Transportation Payment and Audit Regulation
FAR 47.103 mandates compliance with the Transportation Payment and Audit Regulation for all government transportation payments and audits, ensuring standardized procedures and oversight.
Overview
FAR 47.103 outlines the requirements for payment and audit of transportation services under government contracts. It references the Transportation Payment and Audit Regulation (TPAR), which governs how transportation charges are paid and audited for shipments arranged by the government. The section ensures that contractors and agencies follow standardized procedures for the payment of transportation bills and the subsequent audit of those payments to prevent overcharges and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
Key Rules
- Adherence to TPAR
- All transportation payments and audits must comply with the Transportation Payment and Audit Regulation.
- Contract Clause Requirement
- Contracts involving transportation services must include the appropriate clause referencing the TPAR to ensure compliance.
Responsibilities
- Contracting Officers: Must ensure the correct contract clauses are included and that payment/audit procedures follow TPAR.
- Contractors: Must comply with TPAR requirements for billing and record-keeping related to transportation charges.
- Agencies: Responsible for oversight of transportation payments and audits to prevent improper payments.
Practical Implications
- This section exists to standardize and control the payment and audit process for transportation services, reducing the risk of overpayment or fraud.
- Contractors must be diligent in submitting accurate transportation invoices and maintaining records for audit.
- Failure to comply can result in payment delays, disallowed charges, or audit findings.