NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
+ Visit NASA.gov

 | home | print | text only | chapter view | site map | search |

PREFACE 0. Preface
Fleet Organization, Mission, and Responsibilities 1. Fleet Organization, Mission, and Responsibilities
Performance Metrics 2. Performance Metrics
Official Use of Vehicles 3. Official Use of Vehicles
Asset Management 4. Asset Management
Vehicle Acquisition 5. Vehicle Acquisition
Alternative Fueled Vehicles 6. Alternative Fueled Vehicles
Fleet Maintenance 7. Fleet Maintenance
Vehicle Disposal 8. Vehicle Disposal
9. Fuel Management
   
9.1 Overall Fuel Management Objectives
9.2 Types of Fuels
 
9.2.1 Petroleum-Gasoline and Diesel
9.2.2 Alternative Fuels
9.3 On-Site Fueling Facilities
9.4 Fuel Tank Management
9.5 Temporary Fueling Facilities
9.6 Commercial Fueling
9.7 Fuel Taxes
9.8 Fuel Card Management
9.9 Record Keeping
Contractor Use of Government Vehicles 10. Contractor Use of Government Vehicles
Forms and Reports   Driver's Handbook
Forms and Reports   Forms and Reports
Reference Materials   References
Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Definitions   Abbreviations, Acronyms, and Definitions
Useful Web Links   Web Links
Frequently Asked Questions   FAQ

 

NASA Official Fleet Management Handbook

Fuel Management

Overall Fuel Management Objectives

The overall objectives of fuel management are the following:

  • Minimize the consumption of petroleum based fuels;
  • Assure fuel security and accountability;
  • Minimize the cost of fuel used by the fleet;
  • Provide safe, convenient fueling access for fleet customers;
  • Assure conformance with all federal, state, and local regulations;
  • Record and report fuel usage as required by FAST.

Types of fuels

Petroleum – Gasoline and Diesel

Personnel at all Centers shall strive to meet the mandates of E.O. 13149 and reduce the use of gasoline and regular diesel in vehicles that can run on alternative fuels.

Alternative Fuels

Current mandates as outlined in E.O. 13149 require managers to take an active role in reducing petroleum consumption through improvements in fuel efficiency and the use of alternative fuels. See also 5.2.3 and chapter 6 for more detailed information on the use of alternative fuels. The following practices should be employed at all Centers where feasible:

  1. Use only B20 bio-diesel for diesel vehicles fueled on site. Bio-diesel feedstock (B100) must meet ASTM Specification D6751. For more information on bio-diesel, go to http://www.desc.dla.mil/. From the Text Menu, select Energy Links > Alternative Fuels Information Station.
  2. Use E-85 in light duty vehicles and other applications where possible; installation of a facility on base is ideal; set key or card lock access system to restrict use of gasoline fuel in E-85 vehicles when fueling on site.
  3. Consider the use of CNG when no other alternative fuel option is available.

On-Site Fueling Facilities

Having on-site fueling facilities is ideal when the majority of vehicles operate on-site. These facilities will be used to the maximum extent possible. When it is necessary to use off-site fuel facilities, users will ensure proper grade fuel is used.

Fuel Tank Management

Centers engaged in the management of Underground Storage Tanks (UST’s) must comply with the requirements of 40CFR Part 280.

Temporary Fueling Facilities

Temporary above ground fueling facilities of a modular and self-contained design should be used where appropriate to assist in the introduction of liquid alternative fuels (such as E85), or to provide more convenient access at remote locations for conventional fuels. The CTO should investigate the option of leasing such facilities to fulfill temporary and short-term needs up to 3 years.

Commercial Fueling

Commercial fueling facilities may be used when cost effective and/or in the best interest of the government. See paragraph 9.3.

Fuel Taxes

Federal Government fleets are exempt from Federal Excise Tax and other fuel taxes and these taxes are usually deducted before payment for fuel is made. However, the CTO should be vigilant to assure that taxes for on-site fuel supplies are not charged. The Internal Revenue Code (sections 6421 and 6427) and the IRS Ruling 58-349 set forth the tax laws and eligibility requirements for obtaining credits and refunds for taxes paid on ground fuels used on-site. NASA Centers should file claims for excise taxes paid for fuel used on-site in accordance with IRS Publication 378. More explicit details on fuel taxes may be found at http://www.irs.gov/publications/p378/index.html.

Fuel Card Management

For GSA-leased and NASA-owned vehicles, the operator or assignee shall be personally responsible for safeguarding and protecting the fuel card. The fuel card must be removed from the vehicle when unattended, especially when left at a commercial facility for service, inspection, or repairs. Caution: Use of fuel cards for unauthorized purchases subjects the user to disciplinary action.

Record Keeping

Detailed transaction records will be maintained on all fuel transactions to track fuel usage for all fuel dispensed from NASA-owned or operated facilities.

Page: 9. Fuel Management - Chapter View

Last Updated: 08/25/2005 09:31 AM