[Query Concerning Whether Rotational Staffing Constitutes Temporary or Permanent Assignment]

The Customs Service requested a decision as to whether Customs' practice of periodically rotating its staff to various positions may be considered temporary duty or a permanent change of station. A Customs employee had been reassigned for the standard 2-year period and the question arose as to the employee's assignment status. GAO held that, although Customs had set a 2-year limit on the position and further reassignment was contemplated, the duration of the assignment was far in excess of that normally contemplated as temporary. Further, the duties assigned were not those usually associated with temporary duty. Accordingly, the employee's assignment was not temporary duty for purposes of expense reimbursement authorization.