[Claim for Real Estate Transaction Expenses]

A National Park Service certifying officer requested a decision as to whether a transferred employee was entitled to reimbursement of real estate expenses incident to the purchase of a residence. The employee purchased a residence at his new duty station subsequent to notification that he must vacate the government quarters that he had been occupying since his transfer 3 years before. Federal Travel Regulations state that an employee is eligible for reimbursement of real estate expenses incurred incident to a transfer if the transactions are completed not more than 2 years after the employee reports to his new duty station. GAO held that federal travel regulations have the force and effect of law and may not be waived regardless of the circumstances. GAO found that, since the expenses were not incurred within the timeframe established by regulations, the employee was not entitled to reimbursement. Accordingly, the claim may not be paid.