Temporary Duty Travel

Purpose

This directive describes the U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) policy on the authorization and payment of travel expenses for TDY travel within the Continental United States (CONUS) and non-foreign areas. It contains standards, instructions, and procedures governing the authorization and payment of transportation, per diem, and miscellaneous travel expenses for employees on official travel in connection with the programs and operations of GSA and conforms with the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR), Executive Orders, appropriate statutes, decisions of the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA), and determinations of the Administrator of General Services. 

Background

The Federal Travel Regulation (Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Title 41, Chapters 300 through 304) (FTR) is the Government-wide regulation that implements statutory requirements and Executive Branch policies for travel by Federal civilian employees and others authorized to travel at Government expense. This directive provides agency policy regarding travel allowances as required by FTR part 301-70.

Applicability

This directive applies to all GSA organizations, programs, and personnel, including all Services, Staff Offices, and Regions. This Order applies to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to the extent that the OIG determines it is consistent with the OIG’s independent authority under the Inspector General Reform Act of 2008 and does not conflict with other OIG policies or the OIG mission.

This directive supplements the FTR and is issued under the authority of the FTR.  Supervisors, approval authorities, and employees must still consult the FTR to ensure compliance with the regulations and internal GSA policies not specifically addressed in this supplement. Employees should consult the other internal policies referenced herein for additional guidance on those specific topics. 

Cancellation

This Order cancels and supersedes GSA Order OAS 5700.1D, Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Policy.

Summary of Changes

The following changes have been made to the Order:

1. All GSA policy references and links have been verified and updated, as needed.
2. All FTR citations have been verified and updated, as needed.
3. Paragraph 1.8.2 provides updated guidance on the use of other than coach-class accommodations, to include the approval authority for use of extra-fare train service.
4. Paragraph 1.8.3 provides updated guidance on the information needed to document the authorization to use a foreign flag carrier.
5. Paragraph 2.1 provides updated guidance on considerations when administering travel expenses and payments.
6. Paragraph 2.4 provides updated guidance on amending travel authorizations.
7. Paragraph 2.5 provides updated guidance on travel vouchers.
8. Paragraph 2.12.2 provides updated guidance on receipt requirements, to include elimination of the requirement to provide receipts for fuel expenses under $75.
9. Paragraph 3.19 provides additional guidance on the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) Car Rental Program.
10. Paragraph 4.3 provides updated guidance on foreign per diem rates and the per diem rate for TDY aboard a ship.
11. Appendix A adds the definitions of “travel authorization” and “travel voucher”. 

Roles and Responsibilities

The Office of Travel and Charge Card Services, Office of Administrative Services (OAS), is responsible for developing travel policy for GSA employees and for individuals authorized to travel at GSA’s expense. Any regional or other directives related to the authorization and approval of official travel, or reimbursement of travel-related expenses, must be cleared in advance through the Office of Travel and Charge Card Services.