[FSIS Employee's Claim for Forfeited Room Deposit]

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) requested an advance decision regarding a Food Safety and Inspection Service employees's claim for a forfeited deposit for lodging during a conference where he was representing USDA. USDA advised that the claimant originally selected a hotel in a high-crime area, but cancelled his reservation after the American Embassy recommended avoiding that hotel. GAO held that the claimant acted reasonably in obtaining alternative lodgings in response to embassy warnings. Accordingly, USDA could reimburse the claimant for the forfeited room deposit.