[Request for Reconsideration of Claims Group's Denial of Claim for Reimbursement for Real Estate Expenses]

An Air Force employee requested reconsideration of the Claim Group's denial of his claim for reimbursement for real estate expenses he incurred due to a transfer, contending that: (1) reasons beyond his control prevented him from selling his house within the required time limit for reimbursement; and (2) it would be discriminatory to deny his claim, since employees of other agencies received the services of relocation contractors. GAO held that: (1) regardless of extenuating circumstances, there was no authority for reimbursement for the employee's real estate expenses, since he failed to meet the applicable time limit; and (2) since it was within the agencies' discretion to enter into relocation services contracts, the Air Force's decision not to provide this benefit did not establish a basis to allow real estate expense claims. Accordingly, the claim was denied.