FAR Part 13 Deck 1

Question 1

What is the scope of Part 13?

Answer 1

Policies and procedures for the acquisition of supplies and services not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold

This includes construction, research and development, commercial products, and commercial services.

Question 2

Define ‘Authorized individual’ as per Part 13.

Answer 2

A person granted authority to acquire supplies and services in accordance with agency procedures

This term is critical for understanding who can make purchases under simplified acquisition procedures.

Question 3

What is the purpose of Part 13?

Answer 3

To prescribe simplified acquisition procedures to reduce costs, improve opportunities for small businesses, promote efficiency, and avoid unnecessary burdens

These objectives aim to streamline government procurement processes.

Question 4

What is a ‘Governmentwide commercial purchase card’?

Answer 4

A purchase card issued to authorized personnel to acquire and pay for supplies and services

Similar to a commercial credit card, it simplifies the procurement process.

Question 5

Fill in the blank: The simplified acquisition threshold is defined in _______.

Answer 5

[2.101]

Question 6

What must agencies do according to the policy in Part 13?

Answer 6

Use simplified acquisition procedures for all purchases not exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold

This includes purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold.

Question 7

True or False: A quotation is considered an offer that can form a binding contract.

Answer 7

False

A quotation is not an offer and cannot be accepted to form a binding contract.

Question 8

What are the conditions for using the Fast Payment Procedure?

Answer 8

General conditions for use, preparation and execution of orders, and contract clause

These conditions are outlined in Subpart 13.4.

Question 9

List three types of simplified acquisition methods mentioned in Part 13.

Answer 9

• Governmentwide commercial purchase card
• Purchase orders
• Blanket purchase agreements (BPAs)

Question 10

What is an ‘Imprest fund’?

Answer 10

A cash fund of a fixed amount established for disbursement as needed for small payments

It is funded by an advance from an agency finance or disbursing officer.

Question 11

What must the contracting officer do when acquiring supplies that exceed the simplified acquisition threshold?

Answer 11

They must not use simplified acquisition procedures

This includes acquisitions of commercial products or services exceeding $7.5 million.

Question 12

What types of small business concerns are promoted under the purpose of Part 13?

Answer 12

• Small disadvantaged
• Women-owned
• Veteran-owned
• HUBZone
• Service-disabled veteran-owned

Question 13

What is a ‘Third party draft’?

Answer 13

An agency bank draft used to acquire and pay for supplies and services

It functions similarly to a check.

Question 14

What is the significance of the simplified acquisition threshold in contracting?

Answer 14

It determines the applicability of simplified acquisition procedures and the requirement for small business set-asides

This threshold is outlined in 2.101.

Question 15

What should contracting officers promote to the maximum extent practicable?

Answer 15

Competition

This is highlighted in the policy section of Part 13.

Question 16

What is the legal effect of a quotation according to Part 13?

Answer 16

A quotation is not an offer and does not establish a contract until accepted by the supplier

The government’s order is considered an offer to the supplier.

Question 17

What happens if the government issues an order resulting from a quotation?

Answer 17

The government can withdraw, amend, or cancel its offer before acceptance occurs

This is detailed in 13.004.

Question 18

What are the inapplicable provisions and clauses at or below the simplified acquisition threshold?

Answer 18

• 52.203-5, Covenant Against Contingent Fees
• 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government
• 52.203-7, Anti-Kickback Procedures

Question 19

What must contracting officers do before rejecting a quotation from a nonresponsible small business?

Answer 19

Provide for the inspection of supplies or services as prescribed in 46.404.

This ensures that the quality and compliance of supplies or services are verified before making a decision.

Question 20

What is bulk funding in procurement?

Answer 20

A system whereby the contracting officer receives authorization to obligate funds on purchase documents against a specified lump sum reserved for a specified period.

Bulk funding is particularly beneficial for numerous purchases using the same type of funds.

Question 21

What is the primary source of vendor information for contracting officers?

Answer 21

The System for Award Management (SAM) via https://www.sam.gov.

SAM is essential for identifying and verifying vendor status.

Question 22

List the categories under which vendor status should be identified.

Answer 22

• Small business
• Small disadvantaged business
• Women-owned small business
• HUBZone small business
• Service-disabled veteran-owned small business
• Veteran-owned small business

These categories help ensure equitable opportunities for different types of businesses.

Question 23

What must contracting officers do to promote competition?

Answer 23

Solicit quotations from multiple sources and avoid personal preference in supplier selection.

This helps in obtaining the most advantageous offers for the Government.

Question 24

True or False: Contracting officers can solicit quotations based on personal preference.

Answer 24

False.

This is prohibited to maintain fairness and competition in procurement.

Question 25

What are the requirements for using standing price quotations?

Answer 25

The pricing information must be current and the Government must obtain maximum discounts before award. ## Footnote Standing price quotations allow for efficient purchasing without needing individual quotes for each transaction.

Question 26

What is the simplified acquisition threshold?

Answer 26

A monetary limit set for simplified acquisition procedures, below which procurement can be done with fewer formalities. ## Footnote This threshold varies and is periodically updated.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: The contracting officer must ensure that the proposed price is ______ before making an award.

Answer 27

[fair and reasonable]. ## Footnote Establishing price reasonableness is crucial for maintaining budget integrity.

Question 28

What should be included in the documentation for oral solicitations?

Answer 28

Names of suppliers contacted and the prices and terms quoted. ## Footnote This documentation supports the propriety of the purchase.

Question 29

What is the contracting officer's discretion regarding evaluation procedures?

Answer 29

The contracting officer has broad discretion in fashioning suitable evaluation procedures. ## Footnote This allows for flexibility in assessing offers based on the specific procurement context.

Question 30

What may the contracting officer consider when evaluating past performance?

Answer 30

* The contracting officer's knowledge and experience * Customer surveys * Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) * Any other reasonable basis ## Footnote These factors help in assessing the reliability and capability of suppliers.

Question 31

What happens if only one response is received for a solicitation?

Answer 31

Include a statement of price reasonableness in the contract file. ## Footnote This documentation is necessary to justify the award decision.

Question 32

What is the purpose of the combined synopsis and solicitation for commercial products?

Answer 32

To allow the contracting officer to combine both documents, eliminating the need for a separate solicitation. ## Footnote This streamlines the procurement process for commercial items.

Question 33

True or False: Contracting officers are required to state the relative importance of evaluation factors in solicitations.

Answer 33

False. ## Footnote While encouraged, it is not a requirement, allowing for flexibility in the solicitation process.

Question 34

What should contracting officers do if an acquisition does not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold?

Answer 34

Solicit quotations orally to the maximum extent practicable. ## Footnote Oral solicitations can expedite the procurement process for smaller purchases.

Question 35

What is the general guideline for evaluating quotations or offers?

Answer 35

Evaluate in an impartial manner and include transportation charges in the evaluation. ## Footnote This ensures fairness and comprehensiveness in the evaluation process.

Question 36

What is required from the contractor regarding Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) and type of organization?

Answer 36

Contractor's TIN and type of organization must be disclosed unless obtained from another source. ## Footnote The TIN may be used by the Government to collect and report on any delinquent amounts arising from the contractor's relationship with the Government.

Question 37

What is the preferred method for purchasing and paying for micro-purchases?

Answer 37

The Governmentwide commercial purchase card is the preferred method. ## Footnote Refer to 2.101 for additional context.

Question 38

What types of clauses are required for micro-purchases?

Answer 38

Micro-purchases do not require provisions or clauses, except as provided at 13.202 and 32.1110. ## Footnote This takes precedence over any other FAR requirement.

Question 39

What is the micro-purchase threshold for contracts inside the United States?

Answer 39

$20,000. ## Footnote This applies to acquisitions supporting contingency operations or recovery from attacks.

Question 40

What is the micro-purchase threshold for contracts outside the United States?

Answer 40

$35,000. ## Footnote This applies under similar conditions as for domestic contracts.

Question 41

Are purchases at or below the micro-purchase threshold exempt from verification in the System for Award Management?

Answer 41

Yes, they are exempt when using the Governmentwide commercial purchase card. ## Footnote This exemption is in relation to delinquent debts under the Treasury Offset Program.

Question 42

What should not be purchased from Kaspersky Lab after October 1, 2018?

Answer 42

Any hardware, software, or services developed or provided by Kaspersky Lab. ## Footnote Refer to 4.2002 for further details.

Question 43

What is the prohibition related to covered telecommunications equipment or services starting August 13, 2019?

Answer 43

Do not procure or extend contracts for any equipment or services using covered telecommunications equipment unless exceptions apply. ## Footnote See subpart 4.21 for more details.

Question 44

What does the clause 52.232-39 address in relation to micro-purchases?

Answer 44

It prevents violations of the Anti-Deficiency Act by applying automatically to any micro-purchase. ## Footnote This applies especially to license agreements that may be inconsistent with Federal law.

Question 45

What are the guidelines for soliciting competitive quotations for micro-purchases?

Answer 45

Micro-purchases may be awarded without soliciting competitive quotations if the price is considered reasonable. ## Footnote This is determined by the contracting officer's discretion.

Question 46

What is an unpriced purchase order?

Answer 46

An order for supplies or services where the price is not established at issuance. ## Footnote It may be used when impractical to obtain pricing in advance.

Question 47

What is the requirement for electronic funds transfer (EFT) in payments?

Answer 47

EFT is required for payments except as provided in 32.1110. ## Footnote This is mandated under 31 U.S.C.3332.

Question 48

What is the significance of the contracting officer's signature on purchase orders?

Answer 48

It must comply with 4.101 and definitions at 2.101. ## Footnote Facsimile and electronic signatures are permissible.

Question 49

What should be included in each purchase order?

Answer 49

Each purchase order must specify quantity, delivery date, inspection provisions, f.o.b. destination, and any discounts offered. ## Footnote This ensures clarity and compliance in procurement.

Question 50

What happens if a purchase order is to be canceled and not accepted in writing by the contractor?

Answer 50

The contracting officer must notify the contractor in writing and request acceptance of the cancellation. ## Footnote If the contractor claims costs incurred, the action must be processed as a termination.

Question 51

What clause must be included in purchase orders that authorize advance payments?

Answer 51

The clause at 52.213-2, Invoices. ## Footnote This applies to subscriptions or other charges for publications.

Question 52

What is required when modifying a purchase order?

Answer 52

Each modification must identify the order it modifies and contain a modification number. ## Footnote This ensures tracking and accountability in procurement processes.

Question 53

What clause should be used instead of 52.225-1 when trade agreements apply for acquisitions within the United States?

Answer 53

The clause at 52.225-3, Buy American-Free Trade Agreements-Israeli Trade Act ## Footnote This clause is used with the appropriate Alternate as specified.

Question 54

What should be deleted when acquiring supplies for use outside the United States?

Answer 54

Clause 52.225-1 ## Footnote This clause is not applicable for acquisitions outside the U.S.

Question 55

What should the contracting officer insert for contracts estimated to be awarded in 2022 or 2023?

Answer 55

Insert '60' in paragraph (1)(ii)(A) of the definition of domestic end product ## Footnote This is applicable when using an alternate domestic content test.

Question 56

What is a blanket purchase agreement (BPA)?

Answer 56

A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services by establishing 'charge accounts' ## Footnote BPAs are detailed in subpart 16.7.

Question 57

Who should establish BPAs?

Answer 57

An organization responsible for providing supplies for its own operations or other offices, installations, projects, or functions ## Footnote Examples include organized supply points and independent field parties.

Question 58

What responsibility remains when using BPAs?

Answer 58

Keeping obligations and expenditures within available funds ## Footnote This ensures fiscal responsibility despite the use of BPAs.

Question 59

Under what circumstances may contracting officers establish BPAs?

Answer 59

When: * There is a variety of items purchased * There is a need for commercial sources of supply * This procedure avoids writing numerous purchase orders * No existing requirements contract is available

Question 60

What must contracting officers establish when determining a BPA is advantageous?

Answer 60

Parameters to limit purchases or permit unlimited supplies or services ## Footnote This ensures control over the BPA's scope.

Question 61

Can BPAs be established with multiple suppliers?

Answer 61

Yes, for maximum practicable competition ## Footnote This allows for better pricing and service options.

Question 62

What must be included in the description of a BPA agreement?

Answer 62

A statement that the supplier shall furnish supplies or services, described in general terms ## Footnote This clarifies the supplier's obligations under the BPA.

Question 63

What is the maximum individual purchase limit under a BPA?

Answer 63

Individual purchases shall not exceed the simplified acquisition threshold ## Footnote Agency regulations may establish a higher threshold.

Question 64

What must be reviewed annually for BPAs?

Answer 64

A sufficient random sample of the BPA files ## Footnote This ensures authorized procedures are being followed.

Question 65

What indicates that an individual BPA is complete?

Answer 65

When purchases equal its total dollar limitation or when its time period expires ## Footnote This marks the end of the BPA's validity.

Question 66

What is the maximum transaction limit for imprest funds?

Answer 66

$500 or other limits approved by the agency head ## Footnote This limit ensures controlled use of imprest funds.

Question 67

What is a third-party draft transaction limit?

Answer 67

$2,500 unless authorized at a higher level ## Footnote This is subject to Treasury restrictions.

Question 68

What must be included in the documentation for purchases using imprest funds?

Answer 68

Receipt and acceptance of supplies and services by the Government ## Footnote This ensures accountability and proper record-keeping.

Question 69

What is required for each purchase using imprest funds or third-party drafts?

Answer 69

An authorized purchase requisition or contracting officer verification statement ## Footnote This ensures that adequate funds are available.

Question 70

What is the purpose of the SF 44 form?

Answer 70

It serves as a Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher ## Footnote This form streamlines the purchasing process.

Question 71

What are the required components to be included with the delivery of supplies?

Answer 71

* Supplier's name and address * List and quantity of items supplied * Unit prices and extensions * Cash discount, if any ## Footnote These components ensure proper documentation and accountability in transactions.

Question 72

What is the SF 44, Purchase Order-Invoice-Voucher used for?

Answer 72

It is a multipurpose pocket-size purchase order form designed for on-the-spot purchases of supplies and nonpersonal services ## Footnote It can also serve as a receiving report, invoice, and public voucher.

Question 73

Under what conditions can the SF 44 be used?

Answer 73

* Purchase amount is at or below the micro-purchase threshold * Supplies or services are immediately available * One delivery and one payment will be made * Use is more economical and efficient than other procedures ## Footnote These conditions ensure the appropriate use of the SF 44 form.

Question 74

What is the purpose of the fast payment procedure?

Answer 74

It allows payment to a contractor prior to Government verification that supplies have been received and accepted ## Footnote This procedure is based on the contractor's certification of delivery.

Question 75

What conditions must be met to use the fast payment procedure?

Answer 75

* Individual purchasing instruments do not exceed $35,000 * Deliveries occur at locations with geographical separation * Title to supplies passes upon delivery or receipt * Supplier agrees to replace or repair nonconforming supplies * Purchasing instrument is a firm-fixed-price contract or purchase order * A system is in place for documentation and feedback ## Footnote These conditions ensure the integrity and accountability of the fast payment process.

Question 76

What documentation is required for sole source acquisitions under simplified acquisition procedures?

Answer 76

* Written justification for the need * Approval at specified levels * Public availability of justifications within set timeframes ## Footnote This documentation ensures transparency and accountability in procurement processes.

Question 77

What is the maximum amount for which simplified procedures can be used for commercial products or services?

Answer 77

$7.5 million (or $15 million for certain acquisitions) ## Footnote This limit allows for simplified acquisition methods while still ensuring oversight.

Question 78

True or False: The SF 1449 is used for direct purchases of commercial products and services.

Answer 78

True ## Footnote It serves as a solicitation/contract/order form for commercial acquisitions.

Question 79

Fill in the blank: The SF 1165 is a receipt for _______.

Answer 79

Cash-Subvoucher ## Footnote This form is used for purchases using imprest funds or third-party drafts.

Question 80

What must be included in priced or unpriced contracts using the fast payment procedure?

Answer 80

* Requirement for supplies to be shipped prepaid * Requirement for invoices to be submitted directly to designated finance office * Consignee's notification statement regarding nonreceipt, damage, or nonconformance ## Footnote These inclusions help streamline the fast payment process while ensuring accountability.