1. Purpose. This Order provides internal guidance on the proper use of the GSA SmartPay® purchase card (GSA purchase card) to comply with laws; regulations such as the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), etc.; and General Services Administration (GSA) policy as established by the Office of Administrative Services (OAS), Office of Travel and Charge Card Services.
2. Background. The Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2012 requires all executive branch agencies to establish and maintain safeguards and internal controls for purchase cards and centrally billed accounts. Consistent with the Act, Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-123, Appendix B prescribes standard minimum requirements and best practices for Government charge card programs that may be supplemented by individual agency policies and procedures.
3. Scope and Applicability. This Order contains policy, standards, instructions, and procedures governing the management and use of the GSA purchase card. The GSA purchase card is the preferred method of payment for Federal employees to make official Government purchases for supplies or services under the micro-purchase threshold (MPT). Management officials may issue supplemental guidance containing instructions and procedures that do not conflict with this Order. The Order applies to GSA employees and to the GSA Office of Inspector General (OIG), to the extent the OIG determines it is consistent with the OIG’s independent authority under the Inspector General Act and does not conflict with OIG policies or mission. Contractors are not permitted to be cardholders.
4. Cancellation. This Order cancels OAS 4200.1B CHGE1, OAS IL-19-01, and OAS interim Section 889 (a)(1)(B) guidance.
U.S. General Services Administration