a. The OUSD DPC Level 1 A/OPC interprets and tailors federal statutory and regulatory laws and guidance for DoD usage, develops business rules common to all DoD corporate card programs (purchase, travel, air, fleet, and fuel), and codifies them in the DoD Charge Card Guidebook.

b. The ODASA(P) has overall responsibility for the management of the Army GPC program. The ODASA(P) appoints a CPM, also known as the Level 2 A/OPC, to manage the Army GPC program. The SCO, or in activities that do not have a SCO, the CCO or equivalent, designates, at a minimum, one Level 3 OA/OPC and an alternate Level 3 OA/OPC who, once appointed in JAM, is dedicated to the management of the GPC Program within their agency/organization. The SCO or CCO may further delegate in writing the authority to appoint the Level 3 and 4 A/OPCs in accordance with Army policy. Level 3 A/OPCs with authority to delegate procurement authority must have the corresponding appointment letter in JAM to appoint Level 4 A/OPCs. Level 4 A/OPCs may appoint CHs and billing officials in JAM if they are given the authority to delegate procurement authority and have the corresponding appointment letter in JAM. Certifying officers must be appointed by the organization’s designated DD 577 appointing authority in JAM.

c. The Level 3 OA/OPC duties and responsibilities at Army major command headquarters typically warrant a grade (or equivalent thereof) of GS-14, preferably in the contracting career field, but exceptions may apply if approved by the SCO or CCO. The Level 3 A/OPC duties and responsibilities for non-headquarter commands typically warrant a grade of GS-12 to GS-14, preferably in the contracting career field, but exceptions may apply if approved by the SCO or CCO.

d. The Level 4 A/OPC duties and responsibilities typically warrant a grade (or equivalent thereof) of GS-11 to GS-12 in any career field (e.g., 1101, 1105, or 343) as long as they meet the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below. The A/OPC will be designated by the appropriate contracting official to be responsible for the management, administration, and day-to-day operation of the GPC program at the activity. Written delegations are required in JAM, and each A/OPC will be granted the appropriate system access (e.g., JAM, bank EAS) associated with their role. Level 3 and 4 A/OPCs must complete the training requirements detailed in Chapter 4. Only individuals who possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities may be appointed as Level 3 and 4 A/OPCs for the GPC Program:

1) Understanding of the relevant GPC policies, procedures, and commercial contracting practices.

2) Understanding of the relevant procurement laws and regulations.

3) Understanding of what constitutes an authorized purchase transaction.

4) Understanding of procurement methods and standards.

5) Ability to communicate, organize, and manage tasks effectively.

6) Basic analytical and computer skills.

7) Ability to summarize data, prepare reports and write effectively using proper grammar, punctuation, and tone.

8) Ability to analyze, research, and provide concise recommendations to the chain of command on required actions to anticipate, prevent, or correct problems in business processes that are supported by the GPC.

e. The Government Charge Card Abuse and Prevention Act of 2012 requires all Executive Branch agencies to establish and maintain safeguards and internal controls to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse of purchase cards. Internal controls are tools to help program and financial managers achieve results and safeguard the integrity of their programs. Effective internal controls provide reasonable assurance that significant risks or weaknesses adversely impacting the agency's ability to meet its objectives are prevented, minimized, or are detected in a timely manner. The Level 3 and Level 4 A/OPC will notify the BO or CH of any action taken due to a BO’s or CH’s non-compliance with Army policies and procedures.

f. Level 3 and Level 4 A/OPCs have the authority to apply internal controls such as suspending or cancelling BO or CH accounts; lowering credit limits; adding or deleting Merchant Category Codes (MCC); and initiating additional controls as necessary to comply with GPC policies and procedures.

g. Results of legal reviews are not sufficient justification for CHs to proceed with a particular purchase. If a CH or BO is unsure if they can proceed with a questionable purchase, they should contact the Level 4 A/OPC for guidance and confirm authority prior to making the purchase.

h. Army agencies and organizations must provide adequate resources dedicated to the GPC program within their agency/organization to ensure successful management of the program. Adequate GPC resources refer to an agency’s efficient and effective deployment of assets (e.g., span of control, personnel, training, funding, facilities, and deployment of knowledge and skills) as needed to comply with the policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing the GPC Program. Adequate resources must be deployed to reasonably ensure that programs achieve their intended results; resources are used consistently with agency mission; programs and resources are protected from fraud, waste, and mismanagement; laws and regulations are followed; and reliable and timely information is obtained, maintained, and reported for decision-making.

i. The local contracting offices must coordinate with the local personnel office to ensure procedures are established requiring all individuals to coordinate with the Level 4 A/OPC when they out-process from the installation.