NCMA - National Contract Management Association Acquisition Planning and Strategy Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to FAR Part 7, which of the following is a primary objective of acquisition planning?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the government meets its needs in the most effective, economical, and timely manner.

Answer

To guarantee award to a specific contractor.

Answer

To minimize the need for market research.

Answer

To exclusively use firm-fixed-price contracts for all acquisitions.

Question 2

A contracting officer is developing an acquisition plan for a complex IT service where the requirements are not well-defined and are expected to evolve. Which contract type would be most appropriate to consider in the acquisition strategy to accommodate this uncertainty?

Accepted Answer

Cost-Plus-Fixed-Fee (CPFF)

Answer

Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP)

Answer

Time and Materials (T&M)

Answer

Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ)

Question 3

Which of the following elements must be addressed in a written acquisition plan, as stipulated by FAR 7.105?

Accepted Answer

Risks, contract type selection, and a statement of need.

Answer

The complete legislative history of the program.

Answer

A list of all personnel who have worked on the requirement.

Answer

The contractor's projected profit margins.

Question 4

An acquisition team is conducting market research for a new requirement. Which of the following is a recognized market research technique according to FAR Part 10?

Accepted Answer

Reviewing catalogs and other generally available product literature.

Answer

Limiting consideration to only incumbent contractors.

Answer

Basing the requirement solely on a single manufacturer's specifications.

Answer

Avoiding all communication with industry to prevent unfair advantages.

Question 5

A project manager identifies a potential risk that a critical technology component for a new system may become obsolete during the contract's period of performance. In the context of acquisition planning, what is this an example of?

Accepted Answer

Technical Obsolescence Risk

Answer

Funding Risk

Answer

Schedule Risk

Answer

Performance Risk

Question 6

When is a written acquisition plan generally required?

Accepted Answer

For acquisitions expected to exceed the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT).

Answer

Only for acquisitions over $100 million.

Answer

For all acquisitions, regardless of dollar value.

Answer

Only for cost-reimbursement contracts.