[HHS Employee's Claim for Reimbursement for Residence Construction Expenses]

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requested a decision regarding a transferred employee's claim for residence construction expenses. The claimant contended that HHS should reimburse him for title insurance costs. GAO held that the claimant was entitled to reimbursement for those residence construction and financing fees that: (1) were comparable to residence purchase fees; and (2) did not duplicate previously allowed fees the claimant incurred prior to obtaining permanent financing. Accordingly, GAO remanded the claim to HHS.