DOC Noaa 31 Fillable 2017-2026

What is the NOAA Purchase Card?

The NOAA purchase card is a government-issued credit card designed for authorized personnel within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to facilitate the purchase of goods and services. This card streamlines the procurement process, allowing users to make purchases directly without the need for lengthy approval processes. The NOAA purchase card is primarily used for small purchases, typically under the micro-purchase threshold, which ensures efficiency in acquiring necessary items for NOAA operations.

How to Use the NOAA Purchase Card

Using the NOAA purchase card involves a few straightforward steps. First, authorized users must ensure they are familiar with the guidelines and limitations associated with the card. When making a purchase, users should:

• Verify that the purchase aligns with NOAA's mission and budgetary constraints.
• Obtain any necessary approvals from supervisors or budget officers prior to making the purchase.
• Use the card only at approved vendors and for allowable expenses.
• Keep receipts and maintain accurate records of all transactions for accountability and auditing purposes.

Steps to Complete the NOAA Purchase Card Authorization Form

Completing the purchase card authorization form is essential for obtaining and using the NOAA purchase card. The process includes the following steps:

• Fill out the required personal and departmental information on the form.
• Specify the intended use of the card, including types of purchases and estimated amounts.
• Obtain signatures from your supervisor and any other required officials.
• Submit the completed form to the designated financial office for processing.

Legal Use of the NOAA Purchase Card

The legal use of the NOAA purchase card is governed by federal regulations and NOAA-specific policies. Users must adhere to the following legal guidelines:

• The card should only be used for official government business, not personal expenses.
• All purchases must comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and other applicable laws.
• Users are responsible for ensuring that their purchases are within the scope of their authority and budget.
• Failure to comply with these regulations can result in disciplinary action, including revocation of card privileges.

Key Elements of the NOAA Purchase Card Program

The NOAA purchase card program includes several key elements that ensure its effective and responsible use:

• Training: All cardholders must complete training on procurement policies and card usage.
• Monitoring: Transactions are regularly monitored to ensure compliance with spending limits and regulations.
• Reporting: Cardholders must submit monthly reports detailing their purchases for review and reconciliation.
• Accountability: Each cardholder is accountable for their purchases and must maintain proper documentation.

Examples of Using the NOAA Purchase Card

Examples of appropriate uses for the NOAA purchase card include:

• Buying office supplies necessary for daily operations.
• Acquiring equipment for research projects that fall under the NOAA mission.
• Paying for training materials or services that enhance employee skills relevant to NOAA's objectives.
• Purchasing software licenses essential for data analysis and reporting.