Reimbursement of the Government of American Samoa for Monies It Paid for Office Supplies and Telephone Services for the U.S. Government

A certifying officer of the Department of the Interior (DOI) requested an opinion on the propriety of certifying for payment a voucher for reimbursement of the Government of American Samoa for $4,312.12. The payments were made by American Samoa for supplies and services procured for the use of the U.S. Government Comptroller for American Samoa. The certifying officer was concerned because the initial examination of claims and subsequent disbursement were performed by local government employees from local revenues. The certifying officer may certify a voucher signed by the U.S. Comptroller for American Samoa to reimburse the Government of American Samoa for payment for office supplies and telephone services purchased for the U.S. Comptroller. However, Federal administrative funds may not be advanced to the Government of American Samoa in anticipation of future purchase of supplies and service to be made by American Samoa on behalf of the U.S. Comptroller in the absence of specific legislative authority.