[Request for Decision Concerning Real Estate Expenses]

An authorized certifying officer of the Bonneville Power Administration requested a decision regarding an employee's entitlement to reimbursement of real estate expenses incident to the sale of his residence in anticipation of a transfer. The employee sold his residence prior to announcement of the new vacancy. Federal Travel Regulations state that a dwelling for which selling expenses are claimed must be the employee's residence at the time the employee is first definitely informed by competent authority of a transfer to a new duty station. GAO found that there was no administrative intent to transfer the employee at the time of settlement on his residence. Accordingly, the claim may not be paid.