FAC-C Level II Study Guide: Domains, Tips, and Resources
FAC-C Level II represents the intermediate professional level in federal contracting, typically required for contracting officers handling larger, more complex procurements. Building on Level I's foundation, Level II introduces deeper competencies in source selection, cost and price analysis, negotiation, and contract administration for complex requirements. Earning Level II requires 80 total CLPs, two years of federal contracting experience, and completion of specific advanced courses.
Level II Core Competency Areas
FAC-C Level II curriculum covers six core competency areas: (1) Acquisition Planning — market research, acquisition strategies, source selection planning; (2) Legal and Regulatory Framework — FAR parts, agency supplements, statutory requirements; (3) Source Selection — RFP development, evaluation factors, tradeoff analysis, documentation; (4) Contract Pricing and Cost Analysis — price analysis, cost realism, forward pricing rates, should-cost analysis; (5) Contract Administration — modifications, disputes, claims, closeout, contractor performance assessment; (6) Business and Finance — contractor responsibility, financial analysis, indirect cost structures.
Course Recommendations for Level II
DAU's CON 200 series forms the backbone of Level II preparation. CON 200 (Business Decisions for Contracting) covers financial analysis and cost evaluation. CON 216 (Legal Considerations in Contracting) addresses regulatory and legal issues. CON 235 (Advanced Contract Pricing) goes deep into cost analysis. CON 270 (Procurement Ethics) is typically required for all levels. Beyond DAU, NCMA (National Contract Management Association) offers CFCM and CPCM certifications that complement FAC-C and provide additional professional credibility in the contracting community.