• Travel and Transportation

  Recent Regulation Changes

  • Mileage Rate: Current DOD Allowance
  • Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR) and Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) Merger
  • Reimbursable and Incidental Expense Policy Revision
  • Flat Rate Per Diem Policy Change

  Reimbursable and Incidental Expense Policy Revision

  EFFECTIVE October 1, 2014: In an effort to simplify policy, align with industry best practices, and reduce travel costs for the Department, the Incidental Expense policy in Appendix A of the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) is now revised to expand the definition of incidental expenses to include various miscellaneous reimbursable expenses including CONUS laundry, baggage tips, and ATM fees. These expenses are now covered under the incidental expense portion of per diem ($5/day in CONUS and at various rates OCONUS) and are no longer reimbursed as separate miscellaneous expenses. This policy revision also designates certain expenses such as, cell phone use and phone calls as mission-related versus travel-related expenses that are paid outside the travel system.

  Data analysis of travel vouchers shows that the incidental expense portion of per diem is sufficient to cover such costs if incurred by the traveler. This policy change is in coordination with the Uniformed Services, applicable Governance Boards, and stakeholders. To view the complete policy revision, please visit: DoD Travel Regulation Changes - Expense (PDF, 206kb)

  For more information, please contact the Commissioned Corps Military Advisory Panel Representative, LT Andrew Okolo at andrew.okolo@hhs.gov.

  Flat Rate Per Diem Policy Change

  EFFECTIVE November 1, 2014: In order to encourage travelers to take advantage of cost saving opportunities available for long term travel, travelers performing TDY for more than 30 days in one location (CONUS and OCONUS) will receive a flat rate per diem.

  • Long-term TDY of 31 -180 days, the authorized flat rate is 75%* of the locality rate (lodging plus meals & incidental expenses – M&IE) payable for each full day of TDY at that location.
  • Long-term TDY of 181 or more days, the authorized flat rate is 55%* of the locality rate (lodging plus M&IE) payable for each full day of TDY at that location.

  *On the travel day to the TDY location, the traveler receives up to 100% lodging per diem at the locality rate and 75% meals and incidental expenses (M&IE).

  When authorized flat rate per diem, travelers are not required to submit a lodging receipt, but may be required to demonstrate they incurred valid lodging expenses. All TDY in excess of 180 days must be justified and approved at a senior level.

  The commercial lodging industry considers stays greater than 30 days “extended stays” and typically offers reduced rates to ensure occupancy. Travelers may also consider furnished apartments or similar lodging which typically offer cheaper rates than commercial lodging.

  Any traveler unable to find suitable commercial lodging at the reduced per diem rate should contact their Commercial Travel Office (CTO) for assistance. If both the traveler and the CTO determine that lodging is not available at the reduced per diem rate, the Authorizing Official may authorize reimbursement of actual lodging expenses (not to exceed the locality per diem rate). However, the traveler will receive M&IE at the reduced rate.

  This policy change is in coordination with and approved by the Uniformed Services and applicable Governance Boards and stakeholders. To view the complete policy change, please visit: DoD Travel Regulation Changes - Per Diem (PDF, 159kb)

  For more information, please contact the Commissioned Corps Military Advisory Panel Representative, LT Andrew Okolo at andrew.okolo@hhs.gov .
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  COMMISSIONED CORPS NEWS

  Health Professions Special Pays
  Agreements Available

  Health Professions Special Pays (HPSP) agreements are now available. Officers in authorized specialties can now initiate new agreements under HPSP.

  Blended Retirement System Educational Events

  On January 1, 2018, the new Blended Retirement System (BRS) went into effect. The BRS applies to new service members called to active duty and officers with less than 12 years of service as of December 31, 2017...

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