[Decision Concerning FDA Employee's Claim for Reimbursement of Miscellaneous Relocation Expenses]

The Food and Drug Administration requested a decision concerning a transferred employee's claim for reimbursement for automobile lease termination charges. The employee contended that: (1) he leased the automobile prior to transfer notification; (2) the lease provided for an additional early lease termination charge; and (3) the lease prohibited him from taking the automobile to his new overseas duty location. GAO held that the claimant was not entitled to reimbursement, since the applicable laws and regulations specifically excluded reimbursement for costs incurred in selling or buying personal property. Accordingly, the claim was denied.