The City of Richmond has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its procurement card (p-card) program. This process began with a significant reduction in the number of active p-cards, which have decreased by 79% from 320 to just 67 cards since the announcement on April 30.
Over the next two to three months, the Department of Procurement Services (DPS) will conduct a thorough evaluation and redesign of the city’s p-card system. This initiative follows recommendations from an audit by the City Auditor’s office and an independent assessment by the Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP). Based on these findings, DPS plans to revise procurement policies and procedures while providing staff training on proper implementation and use.
During this reset period, certain restrictions are in place:
– P-card purchases are limited to situations where public health, safety, or critical services would be compromised without them or when no other payment option is available.
– Travel-related expenses must adhere to existing travel advance/reimbursement policies rather than using p-cards.
– Amazon purchases are prohibited on p-cards.
– Food purchases are not allowed unless they support mission-critical programs such as summer food or after-school initiatives.
– Department directors will no longer receive p-cards to allow them to concentrate more effectively on purchase approvals.
The City of Richmond intends to keep the public informed about developments toward establishing a new and improved p-card infrastructure.
