[Decision Concerning Interior Employee's Claim for Relocation Expenses]

The Navajo and Hopi Relocation Commission requested a decision as to whether it properly reimbursed a Department of the Interior employee for real estate expenses incident to an interagency detail agreement. Interior questioned the payment, contending that the detail was a temporary duty assignment that did not permit payment of relocation expenses. GAO held that the assignment was permanent, based on the: (1) orders directing the assignment; (2) duration of the assignment; and (3) nature of the duties to be performed. Accordingly, the Commission properly reimbursed the employee.