CON 3990 FAR Parts Mock Exam 2026 | Trusted
Questions & Answers
1. What does actual authority refer to in the context of a contracting officer's
representative?
Authority that is only applicable in emergency situations
Authority that is broad and unrestricted
Authority that is implied and not formally granted
Authority given to an agent to act on behalf of another
2. In which lifecycle phase are schedules, budgets, risks, resources and staffing
defined?
Executing
Closing
Monitoring
Initiating
Planning
3. What is the primary restriction regarding government employees and
contract awards?
A contracting officer shall not knowingly award a contract to a
government employee or their business.
Government employees can only receive contracts under special
circumstances.
Contracts can be awarded to government employees if they are part
of a competitive bidding process.
, A contracting officer may award contracts to government employees
if approved by a supervisor.
4. The Government has a requirement for computer equipment. The program
office indicates that its users will have no need for performance capabilities
beyond the minimum technical specifications stated in the purchase request.
Which source selection process would be most appropriate in this situation?
Lowest price technically acceptable
Lowest cost technically acceptable
Tradeoff
Trading
5. If a contracting officer discovers a potential conflict of interest in a
contractor's proposal, what should be their immediate course of action?
Consult with the contractor to resolve the issue.
Ignore the conflict if it seems minor.
Report the conflict and recuse themselves from the decision-
making process.
Proceed with the evaluation as planned.
6. What is one potential consequence of personal biases in government
contracting?
Enhanced transparency
Unfair practices
Stronger competition
Increased efficiency
,7. Describe the relationship between determination and findings in the context
of FAR 1.701.
Determination is the conclusion reached, while findings provide the
justifications for that conclusion.
Determination and findings are interchangeable terms in FAR 1.701.
Determination refers to the process of contract management, while
findings are irrelevant.
Determination is a type of finding used in contract negotiations.
8. If a government agency is seeking bids for a new construction project, which
form should they use to solicit offers from contractors?
SF 254
SF 1449
SF 330
SF 1442
9. If a government agency is looking to procure a new software solution that is
commercially available, which FAR part would guide their acquisition
process?
FAR Part 12
FAR Part 15
FAR Part 7
FAR Part 19
10. If a contracting officer begins the closeout process without the required
documentation, what potential issues could arise?
, Increased contractor satisfaction
Legal disputes or compliance issues
Faster contract completion
No issues will arise
11. If a contracting officer fails to adhere to the ethical standards required by
FAR 3.101, what potential consequences could arise?
Loss of public trust and potential legal repercussions.
Greater flexibility in decision-making.
No consequences as ethical standards are optional.
Increased efficiency in contract management.
12. If an agency identifies a need for new software but delays acquisition
planning until after the budget approval, what potential issues could arise?
More time to evaluate software options.
Delays in meeting the agency's needs and potential budget
constraints.
Increased negotiation power with contractors.
Improved compliance with FAR regulations.
13. What does the term 'specified authority' indicate in the context of a
contract?
The duration of the contract.
The overall budget for the contract.
The parties involved in the contract.
Specific tasks outlined in the contract.
Questions & Answers
1. What does actual authority refer to in the context of a contracting officer's
representative?
Authority that is only applicable in emergency situations
Authority that is broad and unrestricted
Authority that is implied and not formally granted
Authority given to an agent to act on behalf of another
2. In which lifecycle phase are schedules, budgets, risks, resources and staffing
defined?
Executing
Closing
Monitoring
Initiating
Planning
3. What is the primary restriction regarding government employees and
contract awards?
A contracting officer shall not knowingly award a contract to a
government employee or their business.
Government employees can only receive contracts under special
circumstances.
Contracts can be awarded to government employees if they are part
of a competitive bidding process.
, A contracting officer may award contracts to government employees
if approved by a supervisor.
4. The Government has a requirement for computer equipment. The program
office indicates that its users will have no need for performance capabilities
beyond the minimum technical specifications stated in the purchase request.
Which source selection process would be most appropriate in this situation?
Lowest price technically acceptable
Lowest cost technically acceptable
Tradeoff
Trading
5. If a contracting officer discovers a potential conflict of interest in a
contractor's proposal, what should be their immediate course of action?
Consult with the contractor to resolve the issue.
Ignore the conflict if it seems minor.
Report the conflict and recuse themselves from the decision-
making process.
Proceed with the evaluation as planned.
6. What is one potential consequence of personal biases in government
contracting?
Enhanced transparency
Unfair practices
Stronger competition
Increased efficiency
,7. Describe the relationship between determination and findings in the context
of FAR 1.701.
Determination is the conclusion reached, while findings provide the
justifications for that conclusion.
Determination and findings are interchangeable terms in FAR 1.701.
Determination refers to the process of contract management, while
findings are irrelevant.
Determination is a type of finding used in contract negotiations.
8. If a government agency is seeking bids for a new construction project, which
form should they use to solicit offers from contractors?
SF 254
SF 1449
SF 330
SF 1442
9. If a government agency is looking to procure a new software solution that is
commercially available, which FAR part would guide their acquisition
process?
FAR Part 12
FAR Part 15
FAR Part 7
FAR Part 19
10. If a contracting officer begins the closeout process without the required
documentation, what potential issues could arise?
, Increased contractor satisfaction
Legal disputes or compliance issues
Faster contract completion
No issues will arise
11. If a contracting officer fails to adhere to the ethical standards required by
FAR 3.101, what potential consequences could arise?
Loss of public trust and potential legal repercussions.
Greater flexibility in decision-making.
No consequences as ethical standards are optional.
Increased efficiency in contract management.
12. If an agency identifies a need for new software but delays acquisition
planning until after the budget approval, what potential issues could arise?
More time to evaluate software options.
Delays in meeting the agency's needs and potential budget
constraints.
Increased negotiation power with contractors.
Improved compliance with FAR regulations.
13. What does the term 'specified authority' indicate in the context of a
contract?
The duration of the contract.
The overall budget for the contract.
The parties involved in the contract.
Specific tasks outlined in the contract.
