MOCAS (Mechanization Of Contract Administration Services)

What is MOCAS (Mechanization Of Contract Administration Services)?

Mechanization of Contract Administration Services (MOCAS) is the Department of Defense's (DoD) automated payment system. It's the core system used for managing and paying DoD contracts, playing a critical role in ensuring contractors receive timely and accurate payments. Understanding MOCAS is crucial for government contractors working with the DoD.

Definition

MOCAS is the central, automated system the DoD uses to administer contracts and process payments. It handles a wide range of contract types and funding instruments. MOCAS tracks contract obligations, receipts, acceptances, and ultimately, the payments made to contractors. This system supports adherence to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) payment clauses, as well as other financial regulations. MOCAS’ accurate administration is essential for maintaining healthy relationships between the DoD and its contractors and ensuring mission readiness by having resources available when and where they are needed.

Key Points

• Payment Processing: MOCAS handles the actual payment of invoices submitted by contractors. It verifies the accuracy and validity of invoices against the contract terms and funding availability.
• Contract Tracking: MOCAS tracks all relevant contract data, including contract line items, delivery schedules, and payment history. This enables efficient management and oversight of contracts throughout their lifecycle.
• Audit Trail: The system maintains a detailed audit trail of all transactions, providing transparency and accountability for contract administration and payments. This is essential for audit compliance and resolving potential disputes.
• Integration: MOCAS is integrated with other DoD financial systems to streamline the payment process and ensure data consistency across the department.

Practical Examples

1. Invoice Submission: A contractor submits an invoice through the Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) system. WAWF interfaces with MOCAS to verify the contract information and initiate the payment process.
2. Payment Verification: A Contracting Officer Representative (COR) approves an invoice in WAWF. MOCAS then validates the invoice against the contract terms, available funding, and other relevant factors.
3. Payment Disbursement: Once the invoice is validated, MOCAS initiates payment to the contractor's designated bank account through Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). The payment is then recorded in the MOCAS system for future reference.