What are the responsibilities of an ACO? The ACO is responsible to ensure the best interest of the Government is
protected by ensuring the terms and conditions of the contracts are appropriate
and that all parties execute the contract according to the terms and conditions of
the contract. The ACO is responsible for ensuring the DCMA mission of providing
Contract Administration services to DOD activities and its partners of the delivery
of quality products and services to the warfighter, on time and on cost, by
properly administrating FAR 42.302 and other applicable regulations and
instructions.
FAR 1.602-2 - "Contracting officers are responsible for ensuring performance of all
necessary actions for effective contracting, ensuring compliance with the terms of
the contract, and safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual
relationships."
What is the difference between an ACO and a CA? a. The ACO has a warrant that binds the government. The ACO decisions and
documents are binding.
b. The CA prepares documents up to signature but cannot bind the government.
c. FAR 1.602-1 - "(a) Contracting officers have authority to enter into, administer, or
terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. Contracting
officers may bind the Government only to the extent of the authority delegated to
them. Contracting officers shall receive from the appointing authority (see 1.603-1)
clear instructions in writing regarding the limits of their authority. Information on
the limits of the contracting officers' authority shall be readily available to the
public and agency personnel."
What is the relationship between the prime and The prime is responsible to see that the subcontractor performs IAW with the
subcontractor? terms and conditions of the contract. Our relationship is with the prime (privity of
contract).
,What are the basic sections of a contract under the Part I is the "Schedule" including the following sections:
Uniform Contract Format (UCF)? A - Contract Form
B - Supplies/Services with Prices/Cost/Quantities/Delivery
C - Specifications/SOW/SOO/ORD
D - Packaging & Marking
E - Inspection & Acceptance
F - Delivery or Performance
G - Contract Administration Data including Line of Accounting
H - Special Contract Provisions
Part II are the "Contract Clauses" (Section I)
Part III is the "List of Attachments (Section J)
Part IV are the "Representations & Certifications"
K - Reps and Certs (These are now on-line in ORCA)
L - Instructions to Offerors (if applicable)
M - Evaluation Factors for Award (if applicable)
What are the characteristics of a contract line item Characteristics of CLIN are: Separately Identifiable, One fund citation, Separate
(CLIN)? Delivery Schedule, Single Unit Price.
Explain what an Informational Subline Item is, and explain a. An informational subline item is used to provide information about the CLIN,
what a Separately Identified Subline Item is. like parts of a kit, but it shouldn't have a delivery information tied to it for shipment
or pricing information tied to it to for payment purposes. Use Info CLINs to
identify each accounting classification citation (ACRN) that is assigned to a single
line item. Uses numeric suffix.
b. A separately identifiable subline item (subclin) has the same characteristics of a
CLIN so it would be used in situations with similar characteristics. Use Sub CLINs
to establish ACRNs for severable quantities associated with a single accounting
classification. It can be scheduled or priced separately. Uses alpha suffix.
What are the duties of an ACO? The duties of an ACO includes being responsible for the administration (including
closeout) of various types of contracts. ACO's organize team members' work to
ensure overall mission success - supporting the warfighter. Perform administration
functions such as determining eligibility and verifying evidence for contract
financing such as progress payments, PBP, reviewing and making
recommendations on pricing reports, reviewing and negotiating orders,
monitoring contractor performance and compliance with contract (and
regulations). ACO's also monitor performance and take corrective actions as
necessary when problems arise regarding schedules, GFP, quality assurance, or
other issues. Assure contractor compliance with CAS via reviews of disclosure
statements and negotiate cost impacts of accounting system changes. Determine
allowability and allocability of costs.
What is the objective of proposal analysis? To ensure the final agreed upon price is fair and reasonable.
What is the difference between cost, and price analysis? Price analysis is the process of examining and evaluating a proposed price
without evaluating its separate cost elements and proposed profit. FAR 15.404-1(b)
(2)
Cost analysis is the review and evaluation of any of the separate cost elements
and profit or fee to determine a fair and reasonable price or to determine cost
realism. It is also the application of judgment to determine how well the proposed
costs represent what the cost of the contract should be assuming reasonable
economy and efficiency. FAR 15.404-1(c)
, You are assigned negotiation of an unpriced order To avoid anti-deficiency act violation ensure you get something in writing showing
consisting of urgently needed spare parts. After receipt availability of funds. Ask the COTR for a POC in the finance office and advise that
of the contractor's proposal it is evident you will need you are unable to proceed without written confirmation of funding availability.
more funding. You immediately call the PCO who is out of
the office for two weeks. The Contracting Officer's
Technical Representative tells you they talked with
funding personnel, that there is plenty of funding, to
proceed and negotiate with the contractor and that the
PCO will provide additional funds when they return. How
would you handle this?
What is the difference between a PNOM & PNM? The Pre-Negotiation Objective (PNO) establishes the Government's initial
negotiation parameters before conducting the negotiation and document the
Assigned Individual's determination of a fair and reasonable price. The Assigned
Individual shall document the pre-negotiation objectives in a PNOM and must
consider the results of the cost and pricing analysis report or other reports
provided.
The Price Negotiation Memorandum (PNM) is documentation of the results of the
negotiation. The Assigned Individual shall clearly state in the PNM how the
negotiated price was determined fair and reasonable. If the total negotiated price
exceeds the total pre-negotiation objective, the PNM shall include sufficient
rationale for determining the price fair and reasonable.
How many days does DCMA have to review a contract 30 days
and ensure data integrity?
What 7 items should the ACO pay special attention to 1. Financing clauses
during CRR? 2. Payment instructions that conflict w/ regulatory requirements
3. Whether the contract is CAS covered
4. Billing and invoicing terms
5. Undefinitized Contract Actions to be negotiated by ACO
6. Requirements for award fee, liquidated damages, specialty metals, consent to
subcontract, electronic invoicing, first article, special contract clauses (Section H)
7. Requirements for contractors to report contract performance outside the U.S.
What 6 elements are to be reviewed during initial CRR? 1. Assignment to the proper CMO
2. Assignment of proper pay office
3. Proper delegation received
4. Receipt of all attachments and exhibits
5. Other contract workload status
6. Requirements for additional functional support
What must be done if the trafficking in persons clause is Bring it to the PCO's attention, issue CDR if necessary
not present?