[Request for an Advance Decision on Claim of a Private Individual]

An advance decision was requested as to whether the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission could allow a private individual's claim for travel expenses and compensation in connection with his travel to a conference which was cancelled. The claimant was asked to attend a fact-finding conference; however, the conference was cancelled and notification of the cancellation did not reach the claimant until he had proceeded to the conference site. The claimant submitted a claim for travel and other expenses as well as lost work time. GAO found nothing in the record that showed that payment of such travel expenses or fees was authorized. Furthermore, regulations do not provide a basis to allow payment under the circumstances involved. Accordingly, payment of the claim was not authorized.