EMPLOYEE'S SELECTION AND TRANSFER UNDER AGENCY'S MERIT PROMOTION PROGRAM IS REGARDED AS A TRANSFER IN THE INTEREST OF THE GOVERNMENT. THE EMPLOYEE IS ENTITLED TO THE PAYMENT OF CLAIMED RELOCATION EXPENSES INSOFAR AS OTHERWISE PROPER. PHILIPPS: THIS DECISION IS PROMPTED BY A LETTER RECEIVED FROM THE CHIEF. THE CLAIMS GROUP ADVISED THE SERVICE THAT WHERE AN AGENCY ISSUES A VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT UNDER...

GAO reviewed the advice of its Claims Group that an employee of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) who was transferred under the agency's merit promotion program be reimbursed his relocation expenses. IRS denied reimbursement on the basis that any voluntary application for reassignment is for the benefit and convenience of the employee. When making application for the position, the employee had be...