[Claim for Reimbursement of Miscellaneous Relocation Expense]

The Army requested an advance decision as to whether the cost of reconnecting a catalytic converter to a vehicle for a civilian or uniformed employee who is a member of the Privately Owned Vehicle Import Control Program may be reimbursed as miscellaneous expenses incident to overseas assignment. GAO was also asked whether the cost of securing a bond allowing entry of a vehicle belonging to an individual not participating in the program may be reimbursed. GAO stated that Joint Travel Regulations, applicable only to civilian employees, provide a miscellaneous expense allowance for contingent costs associated with residence relocation in connection with a permanent change of station. GAO believes that the reinstallation of a converter is such an expense, since the converter is necessary for the car to be admitted into the United States. Similarly, the cost of securing a bond for release of the vehicle may also be included as a miscellaneous expense. However, miscellaneous expenses incurred by members of the uniformed services are not reimbursable in the same manner because a predetermined allowance is provided rather than itemized amounts. Accordingly, reconnection and bond costs are allowable miscellaneous expenses for civilian employees but may not be reimbursed for members of the uniformed services.