Several months ago, Huron Consulting reviewed the Direct Bill Authorization Form (DBAF) of travel services at Penn State. It recommended that the University eliminate the DBAF process for the purchase of airline tickets. This recommendation was made for two primary reasons.
-- The software used to reconcile the DBAF charges in Travel Services is outdated and no longer supported. Extensive resources would be needed to rewrite the program to meet current and new requirements.
-- The widespread use of the purchasing card — which can now be used for travel — makes it unnecessary to expend the time and monies needed to develop new software for the DBAF process. The purchasing card is able to be used with Travel Services, Travel OnLion and designated travel agencies, as well as with external agencies or travel sites.
Therefore, as of July 1, the DBAF will no longer be a payment option for travel. The payment options will be either a Penn State purchasing card (traveler’s card or a card managed by someone in the department, such as a travel arranger) or the use of the traveler’s personal credit card (to be reimbursed). Where the elimination of the DBAF causes major concerns, Procurement Services and the Office of the Corporate Controller are committed to working with units to look at other potential options.
Contact your financial officer or the Purchasing Office at 814-865-7561 or purchasing@psu.edu with questions.