Claim for Expenses on Temporary Duty Assignment

An advance decision was requested as to whether an employee may be reimbursed actual expenses based on the high-rate geographical area where he obtained lodgings instead of the per diem rate applicable to the site where he performed temporary duty. The employee assigned to temporary duty was reimbursed the maximum per diem. However, because there was no Government housing available at the temporary duty site and because accommodations were unavailable in the vicinity, lodgings were arranged for him in a nearby, high-rate geographical area. Upon returning from the temporary duty, the employee requested reimbursement of his actual expenses based upon the higher rate designated for the area in which he was lodged. GAO held that the situation in this case fell within the unusual circumstances criteria of the Joint Travel Regulations under which actual expenses may be authorized or approved. Accordingly, the employee's claim should be considered under those procedures.