[Request for Decision Concerning BPA Employee's Claim for Real Estate Expenses]

A certifying officer for the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) requested an advance decision as to whether a voucher submitted by an employee for real estate expenses may be paid. When the employee transferred to BPA from another agency to work as an electrician apprentice, he was required to travel constantly for several years before he was assigned to a permanent duty station. Upon being assigned to the permanent duty station, the employee purchased a residence near the station and sold his former residence. GAO held that, when a transferred employee is in a constant travel status, he may be reimbursed for the real estate expenses incurred in selling his former residence, even though it was not located at his administratively designated duty station and he did not commute daily to that residence. GAO also determined that the employee may be reimbursed for additional expenses associated with refinancing the contract he entered into upon purchasing his new residence.