Federal Travel Regulation; Enhancement of Privately Owned Vehicle and Rental Vehicle Policy, 62588-62590 [2014-24498]
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62588
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 202 / Monday, October 20, 2014 / Proposed Rules
Date
Thursday, November 20,
2014.
Time
8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
(Local time).
Dated: October 15, 2014.
Lawrence Roberts,
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary—Indian
Affairs.
[FR Doc. 2014–24906 Filed 10–17–14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4310–4J–P
GENERAL SERVICES
ADMINISTRATION
41 CFR Parts 300–3, 301–10, and 301–
70
[FTR Case 2014–302; Docket 2014–0014,
Sequence 1]
RIN 3090–AJ48
Federal Travel Regulation;
Enhancement of Privately Owned
Vehicle and Rental Vehicle Policy
Office of Government-wide
Policy (OGP), General Services
Administration (GSA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
GSA is proposing to amend
the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by
requiring agencies to have an internal
policy for determining whether to
authorize a privately owned vehicle
(POV), as opposed to a rental car, in
conjunction with temporary duty travel
(TDY). Further, GSA proposes to specify
that travelers, who have been authorized
to travel via common carrier or rental
car, and choose to use a POV instead,
will be reimbursed at the applicable
POV mileage rate. Also, this amendment
proposes to add specific provisions
addressing the type of rental vehicles
travelers must use, as well as pre-paid
refueling options and other rental car
surcharges. Finally, this amendment
proposes to make certain miscellaneous
corrections, where applicable.
DATES: Interested parties should submit
written comments to the Regulatory
Secretariat at one of the addresses
shown below on or before December 19,
2014 to be considered in the formation
of the final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments
identified by FTR Case 2014–302 by any
of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portals:
https://www.regulations.gov. Submit
comments via the Federal eRulemaking
portal by searching for ‘‘FTR Case 2014–
302.’’ Select the link ‘‘Comment Now’’
that corresponds with ‘‘FTR Case 2014–
rmajette on DSK3VPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
13:58 Oct 17, 2014
Location
Jkt 235001
Venue
Rocklin, CA ........................
Whitney Oaks Golf Club, 2305 Clubhouse Drive,
Rocklin, CA 95765.
302’’ and follow the instructions
provided at the screen. Please include
your name, company name (if any), and
‘‘FTR Case 2014–302’’ on your attached
document.
• Fax: 202–208–1398.
• Mail: General Services
Administration, Regulatory Secretariat
(MVCB), Attn. Ms. Hada Flowers, 1800
F Street NW., Washington, DC 20405.
Instructions: Please submit comments
only and cite FTR Case 2014–302 in all
correspondence related to this case. All
comments received will be posted
without change to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
clarification of content, contact Mr. Cy
Greenidge, Program Analyst, Office of
Government-wide Policy, at 202–219–
2349. Contact the Regulatory Secretariat
(MVCB), 1800 F Street NW.,
Washington, DC 20405, 202–501–4755,
for information pertaining to status or
publication schedules. Please cite FTR
case 2014–302.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Background
The FTR already provides for
determining when the use of a POV or
rental vehicle in conjunction with TDY
could be advantageous to the
Government (see FTR Part 301–10,
Subparts D and E, and Part 301–70,
Subpart B). The FTR also advises that
when using a rental vehicle, travelers
should consider renting a vehicle from
a vendor that participates in the Defense
Travel Management Office’s (DTMO)
U.S. Government Car Rental Agreement
to avail themselves of the Agreement’s
benefits (see FTR section 301–10.450). It
has been determined that more specific
guidance regarding the use of POVs and
rental cars will save agencies money
when authorizing employees to travel.
This proposed rule provides that
agencies must have an internal policy
for determining whether to authorize a
POV, as opposed to a rental car, in
conjunction with TDY. Additionally,
GSA proposes specifying that travelers
who have been authorized by their
agencies to travel via common carrier or
rental car, and choose to use a POV
instead, will be reimbursed at the
applicable POV mileage rate up to the
constructive cost of the authorized
mode of transportation plus per diem.
Further, this amendment proposes that
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Sfmt 4702
travelers who are authorized to use a
rental car in conjunction with TDY must
use the least expensive compact car
available. This amendment also
proposes that travelers will not be
reimbursed for pre-paid refueling
options for rental cars. Moreover, this
amendment proposes that agencies may
not reimburse travelers surcharges
involved when rental car companies
purchase miles from airlines and
provide those miles to their vehicle
customers. Finally, this amendment also
proposes to make certain miscellaneous
corrections, where applicable.
B. Executive Orders 12866 and 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 proposed rule 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.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
This proposed rule would 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
proposed 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.
D. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act does
not apply because the proposed 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 the
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.
E. Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act
This proposed rule is also exempt
from Congressional review prescribed
E:\FR\FM\20OCP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 202 / Monday, October 20, 2014 / Proposed Rules
under 5 U.S.C. 801. This proposed rule
is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804.
List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 300–3,
301–10, and 301–70
Administrative practices and
procedures, Government employees,
Travel and transportation expenses.
Dated: August 14, 2014.
Christine J. Harada,
Associate Administrator, Office of
Government-wide Policy.
Government Owned Automobiles
(GOA)
§ 301–10.309
For the reasons set forth in the
preamble, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5701–
5711, GSA proposes to amend 41 CFR
parts 300–3, 301–10, and 301–70 as set
forth below:
PART 300–3—GLOSSARY OF TERMS
1. The authority citation for 41 CFR
part 300–3 is revised to read as follows:
■
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c);
49 U.S.C. 40118; 5 U.S.C. 5738; 5 U.S.C.
5741–5742; 20 U.S.C. 905(a); 31 U.S.C. 1353;
E.O. 11609, as amended, 3 CFR, 1971–1975
Comp., p. 586, OMB Circular No. A–126,
revised May 22, 1992.
§ 300–3.1
[Amended]
2. Amend § 300–3.1 by—
a. In the term ‘‘Government-furnished
automobile’’, removing the word
‘‘furnished’’ and adding the word
‘‘owned’’ in its place and by adding the
acronym ‘‘(GOA)’’ after the word
‘‘automobile’’.
■ b. In the term and definition for
‘‘Government-furnished vehicle’’,
removing the word ‘‘furnished’’ and
adding the word ‘‘owned’’ wherever it
appears.
■ c. In newly revised term
‘‘Government-owned vehicle’’, adding
‘‘(GOV)’’ after the word ‘‘vehicle’’.
■
■
PART 301–10—TRANSPORTATION
EXPENSES
3. The authority citation for 41 CFR
part 301–10 continues to read as
follows:
■
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c);
49 U.S.C. 40118; OMB Circular No. A–126,
revised May 22, 1992.
4. Amend § 301–10.5 by adding new
paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as follows:
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■
§ 301–10.5 What are the presumptions as
to the most advantageous method of
transportation by order of precedence?
*
*
*
*
*
(c) Rental car. If no Governmentowned automobile is available, but your
agency has determined that travel must
be performed by automobile, then a
rental car should be authorized.
(d) Privately Owned Vehicle (POV).
POV’s should be determined to be the
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13:58 Oct 17, 2014
Jkt 235001
most advantageous method of
transportation only after your agency
evaluates the use of a common carrier,
a Government-owned automobile, and a
rental car.
■ 5. Revise the undesignated center
heading preceding § 301.10–220 to read
as follows:
[Amended]
6. Amend § 301–10.309 by—
a. Adding the words ‘‘or a rental
vehicle’’ after the word ‘‘transportation’’
in the section heading.
■ b. Adding the words ‘‘the applicable
POV rate’’ after the word ‘‘reimbursed’’
in the body.
■ 7. Amend § 301–10.450 by revising
the section heading and adding
paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to read as
follows:
■
■
62589
internal procedures pursuant to § 301–
70.102(i).
(3) When the cost of other than a
compact car is less than or equal to the
cost of the least expensive compact car.
(4) When additional room is required
to accommodate multiple employees
authorized to travel together in the same
rental vehicle.
(5) When travelers must carry a large
amount of Government material
incident to their official business, and a
compact rental vehicle does not contain
sufficient space.
(d) Travelers will not be reimbursed
for purchasing pre-paid refueling
options for rental cars. Therefore,
travelers should refuel prior to returning
the rental vehicle to the drop-off
location.
(e) Travelers will not be reimbursed
for fees associated with rental car
loyalty points or the transfer of points
charged by car companies.
§ 301–10.450 What are the policies when
authorized to rent a vehicle for official
travel?
PART 301–70—INTERNAL POLICY
AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS
*
■
*
*
*
*
(c) Travelers must use the least
expensive compact car available, unless
an exception for another class of vehicle
is approved. Agencies should approve
these exceptions on a limited basis and
must indicate on the travel
authorization the reason for the
exception. Your agency may authorize
the use of other than a compact car if
any of the following apply:
(1) When use of other than a compact
car is necessary to accommodate a
medical disability or other special need.
(i) A disability must be certified
annually in a written statement by a
competent medical authority. However,
if the disability is a lifelong condition,
then a one-time certification statement
is required. Certification statements
must include at a minimum:
(A) A written statement by a
competent medical authority stating that
special accommodation is necessary;
(B) An approximate duration of the
special accommodation; and
(C) A recommendation as to the
suitable class of rental vehicle based on
the disability.
(ii) A special need must be certified
annually in writing according to your
agency’s procedures. However, if the
special need is a lifelong condition, then
a one-time certification statement is
required;
(iii) If you are authorized under § 301–
13.3(a) to have an attendant accompany
you, your agency may authorize the use
of other than a compact car if deemed
necessary by your agency.
(2) When required because of agency
mission, consistent with your agency’s
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8. The authority citation for 41 CFR
part 301–70 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c);
Sec. 2, Pub. L. 105–264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5
U.S.C. 5701, note), OMB Circular No. A–126,
revised May 22, 1992, and OMB Circular No.
A–123, Appendix B, revised January 15,
2009.
9. Amend § 301–70.101 by revising
paragraph (b) to read as follows:
■
§ 301–70.101 What factors must we
consider in determining which method of
transportation results in the greatest
advantage to the Government?
*
*
*
*
*
(b) Travel by common carrier (air, rail,
bus) is considered the most
advantageous method to perform official
travel. Other methods of transportation
may be authorized as advantageous only
when the use of common carrier
transportation would interfere with the
performance of official business or
impose an undue hardship upon the
traveler, or when the total cost by
common carrier exceeds the cost by
another method of transportation. When
this occurs, the relative total costs of
using a GOA, the least expensive
compact rental vehicle, and a POV
should all be considered in determining
which transportation method is the
most advantageous to the Government.
The relative costs of using a POV would
only come into play if the employee
chooses to use a POV since agencies
cannot mandate employees to use their
POV for official reasons. A
determination that another method of
transportation is more advantageous to
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62590
Federal Register / Vol. 79, No. 202 / Monday, October 20, 2014 / Proposed Rules
the Government than common carrier
transportation will not be made on the
basis of personal preference or
inconvenience to the traveler.
■ 10. Amend § 301–70.102 by revising
paragraphs (d), (f), and (i) to read as
follows:
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
§ 301–70.102 What governing policies
must we establish for authorization and
payment of transportation expenses?
RIN 0648–XD437
*
*
*
*
(d) When you will consider use of a
POV advantageous to the Government,
such as travel to and from common
carrier terminals or to the TDY location.
When determining whether the use of a
POV to a TDY location is the most
advantageous method of transportation,
agencies must consider the total cost of
using a POV as compared to the total
cost of using a rental vehicle, including
rental costs, fuel, taxes, parking (at a
common carrier terminal, etc.), and any
other associated costs;
*
*
*
*
*
(f) Procedures for allowing the use of
a special conveyance (e.g., commercially
rented vehicles), taking into account the
requirements of § 301–10.450;
*
*
*
*
*
(i) Develop and issue internal
guidance on what specific mission
criteria justify approval of the use of
other than coach-class transportation
under §§ 301–10.123(a)(4), 301–
10.123(b)(9), and 301–10.162(e), the use
of other than lowest first-class under
§ 301–10.183(d), and the use of other
than a compact rental car under § 301–
10.450(c). The justification criteria shall
be entered in the remarks section of the
traveler’s authorization.
*
*
*
*
*
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*
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
50 CFR Part 660
[Docket No. 140811659–4659–01]
Fisheries Off West Coast States;
Coastal Pelagic Species Fisheries;
Annual Specifications
National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Commerce.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
AGENCY:
NMFS proposes to implement
the annual catch limit (ACL), harvest
guideline (HG), and associated annual
reference points for Pacific mackerel in
the U.S. exclusive economic zone (EEZ)
off the Pacific coast for the fishing
season of July 1, 2014, through June 30,
2015. This rule is proposed pursuant to
the Coastal Pelagic Species (CPS)
Fishery Management Plan (FMP). The
proposed 2014–2015 HG for Pacific
mackerel is 29,170 metric tons (mt).
This is the primary commercial fishing
target level. The proposed annual catch
target (ACT), which will be the directed
fishing harvest target, is 24,170 mt. If
the fishery attains the ACT, the directed
fishery will close, reserving the
difference between the HG (29,170 mt)
and ACT as a 5,000 mt set-aside for
incidental landings in other CPS
fisheries and other sources of mortality.
This rule is intended to conserve and
manage the Pacific mackerel stock off
the U.S. West Coast.
DATES: Comments must be received by
November 19, 2014.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
on this document identified by NOAA–
§§ 301–10.5, 301–10.200, 301–10.220, 301–
NMFS–2014–0126 by any of the
10.310 and 301–70.104 [Amended]
following methods:
• Electronic Submissions: Submit all
■ 11. Amend §§ 301–10.5, 301–10.200,
301–10.220, 301–10.310 and 301–70.104 electronic public comments via the
Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to
by removing the terms ‘‘Government
www.regulations.gov/
automobile’’ and ‘‘Government#!docketDetail;D=NOAA-NMFS-2014furnished automobile’’ wherever they
0126, click the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ icon,
appear and adding ‘‘GOA’’ in its place.
complete the required fields, and enter
[FR Doc. 2014–24498 Filed 10–17–14; 8:45 am]
or attach your comments.
BILLING CODE 6820–14–P
• Mail: Submit written comments to
William W. Stelle, Jr., Regional
Administrator, West Coast Region,
NMFS, 7600 Sand Point Way NE.,
Seattle, WA 98115–0070; Attn: Joshua
Lindsay.
• Instructions: Comments must be
submitted by one of the above methods
to ensure that the comments are
received, documented, and considered
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13:58 Oct 17, 2014
Jkt 235001
SUMMARY:
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by NMFS. Comments sent by any other
method, to any other address or
individual, or received after the end of
the comment period, may not be
considered. All comments received are
a part of the public record and will
generally be posted for public viewing
on www.regulations.gov without change.
All personal identifying information
(e.g., name, address, etc.) submitted
voluntarily by the sender will be
publicly accessible. Do not submit
confidential business information, or
otherwise sensitive or protected
information. NMFS will accept
anonymous comments (enter ‘‘N/A’’ in
the required fields if you wish to remain
anonymous). Attachments to electronic
comments will be accepted in Microsoft
Word or Excel, WordPerfect, or Adobe
PDF file formats only.
Copies of the report ‘‘Pacific Mackerel
(Scomber japonicus) Stock Assessment
for USA Management in the 2011–12
Fishing Year’’ and the report ‘‘Pacific
Mackerel Biomass Projection Estimate
for USA Management (2014–15)’’ may
be obtained from the West Coast
Regional Office (see ADDRESSES).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joshua Lindsay, West Coast Region,
NMFS, (562) 980–4034.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: During
public meetings each year, the estimated
biomass for Pacific mackerel is
presented to the Pacific Fishery
Management Council’s (Council) CPS
Management Team (Team), the
Council’s CPS Advisory Subpanel
(Subpanel) and the Council’s Scientific
and Statistical Committee (SSC), where
the biomass and the status of the
fisheries are reviewed and discussed.
The biomass estimate is then presented
to the Council along with the calculated
overfishing limit (OFL), acceptable
biological catch (ABC), ACL, HG and
ACT recommendations and comments
from the Team, Subpanel and SSC.
Following review by the Council and
after hearing public comment, the
Council adopts a biomass estimate and
makes its catch level recommendations
to NMFS.
The purpose of this proposed rule is
to implement the 2014–2015 ACL, HG,
ACT and other annual catch reference
points, including OFL and an ABC that
takes into consideration uncertainty
surrounding the current estimate of
biomass for Pacific mackerel in the U.S.
EEZ off the Pacific coast. The CPS FMP
and its implementing regulations
require NMFS to set these annual catch
levels for the Pacific mackerel fishery
based on the annual specification
framework in the FMP. This framework
includes a harvest control rule that
E:\FR\FM\20OCP1.SGM
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 202 (Monday, October 20, 2014)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 62588-62590]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-24498]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
41 CFR Parts 300-3, 301-10, and 301-70
[FTR Case 2014-302; Docket 2014-0014, Sequence 1]
RIN 3090-AJ48
Federal Travel Regulation; Enhancement of Privately Owned Vehicle
and Rental Vehicle Policy
AGENCY: Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP), General Services
Administration (GSA).
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: GSA is proposing to amend the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR)
by requiring agencies to have an internal policy for determining
whether to authorize a privately owned vehicle (POV), as opposed to a
rental car, in conjunction with temporary duty travel (TDY). Further,
GSA proposes to specify that travelers, who have been authorized to
travel via common carrier or rental car, and choose to use a POV
instead, will be reimbursed at the applicable POV mileage rate. Also,
this amendment proposes to add specific provisions addressing the type
of rental vehicles travelers must use, as well as pre-paid refueling
options and other rental car surcharges. Finally, this amendment
proposes to make certain miscellaneous corrections, where applicable.
DATES: Interested parties should submit written comments to the
Regulatory Secretariat at one of the addresses shown below on or before
December 19, 2014 to be considered in the formation of the final rule.
ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by FTR Case 2014-302 by any of
the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portals: https://www.regulations.gov.
Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by searching for
``FTR Case 2014-302.'' Select the link ``Comment Now'' that corresponds
with ``FTR Case 2014-302'' and follow the instructions provided at the
screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and ``FTR Case
2014-302'' on your attached document.
Fax: 202-208-1398.
Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory
Secretariat (MVCB), Attn. Ms. Hada Flowers, 1800 F Street NW.,
Washington, DC 20405.
Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite FTR Case 2014-
302 in all correspondence related to this case. All comments received
will be posted without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including
any personal information provided.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact
Mr. Cy Greenidge, Program Analyst, Office of Government-wide Policy, at
202-219-2349. Contact the Regulatory Secretariat (MVCB), 1800 F Street
NW., Washington, DC 20405, 202-501-4755, for information pertaining to
status or publication schedules. Please cite FTR case 2014-302.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
A. Background
The FTR already provides for determining when the use of a POV or
rental vehicle in conjunction with TDY could be advantageous to the
Government (see FTR Part 301-10, Subparts D and E, and Part 301-70,
Subpart B). The FTR also advises that when using a rental vehicle,
travelers should consider renting a vehicle from a vendor that
participates in the Defense Travel Management Office's (DTMO) U.S.
Government Car Rental Agreement to avail themselves of the Agreement's
benefits (see FTR section 301-10.450). It has been determined that more
specific guidance regarding the use of POVs and rental cars will save
agencies money when authorizing employees to travel. This proposed rule
provides that agencies must have an internal policy for determining
whether to authorize a POV, as opposed to a rental car, in conjunction
with TDY. Additionally, GSA proposes specifying that travelers who have
been authorized by their agencies to travel via common carrier or
rental car, and choose to use a POV instead, will be reimbursed at the
applicable POV mileage rate up to the constructive cost of the
authorized mode of transportation plus per diem. Further, this
amendment proposes that travelers who are authorized to use a rental
car in conjunction with TDY must use the least expensive compact car
available. This amendment also proposes that travelers will not be
reimbursed for pre-paid refueling options for rental cars. Moreover,
this amendment proposes that agencies may not reimburse travelers
surcharges involved when rental car companies purchase miles from
airlines and provide those miles to their vehicle customers. Finally,
this amendment also proposes to make certain miscellaneous corrections,
where applicable.
B. Executive Orders 12866 and 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 proposed rule 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.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
This proposed rule would 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 proposed 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.
D. Paperwork Reduction Act
The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the proposed
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 the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 44 U.S.C.
3501, et seq.
E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act
This proposed rule is also exempt from Congressional review
prescribed
[[Page 62589]]
under 5 U.S.C. 801. This proposed rule is not a major rule under 5
U.S.C. 804.
List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 300-3, 301-10, and 301-70
Administrative practices and procedures, Government employees,
Travel and transportation expenses.
Dated: August 14, 2014.
Christine J. Harada,
Associate Administrator, Office of Government-wide Policy.
For the reasons set forth in the preamble, pursuant to 5 U.S.C.
5701-5711, GSA proposes to amend 41 CFR parts 300-3, 301-10, and 301-70
as set forth below:
PART 300-3--GLOSSARY OF TERMS
0
1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 300-3 is revised to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 49 U.S.C. 40118; 5
U.S.C. 5738; 5 U.S.C. 5741-5742; 20 U.S.C. 905(a); 31 U.S.C. 1353;
E.O. 11609, as amended, 3 CFR, 1971-1975 Comp., p. 586, OMB Circular
No. A-126, revised May 22, 1992.
Sec. 300-3.1 [Amended]
0
2. Amend Sec. 300-3.1 by--
0
a. In the term ``Government-furnished automobile'', removing the word
``furnished'' and adding the word ``owned'' in its place and by adding
the acronym ``(GOA)'' after the word ``automobile''.
0
b. In the term and definition for ``Government-furnished vehicle'',
removing the word ``furnished'' and adding the word ``owned'' wherever
it appears.
0
c. In newly revised term ``Government-owned vehicle'', adding ``(GOV)''
after the word ``vehicle''.
PART 301-10--TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES
0
3. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-10 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 49 U.S.C. 40118; OMB
Circular No. A-126, revised May 22, 1992.
0
4. Amend Sec. 301-10.5 by adding new paragraphs (c) and (d) to read as
follows:
Sec. 301-10.5 What are the presumptions as to the most advantageous
method of transportation by order of precedence?
* * * * *
(c) Rental car. If no Government-owned automobile is available, but
your agency has determined that travel must be performed by automobile,
then a rental car should be authorized.
(d) Privately Owned Vehicle (POV). POV's should be determined to be
the most advantageous method of transportation only after your agency
evaluates the use of a common carrier, a Government-owned automobile,
and a rental car.
0
5. Revise the undesignated center heading preceding Sec. 301.10-220 to
read as follows:
Government Owned Automobiles (GOA)
Sec. 301-10.309 [Amended]
0
6. Amend Sec. 301-10.309 by--
0
a. Adding the words ``or a rental vehicle'' after the word
``transportation'' in the section heading.
0
b. Adding the words ``the applicable POV rate'' after the word
``reimbursed'' in the body.
0
7. Amend Sec. 301-10.450 by revising the section heading and adding
paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) to read as follows:
Sec. 301-10.450 What are the policies when authorized to rent a
vehicle for official travel?
* * * * *
(c) Travelers must use the least expensive compact car available,
unless an exception for another class of vehicle is approved. Agencies
should approve these exceptions on a limited basis and must indicate on
the travel authorization the reason for the exception. Your agency may
authorize the use of other than a compact car if any of the following
apply:
(1) When use of other than a compact car is necessary to
accommodate a medical disability or other special need.
(i) A disability must be certified annually in a written statement
by a competent medical authority. However, if the disability is a
lifelong condition, then a one-time certification statement is
required. Certification statements must include at a minimum:
(A) A written statement by a competent medical authority stating
that special accommodation is necessary;
(B) An approximate duration of the special accommodation; and
(C) A recommendation as to the suitable class of rental vehicle
based on the disability.
(ii) A special need must be certified annually in writing according
to your agency's procedures. However, if the special need is a lifelong
condition, then a one-time certification statement is required;
(iii) If you are authorized under Sec. 301-13.3(a) to have an
attendant accompany you, your agency may authorize the use of other
than a compact car if deemed necessary by your agency.
(2) When required because of agency mission, consistent with your
agency's internal procedures pursuant to Sec. 301-70.102(i).
(3) When the cost of other than a compact car is less than or equal
to the cost of the least expensive compact car.
(4) When additional room is required to accommodate multiple
employees authorized to travel together in the same rental vehicle.
(5) When travelers must carry a large amount of Government material
incident to their official business, and a compact rental vehicle does
not contain sufficient space.
(d) Travelers will not be reimbursed for purchasing pre-paid
refueling options for rental cars. Therefore, travelers should refuel
prior to returning the rental vehicle to the drop-off location.
(e) Travelers will not be reimbursed for fees associated with
rental car loyalty points or the transfer of points charged by car
companies.
PART 301-70--INTERNAL POLICY AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS
0
8. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-70 continues to read as
follows:
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); Sec. 2, Pub. L. 105-
264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5 U.S.C. 5701, note), OMB Circular No. A-126,
revised May 22, 1992, and OMB Circular No. A-123, Appendix B,
revised January 15, 2009.
0
9. Amend Sec. 301-70.101 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:
Sec. 301-70.101 What factors must we consider in determining which
method of transportation results in the greatest advantage to the
Government?
* * * * *
(b) Travel by common carrier (air, rail, bus) is considered the
most advantageous method to perform official travel. Other methods of
transportation may be authorized as advantageous only when the use of
common carrier transportation would interfere with the performance of
official business or impose an undue hardship upon the traveler, or
when the total cost by common carrier exceeds the cost by another
method of transportation. When this occurs, the relative total costs of
using a GOA, the least expensive compact rental vehicle, and a POV
should all be considered in determining which transportation method is
the most advantageous to the Government. The relative costs of using a
POV would only come into play if the employee chooses to use a POV
since agencies cannot mandate employees to use their POV for official
reasons. A determination that another method of transportation is more
advantageous to
[[Page 62590]]
the Government than common carrier transportation will not be made on
the basis of personal preference or inconvenience to the traveler.
0
10. Amend Sec. 301-70.102 by revising paragraphs (d), (f), and (i) to
read as follows:
Sec. 301-70.102 What governing policies must we establish for
authorization and payment of transportation expenses?
* * * * *
(d) When you will consider use of a POV advantageous to the
Government, such as travel to and from common carrier terminals or to
the TDY location. When determining whether the use of a POV to a TDY
location is the most advantageous method of transportation, agencies
must consider the total cost of using a POV as compared to the total
cost of using a rental vehicle, including rental costs, fuel, taxes,
parking (at a common carrier terminal, etc.), and any other associated
costs;
* * * * *
(f) Procedures for allowing the use of a special conveyance (e.g.,
commercially rented vehicles), taking into account the requirements of
Sec. 301-10.450;
* * * * *
(i) Develop and issue internal guidance on what specific mission
criteria justify approval of the use of other than coach-class
transportation under Sec. Sec. 301-10.123(a)(4), 301-10.123(b)(9), and
301-10.162(e), the use of other than lowest first-class under Sec.
301-10.183(d), and the use of other than a compact rental car under
Sec. 301-10.450(c). The justification criteria shall be entered in the
remarks section of the traveler's authorization.
* * * * *
Sec. Sec. 301-10.5, 301-10.200, 301-10.220, 301-10.310 and 301-
70.104 [Amended]
0
11. Amend Sec. Sec. 301-10.5, 301-10.200, 301-10.220, 301-10.310 and
301-70.104 by removing the terms ``Government automobile'' and
``Government-furnished automobile'' wherever they appear and adding
``GOA'' in its place.
[FR Doc. 2014-24498 Filed 10-17-14; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-14-P
