Changed per Diem Rate for Travel and Temporary Quarters in Alaska

A determination was requested in connection with the allowable rate of per diem payment for an employee while traveling and occupying temporary quarters in connection with a transfer from Arizona to Alaska. The prior per diem rate of $40 was disallowed, and the employee was entitled only to the rate of $20 prescribed by a memorandum issued by the agency with an effective date prior to the travel and expenses. However, since denial of reimbursement resulted from administrative failures in implementing the change, the rate reduction was substantial, and the employee was not advised of the change and acted in good faith in relying on travel orders, the matter warrants reporting to Congress for consideration as a meritorious claim.