The DOC Travel Charge Card Handbook implements mandatory travel charge card use by all DOC official travelers. This policy supplements the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) where additional policy or guidance is required. The Federal Travel Regulations (FTR) travel charge card policy can be found in Chapter 301, Sections 51, 52, 54, 70, 71, 72, 73, 75, and 76.
The Government Travel Charge Card Program (GTCC) provides travelers with a safe, effective, convenient, and commercially available method to pay for expenses associated with official travel. The GTCC includes Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) and Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs).
The Department of Commerce (DOC) policy is that government-issued travel cards be used to pay for ALL official travel expenses while on TDY/TAD if travel is five or more times in a year, unless exempt. Personal use of the travel card or using the travel card to pay for someone else's travel expenses is prohibited. Using the travel card for non-official expenses may result in disciplinary actions.
Application forms (either electronic or hard copy) for an IBA are available from an A/OPC. The electronic application is the preferred method since it provides tracking capability. An A/OPC will provide an applicant with a travel card application or website link with the Invitation Passcode and Inviters email address to use along with appropriate program information and the Statement of Understanding for Travel Cardholders," which an applicant must complete. No card will be issued without a properly completed application, the signed IBA Statement of Understanding (SOU), and the GSA SmartPay Training completion certificate.
Documents
If you have questions about the travel card program or need assistance, please contact your Bureau Agency Organizational Program Coordinator (A/OPC).