[Claim for Reimbursement of Travel Expenses]

GAO considered an employee's claim for reimbursement for travel expenses incident to her permanent appointment with another agency. At issue is whether the claimant, who was separated by reason of a reduction in force, was entitled to the travel expenses incurred in returning to the same geographical location from which she was separated. The record indicated that, prior to the date on which the claimant was to report to her new job, the agency discovered an error in its records which indicated that she was not eligible for the permanent position. However, the agency was not able to notify the claimant that she was not eligible for the position until the day she reported for work. The claimant contended that she was entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses because the agency was at fault in the matter. GAO found that, since the claimant was not reemployed in a nontemporary position nor in a different geographical location, she was not eligible to be paid for travel expenses under the applicable statute. Accordingly, the agency was not authorized to pay the travel expenses and the claim was denied.