Who is responsible for ensuring that GPC cardholders understand the ethical implications of their purchases?

The responsibility for ensuring that GPC cardholders understand the ethical implications of their purchases primarily falls on the Agency/Organization Program Coordinator (A/OPC) and organizational management. This is because the A/OPC plays a crucial role in overseeing the program, implementing training, and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies related to the Governmentwide Commercial Purchase Card (GPC).

Organizational management is also critical as they set the ethical standards and culture within the agency, effectively guiding the behavior of cardholders. This includes providing necessary training and resources that highlight ethical considerations and the consequences of misuse. By holding this responsibility, the A/OPC and organizational management work together to create an informed body of cardholders who are aware of their obligations and the importance of ethical conduct in financial transactions.

While cardholders themselves are certainly responsible for making ethical decisions, it is the oversight and training provided by the A/OPC and management that empowers them to do so correctly. The role of external auditors and government oversight committees, while important for ensuring compliance and assessing overall program effectiveness, is more about reviewing and evaluating rather than providing direct training or support to cardholders.