Request for Decision Concerning Temporary Quarters Expenses

The Director for the Financial Management Office of the Center for Disease Control requested a decision concerning the propriety of paying temporary quarters subsistence expenses reclaimed by an employee who sought additional temporary quarters subsistence expenses beyond the initial 30-day entitlement provided by applicable regulations. In accordance with its established policy, the agency denied the extension based on the finding that the employee's voucher did not justify the necessity for the additional time in the temporary quarters, and there was no evidence that the extension was required for reasons beyond the employee's control. Since it is the responsibility of the employing agency to determine that subsistence expenses are necessary and reasonable, GAO will not challenge the agency's determination unless it is shown to be arbitrary, capricious, or contrary to law. The employee failed to provide any evidence to prove his allegations that the agency's actions were unreasonable in any way. The reclaim voucher also contained items for payment for temporary quarters provided by a relative. However, the claimant did not furnish information as to the extent of the costs incurred by the relative due to his stay there. The burden is on the employee to supply the necessary information supporting a claim, and it is not sufficient to show merely that the amount claimed was less than commercial rates. Therefore, these costs were not allowable. Accordingly, the reclaim voucher may not be certified for payment.