Temporary Duty (TDY) Travel Policy

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 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. This directive provides agency policy regarding travel allowances as required by FTR part 301-70.

Scope and Applicability

1. 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 Act and does not conflict with other OIG policies or the OIG mission. This Order applies to CBCA to the extent that the CBCA determines it is consistent with the CBCA’s independent authority under the Contract Disputes Act and applicable Federal Court decisions and does not conflict with other CBCA policies or its mission.
2. 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.
3. 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, Office of Administrative Services (OAS).

Cancellation

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

Responsibilities

The Office of Travel and Charge Card Services is responsible for developing travel policy for GSA employees and for individuals authorized to travel at GSA’s expense.

Revisions

The following changes have been made to the Order:

1. Chapter 1, Part 3, paragraph 11 is revised by replacing “HRM 6010.1B” with “HRM 6010.1C.”
2. Chapter 3, Part 1, paragraph 2 is revised to provide guidance encouraging employee use of commercial rail service over air travel or long-distance automobile travel under certain conditions and for other technical changes. 
3. Chapter 3, Part 3, paragraph 18a is revised to provide guidance encouraging employees to select a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) when authorized to utilize a Government-furnished automobile.
4. Chapter 3, Part 3, paragraph 19 is added to provide guidance on selecting ZEVs when authorized to utilize rental cars during TDY and for other technical changes.
5. Chapter 3, Part 3, paragraph 23a is revised to provide guidance recommending the selection of ZEVs when utilizing transportation network companies (TNCs).
6. Chapter 3, Part 3, paragraph 25 is added to provide guidance encouraging employees to utilize public transportation in and around the TDY location.
7. Chapter 34, Part 3, paragraph 26 is added to provide guidance on maximizing ridesharing when TDY.
8. Appendix A is revised to add the definition of “zero-emission vehicle”.