**GAO-03-405**                      Published: Mar 21, 2003. Publicly Released: Mar 27, 2003.                  

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## Highlights

In May 2002, GAO reported on breakdowns in purchasing controls at the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Alaskan Region that resulted in improper and wasteful purchases. Many of the weaknesses were associated with the use of government credit cards--referred to as purchase cards--and raised concerns that similar problems might exist FAA-wide. As a result, GAO was asked to determine whether FAA's purchase card controls reasonably ensured that purchases were proper, at a reasonable cost, and for valid government needs. GAO also assessed whether assets bought with purchase cards were being properly safeguarded and recorded.

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## Topics

Auditing and Financial Management

CreditCredit salesFederal procurementFraudInternal controlsProgram managementQuestionable procurement chargesPurchase cardsPrison costsReal property