticipate the other
party's tactics and plan counter-tactics D. adjourn and conduct brainstorming sessions to
develop team options ..... ANSWER ...... anticipate the other party's tactics and plan counter-
tactics
A buyer is meeting with a new supplier for the first time to begin negotiating a maintenance
contract for the company's products and equipment. What key items should the buyer cover
with the supplier? A. terms and conditions of that contract B. agency procedures C. supplier
handbook D. contractual terms and the supplier guidelines developed by the entity .....
ANSWER ...... contractual terms and the supplier guidelines developed by the entity
What is the responsibility of a procurement professional when conducting a negotiation? A.
achieve the agency's expected results at all costs B. document, record and acknowledge each
step of the process C. ensure that all members of the negotiation team have rehearsed strategies
and roles D. ensure that the other party has a comfortable and amiable negotiation
environment ..... ANSWER ...... document, record and acknowledge each step of the process
On what are good negotiated agreements based? A. the interests of both parties B. a balance of
powers C. the position of both parties D. good friendships between both parties .....
ANSWER ...... the interests of both parties
The agency team is anticipating a tough negotiation. What action should they take to ensure
that they are protecting themselves from making a bad agreement? A. conduct a mock
negotiation B. establish a bottom line C. develop a BATNA D. bring in a mediator .....
ANSWER ...... develop a BATNA
A team is trying to reach an amicable agreement with a supplier. On what should they focus? A.
the positions of both sides B. mutual interests C. the bottom line D. the problem .....
ANSWER ...... mutual interests
An agency is about to enter the negotiation of a complex agreement. What guidelines should be
used to choose the team? A. high profile managers who will stand up to the other side B. a team
member to match each of the members on the other side's team C. a team of lawyers and
financial analysis D. those who have essential skills and knowledge relevant to the
negotiation ..... ANSWER ...... those who have essential skills and knowledge relevant to the
negotiation
What signals the completion of the negotiation? A. an agreement reached at the negotiation
table B. a written and executed contract C. finalized negotiation documentation D. selection of
the type of contract to be used ..... ANSWER ...... a written and executed contract
After the negotiation team is chosen what important preparatory step should be taken next? A.
establish the ground rules B. conduct a mock negotiation C. agree on the goal of the
negotiation D. determine who will document the negotiation ..... ANSWER ...... establish the
ground rules
Prepare for the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) exam with this in-depth
study guide. Covers procurement principles, contract administration, legal issues, and
ethics. Ideal for public sector professionals aiming to pass the CPPB and advance their
purchasing careers."
An entity purchases several different types of mobile phones to meet employees' preferences.
This is causing inefficiencies. What action can be taken to address and correct the inefficiencies?
A. creation of performance specifications B. sole sourcing C. benchmarking D.
standardization ..... ANSWER ...... standardization
A buyer has been invited to join a supplier account rep for lunch to discuss the performance of a
contract. How should the buyer respond to the invitation? A. decline the supplier's offer and
suggest a meeting in the office B. join the supplier for lunch, but pay for himself C. ask the end
user to join the supplier and the buyer for lunch anc count it as a business meeting D. report
the supplier to the supervisor ..... ANSWER ...... decline the supplier's offer and suggest a
meeting in the office
A buyer has been working on a solicitation for several days. Now the end users have requested
that the buyer mail the bid only to local suppliers. How should the buyer respond to this
request? Add language to the bid that only local suppliers can submit proposals B. explain that
agency procedures require that all bids be electronically posted to allow for open and fair
competition C. explain that he can only put "Buy America" language in bid specifications .....
ANSWER ...... explain that agency procedures require that all bids be electronically posted to
allow for open and fair competition
The ratio between inputs such as staff hours or salary and outputs is a way of measuring what
attribute? A. efficiency B. effectiveness C. contributions D. progress ..... ANSWER ......
efficiency
Legislation enacting a sustainable procurement initiative was passed during this legislative
session. The agency has a limited staff and resources with which to implement the legislation.
What type of program would be most easily implemented? A. alternative fuel vehicles B.
energy efficient equipment C. recycled paper D. comprehensive recycling program .....
ANSWER ...... recycled paper
At an entity hosted small business educational and outreach workshop, the entity small
business program coordinator noticed that only a few suppliers are actively participating in
asking questions and discussion. In reaction, she works diligently to engage other suppliers
who are not contributing. What role is she assuming? A. encourager B. observer C. information
seeker D. gate keeper ..... ANSWER ...... gate keeper
The city's IT dept has a need to purchase 20 copies of a how-to-use over-the-counter software
book for various user departments within the agency. The book is commonly available and it is
,estimated that the total cost would be $900, which is below the established bid threshold. The
buyer has confirmed that the book is not currently on any agency contracts. Which type of
purchase is considered most economical in this case? A. emergency B. sole source C. pcard D.
invitation for bids ..... ANSWER ...... pcard
A buyer wishes to enter into a cooperative purchase with a regional alliance that could save a
great deal of money. What is the buyer's first step? A. Determine if there is legal authority to
do this B. Determine if the cost is advantageous C. Determine if local suppliers are impacted D.
Determine if your terms and conditions are in compliance ..... ANSWER ...... determine if
there is legal authority to do this
While on vacation the Chief Procurement Officer left a Procurement Manager in charge of
operations via an interoffice memo. The Procurement Manager was faced with an emergency
purchase that needed signature for $50K. What gives him the authority to sign for this
emergency purchase? A. apparent authority B. express authority C. the Procurement Manager
has authority to sign because it is an emergency purchase D. implied authority .....
ANSWER ...... express authority
An agency with a local small business preference program is accepting bids for a roofing
project. Only Company C is in the local jurisdiction. Businesses located outside the local
jurisdiction will have 5% of the bid amount added to their total bid amount. Company A bids
$49,300. Company B bids $49,150. Company C bids $51,650. Company D bids $51,640. Which
company should receive the award based on total low bid? ..... ANSWER ...... B $49,150
When all mandatory requirements of a bid are met, what is the value of competitive quotes and
competitive sealed bids? A. drives a decision based on price B. provides evaluation guidelines on
which to base the award C. provides a reliable indicator of a robust supplier market D. it has no
value ..... ANSWER ...... drives a decision based on price
What is the purpose of a cost analysis? A. compares each price quoted the entity as a result of
the bid process B. an attempt to protect reasonable cost in a cost benefit analysis C. helps
determine the supplier's costs actually incurred for the nonstandard items D. helps determine
functional requirements at the lowest possible cost without impacting need and suitability .....
ANSWER ...... helps determine the supplier's costs actually incurred for the nonstandard items
The Sherriff's Dept is planning on acquiring a scanner to be used on work release inmates
entering and leaving the jail. The scanner will have a lifespan of 10 years. The price for the
scanner is $11,000. Maintenance must be performed on this machine monthly to ensure
accuracy. Monthly maintenance will be $150. What is the life cycle cost for this entire purchase?
A. $11,000 B. $29,000 C. $18,000 D. $36,000 ..... ANSWER ...... $29,000
Dept of Water Resources is preparing a bid document for a new and complex composite water
meter. What action should the buyer take to better ensure responsive bids? A. use brand name
or equivalent specifications B. determine the industry standards for meter suppliers C.
determine the life cycle cost of the meter D. schedule a pre-bid conference ..... ANSWER ......
schedule a pre-bid conference
,An agency is deciding whether to purchase new or used riding mowers. What is the most
appropriate analysis method to use to make this decision? A. historical price analysis B. life
cycle cost analysis C. cost analysis D. price analysis ..... ANSWER ...... life cycle cost analysis
Five entity owned buildings are under renovation and the parts of these renovations incude
replacing the flooring. Each building has an estimated 4400 sq ft of floor surface that will
require new flooring. 65% will be tile and 35% will be hardwood. If the tile is $8.00 per sq ft for
the supply and install, what is the estimated cost of this project? A. $39,820 B. $418,000 C.
$218,900 D. $199,100 ..... ANSWER ...... $199,100
The Sherriff's Dept is requesting that a solicitation be put out for commissary items for the
county jail. To assist in maintaining order and for the safety of county employees and the
inmates, the dept is providing the buyer with a list of specific items to be procured. Little to no
deviation from this list will be allowed. Under the circumstances, what is the most appropriate
type of specifications taht the buyer should use? A. combination B. design C. brand name or
approved equal D. performance ..... ANSWER ...... brand name or approved
A Dept Manager has requested that the Procurement Dept issue a request for bids for their
yearly supply of pipe and fittings. The buyer researched the market and found pricing for pipe
and fittings remained relatively stable. What type of contract should the buyer recommend? A.
definite quantity term contract B. spot purchase C. time and materials contract D. term
contract ..... ANSWER ...... definite quantity term contract
The Corrections Dept has a budget of $1,000,000 annually for the purchase of frozen
vegetables. The buyer will issue an invitation for bids. How should the budget value be handled
in the solicitation? A. should be included to help the bidders understand their effort or quality B.
should be included to create a level playing field which enhances the quality and
competitiveness of responses C. it is nonessential information for formulating a bid for this type
of procurement D. including the budget will tend to push up the bid values ..... ANSWER ......
should be included to create a level playing field which enhances the quality and
competitiveness of responses
An agency issued an invitation to tender with the lowest responsive and responsible bidder as
criteria for award. Four contractors submitted bids. The low bidder was a contractor with
whom the entity had documented performance issues in the past. The last contract had ended
with a show cause letter for poor performance when the contract term ended. What would be
the most appropriate step for the entity to take to ensure the project will be completed on time
and within budget? A. bypass the low bid and award to the next responsive and responsible
bidder B. conduct a post award startup and conference C. conduct a briefing D. issue a
conditional award subject to contractor submitting a larger performance bond than originally
requested ..... ANSWER ...... conduct a post award startup and conference
The procurement professional was tasked with organizing a negotiation with a new contractor
for a long term contract for the supply of widgets. Neither side will budge on some moderate
issues. What planning activity could the official have put more effort into to avoid this impasse?
A. conducting a mock negotiation B. analyzing the other side's tactics C. generating a variety of
options D. designing optimal solutions ..... ANSWER ...... generating a variety of options
, During the negotiation, it may be necessary to do which of the following? A. hide your
intentions from the other team B. rigidly adhere to specific details C. anticipate the other
party's tactics and plan counter-tactics D. adjourn and conduct brainstorming sessions to
develop team options ..... ANSWER ...... anticipate the other party's tactics and plan counter-
tactics
A buyer is meeting with a new supplier for the first time to begin negotiating a maintenance
contract for the company's products and equipment. What key items should the buyer cover
with the supplier? A. terms and conditions of that contract B. agency procedures C. supplier
handbook D. contractual terms and the supplier guidelines developed by the entity .....
ANSWER ...... contractual terms and the supplier guidelines developed by the entity
What is the responsibility of a procurement professional when conducting a negotiation? A.
achieve the agency's expected results at all costs B. document, record and acknowledge each
step of the process C. ensure that all members of the negotiation team have rehearsed strategies
and roles D. ensure that the other party has a comfortable and amiable negotiation
environment ..... ANSWER ...... document, record and acknowledge each step of the process
On what are good negotiated agreements based? A. the interests of both parties B. a balance of
powers C. the position of both parties D. good friendships between both parties .....
ANSWER ...... the interests of both parties
The agency team is anticipating a tough negotiation. What action should they take to ensure
that they are protecting themselves from making a bad agreement? A. conduct a mock
negotiation B. establish a bottom line C. develop a BATNA D. bring in a mediator .....
ANSWER ...... develop a BATNA
A team is trying to reach an amicable agreement with a supplier. On what should they focus? A.
the positions of both sides B. mutual interests C. the bottom line D. the problem .....
ANSWER ...... mutual interests
An agency is about to enter the negotiation of a complex agreement. What guidelines should be
used to choose the team? A. high profile managers who will stand up to the other side B. a team
member to match each of the members on the other side's team C. a team of lawyers and
financial analysis D. those who have essential skills and knowledge relevant to the
negotiation ..... ANSWER ...... those who have essential skills and knowledge relevant to the
negotiation
What signals the completion of the negotiation? A. an agreement reached at the negotiation
table B. a written and executed contract C. finalized negotiation documentation D. selection of
the type of contract to be used ..... ANSWER ...... a written and executed contract
After the negotiation team is chosen what important preparatory step should be taken next? A.
establish the ground rules B. conduct a mock negotiation C. agree on the goal of the
negotiation D. determine who will document the negotiation ..... ANSWER ...... establish the
ground rules
