DODFMR Vol. 5 - Show Me the Money: Inside the DoD's Disbursing Machine

DoD FMR Volume 5, titled “Disbursing Policy,” establishes the comprehensive requirements, standards, and responsibilities for the Department’s disbursing operations, governing the activities of Disbursing Officers (DOs), Certifying Officers (COs), and Departmental Accountable Officials (DAOs). It details the procedures for obtaining, safeguarding, and depositing public funds, while prescribing the legal use of Disbursing Station Symbol Numbers (DSSNs) and the management of Funds Held Outside of Treasury (FHOT). A central focus of the volume is pecuniary liability, established under the “presumption of negligence,” which holds accountable officials personally responsible for fiscal irregularities, including physical losses of funds and erroneous payments. Furthermore, the regulation provides specialized guidance for accommodation exchange services, foreign disbursing operations, and electronic commerce mechanisms, while mandating rigorous accountability reporting through the use of the DD 2657 and SF 1219 to ensure the integrity of the Department’s cash position