Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 49, December 6, 2024
5.1 Meal expense reimbursement is based on the temporary duty location and is not to exceed the maximum per diem established by the federal government. Alcohol and entertainment expenses are specifically excluded. Meal reimbursement is allowed when lodging is listed as "gratis" or "no charge."5.2 Meal and incidental rates differ by travel location; incidentals are included in the meal per diem and are therefore not separately reimbursable. Examples of incidental expenses are fees and tips given to porters, baggage carriers, bellhops, hotel maids, stewards or stewardesses and others on ships, and hotel servants; transportation between places of lodging or business and places where meals are taken, if suitable meals cannot be obtained at the temporary duty site; and mailing cost associated with filing travel vouchers and payment of government charge card billings.5.3 Meal expenses are reimbursable for travel requiring overnight lodging.5.4 A Traveler may request a cash advance for meals and/or mileage through the E-Travel System if approved by the Spending unit.5.6 Adjustments to Per Diem Rates5.6.1 Exceptions may be granted to per diem rates in situations when authorized by the Spending Unit Officer. When expenses are approved in excess of per diem rates, itemized receipts are required for the meal and incidental expenses for the entire day.5.6.2 On the first and last days of travel of an overnight trip when no meals are provided, the allowable reimbursement is based on 75% of the federal government's per diem rate for the specific city. Departure or arrival times are not considered. If a meal(s) is provided gratis or included within a registration fee of the business travel, the per diem rate must be reduced by the appropriate amount5.6.3 A meal provided by a common carrier or as a complimentary meal provided by a hotel/motel does not reduce the maximum per diem rate.5.7 Extraordinary Meal Expense Reimbursement 5.7.1 Meal expenses for single day travel are not reimbursable unless the Traveler is in travel status for more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period and reimbursement has been approved by the Spending Unit Officer. The maximum reimbursement is 75% of the GSA rate. Date and time of departure and return must be clearly noted on the Travel Expense Report.5.7.2 Travelers providing Guardian Travel, e.g., transporting or accompanying clients, patients, students or others entrusted to a Spending Unit for its care, education or placement, may be reimbursed the cost of companion meals, not to exceed the maximum per diem. Receipts (or the student signature form) are required to be attached to the Travel Expense Report.5.7.3 Travelers in undercover operations, law enforcement personnel and others in certain occasional overtime situations, at the direction and with the written approval of the Spending Unit Officer, may be reimbursed for their meal expenses. Spending Units must keep appropriate documentation on file.