[Decision Concerning Propriety of Reimbursing DLA Civilian Employees and Military Officer for Cost of Seminar Meals]

The Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) requested a decision concerning six civilian employees' and a military officer's claims for reimbursement for meal expenses incurred while attending a seminar. GAO noted that there was insufficient information for it to determine whether the claimants actually attended the full seminar. GAO held that the claimants would be entitled to reimbursement if the: (1) meals were incidental to the seminar; (2) claimants' attendance at the meals was necessary for full participation in the seminar; and (3) the claimants were unable to eat elsewhere. Accordingly, DLA could reimburse the claimants if they provided evidence that the circumstances of the meals met the criteria.