Yes, that how most rafts work. They print a few very thick layers, then some thinner ones where it meets up with the part.
You can adjust the "first layer height" and "first layer width" settings on the Layer tab. Those always adjust the width and height of the very first layer that touches the bed. So if you use a raft, it would be the first layer of the raft. If you don't use a raft, they would adjust the first layer of your part.
PS - there's more info about some of the raft settings here:
https://www.simplify3d.com/support/tuto ... and-brims/