FAR Part 7 Deck 1

Question 1

What is the scope of Part 7 in the Federal Acquisition Regulation?

Answer 1

It prescribes policies and procedures for developing acquisition plans, determining resource use for acquisitions, deciding on equipment leasing versus purchasing, and identifying inherently governmental functions.

Includes guidelines for acquisition planning and resource allocation.

Question 2

Define ‘acquisition streamlining.’

Answer 2

Any effort that results in more efficient and effective use of resources to design, develop, or produce quality systems.

Ensures only necessary and cost-effective requirements are included in solicitations.

Question 3

What does ‘life-cycle cost’ refer to?

Answer 3

The total cost to the Government of acquiring, operating, supporting, and disposing of the items being acquired.

Important for budgeting and financial planning in acquisitions.

Question 4

What is the role of a ‘planner’ in acquisition planning?

Answer 4

The designated person or office responsible for developing and maintaining a written plan, or for planning functions in acquisitions not requiring a written plan.

Key to ensuring proper documentation and strategic planning.

Question 5

What is the policy regarding acquisition planning according to 7.102?

Answer 5

Agencies shall perform acquisition planning and conduct market research for all acquisitions to promote the acquisition of commercial products or services and ensure full and open competition.

Includes selection of contract types and consideration of pre-existing contracts.

Question 6

List the responsibilities of agency heads in acquisition planning.

Answer 6

• Promote full and open competition
• Encourage supply of commercial products
• Ensure documentation of contract type selection
• Establish criteria for planning detail based on complexity
• Designate planners for acquisitions
• Review and approve acquisition plans
• Ensure compliance with environmental standards
• Include ICT accessibility standards in requirements.

Critical for maintaining integrity and compliance in the acquisition process.

Question 7

When should acquisition planning begin according to 7.104?

Answer 7

As soon as the agency need is identified, preferably well in advance of the fiscal year in which contract award or order placement is necessary.

Early planning helps facilitate competition and manage costs.

Question 8

True or False: Acquisition plans must always be written for firm-fixed-price contracts.

Answer 8

False. Written plans are generally required for cost reimbursement and other high-risk contracts, but may not be necessary for firm-fixed-price contracts.

Flexibility based on contract type and risk.

Question 9

What are the required contents of written acquisition plans?

Answer 9

• Statement of need
• Applicable conditions
• Cost goals and rationale
• Discussion of life-cycle costs
• Strategies for performance-based acquisition methods.

Ensures comprehensive planning for effective acquisition.

Question 10

Fill in the blank: The planner must coordinate with the _______ in all acquisition planning.

Answer 10

[contracting officer].

Essential for ensuring compliance and alignment with contracting requirements.

Question 11

What is the focus of 7.107 regarding acquisitions?

Answer 11

It outlines additional requirements for acquisitions involving consolidation, bundling, or substantial bundling.

Aimed at ensuring fair competition and small business participation.

Question 12

What does the term ‘substantial bundling’ refer to in acquisition planning?

Answer 12

The combining of multiple requirements into one contract, which may restrict competition and small business participation.

Requires careful consideration to avoid negative impacts on market competition.

Question 13

What are the responsibilities of contracting officers in the acquisition process?

Answer 13

• Review acquisition history
• Ensure compliance with FAR requirements
• Consult the Disaster Response Registry for relevant acquisitions.

Key for effective oversight and management of contracts.

Question 14

What are the significant conditions affecting acquisition?

Answer 14

Requirements for compatibility with existing or future systems or programs; known cost, schedule, and capability or performance constraints.

Question 15

What should be included in the cost section of the acquisition plan?

Answer 15

Established cost goals and rationale, life-cycle cost considerations, design-to-cost objectives, and application of should-cost analysis.

Question 16

What is life-cycle cost?

Answer 16

The total cost of ownership over the life of the asset, including acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal costs.

Question 17

What does design-to-cost involve?

Answer 17

Setting cost objectives and assumptions, including quantity, learning-curve, and economic adjustment factors.

Question 18

What is should-cost analysis?

Answer 18

A management tool used to establish cost expectations for a project or program.

Question 19

What capabilities or performance characteristics must be specified in the acquisition plan?

Answer 19

Required capabilities or performance standards of the supplies or services being acquired.

Question 20

What should be described regarding delivery or performance-period requirements?

Answer 20

The basis for establishing these requirements and reasons for any urgency.

Question 21

What are trade-offs in the context of acquisition?

Answer 21

The expected consequences of balancing cost, capability or performance, and schedule goals.

Question 22

What risks should be discussed in the acquisition plan?

Answer 22

Technical, cost, and schedule risks, along with efforts to reduce those risks.

Question 23

What is acquisition streamlining?

Answer 23

Plans and procedures to encourage industry participation and tailor contract requirements.

Question 24

What sources should be indicated in the acquisition plan?

Answer 24

Prospective sources of supplies or services that can meet the need.

Question 25

What considerations should be made regarding competition?

Answer 25

How competition will be sought, promoted, and sustained throughout the acquisition.

Question 26

What is the rationale for contract type selection?

Answer 26

The complexity of requirements, uncertain duration, contractor's capability, and adequacy of the accounting system.

Question 27

What must be discussed regarding source-selection procedures?

Answer 27

The basis for using a reverse auction, timing for proposals, and evaluation factors related to acquisition objectives.

Question 28

What should be included in acquisition considerations?

Answer 28

Use of multiyear contracting, options, special clauses, and whether sealed bidding or negotiation will be used.

Question 29

What budgeting and funding aspects need to be included?

Answer 29

Budget estimates, how they were derived, and the schedule for obtaining adequate funds.

Question 30

What types of product or service descriptions should be explained?

Answer 30

Types of descriptions including performance-based acquisition descriptions.

Question 31

What should be specified regarding contractor versus Government performance?

Answer 31

Consideration given to OMB Circular No. A-76.

Question 32

What is the significance of inherently governmental functions?

Answer 32

Consideration given to functions that are inherently governmental and should not be contracted out.

Question 33

What management information requirements should be discussed?

Answer 33

The management system used to monitor the contractor’s effort.

Question 34

What is the make-or-buy consideration?

Answer 34

Discussion on whether to make or buy the required items.

Question 35

What should be described regarding test and evaluation?

Answer 35

The test program for each major phase of a major system acquisition.

Question 36

What logistics considerations must be described?

Answer 36

Assumptions determining contractor or agency support, reliability and maintainability requirements, and data requirements.

Question 37

What is Government-furnished property?

Answer 37

Any Government property provided to contractors, including considerations for its availability.

Question 38

What is included in Government-furnished information?

Answer 38

Any manuals, drawings, and test data to be provided to contractors.

Question 39

What environmental objectives should be discussed?

Answer 39

Applicable environmental and energy conservation objectives associated with the acquisition.

Question 40

What security considerations must be addressed?

Answer 40

How security will be established for classified matters and information technology acquisitions.

Question 41

What does contract administration involve?

Answer 41

How the contract will be administered, including inspection and acceptance criteria.

Question 42

What other considerations should be included in the acquisition plan?

Answer 42

Standardization concepts, industrial readiness programs, and implications of foreign sales.

Question 43

What milestones should be addressed in the acquisition cycle?

Answer 43

Acquisition plan approval, statement of work, specifications, and contract award.

Question 44

Who should be identified in the acquisition plan preparation?

Answer 44

Individuals who participated in preparing the acquisition plan, with contact information.

Question 45

What is required for major systems in the solicitation planning?

Answer 45

Proposals to incorporate items available within the supply system or commercially available.

Question 46

What opportunities should be identified in major system production contracts?

Answer 46

Proposals assuring competitive future acquisitions for items likely needed in substantial quantities.

Question 47

What must offerors include in their proposals to assure the Government can obtain items competitively?

Answer 47

Proposals identifying opportunities for competitive future acquisitions ## Footnote This includes technical data rights and multiple sources of supply.

Question 48

What rights should be proposed for technical data under the contract?

Answer 48

The right to use technical data for competitive future acquisitions ## Footnote This includes the cost to the Government of acquiring such data.

Question 49

What must planners consider when determining the application of certain paragraphs?

Answer 49

The purposes for which the system is being acquired and necessary technology ## Footnote This affects the evaluation of competing offers.

Question 50

What are the additional requirements for acquisitions involving consolidation or bundling?

Answer 50

Follow guidance in 7.107-3, 7.107-4, and 7.107-5 ## Footnote These sections provide specific requirements and exceptions.

Question 51

What is required for a consolidation of requirements exceeding $2 million?

Answer 51

A written determination that the consolidation is necessary and justified ## Footnote This must be coordinated with the agency's Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization.

Question 52

What factors must be identified before consolidating requirements?

Answer 52

* Market research conducted * Alternative contracting approaches identified * Negative impact on small business participation * Steps to include small businesses in the strategy ## Footnote This ensures small business concerns are considered.

Question 53

What constitutes substantial benefits from consolidation?

Answer 53

Benefits that are quantifiable in dollar amounts or other specific identified benefits ## Footnote Examples include cost savings, quality improvements, and better terms.

Question 54

What are the thresholds for quantifiable benefits in consolidation?

Answer 54

* 10% of contract value if $94 million or less * 5% or $9.4 million if value exceeds $94 million ## Footnote These thresholds guide justifications for consolidation.

Question 55

What is the definition of bundling in procurement?

Answer 55

The combining of contract requirements that may impact small business participation ## Footnote Bundling must be justified by substantial benefits.

Question 56

What must agencies document when engaging in substantial bundling?

Answer 56

* Specific benefits from bundling * Impediments to small business participation * Actions to maximize small business participation * Justification for anticipated benefits ## Footnote This ensures transparency and consideration of small businesses.

Question 57

What notification must be given to small business contractors before bundling?

Answer 57

At least 30 days prior to the issuance of the solicitation ## Footnote This allows small businesses to prepare and respond accordingly.

Question 58

What is required when a contract involves substantial bundling?

Answer 58

Publish a notice of determination and rationale for substantial bundling ## Footnote This must occur no later than 7 days after the determination.

Question 59

What is the general stance on telecommuting in Government contracts?

Answer 59

Agencies shall not discourage telecommuting ## Footnote Prohibitions are only allowed if security requirements cannot be met.

Question 60

What is the policy for purchasing supplies in economic quantities?

Answer 60

Procure supplies in quantities that are most advantageous to the Government ## Footnote This includes not exceeding the reasonably expected quantity required.

Question 61

What must each solicitation for supplies include if practicable?

Answer 61

A provision inviting offerors to state an opinion on the quantity of supplies required ## Footnote This helps in planning and optimizing procurement.

Question 62

What are agencies required to procure supplies according to 10 U.S.C. 3242 and 41 U.S.C. 3310?

Answer 62

Agencies must procure supplies in quantities that: * Result in the total cost and unit cost most advantageous to the Government * Do not exceed the quantity reasonably expected to be required by the agency ## Footnote These requirements ensure efficient use of resources and budgetary considerations.

Question 63

What must each solicitation for a contract for supplies include, if practicable?

Answer 63

Each solicitation must invite offerors to: * State an opinion on whether the proposed quantity is economically advantageous * Recommend quantities that would be more economically advantageous, including total and unit prices for each recommended quantity ## Footnote This encourages competitive pricing and helps agencies make informed decisions.

Question 64

When is the provision at 52.207-4, Economic Purchase Quantity-Supplies, not required to be inserted in solicitations?

Answer 64

The provision need not be inserted if: * The Government already has the data * The data is readily available * It is impracticable for the Government to vary future requirements ## Footnote This allows flexibility in procurement processes.

Question 65

What is the responsibility of contracting officers regarding offeror responses to solicitation provisions?

Answer 65

Contracting officers must transmit offeror responses to: * Appropriate inventory management/requirements development activities ## Footnote This process assists inventory managers in determining economic order quantities.

Question 66

What should contracting officers do if significant price variation is evident from offeror responses?

Answer 66

Contracting officers should: * Consult with the cognizant inventory manager or requirements development activity before proceeding with an award or negotiations * If necessary, amend or cancel the solicitation and obtain a new requisition ## Footnote This helps ensure the Government acquires supplies at the best price.

Question 67

What is the policy regarding inherently governmental activities according to OMB Circular A-76?

Answer 67

The policy states that: * Inherently governmental activities must be performed by Government personnel * Commercial activities should be subjected to competition ## Footnote This guideline reinforces the distinction between government functions and commercial services.

Question 68

What are examples of inherently governmental functions?

Answer 68

Examples include: * Conducting criminal investigations * Commanding military forces * Determining agency policy * Approving Federal licensing actions * Collecting public funds ## Footnote These functions require government accountability and oversight.

Question 69

What factors should be considered when acquiring equipment?

Answer 69

Factors to consider include: * Estimated length of use * Financial and operating advantages * Cumulative payments for use * Net purchase price * Maintenance and repair costs * Potential obsolescence ## Footnote A thorough analysis ensures cost-effectiveness in equipment acquisition.

Question 70

What are the methods of equipment acquisition that agencies must compare?

Answer 70

Methods of acquisition include: * Purchase * Short-term rental or lease * Long-term rental or lease * Interagency acquisition * Agency acquisition agreements with State or local government ## Footnote Comparing these methods aids in selecting the most advantageous option for the Government.

Question 71

In what situations is analysis of acquisition methods not required?

Answer 71

Analysis is not required when: * An emergency declaration is issued * Necessary for protecting human life or property * Otherwise authorized by law ## Footnote This provision allows for expedited procurement in critical situations.

Question 72

What is the preferred method of equipment acquisition if rental or leasing is justified?

Answer 72

A rental or lease agreement with an option to purchase is preferred ## Footnote This provides flexibility and potential cost savings for the Government.

Question 73

What assistance can the General Services Administration (GSA) provide to agencies?

Answer 73

GSA can assist with: * Pending price adjustments to Federal Supply Schedule contracts * Recent technological developments * New techniques * Industry or market trends ## Footnote GSA support helps agencies make informed procurement decisions.

Question 74

What must contracting officers insert in solicitations involving a rental or lease agreement with an option to purchase?

Answer 74

Contracting officers must insert a clause substantially the same as the clause in 52.207-5, Option to Purchase Equipment ## Footnote This clause outlines terms for potential future purchase of leased equipment.

Question 75

What are services that involve or relate to budget preparation?

Answer 75

Workload modeling, fact finding, efficiency studies, should-cost analyses ## Footnote These services are essential for effective financial planning and management within agencies.

Question 76

What type of services involve reorganization and planning activities?

Answer 76

Services that assist in structuring and strategizing agency functions ## Footnote Such services are crucial for improving agency efficiency and effectiveness.

Question 77

What services involve analyses and feasibility studies for policy development?

Answer 77

Services that provide strategy options to agency personnel ## Footnote These analyses help agencies make informed policy decisions.

Question 78

What services relate to the development of regulations?

Answer 78

Services that assist in creating rules and guidelines for agency operations ## Footnote Regulation development is essential for compliance and governance.

Question 79

What services evaluate another contractor's performance?

Answer 79

Services that assess the effectiveness and efficiency of contractor work ## Footnote Evaluations ensure accountability and quality in contractor performance.

Question 80

What type of services support acquisition planning?

Answer 80

Services that aid in preparing for procurement processes ## Footnote These services are vital for ensuring successful acquisition outcomes.

Question 81

What assistance might contractors provide in contract management?

Answer 81

Influencing official evaluations of other contractors ## Footnote This role can affect fairness and transparency in contractor evaluations.

Question 82

What is the role of contractors in technical evaluations of contract proposals?

Answer 82

Providing expert assessment of proposals submitted for contracts ## Footnote Technical evaluations are key for selecting the best proposals.

Question 83

What assistance do contractors provide in developing statements of work?

Answer 83

Helping to create detailed descriptions of project requirements ## Footnote Clear statements of work are critical for project success.

Question 84

What type of support do contractors provide for Freedom of Information Act requests?

Answer 84

Assistance in preparing responses to information requests from the public ## Footnote This support ensures compliance with transparency laws.

Question 85

In what situations might contractors gain access to confidential business information?

Answer 85

When working in roles not covered by the National Industrial Security Program ## Footnote Access to sensitive information requires strict adherence to security protocols.

Question 86

What services do contractors provide regarding agency policies or regulations?

Answer 86

Attending conferences, conducting community relations campaigns, agency training courses ## Footnote These activities help promote agency objectives and compliance.

Question 87

What is a situation where contractors might be perceived as agency employees?

Answer 87

Participating in activities that suggest they represent the agency ## Footnote Clarity in roles is necessary to avoid misinterpretation.

Question 88

What role do contractors play in source selection boards?

Answer 88

Acting as technical advisors or members of evaluation boards ## Footnote Their expertise can enhance the selection process for contracts.

Question 89

What is the role of contractors serving as arbitrators?

Answer 89

Providing alternative methods of dispute resolution ## Footnote This service helps resolve conflicts without litigation.

Question 90

What type of construction might contractors engage in for electronic security?

Answer 90

Building structures secure from electronic eavesdropping and foreign penetration ## Footnote Security in construction is critical for protecting sensitive information.

Question 91

What services do contractors provide related to inspection?

Answer 91

Conducting inspections of various projects or services ## Footnote Inspections ensure compliance with standards and regulations.

Question 92

What legal services might contractors provide to government officials?

Answer 92

Providing legal advice and interpretations of regulations and statutes ## Footnote This guidance is essential for proper governance and compliance.

Question 93

What are special non-law enforcement security activities provided by contractors?

Answer 93

Activities like prisoner detention or transport, non-military national security details ## Footnote These services ensure safety and security in various contexts.

Question 94

What is required for agency implementation regarding contractor functions?

Answer 94

A written determination that none of the functions are inherently governmental ## Footnote This assessment ensures proper delineation of responsibilities.

Question 95

What factors should be emphasized in the determination of contractor functions?

Answer 95

Degree of discretionary authority, decision-making responsibility, accountability of Government officials ## Footnote These factors help clarify the role of contractors in government operations.

Question 96

What happens if there are disagreements regarding contractor function determinations?

Answer 96

They will be resolved according to agency procedures before solicitation issuance ## Footnote This process is important for maintaining procedural integrity.