FAR PART I B Flashcards

(78 cards)

1
Q

What is the purpose of the Federal Acquisition Regulations System?

A

To codify and publish uniform policies and procedures for acquisition by all executive agencies.

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2
Q

What does the Federal Acquisition Regulations System consist of?

A

The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and agency acquisition regulations that implement or supplement the FAR.

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3
Q

What is the vision for the Federal Acquisition System?

A

To deliver the best value product or service to the customer while maintaining public trust and fulfilling public policy objectives.

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4
Q

What are the key principles the Federal Acquisition System aims to satisfy?

A
  • Cost
  • Quality
  • Timeliness
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5
Q

What should participants in the acquisition process work towards?

A

Working together as a team and being empowered to make decisions within their areas of responsibility.

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6
Q

Name three methods to satisfy customer needs in the acquisition process.

A
  • Maximizing use of commercial products and services
  • Using contractors with successful past performance
  • Promoting competition
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7
Q

True or False: The Federal Acquisition System should minimize administrative operating costs.

A

True

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8
Q

What is emphasized in the conduct of business within the Federal Acquisition System?

A

Integrity, fairness, and openness.

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9
Q

Who are the principal customers for products or services provided by the Federal Acquisition System?

A

Users and line managers acting on behalf of the American taxpayer.

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10
Q

Fill in the blank: The System must be responsive and adaptive to _______.

A

customer needs

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11
Q

What should the Government do to maximize efficiency in the acquisition process?

A

Promulgate rules, regulations, and policies only when their benefits exceed the costs.

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12
Q

What is essential in maintaining the public’s trust within the Federal Acquisition System?

A

Integrity of the System and its members.

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13
Q

What should the Federal Acquisition System focus on instead of risk avoidance?

A

Risk management.

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14
Q

What is the role of the Acquisition Team?

A

To ensure teamwork and open communication among all participants in the acquisition process.

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15
Q

What is the authority of Government members of the Acquisition Team?

A

To make acquisition decisions within their areas of responsibility, including selection, negotiation, and administration of contracts.

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16
Q

What does the FAR outline?

A

Procurement policies and procedures used by members of the Acquisition Team.

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17
Q

How is the FAR System developed?

A

In accordance with the requirements of 41 U.S.C. chapter 13, Acquisition Councils.

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18
Q

Where is the FAR published?

A
  • Daily issue of the Federal Register
  • Cumulated form in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
  • A separate edition available online
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19
Q

What does the FAR consist of in terms of structure?

A

Divided into subchapters, parts, subparts, sections, and subsections.

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20
Q

What does the numbering system of the FAR allow?

A

Discrete identification of every FAR paragraph.

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21
Q

What is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act before Federal agencies collect information from the public?

A

Approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

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22
Q

True or False: Each member of the Acquisition Team is responsible for the wise use of public resources.

A

True

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23
Q

What does OMB stand for?

A

Office of Management and Budget

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24
Q

What is the OMB Control Number for FAR segment 14.205?

A

9000-0037

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25
Which FAR segment has the OMB Control Number 9000-0142?
15.305(a)(2)(ii)
26
What is the OMB Control Number for FAR segment 22.8?
1250-0003
27
True or False: FAR segment 31.205-46 has an OMB Control Number of 9000-0079.
True
28
What is the OMB Control Number for FAR segment 52.204-3?
9000-0189
29
Fill in the blank: The OMB Control Number for FAR segment 52.212-1(10) is _______.
9000-0142
30
Which FAR segment corresponds to OMB Control Number 9000-0188?
52.222-50
31
What is the purpose of the FAR segment OMB Control Numbers?
To identify and track federal regulations and their compliance requirements.
32
What is the OMB Control Number for FAR segment 52.216-7?
9000-0069
33
Which FAR segment has the OMB Control Number 9000-0064?
52.236-15
34
True or False: The OMB Control Number for FAR segment 52.225-2 is 9000-0024.
True
35
What OMB Control Number is assigned to FAR segment 52.229-12?
1545-2263
36
Fill in the blank: The OMB Control Number for FAR segment 52.245-1(f) and (j) is _______.
9000-0075
37
Which FAR segment is associated with OMB Control Number 9000-0032?
52.203-2
38
What is the OMB Control Number for FAR segment 52.227-13?
9000-0095
39
True or False: The OMB Control Number for FAR segment 52.247-30 is 9000-0061.
True
40
What is the purpose of SF forms in federal contracting?
SF forms are used for various federal contracting purposes, including certifications and procurement regulations. ## Footnote Examples include SF294, SF330, and SF1403.
41
What is required for a new certification by a contractor or offeror to be included in the FAR?
A new certification may only be included if: * Specifically imposed by statute * Written justification is provided and approved by the Administrator for Federal Procurement Policy. ## Footnote This is in accordance with 41 U.S.C. 1304.
42
What do the FAR conventions regarding definitions state?
Definitions in part 2 apply to the entire regulation unless specifically defined otherwise. Undefined words retain their common dictionary meaning. ## Footnote This ensures clarity in interpretation across the FAR.
43
How are dollar thresholds determined in the FAR?
Dollar thresholds are based on the final anticipated dollar value of the action, including all options. ## Footnote This applies unless otherwise specified in the FAR.
44
True or False: FAR changes apply to all solicitations regardless of their issue date.
False ## Footnote FAR changes apply to solicitations issued on or after the effective date of the change.
45
What is the significance of 41 U.S.C. 1908 in relation to FAR?
It requires periodic adjustments of statutory acquisition-related dollar thresholds for inflation every 5 years. ## Footnote Adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U).
46
What is the role of the FAR Secretariat?
The FAR Secretariat publishes and distributes the FAR and provides centralized services for maintaining current FAR cases and files. ## Footnote It operates under the General Services Administration.
47
What authority do agency heads have regarding agency acquisition regulations?
Agency heads may issue regulations that implement or supplement the FAR and govern the contracting process. ## Footnote They must ensure these regulations are published for public comment when significantly impacting contractors.
48
Fill in the blank: The _______ Act requires agencies to prepare written analyses when a law requires publication of a proposed regulation.
[Regulatory Flexibility] Act. ## Footnote This act ensures that regulations do not adversely impact small businesses without analysis.
49
What is the limitation on agency acquisition regulations?
They must implement FAR policies and procedures or supplement them to satisfy agency-specific needs. ## Footnote This ensures consistency with the overarching FAR.
50
What does the FAR require regarding the codification of agency-wide acquisition regulations?
They must be published in the Federal Register, codified under Title 48, and parallel the FAR format and numbering system. ## Footnote This maintains uniformity in federal regulations.
51
What are the responsibilities of the two councils involved in FAR revisions?
They must agree on revisions, solicit comments, consider feedback, and prepare final revisions for publication. ## Footnote The councils are the DAR Council and the CAA Council.
52
True or False: The FAR applies to all federal agencies without exception.
False ## Footnote Some agencies, like NASA, have specific compliance responsibilities under their own authorities.
53
What is the definition of a deviation according to the FAR?
Deviation means any one or combination of the following: * Issuance or use of a policy inconsistent with the FAR * Omission of a required solicitation provision or contract clause * Use of solicitation provision or contract clause with unauthorized modified language * Use of a solicitation provision or contract clause on a 'substantially as follows' basis inconsistent with FAR intent * Authorization of lesser or greater limitations on the use of FAR provisions * Issuance of policies not incorporated into agency acquisition regulations
54
What are the policies for granting deviations from the FAR?
Deviations may be granted when necessary to meet specific agency needs unless precluded by law, executive order, or regulation.
55
Who must authorize individual deviations?
Individual deviations may be authorized by the agency head.
56
What is the difference between individual deviations and class deviations?
Individual deviations affect only one contract action, while class deviations affect more than one contract action.
57
Which agency must control, process, and approve class deviations for DoD?
Class deviations for DoD shall be controlled, processed, and approved in accordance with the Defense FAR Supplement.
58
What constitutes a significant revision in the context of the FAR?
Significant revisions alter the substantive meaning of any coverage in the FAR System and have a significant cost or administrative impact.
59
What is required for public comments on proposed significant revisions?
A minimum of 30 days, and normally at least 60 days, will be given for the receipt of comments.
60
What authority does the agency head have regarding contracting?
The agency head has the authority to contract for authorized supplies and services and may delegate this authority.
61
What are the responsibilities of contracting officers?
Contracting officers are responsible for: * Ensuring compliance with contract terms * Treating contractors fairly * Ensuring sufficient funds are available * Requesting advice from specialists as needed
62
What does 'ratification' mean in the context of unauthorized commitments?
Ratification means the act of approving an unauthorized commitment by an official with the authority to do so.
63
What limitations apply to the ratification of unauthorized commitments?
Ratification may be exercised only when: * Supplies or services have been accepted by the Government * The ratifying official has authority * The resulting contract would have been proper if made by a contracting officer * The price is fair and reasonable * Funds are available
64
True or False: Class deviations must be proposed to the FAR Secretariat if they are on a permanent basis.
True
65
Fill in the blank: The issuance under 1.301(a)(2) need not be published in the _______.
Federal Register
66
What should agencies do with regulatory coverage that is not peculiar to one agency?
Agencies should recommend such coverage for inclusion in the FAR.
67
What is required of contracting officers regarding their authority?
Contracting officers must receive clear instructions in writing regarding the limits of their authority.
68
What is the role of a contracting officer's representative (COR)?
The COR assists the contracting officer but has no authority to make commitments or changes affecting price or terms.
69
What is the consequence of unauthorized commitments that are not ratifiable?
They may be subject to resolution as recommended by the Government Accountability Office.
70
What is required for the ratification of unauthorized commitments?
Payment and legal counsel concurs in the recommendation, funds were available at the time of commitment, and ratification complies with agency procedures. ## Footnote Ratification must also follow any other limitations set by agency procedures.
71
What are nonratifiable commitments subject to?
Resolution as recommended by the Government Accountability Office or as authorized by FAR subpart 50.1. ## Footnote Legal advice should be obtained in these cases.
72
Who is responsible for establishing a procurement career management program?
Agency heads are required to establish and maintain the program. ## Footnote This is mandated by 41 U.S.C. 1702(b)(3)(G).
73
What factors should be considered in the selection of contracting officers?
Complexity and dollar value of acquisitions, candidate's experience, training, education, business acumen, judgment, character, and reputation. ## Footnote Examples of selection criteria include experience in Government contracting and knowledge of acquisition policies.
74
What is the purpose of the SF 1402 form?
It is used for the written appointment of contracting officers, stating any limitations on authority. ## Footnote Appointing officials must maintain files of all appointments that have not been terminated.
75
What is the process for terminating a contracting officer's appointment?
Termination is by letter, may be due to reassignment, termination of employment, or unsatisfactory performance, and is not retroactive. ## Footnote The Certificate of Appointment may contain provisions for automatic termination.
76
What is the role of a Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)?
Assists in the technical monitoring or administration of a contract. ## Footnote The COR must maintain a file for each assigned contract.
77
Fill in the blank: A contracting officer’s representative (COR) must maintain a file that includes a copy of the contracting officer’s _______.
letter of designation
78
What documentation must the COR file include?
A copy of the contracting officer’s letter of designation, contract administration functions delegated, and documentation of COR actions taken. ## Footnote The file must contain at least these three items.