To establish policies for the use of the Strategic Integrated Procurement Enterprise System (referred to as "STRIPES"). These policies supplement the DOE policies for the use of the Government Purchase Card. In the event of any inconsistencies between these policies and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Parts 3, 8 and 13, the inconsistency will be resolved in favor of (1) the FAR and (2) these policies.

STRIPES provides DOE with a means to simplify its small purchase procedures and improve its cash management by:

Offering an alternative to the use of paper purchase orders and imprest funds;
Streamlining the acquisition process by reducing paperwork, improving lead times and expediting Contractor payments;
Reducing the administrative costs associated with small purchases;
Providing greater and more detailed statistical data an an audit trail as an aid in managing purchasing activities.

All purchases using these policies shall be executed using STRIPES.