[Claim for Entitlement to Reimbursement of Real Estate Expenses]

The Customs Service asked whether a transferred employee may be granted an extension to the 3-year period of eligibility for reimbursement of real estate expenses incident to the sale of his residence at the old duty station. The employee had been unable to sell his former residence due to unfavorable economic conditions, and he had received two 1-year extensions to complete his real estate transactions. GAO held that Federal Travel Regulations allow a maximum 3-year period of eligibility that may not be waived by the agency or GAO regardless of the circumstances. Accordingly, the request for an additional extension may not be allowed.