Request for Approval of Modified Voucher Payment System

The Veterans Administration (VA) requested approval of a proposed change in the VA voucher payment system whereby all freight charges or price discrepancies between purchase order amount and invoiced amount of less than $30, which are not covered by a specific contract, would be paid without further inquiry. Evidence submitted by VA showed that the expense of processing a vendor inquiry exceeds the average amount of overpayment. Despite the evidence presented, GAO could not approve the proposed procedure since it was without statutory basis. If VA wishes to implement its proposed payment system, it should seek legislative authorization.