Refreshments at Awards Ceremony

If an agency determines that a reception with refreshments, as provided in the Federal Personnel Manual, would materially enhance the effectiveness of an awards ceremony conducted under authority of the Government Employees' Incentive Awards Act, the cost of those refreshments may be considered a "necessary expense" for purposes of 5 U.S.C. 4503. As such, the cost may be charged to operating appropriations without regard to "reception and representation" limits.