Authority for Imprest Fund Naval activities with contracting authority are authorized to establish an IF under the follow- ing conditions: 1. The activity has been granted contracting authority to use the IF method of purchase. (Activities with contracting authority in excess of ,000 automatically have authority to use the IF method of purchase.) 2. The establishment of the fund is approved in writing by the commanding officer of the activity. 3. Use of the IF method of purchase by afloat units must be approved in writing by the type commander (TYCOM). 4. IFs are not authorized for commissary stores. The authorization letter signed by the com- manding officer should state the maximum amount of the fund. The original copy of the authorization letter is retained by the IF cashier, and a copy is forwarded to the cognizant regional contracting management activity, TYCOM, or NAVSUP. The amount of each IF for shore activities is based on (1) estimated monthly payments (not to exceed ,000) or (2) an amount of 0. For afloat activities, the IF amount may not exceed ||content|| ,000 for ships with Supply Corps officers or 0 for ships without Supply Corps officers. A review is made at least once each quarter to determine the continuing need for each fund established and whether the amount of the fund is in excess of actual needs based on the average monthly volume of expenditures. This review is made by the officer who approved the establish- ment of the fund or by a delegated representative. Imprest Fund Cashier Although the general management of the IF purchase method is a responsibility of the contracting organization, any officer, enlisted person, or civilian employee of the activity may be appointed by the commanding officer as an IF cashier (or alternate IF cashier). Exceptions to this are disbursing or fiscal office personnel and individuals responsible for originating, approving, or processing requirements. Appointment of Imprest Fund Cashier The appointment (and revocation of the appointment) of the IF cashier and alternate must be made in writing by the commanding officer of the activity. The IF cashier acknowl- edges acceptance of the position by signing the following statement:   “I agree to hold myself accountable to the United States for all public funds received.” A letter of appointment is main- tained in a permanent file and should be retain- ed for a period of not less than 5 years after the appointee ceases to serve. Two copies of the appointment letter are furnished to the cashiers, one copy to the disbursing office and one copy to the purchasing office. The IF cashier and alternate do not have to be bonded. Both the IF cashier and alternate must each have his or her safe and are the only persons authorized to have the combination for their respective safes. The combination of each safe must be changed every 6 months. Conditions for Use of Imprest Funds The IF maybe used for small purchases under the following conditions: The transaction does not exceed 0. The use of the IF is considered to be advantageous to the government. Supplies or services are available for delivery within 60 days. The purchase does not require detailed technical specifications or technical inspection. Authorized Use of Imprest Funds IFs MAY be used for the following: — Delivery charges associated with the purchase from the IF when the contractor is requested to arrange for delivery. These charges include C.O.D. postal charges and intercity transportation charges of or less. — C.O.D. charges for supplies ordered for payment from the IF. — Civilian volunteers for participation in approved medical research projects. 4-5