ISR Agency GPC program tops in AF

  • Published
  • By Wayne Amann
  • Air Force ISR Agency Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO -- LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) --  A government purchase card is a valuable tool to an organization's operation. The effective management of the card's paperwork is the key to that value.

The Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Agency GPC Program is thriving thanks to its ability to balance its books better than anyone in the Air Force.

That's according to figures provided by U. S. Bank, the financial institution partner which handles the administration of the Air Force GPC Program.

"You folks are definitely leading the way for the Air Force for this fiscal year," said Vice President U. S. Bank Government Services and Air Force Relationship Manager Dave Williams, in a congratulatory email to the agency. "Keep up the splendid work!"

Specifically, the agency's file turn of 21 led all Air Force major commands this past quarter, beating the Air Force average by four. The agency has led or tied for the lead in file turn for all three quarters in fiscal year 12.

File turn is a number calculated by dividing total net purchases into the sum of daily balances (unpaid charges) per quarter. The lower the file turn the more basis points, which means a larger refund when approving GPC transactions on time.

Closest to the agency for lowest file turn in the third quarter of FY12 were the Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Reserve Command and Pacific Air Forces, all posting file turns of 24.

GPC accounts earn rebates and avoid paying interest charges. Accounts not certified by customers after 30 days appear on delinquency lists U. S. Bank sends to Headquarters Air Force. After 60 days those accounts are suspended by U. S. Bank.

The Air Force ISR Agency does not appear on the delinquency lists because its GPC program team, led by manager Nora Lopez of contracting, closely monitors accounts via email and phone reminders prior to closeout dates to ensure all accounts are certified and approved.

"We make the effort to communicate with our customers and we get a great response from them," Lopez said. "Teamwork gets the job done here."

"And we're proud to have Nora Lopez on our team," said Veronica Solis, Chief of Contracting for the agency. "Her diligence and dedication as GPC program manager has set a path for success. We commend her for a job well done. She's set the footprint high for others to follow."

The current fourth quarter, typically the highest spending quarter of the year, has the potential to return the highest rebate of the year.

That, coupled with the Air Force ISR Agency GPC program riding the crest of its recent success, bodes well for the agency in the 1st quarter of FY13.