This Directive was canceled October 18, 2004.

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

June 28, 1996

Chapter 6: Pay, Allowances & Other Payments
Section 3: Authorizing Travel Expenses for Preemployment Interviews;
Travel and Transportation to First Post of Duty

Par.

1. Purpose

2. References

3. Background

4. Authorizing Travel and Transportation Expenses

5. Documentation

6. Records

1. PURPOSE. To describe procedures for authorizing travel expenses for preemployment interviews; and for authorizing an appointee's travel and transportation expenses from his/her residence to the first post of duty.

2. REFERENCES

   1. Comptroller General Decision, 60 CG 235 (1981), and

   2. 5 CFR 572, Travel and Transportation Expenses for Preemployment Interviews and Recruitment.

3. BACKGROUND. The Office of Personnel Management revised procedures regarding the payment of travel expenses forpreemployment interviews to allow servicing personnel offices to authorize such expenses.

4. AUTHORIZING TRAVEL AND TRANSPORTATION EXPENSES

   Preemployment interview expenses related to any appointment may be authorized when it is determined that an interview is essential to assess qualifications and that there exists a need to relieve difficulties caused by travel costs. The authority to pay travel and transportation to first post ofduty is discretionary. The authority should be exercised consistently so as to avoid the appearance of favoritism or unfairness. For eligibility requirements and other considerations, see FEPCA Summary Chart at the end of this Chapter.

5. DOCUMENTATION. Each servicing personnel office must prepare written documentation whenever the authority is used. The documentation must consist of:

   1. title, series, grade and appointing authority for the position, e.g., transfer, certificate;

   2. number of applicants for whom expenses were paid;

   3. as appropriate, the results of each interview, e.g., selection, nonselection, declination; and

   4. a rationale supporting the use of this authority.

6. RECORDS. All servicing personnel offices must maintain records consistent with paragraph 5 for 2 years. Records are to be made available to OPM on request.

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