The Office of Management and Budget has issued new charge
card policies taking effect October 1, for executive
departments and agencies aimed at stemming fraud, waste,
abuse and late payments.
The finalized rules update and consolidate previous
charge card guidance from the General Services
Administration, OMB and other federal agencies – and
establishes minimum requirements and suggested best
practices for planning, training, risk management,
data collection, credit worthiness and strategic sourcing,
according to OMB.
Agencies are now required to provide training on
charge card management, must develop and maintain
written policies and procedures for charge cards, and
implement risk management controls, policies, and
practices.
“This new Guidance will help ensure that Federal charge
cards aren’t misused, that the government pays its charge
card debts on time, and that government managers
implement strategies for making smarter procurement
decisions,” said OMB Controller Linda Combs.
Agencies are also required to utilize strategic sourcing
– by continually analyzing the way they spend funds
through contracts, delivery orders, and through the
purchase card program so as to leverage buying power
and secure discounts.
The new rules are set out in Appendix B to OMB Circular
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/financial/fia_travel.html
