Federal Travel Regulation; Removal of Conference Lodging Allowance Provisions, 65210-65212 [2013-26014]

Download as PDF 65210 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 40 CFR Part 300 [EPA–HQ–SFUND–1990–0010; FRL–9900– 30–Region 9] National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan; National Priorities List: Deletion of the Sola Optical USA, Inc. Superfund Site Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 9 announces the deletion of the Sola Optical USA, Inc. Superfund Site (Site) located in Petaluma, California, from the National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL, promulgated pursuant to section 105 of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended, is an appendix of the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan (NCP). The EPA and the State of California, through the California Regional Water Quality Control Board—San Francisco Bay Region, have determined that all appropriate response actions under CERCLA have been completed. However, this deletion does not preclude future actions under Superfund. DATES: This rule is effective October 31, 2013. ADDRESSES: EPA has established a docket for this action under Docket Identification No. EPA–HQ–SFUND– 1990–0010. All documents in the docket are listed on the https:// www.regulations.gov Web site. Although listed in the index, some information is not publicly available, i.e., Confidential Business Information or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Certain other material, such as copyrighted material, is not placed on the Internet and will be publicly available only in hard copy form. Publicly available docket materials are available either electronically through https:// www.regulations.gov or in hard copy at the site information repositories. Locations, contacts, phone numbers and viewing hours are: Superfund Records Center, 95 Hawthorne St., Room 403, Mail Stop SFD–7C, San Francisco, CA 94105, (415) 536–2000, Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Petaluma Public Library, 100 Fairgrounds Drive, Petaluma CA wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Oct 30, 2013 Jkt 232001 94952, (707) 763–9801, Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Tues, Wed: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dante Rodriguez, Remedial Project Manager, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 9, SFD–8–2, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105, (415) 972–3166, email rodriguez.dante@epa.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The site to be deleted from the NPL is: Sola Optical USA, Inc. Superfund Site, Petaluma, California. A Notice of Intent to Delete for this Site was published in the Federal Register on July 24, 2013. The closing date for comments on the Notice of Intent to Delete was August 23, 2013. One set of public comments containing 15 comments was received, inquiring about the technical details of EPA’s site investigation and remediation. EPA explained its technical rationale for all the questions raised, demonstrating that its investigation, remediation, and monitoring thereof justify the deletion of the Site. A responsiveness summary was prepared and placed in both the docket, EPA–HQ–SFUND–1990–0010, on www.regulations.gov, and in the local repositories listed above. EPA maintains the NPL as the list of sites that appear to present a significant risk to public health, welfare, or the environment. Deletion from the NPL does not preclude further remedial action. Whenever there is a significant release from a site deleted from the NPL, the deleted site may be restored to the NPL without application of the hazard ranking system. Deletion of a site from the NPL does not affect responsible party liability in the unlikely event that future conditions warrant further actions. List of Subjects in 40 CFR Part 300 Environmental protection, Air pollution control, Chemicals, Hazardous waste, Hazardous substances, Intergovernmental relations, Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Superfund, Water pollution control, Water supply. For reasons set out in the preamble, 40 CFR part 300 is amended as follows: PART 300—NATIONAL OIL AND HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES POLLUTION CONTINGENCY PLAN 1. The authority citation for part 300 continues to read as follows: PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 2. Table 1 of Appendix B to part 300 is amended by removing ‘‘CA’’, ‘‘Sola Optical USA, Inc., ‘‘Petaluma’’. ■ [FR Doc. 2013–25987 Filed 10–30–13; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6560–50–P GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 41 CFR Parts 301–11, 301–74, Appendix E to Chapter 301, 304–3, and 304–5 [FTR Amendment 2013–01, FTR Case 2012– 301; Docket 2012–0011, Sequence 1] RIN 3090–AJ27 Federal Travel Regulation; Removal of Conference Lodging Allowance Provisions Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP), General Services Administration (GSA). ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: GSA is amending the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by removing the conference lodging allowance reimbursement option for employees on temporary duty (TDY) travel. This case is included in GSA’s retrospective review of existing regulations under Executive Order 13563. Additional information is located in GSA’s retrospective review available at: www.gsa.gov/improvingregulations. DATES: Effective: October 31, 2013. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact Mr. Cy Greenidge, Program Analyst, Office of Government-wide Policy, at 202–219– 2349. Please cite FTR Amendment 2013–01; FTR case 2012–301. Contact the Regulatory Secretariat (MVCB), Attn: Ms. Hada Flowers, 1800 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20405, 202–501–4755, for information pertaining to status or publication schedules. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: A. Background Dated: October 22, 2013. Jared Blumenfeld, Regional Administrator, Region 9. ■ Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(c)(2); 42 U.S.C. 9601–9657; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; E.O. 12580, 52 FR 2923; 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 193. GSA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on October 23, 2012, (77 FR 64791). The proposed rule recommended the removal of the conference lodging allowance option from the FTR. While the proposed rule indicated the conference lodging allowance allows travelers to exceed the lodging rate by up to 25 percent when the conference is sponsored by a Federal agency, this allowance also can apply to E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM 31OCR1 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES travelers attending non-Government sponsored conferences. The proposed rule also incorrectly stated that an agency official must approve actual expense allowance requests, but there is no such mandate for the use of the conference lodging allowance. In actuality, the Government agency sponsoring a Government conference or the travel approving official of a Government employee attending a nonGovernment sponsored conference must authorize reimbursement of the conference lodging allowance when lodging is not available at the established lodging per diem rate. The public had 60 calendar days to comment on the proposed rule. GSA made no significant changes to the substance of this final rule. B. Analysis of Public Comments Comments: Two respondents expressed support for the proposed rule by indicating that the conference lodging allowance should be removed promptly and that agencies need to have a way to limit and keep track of how travel dollars are spent. Response: Although no response is required, GSA appreciates all comments. Comments: One respondent stated that too many Federal employees attend conferences wasting taxpayer dollars instead of using alternatives (e.g., teleconferencing, video conferencing, webinars). Response: Agencies should always ensure and justify that travel is necessary to accomplish the agency mission, as well as consider the use of technologies (e.g., teleconferencing, video conferencing, webinars) in lieu of travel. Comments: Three respondents did not want the conference lodging allowance provision removed from the FTR. They indicated that the proposed rule did not take into account additional transportation costs that might occur if employees lodged away from the conference site; that removal of the conference lodging allowance would be extraordinarily burdensome for little or no financial benefit in terms of administrative costs; and that the removal of the conference lodging allowance will result in increasing agency travel expenditures for transportation. Response: This rule amends FTR section 301–74.6 by indicating that when lodging is not available at the applicable per diem rate, travelers should construct a cost comparison, including all travel-related costs of the available options. If the cost comparison shows that obtaining lodging at the VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Oct 30, 2013 Jkt 232001 conference facility results in the lowest total travel costs, the agency may authorize actual expense reimbursement. Agencies must develop internal policies concerning when to authorize this method of reimbursement. The preamble to the proposed rule was incorrect about approval not being mandatory when using the conference lodging allowance; however, this has been addressed in the preamble of this final rule. Comments: One respondent indicated that this rule would make it difficult for the hospitality industry to meet the lodging needs of Federal conference attendees. Response: Removing the conference lodging allowance provision will allow employees to spend taxpayer dollars more prudently when traveling for the Federal Government. While industry may offer rates as it sees fit, travelers should always look for hotels that are at or below per diem when they are on official travel. Comments: One respondent expressed frustration with their E-Gov Travel System when booking hotels and the costs of contract city pair flights. Response: The purpose of this rule is to remove the conference lodging allowance provisions from the FTR. Therefore, the comments about electronic systems and contract carrier prices are beyond the scope of this final rule. C. Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563 Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives, and if regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. This is not a significant regulatory action, and therefore, was not subject to review under Section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review, dated September 30, 1993. D. Regulatory Flexibility Act This final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. This final rule is also exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2) because it applies to agency management or personnel. PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 65211 E. Paperwork Reduction Act The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to the FTR do not impose recordkeeping or information collection requirements, or the collection of information from offerors, contractors, or members of the public that require the approval of OMB under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq. F. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act This final rule is also exempt from Congressional review prescribed under 5 U.S.C. 801. This final rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804. List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 301–11, 301–74, Appendix E to Chapter 301, 304–3, and 304–5 Acceptance of travel and related expenses from non-Federal sources, Administrative practices and procedures, Government employees, Travel and Per Diem expenses. Dated: August 29, 2013. Dan Tangherlini, Administrator of General Services. For the reasons set forth in the preamble, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5701– 5709 and 31 U.S.C. 1353, GSA amends 41 CFR parts 301–11, 301–74, Appendix E to Chapter 301, 304–3, and 304–5 as set forth below: PART 301–11—PER DIEM EXPENSES 1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301–11 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707. § 301–11.5 [Amended] 2. Amend § 301–11.5 by— a. Adding the word ‘‘or’’ at the end of paragraph (b); ■ b. Removing paragraph (c); and ■ c. Redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (c). ■ ■ PART 301–74—CONFERENCE PLANNING 3. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301–74 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707. 4. Revise § 301–74.6 to read as follows: ■ § 301–74.6 What can we do if we cannot find an appropriate conference facility at the chosen locality per diem rate? While it is always desirable to obtain lodging facilities within the established lodging portion of the per diem rate for the chosen locality, it may not always be possible. In those instances when E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM 31OCR1 65212 Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 211 / Thursday, October 31, 2013 / Rules and Regulations lodging is not available at the applicable per diem rate, travelers should construct a cost comparison of all associated costs, including round-trip ground transportation, between finding lodging at the applicable per diem rate away from the conference locality and using the actual expense method at the conference locality as prescribed in Subpart D of Part 301–11 of this chapter. §§ 301–74.7 through 301–74.10, 301–74.12, 301.74–22, and 301–74.23 [Removed] 5. Remove §§ 301–74.7 through 301– 74.10, 301–74.12, 301.74–22, and 301– 74.23. ■ §§ 301–74.11, 301–74.13 through 301–74.19, and 301–74.24 through 301–74.26 [Redesignated as §§ 301–74.7, 301–74.8 through 301–74.14, and 301–74.22 through 301–74.24] provides Federal funds of this prohibition. and adding ‘‘(per diem or actual expense)’’ in its place. § 301–74.12 [FR Doc. 2013–26014 Filed 10–30–13; 8:45 am] [Amended] 10. Amend newly redesignated § 301– 74.12 by removing from the Note ‘‘§ 301–74.17(a)’’ and adding ‘‘§ 301– 74.12(a)’’ in its place. ■ 11. Revise newly designated § 301– 74.22 to read as follows: ■ § 301–74.22 When should actual expense reimbursement be authorized for conference attendees? You may authorize actual expenses under § 301–11.300 of this chapter when the applicable lodging rate is inadequate. Appendix E, Chapter 301 [Amended] 12. Amend Appendix E to Chapter 301 by— ■ a. Under the heading ‘‘Terms’’ by removing the paragraph ‘‘Conference lodging allowance: The rate that is up to 25 percent above the established lodging per diem rate.’’, and ■ b. Under the heading ‘‘Notification,’’ subheading ‘‘Announcement and/or Redesignated Invitations,’’ by removing the paragraph section No. ‘‘Notice that conference lodging 301–74.7 allowance applies if applicable.’’ ■ 6. Redesignate §§ 301–74.11, 301– 74.13 through 301–74.19, and 301–74.24 through 301–74.26 as §§ 301–74.7, 301– 74.8 through 301–74.14, and 301–74.22 through 301–74.24, respectively. A redesignation table is set forth below for the convenience of the reader: ■ Old section No. 301–74.11 301–74.13 301–74.14 301–74.15 301–74.16 301–74.17 301–74.18 301–74.19 301–74.24 301–74.25 301–74.26 ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... § 301–74.9 [Amended] 301–74.8 301–74.9 301–74.10 301–74.11 301–74.12 301–74.13 301–74.14 301–74.22 301–74.23 301–74.24 PART 304–3—EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY 13. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 304–3 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 31 U.S.C. 1353. § 304–3.11 [Amended] 14. Amend § 304–3.11— a. In the heading by removing ‘‘(per diem, actual expense, or conference lodging)’’ and adding ‘‘(per diem or actual expense)’’ in its place; and ■ b. In the introductory paragraph by removing ‘‘(per diem, actual expense, or conference lodging)’’ and adding ‘‘(per diem or actual expense)’’ in its place. ■ ■ 7. Amend newly redesignated § 301– 74.9 in the first sentence by removing ‘‘§ 301–74.15’’ and adding ‘‘§ 301– 74.10’’ in its place. ■ § 301–74.10 [Amended] 8. Amend the heading to newly redesignated § 301–74.10 by removing ‘‘§ 301–74.14’’ and adding ‘‘§ 301–74.9’’ in its place. ■ 9. Revise newly designated § 301– 74.11 to read as follows: ■ wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with RULES § 301–74.11 What must be included in any advertisement or application form relating to conference attendance? Any advertisement or application for attendance at a conference described in § 301–74.9 must include notice of the prohibition against using a non-FEMA approved place of public accommodation for conferences. In addition, any executive agency, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 105, shall notify all non-Federal entities to which it VerDate Mar<15>2010 15:19 Oct 30, 2013 Jkt 232001 PART 304–5—AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES 15. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 304–5 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 31 U.S.C. 1353. § 304–5.4 [Amended] 16. Amend § 304–5.4— ■ a. In the heading by removing ‘‘(per diem, actual expense, or conference lodging)’’ and adding ‘‘(per diem or actual expense)’’ in its place; and ■ b. In paragraph (a), in the introductory paragraph by removing ‘‘(per diem, actual expense, or conference lodging)’’ ■ PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 BILLING CODE 6820–14–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Emergency Management Agency 44 CFR Part 64 [Docket ID FEMA–2013–0002; [Internal Agency Docket No. FEMA–8303] Suspension of Community Eligibility Federal Emergency Management Agency, DHS. ACTION: Final rule. AGENCY: This rule identifies communities where the sale of flood insurance has been authorized under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that are scheduled for suspension on the effective dates listed within this rule because of noncompliance with the floodplain management requirements of the program. If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) receives documentation that the community has adopted the required floodplain management measures prior to the effective suspension date given in this rule, the suspension will not occur and a notice of this will be provided by publication in the Federal Register on a subsequent date. Also, information identifying the current participation status of a community can be obtained from FEMA’s Community Status Book (CSB). The CSB is available at https:// www.fema.gov/fema/csb.shtm. DATES: Effective Dates: The effective date of each community’s scheduled suspension is the third date (‘‘Susp.’’) listed in the third column of the following tables. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: If you want to determine whether a particular community was suspended on the suspension date or for further information, contact David Stearrett, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, Federal Emergency Management Agency, 500 C Street SW., Washington, DC 20472, (202) 646–2953. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The NFIP enables property owners to purchase Federal flood insurance that is not otherwise generally available from private insurers. In return, communities agree to adopt and administer local floodplain management measures aimed at protecting lives and new construction SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\31OCR1.SGM 31OCR1

Agencies

General Services Administration

[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 211 (Thursday, October 31, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65210-65212]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-26014]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

41 CFR Parts 301-11, 301-74, Appendix E to Chapter 301, 304-3, and 
304-5

[FTR Amendment 2013-01, FTR Case 2012-301; Docket 2012-0011, Sequence 
1]
RIN 3090-AJ27


Federal Travel Regulation; Removal of Conference Lodging 
Allowance Provisions

AGENCY: Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP), General Services 
Administration (GSA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: GSA is amending the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by 
removing the conference lodging allowance reimbursement option for 
employees on temporary duty (TDY) travel. This case is included in 
GSA's retrospective review of existing regulations under Executive 
Order 13563. Additional information is located in GSA's retrospective 
review available at: www.gsa.gov/improvingregulations.

DATES: Effective: October 31, 2013.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact 
Mr. Cy Greenidge, Program Analyst, Office of Government-wide Policy, at 
202-219-2349. Please cite FTR Amendment 2013-01; FTR case 2012-301. 
Contact the Regulatory Secretariat (MVCB), Attn: Ms. Hada Flowers, 1800 
F Street NW., Washington, DC 20405, 202-501-4755, for information 
pertaining to status or publication schedules.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

A. Background

    GSA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on October 
23, 2012, (77 FR 64791). The proposed rule recommended the removal of 
the conference lodging allowance option from the FTR. While the 
proposed rule indicated the conference lodging allowance allows 
travelers to exceed the lodging rate by up to 25 percent when the 
conference is sponsored by a Federal agency, this allowance also can 
apply to

[[Page 65211]]

travelers attending non-Government sponsored conferences. The proposed 
rule also incorrectly stated that an agency official must approve 
actual expense allowance requests, but there is no such mandate for the 
use of the conference lodging allowance. In actuality, the Government 
agency sponsoring a Government conference or the travel approving 
official of a Government employee attending a non-Government sponsored 
conference must authorize reimbursement of the conference lodging 
allowance when lodging is not available at the established lodging per 
diem rate.
    The public had 60 calendar days to comment on the proposed rule. 
GSA made no significant changes to the substance of this final rule.

B. Analysis of Public Comments

    Comments: Two respondents expressed support for the proposed rule 
by indicating that the conference lodging allowance should be removed 
promptly and that agencies need to have a way to limit and keep track 
of how travel dollars are spent.
    Response: Although no response is required, GSA appreciates all 
comments.
    Comments: One respondent stated that too many Federal employees 
attend conferences wasting taxpayer dollars instead of using 
alternatives (e.g., teleconferencing, video conferencing, webinars).
    Response: Agencies should always ensure and justify that travel is 
necessary to accomplish the agency mission, as well as consider the use 
of technologies (e.g., teleconferencing, video conferencing, webinars) 
in lieu of travel.
    Comments: Three respondents did not want the conference lodging 
allowance provision removed from the FTR. They indicated that the 
proposed rule did not take into account additional transportation costs 
that might occur if employees lodged away from the conference site; 
that removal of the conference lodging allowance would be 
extraordinarily burdensome for little or no financial benefit in terms 
of administrative costs; and that the removal of the conference lodging 
allowance will result in increasing agency travel expenditures for 
transportation.
    Response: This rule amends FTR section 301-74.6 by indicating that 
when lodging is not available at the applicable per diem rate, 
travelers should construct a cost comparison, including all travel-
related costs of the available options. If the cost comparison shows 
that obtaining lodging at the conference facility results in the lowest 
total travel costs, the agency may authorize actual expense 
reimbursement. Agencies must develop internal policies concerning when 
to authorize this method of reimbursement. The preamble to the proposed 
rule was incorrect about approval not being mandatory when using the 
conference lodging allowance; however, this has been addressed in the 
preamble of this final rule.
    Comments: One respondent indicated that this rule would make it 
difficult for the hospitality industry to meet the lodging needs of 
Federal conference attendees.
    Response: Removing the conference lodging allowance provision will 
allow employees to spend taxpayer dollars more prudently when traveling 
for the Federal Government. While industry may offer rates as it sees 
fit, travelers should always look for hotels that are at or below per 
diem when they are on official travel.
    Comments: One respondent expressed frustration with their E-Gov 
Travel System when booking hotels and the costs of contract city pair 
flights.
    Response: The purpose of this rule is to remove the conference 
lodging allowance provisions from the FTR. Therefore, the comments 
about electronic systems and contract carrier prices are beyond the 
scope of this final rule.

C. Executive Order 12866 and Executive Order 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct agencies to assess 
all costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives, and if 
regulation is necessary, to select regulatory approaches that maximize 
net benefits (including potential economic, environmental, public 
health and safety effects, distributive impacts, and equity). E.O. 
13563 emphasizes the importance of quantifying both costs and benefits, 
of reducing costs, of harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. 
This is not a significant regulatory action, and therefore, was not 
subject to review under Section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning 
and Review, dated September 30, 1993.

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This final rule will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities within the meaning of the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. This final rule is 
also exempt from the Administrative Procedure Act pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
553(a)(2) because it applies to agency management or personnel.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to 
the FTR do not impose recordkeeping or information collection 
requirements, or the collection of information from offerors, 
contractors, or members of the public that require the approval of OMB 
under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

F. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This final rule is also exempt from Congressional review prescribed 
under 5 U.S.C. 801. This final rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 
804.

List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 301-11, 301-74, Appendix E to 
Chapter 301, 304-3, and 304-5

    Acceptance of travel and related expenses from non-Federal sources, 
Administrative practices and procedures, Government employees, Travel 
and Per Diem expenses.

    Dated: August 29, 2013.
Dan Tangherlini,
Administrator of General Services.

    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
5701-5709 and 31 U.S.C. 1353, GSA amends 41 CFR parts 301-11, 301-74, 
Appendix E to Chapter 301, 304-3, and 304-5 as set forth below:

PART 301-11--PER DIEM EXPENSES

0
1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-11 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 5707.


Sec.  301-11.5  [Amended]

0
2. Amend Sec.  301-11.5 by--
0
a. Adding the word ``or'' at the end of paragraph (b);
0
b. Removing paragraph (c); and
0
c. Redesignating paragraph (d) as paragraph (c).

PART 301-74--CONFERENCE PLANNING

0
3. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-74 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707.


0
4. Revise Sec.  301-74.6 to read as follows:


Sec.  301-74.6  What can we do if we cannot find an appropriate 
conference facility at the chosen locality per diem rate?

    While it is always desirable to obtain lodging facilities within 
the established lodging portion of the per diem rate for the chosen 
locality, it may not always be possible. In those instances when

[[Page 65212]]

lodging is not available at the applicable per diem rate, travelers 
should construct a cost comparison of all associated costs, including 
round-trip ground transportation, between finding lodging at the 
applicable per diem rate away from the conference locality and using 
the actual expense method at the conference locality as prescribed in 
Subpart D of Part 301-11 of this chapter.


Sec. Sec.  301-74.7 through 301-74.10, 301-74.12, 301.74-22, and 301-
74.23  [Removed]

0
5. Remove Sec. Sec.  301-74.7 through 301-74.10, 301-74.12, 301.74-22, 
and 301-74.23.


Sec. Sec.  301-74.11, 301-74.13 through 301-74.19, and 301-74.24 
through 301-74.26  [Redesignated as Sec. Sec.  301-74.7, 301-74.8 
through 301-74.14, and 301-74.22 through 301-74.24]

0
6. Redesignate Sec. Sec.  301-74.11, 301-74.13 through 301-74.19, and 
301-74.24 through 301-74.26 as Sec. Sec.  301-74.7, 301-74.8 through 
301-74.14, and 301-74.22 through 301-74.24, respectively. A 
redesignation table is set forth below for the convenience of the 
reader:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          Redesignated
                    Old section No.                        section No.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
301-74.11.............................................          301-74.7
301-74.13.............................................          301-74.8
301-74.14.............................................          301-74.9
301-74.15.............................................         301-74.10
301-74.16.............................................         301-74.11
301-74.17.............................................         301-74.12
301-74.18.............................................         301-74.13
301-74.19.............................................         301-74.14
301-74.24.............................................         301-74.22
301-74.25.............................................         301-74.23
301-74.26.............................................         301-74.24
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec.  301-74.9  [Amended]

0
7. Amend newly redesignated Sec.  301-74.9 in the first sentence by 
removing ``Sec.  301-74.15'' and adding ``Sec.  301-74.10'' in its 
place.


Sec.  301-74.10  [Amended]

0
8. Amend the heading to newly redesignated Sec.  301-74.10 by removing 
``Sec.  301-74.14'' and adding ``Sec.  301-74.9'' in its place.

0
9. Revise newly designated Sec.  301-74.11 to read as follows:


Sec.  301-74.11  What must be included in any advertisement or 
application form relating to conference attendance?

    Any advertisement or application for attendance at a conference 
described in Sec.  301-74.9 must include notice of the prohibition 
against using a non-FEMA approved place of public accommodation for 
conferences. In addition, any executive agency, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 
105, shall notify all non-Federal entities to which it provides Federal 
funds of this prohibition.


Sec.  301-74.12  [Amended]

0
10. Amend newly redesignated Sec.  301-74.12 by removing from the Note 
``Sec.  301-74.17(a)'' and adding ``Sec.  301-74.12(a)'' in its place.

0
11. Revise newly designated Sec.  301-74.22 to read as follows:


Sec.  301-74.22  When should actual expense reimbursement be authorized 
for conference attendees?

    You may authorize actual expenses under Sec.  301-11.300 of this 
chapter when the applicable lodging rate is inadequate.

Appendix E, Chapter 301 [Amended]

0
12. Amend Appendix E to Chapter 301 by--
0
a. Under the heading ``Terms'' by removing the paragraph ``Conference 
lodging allowance: The rate that is up to 25 percent above the 
established lodging per diem rate.'', and
0
b. Under the heading ``Notification,'' subheading ``Announcement and/or 
Invitations,'' by removing the paragraph ``Notice that conference 
lodging allowance applies if applicable.''

PART 304-3--EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY

0
13. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 304-3 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  5 U.S.C. 5707; 31 U.S.C. 1353.


Sec.  304-3.11  [Amended]

0
14. Amend Sec.  304-3.11--
0
a. In the heading by removing ``(per diem, actual expense, or 
conference lodging)'' and adding ``(per diem or actual expense)'' in 
its place; and
0
b. In the introductory paragraph by removing ``(per diem, actual 
expense, or conference lodging)'' and adding ``(per diem or actual 
expense)'' in its place.

PART 304-5--AGENCY RESPONSIBILITIES

0
15. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 304-5 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 31 U.S.C. 1353.


Sec.  304-5.4  [Amended]

0
16. Amend Sec.  304-5.4--
0
a. In the heading by removing ``(per diem, actual expense, or 
conference lodging)'' and adding ``(per diem or actual expense)'' in 
its place; and
0
b. In paragraph (a), in the introductory paragraph by removing ``(per 
diem, actual expense, or conference lodging)'' and adding ``(per diem 
or actual expense)'' in its place.


[FR Doc. 2013-26014 Filed 10-30-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-14-P

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