CONS commander outlines GPC keys to success

Maj. James Eastman

As the contracting commander, there are many mission critical issues to deal with every day.

At Cannon, we spend about $40 million a year on contracts for construction projects, purchasing new equipment and for service contracts that keep Cannon running smoothly.

However, the one contracting program that has the furthest reach and touches every unit at Cannon is the Government Purchase Card (GPC). As the person charged with running the GPC program, let me tell you the four things you need to know that make the GPC program a success.

1) Know your responsibilities. Unit commanders are responsible for appointing cardholders and approving officials. The approving officials are responsible for GPC administration in the unit and also have the responsibility for surveillance of all cardholders under them. Cannon’s GPC Program Manager, Mark Thompson, is responsible for training all cardholders and approving officials as well as surveillance of all accounts at Cannon. My responsibility is to provide surveillance results and recommendations to unit commanders and update the wing commander on the program status quarterly.

2) Know the GPC program has high visibility. Cannon made $11 million in GPC purchases in fiscal year 2004 and most of that had very little contracting over sight. GPC has had inspector general, as well as congressional interest in the past. The potential for abuse and/or fraud is there. My advice is that units choose cardholders and approving officials carefully, make sure you have the right people for these duties. Remember, these people are the ones who are spending your unit’s funds. During the upcoming unit compliance inspection, know that your unit’s GPC program will get a good look.

3) Know common GPC mistakes and avoid them.

AFI 64-117 governs the GPC program. If you’re an approving official or cardholder, make sure you have a copy and keep it handy. The most common mistakes are not using approved sources of supply, splitting purchases to stay below the $2,500 limitation, not getting the proper approvals before making a purchase and approving officials not doing their monthly account reconciliation.

The policy for first time GPC violations is account suspension for 60 days. Continual violations by individual cardholder or approving officials shall result in termination of GPC privileges.

4) Know the keys to a successful GPC program. The biggest key to a successful program is involvement from the top down. Everybody has a stake in making this program work.

If you’re a cardholder, close communication with your approving official is critical. Just asking the question could prevent one of the mistakes mentioned above. If you’re an approving official, ensure the proper oversight and surveillance is conducted. Lastly, if you are in doubt about a purchase, call the contracting office.

Well, there you have it, the four main ingredients to a successful GPC Program. Also, don’t forget about the card’s rebate potential, reconciling the GPC accounts quickly can save your unit money.

Last year, Cannon had the highest rebate percentage in Air Combat Command saving over $95,000 on purchases. That’s your money; it goes back to your unit.

Again, if you’re not sure about making that purchase with your GPC, call Mark Thompson or Dave O’Leary at the contracting office at

784-2321, they can get you the right answer.

Finally, as the new contracting commander here at Cannon, let me just say I’m thrilled to be here and I look forward to serving with you as a member 27th Fighter Wing.