FBI Service Agreement Provisions

GAO was asked whether a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) written service agreement may include a clause dealing with relocation overseas that would obligate an employee to reimburse the Government for transfer costs, if he elected to retire prior to completing the term required by the agreement. GAO held that it is within FBI discretion to make a determination that a voluntary retirement within the period of the service agreement is not a separation beyond the employee's control. GAO would question the decision only when the agency's determination has no reasonable basis. Accordingly, the FBI may require this clause to be included in its service agreements.