Government Printing Office Federal Credit Union (GPOFCU), based in Washington, DC, serves over 4,500 loyal members and manages $28 million in assets. With a small but dedicated team of seven employees, the credit union sought to convert its credit and debit card processing from Fiserv to MAP. This transition was projected to save the organization $80,000 annually— a significant amount for a credit union of GPOFCU’s size.
Initially, the GPOFCU team planned to execute the conversion internally. However, during a strategic planning session, they realized that no one on their management team had prior experience managing such a complex transition. They soon recognized the magnitude of the project and assessed it based on three key parameters:
- Project Scope – The process involved multiple vendors and intricate tasks, requiring expertise the team did not have. A clear roadmap was essential for success.
- Tight Timeline – The project had to be completed before the holiday season to ensure members received and activated their new cards on time. Any delays would be costly for the small team.
- Budget Constraints – Keeping the project within budget was crucial. Any scope expansion or delays could lead to unexpected costs, which the credit union could not afford.
After evaluating these factors, GPOFCU made the strategic decision to move away from a DIY approach and instead engage an experienced project management team. The obvious choice was Bonnie Ortiz and the team at O2 Consulting Group. Bonnie had been involved in their strategic planning previously and had a deep understanding of all the key projects that GPOFCU was working on, giving her unique insight into the credit union’s operational goals.
The Role of O2 Consulting Group
Bonnie and her team at O2 Consulting Group played a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.
Key Contributions:
- Coordinating Multiple Vendors – The conversion process involved more than just switching providers; it required coordination between GPOFCU, MAP, and the core processor. O2 Consulting ensured all stakeholders were aligned, making the transition seamless.
- Reducing the Burden on Leadership – Managing a project of this scale requires significant oversight. O2 Consulting took on the heavy lifting, allowing GPOFCU’s leadership team to focus on their daily operations without being overwhelmed.
- Ensuring Clear Communication – With four different vendors involved, effective communication was critical. O2 Consulting acted as the central point of contact, keeping everyone on the same page and preventing miscommunication.
- Quick Issue Resolution – Challenges are inevitable in any large-scale project. Bonnie’s expertise and industry connections helped escalate and resolve issues efficiently, preventing delays. As CEO Stephanie Covington put it, “Bonnie’s ability to bring everything together, especially when things were going wrong, was invaluable. She reached out to key people in the industry to get things back on track.”
- Post-Project Support – Even after the conversion was complete, minor issues needed resolution. Thanks to O2 Consulting’s structured approach, all post-conversion challenges were resolved within 45 days. “A month and a half into our new cards, we were over the bumps and on the other side,” said Stephanie Covington.
DIY vs PMO: The Right Choice
The successful credit and debit card conversion at GPOFCU demonstrates the critical role of expert project management in high-stakes transitions. Initially, the credit union considered a DIY approach, believing they could manage the project internally. However, they quickly realized that navigating vendor coordination, technical implementation, and timeline constraints required specialized expertise.
Very few credit unions take this bold step and make the right choice between DIY and a PMO, breaking free from potential setbacks. Bonnie highlighted the management of GPOFCU, stating, “Prioritization was key. By using a PMO approach, Stephanie ensured this project received the necessary resources and budget, positioning GPOFCU to capitalize on that investment.”
By shifting to a PMO-led approach with O2 Consulting Group, they avoided costly delays, minimized operational risks, and ensured a seamless experience for their members.
If you need expert guidance to successfully complete your projects, reach out to O2 Consulting today—we’re here to help you turn your vision into reality!
