[Claim for Temporary Quarters Subsistence Expenses]

An official of the Bureau of Indian Affairs submitted an employee's reclaim voucher for temporary quarters subsistence expenses reimbursement. The employee was reclaiming $25 per day for temporary quarters while residing with friends at his new duty station. The agency had disallowed the amount claimed stating that it was unreasonable in view of the lack of documentation to substantiate the basis for the $25. GAO stated that Federal regulations provide a formula under which the maximum reimbursement is $375 for the period in question. Since the employee had already been reimbursed $343.22 for meal subsistence expenses, the maximum amount available for lodging was $31.78. Therefore, the agency's requirement for substantiation of the $25 per day does not appear to be germane; the employee need only support lodging expenses of $31.78. GAO found the amount to be reasonable based upon use of the host's utilities, linens, and services. Accordingly, the employee is entitled to the additional reimbursement specified above.