FAR Part 6: Competition Requirements
FAR Part 6 is foundational to federal procurement, as it mandates full and open competition and outlines the specific policies and procedures agencies must follow. Adherence to this part ensures a level playing field for contractors and helps the government receive fair and reasonable prices for supplies and services. This default posture is designed to maximize value, innovation, and fairness for the taxpayer.
What competitive procedures are available for full and open competition, and which of the provided options is an exception?
Competitive procedures include sealed bids, competitive proposals, and a combination of these. “Lowest price technically acceptable” is a source selection method, not a competitive procedure itself. (FAR 6.102)
Is there an order of precedence among the 8(a) Business Development, Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) programs?
No, there is no order of precedence. (FAR 6.2)
Which authority may be used for other than full and open competition when no other authority in FAR 6.302 applies?
Public interest. (FAR 6.302-7(b))
Who must approve a justification for other than full and open competition for an acquisition valued between $750,000 and $15 million?
One level above the contracting officer. (FAR 6.304(a)(2))
What are the responsibilities of a competition advocate?
A competition advocate is an internal agency watchdog responsible for promoting full and open competition. Key duties include championing the use of commercial items and challenging agency requirements that are overly restrictive or create barriers to competition. Recommending systems of personal accountability for the Contracting Officer is outside the scope of their duties. (FAR 6.502)
When may a Contracting Officer use competitive proposals (negotiation) instead of sealed bids?
When it is necessary to conduct discussions with offerors. (FAR 6.401)
FAR Part 7: Acquisition Planning
FAR Part 7 governs the critical initial phase of the acquisition lifecycle. It requires agencies to thoroughly plan their procurements to meet customer needs in the most effective, economical, and timely manner possible, ensuring that all aspects of the acquisition are considered before a solicitation is issued.
When should acquisition planning begin?
As soon as the agency need is identified, preferably well in advance of the fiscal year in which contract award is necessary. (FAR 7.104)
What must acquisition plans for service contracts describe?
Strategies for using performance-based acquisition methods. (FAR 7.105)
What is NOT required to be included in a written acquisition plan?
The Source Selection Evaluation Board Report. (FAR 7.105)
What is true regarding a determination to consolidate contract requirements?
The benefits of consolidation may not include the reduction of administrative or personnel costs alone. (FAR 7.107-2)
Which of the provided examples would be considered an inherently governmental function?
The direction and control of Federal employees. (FAR 7.5)
Which of the provided examples is NOT considered an inherently governmental function?
Providing a technical evaluation of contract proposals. (FAR 7.503)
FAR Part 11: Describing Agency Needs
FAR Part 11 details how government agencies must describe their requirements for supplies and services. It emphasizes the use of functional or performance-based specifications to encourage broad competition and leverage innovative, commercial solutions whenever possible, rather than overly restrictive government-unique designs.
How should agency requirements be stated?
Requirements should be stated in terms of functions to be performed, performance required, or essential physical characteristics. They should NOT be stated in terms of non-performance related characteristics. (FAR 11.002(a)(2)(i))
What must an agency do if market research indicates that commercial or non-developmental items may not be available to satisfy its need?
The agency must reevaluate the need and determine whether it can be restated to permit commercial or non-developmental items to satisfy it. (FAR 11.103(c))
What quality must the time of delivery or performance have in a solicitation?
It must be realistic and clearly stated. (FAR 11.401(a))
What factor should NOT be considered when establishing delivery or performance schedules?
The capabilities of a sole source. (FAR 11.402)
Before using a liquidated damages clause, what must the Contracting Officer consider?
Pricing, competition, and administration of the clause. (FAR 11.501)
When is it appropriate for a Contracting Officer to use a liquidated damages clause?
When timely delivery or performance is so important that the Government may reasonably expect to suffer damage from a delay, and the extent or amount of that damage would be impossible or very difficult to estimate accurately or prove. (FAR 11.501)
What is NOT a valid reason to use a liquidated damages clause?
The extent of the damage expected by the Government cannot be accurately estimated. (Note: This difficulty in estimation is a primary justification for using the clause, not a reason to avoid it, making it the correct answer to a “trick” or “NOT” style question.) (FAR 11.501)
What regulation supports national defense and emergency preparedness in contracting?
The Defense Priorities and Allocation System (DPAS). (FAR 11.600)
What are the two levels of priority rating under DPAS?
DO and DX. (FAR 11.603)
