COR Practice Test Video Answers
1. B
The COR serves as the Contracting Officer’s technical eyes and ears, monitoring contractor performance and providing technical guidance. They do not have authority to negotiate terms, authorize modifications, or approve payments independently.
2. C
The COR Designation Letter formally appoints an individual as COR and specifies their delegated responsibilities, authorities, and limitations for a particular contract.
3. B
CORs must document performance deficiencies and notify the Contracting Officer, who has the authority to take contractual action. CORs cannot terminate contracts or withhold payments unilaterally.
4. B
CORs cannot authorize changes to contract scope, price, or terms. Only Contracting Officers have the authority to modify contracts. CORs can monitor, inspect, and document, but not make binding changes.
5. C
Under FAR 1.602-1, only Contracting Officers have the authority to enter into, administer, and terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government.
6. B
The QASP is a government-developed document that defines the methods, frequency, and standards for assessing contractor performance against contract requirements.
7. B
Any work outside the contract scope must be authorized by the Contracting Officer through a formal modification. The COR should refer such requests to the Contracting Officer rather than providing any authorization.
8. B
The Federal Acquisition Certification for Contracting Officer’s Representatives (FAC-COR) program establishes training and experience requirements that must be completed before COR appointment.
9. B
Cost-reimbursement contracts require the most intensive monitoring because the government bears the risk of cost overruns, necessitating close scrutiny of contractor costs and performance.
10. B
Safety concerns should be documented and reported to the Contracting Officer. While immediate danger may require emergency action, the COR’s primary responsibility is documentation and notification through proper channels.
11. B
The Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan is the primary document guiding COR surveillance activities, specifying what to monitor, how often, and against what standards.
12. B
The COR file provides a documented record of all significant contract events, communications, and performance assessments, supporting contract administration and potential disputes.
13. B
The COR should review invoice documentation for accuracy and alignment with contract requirements, then report any discrepancies or concerns to the Contracting Officer for resolution.
14. B
A constructive change occurs when an unauthorized government action effectively changes contract requirements, potentially entitling the contractor to an equitable adjustment even without a formal modification.
15. B
Contractor Performance Assessment Reports are typically required at interim periods during contract performance and at contract completion to document performance for future source selections.
16. B
All COR communications with contractors should be documented and remain within the COR’s authorized scope to prevent constructive changes and maintain an accurate contract record.
17. B
CORs must identify and disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest and take steps to avoid situations that could compromise their objectivity or create the appearance of impropriety.
18. C
The COR designation letter and contract terms clearly define COR authority limits. Technical direction that stays within these boundaries is not a change; direction that exceeds authority may constitute a constructive change.
19. B
Pre-performance conferences establish common understanding between the government and contractor regarding contract requirements, administrative procedures, and performance expectations before work begins.
20. D
FAR 1.602-2 specifically addresses the authority and responsibilities of Contracting Officers’ representatives, including their delegation of authority from the Contracting Officer.
21. B
Invoices with errors should be rejected with documented explanation of the errors, allowing the contractor to correct and resubmit. CORs should not approve incorrect invoices or unilaterally modify payment amounts.
22. B
FAC-COR certification levels correspond to contract risk and complexity. Level I applies to low-risk contracts, Level II to moderate-risk contracts, and Level III to high-risk or complex contracts.
23. B
Substitute personnel must meet the qualifications specified in the contract. The COR should evaluate proposed substitutes against these objective criteria, not personal preferences or contractor-provided reviews.
24. B
Technical direction should be in writing, clearly within the scope of the contract and the COR’s delegated authority, and directed to the contractor’s designated point of contact.
25. B
Impartiality requires CORs to treat all parties fairly and avoid actions that could be perceived as favoring one contractor over another or compromising objective judgment.
26. B
Suspected fraud, waste, or abuse should be reported through proper channels, including the Contracting Officer and/or the Office of Inspector General, rather than investigated personally by the COR.
27. B
Performance-based contracting focuses on outcomes rather than processes. CORs should verify that performance outcomes meet the standards specified in the contract rather than dictating contractor methods.
28. B
When a COR exceeds delegated authority, the government may face liability for unauthorized commitments, and the COR may face personal consequences including removal from the position or disciplinary action.
29. C
The QASP specifies acceptable quality levels, inspection methods, and performance standards that will be used to evaluate contractor deliverables throughout contract performance.
30. B
Professional communication with contractors is appropriate. The COR should listen to concerns, explain surveillance rationale, and maintain appropriate boundaries while following established procedures.
31. B
Periodic surveillance involves scheduled assessments at predetermined intervals or milestones, as opposed to random sampling, continuous monitoring, or reactive responses to problems.