**Introduction**

Information Technology (IT) resources are essential tools for work
performed at NASA Headquarters. Thus, employees must have the mechanisms
needed to quickly and economically acquire such resources. In an effort
to reduce the overhead of adding unique items to the Shop4NASA catalog,
the Headquarters Information Technology and Communications Division
(ITCD) is authorizing the purchase of IT and communications equipment
using the NASA Headquarters purchase card. This is in accordance with
the trust relationship between NASA Headquarters and its employees and
NASA's goal of providing a modern, productive, and supportive work
environment.

This document sets forth NASA Headquarters policy and responsibilities
for appropriate use of the NASA Headquarters purchase of IT and
communications resources using a Headquarters issued purchase card. This
policy is applicable to all NASA Headquarters purchase card
acquisitions, with the exception of those made by the Office of the
Inspector General for its Crime Division network.

**A. Appropriate Use**

As authorized by their organizations, Headquarters employees may use
their Headquarters purchase cards to obtain IT equipment not exceeding
\$250. This includes items such as computer mice, keyboards, and
peripherals. Prior to any purchase greater than \$250, approval must be
obtained from the Headquarters Chief Information Officer (CIO) or
designee.

Except for the Outsourcing Desktop Initiative (ODIN) contract,
Government Purchase Cards may not be used for the acquisition of cell
phones, Personal Data Assistants (PDA's), pagers, cellular internet
services, computer desktops, laptops, and workstations without the
express written approval from the Headquarters CIO. This policy is in
accordance with the letter from the Associate Administrator; subject
Mission Focus Review (MFR) Decision Memorandum for Phase 1
Recommendations 7, 100, and 137 \-- dated July 9, 2007. All questions
about definitions of these terms will be referred to the Headquarters
CIO.

-   **ODIN System** - Peripherals and printers being attached to an ODIN
    system must be purchased from ODIN. A waiver will be needed;
    otherwise you must use the Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement
    (SEWP) if not available in the ODIN Catalog, then open source if not
    available through SEWP.

-   **NON-ODIN System** - Peripherals and printers being attached to a
    NON-ODIN system must be purchased through SEWP; and then open source
    if it is not available. No waiver will be needed.

In addition, to maintain interoperability, protect the HQ IT
infrastructure, and avoid unanticipated costs or performance and
availability issues, purchase of the items below will only be allowed on
an exception basis.

-   Software, network connections, cable plant, or replacement of other
    items issued as part of the [HQ Hardware and Software Baseline
    Suite](http://www.hq.nasa.gov/itcd/documents/hqwsstdm.doc)
    (DRD-ODIN-HQ-12).

-   Telephones.

-   Any item requiring a change to the computer\'s operating system or
    user permissions, including software installation, driver
    installation, etc.

The Headquarters CIO or designee must authorize purchase of these
controlled items. The primary factors in granting approval will be NASA
mission criticality and the urgency of the requirement.

Some items acquired through a purchase card that store or process data
may require a security assessment before connecting them to NASA
equipment. Employees should contact the [IT Help
Desk](https://www.odin.lmit.com/hq/helpdesk.html) at 202-358-HELP (4357)
for assistance in making this determination.

**B. Support Issues**

Items acquired using a Headquarters purchase card may require additional
funding for services such as software compatibility testing, ongoing
maintenance, and other technical support. When such support is
anticipated, the items should be purchased through the Shop4NASA catalog
to guarantee functionality, performance, and sufficient funding. If
proper support has not been arranged and an item obtained with a
purchase card disables the computer on which it is installed, technical
support will be limited to reloading the core software products on the
computer.

**C. Placing an Order**

Complete the following steps to purchase IT equipment:

1)  Contact your organization's Headquarters Information Technology
    Support Services (HITSS) Project Manager to discuss support issues
    and security assessment requirements.

2)  Arrange for technical support on your computer, if necessary.

3)  **Mission Directorate Employees**: Contact your organization's
    purchase cardholder to make your purchase. **Mission Support Office
    Employee:** Contact the ITCD purchase cardholder to make your
    purchase.

**D. Sanctions Unauthorized IT Purchases**

Unauthorized IT procurements made with NASA Headquarters purchase cards
could result in loss of use or limitations on the use of the purchase
card and/or employees being held financially liable for costs resulting
from the purchase and installation of such items.

**E. Additional Requirements**

When using the NASA Headquarters purchase card, employees must follow
all requirements contained in the Bank of America MasterCard Purchasing
Card Program Handbook.

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