[Former Forest Service Employee's Claim for Travel Expenses]

A former Forest Service employee claimed reimbursement for certain travel and transportation expenses incident to: (1) his appointment to a position in Alaska; and (2) his return travel after he resigned his position. The Forest Service temporarily appointed the claimant, who moved to Alaska, and subsequently permanently appointed him. The claimant contended that he was not a resident of Alaska at the time of his temporary appointment. GAO held that: (1) the portion of the claim relating to his initial relocation to Alaska was time-barred; and (2) it would not interfere with the Service's determination that the claimant was a resident of Alaska at the time of his permanent appointment and, therefore, was not entitled to return travel benefits. Accordingly, the claim was denied.