The maximum number of days the AO may authorize/approve dual lodging is reduced, effective 01 October 2012, from 14 to 7 days. Dual lodging over 7 days is authorized/approved by the Secretarial Process. Send requests to COMDT (CG-1222).
These changes are scheduled to appear in JFTR change 310, and JTR change 564, dated 1 October 2012.
Per ALCOAST 422/12, Servicing Personnel Offices (SPO) shall only approve requests for advance pay of up to one month if applicants meet the conditions in paragraph 2 of the message. Any request for two or three months advance pay must be approved by the member's commanding officer in consideration of the guidelines in paragraphs 3.A through 3.E of the message. PCS travel and transportation advances are limited to 80% of the estimated travel and transportation costs to include MALT, per diem, DLA, and TLE. Payment must not be made more than 30 days before the member detaches, except under extenuating circumstances (e.g., member moves dependents before detaching).
Approving Officials,
The following flow chart that was created by CG-1222 may be used for determining PCS entitlements.http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/travel/DETERMININGPCSENTITLEMENTS.pdf
Effective 1 October 2012, the number of days the AO may authorize/approve dual lodging is being reduced from 14 to 7 days and require dual lodging over 7 days be authorized/approved by the Secretarial Process.
The following are changes are reflected in ALCOAST 422/12 with an effective date of 1 October 2012.
Personnel applying for advance pay in conjunction with a PCS move will continue to be able to request one month of advance pay without showing a need or obtaining their commanding officer's approval. Personnel who request advance pay in conjunction with a PCS move in excess of one month will be required to provide a written justification with detailed expenses to their commanding officer for approval. The forthcoming changes to the Pay Manual will also provide additional guidance to commanding officer to assist in determining if advance pay is appropriate.
For military PCS, instead of receiving 100% for PCS entitlements to cover travel and relocation expenses (MALT, DLA, TLE), personnel may receive up to 80% of their expected PCS entitlements. The breakout of entitlements and showing the 80% of the authorized amount must be stated on the PCS order.
Example:
DLA w/Dependents: .................$2000.00
Mbr. MALT Plus: ...................$ 200.00
Dept. MALT Plus: ..................$ 100.00
Advance TLE: ......................$ 500.00
Total: ............................$2800.00
PCS TVL Advance Authorized at 80%: $2240.00
Review ALCOAST 412/12 for the recent change to travel entitlements for reserve component (RC) members serving on long-term, contingency active duty for operational support (ADOS). Effective 1 October 2012: All reservists on long-term Contingency ADOS, serving in the same location for more than 180 days, shall be authorized the contingency operation flat-rate per diem of 55 percent of the full locality per diem as prescribed by section U4105-I of the JFTR. The contingency operation flat-rate per diem shall be noted on the member's contingency ADOS orders. Contingency ADOS orders issued to start 1 October 2012 or later, shall be issued or amended to reflect the contingency operation flat-rate per diem of 55 percent as of 1 October 2012. Reservists must ensure their long-term lease/rental agreements contain a termination clause, which conforms to the requirements of Section 305 of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), Public Law 108-189.
Lodging receipts shall be provided to the travel Approving Official (AO) to verify eligibility for lodging reimbursement. Itemized lodging receipts are required when claiming applicable lodging taxes and fees. All claims for the 55% reduced per diem shall be submitted manually to CG PPC (TVL) for processing.
Effective 1 October 2013: All reservists on contingency ADOS over 180 days in the same location shall be issued PCS orders with full PCS entitlements.
FAQ
What is the contingency flat rate per diem?
The standard contingency flat rate per diem, authorized under U4105-I of the JFTR, is 55% of the daily locality per diem rate for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses rounded to the nearest whole dollar amount.
Who is subject to the contingency flat rate per diem?
Reservists serving on voluntary active duty for operational support (ADOS) in support of designated contingency operations (e.g., Contingency ADOS) in the same CONUS location for more than 180 days are subject to the contingency flat rate per diem (e.g., 55% per diem).
Does that flat rate per diem apply for Contingency ADOS at OCONUS locations?
No. The contingency flat rate per diem (55% of standard daily location rate for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses) only applies to long-term Contingency ADOS at CONUS locations. Contingency ADOS in OCONUS location is authorized full daily locality per diem rate until 30 September 2013.
Does the flat rate per diem apply to involuntary "Title 10" (under 10 USC 12302) or just Contingency ADOS (under 10 USC 12301(d))?
The contingency flat rate per diem (55% of standard daily location rate for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses) only applies to long-term Contingency ADOS. Involuntary duty types (i.e., 10 USC 12302, 10 USC 12304, 14 USC 712) are not included in this policy.
Will BAH for the residence continue, in addition to the flat rate per diem reimbursement?
Yes. BAH will continue for the identified place last entered active duty (PLEAD or residence where the reservist was called to active duty) in addition to the flat rate per diem.
If orders were executed beginning prior to 1 October 2012 (e.g., Contingency ADOS is for 1 March 2012 through 28 February 2013), does the flat rate per diem apply?
No. Flat rate per diem only apply to Contingency ADOS orders executed between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013.
If the lease is less than the 55% flat rate, will the actual lodging expense be reimbursed, or 55% of the daily lodging locality rate?
As long as eligibility for any lodging reimbursement is documented, the claim will be reimbursed at 55% of the daily lodging locality rate.
Can a member purchase a mobile home or other property at the TDY location, and apply the Flat Rate 55% toward the monthly payments on the loan?
No. Expenses for purchased property and utilities are not authorized for lodging reimbursement.
Are there restrictions on the type of housing a member must apply the 55% per diem to? (Rented room, apartment, rental house, house with enclosed garage, etc.?)
No. A rented hotel room, apartment, house, or RV, all qualify as temporary duty lodging eligible for reimbursement.
Can a member stay with a friend or family member and pocket the lodging reimbursement? No. Lodging cost reimbursement is not authorized for a member who stays with a friend or relative. The 55% flat rate meals and incidental expenses are authorized for members who stay in the home of a friend or family, if otherwise eligible.
Can members take on roommates to reduce lodging costs? If so, what are the consequences if the roommate is another military member? What if the member is a military member from another service branch?
Yes. As long as there are eligible lodging reimbursable expenses, the member is authorized the 55% contingency flat rate per diem, if otherwise eligible.
Will the new Flat Rate 55% per diem be paid in full as a lump sum automatically (like BAH is paid), or will it require a monthly travel claim?
A travel claim is required for any and all travel reimbursement. A paper travel claim every two weeks or 30 days is required to 55% contingency flat rate per diem reimbursement.
Will the member be required by the CG to show receipts for lodging expenditures?
Yes. Lodging receipts or lease/rental agreements are required to demonstrate eligibility for lodging reimbursement. Itemized receipts are required for any other eligible lodging reimbursement and any other reimbursement over $75. Best practice is to retain receipts for all reimbursable expenses in case of travel claim audit.
What if lodging plus tax is more than 55% flat rate per diem?
Lodging tax in CONUS locations is a reimbursable expense in addition to the contingency flat rate per diem. Commands should support the maximum use of any available tax exemptions. Itemized receipts are required to claim lodging tax.
Is parking a reimbursable expense in addition to the 55% flat rate per diem?
Parking fees are a reimbursable expense in addition to the contingency flat rate per diem when explicitly authorized on the orders. The "Prudent Traveler" rules apply - travelers are required to seek parking as if they were paying out of their own pocket. Itemized receipts are required to claim any expense over $75.
What happens if a member is living in lodging that is higher than the lodging portion of the new Flat Rate 55%? Can they remain in the higher-cost lodging and apply their 55% of M&IE toward lodging costs?
The member can remain in the higher cost lodging and will be reimbursed at 55% of the daily locality per diem rate for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses.
What happens to a member who has already signed or renewed a lease contract that extends into FY13 at the old lodging & per diem rate? For example, a reservist signed a lease on 15 August 2012 that goes through August of 2013?
The member can stay in the higher cost lodging and be reimbursed at 55% of the daily locality per diem rate or they can terminate the lease and seek new lodging arrangements. The member can submit a waiver request to temporarily authorize increased lodging reimbursement for documented justifiable delays in transition to lower cost lodging. Each waiver request will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
How will PPC know if a reservist is authorized a temporary waiver for higher lodging reimbursement (65% per diem, full lodging per diem, etc.) during the travel claim process?
Reservists need to submit a copy of any approved waivers (temporary or annual) with their travel claim. Failure to submit copies of approved waivers with the travel claim will result in PPC reimbursement at the 55% contingency flat rate daily locality lodging rate.
Will ALL members reporting for voluntary ADOS in FY14 automatically be considered PCS, with zero lodging and per diem?
Yes. All long-term ADOS (contingency or non-contingency) will be characterized as Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with full PCS entitlements.
If a reservist accepts another set of ADOS orders beginning on or after 1 October 2013 in the same location that they served at in FY13, will they receive full PCS entitlements to move their family and house hold goods?
Yes. Travel to the residence, or place last entered active duty (PLEAD or home), is included in the TDY ADOS orders.
CWO3 JAY BENBOW
TRAVEL BRANCH CHIEF
COAST GUARD PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER
TPAX will be unavailable on from 1600 (CDT), Saturday, 13 October 2012 to 0600 (CDT), on Sunday, 14 October, for system maintenance. Ensure you have logged out of TPAX completely before this time to prevent loss of any information.
Approving Officials,
Reserve Component members serving on voluntary long-term contingency active duty for operational support (ADOS) "within CONUS" receive 55% reduced per diem IAW ALCOAST 412/12. These members may now file a travel claim through Web TPAX or submit a manual claim to the Pay and Personnel Center.
An error in Web TPAX was discovered when the member took leave and indicated the leave within the itinerary. The error has been corrected. The Web TPAX tutorial for the 55% per diem has been updated to include the proper procedures to indicate leave within the itinerary and pay the correct entitlements.
55% Reduced Per Diem Tutorial: http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/travel/WebTpaxLTRedPD.pdf
PPC Travel Website: http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/tvl.asp
A new JFTR revision will appear in change 311 of 1 November 2012:
The Per Diem Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC) has determined that POC (automobile or motorcycle only) use on TDY is to the GOV'T's advantage for TDY to locations within 800 miles (round-trip) of the PDS as determined from DTOD (for DoD) and from appropriate distance sources for the non-DoD Services. There is no requirement for any cost comparison. A command may authorize POC (automobile or motorcycle only) use for TDY travel of 800 miles or less round-trip (400 miles one-way) at its discretion.
U3025 Travel Time, POC TDY. Generally, 1 travel day is allowed for each 400 miles of official distance of ordered travel. If the excess distance is 1 or more miles after dividing the total official distance by 400, one additional travel day is allowed. When the total official distance is 400 or fewer miles, 1 day of travel time is allowed. This applies to travel by:
a. POC, if to the GOV'T's advantage, and
b. Special conveyance (vehicle) as an authorized TDY transportation mode, and
c. GOV'T conveyance (vehicle).Driving Distance per Day. There is no mandatory distance that must be driven per day.
Unauthorized Use. If a POC is used, but not authorized by the AO as being to the GOV'T's advantage, travel time is limited to that authorized in par. U3025 for the authorized commercial transportation for the official ordered travel distance.
Constructed cost of GTR worksheet http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/travel/ConstructiveGTRCost.XLS
CWO3 JAY BENBOW
TRAVEL BRANCH CHIEF
COAST GUARD PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER
Approving Officials,
Guidance for evacuation orders is provided in the Personnel and Pay Procedures Manual, chapter 2.B.24. Pass this information on to those who are preparing evacuation orders for dependents and government employees/dependents. Guidance for government employees is located in the Q&A for Civilian Employees Affected by Emergency Situations http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/travel/civilianevac.pdf. When the claim is mailed to PPC, please allow an additional ten days for the Finance Center to issue the payment, advise the dependent who is issued an order to sign-up for Electronic Funds Transfers at https://www.fincen.uscg.mil/secure/TP_menu.htm, this will decrease the time for payments and avoid issuing checks. As a reminder, military members are issued TDY orders; dependents are issued their own evacuation orders with their own tono (children under the age of 21 may be listed under the spouse's orders).
Information for evacuations within CONUS is released by the responsible official designated by paragraph U6051-B, JFTR. The message announcing the evacuation will designate the safe haven location, PPC shall be copied on all safe haven location message traffic. The evacuation applies to dependents residing in the vicinity of the member's PDS or at an authorized designated location. It also applies to dependents en route to establish a residence with the member and to dependents residing in the vicinity of the member's old or new PDS.
PPC Travel will accept an official Coast Guard message or memo signed by the District Commander or CG-12 to process the evacuation claims. The decision of the local civil official to evacuate an area is not sufficient. The appropriate military official must authorize/order an evacuation as local evacuation allowances can only be paid as of the date the evacuation is ordered/authorized. Per JFTR U6052-D, the message or memo shall specify the evacuation termination process.
The Joint Federal Travel Regulations, Volume 1, Chapter 6 is the regulatory guidance for military family evacuations. Uniformed members are not evacuated; they may be issued orders for temporary duty (TDY) or permanent change of station (PCS) as required. Reserve component members who are not on active duty are not authorized evacuation or TDY orders. Questions and answers for civilian employees affected by emergency situations may review the following guide at http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/travel/civilianevac.pdf.
The processing of evacuees requires patience, tact, and expeditious service. Authorized dependents will be issued a separate tono/order with authorized dependent minors listed in the remarks block of the non-military spouse evacuation order. A CG-4251 or a memo travel order shall be used. The order shall contain the dependency dates; date of marriage, date of birth, and reflect the evacuation/safe haven location, as appropriate. The sponsor's name/EMPLID shall be listed in the remarks section of the dependent evacuation order.
Dependent transportation tickets may be charged to the centrally billed account using the travel order when travel is arranged through the Travel Management Center (TMC) contractor, SATO. Use of the uniformed member's travel charge card is not authorized and would constitute misuse. The toll free SATO Service Center phone numbers are; Hawaii, Guam, Singapore, and Japan - 1-877-666-1304, all others - 1-800-753-7286.
In the case of uniformed members who are single parents or member to members with minor children, the Approving Official may determine if the member should accompany dependents as escorts. A person may travel under an official travel authorization/order as an escort for a dependent evacuated under Chapter 6, Part A of the JFTR who is incapable of traveling alone (IAW JFTR, Par. U6004-H) between the member's PDS and safe haven or designated place. The minor dependents shall be listed on the escorts or member's orders with all pertinent information. Married members who are both assigned in an area that is being evacuated shall be given their own set of TDY or PCS orders.
Advances for evacuees will be paid to the dependents the orders are issued to. To request advances use the SF-1038 form (under their SSN) with a signed copy of the orders, fax to the Pay and Personnel Center at (785) 339-3775. It is recommended to request advances no more than 80% of the travel entitlements; this will help in reducing potential overpayments.
All dependent evacuation claims shall be submitted on DD Form 1351-2 using their SSN, clearly annotated as a dependent evacuation claim, and submitted by mail to the Pay and Personnel Center. The sponsor cannot sign a dependents travel claim when the orders were issued to the dependent. Claims should be submitted every thirty days; dependents (non access to the CG network) cannot submit claims via TPAX. Units shall assist evacuees with claim preparation. Each evacuee shall be asked about advances or previous payments received. All advances or previous payments associated with an evacuation claim must be disclosed upon submission of any evacuation claim in order to avoid duplicate payments in accordance with the JFTR, Chapter 1, Part A, para U1000.D. To verify travel advance payments visit the Coast Guard Finance Center Travel Payment Application at (https://www.fincen.uscg.mil/secure/TP_menu.htm or http://cgweb.fincen.uscg.mil/travelPmt). Each claim submitted must have an original hand written signature in blue ink by the traveler and Approving Official. The order must be an original with the Approving Official's hand written signature in blue ink or a copy of the approved order certified as a true copy.
Mail Claims to:
Commanding Officer (Travel)
Evacuation Travel Claims (TST)
Coast Guard Pay & Personnel Center
444 S.E. Quincy Street
Topeka KS 66683
If the traveler is overpaid, PPC will mail a debt letter to the address provided on the Travel Voucher DD-1351-2. The traveler has 30 days from the date of the letter to make payment in full, or the indebtedness will be referred to the U.S Treasury for collection.
When the member returns from a safe haven location with one or more dependents, all evacuation allowances cease for the entire family regardless of the location of other dependents. COMDT (CG-1222) may direct the early return of dependents, and termination of evacuation allowances, in certain areas before the evacuation period termination date. When requested through the member's chain of command, COMDT (CG-1222) may authorize one or more of the dependents to remain at the evacuation safe haven location with appropriate allowances.
CWO3 JAY BENBOW
TRAVEL BRANCH CHIEF
COAST GUARD PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER
PPC offices will be opening at 1100 on 20 December 2012 becuase of inclement weather. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Topeka and surrounding areas. Strong winds will cause blowing and drifting of snow making travel difficult.
Approving Officials:
Contents:
The Pay and Personnel Center is transitioning from processing faxed PCS travel advances to SPOs submitting all PCS travel advances in Web TPAX. A user role called Advance Signature Proxy (ASP) will allow a proxy to request PCS travel advances on behalf of the member, attach a PDF copy of the orders in Web TPAX and forward to the AO to review/approve. The ASP and AO cannot be the same person when processing the advance. I highly recommend all SPOs submit CG-7421A's for Yeomen who process PCS orders/advances for the Advance Signature Proxy user role. The ASP block on the CG-7421A must be checked, signed by the member and the command. When completing the CG-7421A, remember this form will supersede all previous forms. As such, if you are an AO or Travel Manager, you need to ensure this permission is annotated on the newly submitted form as well. The ASP permission will automatically expire one year from the date the command signs. SPOs may start submitting for the ASP roll immediately. PPC will verify SPO personnel off the SPO contact list that's currently posted on the PPC website (http://cgweb.ppc.uscg.mil/spocontactlist.asp).
This process replaces the need to complete the SF-1038 (Advance of Funds Application and Account) and fax coversheet. A member who submits a command approved PCS departing Worksheet (CG-2000) requesting a PCS travel advance does not need to review the Web TPAX advance since their signature is on the PCS worksheet. The process to fax PCS travel advances will be terminated in the near future. A tutorial to process a PCS travel advance for the ASP and AO is located below and on the PPC Travel website. Chapter 2.A.9 of the PPPM has been updated to reflect the new process.
| DLA w/Dependents: | $2000.00 | @80% | $1600.00 |
| Mbr. MALT Plus: | $200.00 | @80% | $160.00 |
| Dept. MALT Plus: | $100.00 | @80% | $80.00 |
| Advance TLE: | $500.00 | @80% | $400.00 |
| Total: | $2800.00 | @80% | $2240.00 |
PCS TVL Advance Authorized at 80%: $2240.00
Links:
Updates to the mileage rates have been approved by GSA Bulletin FTR 13-02 effective 1 January 2013. These changes are scheduled to appear in JFTR change number 568. These rates have be loaded into TPAX for uniform and civilian travelers.
TDY:
$0.565 - Automobile (if no GOV is available)
$0.535 - Motorcycle
$1.33 - Airplane
$0.24 - POC use instead of a GOV'T furnished vehicle (if a GOV is available) when use of a GOV'T furnished vehicle is to the GOV'T advantage.
Effective 1 January 2013, the Government Meal Rate (GMR) is 11.70.
PCS:
Effective 1 January 2013, the MALT rate per authorized POC is $.24/mile.
A worksheet to compute lodging reimbursement during an authorized absence or while on leave for members on long-term voluntary Contingency ADOS orders at the 55% per diem (IAW U7225/JFTR) has been created and placed on the PPC Travel website. http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/travel/55PercentLodgingComputation.xls
Receipts are required to calculate the out-of-pocket expense reimbursement. Travel claims that are selected for an audit and the member had an authorized absence or went on leave must include the lodging receipts with the audit package. Receipts are needed to check what the member would have received if the authorized absence had not been taken.
CWO3 JAY BENBOW
TRAVEL BRANCH CHIEF
COAST GUARD PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER
WEB TPAX PCS Advances
Approving Officials,
The tutorial for submitting PCS travel advances through Web TPAX by the Advance Signature Proxy (ASP) is located on the PPC Travel website. Starting 1 April 2013, all PCS travel advances must be submitted through Web TPAX. PCS Advances submitted by fax or attached to a PPC customer care ticket will no longer be accepted.
The Coast Guard no longer obligates PCS TONOs as a doc type 12, these doc types are converted to a doc type 19. All PCS obligations for travel can be viewed in the FINCEN Query by Document website by changing the first two numbers on the TONO. For example, a member is issued TONO 1213G13MNO11Z000 on their PCS travel order. Prior to the AO approving the PCS advance in Web TPAX, the AO must check for funds obligation under 1913G13MNO11Z (minus the suffix). If the funds are obligated, the AO may approve the PCS advance. The obligation normally takes place a couple days after the orders have been placed in a ready status. To place orders in a ready status, the CGHRSUP must approve the orders in DA. If the funds have not been obligated, the AO must wait for DCMS to obligate the funds. The TONO on the orders shall remain a 12 doc type.
WEB TPAX PCS Travel Advance Resources:
Q1: Who can have the Advance Signature Proxy permission in Web TPAX?
A1: The Advance Signature Proxy permission is given to Yeomen assigned to the SPO. PPC now verifies this by the user roles CGHRS and CGHRSUP in Direct Access.
Q2: Does the TONO in Web TPAX get entered as a doc type 12 or 19?
A2: When processing the advance in Web TPAX, enter the TONO as a doc type 12 (as stated on the orders). The doc type 19 is used to verify obligation of funds in the FINCEN Query by Document website only.
CWO3 JAY BENBOW
TRAVEL BRANCH CHIEF
COAST GUARD PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER
Approving Officials,
I would like to announce the promulgation of the Coast Guard Supplement to the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (CGS-JFTR), COMDTINST 4600.17A. This new CGS-JFTR replaces a directive that served us well for almost 20 years.
The CGS-JFTR provides additional guidance to the travel and transportation regulations for military personnel and their dependents contained in the Joint Federal Travel Regulations Volume 1 (JFTR). If the CGS-JFTR conflicts with the JFTR, the JFTR takes precedence. There may be circumstances under which the payment of allowances is prohibited in the JFTR and in the CGS-JFTR; those circumstances are stated. The absence of a prohibition does not imply or grant authority or permission for any action for which authority does not exist/is not explicitly allowed in the JFTR or in the CGS-JFTR. Authorizing/Approving Officials (AOs) and travelers have the responsibility to ensure travel orders are complete, accurate, and lawful. If a statement or endorsement is on a travel order, the entitlements of such a statement or endorsement must be supported by the statutory regulations contained in the JFTR. Significant updates and clarifications to the JFTR travel and transportation regulations have been promulgated since the last CGS-JFTR issuance in 1993. Some of the most significant changes reflected in the new CGS-JFTR are listed below.
I strongly encourage members who coordinate travel and prepare travel orders to read this updated directive. Some aspects of military travel can be very complicated and challenging to understand. Our goal is to provide useful, easily understood direction within the CGS-JFTR. No paper distribution will be made of this Manual. An electronic version will be located on the Internet at http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/4000-4999/CIM_4600_17A.pdf
COMMANDANT (CG-1222)
ATTN: YNCM SNYDER
US COAST GUARD
2100 2ND ST SW STOP 7801
WASHINGTON DC 20593-7801
Par.
2020-E: Members attending a conference must have an approved Conference Attendance Form on file in accordance with the Conference Guide, available on CGPORTAL. Registration fees to attend a conference which is determined to be a training activity under 5 CFR 410.404 are reimbursable travel expenses.
2710-B: An AO has the right to request a receipt for questionable travel expenditures less than $75.
2800-A: The local area may include separate counties, cities, towns, or installations adjacent to or within 50 miles or less, or a two hour roundtrip commute as determined by DTOD, served by local public transit systems, or between which the commuting public travels on a daily basis, refer to Figures 4-1 (pg. 4-6) and 7-1 (pg. 7-7) when determining the entitlement to per diem.
3320-A: A compact car is the standard size rental vehicle authorized for TDY travel. The AO may authorize or approve an appropriately sized rental vehicle when it is determined that the standard size does not meet the mission requirements. Only one rental vehicle may be authorized or approved for a member, reimbursement for multiple rental vehicles at one time is not authorized.
4102-A: A member is not authorized per diem on any day not in a travel status or any day classified as leave (e.g., annual leave, sick leave, paternity leave, etc.) or administrative absence. Refer to the Military Assignments and Authorized Absences Manual, COMDTINST M1000.8 (series) for a complete listing of authorized absences. Refer to the JFTR, Paragraph U7225, for the lodging reimbursement authorized to a reserve member ordered TDY in support of a Contingency Operation who retains lodging at the TDY location during an authorized absence.
4105: Members under a voluntary TDY in support of a Contingency Operation order at one location in CONUS for more than 180 consecutive days are authorized a per diem rate equal to 55% of the applicable locality per diem rate (lodging and M&IE).
4131: A member who leases or rents an apartment, house, or recreation vehicle with other official or non-official traveler(s) must only be reimbursed the appropriate percentage of the following lodging expenses (e.g., two occupants - each receive 50%; three occupants - each receive 33%) not to exceed the applicable locality or the reduced per diem lodging rate prescribed.
4135: Dual lodging is limited to a maximum of seven consecutive days, extensions beyond seven consecutive days may only be approved after the fact by COMDT (CG-1222).
4137: Note: Effective for orders issued on or after 1 April 2013, a member who purchases a home TDY will not be entitled to the M&IE portion of per diem in accordance with Paragraph 4177.
5020: PCS travel and transportation advances are limited to 80% of the estimated travel and transportation costs to include MALT plus per diem, DLA, and TLE.
5100: In accordance with the JFTR, Paragraph U5355, on a case-by-case basis COMDT (CG-1222) may authorize or approve a local short distance HHG move to include DLA in connection with a PCS order when the member's residence or old PDS are within the local area of the new PDS and household relocation is mission essential, in the Government's best interest, and not primarily for the member's convenience, this would include a short distance HHG move for a member when the new or old PDS is an Unusually Arduous Sea Duty vessel in accordance with the JFTR, Paragraphs U5222-D2 and U5350-C.
5107: POC travel thru CONUS is not authorized for a consecutive overseas tour (COT) PCS order unless in accordance with Paragraph 7200-C, POC travel is authorized or approved by COMDT (CG-1222) because it has been determined to be cost advantageous to the Government.
5600-D: DLA is not authorized in connection with a PCS from home or from the place from which called/ordered to active duty (PLEAD) to the first PDS unless the member has dependents that relocate. This would include a reserve member issued a long-term active duty PCS order that is not currently on long-term active duty.
5600-E: A member married to member couple (with or without dependents) who both relocate in connection with a PCS during the same assignment season, from the same residence at the old PDS to the same residence at the new PDS, are only authorized the applicable DLA rate (with or without dependents) to one of the members, not both. An exception to this rule may be authorized if the member that remained at the old PDS was required to establish a new non-temporary residence and had a separate HHG shipment.
7150-A: Travel and transportation allowances are not authorized for travel between the member's primary residence/home/PLEAD and the place of active duty when both are in the corporate limits of the same city/town. When a member's primary residence/home/PLEAD is not within the corporate limits of the same city/town but is within the local area as defined in Paragraph 2800-A, one round trip during the active duty period may be reimbursed using the applicable TDY mileage rate determined by odometer reading, per diem would not be authorized. When determining the entitlement to per diem the DTOD is the only official source for determined TDY distances.
7200-A1: In-Place COT (IPCOT). Personnel who receive consecutive tours of duty at the same OCONUS PDS must have completed their initial tour length to include any extensions and their new assignment must be for the tour length contained in the Military Assignments and Authorized Absences Manual, COMDTINST M1000.8 (series), Articles 1.A.4.a.(1)-(3),(5) for officers and Article 1.A.4.b. for enlisted, to be entitled to IPCOT leave travel. The member must complete the first overseas tour regardless of billet reassignment at the PDS to qualify for IPCOT leave travel.
7200-A2: Note: The tour lengths (with or without dependents) contained in the Military Assignments and Authorized Absences Manual, COMDTINST M1000.8 (series) govern COT/IPCOT leave travel eligibility; any deviation in tour lengths (e.g., short tours) could adversely affect eligibility.
7200-C: COT travel performed by POC may be authorized or approved by COMDT (CG-1222) if determined to be cost advantageous to the Government. If POC use is authorized or approved the member is authorized MALT plus per diem. If a POC is used for PCS travel between two OCONUS PDSs without authorization or approval the member's reimbursement is limited to the policy constructed airfare contained in the JFTR, Appendix A.
7200-D: COT leave travel is meant to be taken between two OCONUS tours in connection with PCS travel and should only be deferred when the member is operationally unable to travel to the HOR or an alternate location en route. Commands should counsel detaching personnel eligible for COT leave travel as to this requirement. Deferral of COT leave travel for an eligible traveler that travels through CONUS, or through or near an OCONUS HOR may only be authorized by COMDT (CG-1222). Commands have no authority to authorize deferral of COT leave travel for an eligible traveler that travels through CONUS, or through or near an OCONUS HOR.
7450: When a member is ordered to travel for disciplinary action (e.g., NJP, Court-Martial) lodging, meals, and travel must be provided by the Government (Government conveyance or Government procured transportation). Payment of per diem, while traveling or while at the disciplinary action point is not authorized.
7450-A: If a POC is used for the ordered travel, the member is authorized the Other Mileage Rate contained in the JFTR, Paragraph U2600-A for the official distance and reimbursement for highway, bridge, tunnel tolls, and parking fees.
7960-A: The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905, signed into law on 15 October 2010 authorizes reimbursement for travel to specialty care less than 100 miles for a beneficiary and one necessary attendant residing on an island in CONUS which lacks public access roads to the mainland. The beneficiary must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime and referred to a specialty care provider by a primary care physician.
The Passport and Visa Division is located at Coast Guard Headquarters, in the Office of International Affairs and Foreign Policy (CG-DCO-I).
For all passport and visa inquiries, please email the passport division staff members at: uscgpassports@uscg.mil.
Comprehensive, one-stop shopping for passport and visa information can be found at the DCO-I Passport and Visa CGPortal Page.
Ensure that all members who are PCS-ing to a new unit retain their official passport, and either keep it on their person or forwarded along with their PDR.
Do not return official passports to DCO-I unless the member is separating from the service for any reason (Relad, Discharge, Unqualified Resignation, Temp Sep, etc).
All newly issued passports, and any passport movement shall be entered into Direct Access.
CG-DCO-I holds 2 Passport Acceptance Agent Trainings per year at USCG Headquarters in Washington DC and is funded by the member's unit. If interested in attending, please send an email to: uscgpassports@uscg.mil or visit the DCO-I Passport and Visa CGPortal Page.
Transfer season is right around the corner! Now is a good time for some reminders on the proper use of the JPMC Govt Travel Card:
We are currently experiencing technical difficulties in Web TPAX, specifically with CAC certificate 29. We are diligently working to resolve the issue.
ALCOAST 132/13
COMDTNOTE 4050
SUBJ: TRANSFER SEASON 2013 HOUSEHOLD GOODS (HHG) SHIPPING INFORMATION AND MANDATORY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY
Thinking of conducting a personally procured move (PPM), formerly known as do-it-yourself move (DITY), this transfer season? ALCOAST 094/13 provides guidance you must follow if you expect to be reimbursed for a PPM.
The General Services Administration has adjusted per diem rates in two locations in the states of Oklahoma and Texas, effective April 1, 2013.
The adjustments were made for Garfield County, Oklahoma and Midland County, Texas.
Please visit www.gsa.gov/perdiem to view these changes, as well as all of the rates.
The following information was updated for 01 April 2013:
To access this information, visit http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil.
ALCGPSC 046/13
SUBJ: GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CHARGE CARD (GTCC) PROGRAM UPDATES AND PCS SEASON REMINDERS
A. Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) Program Policies and Procedures, COMDTINST M4600.18 (SERIES)
1. This message seeks to raise awareness of the need to maintain accurate cardholder information and provide general guidance as we move into the summer transfer season.
2. Account Information Updates. The current DHS task order contract with JPMC for the fleet, purchase and travel card programs expires on 30 Nov 13. DHS is working to award a new five year contract under the GSA Smartpay2 Contract. This new contract will be awarded to JPMC, CITIBANK, or USBANK. The potential transition to a new bank significantly increases the importance of cardholders ensuring their contact information (phone, mailing address, and e-mail address) remain current in the bank system from now through the new contract start date. Cardholders should always provide their (AT)uscg.mil address as their primary e-mail address if available and use the copy address for their personal e-mail address. Contact information can be updated by calling the bank at 888-297-0781 or by contacting their local Travel Manager. The list of Travel Managers is available under the contacts tab on the PSC-BOPS webpage:www.uscg.mil/psc/bops/govtrvl/.
3. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Issues. Relocation to a new duty station can be both exciting and stressful on the member and the family. Provided below are a few helpful reminders to ensure cardholders use their travel card correctly during the move:
A. PCS Duration. If the duration of the PCS travel will exceed 15 days, including leave, compensatory absence, proceed-time, and temporary duty in conjunction with the PCS, the card shall not be used. This does not apply to Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA). The card may be used to cover hotels and meals in conjunction with the TLA entitlement, but reimbursement claims must be submitted every 15 days to allow for timely payment of the GTCC bill. In the case of Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), card use is subject to the 15-day rule addressed above. If PCS travel duration will exceed 15 days, ensure the traveler requests a travel advance to cover the expenses.
B. Dependent Travel. The GTCC shall not be used for dependent travel expenses such as meals, lodging, and transportation tickets. Instead members should request travel advances and ensure their PCS travel orders authorize the use of the Centrally Billed Account (CBA) for dependent travel.
C. Leisure in Conjunction with Official Travel. Use of the members GTCC or the CBA and the GSA contracted fares for travel other than between official duty stations is not authorized. Special rules and fare restrictions apply to leisure in conjunction with official travel. Travelers are encouraged to review the Leisure in Conjunction with Official FAQ sheet available atwww.uscg.mil/psc/bops/govtrvl/Traveler/LICWO-FAQ.pdf or contact their Servicing Personnel Office (SPO) prior to booking any leisure travel.
D. Transportation of Household Goods. The GTCC is not authorized for the transportation of household goods (for example: U Haul rental), privately owned vehicles, mobile homes and boats per reference (A). This includes Personally Procured Moves (PPM).
E. Credit Limit Increases. As part of your travel preparations, travelers should verify that the credit limit on their GTCC is sufficient to meet their authorized, reimbursable travel expenses. Cardholders can view their credit limit in Direct Access under the Self-Service, Employee, View, My Credit Card Data or by contacting their Travel Manager who can also increase the limit if needed.
4. All questions should be directed as follows:
A. Cardholders shall direct GTCC questions to their unit GTCC Travel Manager. Members can determine who their supporting Travel Managers are under the contacts page located at www.uscg.mil/psc/bops/govtrvl/.
B. GTCC Travel Managers shall direct questions to Ms. Carlene Curry at 703-872-6398 or Evelyn.C.Curry(AT)uscg.mil or Mr. Matt Ruckert at 703-872-6404 or Matthew.T.Ruckert(AT)uscg.mil.
5. RDML Dave Callahan, Commander, CG Personnel Service Center, sends.
6. Internet Release Authorized.
During the period 3 to 13 May PPC will not be able to process user access forms for TPAX or Direct Access. PPC will resume processing user access forms when the imaging system becomes available.
As announced in CG-1's Flag Voice #365, a new contract has been awarded for the hosting of our Human Resources (HR) systems, Direct Access (DA) and HR Imaging System (ImageNow/WebNow). During the transition to the new provider, DA and the Imaging System will not be available. Here is the timeline for the transition:
