CON 2370 Simplified Acquisition Procedures Complete
Study Guide – Federal Contracting FAR Part 13 Training
Manual, Government Procurement Process, Small Purchase
Procedures, Contracting Officer Exam Prep & Certification
Success Resource
Question 1: What is the current simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) for most federal
acquisitions under FAR 2.101?
A. $150,000
B. $250,000
C. $350,000
D. $500,000
CORRECT ANSWER: C. $350,000
Rationale: Per FAR 2.101, the simplified acquisition threshold is defined as $350,000, except for
acquisitions supporting contingency operations, humanitarian operations, or disaster response,
which have higher thresholds
. This threshold was increased from $250,000 to $350,000 effective October 1, 2025, due to
inflation adjustments
.
Question 2: Which FAR part prescribes policies and procedures for simplified acquisition
procedures?
A. FAR Part 12
B. FAR Part 13
C. FAR Part 14
D. FAR Part 15
CORRECT ANSWER: B. FAR Part 13
Rationale: FAR Part 13 prescribes policies and procedures for the acquisition of supplies and
services, including construction, research and development, commercial products, and
commercial services, when the aggregate amount does not exceed the simplified acquisition
three
.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of simplified acquisition procedures under FAR
13.002?
A. To ensure maximum competition in all acquisitions
B. To reduce administrative costs and promote efficiency and economy in contracting
C. To mandate the use of sealed bidding for all small purchases
D. To eliminate the need for contract documentation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To reduce administrative costs and promote efficiency and economy in
contracting
Rationale: FAR 13.002 states that the purpose of simplified acquisition procedures is to reduce
administrative costs, improve opportunities for small businesses, promote efficiency and
economy in contracting, and avoid unnecessary burdens for agencies and contractors.
,Question 4: Under FAR 13.003, when must acquisitions between the micro-purchase
threshold and the simplified acquisition threshold be set aside for small business concerns?
A. Only when the contracting officer deems it appropriate
B. Always, unless an exception applies
C. Only for commercial items
D. Never; set-asides are optional at this level
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Always, unless an exception applies
Rationale: FAR 13.003(b)(1) requires that acquisitions of supplies or services with an anticipated
dollar value above the micro-purchase threshold but at or below the simplified acquisition
threshold shall be set aside for small business concerns, consistent with FAR Part 19 policies.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a valid method for conducting simplified
acquisitions under FAR Subpart 13.3?
A. Governmentwide commercial purchase card
B. Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
C. Sealed bid formal advertising
D. Imprest fund
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Sealed bid formal advertising
Rationale: FAR Subpart 13.3 outlines simplified acquisition methods including the
Governmentwide commercial purchase card, purchase orders, BPAs, imprest funds, third party
drafts, and SF 44. Sealed bid formal advertising under FAR Part 14 is not a simplified acquisition
method.
Question 6: What is the micro-purchase threshold for acquisitions inside the United States
supporting a contingency operation?
A. $10,000
B. $20,000
C. $25,000
D. $40,000
CORRECT ANSWER: C. $25,000
Rationale: FAR 13.201(g)(1)(i) establishes that for acquisitions supporting contingency
operations, the micro-purchase threshold is $25,000 for contracts awarded and performed
inside the United States, and $40,000 outside the United States.
Question 7: When using simplified acquisition procedures, what must a contracting officer
determine before making an award?
A. That the offeror is a small business concern
B. That the proposed price is fair and reasonable
C. That at least three quotes were received
D. That the acquisition was synopsized on SAM.gov
CORRECT ANSWER: B. That the proposed price is fair and reasonable
Rationale: FAR 13.106-3(a) requires that before making an award, the contracting officer must
determine that the proposed price is fair and reasonable, preferably based on competitive
quotations or offers.
Question 8: Which statement about quotations under FAR 13.004 is CORRECT?
,A. A quotation is a binding offer that the Government can accept to form a contract
B. A quotation is not an offer and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding
contract
C. Oral quotations are never permissible under simplified acquisition procedures
D. Quotations must always be in writing to be valid
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A quotation is not an offer and cannot be accepted by the Government
to form a binding contract
Rationale: FAR 13.004(a) explicitly states that a quotation is not an offer and consequently
cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government's order in
response to a quotation is an offer to the supplier.
Question 9: Under FAR 13.104, what is the contracting officer's obligation regarding
competition in simplified acquisitions?
A. Competition is optional for acquisitions under $100,000
B. The contracting officer must promote competition to the maximum extent practicable
C. Only two sources need to be solicited regardless of circumstances
D. Competition requirements are waived for commercial items
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The contracting officer must promote competition to the maximum
extent practicable
Rationale: FAR 13.104 requires the contracting officer to promote competition to the maximum
extent practicable to obtain supplies and services from the source whose offer is most
advantageous to the Government, considering administrative costs.
Question 10: What is the maximum dollar threshold for using simplified procedures under
FAR Subpart 13.5 for commercial products and services?
A. $5 million
B. $7 million
C. $9 million ($15 million for certain acquisitions)
D. $25 million
CORRECT ANSWER: C. $9 million ($15 million for certain acquisitions)
Rationale: FAR 13.000 and 13.500 authorize simplified procedures for commercial products and
services exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold but not exceeding $9 million, or $15
million for acquisitions as described in 13.500(c), including options.
Question 11: Which of the following laws is INAPPLICABLE to contracts at or below the
simplified acquisition threshold per FAR 13.005?
A. Truth in Negotiations Act
B. Drug-Free Workplace Act (except for individuals)
C. Service Contract Act
D. Davis-Bacon Act
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Drug-Free Workplace Act (except for individuals)
Rationale: FAR 13.005(a)(7) lists 41 U.S.C. 8102(a)(1) (Drug-Free Workplace) as inapplicable to
contracts and subcontracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, except for
individuals.
, Question 12: When may a contracting officer solicit from a single source under simplified
acquisition procedures per FAR 13.106-1(b)?
A. Only when the acquisition is under $5,000
B. When the contracting officer determines circumstances deem only one source reasonably
available
C. Never; at least three sources must always be solicited
D. Only for commercial items
CORRECT ANSWER: B. When the contracting officer determines circumstances deem only one
source reasonably available
Rationale: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) permits soliciting from one source if the contracting officer
determines that circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably
available, such as urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, or brand-name requirements.
Question 13: What documentation is required for oral solicitations under FAR 13.106-3(b)(1)?
A. Full transcripts of all oral communications
B. Records showing names of suppliers contacted and prices/terms quoted
C. Written justification signed by the requiring activity
D. No documentation is required for oral solicitations
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Records showing names of suppliers contacted and prices/terms
quoted
Rationale: FAR 13.106-3(b)(1) states that for oral solicitations, the contracting office should
maintain records reflecting the propriety of placing the order, typically consisting of supplier
names and the prices and terms quoted by each.
Question 14: Which method is the preferred method for making micro-purchases per FAR
13.201(b)?
A. Written purchase orders
B. Imprest funds
C. Governmentwide commercial purchase card
D. Blanket Purchase Agreements
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Governmentwide commercial purchase card
Rationale: FAR 13.201(b) explicitly states that the Governmentwide commercial purchase card
shall be the preferred method to purchase and to pay for micro-purchases.
Question 15: Under FAR 13.303, what is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)?
A. A contract requiring full and open competition for each order
B. A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services
C. A sole-source contract for commercial items
D. A contract type that requires formal sealed bidding
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies
or services
Rationale: FAR 13.303-1 defines BPAs as simplified methods of filling anticipated repetitive
needs for supplies or services by establishing "charge account" relationships with qualified
suppliers.
Study Guide – Federal Contracting FAR Part 13 Training
Manual, Government Procurement Process, Small Purchase
Procedures, Contracting Officer Exam Prep & Certification
Success Resource
Question 1: What is the current simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) for most federal
acquisitions under FAR 2.101?
A. $150,000
B. $250,000
C. $350,000
D. $500,000
CORRECT ANSWER: C. $350,000
Rationale: Per FAR 2.101, the simplified acquisition threshold is defined as $350,000, except for
acquisitions supporting contingency operations, humanitarian operations, or disaster response,
which have higher thresholds
. This threshold was increased from $250,000 to $350,000 effective October 1, 2025, due to
inflation adjustments
.
Question 2: Which FAR part prescribes policies and procedures for simplified acquisition
procedures?
A. FAR Part 12
B. FAR Part 13
C. FAR Part 14
D. FAR Part 15
CORRECT ANSWER: B. FAR Part 13
Rationale: FAR Part 13 prescribes policies and procedures for the acquisition of supplies and
services, including construction, research and development, commercial products, and
commercial services, when the aggregate amount does not exceed the simplified acquisition
three
.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of simplified acquisition procedures under FAR
13.002?
A. To ensure maximum competition in all acquisitions
B. To reduce administrative costs and promote efficiency and economy in contracting
C. To mandate the use of sealed bidding for all small purchases
D. To eliminate the need for contract documentation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To reduce administrative costs and promote efficiency and economy in
contracting
Rationale: FAR 13.002 states that the purpose of simplified acquisition procedures is to reduce
administrative costs, improve opportunities for small businesses, promote efficiency and
economy in contracting, and avoid unnecessary burdens for agencies and contractors.
,Question 4: Under FAR 13.003, when must acquisitions between the micro-purchase
threshold and the simplified acquisition threshold be set aside for small business concerns?
A. Only when the contracting officer deems it appropriate
B. Always, unless an exception applies
C. Only for commercial items
D. Never; set-asides are optional at this level
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Always, unless an exception applies
Rationale: FAR 13.003(b)(1) requires that acquisitions of supplies or services with an anticipated
dollar value above the micro-purchase threshold but at or below the simplified acquisition
threshold shall be set aside for small business concerns, consistent with FAR Part 19 policies.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a valid method for conducting simplified
acquisitions under FAR Subpart 13.3?
A. Governmentwide commercial purchase card
B. Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)
C. Sealed bid formal advertising
D. Imprest fund
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Sealed bid formal advertising
Rationale: FAR Subpart 13.3 outlines simplified acquisition methods including the
Governmentwide commercial purchase card, purchase orders, BPAs, imprest funds, third party
drafts, and SF 44. Sealed bid formal advertising under FAR Part 14 is not a simplified acquisition
method.
Question 6: What is the micro-purchase threshold for acquisitions inside the United States
supporting a contingency operation?
A. $10,000
B. $20,000
C. $25,000
D. $40,000
CORRECT ANSWER: C. $25,000
Rationale: FAR 13.201(g)(1)(i) establishes that for acquisitions supporting contingency
operations, the micro-purchase threshold is $25,000 for contracts awarded and performed
inside the United States, and $40,000 outside the United States.
Question 7: When using simplified acquisition procedures, what must a contracting officer
determine before making an award?
A. That the offeror is a small business concern
B. That the proposed price is fair and reasonable
C. That at least three quotes were received
D. That the acquisition was synopsized on SAM.gov
CORRECT ANSWER: B. That the proposed price is fair and reasonable
Rationale: FAR 13.106-3(a) requires that before making an award, the contracting officer must
determine that the proposed price is fair and reasonable, preferably based on competitive
quotations or offers.
Question 8: Which statement about quotations under FAR 13.004 is CORRECT?
,A. A quotation is a binding offer that the Government can accept to form a contract
B. A quotation is not an offer and cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding
contract
C. Oral quotations are never permissible under simplified acquisition procedures
D. Quotations must always be in writing to be valid
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A quotation is not an offer and cannot be accepted by the Government
to form a binding contract
Rationale: FAR 13.004(a) explicitly states that a quotation is not an offer and consequently
cannot be accepted by the Government to form a binding contract. The Government's order in
response to a quotation is an offer to the supplier.
Question 9: Under FAR 13.104, what is the contracting officer's obligation regarding
competition in simplified acquisitions?
A. Competition is optional for acquisitions under $100,000
B. The contracting officer must promote competition to the maximum extent practicable
C. Only two sources need to be solicited regardless of circumstances
D. Competition requirements are waived for commercial items
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The contracting officer must promote competition to the maximum
extent practicable
Rationale: FAR 13.104 requires the contracting officer to promote competition to the maximum
extent practicable to obtain supplies and services from the source whose offer is most
advantageous to the Government, considering administrative costs.
Question 10: What is the maximum dollar threshold for using simplified procedures under
FAR Subpart 13.5 for commercial products and services?
A. $5 million
B. $7 million
C. $9 million ($15 million for certain acquisitions)
D. $25 million
CORRECT ANSWER: C. $9 million ($15 million for certain acquisitions)
Rationale: FAR 13.000 and 13.500 authorize simplified procedures for commercial products and
services exceeding the simplified acquisition threshold but not exceeding $9 million, or $15
million for acquisitions as described in 13.500(c), including options.
Question 11: Which of the following laws is INAPPLICABLE to contracts at or below the
simplified acquisition threshold per FAR 13.005?
A. Truth in Negotiations Act
B. Drug-Free Workplace Act (except for individuals)
C. Service Contract Act
D. Davis-Bacon Act
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Drug-Free Workplace Act (except for individuals)
Rationale: FAR 13.005(a)(7) lists 41 U.S.C. 8102(a)(1) (Drug-Free Workplace) as inapplicable to
contracts and subcontracts at or below the simplified acquisition threshold, except for
individuals.
, Question 12: When may a contracting officer solicit from a single source under simplified
acquisition procedures per FAR 13.106-1(b)?
A. Only when the acquisition is under $5,000
B. When the contracting officer determines circumstances deem only one source reasonably
available
C. Never; at least three sources must always be solicited
D. Only for commercial items
CORRECT ANSWER: B. When the contracting officer determines circumstances deem only one
source reasonably available
Rationale: FAR 13.106-1(b)(1)(i) permits soliciting from one source if the contracting officer
determines that circumstances of the contract action deem only one source reasonably
available, such as urgency, exclusive licensing agreements, or brand-name requirements.
Question 13: What documentation is required for oral solicitations under FAR 13.106-3(b)(1)?
A. Full transcripts of all oral communications
B. Records showing names of suppliers contacted and prices/terms quoted
C. Written justification signed by the requiring activity
D. No documentation is required for oral solicitations
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Records showing names of suppliers contacted and prices/terms
quoted
Rationale: FAR 13.106-3(b)(1) states that for oral solicitations, the contracting office should
maintain records reflecting the propriety of placing the order, typically consisting of supplier
names and the prices and terms quoted by each.
Question 14: Which method is the preferred method for making micro-purchases per FAR
13.201(b)?
A. Written purchase orders
B. Imprest funds
C. Governmentwide commercial purchase card
D. Blanket Purchase Agreements
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Governmentwide commercial purchase card
Rationale: FAR 13.201(b) explicitly states that the Governmentwide commercial purchase card
shall be the preferred method to purchase and to pay for micro-purchases.
Question 15: Under FAR 13.303, what is a Blanket Purchase Agreement (BPA)?
A. A contract requiring full and open competition for each order
B. A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies or services
C. A sole-source contract for commercial items
D. A contract type that requires formal sealed bidding
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A simplified method of filling anticipated repetitive needs for supplies
or services
Rationale: FAR 13.303-1 defines BPAs as simplified methods of filling anticipated repetitive
needs for supplies or services by establishing "charge account" relationships with qualified
suppliers.
