Allowance and Differentials Payable in Foreign Areas

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
                 Washington, DC 20405

SUBJECT: Allowance and Differentials Payable in Foreign Areas

1.  Purpose. This Order cancels ADM P 9592.1, Allowance and Differentials Payable in Foreign Areas, (outdated on September 20, 2021) by establishing updated policy and procedures for requesting, processing, authorizing, paying, reconciling, and reporting of foreign allowance and differential payments to employees stationed in a foreign area.

2.  Background. The expired GSA Order ADM P 9592.1 contained policy governing certain types of foreign allowances. The publication of this directive therefore makes certain amendments to the expired LQA policy and establishes policy and procedures for other foreign allowances and differentials found under Chapter 59 of title 5, U.S. Code such as danger pay and foreign educational allowance. This Order therefore expands the overall scope of GSA policy promulgated in the foreign allowance subject matter area, allowing line and staff office customers detailed information on how to actually apply these allowances appropriately, an area regulated by the Department of State (DOS) under Presidential Executive Order 10903 (1961). 

3.  Scope and Applicability. This directive applies to all GSA employees, with the following exceptions:

     a.  The Office of Inspector General (OIG) has independent personnel authority. See Section 6 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, (5 U.S.C. App.3), as amended (Inspector General is authorized “to select, appoint, and employ such officers and employees as may be necessary for carrying out the functions, powers, and duties of the Office of Inspector General”) and GSA Order ADM P 5450.39D GSA Delegations of Authority Manual (Delegations Manual), Chapter 2, Part 1 (“the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning human capital issues within the [OIG]” and GSA determinations/delegations do not limit that authority). Similarly, GSA specifically recognizes that the Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning training, employee development, and career management.

     b.  This Order applies to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) only to the extent that the CBCA determines it is consistent with the CBCA’s independent authority under the Contract Disputes Act and it does not conflict with other CBCA policies or the CBCA mission.

4.  Cancellation. ADM P 9592.1, Allowance and Differentials Payable in Foreign Areas, is canceled.

5.  Policy. The HRM 9592.1A sets forth policy within GSA establishing the request and authorization process, responsibilities, payment, reconciliation, and reporting requirements for foreign allowances and differentials incentives. The Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) is the governing regulation for foreign allowance and differential payments made to GSA employees stationed or assigned overseas. In the event of a conflict between the DSSR and this policy, the DSSR is the governing authority.