Con 2370 Simplified Acquisition Procedures Exam

CON 2370 Simplified Acquisition Procedures Exam: A Complete Guide to Preparation and Success

If you are preparing for the CON 2370 simplified acquisition procedures exam, you are likely aiming to demonstrate mastery of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions that govern low‑value, low‑risk procurements. This exam, administered by the Defense Acquisition University (DAU), tests your ability to apply simplified acquisition rules in realistic contracting scenarios. Below is a detailed, step‑by‑step resource that covers what the exam entails, the core knowledge areas you must know, effective study techniques, and practical tips to boost your score.

Overview of CON 2370 and Its Exam

CON 2370, titled “Simplified Acquisition Procedures,” is a foundational course within the DAU curriculum. It focuses on the streamlined processes used for acquisitions that fall below the simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) and for micro‑purchases. The course emphasizes:

• Identifying when simplified procedures may be used
• Completing the required documentation (e.g., SF 1449, purchase requests)
• Applying proper source selection methods (e.g., price reasonableness, past performance)
• Ensuring compliance with socio‑economic programs and ethical standards

The CON 2370 simplified acquisition procedures exam is the culminating assessment for the course. It typically consists of multiple‑choice questions, scenario‑based items, and occasionally a short‑answer component that requires you to draft a simple acquisition document. Passing the exam demonstrates that you can confidently execute low‑value procurements while adhering to FAR Part 13.

Exam Structure and Format

Understanding the layout of the exam helps you allocate study time efficiently. While DAU may adjust specifics from year to year, the general format remains consistent:

All questions are closed‑book; you must rely on memorized facts and the ability to apply them quickly. There is no penalty for guessing, so answering every item is advisable.

Core Knowledge Areas TestedTo excel on the CON 2370 simplified acquisition procedures exam, focus on the following topics. Each area appears repeatedly across question types, so mastery here translates directly into higher scores.

1. Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT) and Micro‑Purchase Limit

• Current SAT: $250,000 (subject to periodic FAR updates).
• Micro‑Purchase Limit: $10,000 (or $2,000 for certain construction-related purchases).
• Know when each limit applies and the documentation exemptions that accompany micro‑purchases (e.g., no competition required, but price must be reasonable).

2. Permitted Use of Simplified Procedures

• Eligibility Criteria: Low risk, commercial items, or services that are readily available.
• Prohibited Uses: Complex IT systems, major weapon systems, or acquisitions requiring specialized expertise. - Understand the “best value” continuum and when price alone may suffice versus when past performance or other factors must be considered.

3. Source Selection Methods

• Price Reasonableness: Comparison to market prices, historical data, or independent estimates.
• Past Performance: Relevance, recency, and quality of prior work (only required when the acquisition exceeds the micro‑purchase limit and is not a commercial item).
• Small Business Programs: 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB—know the goal‑setting requirements and how to document compliance.

4. Required Documentation

• SF 1449 (Solicitation/Contract): Blocks that must be completed for simplified acquisitions (e.g., Item 17 – Description, Item 20 – Accounting and Appropriation Data).
• Purchase Request (PR): How to justify the need, specify quantity, and attach market research.
• Justification and Approval (J&A): When a sole‑source simplified acquisition is permissible (e.g., only one responsible source, urgency, or unusual compelling circumstance).

5. Ethical and Legal Considerations

• Organizational Conflicts of Interest (OCI): Identifying and mitigating potential conflicts.
• Standards of Conduct: Gift limits, post‑employment restrictions, and the prohibition on preferential treatment.
• Record Keeping: Retention periods for simplified acquisition files (typically 3 years after final payment).

6. Special Situations

• Emergency Acquisitions: Procedures under FAR 13.501‑2 (e.g., using a purchase card or emergency purchase request).
• International Acquisitions: Application of the Buy American Act and Trade Agreements Act thresholds.
• Use of Governmentwide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) and GSA Schedules: When these vehicles simplify the process even further.

Effective Study Strategies

Preparing for the CON 2370 simplified acquisition procedures exam is less about rote memorization and more about understanding how the rules interact in real‑world scenarios. Below are proven tactics that many successful candidates employ.

1. Build a Personal Cheat Sheet (For Review Only)

Even though the exam is closed‑book, creating a one‑page summary of thresholds, forms, and decision trees helps reinforce memory. Include:

• SAT and micro‑purchase amounts.
• A flowchart: “Is the acquisition ≤ SAT? → Is it a commercial item? → Determine source selection method.”
• Key blocks of SF 1449 that are frequently tested.

2. Practice with Scenario‑Based Questions

DAU’s learning platform offers practice quizzes that mirror the exam’s style. When you answer a question incorrectly:

• Identify whether the error stemmed from a factual gap (e.g., wrong threshold) or a misapplication (e.g., using past performance when not required).
• Re‑read the relevant FAR paragraph and rewrite the rule in your own words.

3. Form a Study Group

Explaining concepts to peers solidifies your grasp. Assign each member a topic (e.g., micro‑purchase documentation, source selection, ethical considerations) and have them teach it to the group using a whiteboard or shared document.

4. Use Active Recall and Spaced Rep

...etition (e.g., using flashcards or self-quizzing) to move information from short-term to long-term memory. Schedule review sessions at increasing intervals—one day, one week, one month—to combat the forgetting curve. This method is especially effective for memorizing specific monetary thresholds, form numbers, and FAR citation references.

5. Simulate Exam Conditions

About one week before the test, take at least two full-length, timed practice exams under strict conditions. This builds stamina and helps you practice pacing. After each simulated exam, thoroughly review every question, even the ones you got right. Ensure you can articulate why the correct answer is right and why each distractor is wrong. This deep analysis reveals subtle nuances in how the FAR is applied.

6. Master the FAR Navigation

While the exam is closed-book, your study should involve becoming intimately familiar with the FAR’s structure. Practice quickly locating key parts: Subpart 13.1 (Simplified Acquisition Procedures), 13.5 (Test Programs), 2.1 (Definitions), and the relevant clauses in Part 52. Knowing where to find a rule conceptually is more important than memorizing every word.

Conclusion

Success on the CON 2370 exam hinges on a strategic blend of foundational knowledge and practical application. By moving beyond rote memorization to actively engage with the material—through personalized summaries, peer teaching, deliberate practice with scenarios, and disciplined review—you transform static rules into a dynamic decision-making framework. Remember, the exam tests your ability to identify the correct procedural pathway in complex, realistic situations. Consistent, focused preparation that emphasizes understanding the interaction of thresholds, methods, and exceptions will build the confidence and competence needed to not only pass the exam but to apply simplified acquisition procedures effectively in your federal career. Approach your studies with the same diligence you would apply to an actual acquisition, and you will be well-prepared for the challenge.