Watch what you swipe

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mariah Tolbert
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Imagine being one of more than 250 people on base who have a government purchase card (GPC). Every swipe of the card is tracked to ensure finances are spent properly and purchases are necessary to complete the Air Force mission.

With eyes focused on the current economic status of the government, it is important to know the details of the government purchase card (GPC) program and its proper uses.

According to the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, the GPC mission is to streamline payment procedures and reduce administrative burdens associated with the card.

The purchase card is used to buy office supplies, services for official government business and other items like aircraft parts. Cardholders and approving officials are required to participate in mandatory training to know more about the GPC program.

There is in-class and online training available for Airmen who have been appointed as a cardholder or approving official. However, when new programs are instituted, the majority of training is hands-on.

One of the newer aspects of the GPC program is the Express Contract Action Reporting System (ECARS), which was initiated to collect data on how money to reduce the improper use of government funds.

"ECARS is used to track spending of more than $3,000," Wilson explained. "If a cardholder needs to spend more than $3,000, they need to submit the proper paperwork first. This program is used to make people responsible for their purchases."

Cardholders should be aware of spending thresholds and contact the contracting squadron for approval before making purchases which exceed the maximum limit.

Both Wilson and Johnson also stressed the importance of making sure cardholders and approving officials know what they can and cannot purchase using the GPC program. Purchases such as buying flowers, meals or spending more than the threshold are examples of improperly using the purchase card and will be considered as an attempt to fraud the government. If this happens, the card will be cancelled and the member could face disciplinary action.

"If you have a question, please make sure you call us," Wilson said. "Once you make a violation or mistake, you are responsible for paying for it."

For more information about the GPC program or for any questions, contact the 4th CONS GPC office at (919) 722-5406.