FCC Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield FCC facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Under FAR 15.209, what clause must be included in a solicitation when the government intends to award without discussions? → FAR 52.215-1 with the appropriate alternate
2. How does contract compliance affect government procurement? → By ensuring fairness, transparency, and proper use of funds
3. Under the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA), certified cost or pricing data must be submitted when the contract value exceeds what threshold (as of 2023)? → $2 million
4. A contracting officer wants to reserve a contract for SDVOSB firms. Which condition must exist under the 'Rule of Two'? → At least two SDVOSB firms are expected to submit offers at a fair and reasonable price
5. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of source selection & sseb process as it applies to Federal Contracting Certification? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
6. What is the primary purpose of a 'definitization' process in the context of letter contracts or undefinitized contract actions (UCAs)? → To establish final contract terms, including price, after work has already begun
7. A contractor requests a no-cost time extension due to unusually severe weather. Which FAR clause most directly supports this request? → FAR 52.249-10 (Default—Fixed-Price Construction)
8. Why is it important for contractors to comply with contract terms? → To ensure the project is completed as agreed and prevent legal issues
9. An 8(a) firm wants to subcontract more than 50% of a contract to a non-8(a) firm. What is the likely result? → The firm violates the performance-of-work/subcontracting limitations
10. How should a contractor manage potential conflicts of interest? → By disclosing and recusing themselves from decisions
11. After final proposal revisions (FPRs) are submitted, what action does the Source Selection Authority (SSA) take? → Makes the source selection decision and documents it in the SSDD
12. Which of the following best describes the 'term' form of a CPFF contract? → The contractor performs a level of effort over a specified period for the fixed fee
13. A contractor submits an invoice that the government disputes. Under the Contract Disputes Act, how long does the contractor have to submit a certified claim? → 6 years from the accrual of the claim
14. Why is timely performance reporting important in contract administration? → To identify issues early and take corrective actions
15. Why is it important to document the contract award process? → To ensure transparency and accountability
16. Under FAR Part 49, which of the following is NOT an allowable cost in a termination for convenience settlement? → Anticipated profits on the terminated portion of work
17. Under FAR Part 49, if the government terminates a firm-fixed-price contract for convenience, what costs may the contractor generally recover? → Allowable costs incurred plus a reasonable profit on work performed
18. What is the role of ethics in federal contracting? → To ensure fairness, transparency, and legal compliance
19. What is the purpose of a 'final proposal revision' (FPR) in negotiated acquisitions? → To allow offerors one opportunity to improve proposals after discussions
20. Which of the following is an exception to the requirement for certified cost or pricing data under TINA? → Contracts for which prices are set by law or regulation
21. If termination convenience settlement negotiations fail between the parties, how may the dispute be resolved? → The Contracting Officer may issue a unilateral determination of the settlement amount
22. The 'tone at the top' concept in contractor ethics programs refers to: → Senior leadership visibly modeling and actively supporting ethical behavior
23. Why is risk management important in federal contracting? → To identify and manage risks in the procurement process
24. A FCC professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing oci & procurement integrity duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
25. What are the key steps in contract award? → Reviewing, negotiating, and finalizing the award
26. Under FAR Subpart 14.4, in sealed bidding, when must the government open bids? → At the time and place designated in the Invitation for Bids
27. How does a contractor ensure fair pricing during negotiations? → By understanding cost structures and demonstrating value
28. A VOSB and an SDVOSB are competing for the same VA contract set-aside. Which has priority? → SDVOSB, because the VA must first exhaust SDVOSB set-asides before opening to VOSB
29. Which type of contract modification requires the signature of both the government and the contractor? → Bilateral modification
30. Under an FFP contract, how does the contractor maximize profit? → By reducing costs below the contract price