[Interior Employee's Claim for Reimbursement for Real Estate Appraisal Fee]

The Department of the Interior requested a decision regarding an employee's claim for real estate appraisal costs incident to a permanent transfer. The claimant arranged for the appraisal prior to securing the services of a relocation company under contract with Interior. GAO held that the employee was not entitled to reimbursement, since Interior had paid the relocation company for its appraisal under the terms of the contract. Accordingly, the claim was denied.