PURCHASE CARD INFORMATION

General Information
A purchase card (p/card) is a form of credit card issued to designated state employees.  The p/card is used by the card holder to make purchases of most types of goods and services for the official use of the state.  Personal purchases are not permitted.  The state is liable for payment.  The objective of the program is to simplify and reduce red tape on purchases while placing the cards in the hands of employees who actually utilize the goods and services purchased.  Purchasing offices and Certified Procurement Officers may also use p/cards.

Program Structure
The program is a blend of centralized procedures, training and program monitoring coupled with decentralized day-to-day management and p/card use.  Key individuals in the daily operation of the program are:

• State p/card program administrator - The employee in the Department of Central Services Central Purchasing Division who manages the program statewide.
• Entity p/card administrator - The employee in each state agency who manages that agency's program.
• Approving official - The agency employee who reviews monthly, the p/card purchases of one or more cardholders.
• Card holder - The agency employee who makes purchases using the p/card. 

Safeguards
Because the p/card affects purchasing and financial transactions, there are a number of safeguards included in the program.  Examples are card holder selection, training, reviews and reports, card limits, and periodic internal and external audits.

Advantages
Advantages to the Oklahoma p/card program are a simplification and speed-up of purchasing processes, no fees, rebates to participating agencies, reduced transaction times and transaction costs, and merchant acceptance because of faster payment.

Card Use
Use of p/cards was authorized in legislation.  Use of the standard p/card is limited to purchases of $2,500.00 or less for a single transaction.  Agencies may limit any given card to a lower amount.  The $2,500.00 limitation does not apply to the Statewide Contract p/card and Travel p/card. The cards may be used for walk-in, telephone, or INTERNET purchases.

Administration
DCS Central Purchasing Division
Will Rogers Office Building
2401 N. Lincoln, Suite 116
P. O. Box 528803
Oklahoma City, OK  73152-8803

Lisa Martin, Contracting and Procurement Officer
Phone: (405) 522-1654
E-mail: Lisa_Martin@dcs.state.ok.us