[Response to Request for Advance Decision Concerning AMS Employee's Claim for Reimbursement of Relocation Expenses]

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) requested an advance decision concerning a new employee's claim for reimbursement of short-term lease penalties and a credit clearance fee, which he incurred while on successive training assignments. GAO held that the: (1) lease penalty was reimbursable as a miscellaneous expense, but was limited to the allowable amount under the authorizing regulations; and (2) credit clearance fee was not reimbursable, since it was not connected with the sale or purchase of a residence. GAO also noted that, in future cases, USDA should determine the cost-effectiveness of placing a new appointee on temporary duty while on successive training assignments. Accordingly, the claim was allowed in part.