What is a procurement card (P-card) primarily used for?

A procurement card, commonly known as a P-card, is primarily designed for quickly and easily making small purchases. This tool allows organizations to streamline their procurement process, enabling employees to buy necessary goods and services without going through a lengthy purchasing process. The P-card simplifies the transaction for routine purchases, as it reduces paperwork and procurement cycle times, thus enhancing efficiency.

The use of a P-card is particularly beneficial for items that do not require extensive approval processes or formal bids. It empowers employees to meet immediate needs for supplies or services while maintaining control over spending through established limits.

Other options, while related to procurement and financial management, do not accurately capture the main purpose of a P-card. Facilitating large purchases typically involves separate processes like formal acquisitions, while tracking employee expenditures and managing supplier contracts involve different financial management tools and systems not specifically tied to rapid procurement for smaller purchases.