[Claim for Miscellaneous Relocation Expenses]

An authorized certifying officer of the Federal Bureau of Investigation asked whether certain expenses claimed by a transferred employee were reimbursable as miscellaneous relocation expenses. The expenses included the costs of: (1) an adapter for an electric dryer; (2) a license plate holder; (3) an automobile windshield and its installation; (4) stereo wire; and (5) new personal checks. GAO examined each item claimed by the employee individually to determine whether it was an allowable miscellaneous expense. The cost of the adapter was reimbursable since Federal travel regulations provide for reimbursement for the costs of relocating and connecting appliances and equipment. The purchase of the license plate holder was reimbursable as it related to meeting the automobile licensing requirement in the State to which the employee moved. The cost of replacing a windshield that failed the State inspection was not reimbursable, because the replacement related primarily to the maintenance and operation of the employee's vehicle. Under Federal travel regulations, only expenses directly related to licensing and registration are reimbursable. The cost of stereo speaker wire was not a reimbursable miscellaneous expense since the employee bought the wire to satisfy his personal preference. Expenses associated with the costs of establishing a new residence are usually one-time, nonrecurring expenses. Checks must be purchased on a regular basis and the nature of this expense was personal and not closely related to the setting up of a residence, and reimbursement for this expense was denied.