Specific Per Diem Rates for Noncommercial Lodgings

A certifying officer for the Department of Commerce, requested a decision regarding a claim for per diem payment for the federal cochairman of the Pacific Northwest Regional Commission in connection with official travel in which he lodged in noncommercial quarters in a high-rate geographical area. The specific per diem rate established by the agency, which was based in part on undocumented lodging costs, was inappropriate; the rate for high geographical areas must be applied on a case-by-case basis. Where a specific rate is established for days spent at noncommercial lodgings, the per diem for the remainder of travel is determined without regard to those days.