[Request for Advance Decision Concerning Claim for Transportation Costs]

An advance decision was requested concerning transportation costs that were incurred in connection with a Department of Health and Human Services employee's training assignment. GAO was asked whether: (1) transportation of the employee's household goods at Government expense was authorized; (2) the carrier's bills for transportation services were allowable; and (3) the amount that had been paid should be collected from the employee to the extent the bills were allowable. GAO found that the employee was not authorized transportation of her household goods at Government expense and that the amounts payable to the carrier for that purpose should be collected from her. An agency has the authority to pay training expenses of temporary duty allowances, including per diem, or certain permanent change-of-station allowances, including transportation of household goods. Since the employee was paid per diem, she was not entitled to an allowance for the transportation of her household goods. However, since the contracting officer had issued Government bills of lading, and the carrier had acted in good faith, the carrier was entitled to payment even though the employee was not entitled to the transportation furnished at Government expense. The validity of questionable packing charges and alleged irregularities in the bills should be treated as a doubtful claim, and this matter should be referred to the General Services Administration (GSA) which will certify the payable amount. The carrier may be paid only to the extent that GSA certifies the payment of its claim and that amount should be collected from the employee.