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FAC exam prep by FAR Parts 1-15 > FAR Part 15 Deck 1 > Flashcards

FAR Part 15 Deck 1 Flashcards

(104 cards)

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1
Q

What is the scope of Part 15?

A

This part prescribes policies and procedures governing competitive and noncompetitive negotiated acquisitions

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2
Q

Define ‘Deficiency’ in the context of proposals.

A

A material failure of a proposal to meet a Government requirement or a combination of significant weaknesses in a proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance to an unacceptable level

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3
Q

What is ‘Proposal modification’?

A

A change made to a proposal before the solicitation closing date and time, or made in response to an amendment, or made to correct a mistake at any time before award

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4
Q

What is the difference between ‘Proposal modification’ and ‘Proposal revision’?

A

Proposal modification occurs before the solicitation closing date, while proposal revision is a change made after the solicitation closing date at the request of a contracting officer

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5
Q

What does ‘Weakness’ refer to in a proposal?

A

A flaw in the proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance

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6
Q

What is meant by ‘Sole source acquisitions’?

A

Acquisitions where the request for proposals should be tailored to remove unnecessary information and requirements

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7
Q

What is the goal of competitive acquisitions?

A

To minimize the complexity of the solicitation, evaluation, and source selection decision while fostering an impartial and comprehensive evaluation

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8
Q

What is the ‘Best value continuum’?

A

An agency can obtain best value in negotiated acquisitions by using any one or a combination of source selection approaches

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9
Q

Describe the ‘Tradeoff process’.

A

A process appropriate when the Government may consider award to other than the lowest priced offeror or other than the highest technically rated offeror

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10
Q

What is the ‘Lowest price technically acceptable source selection process’?

A

A process where the best value is expected from selecting the technically acceptable proposal with the lowest evaluated price

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11
Q

When is the lowest price technically acceptable source selection process appropriate?

A

When an agency can clearly describe the minimum requirements and expects no, or minimal, value from proposals exceeding minimum requirements

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12
Q

What are ‘Tiered evaluations of small business offers’?

A

An agency shall not create a tiered evaluation of offers for multiple-award contracts unless it has statutory authority

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13
Q

What is the purpose of oral presentations in the acquisition process?

A

To substitute for or augment written information and streamline the source selection process

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14
Q

What should a solicitation include when oral presentations are required?

A

Sufficient information for offerors to prepare, including types of information to present and evaluation factors

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15
Q

What does the term ‘Proposal evaluation’ refer to?

A

The process of assessing the proposals received based on established evaluation factors

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16
Q

What is the significance of documentation in the negotiation process?

A

It provides a record of the negotiations and justifies decisions made during the source selection process

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17
Q

What is ‘Proposal analysis’?

A

A systematic assessment of proposals to determine their acceptability and value

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18
Q

What does ‘Handling proposals and information’ encompass?

A

The procedures for managing the proposals and any accompanying information received

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19
Q

What is the role of ‘Advisory multi-step process’?

A

To facilitate an organized method of soliciting proposals in multiple phases

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20
Q

What are the responsibilities outlined in source selection?

A

Responsibilities include ensuring the evaluation factors are clear and managing the source selection decision

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21
Q

What is meant by ‘Contract format’?

A

The structured layout of contracts, including specific parts detailing various elements of the agreement

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22
Q

What does ‘Amending the solicitation’ involve?

A

Making modifications to the solicitation after it has been issued

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23
Q

Fill in the blank: A _______ is a flaw in a proposal that increases the risk of unsuccessful contract performance.

A

Weakness

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24
Q

True or False: The lowest price technically acceptable source selection process allows tradeoffs.

A

False

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25
What criteria must be met for an unsolicited proposal to be accepted?
The criteria for acceptance and negotiation must be outlined clearly in the agency procedures
26
What is the purpose of 'Protests against award'?
To provide a mechanism for unsuccessful offerors to challenge the award decision
27
What does 'Submission, modification, revision, and withdrawal of proposals' entail?
Procedures regarding how proposals can be submitted or altered before the award decision
28
What is required for information to be put in writing according to the conditions?
Incorporation by reference of oral statements is not permitted. ## Footnote This means that any agreements or understandings must be documented in writing.
29
What must the Government comply with during oral presentations?
The Government must comply with 15.306 and 15.307. ## Footnote These sections outline the procedures for discussions and presentations in the proposal process.
30
What does Subpart 15.2 cover?
Policies and procedures for: * Exchanging information with industry prior to receipt of proposals * Preparing and issuing requests for proposals (RFPs) and requests for information (RFIs) * Receiving proposals and information.
31
What is the purpose of exchanging information before receipt of proposals?
To improve understanding of Government requirements and industry capabilities. ## Footnote This allows potential offerors to assess whether they can satisfy the Government's requirements.
32
List some techniques to promote early exchanges of information.
* Industry or small business conferences * Public hearings * Market research * One-on-one meetings * Presolicitation notices * Draft RFPs * RFIs * Presolicitation or preproposal conferences * Site visits.
33
What is an RFI used for?
To obtain price, delivery, or other market information for planning purposes when the Government does not intend to award a contract. ## Footnote Responses to RFIs are not offers and cannot create binding contracts.
34
True or False: General information about agency mission needs may be disclosed at any time.
True.
35
What must happen if specific information about a proposed acquisition is disclosed to one potential offeror?
That information must be made available to the public as soon as practicable. ## Footnote This is to avoid creating an unfair competitive advantage.
36
What does a presolicitation notice provide?
A general description of the scope or purpose of the acquisition and invites potential offerors to submit information. ## Footnote This helps the Government advise offerors about their potential to be viable competitors.
37
What are RFPs used for?
To communicate Government requirements to prospective contractors and to solicit proposals.
38
What minimum information must RFPs describe?
* Government's requirement * Anticipated terms and conditions * Information required in the offeror's proposal * Evaluation factors and their relative importance.
39
What factors should contracting officers consider when deciding to use facsimile proposals?
* Anticipated proposal size and volume * Urgency of the requirement * Availability and suitability of electronic commerce methods * Adequacy of administrative procedures.
40
What should the contract files for oral solicitations include?
* Description of the requirement * Rationale for use of an oral solicitation * Sources solicited * Solicitation number.
41
What is the purpose of a uniform contract format?
To facilitate preparation of the solicitation and contract and to aid in reference and use by offerors, contractors, and contract administrators.
42
What sections are included in the uniform contract format?
* Part I - The Schedule * Part II - Contract Clauses * Part III - List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments * Part IV - Representations and Instructions.
43
What information must be included in Section A of the contract Schedule?
* Name, address, and location of issuing activity * Solicitation number * Date of issuance * Closing date and time * Number of pages.
44
What does Section B of the contract Schedule cover?
Supplies or services and prices/costs, including item description and quantities.
45
In Section C of the contract Schedule, what is included?
Description or specifications needed in addition to Section B.
46
What should Section D of the contract Schedule specify?
Packaging and marking requirements.
47
What is the focus of Section E in the contract Schedule?
Inspection and acceptance requirements.
48
What does Section F of the contract Schedule detail?
Requirements for time, place, and method of delivery or performance.
49
What type of information is included in Section G of the contract Schedule?
Contract administration data and instructions.
50
What is included in Section H of the contract Schedule?
Special contract requirements that are not covered in other sections.
51
What does Section I of the contract clauses include?
Clauses required by law or regulation and any additional clauses expected in the resulting contract.
52
What should Section J in the contract format list?
Titles, dates, and number of pages for each attached document, exhibit, and other attachment.
53
What is the purpose of Section K in the contract format?
To include representations, certifications, and other statements required from offerors.
54
What does Section L in the contract format provide?
Instructions, conditions, and notices to guide offerors in preparing proposals.
55
What is outlined in Section M of the contract format?
Significant factors and subfactors that will be considered in awarding the contract.
56
What must contracting officers do when issuing solicitations?
Issue solicitations to potential sources in accordance with the policies and procedures in 5.102.
57
What is the purpose of Section M in contract evaluation?
To identify all significant factors and subfactors for contract award and their relative importance ## Footnote See 15.304(d) for additional details on this section.
58
What must a contracting officer do when changing solicitation requirements?
Amend the solicitation ## Footnote Refer to 15.206 for the procedures related to amending solicitations.
59
What information should be included in each amendment to a solicitation?
* Name and address of issuing activity * Solicitation number and date * Amendment number and date * Number of pages * Description of the change * Government point of contact * Revision to solicitation closing date if applicable ## Footnote See 15.206(g) for more details.
60
When is a proposal considered 'late'?
If received after the exact time specified for receipt of proposals ## Footnote See 15.208(b)(1) for criteria regarding late proposals.
61
What must be done if a proposal is unreadable?
Notify the offeror and allow resubmission ## Footnote Refer to 15.207(c) for the process regarding unreadable proposals.
62
What is the objective of source selection?
To select the proposal that represents the best value ## Footnote See 15.302 for the objective of source selection.
63
Who is responsible for source selection within an agency?
Agency heads are responsible; the contracting officer is designated as the source selection authority ## Footnote Refer to 15.303(a) for details on responsibilities.
64
What are evaluation factors in source selection?
Key areas of importance for comparing competing proposals ## Footnote See 15.304 for details on evaluation factors.
65
What must be evaluated in every source selection?
Price or cost to the Government ## Footnote Refer to 15.304(c)(1)(i) for requirements related to price evaluation.
66
When can a contracting officer choose not to include price as an evaluation factor?
When the solicitation meets specific criteria such as estimated value above the simplified acquisition threshold ## Footnote See 15.304(c)(1)(ii)(A) for these criteria.
67
What should proposals be safeguarded from during the source selection process?
Unauthorized disclosure ## Footnote Refer to 15.207(b) regarding safeguarding proposals.
68
What happens if an emergency interrupts proposal receipt?
The time specified for receipt is extended to the next working day ## Footnote See 15.208(d) for emergency procedures.
69
What is required to document late proposals and modifications?
* Date and hour of receipt * Statement on whether the proposal was considered for award * Evidence of date of receipt ## Footnote Refer to 15.208(h) for documentation requirements.
70
What clause must be inserted in competitive solicitations for contracts without discussions?
Provision at 52.215-1, Instructions to Offerors-Competitive Acquisition ## Footnote See 15.209(a) for details on this requirement.
71
What forms may be used at the discretion of the contracting officer for solicitations?
* Standard Form 33 * Optional Form 308 * Standard Form 30 * Optional Form 309 * Optional Form 17 ## Footnote See 15.210 for additional information on forms.
72
True or False: Proposals may be withdrawn at any time before award.
True ## Footnote Refer to 15.208(e) for withdrawal procedures.
73
What happens to late proposals that are not considered?
They must be held unopened until after award ## Footnote See 15.208(g) for the handling of late proposals.
74
What is required from the contracting officer if a proposal is received late?
Notify the offeror whether it will be considered ## Footnote Refer to 15.208(f) for notification requirements.
75
What clause should be used for audit and records in solicitations?
Clause at 52.215-2, Audit and Records-Negotiation ## Footnote See 15.209(b) for details regarding the audit clause.
76
What is the purpose of multiple-award contracts under section 8(a) of the Small Business Act?
They provide for sole source orders.
77
What factors must be considered in every source selection?
* Past performance * Compliance with solicitation requirements * Technical excellence * Management capability * Personnel qualifications * Prior experience
78
When is past performance evaluated in source selections?
In all source selections for negotiated competitive acquisitions expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold.
79
For solicitations not set aside for small businesses, what must the contracting officer include regarding small business participation?
A factor to evaluate past performance indicating the extent to which the offeror attained applicable goals for small business participation.
80
True or False: Past performance evaluation is mandatory for all acquisitions.
False.
81
What must be documented if past performance is not evaluated?
The reason why past performance is not an appropriate evaluation factor.
82
What should be stated clearly in the solicitation regarding factors affecting contract award?
All factors and significant subfactors affecting contract award and their relative importance.
83
What does proposal evaluation assess?
The proposal and the offeror's ability to perform the prospective contract successfully.
84
What is the normal method for establishing price reasonableness?
Competition.
85
What analysis is included when contracting on a cost-reimbursement basis?
A cost realism analysis.
86
What information is considered in past performance evaluation?
* Currency and relevance of information * Source of information * Context of data * General trends in contractor's performance
87
What happens if an offeror has no relevant past performance record?
They may not be evaluated favorably or unfavorably on past performance.
88
What must be structured to give offers from small business concerns the highest rating?
Solicitations.
89
What are clarifications in proposal evaluation?
Limited exchanges between the Government and offerors when award without discussions is contemplated.
90
What is the purpose of communications with offerors before establishing the competitive range?
To enhance Government understanding of proposals and facilitate the evaluation process.
91
What is the competitive range?
A range comprised of all the most highly rated proposals.
92
What must the contracting officer indicate to each offeror still being considered for award during discussions?
Deficiencies, significant weaknesses, and adverse past performance information.
93
What is not allowed during exchanges with offerors?
* Favoring one offeror over another * Revealing an offeror's technical solution * Revealing an offeror's price without permission
94
What happens if an offeror's proposal is eliminated from the competitive range?
No further revisions to that offeror's proposal shall be accepted or considered.
95
What must be established for final proposal revisions?
A common cut-off date.
96
What is the source selection authority's (SSA) decision based on?
The evaluations and assessments of the proposals.
97
What may the contracting officer request from offerors during negotiations?
Proposal revisions to clarify and document understandings reached during negotiations ## Footnote This allows for better communication and understanding between the contracting officer and the offerors.
98
What opportunity is given to each offeror still in the competitive range at the conclusion of discussions?
To submit a final proposal revision ## Footnote This is a critical step in ensuring that the proposals reflect the latest understanding between the parties.
99
What is required from the contracting officer regarding final proposal revisions?
Establish a common cut-off date for receipt ## Footnote This ensures that all offerors are treated fairly and have the same deadline.
100
What must requests for final proposal revisions include?
Advise offerors that revisions shall be in writing and that the Government intends to make award without obtaining further revisions ## Footnote This provides clarity and sets expectations for the offerors.
101
What is the basis for the source selection authority's (SSA) decision?
A comparative assessment of proposals against all source selection criteria in the solicitation ## Footnote This ensures that the decision is grounded in a fair evaluation of all proposals.
102
Can the SSA use reports and analyses prepared by others for the source selection decision?
Yes, but the decision must represent the SSA's independent judgment ## Footnote This maintains the integrity of the decision-making process.
103
What must the documentation of the source selection decision include?
Rationale for any business judgments and tradeoffs made or relied on by the SSA ## Footnote This documentation is vital for transparency and accountability in the selection process.
104
Is it necessary for the documentation of the source selection decision to quantify the tradeoffs that led to the decision?
No, the documentation need not quantify the tradeoffs ## Footnote However, providing rationale is still essential for understanding the decision.

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