FAR Part 1 Overhaul (2025)

Question 1

What is the Federal Acquisition Regulations System (the System)?

Answer 1

A collection of acquisition regulations and guidance including the FAR, agency acquisition regulations, and acquisition guides.

The FAR is located at 48 CFR chapter 1.

Question 2

What are the components of the System?

Answer 2

• The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
• Agency acquisition regulations
• Acquisition guides

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of the FAR?

Answer 3

To serve as a single acquisition regulation for all acquisitions and executive agencies.

Question 4

What does the System aim to ensure regarding taxpayer dollars?

Answer 4

The most effective use of taxpayer dollars while balancing various interests and objectives.

Question 5

What is one guiding principle of the System?

Answer 5

Maximize buying commercial products or services rather than requiring Government-unique solutions.

Question 6

True or False: The System includes internal guidance supplementing agency acquisition regulations.

Answer 6

False

Question 7

What is the role of acquisition team members in the System?

Answer 7

To exercise personal initiative and sound business judgment to meet the agency’s mission and manage risk.

Question 8

What is the definition of ‘deviation’ in the context of the FAR?

Answer 8

Issuing or using a policy, procedure, or practice inconsistent with the FAR.

Question 9

What must agencies do if they wish to issue agency acquisition regulations?

Answer 9

They must ensure regulations do not unnecessarily repeat or conflict with the FAR.

Question 10

What is the purpose of the FAR Council?

Answer 10

To prepare and jointly issue the FAR under their statutory authorities.

Question 11

How often are statutory acquisition-related dollar thresholds adjusted for inflation?

Answer 11

Every 5 years.

Question 12

What does 41 U.S.C. chapter 13 pertain to?

Answer 12

Acquisition Councils.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: The FAR is published in the daily issue of the _______.

Answer 13

Federal Register

Question 14

What is the responsibility of contracting officers?

Answer 14

• Signing, administering, or terminating contracts
• Ensuring compliance with contract terms
• Ensuring impartial treatment of offerors and contractors

Question 15

What is required before a contracting officer signs a contract?

Answer 15

• Ensure it meets all requirements of law and regulations
• Ensure funds are available for obligation

Question 16

What does 41 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)(G) require agency heads to establish?

Answer 16

A procurement career management program.

Question 17

What must agencies do if their acquisition regulations have a significant effect beyond internal procedures?

Answer 17

Publish them for comment in the Federal Register.

Question 18

What is the purpose of class deviations from the FAR?

Answer 18

To affect more than one contract action.

Question 19

What is the maximum timeframe for the FAR Council to review class deviation requests?

Answer 19

5 business days.

Question 20

True or False: Individual deviations can affect multiple contract actions.

Answer 20

False

Question 21

What is one responsibility of the FAR Regulatory Secretariat?

Answer 21

To publish and distribute the FAR through the CFR system.

Question 22

What happens to FAR sections not required by statute after 4 years?

Answer 22

They must expire unless renewed by the FAR Council.

Question 23

What is the definition of ‘modification’ in the FAR?

Answer 23

A change to a solicitation provision or contract clause not authorized by the FAR.

Question 24

What is required by 41 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)(G) regarding procurement management?

Answer 24

Agency heads must establish and maintain a procurement career management program, including a system to select, appoint, and terminate contracting officers’ appointments.

This law emphasizes the importance of a structured approach to managing procurement personnel.

Question 25

What form is used to appoint contracting officers?

Answer 25

Standard Form (SF) 1402, Certificate of Appointment. ## Footnote This form must include limitations on the contracting officer’s authority.

Question 26

Who has the authority to appoint contracting officers?

Answer 26

Agency heads or their designees. ## Footnote Appointments must align with Office of Federal Procurement Policy standards.

Question 27

What must agency heads do to terminate a contracting officer's appointment?

Answer 27

Terminate by letter, unless other provisions for automatic termination are included in the Certificate of Appointment. ## Footnote Terminations can occur for reasons like reassignment or unsatisfactory performance.

Question 28

What is the role of a contracting officer's representative (COR)?

Answer 28

Assists in the technical monitoring or administration of a contract. ## Footnote The COR must maintain a file for each assigned contract.

Question 29

What qualifications must a COR possess?

Answer 29

* Must be a Government employee * Must be certified * Must have relevant training and experience ## Footnote Certification must align with Office of Management and Budget guidance.

Question 30

True or False: A COR has the authority to make changes that affect the contract terms.

Answer 30

False. ## Footnote A COR cannot make commitments or changes affecting price, quality, or other terms.

Question 31

What is the definition of 'ratification' in the context of unauthorized commitments?

Answer 31

The act of approving an unauthorized commitment by an official who has the authority to do so. ## Footnote This process is essential to ensure that the government can still honor commitments made without proper authority.

Question 32

What criteria must be met for an unauthorized commitment to be ratifiable?

Answer 32

* Government accepted supplies or services * Ratifying official has authority * Resulting contract would be proper * Price is fair and reasonable * Legal counsel concurs * Funds were available ## Footnote These criteria ensure that only valid commitments are ratified.

Question 33

What does D&F stand for?

Answer 33

Determinations and Findings. ## Footnote D&Fs are required before taking certain contract actions.

Question 34

What is the minimum content required in a D&F?

Answer 34

* Identification of the agency and contracting activity * Description of the action * Citation to statute/regulation * Findings supporting the determination * Signature of the authorized official ## Footnote Each element is crucial for the validity of the D&F.

Question 35

What is a class D&F?

Answer 35

A class D&F provides authority for a class of contract actions. ## Footnote This allows for streamlined approvals for similar contract actions.

Question 36

What happens if a D&F is replaced by another D&F?

Answer 36

The action taken under the original D&F remains valid. ## Footnote This ensures continuity in contract actions even during changes in approvals.

Question 37

Who must sign a D&F?

Answer 37

The appropriate official according to agency regulations. ## Footnote Signatory authority for D&Fs is defined in the applicable FAR part.