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B-246616 1 (1992-07-17)

handle is hein.gao/gaobadocl0001 and id is 1 raw text is: 




, oComptroller General
        oftthe United State
        wMAaanpon ,,,20848

        Decision

        Matter of:      Department of Agriculture--Purclase of
                        Business Cards

        file:           B-246616
        Date:           July 17, 1992

        DIGEST

        The United States Department' of Agriculture may not use
        appropriated funds to purchase business cards, The costs of
        business cards may not be paid with government funds without
        specific statutory authority to do so,

        DECISION
        The Acting Director, Office of Operations, United States
        Department of Agriculture, has asked us to reconsider our
        position on the use of approprialed funds to purchase
        business cards for government employees, As discussed
        below, we remain of the view that business cards may not be
        purchased with appropriated funds without specific statutory
        authority to do so.

        BACKGROUND

        The Acting Director points out that employees, particularly
        contracting officers,,at the Department of Agriculture need
        to make the extent of thqir authority readily available to
        the public. She explains that the business card is the
        most practical, economical, commonly recognized, and
        business-like wayto provide that information. As such,
        she argues that the agency's operating appropriation should
        be available to purchase business cards since the use of
        such cards enhances the accomplishment of the agency's
        mission.

        DISCUSSION

        By)law, all printing for government entities must be done at
        the Government Printing Office (44 U.S.C. § 501), and no
        item may be printed unless authorized by law (44 U.S.C.
        § 1102(a)). In implementing these statutes, the
        Congressional Joint Committee on Printing has issued the
        Government Printing and Binding Regulations. Section 20 of
        these regulations provides:

              Printing or engraving of calling or greeting
              cards is considered to be personal rather than
              official and shall not be done at government

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