The Department of the Treasury has
finalized, without change, a proposed rule (¶70,063.03)
implementing use of the Internet Payment Platform, a
centralized electronic invoicing and payment
information system. According to the Department, the
IPP benefits agencies by eliminating the need to
file and store paper payment documentation. By
providing contractor and department-wide visibility
into contract payments, the IPP also reduces the
time agency personnel will spend researching and
answering payment status questions. IPP benefits
contractors by reducing time to payment, costs
associated with multiple processes and requirements,
and paper and postage costs. The platform also
improves cash management by eliminating delays
associated with submitting and routing paper, and
increases transparency in the payment processes. The
IPP is provided at no cost to contractors or
agencies adopting the platform.
New
Subpart
The rule amends the Department of the
Treasury Acquisition Regulation by adding new DTAR
Subpart 1032.70, which prescribes policies and
procedures for electronic submission and processing
of payment requests. DTAR
1032.7000 sets forth the scope, DTAR
1032.7001 adds a definition of "payment
request," and DTAR
1032.7002 adds a policy provision. DTAR
1032.7003 prescribes a new contract clause, DTAR
1052.232-7003, Electronic Submission of Payment
Requests. Generally, contracts awarded after October
1, 2012, must require electronic submission of
payment requests. The Department will support
contractor transition from paper-based payment
processes to IPP through a series of webinar and
video training on various aspects of the
application. The rule also changes the definition of
"bureau"
at DTAR
1002.101 to reflect the consolidation of two
Department offices. The rule goes into effect August
8, 2012. For the text of the final rule, see ¶70,060.02.
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