[Decision Concerning DOE Employees' Entitlement to Reimbursement for Lodging and Meal Expenses]

The Department of Energy (DOE) requested a decision concerning three employees' entitlement to reimbursement for lodging and meal expenses they incurred while staying at a motel within the city limits of their residence while attending an agency conference. GAO held that: (1) the employees were not entitled to reimbursement for the subsistence expenses, since regulations precluded per diem at or within the vicinity of their residence; and (2) DOE could waive repayment of the amounts advanced for the travel expenses, since the employees spent the advances in reliance on erroneous travel orders. Accordingly, the claims were denied, and GAO remanded the cases to DOE for waiver consideration.