[Decision Concerning NPS Expenditures for Christmas Decorations]

The National Park Service (NPS) requested an advance decision concerning the use of appropriated funds to pay for Christmas decorations and open house expenses at a historic site. GAO held that NPS should: (1) use the funds to pay for the Christmas decorations, since such use was directly related with its mission in administering the site; and (2) not use the funds to entertain individuals for public relations purposes without specific authorization. Accordingly, NPS should certify payment in accordance with these guidelines.