GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Washington, DC 20405
HRM 9500.1B
September 13, 2022
GSA ORDER
SUBJECT: Transit Subsidy Program
1. Purpose. This Order revises HRM 9500.1A (November 5, 2019) to reflect GSA’s Transit Subsidy Program.
2. Background.
a. Executive Order 13150, signed April 21, 2000, requires all Executive Branch agencies to implement a transportation fringe benefit program. The program offers qualified Federal employees the option to exclude from their taxable income commuting costs incurred through the use of mass transportation and van pools, not to exceed the maximum level allowed by law and regulation. Federal agencies in the National Capital Region were required to implement a transportation fringe benefit program by October 1, 2000. Under this program agencies shall provide a transit subsidy to their qualified Federal employees as defined in 26 U.S.C. 132(f)(5) not to exceed the maximum level allowed by law and regulation. The U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) transportation fringe benefit program is called the Transit Subsidy Program.
b. The Executive Order allows agencies to make the program available outside the National Capital Region. GSA’s Transit Subsidy Program includes GSA offices outside of the National Capital Region.
3. Scope and Applicability.
a. The provisions of this Order apply to GSA Federal employees and those in part-time and temporary positions.
b. The provisions of this Order do not apply to GSA contractors.
c. The OIG has independent personnel authority. See Section 6 of the Inspector General Act of 1978, (5 USC. 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”). Also see, GSA Order, ADM 5450.39D CHGE 1, GSA Delegations of Authority Manual, Chapter 2, Part 1, the “Inspector General has independent authority to formulate policies and make determinations concerning human capital issues within the [OIG].” GSA’s determinations and 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. However, the provisions of this Order apply to OIG.
d. 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 it does not conflict with other CBCA policies or the CBCA mission. Presently, the provisions of this Order apply to CBCA.
4. Cancellation. This Order cancels and supersedes ADM 9500.1A HRM, Transit Subsidy Program, dated November 5, 2019.
5. Revisions. Added Guidance in Section 7(b) outlining that the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) Electronic Application System is available anytime, including during an Agency Evacuation, for GSA employees to enroll, apply for transit benefit, request information, update their transit benefit application, withdraw from program, and recertify.
U.S. General Services Administration