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Use standing offers when available and cost effective. Keep in mind the need to
limit transactions to $5000 each regardless of the call-up limitations on the
standing offer. The transaction limit includes all associated costs such as
delivery and installation charges and the Goods and Services Tax (GST) or
Harmonized Sales Tax (HST).
Executive Summary
Acquisition cards were approved for use in government departments and agencies
in 1991. The cards were made available government-wide through contracts
established with acquisition card providers. The cards are the most cost
efficient method for purchases under $5,000 and are used to reduce and simplify
procurement of low value, low risk items. With the decentralization of budgets
and procurement activities, Regional Responsibility Centre (RC) managers have
increased responsibilities and authorities in areas previously controlled and
managed in the Finance and Administration (F&A) area.
Objective:
The objective of this audit was to provide assurance that the appropriate
management framework is in place in the Prairie Region to ensure that
acquisition card usage is effective and adheres to policy and procedures and the
tracking of attractive assets. Planning of the audit began in February 2004 and
the examination was concluded in June 2004.
Conclusion:
The audit concluded that an appropriate management framework is in place in the
Prairie region to ensure that acquisition card usage is effective and adheres to
policy and procedures. Use of acquisition cards is exercised with due care,
purchases reviewed were for normal business use. Managers and interviewees are
aware that acquisition cards are to be used when it is efficient, economical and
operationally feasible.
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