FAC -C Certification Exam Questions and CORREC T Answers Who develops a solicitation? - ✔✔✔The government, and the buyer Who prepares an offer? - ✔✔✔The contractor, and the seller During the post award phase while the contract is being performed, who has responsibility for quality? - ✔✔✔The seller Acquisition - ✔✔✔FAR 2.101 tells us Acquisition means the acquiring by contract with appropriated funds of supplies or services (including construction) by and for the use of the Federal Government through purchase or lease, whether the supplies or services are already in existence or must be created, developed, demonstrated, and evaluated. Acquisition begins at the point when agency needs are established and includes the description of requirements to satisfy agency needs, solicitation and selection of sources, award of co ntracts, contract financing, contract performance, contract administration, and those technical and management functions directly related to the process of fulfilling agency needs by contract. Acquisition Team - ✔✔✔FAR 1.102 -3 describes the Acquisition Team as consisting of all participants in Government acquisition including not only representatives of the technical, supply, and procurement communities but also the customers they serve, and the contractors who provi de the products and services. The KO's Role on the Acquisition Team - ✔✔✔FAR 1.102 -4(a) states Government members of the Acquisition Team must be empowered to make acquisition decisions within their areas of responsibility, including selection, negotiation, and administration of contracts consistent with the Guiding Principles. In particular, the contracting officer must have the authority to the maximum extent practicable and consistent with law, to determine the application of rules, regulations, and policies, on a specific contract. KO Appointments - ✔✔✔FAR 1.603 -2 requires appointing officials, when selecting contracting officers, to consider the complexity and dollar value of the acquisitions to be assigned and the candidate's experience, training, education, business acumen, judgment, character, and reputation. Examples of selection criteria - ✔✔✔-Experience in Government contracting and administration, commercial purchasing, or related fields. -Education or special training in business administration, law, accounting, engineering, or related fields. Knowledge of acquisition policies and procedures, including this and other applicable regulations. -Specialized knowledge in the particular assigned field of contracting. -Satisfactory completion of acquisition training courses. DOD KO Requirements - ✔✔✔DFARS 201.603 -2 tells us that in order to qualify to serve as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts for amounts above the simplified acquisition threshold, a person must: -Have completed all contracting courses required for a contracting officer to serve in the grade in which the employee or member of the armed forces will serve. -Have at least 2 years experience in a contracting position. -Have received a baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution. -Meet such additional requirements, based on the dollar value and complexity of the contracts awarded or administered in the position, as may be established by the Secretary of Defense. -DFARS 201.603 -2(2) also lists several exceptions and amplifications to the above qualifications for contracting officer appointments. 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. In order to perform these responsibilities, contracting officers should be allowed wide latitude to exercise business judgment.
