Analysis of the Smartpay Program at the U. S. Army Communications Electronics Command

This research examines the use of the Government-wide credit card program, Smartpay, at the U. S. Army's Communications Electronics Command (CECOM) , Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. The primary intent is to establish whether the program has attained the objectives established by regulatory guidance. It identifies the basic processes/procedures with use of the card and evaluates how CECOM and tenant activities have embraced this acquisition reform initiative. This thesis identifies the benefits and any drawbacks that cardholders and Approving Officials have encountered while using the card. The conclusions based on this research are that credit card implementation at Fort Monmouth has been successful and is an effective method of decentralizing acquisition. Research results confirm that while there is an apparent need for follow-up training, the management controls are in place and effective to prevent misuse and/or abuse of the credit card. Finally, recommendations include development of a follow-up training program for all cardholders, increasing usage of credit card as a payment vehicle on established contracts, designating a champion for the program and re-examining the need for credit card purchases to be entered into the Material Acquisition Processing System.Naval Postgraduate School Monterey CA Graduate School of Business and Publicpolicy is the author of 'Analysis of the Smartpay Program at the U. S. Army Communications Electronics Command', published 2001 under ISBN 9781423524595 and ISBN 1423524594.