Claim for Relocation and Temporary Quarters Subsistence

An advance decision was requested by an authorized certifying officer concerning the claim of a Government employee for additional temporary quarters subsistence expenses incident to a permanent change of station. The claim had been denied by the agency because the employee had already been paid for a house-hunting trip. The employee alleged that the method he used was more advantageous to the Government. It was held that the agency exercised its discretion and followed the regulatory policy to reduce the period for occupying temporary quarters if a house-hunting trip has been made. Even if the method used resulted in reduced cost to the Government, it does not furnish a basis for payment of temporary quarters subsistence. The claim was denied.