ALCOAST 427/18 - DEC 18 CG PURCHASE CARDHOLDER PROCEDURAL AND POLICY GUIDANCE DURING A LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS

 211657 DEC 18
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC //CG-91//
TO ALCOAST
UNCLAS //N07500//
ALCOAST 427/18
COMDTNOTE 7500
SUBJ: CG PURCHASE CARDHOLDER PROCEDURAL AND POLICY GUIDANCE DURING A LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS
A. ALCOAST 423/18 PREPARATION FOR A POTENTIAL LAPSE IN APPROPRIATION
B. ALCGFINANCE 050/18 FINANCIAL POLICY GUIDANCE DURING A LAPSE IN APPROPRIATIONS
C. FINANCIAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MANUAL (FRMM), COMDTINST M7100.3 (series)
1. This ALCOAST provides guidance along with References A through C for the CG Purchase Card
Community related to all contingencies in the event of an actual lapse in appropriations.
2. Office of Procurement Policy and Oversight (CG-913) recommends that the Coast Guard Purchase
Card Community prepare for the possibility of a lapse in appropriations and subsequent government
shutdown which may become effective after midnight on 21 DEC 2018 . 
3. In accordance with the GSA SmartPay2 Master Contract, purchase cards will remain operational
and the servicing bank will continue to function as normal and provide services in accordance
with the master contract in the event of a lapse in appropriations.
4. In the event of a lapse in appropriations, purchase cards may be used only for functions and
activities that are exempted from work restrictions in the Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA).
Exempted functions are those that are:
   A. Funded by Sources Other than Annual Appropriated Funds
   B. Authorized to Continue Even Without Funding
   C. Necessary for Safety of Human Life or Protection of Property
   D. Necessary for the Orderly Cessation of Functions
5. Although purchase cards will remain operational in the event of a lapse in appropriations,
cardholders are reminded to confer with and receive approval from their unit regarding continued
use of the card due to the appropriation limitations described above. Additionally, only military
members and those civilian cardholders deemed “exempt personnel” may use their cards during a
lapse in appropriations. Please seek guidance from your chain of command if unsure of your status.
6. Purchases may only be made if funds are available and authorized by the Funds Manager and
prior approval is received by the Approving Official (AO). If the AO is inactive due to the lapse
in appropriations, then approval must be obtained from the unit’s alternate designated authorized
approving official.
7. In compliance with the DHS Purchase Card Manual, all purchase limits, purchase guidance, and
restrictions will remain in full force and effect during a lapse in appropriations.
8. If cardholders experience problems during the lapse in appropriations, they may contact the bank
at 1-866-297-0781, which is also provided on the back of the card.
9. If a card is due to expire during the government shutdown, new cards will continue to be mailed
by the bank to the cardholder’s address on file located in the servicing bank system (PaymentNet);
however, if the card is returned to the servicing bank, the card will be destroyed and notification
will be sent to CG Headquarters.
10. CG Headquarters Purchase Card Support will be available via email in the event of a
lapse in appropriations to assist cardholders.
11. For emergency assistance outside of regular business hours or on weekends, please call
202-329-0932.
12. Mr. Michael W. Derrios, Head of Contracting Activity, sends.
13. Internet release is authorized.