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[Question Concerning Payment for Household Goods Shipment]

B-220197 Jan 24, 1986
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Highlights

The Veterans Administration (VA) requested a decision concerning payment of expenses incurred pursuant to an authorized household goods shipment that was not completed because of the appointee's death. GAO found that: (1) there is no indication in the statutes or regulations governing relocation of federal appointees and employees of any intent to deprive reimbursement for expenses incurred in undertaking an authorized move that is interrupted by the employee's death; (2) the household goods shipment was undertaken as a result of VA prior authorization of the move at government expense; (3) he did not become a VA employee; and (4) there was no contractual relationship between the government and the commercial carrier. GAO determined that the expenses were allowable to the extent that they do not exceed the reimbursement that would have been payable if the appointee had not died. Accordingly, payment should be made to the appointee's estate in the manner generally prescribed for deceased public creditors.

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