Travel Expenses on Intergovernmental Personnel Act Assignments

An advance decision was requested with regard to the proper authority for reimbursement of the travel and transportation expenses of Foreign Service personnel assigned to universities and to State and local governments under the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA). Expenses incurred incident to an IPA detail are payable only as authorized by 5 U.S.C. 3375(a) and implementing provisions of the Federal Travel Regulations. If the employee is actually transferred to a new duty station, travel expenses would be payable under the Foreign Service Travel Regulations.