Section III: A/OPC Responsibilities

As you learned in Section II, as an A/OPC you will have the overall responsibility for the Purchase Charge Card program within your agency/organization. This section will address specific A/OPC responsibilities as well as other pertinent information necessary for managing the Purchase Charge Card program.

1. What are my responsibilities as an A/OPC as outlined in the GSA SmartPay® 2 Master Contract?

As an A/OPC for your agency/organization, you serve as the liaison between your agency/organization, the bank, the cardholder and the GSA Contracting Office. Your role is essential to efficiently and effectively manage the Purchase Charge Card program

The following list identifies specific A/OPC responsibilities as outlined in the GSA SmartPay® 2 Master Contract. You may be required to assume some or all of the following responsibilities:

NOTE: The Contractor(s) referenced below refer to the bank(s).

• Maintain an up-to-date list of account names, account numbers, addresses, e-mail addresses, telephone numbers, etc., of all current cardholders and accounts.
• Provide to the Contractor(s) any changes in your agency's organizational structure that may affect invoice/report distribution.
• Review and evaluate the Contractor's technical and administrative task order performance and compliance.
• Resolve technical and operational problems between the Contractor and cardholders as required.
• Take appropriate action regarding delinquent accounts and report to internal investigative units and the GSA Contracting Officer any observed violations of applicable executive orders, laws or regulations.
• Participate in training conferences and train cardholders.
• Ensure cardholders use the charge card program correctly.
• Monitor account activity and manage delinquencies.
• Ensure that appropriate steps are taken to mitigate suspension or cancellation actions.
• Develop agency program procedures and policies as necessary

Although it is not specifically mentioned in the GSA SmartPay® 2 Master Contract, an important responsibility you have as an A/OPC is to keep the lines of communication open with all key program participants. The key to an effective Purchase Charge Card program is to ensure that all participants, including senior management/leadership, are aware of what is going on in the program. Stay in touch with your agency/organization's Purchase Charge Card program participants by networking, asking questions, and sharing or distributing agency/organization policy changes, program information, and/or other Purchase Charge Card information.

As an A/OPC, you should try to establish relationships with the cardholders and Approving Officials (AO) within your span of control. The better you understand why and how the Purchase Charge Card will be used, the more effective you can be in managing the program.