81 FR 5007 - Federal Travel Regulation; Optimal Use of the Government Contractor-Issued Travel Charge Card
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 19 (January 29, 2016)
Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 19 (January 29, 2016)
| Page Range | 5007-5008 | |
| FR Document | 2016-01302 |
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 19 (Friday, January 29, 2016)] [Proposed Rules] [Pages 5007-5008] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2016-01302] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 41 CFR Parts 301-51 and 301-70 [FTR Case 2015-303; Docket 2016-0005, Sequence 1] RIN 3090-AJ68 Federal Travel Regulation; Optimal Use of the Government Contractor-Issued Travel Charge Card 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 updating the exemptions for mandatory use of the Government contractor-issued travel charge card to ensure the card is used as often as practicable. DATES: Interested parties should submit written comments to the Regulatory Secretariat at one of the addresses shown below on or before March 29, 2016 to be considered in the formation of the final rule. ADDRESSES: Submit comments identified by FTR Case 2015-303 by any of the following methods:Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking portal by searching for ``FTR Case 2015-303.'' Select the link ``Comment Now'' that corresponds with ``FTR Case 2015-303'' and follow the instructions provided at the screen. Please include your name, company name (if any), and ``FTR Case 2015-303'' on your attached document. Mail: General Services Administration, Regulatory Secretariat (MVCB), Attn. Ms. Flowers, 1800 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20405. Instructions: Please submit comments only and cite FTR Case 2015- 303, in all correspondence related to this case. Comments received generally will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal and/or business confidential information provided. To confirm receipt of your comment(s), please check www.regulations.gov approximately two to three days after submission to verify posting (except allow 30 days for posting of comments submitted by mail). 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 2015-303. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Background The FTR currently lists official travel expenses and classes of employees that are exempt from the mandatory use of the Government contractor-issued travel charge card. See FTR sections 301-51.2 and 301-70.704. GSA has determined that these exemptions should be updated in order for agencies to maximize travel charge card rebates. This proposed rule emphasizes the need for agencies to maximize travel charge card rebates by increasing the use of the travel charge card. Additionally, this proposed rule updates the list of exemptions to the mandatory use of the Government contractor-issued travel charge card, with the goal being to increase the issuance and appropriate use of travel charge cards for employees on official travel. 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. [[Page 5008]] E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act This proposed rule is also exempt from Congressional review prescribed 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 301-51 and 301-70 Administrative practices and procedures, Government employees, Travel and transportation expenses. Dated: January 15, 2016. Troy Cribb, Associate Administrator (M), 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--301-51 and 301-70 as set forth below: PART 301-51--PAYING TRAVEL EXPENSES 0 1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 301-51 continues to read as follows: Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707. Subpart A is issued under the authority of Sec. 2, Pub. L. 105-264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5 U.S.C. 5701 note); 40 U.S.C. 121(c). 0 2. Revise Sec. 301-51.2 to read as follows: Sec. 301-51.2 Are there any official travel expenses that are exempt from the mandatory use of the Government contractor-issued travel charge card? Expenses for which payment through a travel charge card is impractical (e.g., vendor does not accept credit cards) or imposes unreasonable burdens or costs are exempt from use of the travel card (e.g. fees are charged for using the card). Your agency may also authorize exemption of an official travel expense when it is in the interest of the Government to do so (see Sec. 301-51.4). Sec. Sec. 301-51.3 through 301-51.8 [Redesignated as Sec. Sec. 301- 51.4 through 301-51.9] 0 3. Redesignate Sec. Sec. 301-51.3 through 301-51.8 as Sec. Sec. 301- 51.4 through 301-51.9, respectively. 0 4. Add a new Sec. 301-51.3 to read as follows: Sec. 301-51.3 What classes of employees are exempt from mandatory use of the Government contractor-issued travel charge card? The Administrator of General Services exempts the following classes of employees from mandatory use of the Government contractor-issued travel charge card: (a) Any employee who has an application pending for the Government contractor-issued travel charge card; (b) Any employee, when issuance of the Government contractor-issued travel charge card would adversely affect the mission or put the employee at risk; and (c) Any employee who is not eligible to receive a Government contractor-issued travel charge card. Sec. 301-51.6 [Amended] 0 5. In the newly designated Sec. 301-51.6, after paragraph (c), remove the words, ``Note to Sec. 301-51.5'' and add the words ``Note to Sec. 301-51.6'' in its place. PART 301-70--INTERNAL POLICY AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS 0 6. 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 7. Amend Sec. 301-70.700 by-- 0 a. Removing from paragraph (b) the word ``or''; 0 b. Removing from paragraph (c) the period after the word ``exemption'' and adding ``; or'' in its place; and 0 c. Adding paragraph (d) to read as follows: Sec. 301-70.700 Must our employees use a Government contractor-issued travel charge card for official travel expenses? * * * * * (d) It is not in the interest of the Government to do so, or when payment through a travel charge card is impractical or imposes unreasonable burdens or costs on Federal employees. 0 8. Amend Sec. 301-70.701 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows: Sec. 301-70.701 Who has the authority to grant exemptions to mandatory use of Government contractor-issued travel charge card for official travel? * * * * * (b) The head of a Federal agency or his/her designee(s) may exempt any payment, person, type or class of payments, or type or class of agency personnel when use of the travel charge card is impracticable or imposes unreasonable burdens or costs. (1) Agencies must manage their travel charge card programs to alleviate risks associated with issuing a travel charge card, where appropriate. If an employee is deemed eligible for a Government contractor-issued travel charge card and is expected to travel, the card must be issued and activated within 60 days of the travel charge card eligibility date, as determined by the agency. (2) Agencies should include information in their travel charge cardholder training to inform travelers of the statutory requirement to use the travel charge card and the benefits to the agency, as well as to the traveler, of its use. Such agency benefits include earning rebates that can be reinvested in mission delivery, as well as being able to readily identify the locations to which employees are traveling, which can be used to help determine the budgetary impact of lodging per diem rates. Some examples of benefits to the traveler are no interest charges, longer payment terms, no reliance on personal funds/personal credit cards, and the convenience of direct/split disbursement payment. Sec. 301-70.702 [Amended] 0 9. Amend Sec. 301-70.702 by removing ``MTT'' and adding ``MAE'' in its place. 0 10. Revise Sec. 301-70.704 to read as follows: Sec. 301-70.704 What classes of employees are exempt from mandatory use of the Government contractor-issued travel charge card? The Administrator of General Services exempts the following classes of employees from mandatory use of the Government contractor-issued travel charge card: (a) Any employee who has an application pending for the Government contractor-issued travel charge card; (b) Any employee, when issuance of the Government contractor-issued travel charge card would adversely affect the mission or put the employee at risk; and (c) Any employee who is not eligible to receive a Government contractor-issued travel charge card. [FR Doc. 2016-01302 Filed 1-28-16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6820-14-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 19 / Friday, January 29, 2016 / Proposed Rules 5007
patterson.alima@epa.gov and GENERAL SERVICES publication schedules. Please cite FTR
bank.julia@epa.gov. ADMINISTRATION Case 2015–303.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
41 CFR Parts 301–51 and 301–70
‘‘Rules and Regulations’’ section of this A. Background
Federal Register, EPA is authorizing the [FTR Case 2015–303; Docket 2016–0005,
changes by direct final rule. EPA did not Sequence 1] The FTR currently lists official travel
expenses and classes of employees that
make a proposal prior to the direct final RIN 3090–AJ68
are exempt from the mandatory use of
rule because we believe this action is
Federal Travel Regulation; Optimal Use the Government contractor-issued travel
not controversial and do not expect
of the Government Contractor-Issued charge card. See FTR sections 301–51.2
comments that oppose it. We have and 301–70.704. GSA has determined
explained the reasons for this Travel Charge Card
that these exemptions should be
authorization in the preamble to the AGENCY: Office of Government-wide updated in order for agencies to
direct final rule. Unless we get written Policy (OGP), General Services maximize travel charge card rebates.
comments which oppose this Administration (GSA). This proposed rule emphasizes the need
authorization during the comment ACTION: Proposed rule. for agencies to maximize travel charge
period, the direct final rule will become card rebates by increasing the use of the
effective 60 days after publication and SUMMARY: GSA is proposing to amend travel charge card. Additionally, this
we will not take further action on this the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) by proposed rule updates the list of
proposal. If we receive comments that updating the exemptions for mandatory exemptions to the mandatory use of the
oppose this action, we will withdraw use of the Government contractor-issued Government contractor-issued travel
the direct final rule and it will not take travel charge card to ensure the card is charge card, with the goal being to
used as often as practicable. increase the issuance and appropriate
effect. We will then respond to public
comments in a later final rule based on DATES: Interested parties should submit use of travel charge cards for employees
this proposal. You may not have another written comments to the Regulatory on official travel.
opportunity for comment. If you want to Secretariat at one of the addresses
shown below on or before March 29, B. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563
comment on this action, you must do so
2016 to be considered in the formation Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and
at this time.
of the final rule. 13563 direct agencies to assess all costs
The purpose of this Federal Register ADDRESSES: Submit comments and benefits of available regulatory
document is to codify Arkansas’ base identified by FTR Case 2015–303 by any alternatives, and if regulation is
hazardous waste management program of the following methods: necessary, to select regulatory
and its revisions to that program • Federal eRulemaking Portal: http:// approaches that maximize net benefits
through RCRA Cluster XXI (see 79 FR www.regulations.gov. Submit comments (including potential economic,
64678 October 31, 2014). The EPA via the Federal eRulemaking portal by environmental, public health and safety
provided notices and opportunity for searching for ‘‘FTR Case 2015–303.’’ effects, distributive impacts, and
comments on the Agency’s decisions to Select the link ‘‘Comment Now’’ that equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the
authorize the Arkansas program, and the corresponds with ‘‘FTR Case 2015–303’’ importance of quantifying both costs
EPA is not now reopening the decisions, and follow the instructions provided at and benefits, of reducing costs, of
nor requesting comments, on the the screen. Please include your name, harmonizing rules, and of promoting
Arkansas authorizations as published in company name (if any), and ‘‘FTR Case flexibility. This proposed rule is not a
FR notices specified in Section I.F of the 2015–303’’ on your attached document. significant regulatory action, and
direct final rule FR document. • Mail: General Services therefore, was not subject to review
Administration, Regulatory Secretariat under Section 6(b) of E.O. 12866,
This document incorporates by (MVCB), Attn. Ms. Flowers, 1800 F Regulatory Planning and Review, dated
reference Arkansas’ hazardous waste Street NW., Washington, DC 20405. September 30, 1993.
statutes and regulations and clarifies Instructions: Please submit comments
which of these provisions are included only and cite FTR Case 2015–303, in all C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
in the authorized and federally correspondence related to this case. This proposed rule would not have a
enforceable program. By codifying Comments received generally will be significant economic impact on a
Arkansas’ authorized program and by posted without change to http:// substantial number of small entities
amending the Code of Federal www.regulations.gov, including any within the meaning of the Regulatory
Regulations, the public will be more personal and/or business confidential Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. This
easily able to discern the status of information provided. To confirm proposed rule is also exempt from the
federally approved requirements of the receipt of your comment(s), please Administrative Procedure Act pursuant
Arkansas hazardous waste management check www.regulations.gov to 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2) because it applies
program. approximately two to three days after to agency management or personnel.
submission to verify posting (except
Dated: November 16, 2015. D. Paperwork Reduction Act
allow 30 days for posting of comments
Ron Curry, submitted by mail). The Paperwork Reduction Act does
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
Regional Administrator, Region 6. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For not apply because the proposed changes
[FR Doc. 2016–01658 Filed 1–28–16; 8:45 am] clarification of content, contact Mr. Cy to the FTR do not impose recordkeeping
BILLING CODE 6560–50–P Greenidge, Program Analyst, Office of or information collection requirements,
Government-wide Policy, at 202–219– or the collection of information from
2349. Contact the Regulatory Secretariat offerors, contractors, or members of the
(MVCB), 1800 F Street NW., public that require the approval of the
Washington, DC 20405, 202–501–4755, Office of Management and Budget
for information pertaining to status or (OMB) under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.
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![5008 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 19 / Friday, January 29, 2016 / Proposed Rules
E. Small Business Regulatory § 301–51.3 What classes of employees are payment, person, type or class of
Enforcement Fairness Act exempt from mandatory use of the payments, or type or class of agency
Government contractor-issued travel personnel when use of the travel charge
This proposed rule is also exempt charge card?
card is impracticable or imposes
from Congressional review prescribed The Administrator of General Services unreasonable burdens or costs.
under 5 U.S.C. 801. This proposed rule exempts the following classes of
(1) Agencies must manage their travel
is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804. employees from mandatory use of the
charge card programs to alleviate risks
Government contractor-issued travel
List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 301–51 associated with issuing a travel charge
charge card:
and 301–70 (a) Any employee who has an card, where appropriate. If an employee
application pending for the Government is deemed eligible for a Government
Administrative practices and contractor-issued travel charge card; contractor-issued travel charge card and
procedures, Government employees, (b) Any employee, when issuance of is expected to travel, the card must be
Travel and transportation expenses. the Government contractor-issued travel issued and activated within 60 days of
Dated: January 15, 2016. charge card would adversely affect the the travel charge card eligibility date, as
mission or put the employee at risk; and determined by the agency.
Troy Cribb,
(c) Any employee who is not eligible (2) Agencies should include
Associate Administrator (M), Office of information in their travel charge
to receive a Government contractor-
Government-wide Policy.
issued travel charge card. cardholder training to inform travelers
For the reasons set forth in the of the statutory requirement to use the
§ 301–51.6 [Amended] travel charge card and the benefits to the
preamble, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5701–
■ 5. In the newly designated § 301–51.6, agency, as well as to the traveler, of its
5711, GSA proposes to amend 41 CFR after paragraph (c), remove the words,
parts—301–51 and 301–70 as set forth use. Such agency benefits include
‘‘Note to § 301–51.5’’ and add the words earning rebates that can be reinvested in
below: ‘‘Note to § 301–51.6’’ in its place. mission delivery, as well as being able
PART 301–51—PAYING TRAVEL to readily identify the locations to
PART 301–70—INTERNAL POLICY
EXPENSES which employees are traveling, which
AND PROCEDURE REQUIREMENTS
can be used to help determine the
■ 1. The authority citation for 41 CFR ■ 6. The authority citation for 41 CFR budgetary impact of lodging per diem
part 301–51 continues to read as part 301–70 continues to read as rates. Some examples of benefits to the
follows: follows: traveler are no interest charges, longer
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); payment terms, no reliance on personal
Authority: 5 U.S.C. 5707. Subpart A is Sec. 2, Pub. L. 105–264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5 funds/personal credit cards, and the
issued under the authority of Sec. 2, Pub. L. U.S.C. 5701, note), OMB Circular No. A–126, convenience of direct/split
105–264, 112 Stat. 2350 (5 U.S.C. 5701 note); revised May 22, 1992, and OMB Circular No. disbursement payment.
40 U.S.C. 121(c). A–123, Appendix B, revised January 15,
2009. § 301–70.702 [Amended]
■ 2. Revise § 301–51.2 to read as
■ 7. Amend § 301–70.700 by— ■ 9. Amend § 301–70.702 by removing
follows: a. Removing from paragraph (b) the
■ ‘‘MTT’’ and adding ‘‘MAE’’ in its place.
§ 301–51.2 Are there any official travel word ‘‘or’’; ■ 10. Revise § 301–70.704 to read as
expenses that are exempt from the ■ b. Removing from paragraph (c) the follows:
mandatory use of the Government period after the word ‘‘exemption’’ and
contractor-issued travel charge card? adding ‘‘; or’’ in its place; and § 301–70.704 What classes of employees
■ c. Adding paragraph (d) to read as are exempt from mandatory use of the
Expenses for which payment through follows: Government contractor-issued travel
a travel charge card is impractical (e.g., charge card?
vendor does not accept credit cards) or § 301–70.700 Must our employees use a
The Administrator of General Services
imposes unreasonable burdens or costs Government contractor-issued travel
charge card for official travel expenses? exempts the following classes of
are exempt from use of the travel card employees from mandatory use of the
(e.g. fees are charged for using the card). * * * * *
Government contractor-issued travel
Your agency may also authorize (d) It is not in the interest of the
Government to do so, or when payment charge card:
exemption of an official travel expense (a) Any employee who has an
when it is in the interest of the through a travel charge card is
impractical or imposes unreasonable application pending for the Government
Government to do so (see § 301–51.4). contractor-issued travel charge card;
burdens or costs on Federal employees.
§§ 301–51.3 through 301–51.8 ■ 8. Amend § 301–70.701 by revising (b) Any employee, when issuance of
[Redesignated as §§ 301–51.4 through 301– paragraph (b) to read as follows: the Government contractor-issued travel
51.9] charge card would adversely affect the
§ 301–70.701 Who has the authority to mission or put the employee at risk; and
■ 3. Redesignate §§ 301–51.3 through grant exemptions to mandatory use of
Government contractor-issued travel (c) Any employee who is not eligible
301–51.8 as §§ 301–51.4 through 301–
charge card for official travel? to receive a Government contractor-
51.9, respectively.
jstallworth on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with PROPOSALS
* * * * * issued travel charge card.
■ 4. Add a new § 301–51.3 to read as (b) The head of a Federal agency or [FR Doc. 2016–01302 Filed 1–28–16; 8:45 am]
follows: his/her designee(s) may exempt any BILLING CODE 6820–14–P
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Document Created: 2016-01-29 00:41:10
Document Modified: 2016-01-29 00:41:10
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Proposed Rules | |
| Action | Proposed rule. | |
| Dates | Interested parties should submit written comments to the | |
| 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 2015-303. | |
| FR Citation | 81 FR 5007 | |
| RIN Number | 3090-AJ68 | |
| CFR Citation | 41
CFR
301-51 41 CFR 301-70 | |
| CFR Associated | Administrative Practices and Procedures; Government Employees and Travel and Transportation Expenses |
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