[Request for Decision Concerning Entitlement of Forest Service Employees to Reimbursement]

A decision was requested concerning the entitlement of three Forest Service employees to be reimbursed for registration fees and luncheon expenses incurred in connection with the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC). One employee attended several required CFC business luncheons. Two other employees attended luncheons for which they had to pay registration fees. GAO was asked whether the facts that the meetings were administratively controllable events and were sponsored by an external organization had any bearing on the employees' entitlement. An employee may not be paid a per diem allowance or subsistence expenses at his permanent duty station even where unusual working conditions are involved since such expenses are considered personal. Registration fees for attendance by employees at meetings held at their official duty station where meals are included in the fee are properly for payment. However, the luncheon meetings in question involved CFC business and did not relate to the function or the purpose for which the Forest Service was established. Accordingly, the expenses claimed could not be allowed.