[Query Concerning Home-to-Work Transportation]

At the request of the Department of State, GAO rendered an opinion as to whether the ambassador who served as Personal Representative of the President to the Middle East may be transported in a Government vehicle between his hotel and various worksites while on temporary duty in Washington, D.C. Federal Travel Regulations specifically permit the use of Government-furnished vehicles to transport Government employees on temporary duty between their lodgings and worksites when public transportation is unavailable or impractical. If State can support an administrative determination that the transportation of the ambassador in other than a Government-furnished vehicle would be impractical in view of the security risks and irregular hours his duties entail and if transportation in a Government vehicle is commensurate with the nature and purpose of his duties, GAO concluded that the ambassador may properly receive such transportation while engaged in official business in Washington, D.C.