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FAC-C CERTIFICATION EXAM NOTES
QUESTIONS WITH ALL CORRECT ANSWERS!!
SECTION 1: ACQUISITION PLANNING & REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION (FAR Parts 7, 10, 11, 12) — 22
Questions
Q1: An agency identifies a need for a new IT system. According to FAR Part 7, when does the
acquisition process officially begin?
A. When the contracting officer issues the solicitation
B. When the agency identifies a need and documents it through a requirement description or
requisition
C. When market research is completed
D. When funds are obligated on the contract
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the acquisition process begins when an agency identifies a need and
documents it through a requirement description or requisition, as established in FAR Part 7
(Acquisition Planning).
Q2: Which FAR Part describes the policies and procedures for describing agency needs in a
solicitation?
A. FAR Part 10
B. FAR Part 12
C. FAR Part 11
D. FAR Part 13
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 11 (Describing Agency Needs) establishes the requirements for
describing agency needs, including performance-based acquisition requirements.
Q3: Under FAR 10.001(a)(1), what is the primary purpose of conducting market research?
A. To identify the lowest possible price for a requirement
B. To determine if commercial items are available to meet agency needs
C. To pre-qualify potential offerors
D. To justify sole-source procurement
Correct Answer: B
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Rationale: Correct because FAR 10.001(a)(1) states the primary purpose of market research is to
determine if commercial items, commercial services, or non-developmental items are available to
meet agency needs.
Q4: A contracting officer is preparing an Acquisition Plan. This plan describes the strategy for
managing the acquisition from which point to which point?
A. From solicitation issuance through contract closeout
B. From concept through completion
C. From proposal receipt through award
D. From contract award through final payment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because an Acquisition Plan describes the strategy for managing the acquisition
from concept through completion, covering the entire acquisition lifecycle.
Q5: Under FAR Part 12, what special procedures apply when acquiring commercial products and
commercial services?
A. Standard FAR Part 15 negotiated procurement procedures
B. Simplified procedures that streamline the acquisition process
C. Sealed bidding procedures only
D. Small business set-aside procedures exclusively
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 12 provides special, streamlined procedures for acquiring
commercial products and commercial services, reducing administrative burden.
Q6: Acquisitions estimated at what dollar threshold require synopsis in the Governmentwide Point of
Entry (GPE) under FAR Part 5?
A. $100,000
B. $150,000
C. $250,000
D. $500,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 5 requires synopsis in the GPE for acquisitions estimated at
$250,000 or more, subject to certain exceptions.
Q7: What is the current Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) for non-commercial items?
A. $100,000
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B. $150,000
C. $250,000
D. $500,000
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) is $150,000 for non-commercial
items, while it is $250,000 for commercial items.
Q8: Under FAR Part 13, what is the competition requirement for simplified acquisitions?
A. Full and open competition is not required
B. Competition must be promoted to the maximum extent practicable
C. Only small business competition is required
D. Competition is required only above the micro-purchase threshold
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 13 requires promoting competition to the maximum extent
practicable for simplified acquisitions, consistent with the efficient use of administrative resources.
Q9: A "non-developmental item" (NDI) is defined as an item that is:
A. Developed exclusively for government use
B. Already in use by the government or available in the commercial marketplace
C. Produced under a cost-reimbursement contract
D. Subject to special testing requirements
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because a non-developmental item (NDI) is an item already in use by the
government or available in the commercial marketplace, eliminating the need for new development.
Q10: FAR Part 31 establishes contract cost principles and procedures for determining:
A. Contract type selection
B. Allowable costs
C. Competition requirements
D. Protest procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 31 establishes contract cost principles and procedures for
determining allowable costs, including direct costs, indirect costs, and cost allowability standards.
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Q11: Market research under FAR Part 10 should be conducted:
A. Only during the pre-solicitation phase
B. Continuously throughout the acquisition lifecycle
C. Only when using sealed bidding
D. Only for contracts above the SAT
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 10 requires market research to be conducted continuously
throughout the acquisition lifecycle, not just at a single point in time.
Q12: Which of the following is NOT a key resource for acquisition planning?
A. FAR Part 7 (Acquisition Planning)
B. FAR Part 11 (Describing Agency Needs)
C. FAR Part 33 (Protests, Disputes, and Appeals)
D. FAR Part 10 (Market Research)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 33 addresses protests, disputes, and appeals, which are post-
award matters, not acquisition planning resources; FAR Parts 7, 10, and 11 are the primary planning
resources.
Q13: When using performance-based acquisition methods under FAR Part 11, the requirement
description should focus on:
A. Detailed technical specifications and processes
B. The desired outcome or result rather than how to achieve it
C. The contractor's organizational structure
D. Historical pricing data from previous contracts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because performance-based acquisition under FAR Part 11 focuses on describing
the desired outcome or result, allowing contractors flexibility in determining how to achieve it.
Q14: Under FAR Part 12, when acquiring commercial items, which of the following is true regarding
contract clauses?
A. All standard FAR clauses must be included
B. Only clauses consistent with customary commercial practice are required
C. Cost Accounting Standards clauses are always mandatory
FAC-C CERTIFICATION EXAM NOTES
QUESTIONS WITH ALL CORRECT ANSWERS!!
SECTION 1: ACQUISITION PLANNING & REQUIREMENTS DEFINITION (FAR Parts 7, 10, 11, 12) — 22
Questions
Q1: An agency identifies a need for a new IT system. According to FAR Part 7, when does the
acquisition process officially begin?
A. When the contracting officer issues the solicitation
B. When the agency identifies a need and documents it through a requirement description or
requisition
C. When market research is completed
D. When funds are obligated on the contract
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the acquisition process begins when an agency identifies a need and
documents it through a requirement description or requisition, as established in FAR Part 7
(Acquisition Planning).
Q2: Which FAR Part describes the policies and procedures for describing agency needs in a
solicitation?
A. FAR Part 10
B. FAR Part 12
C. FAR Part 11
D. FAR Part 13
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 11 (Describing Agency Needs) establishes the requirements for
describing agency needs, including performance-based acquisition requirements.
Q3: Under FAR 10.001(a)(1), what is the primary purpose of conducting market research?
A. To identify the lowest possible price for a requirement
B. To determine if commercial items are available to meet agency needs
C. To pre-qualify potential offerors
D. To justify sole-source procurement
Correct Answer: B
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Rationale: Correct because FAR 10.001(a)(1) states the primary purpose of market research is to
determine if commercial items, commercial services, or non-developmental items are available to
meet agency needs.
Q4: A contracting officer is preparing an Acquisition Plan. This plan describes the strategy for
managing the acquisition from which point to which point?
A. From solicitation issuance through contract closeout
B. From concept through completion
C. From proposal receipt through award
D. From contract award through final payment
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because an Acquisition Plan describes the strategy for managing the acquisition
from concept through completion, covering the entire acquisition lifecycle.
Q5: Under FAR Part 12, what special procedures apply when acquiring commercial products and
commercial services?
A. Standard FAR Part 15 negotiated procurement procedures
B. Simplified procedures that streamline the acquisition process
C. Sealed bidding procedures only
D. Small business set-aside procedures exclusively
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 12 provides special, streamlined procedures for acquiring
commercial products and commercial services, reducing administrative burden.
Q6: Acquisitions estimated at what dollar threshold require synopsis in the Governmentwide Point of
Entry (GPE) under FAR Part 5?
A. $100,000
B. $150,000
C. $250,000
D. $500,000
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 5 requires synopsis in the GPE for acquisitions estimated at
$250,000 or more, subject to certain exceptions.
Q7: What is the current Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) for non-commercial items?
A. $100,000
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B. $150,000
C. $250,000
D. $500,000
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) is $150,000 for non-commercial
items, while it is $250,000 for commercial items.
Q8: Under FAR Part 13, what is the competition requirement for simplified acquisitions?
A. Full and open competition is not required
B. Competition must be promoted to the maximum extent practicable
C. Only small business competition is required
D. Competition is required only above the micro-purchase threshold
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 13 requires promoting competition to the maximum extent
practicable for simplified acquisitions, consistent with the efficient use of administrative resources.
Q9: A "non-developmental item" (NDI) is defined as an item that is:
A. Developed exclusively for government use
B. Already in use by the government or available in the commercial marketplace
C. Produced under a cost-reimbursement contract
D. Subject to special testing requirements
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because a non-developmental item (NDI) is an item already in use by the
government or available in the commercial marketplace, eliminating the need for new development.
Q10: FAR Part 31 establishes contract cost principles and procedures for determining:
A. Contract type selection
B. Allowable costs
C. Competition requirements
D. Protest procedures
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 31 establishes contract cost principles and procedures for
determining allowable costs, including direct costs, indirect costs, and cost allowability standards.
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Q11: Market research under FAR Part 10 should be conducted:
A. Only during the pre-solicitation phase
B. Continuously throughout the acquisition lifecycle
C. Only when using sealed bidding
D. Only for contracts above the SAT
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 10 requires market research to be conducted continuously
throughout the acquisition lifecycle, not just at a single point in time.
Q12: Which of the following is NOT a key resource for acquisition planning?
A. FAR Part 7 (Acquisition Planning)
B. FAR Part 11 (Describing Agency Needs)
C. FAR Part 33 (Protests, Disputes, and Appeals)
D. FAR Part 10 (Market Research)
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct because FAR Part 33 addresses protests, disputes, and appeals, which are post-
award matters, not acquisition planning resources; FAR Parts 7, 10, and 11 are the primary planning
resources.
Q13: When using performance-based acquisition methods under FAR Part 11, the requirement
description should focus on:
A. Detailed technical specifications and processes
B. The desired outcome or result rather than how to achieve it
C. The contractor's organizational structure
D. Historical pricing data from previous contracts
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct because performance-based acquisition under FAR Part 11 focuses on describing
the desired outcome or result, allowing contractors flexibility in determining how to achieve it.
Q14: Under FAR Part 12, when acquiring commercial items, which of the following is true regarding
contract clauses?
A. All standard FAR clauses must be included
B. Only clauses consistent with customary commercial practice are required
C. Cost Accounting Standards clauses are always mandatory
