[Request for Decision Concerning HHS Appointee's Entitlement to Reimbursement for Relocation Expenses]

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) requested a decision concerning an employee's claim for reimbursement of relocation expenses. GAO held that: (1) under the existing statute, a waiver could be granted only in cases where erroneous payment had already been made; (2) HHS made no erroneous payment, but erroneously authorized payment; and (3) there was no basis upon which to reimburse the claimant for unallowable expenses. Accordingly, the claim was denied.