GSA Non-Federal Source (NFS) Travel Policy

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Washington, DC 20405

OAS 5765.1A
October 29, 2021

GSA ORDER

 

SUBJECT:  GSA Non-Federal Source (NFS) Travel Policy

1.   Purpose. This directive describes GSA internal policy and guidance for acceptance of payment for travel, subsistence, and related expenses from a Non-Federal Source (NFS) by GSA for employees on GSA’s behalf to attend meetings and similar functions, relating to the official duties of the employee, while in an official travel status.  

2.   Scope and Applicability.  

a. 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 the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (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.

b. 31 U.S.C. § 1353, implemented in the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) in Chapter 304 (41 CFR Chapter 304), is the exclusive authority under which GSA may accept payment for travel expenses from a NFS for its employees to attend a meeting, conference, or similar function outside of their official station. This directive supplements FTR Chapter 304. An NFS payment is considered a gift to the agency and not to the employee. Travel that is required to carry out GSA’s statutory and regulatory functions (e.g., investigations, inspections, audits, site visits) is specifically excluded. Supervisors, approval authorities and employees must still consult FTR Chapter 304 to ensure complete compliance with the regulations related to NFS benefits not specifically addressed in this directive.

3. Cancellation. This Order cancels and supersedes OAS 5765.1, GSA Non-Federal Source (NFS) Travel Policy.