[Request for Decision Concerning Advance Purchase of Entertainment Coupons]
B-243074
Sep 11, 1991
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Highlights
The Department of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) requested an advance decision concerning whether payments for fast food gift certificates and movie tickets, which will be redeemed after payment has been made, are prohibited advances of public money. GAO held that payments of fast food gift certificates and movie tickets were not a prohibited advance of public monies, provided that: (1) adequate administrative safeguards are in place to assure the control of the certificates and coupons; (2) the purchase of the certificates and tickets are in the government's best interest; and (3) the certificates and tickets are readily redeemable for cash. Accordingly, the payments were allowed.