B-182766: Oct 9, 1975

IS HELD TO A STANDARD OF DUE CARE AND ORDINARY PRUDENCE. THIS RULE DOES NOT APPLY WHERE PROPERTY IS DESTROYED BY FIRE. AGENTS - GOVERNMENT - AUTHORITY - RESPONSIBILITY OF PERSONS DEALING WITH AGENTS SINCE PERSONS WHO ENTER CONTRACTUAL RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE GOVERNMENT ARE CHARGED WITH RESPONSIBILITY OF ACCURATELY ASCERTAINING THE EXTENT OF A LIMITED AGENT'S AUTHORITY. THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT BOUND B...

B-182766: Apr 19, 1977

DECISION TO DISALLOW CLAIM FOR LOSS OF TYPEWRITER RENTED BY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF UNITED STATES COURTS FOR EMPLOYEE AND DESTROYED IN FIRE AT EMPLOYEE'S HOME IS AFFIRMED SINCE NO MATERIAL MISTAKE OF LAW OR FACT IN ORIGINAL DECISION IS ESTABLISHED. GOVERNMENT WAS NOT NEGLIGENT IN ALLOWING EMPLOYEE TO USE TYPEWRITER AT HOME SINCE HOME USE WAS SPECIFICALLY AUTHORIZED BY AGENCY OFFICIALS AND NEITHER...

B-182766: Oct 9, 1975

An agency questioned a claim for payment of $325 incident to destruction of a leased typewriter. The rental of the typewriter is regarded as a bailment for mutual benefit and, since there was no evidence of the government's negligence as bailee, the destruction of the bailment by fire did not create a presumption of the government's liability. The availability of the bailed property for use was en...

B-182766: Apr 19, 1977

Counsel for a company requested reconsideration of the denial of a claim for reimbursement for a leased electric typewriter destroyed by fire in a government employee's home. Use of the typewriter in the home was consistent with the rental agreement, and was authorized by the government. The government was, therefore, not negligent, and disallowance was affirmed...