Fundamentals & Core Concepts Flashcards
7 cards from real CFCM practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Fundamentals & Core Concepts flashcards as text
Which FAR clause is required in most contracts and prohibits contractors from engaging in contingent fee arrangements to obtain government contracts?
Answer: FAR 52.203-5, Covenant Against Contingent Fees
FAR 52.203-5 requires contractors to warrant that no person was employed on a contingent-fee basis to solicit or obtain the contract.
What is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA) most accurately described as?
Answer: A charge account established with qualified suppliers for repetitive needs
A BPA is a simplified method for filling anticipated repetitive needs by establishing a 'charge account' arrangement with a supplier, reducing administrative burden.
Under federal acquisition law, which of the following best describes an 'option' in a contract?
Answer: A unilateral right of the government to acquire additional supplies, services, or extend the contract term
An option gives the government a unilateral right to purchase additional quantities or extend performance at prices and terms established at the time of the basic contract award.
What is the primary distinction between 'sealed bidding' and 'negotiated acquisition' under the FAR?
Answer: Sealed bidding awards to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder with no discussions; negotiated acquisition allows discussions
In sealed bidding, award goes to the lowest responsive responsible bidder with no negotiations, while negotiated acquisition permits discussions and best value tradeoffs.
Which of the following accurately describes the role of a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)?
Answer: Monitors contractor performance and provides technical guidance within the scope of their delegation
A COR is delegated limited authority to monitor performance and provide technical direction, but cannot make commitments that alter contract terms — only the CO can do that.
What does 'responsibility' mean when applied to a prospective contractor under FAR Part 9?
Answer: The contractor possesses the financial, technical, and organizational capability to perform the contract
Responsibility refers to a prospective contractor's ability to perform — including adequate financial resources, technical capability, satisfactory performance record, and integrity.
Under the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act (FASA), which acquisition category received expanded use of commercial item acquisition procedures?
Answer: Commercially available off-the-shelf (COTS) and commercial items broadly
FASA expanded the use of commercial item acquisition procedures to maximize competition and reduce unique government requirements for commercially available products and services.