[Request for Reconsideration of Claims Group's Settlement of DODDS Employee's Claim for Travel Expenses]

A Department of Defense Dependents School (DODDS) employee claimed reimbursement for travel expenses he incurred in presenting an oral response to a proposed notice of removal. DODDS advised that, although it notified the claimant of his right to present an oral response to a designated regional deputy director, it did not issue or authorize travel orders for the claimant to drive his private automobile to make the oral presentation. GAO held that the oral response constituted official business for which travel expenses were reimbursable. Accordingly, the claim was allowed.