81_FR_65480 81 FR 65296 - Federal Management Regulation (FMR); Transportation Payment and Audit

81 FR 65296 - Federal Management Regulation (FMR); Transportation Payment and Audit

GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 184 (September 22, 2016)

Page Range65296-65304
FR Document2016-22609

GSA is amending the Federal Management Regulation (FMR), Transportation Payment and Audit, to clarify agency and Department of Defense (DoD) transportation payment and audit requirements. GSA is also amending relevant definitions. The FMR is written in plain language to provide agencies with updated regulatory material that is easy to read and understand.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 184 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 184 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 65296-65304]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-22609]


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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

41 CFR Parts 102-117 and 102-118

[Change 2016-01; FMR Case 2015-102-2; Docket 2015-0014; Sequence 1]
RIN 3090-AJ59


Federal Management Regulation (FMR); Transportation Payment and 
Audit

AGENCY: Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP), General Services 
Administration (GSA).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: GSA is amending the Federal Management Regulation (FMR), 
Transportation Payment and Audit, to clarify agency and Department of 
Defense (DoD) transportation payment and audit requirements. GSA is 
also amending relevant definitions. The FMR is written in plain 
language to provide agencies with updated regulatory material that is 
easy to read and understand.

DATES: Effective: September 22, 2016.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For clarification of content, contact 
Mr. Ron Siegel, Office of Government-wide Policy, at 202-357-9540 or by 
email at [email protected]. For information pertaining to status or 
publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat Division 
(MVCB), 1800 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20405, 202-501-4755. Please 
cite FMR Case 2015-102-2.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

A. Background

    Agencies are authorized to procure transportation services either 
through the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) by utilizing a 
contract, or via 49 U.S.C. 10721 (for rail transportation), 49 U.S.C. 
13712 (for surface transportation), and/or 49 U.S.C. 15504 (for 
pipeline transportation) by utilizing rate tenders. It is critical that 
agencies ensure that transportation services received are properly 
charged and that the payment made is correct.
    Toward that end, the Travel and Transportation Reform Act of 1998 
(Pub. L. 105-264) established agency statutory requirements for 
prepayment audits of Federal agency and DoD transportation expenses. 
The Act also established GSA's statutory authority for audit oversight 
to protect the interests of the Government.
    This final rule clarifies and strengthens agency and DoD compliance 
with regulations for transportation prepayment audits and postpayment 
audits. In addition, this final rule updates definitions in 41 CFR part 
102-117, Transportation Management, as a result of the amendments to 41 
CFR 102-118.
    This final rule is the outcome of the first of a two phase review 
of FMR part 102-118, Transportation Payment and Audit, conducted by GSA 
and the Governmentwide Transportation Policy Council (GTPC). The GTPC 
is composed of representatives from civilian agencies and DoD and 
provides GSA with guidance in the planning and development of uniform 
transportation policies and procedures.
    The first phase review focused on FMR part 102-118 Subparts A 
(General), D (Prepayment Audits of Transportation Services), and E 
(Postpayment Transportation Audits). The second phase review will focus 
on FMR part 102-118 Subpart A (General), as well as Subparts B 
(Ordering and Paying for Transportation and Transportation Services), C 
(Use of Government Billing Documents), and F (Claims and Appeals 
Procedures).

B. Public Comments and Responses

    In the proposed rule published at 80 FR 59094 in the Federal 
Register, on October 1, 2015, GSA provided the public a 60-day comment 
period which ended on November 30, 2015. GSA received comments from the 
National Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc. (NMFTA), and 
Relocation Management Worldwide Incorporated (RMW). This final rule 
reflects the following changes made as a result of some of these 
comments.
    Comment: The definition in the proposed rule for declared value in 
FMR 102-117.25 and 102-118.35 contains reference to declared value and 
released value. However, NMFTA indicates that the ``terms `declared 
value' and `released value' are neither synonymous nor recognized by 
the transportation industry. A carrier establishes released value 
provisions with the intent of the shipper agreeing to a lesser value 
for the cargo shipped in return for a lower rate for transportation. 
Declared value assigns a value to the cargo in order to authenticate 
loss and damage liability limitations on the cargo that was shipped. 
Furthermore, it is inequitable to define declared value as a price that 
could be `more' than the actual value of the cargo. In commercial 
practice, a transportation service provider (TSP) will not pay a loss 
or damage claim in excess of the actual value of the cargo 
transported.''
    Response: GSA agrees with the recommendation and consequently has 
modified the definition declared value that is added to 41 CFR 102-
117.25 so that it does not reference released value; included a 
definition for released value in 41 CFR 102-117.25; and has removed the 
definition released value from 41 CFR 102-118.
    Comment: With regards to the definition claim, NMFTA indicates that 
in the transportation industry, the term claim is generally used in the 
context of claims for the payment of overcharges or claims for loss or 
damage. NMFTA recommends that any other terms for demands for payment 
by the TSP to the Government or amounts the TSP believes an agency owes 
them should not be included in this definition and would be better 
defined separately.
    Response: GSA does not accept this recommendation. The definition 
of claim presented in this final rule is modeled after the definition 
of claim or debt found in 31 U.S.C. 3701(b)(1).
    Comment: The Government Transportation Request (GTR) is defined, in 
part, as a Government document used to procure common carrier 
interstate transportation services. NMFTA indicates that as far as 
interstate motor carrier transportation is concerned, the term common 
carrier is no longer defined in 49 U.S.C. 13102. Former common carriers 
are now referred to as motor carriers. NFMTA suggests using the 
description motor carrier or TSP which is used elsewhere in these 
regulations. NFMTA also suggests that since the Government can procure 
intrastate transportation with a GTR, it does not make sense to include 
the word ``interstate'' in the final GTR definition.
    Response: The term common carrier is used to define Government 
Transportation Request (GTR) in the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR). In 
response to the comment, GSA has revised the definition of GTR to 
clarify that the document is used to acquire passenger transportation.
    Comment: Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is defined, in part, as 
the unique four-letter code used to identify American-based motor 
transportation companies assigned by NMFTA. NMFTA indicates that the 
SCAC definition should be a two-to-four letter identification code 
assigned to all

[[Page 65297]]

modes of transportation companies worldwide by the NMFTA.
    Response: GSA accepts this comment and has modified the definition 
of SCAC to a unique code, typically two to four characters, used to 
identify transportation companies.
    Comment: NFMTA indicates that the Standard Carrier Alpha Code 
(SCAC) is a proper noun and should be capitalized.
    Response: GSA agrees with this comment and has made the appropriate 
changes.
    Comment: When an agency notifies a TSP of any adjustment to a TSP 
bill, the notice must reference the TSP's Standard Carrier Alpha Code 
(SCAC) or other agency identifier for the carrier, such as the 
Department of Defense Activity Address Code (DoDAAC) number. NMFTA 
suggests deleting the reference to the DoDAAC as the DoDAAC is not used 
to identify TSPs. NMFTA indicates that the Defense Logistics Agency 
defines a DoDAAC as ``. . . a six-character, alpha-numeric code that 
uniquely identifies a unit, activity, or organization within the DoDAAD 
[Department of Defense Activity Address Directory]. A unit, activity, 
or organization may have more than one DoDAAC for different authority 
codes or purposes. Each activity that requisitions, contracts for, 
receives, has custody of, issues, or ships DoD assets, or funds/pays 
bills for materials and/or services is identified by a six-position 
alphanumeric DoDAAC.''
    Response: GSA accepts this suggestion and has deleted the DoDAAC 
reference.
    Comment: The rule indicates that ``the prepayment audit cannot be 
conducted by the same firm providing transportation services for the 
agency, such as a move manager.'' Relocation Management Worldwide, 
Incorporated (RMW) suggests that the term move manager is an incorrect 
example of a TSP and should be removed. RMW indicates that a TSP, being 
a carrier, could have a conflict of interest auditing their own files, 
but a move manager does not have to be a TSP.
    Response: GSA agrees that the language may be confusing and has 
modified Sec.  102-118.275(c) to explain that a move manager may not 
have any affiliation with or financial interest in the transportation 
company providing the transportation services for which the prepayment 
audit is being conducted.
    Comment: RMW asks if the rule's intent is to eliminate a move 
manager from being a prepayment auditor.
    Response: GSA has modified the rule to clarify the role of a move 
manager in the prepayment process. GSA's intent is to clarify 
transportation payment and audit requirements for all agencies 
including DoD.
    Comment: The rule indicates that agencies may choose to use a 
Third-Party Payment System or charge card company that includes 
prepayment audit functions, such as Syncada and Payport Express. RMW 
asks if GSA is allowed to promote specific companies and promote their 
own specific products in the Code of Federal Regulations.
    Response: GSA agrees that the reference to Syncada may constitute 
an endorsement of a private enterprise and has removed the reference 
from the final rule. However, PayPort Express is a GSA Center for 
Transportation Management payment solution that is compliant with the 
rules established by GSA Transportation Audits Division. Being a GSA 
product, the acknowledgement of PayPort Express, or subsequent GSA 
payment solution, does not constitute the endorsement of a private 
enterprise.
    Comment: The rule lists what information must be included in an 
agency's notice to a TSP when an agency is adjusting the TSP's bill. 
RMW points out that the list of required information excludes the 
reason for the adjustment and asks if this important element can be 
added to the list.
    Response: The final rule accepts and incorporates the comment.
    Comment: The rule indicates that the Administrator of General 
Services (GSA) has a congressionally mandated responsibility under 31 
U.S.C. 3726 to perform oversight on transportation bills. The GSA 
Transportation Audits Division accomplishes this oversight by 
conducting postpayment audits of all agencies' transportation bills. 
RMW suggests that GSA should confirm and identify that the audits are 
actually performed by contracted auditing companies and not by GSA 
Transportation Audits.
    Response: GSA does not accept this recommendation. Information 
regarding the GSA Transportation Audits Division procedures, including 
reviewing transportation invoices in conjunction with audit contracting 
companies, is provided on the Division's Postpayment Audit homepage 
(www.gsa.gov/portal/content/100056).
    Comment: RMW requests that GSA identify what safeguards are in 
place to prevent contracted auditing companies from providing both the 
prepayment and postpayment audit of the same bill.
    Response: GSA has determined that this topic is outside the 
intended scope of this rule. GSA Transportation Audits Division's 
Dispute Resolution Branch (http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/100753) 
provides oversight and quality control evaluation of GSA audit 
contractors and ensures integrity in all audit processes.
    Comment: This rule indicates that the GSA Transportation Audits 
Division does not charge agencies a fee for conducting the 
transportation postpayment audit and the expenses for such audits are 
financed from overpayments collected from the TSP's bills previously 
paid by the agency and similar type of refunds. Since the GSA 
Transportation Audits Division or contracted auditing companies do not 
receive funding unless they find errors in TSP billings, RMW asks how 
this is not a conflict of interest?
    Response: GSA has determined that this topic is outside the 
intended scope of this rule. The funding mechanism identified in this 
rule is established by statute, 31 U.S.C. 3726 Payment for 
transportation.
    Comment: If the GSA Transportation Audits Division is overseeing 
the prepay audit to ensure it is being done properly, RMW asks who is 
overseeing the GSA Transportation Audits Division to determine if the 
prepay oversight and the postpayment audit are being done properly?
    Response: While GSA has determined that this topic is outside the 
intended scope of this rule, the GSA Office of the Inspector General 
and the management of the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) provide 
such oversight of the GSA Transportation Audits Division.

C. Substantive Changes

    This final rule:
     Revises the definitions for ``Agency'', ``Bill of lading'' 
(BOL), ``Government bill of lading'' (GBL), ``Transportation document'' 
(TD), and ``Transportation Service Provider'' (TSP), removes the 
definition ``Release/declared value'', and adds the definitions 
``Declared value'' and ``Released value'' in FMR part 102-117; and 
revises the definitions ``Agency'', ``Bill of lading'' (BOL), 
``Document reference number'', ``Government bill of lading'' (GBL), 
``Government transportation request'', Offset'', ``Overcharge'', 
``Postpayment audit'', ``Rate authority'', ``Reparation'', ``Standard 
Carrier Alpha Code'' (SCAC), ``Statement of difference'', 
``Supplemental bill'', ``Transportation document (TD)'', and 
``Transportation Service provider'' (TSP), removes the terms ``Agency 
claim'', ``Released value'', ``Transportation service'', 
``Transportation service provider claim'', and ``Virtual GBL (VGBL)'', 
and adds the terms ``Claim'' and

[[Page 65298]]

``Transportation'' in FMR part 102-118 to ensure consistency.
     Strengthens agency requirements and responsibilities for 
transportation prepayment audits and transportation postpayment audit, 
submission requirements to the GSA Transportation Audits Division, and 
the required information on all transportation documentation.
     Updates and clarifies GSA Transportation Audits Division 
roles and responsibilities.

C. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563

    Executive Orders (E.O.) 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 is not a significant regulatory action, and therefore, will not be 
subject to review under Section 6(b) of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning 
and Review, dated September 30, 1993. This rule is not a major rule 
under 5 U.S.C. 804.

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    These revisions are not substantive, and therefore, this 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. The proposed rule is also exempt from the Administrative 
Procedure Act per 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2), because it applies to agency 
management or personnel.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The rule does not contain any information collection requirements 
that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. Chapter 35).

F. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

    This rule is also exempt from Congressional review prescribed under 
5 U.S.C. 801 since it relates to agency management or personnel.

List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 102-117 and 102-118

    Accounting, Claims, Freight, Government property management, Moving 
of household goods, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, 
Transportation.

    Dated: September 8, 2016.
Denise Turner Roth,
Administrator.
    For the reasons set forth in the preamble, GSA amends 41 CFR parts 
102-117 and 102-118 as follows:

PART 102-117--TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT

0
1. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 102-117 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  31 U.S.C. 3726; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 40 U.S.C. 501, et 
seq.; 46 U.S.C. 55305; 49 U.S.C. 40118.

0
2. Amend Sec.  102-117.25 by--
0
a. Revising the definitions ``Agency'' and ``Bill of lading (BOL)'';
0
b. Adding, in alphabetical order, the definition ``Declared value'';
0
c. Revising the definition ``Government bill of lading (GBL)'';
0
d. Removing the definition ``Release/declared value'';
0
e. Adding, in alphabetical order, the definition ``Released value''; 
and
0
f. Revising the definitions ``Transportation document (TD)'', and 
``Transportation service provider (TSP)''.
    The revisions and additions read as follows:


Sec.  102-117.25  What definitions apply to this part?

* * * * *
    Agency means a department, agency, and independent establishment in 
the executive branch of the Government as defined in 5 U.S.C. 101 et 
seq., and a wholly-owned Government corporation as defined in 31 U.S.C. 
9101(3).
    Bill of lading (BOL), sometimes referred to as a commercial bill of 
lading, but includes a Government bill of lading (GBL), means the 
document used as a receipt of goods, a contract of carriage, and 
documentary evidence of title.
* * * * *
    Declared value means the actual value of cargo as declared by the 
agency for reimbursement purposes or to establish duties, taxes, or 
other customs fees. The declared value is the maximum amount that could 
be recovered by the agency in the event of loss or damage for the 
shipments of freight and household goods, unless the declared value 
exceeds the carrier's released value (see ``Released value''). The 
statement of declared value must be shown on any applicable tariff, 
tender, contract, bill of lading, or other document covering the 
shipment.
* * * * *
    Government bill of lading (GBL) means the transportation document 
used as a receipt of goods, evidence of title, and a contract of 
carriage for Government international shipments (see Bill of Lading 
(BOL) definition).
* * * * *
    Released value means an assigned value of the cargo for 
reimbursement purposes that is not necessarily the actual value of the 
cargo. Released value may be more or less than the actual value of the 
cargo; however, in the event of loss or damage to the shipment, if the 
released value exceeds the actual value, reimbursement would be the 
lesser of the two values. When the released value is agreed upon as the 
basis of reimbursement and the actual value exceeds the released value, 
the released value is the maximum amount that could be recovered by the 
agency in the event of loss or damage to the shipments of freight or 
household goods. When negotiating for rates and the released value is 
proposed to be less than the actual value of the cargo, the TSP should 
offer a rate lower than other rates for shipping cargo at full value. 
The statement of released value may be shown in any applicable tariff, 
tender, contract, transportation document or other documents covering 
the shipment.
* * * * *
    Transportation document (TD) means any executed document for 
transportation service, such as a bill of lading, a tariff, a tender, a 
contract, a Government Transportation Request (GTR), invoices, paid 
invoices, any transportation bills, or other equivalent documents, 
including electronic documents.
* * * * *
    Transportation service provider (TSP) means any party, person, 
agent, or carrier that provides freight, household goods, or passenger 
transportation or related services to an agency.
* * * * *

PART 102-118--TRANSPORTATION PAYMENT AND AUDIT

0
3. The authority citation for 41 CFR part 102-118 is revised to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3726; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 40 U.S.C. 501, et 
seq.; 46 U.S.C. 55305; 49 U.S.C. 40118.

0
4. Revise Sec.  102-118.10 to read as follows:


Sec.  102-118.10  What is a transportation audit?

    A transportation audit is a thorough review and validation of 
transportation related documents and bills. The audit

[[Page 65299]]

must examine the validity, propriety, and conformity of the charges or 
rates with tariffs, quotations, contracts, agreements, or tenders, as 
appropriate.


Sec.  102-118.15   [Amended]

0
5. Amend Sec.  102-118.15 by removing ``or people and/or'' and adding 
``, people or'' in its place.

0
6. Revise Sec.  102-118.20 to read as follows:


Sec.  102-118.20  Who is subject to this part?

    This part applies to all agencies (including the Department of 
Defense (DoD)) and TSPs defined in Sec.  102-118.35, and wholly-owned 
Government corporations as defined in 31 U.S.C. 101, et seq. and 31 
U.S.C. 9101(3). Your agency is required to incorporate this part into 
its internal regulations.

0
7. Revise Sec. Sec.  102-118.25 and 102-118.30 to read as follows:


Sec.  102-118.25  What must my agency provide to GSA regarding its 
transportation policies?

    As part of the evaluation of agencies' transportation program and 
postpayment audit, GSA may request to examine your agency's 
transportation prepayment audit program and policies to verify the 
performance of the prepayment audit. GSA Office of Government-wide 
Policy, Transportation Policy Division and GSA Transportation Audits 
Division may suggest revisions of agencies' audit program or policies.


Sec.  102-118.30  Are Government-controlled corporations bound by this 
part?

    This part does not apply to Government-controlled corporations and 
mixed-ownership Government corporations as defined in 31 U.S.C. 9101(1) 
and (2).

0
8. Amend Sec.  102-118.35 by-
0
a. Revising the definition ``Agency'';
0
b. Removing the definition ``Agency claim'';
0
c. Revising the definition ``Bill of lading'';
0
d. Adding, in alphabetical order, the definition ``Claim'';
0
e. Revising the definitions ``Document reference number'', ``Government 
bill of lading (GBL)'', ``Government contractor-issued charge card'', 
``Government Transportation Request (GTR)'', ``Offset'', 
``Overcharge'', ``Postpayment audit'', ``Prepayment audit'', and ``Rate 
authority'';
0
f. Removing the definition ``Released value'';
0
g. Revising the definitions ``Reparation'', ``Standard carrier alpha 
code (SCAC)'', ``Statement of difference'', and ``Supplemental bill'';
0
h. Adding, in alphabetical order, the definition ``Transportation'';
0
i. Revising the definition ``Transportation document (TD)'';
0
j. Removing the definition ``Transportation service'';
0
k. Revising the definition ``Transportation service provider (TSP)'';
0
l. Removing the definitions ``Transportation service provider claim'' 
and ``Virtual GBL (VGBL)''; and
0
m. Revising the ``Note'' at the end of the section. The revisions and 
additions read as follows:


Sec.  102-118.35  What definitions apply to this part?

* * * * *
    Agency means a department, agency, or instrumentality of the United 
States Government (31 U.S.C. 101).
    Bill of lading (BOL), sometimes referred to as a commercial bill of 
lading, but includes a Government bill of lading (GBL), means the 
document used as a receipt of goods, a contract of carriage, and 
documentary evidence of title.
* * * * *
    Claim means--
    (1) Any demand by an agency upon a transportation service provider 
(TSP) for the payment of overcharges, ordinary debts, fines, penalties, 
administrative fees, special charges, and interest; or
    (2) Any demand by the TSP for amounts not included in the original 
bill that the TSP believes an agency owes them. This includes amounts 
deducted or offset by an agency; amounts previously refunded by the 
TSP, which is believed to be owed; and any subsequent bills from the 
TSP resulting from a transaction that was prepayment or postpayment 
audited by the GSA Transportation Audits Division.
    Document reference number (DRN) means the unique number on a bill 
of lading, Government Transportation Request (GTR), or transportation 
ticket used to track the movement of shipments and individuals.
* * * * *
    Government bill of lading (GBL) means the transportation document 
used as a receipt of goods, evidence of title, and a contract of 
carriage for Government international shipments (see Bill of lading 
(BOL) definition).
    Government contractor-issued charge card means the charge card used 
by authorized individuals to pay for official travel and transportation 
related expenses for which the contractor bills the employee. This is 
different than a centrally billed account paying for official travel 
and transportation related expenses for which the agency is billed.
    Government Transportation Request (GTR) (Optional Form 1169)--means 
a Government document used to procure passenger transportation services 
from a TSP. The document obligates the Government to pay for 
transportation services provided and is used when a Government 
contractor issued charge card is not.
    Offset means something that serves to counterbalance or to 
compensate for something else. These are funds owed to a TSP that are 
not released by the agency but instead used to repay the agency for a 
debt incurred by the TSP.
* * * * *
    Overcharge means those charges for transportation that exceed those 
applicable under the executed agreement for services such as bill of 
lading (including a GBL, contract, rate tender or a GTR).
    Postpayment audit means an audit of transportation billing 
documents, and all related transportation documents after payment, to 
decide their validity, propriety, and conformity of rates with tariffs, 
quotations, agreements, contracts, or tenders. The audit process may 
also include subsequent adjustments and collection actions taken 
against a TSP by the Government (31 U.S.C. 3726).
    Prepayment audit means an audit of transportation billing documents 
before payment to determine their validity, propriety, and conformity 
of rates with tariffs, quotations, agreements, contracts, or tenders 
(31 U.S.C. 3726).
* * * * *
    Rate authority means the document that establishes the legal 
charges for a transportation shipment. Charges included in a rate 
authority are those rates, fares, and charges for transportation and 
related services contained in tariffs, tenders, contracts, bills of 
lading, and other equivalent documents.
    Reparation means a payment to or from an agency to correct an 
improper transportation billing as determined by a postpayment audit 
involving a TSP. Improper routing, overcharges, or duplicate payments 
may cause such improper billing. This is different from a payment to 
settle a claim for loss and damage.
    Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is a unique code, typically two 
to four characters, used to identify transportation companies.
    Statement of difference means a statement issued by an agency or 
its designated audit contractor during a prepayment audit when they 
determine

[[Page 65300]]

that a TSP has billed the agency for more than the proper amount for 
the services. This statement tells the TSP on the invoice, the amount 
allowed and the basis for the proper charges. The statement also cites 
the applicable rate references and other data relied on for support. 
The agency issues a separate statement of difference for each 
transportation transaction.
* * * * *
    Supplemental bill means the bill for services that the TSP submits 
to the agency for additional payment of the services provided.
* * * * *
    Transportation means service involved in the physical movement 
(from one location to another) of people, household goods, and freight 
by a TSP or a Third Party Logistics (3PL) entity for an agency, as well 
as activities directly relating to or supporting that movement. These 
activities are defined in 49 U.S.C. 13102.
    Transportation document (TD) means any executed document for 
transportation services, such as a bill of lading, a tariff, a tender, 
a contract, a GTR, invoices, paid invoices, any transportation bills, 
or other equivalent documents, including electronic documents.
    Transportation service provider (TSP) means any party, person, 
agent, or carrier that provides freight, household goods, or passenger 
transportation or related services to an agency.

    Note to Sec.  102-118.35: 15 U.S.C. 96, et seq., 49 U.S.C. 
13102, et seq., and 41 CFR Chapter 302 Federal Travel Regulation 
defines additional transportation terms not listed in this section.


0
9. Revise Subpart D to read as follows:

Subpart D--Prepayment Audit of Transportation Services

Sec.

Agency Requirements for a Transportation Prepayment Audit Program

Sec.  102-118.265 What is a prepayment audit?
Sec.  102-118.270 Must my agency establish a transportation 
prepayment audit program, and how is it funded?
Sec.  102-118.275 What must my agency consider when developing a 
transportation prepayment audit program?
Sec.  102-118.280 Must all transportation payment records, whether 
they are electronic or paper, undergo a prepayment audit?
Sec.  102-118.285 What must be included in my agency's 
transportation prepayment audit program?

Agency Requirements With Transportation Service Providers

Sec.  102-118.290 Must my agency notify the TSP of any adjustment to 
the TSP bill?
Sec.  102-118.295 Does my agency transportation prepayment audit 
program need to establish appeal procedures?
Sec.  102-118.300 What must my agency do if the TSP disputes the 
findings and my agency cannot resolve the dispute?
Sec.  102-118.305 What information must be on all transportation 
payment records that have completed my agency's prepayment audit?
Sec.  102-118.310 What does the GSA Transportation Audits Division 
consider when verifying an agency prepayment audit program?
Sec.  102-118.315 How does my agency contact the GSA Transportation 
Audits Division?
Sec.  102-118.320 What action should my agency take if the agency's 
transportation prepayment audits program changes?

Agency Certifying and Disbursing Officers

Sec.  102-118.325 Does establishing an agency Chief Financial 
Officer-approved transportation prepayment audit program change the 
responsibilities of the certifying officers?
Sec.  102-118.330 Does a transportation prepayment audit waiver 
change any liabilities of the certifying officer?
Sec.  102-118.335 What relief from liability is available for the 
certifying official under a transportation postpayment audit?
Sec.  102-118.340 Do the requirements of a transportation prepayment 
audit change the disbursing official's liability for overpayment?
Sec.  102-118.345 Where does relief from transportation prepayment 
audit liability for certifying, accountable, and disbursing officers 
reside in my agency?

Exemptions and Suspensions of the Mandatory Transportation Prepayment 
Audit Program

Sec.  102-118.350 What agency has the authority to grant an 
exemption from the transportation prepayment audit requirement?
Sec.  102-118.355 How does my agency apply for an exemption from a 
transportation prepayment audit requirement?
Sec.  102-118.360 How long will GSA take to respond to an exemption 
request from a transportation prepayment audit requirement?
Sec.  102-118.365 Can my agency renew an exemption from the 
transportation prepayment audit requirements?
Sec.  102-118.370 Are my agency's prepayment audited transportation 
documentation subject to periodic postpayment audit oversight from 
the GSA Transportation Audits Division?
Sec.  102-118.375 Can GSA suspend my agency's transportation 
prepayment audit program?

    Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3726; 40 U.S.C. 121(c); 40 U.S.C. 501, et 
seq.; 46 U.S.C. 55305; 49 U.S.C. 40118.

Subpart D--Prepayment Audit of Transportation Services

Agency Requirements for a Transportation Prepayment Audit Program


Sec.  102-118.265  What is a prepayment audit?

    Prepayment audit means a review of transportation documentation 
before payment to determine their validity, propriety, and conformity 
of rates with tariffs, quotations, agreements, contracts, or tenders. 
Prepayment auditing by your agency will detect and eliminate billing 
errors before payment (31 U.S.C. 3726).


Sec.  102-118.270  Must my agency establish a transportation prepayment 
audit program, and how is it funded?

    (a) Yes, under 31 U.S.C. 3726, your agency is required to establish 
a transportation prepayment audit program. Your agency's Chief 
Financial Officer (CFO) must approve the prepayment audit program.
    (b) Your agency must pay for the prepayment audit program from 
those funds appropriated for transportation services.
    (1) Agencies are encouraged to consider using a GSA Transportation 
Audits Division approved third party electronic payment processor for 
transportation invoice processing, payment, and prepayment audit. These 
electronic payment processors are no cost to the agency and are fully 
compliant with GSA Transportation Audits Division prepayment audit 
requirements.
    (2) Use of these third party payment processors generally means 
your agency will not have to provide any additional prepayment or 
postpayment documentation to GSA Transportation Audits Division.


Sec.  102-118.275  What must my agency consider when developing a 
transportation prepayment audit program?

    (a) Your agency's transportation prepayment audit program must 
consider all of the methods that your agency uses to order and pay for 
passenger, household goods, and freight transportation to include 
Government contractor-issued charge cards (see Sec.  102-118.35 for 
definition Government contractor-issued charge cards).
    (b) Each method of ordering transportation and transportation 
services for passenger, household goods, and freight transportation may 
require a different kind of prepayment audit process. The manner in 
which your agency orders or procures transportation services determines 
how and by whom

[[Page 65301]]

the bill for those services will be presented. Your agency should 
ensure that each TSP bill or employee travel voucher contains enough 
information for the prepayment audit to determine which contract or 
rate tender is used and that the type and quantity of any additional 
services are clearly delineated.
    (c) The prepayment audit cannot be conducted by the same firm 
providing the transportation services for the agency. If a move manager 
is being utilized, the move manager may not have any affiliation with 
or financial interest in the transportation company providing the 
transportation services for which the prepayment audit is being 
conducted. Contracts with charge card companies that provide prepayment 
audit services are a valid option. The agency can choose to--
    (1) Create an internal prepayment audit program;
    (2) Contract directly with a prepayment audit service provider;
    (3) Use the services of a prepayment audit contractor under GSA's 
multiple award schedule covering audit and financial management 
services (SIN 520.10 Transportation Audits); or
    (4) Use a Third-Party Payment System or charge card company that 
includes prepayment audit functions, such as the GSA Center for 
Transportation Management's PayPort Express.
    (d) An appeals process must be established for a TSP to appeal any 
reduction in the amount billed. It is recommended the agency establish 
an electronic appeal process that will direct TSP-filed appeals to an 
agency official for determination of the claim.
    (e) A process to ensure that all agency transportation procurement 
and related documents including contracts and tenders are submitted 
electronically to GSA Transportation Audits Division.
    (f) Use of GSA Transportation Audits Division's Prepayment Audit 
Program template is recommended (contact [email protected] for a 
copy of the template). If the template is not used, provide the same 
information listed on the template to GSA Transportation Audits 
Division.


Sec.  102-118.280  Must all transportation payment records, whether 
they are electronic or paper, undergo a prepayment audit?

    Yes, all transportation bills and payment records, whether they are 
electronic or paper, must undergo a prepayment audit with the following 
exceptions:
    (a) Your agency's prepayment audit program uses a statistical 
sampling technique of the bills. If your agency chooses to use 
statistical sampling, all bills must be
    (1) At or below the Comptroller General specified limit of 
$2,500.00 (31 U.S.C. 3521(b)); and
    (2) In compliance with the U.S. Government Accountability Office 
Using Statistical Sampling (GAO/PEMD-10.1.6), Rev. 1992, Chapter 7 
Random Selection Procedures obtainable from http://www.gao.gov; or
    (b) The Administrator of General Services grants your agency a 
specific exemption from the prepayment audit requirement which may 
include bills determined to be below your agency's threshold, mode or 
modes of transportation, or for an agency or subagency.


Sec.  102-118.285  What must be included in an agency's transportation 
prepayment audit program?

    The agency prepayment audit program must include--
    (a) The agency's CFO approval of the transportation prepayment 
audit program with submission to GSA Transportation Audits Division;
    (b) Compliance with the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3901, et 
seq.);
    (c) Assurance that each TSP bill or employee travel voucher 
contains appropriate information for the prepayment audit to determine 
which contract or rate tender is used and that the type and quantity of 
any additional services are clearly delineated;
    (d) Verification of all transportation bills against filed rates 
and charges before payment;
    (e) A process to forward all transportation documentation (TD) 
monthly to the GSA Transportation Audits Division.
    (1) GSA Transportation Audits Division can provide your agency a 
Prepayment Audit Program with a monthly reporting template upon request 
at [email protected] (see Sec.  102-118.35 for definition TD).
    (2) In addition to the requirements for agencies to maintain 
transportation records, GSA will store paid transportation bills in 
accordance with the General Records Schedule 9, Travel and 
Transportation (36 CFR 1228.22). GSA will arrange for storage of any 
document requiring special handling, such as bankruptcy and court 
cases. These bills will be retained pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 3309 until 
claims have been settled;
    (f) Establish procedures in which transportation bills not subject 
to prepayment audit, such as bills for unused tickets and charge card 
billings, are handled separately and are also forwarded monthly to the 
GSA Transportation Audits Division;
    (g) A minimum dollar threshold for transportation bills subject to 
audit;
    (h) A statement in a cost reimbursable contracts contract or rate 
tender that the contractor shall submit to the address and in the 
electronic format identified for prepayment audit, transportation 
documents which show that the United States will assume freight charges 
that were paid by the contractor. Cost reimbursable contractors shall 
only submit for audit bills of lading with freight shipment charges 
exceeding $100.00. Bills under $100.00 shall be retained on-site by the 
contractor and made available for on-site Government audits (Federal 
Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.247-67);
    (i) Require your agency's paying office to offset, if directed by 
GSA's Transportation Audits Division, debts from amounts owed to the 
TSP within the 3 years (31 U.S.C. 3726(b));
    (j) A process to ensure complete and accurate audits of all 
transportation bills and notification to the TSP of any adjustment 
within 7 calendar days of receipt of the bill;
    (k) An appeals process as part of the approved prepayment audit 
program for a TSP to appeal any reduction in the amount billed. Refer 
to Sec.  102-118.295 for details regarding the appeals process.
    (l) Accurate notices and agency procedures for notifying the TSPs 
with a detailed description of the reasons for any full or partial 
rejection of the stated charges on the invoice. Refer to Sec.  102-
118.290 for notice requirements; and
    (m) A unique agency numbering system to handle commercial paper and 
practices (see Sec.  102-118.55 for information on administrative 
procedures your agency must establish).

Agency Requirements With Transportation Service Providers


Sec.  102-118.290  Must my agency notify the TSP of any adjustment to 
the TSP bill?

    (a) Yes, your agency must notify the TSP of any adjustment to the 
TSP bill either electronically or in writing within seven calendar days 
of the agency receipt of the bill.
    (b) This notice must include:
    (1) TSP's bill number;
    (2) Agency name;
    (3) TSP's TIN;
    (4) SCAC;
    (5) DRN;
    (6) Date invoice submitted;
    (7) Amount billed;
    (8) Date invoice was approved for payment;
    (9) Date and amount agency paid;
    (10) Payment location number and agency organization name;

[[Page 65302]]

    (11) Payment voucher number;
    (12) Complete contract, tender or tariff authority, including item 
or section number;
    (13) Reason for the adjustment; and
    (14) Complete information on the agency appeal process.
    (c) A TSP must submit claims to the agency within three years under 
the guidelines established in subpart F, Claims and Appeals Procedures, 
of this part.


Sec.  102-118.295   Does my agency transportation prepayment audit 
program need to establish appeal procedures?

    Yes, your agency must establish, in the approved prepayment audit 
program, an appeals process for a TSP to appeal any reduction in the 
amount billed. It is recommended the agency establish an electronic 
appeal process that will direct TSP-filed appeals to an agency official 
for determination of the claim. Your agency must complete the review of 
the appeal and inform the TSP of the agency determination within 30 
calendar days of the receipt of the appeal, either electronically or in 
writing.


Sec.  102-118.300  What must my agency do if the TSP disputes the 
findings and my agency cannot resolve the dispute?

    (a) If your agency is unable to resolve the disputed amount with 
the TSP, your agency must submit, within 30 calendar days, all relevant 
transportation documentation associated with the dispute, including a 
complete billing history and the appropriation or fund charged, to GSA 
Transportation Audits Division by email at [email protected], or by 
mail to: U.S. General Services Administration, 1800 F St. NW., 3rd 
Floor, Mail Hub 3400, Washington, DC 20405.
    (b) The GSA Transportation Audits Division will review the appeal 
of an agency's final, full, or partial denial of a claim and issue a 
decision within 30 calendar days of receipt of appeal.
    (c) A TSP must submit claims to the agency within three years under 
the guidelines established in subpart F of this part.


Sec.  102-118.305   What information must be on all transportation 
payment records that have completed my agency's prepayment audit?

    (a) The following information must be annotated on all 
transportation payment records, electronically or on paper, that have 
completed your agency's prepayment audit and for submission to GSA 
Transportation Audits Division:
    (1) The date the bill was received from a TSP;
    (2) A TSP's invoice number;
    (3) Your agency name;
    (4) DRN;
    (5) Amount billed;
    (6) Date invoice was approved for payment;
    (7) Date and amount agency paid;
    (8) Payment location code number and office or organization name;
    (9) Payment voucher number;
    (10) Complete contract, tender or tariff authority, including item 
or section number;
    (11) The TSP's TIN;
    (12) The TSP's SCAC;
    (13) The auditor's authorization code or initials; and
    (14) A copy of any statement of difference and the date it was sent 
to the TSP.
    (b) Your agency can find added guidance in the ``U.S. Government 
Freight Transportation Handbook.'' This handbook is located at 
www.gsa.gov/transaudits.


Sec.  102-118.310  What does the GSA Transportation Audits Division 
consider when verifying an agency prepayment audit program?

    GSA Transportation Audit Division bases verification of agency 
prepayment audit programs on objective cost-savings, paperwork 
reductions, current audit standards, and other positive improvements, 
as well as adherence to the guidelines listed in this part.


Sec.  102-118.315  How does my agency contact the GSA Transportation 
Audits Division?

    Your agency may contact the GSA Transportation Audits Division at 
[email protected].


Sec.  102-118.320  What action should my agency take if the agency's 
transportation prepayment audit program changes?

    (a) If your agency's transportation prepayment audit program 
changes in any way to include changes in prepayment auditors, your 
agency must submit the CFO-approved revised transportation prepayment 
audit program to GSA Transportation Audits Division via email at 
[email protected], Subject line: Agency PPA-Revised.
    (b) If GSA determines the agency's approved plan is insufficient, 
GSA will contact the agency CFO to inform of the prepayment audit 
program deficiencies and request corrective action and resubmission to 
GSA Transportation Audits Division.

Agency Certifying and Disbursing Officers


Sec.  102-118.325  Does establishing an agency Chief Financial Officer-
approved transportation prepayment audit program change the 
responsibilities of the certifying officers?

    No, in a prepayment audit program, the official certifying a 
transportation voucher is held liable for verifying transportation 
rates, freight classifications, and other information provided on a 
transportation billing instrument or transportation request undergoing 
a prepayment audit (31 U.S.C. 3528).


Sec.  102-118.330  Does a transportation prepayment audit waiver change 
any liabilities of the certifying officer?

    Yes, a certifying official is not personally liable for verifying 
transportation rates, freight classifications, or other information 
provided on a bill of lading or passenger transportation request when 
the Administrator of General Services or designee waives the prepayment 
audit requirement and your agency uses postpayment audits.


Sec.  102-118.335  What relief from liability is available for the 
certifying official under a transportation postpayment audit?

    The agency counsel relieves a certifying official from liability 
for transportation overpayments in cases where--
    (a) Postpayment is the approved method of auditing;
    (b) The overpayment occurred solely because the administrative 
review before payment did not verify transportation rates; and
    (c) The overpayment was the result of using improper transportation 
rates or freight classifications or the failure to deduct the correct 
amount under a land grant law or agreement.


Sec.  102-118.340  Do the requirements of a transportation prepayment 
audit change the disbursing official's liability for overpayment?

    No, the disbursing official has a liability for overpayments on all 
transportation bills subject to prepayment audit (31 U.S.C. 3322).


Sec.  102-118.345  Where does relief from transportation prepayment 
audit liability for certifying, accountable, and disbursing officers 
reside in my agency?

    Your agency's counsel has the authority to relieve liability and 
give advance opinions on liability issues to certifying, accountable, 
and disbursing officers (31 U.S.C. 3527).

[[Page 65303]]

Exemptions and Suspensions of the Mandatory Transportation Prepayment 
Audit Program


Sec.  102-118.350  What agency has the authority to grant an exemption 
from the transportation prepayment audit requirement?

    Only the Administrator of General Services or their designee has 
the authority to grant an exemption for a specific time period from the 
prepayment audit requirement. The Administrator may exempt bills, a 
particular mode or modes of transportation, or an agency or subagency 
from a prepayment audit and verification and in lieu thereof require a 
postpayment audit, based on cost effectiveness, public interest, or 
other factors the Administrator considers appropriate (31 U.S.C. 
3726(a)(2)).


Sec.  102-118.355  How does my agency apply for an exemption from a 
transportation prepayment audit requirement?

    Your agency must submit a request for an exemption from the 
requirement to perform transportation prepayment audits by email to 
[email protected], Subject Line: Prepayment Audit Exemption Request. 
The agency exemption request must explain in detail why the request is 
submitted based on cost effectiveness, public interest, or other 
factors the Administrator considers appropriate, such as transportation 
modes, dollar thresholds, adversely affecting the agency's mission, or 
is not feasible (31 U.S.C. 3726(a)(2)).


Sec.  102-118.360  How long will GSA take to respond to an exemption 
request from a transportation prepayment audit requirement?

    GSA will respond to the exemption from the transportation 
prepayment audit requirement request within 180 calendar days from the 
date of receipt.


Sec.  102-118.365  Can my agency renew an exemption from the 
transportation prepayment audit requirements?

    It may be possible for your agency to be granted a prepayment audit 
exemption extension. Your agency must submit a request for the 
extension to GSA Transportation Audits Division at least six months in 
advance of the current exemption expiration.


Sec.  102-118.370  Are my agency's prepayment audited transportation 
documentation subject to periodic postpayment audit oversight from the 
GSA Transportation Audits Division?

    Yes. All your agency's prepayment audited transportation documents 
are subject to the GSA Transportation Audits Division postpayment audit 
oversight. Upon request, GSA Transportation Audits Division will 
provide a report analyzing your agency's prepayment audit program.


Sec.  102-118.375  Can GSA suspend my agency's transportation 
prepayment audit program?

    (a) Yes. The Director of the GSA Transportation Audits Division may 
suspend your agency's transportation prepayment audit program until the 
agency corrects their prepayment audit program deficiencies. This 
suspension may be in whole or in part. If GSA suspends your agency's 
transportation prepayment audit and GSA assumes responsibility for 
auditing an agencies prepayment audit program, the agency will 
reimburse GSA for the expense.
    (b) This suspension determination is based on identification of a 
systematic or frequent failure of the agency's transportation 
prepayment audit program to--
    (1) Conduct a prepayment audit of your agency's transportation 
bills; and/or
    (2) Abide by the terms of the Prompt Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3901, 
et seq.);
    (3) Adjudicate TSP claims disputing prepayment audit positions of 
the agency regularly within 30 calendar days of receipt;
    (4) Follow Comptroller General decisions, Civilian Board of 
Contract Appeals decisions, the Federal Management Regulation and GSA 
instructions or precedents about substantive and procedure matters; 
and/or
    (5) Provide information and data or to cooperate with on-site 
inspections necessary to conduct a quality assurance review.

0
10. Revise Subpart E to read as follows:
Subpart E--Postpayment Transportation Audits
Sec.
Sec.  102-118.400 What is a transportation postpayment audit?
Sec.  102-118.405 Who conducts a transportation postpayment audit?
Sec.  102-118.410 If agencies perform the mandatory transportation 
prepayment audit, will this eliminate the requirement for a 
transportation postpayment audit conducted by GSA?
Sec.  102-118.415 Can the Administrator of General Services exempt 
the transportation postpayment audit requirement?


Sec.  102-118.420  Is my agency allowed to perform a postpayment audit 
on our transportation documents?

Sec.  102-118.425 Is my agency required to forward all 
transportation documents to the GSA Transportation Audits Division, 
and what information must be on these documents?
Sec.  102-118.430 What is the process the GSA Transportation Audits 
Division employs to conduct a postpayment audit?
Sec.  102-118.435 What are the transportation postpayment audit 
roles and responsibilities of the GSA Transportation Audits 
Division?
Sec.  102-118.440 Does my agency pay for a transportation 
postpayment audit conducted by the GSA Transportation Audits 
Division?
Sec.  102-118.445 How do I contact the GSA Transportation Audits 
Division?

Subpart E--Postpayment Transportation Audits


Sec.  102-118.400  What is a transportation postpayment audit?

    Postpayment audit means an audit of transportation billing 
documents after payment to decide their validity, propriety, and 
conformity of rates with tariffs, quotations, agreements, contracts, or 
tenders. The audit may also include subsequent adjustments and 
collection actions taken against a TSP by the Government (31 U.S.C. 
3726).


Sec.  102-118.405  Who conducts a transportation postpayment audit?

    The Administrator of General Services (GSA) has a congressionally 
mandated responsibility under 31 U.S.C. 3726 to perform oversight on 
transportation bills. The GSA Transportation Audits Division 
accomplishes this oversight by conducting postpayment audits of all 
agencies' transportation bills.


Sec.  102-118.410  If agencies perform the mandatory transportation 
prepayment audit, will this eliminate the requirement for a 
transportation postpayment audit conducted by GSA?

    No, agency compliance to the mandatory transportation prepayment 
audit does not eliminate the requirement of the transportation 
postpayment audit conducted by GSA (31 U.S.C. 3726).


Sec.  102-118.415  Can the Administrator of General Services exempt the 
transportation postpayment audit requirement?

    Yes. The Administrator of General Services or designee may exempt, 
for a specified time, an agency or subagency from the GSA 
transportation postpayment audit oversight requirements of this 
subpart. The Administrator can also exempt modes (31 U.S.C. 3726).


Sec.  102-118.420  Is my agency allowed to perform a postpayment audit 
on our transportation documents?

    No. Your agency may not perform a transportation postpayment audit 
unless granted an exemption and specifically

[[Page 65304]]

directed to do so by the Administrator in lieu of a prepayment audit. 
Whether such an exemption is granted or not, your agency must forward 
all transportation documents (TD) to GSA for postpayment audit (see 
Sec.  102-118.35 for definition TD).


Sec.  102-118.425  Is my agency required to forward all transportation 
documents to GSA Transportation Audits Division, and what information 
must be on these documents?

    (a) Yes, your agency must provide all TDs to GSA Transportation 
Audits Division (see Sec.  102-118.35 for definition TD).
    (b) The following information must be annotated on all TDs and 
bills that have completed your agency's prepayment audit for submission 
to GSA Transportation Audits Division:
    (1) The date the bill was received from a TSP;
    (2) A TSP's invoice number;
    (3) Your agency name;
    (4) A DRN;
    (5) Amount billed;
    (6) Date invoice was approved for payment;
    (7) Payment date and amount agency paid;
    (8) Payment location code number and office name;
    (9) Payment voucher number;
    (10) Complete contract, tender, or tariff authority, including item 
or section number;
    (11) The TSP's TIN;
    (12) The TSP's SCAC;
    (13) The auditor's full name, email address, contact telephone 
number, and authorization code; and
    (14) A copy of any statement of difference sent to the TSP.
    (c) Your agency can find additional guidance in the ``U.S. 
Government Freight Transportation Handbook.'' This handbook is located 
at www.gsa.gov/transaudits.


Sec.  102-118.430  What is the process the GSA Transportation Audits 
Division employs to conduct a postpayment audit?

    The GSA Transportation Audits Division
    (a) Audits select TSP bills after payment;
    (b) Audits select TSP bills before payment as needed to protect the 
Government's interest;
    (c) Examines, settles, and adjusts accounts involving payment for 
transportation and related services for the account of agencies;
    (d) Adjudicates and settles transportation claims by and against 
agencies;
    (e) Offsets an overcharge by any TSP from an amount subsequently 
found to be due that TSP;
    (f) Issues a Notice of Overcharge stating that a TSP owes a debt to 
the agency. This notice states the amount paid and the basis for the 
proper charge for the document reference number (DRN), and cites 
applicable contract, tariff, or tender, along with other data relied on 
to support the overcharge; and
    (g) Issues a GSA Notice of Indebtedness when a TSP owes an ordinary 
debt to an agency. This notice states the basis for the debt, the TSP's 
rights, interest, penalty, and other results of nonpayment. The debt is 
due immediately and is subject to interest charges, penalties, and 
administrative cost under 31 U.S.C. 3717.


Sec.  102-118.435   What are the transportation postpayment audit roles 
and responsibilities of the GSA Transportation Audits Division?

    (a) The GSA Transportation Audits Division role is to perform the 
oversight responsibility of transportation prepayment and postpayment 
granted to the Administrator. The GSA Transportation Audits Division 
will--
    (1) Examine and analyze transportation documents and payments to 
discover their validity, relevance and conformity with tariffs, 
quotations, contracts, agreements, or tenders and make adjustments to 
protect the interest of an agency;
    (2) Examine, adjudicate, and settle transportation claims by and 
against the agency;
    (3) Collect from TSPs by refund, setoff, offset, or other means, 
the amounts determined to be due the agency;
    (4) Adjust, terminate, or suspend debts due on TSP overcharges;
    (5) Prepare reports to the Attorney General of the United States 
with recommendations about the legal and technical bases available for 
use in prosecuting or defending suits by or against an agency and 
provide technical, fiscal, and factual data from relevant records;
    (6) Provide transportation specialists and lawyers to serve as 
expert witnesses; assist in pretrial conferences; draft pleadings, 
orders, and briefs; and participate as requested in connection with 
transportation suits by or against an agency;
    (7) Review agency policies, programs, and procedures to determine 
their adequacy and effectiveness in the audit of freight or passenger 
transportation payments, and review related fiscal and transportation 
practices;
    (8) Furnish information on rates, fares, routes, and related 
technical data upon request;
    (9) Inform an agency of irregular shipping routing practices, 
inadequate commodity descriptions, excessive transportation cost 
authorizations, and unsound principles employed in traffic and 
transportation management; and
    (10) Confer with individual TSPs or related groups and associations 
presenting specific modes of transportation to resolve mutual problems 
concerning technical and accounting matters, and providing information 
on requirements.
    (b) The Administrator of General Services may provide 
transportation audit and related technical assistance services, on a 
reimbursable basis, to any other agency. Such reimbursements may be 
credited to the appropriate revolving fund or appropriation from which 
the expenses were incurred (31 U.S.C. 3726(j)).


Sec.  102-118.440  Does my agency pay for a transportation postpayment 
audit conducted by the GSA Transportation Audits Division?

    The GSA Transportation Audits Division does not charge agencies a 
fee for conducting the transportation postpayment audit. Transportation 
postpayment audits expenses are financed from overpayments collected 
from the TSP's bills previously paid by the agency and similar type of 
refunds. However, if a postpayment audit is conducted in lieu of a 
prepayment audit at the request of an agency, or if there are 
additional services required, GSA may charge the agency.


Sec.  102-118.445  How do I contact the GSA Transportation Audits 
Division?

    You may contact the GSA Transportation Audits Division by email at 
[email protected].

[FR Doc. 2016-22609 Filed 9-21-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6820-14-P



                                           65296            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           *      *     *        *      *                           requirements for prepayment audits of                 shipped. Furthermore, it is inequitable
                                                                                                    Federal agency and DoD transportation                 to define declared value as a price that
                                           § 180.2010       [Removed and Reserved]                  expenses. The Act also established                    could be ‘more’ than the actual value of
                                           ■ 3. Section 180.2010 is removed and                     GSA’s statutory authority for audit                   the cargo. In commercial practice, a
                                           reserved.                                                oversight to protect the interests of the             transportation service provider (TSP)
                                                                                                    Government.                                           will not pay a loss or damage claim in
                                           [FR Doc. 2016–21753 Filed 9–21–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                       This final rule clarifies and                      excess of the actual value of the cargo
                                           BILLING CODE 6560–50–P                                   strengthens agency and DoD compliance                 transported.’’
                                                                                                    with regulations for transportation                      Response: GSA agrees with the
                                                                                                    prepayment audits and postpayment                     recommendation and consequently has
                                           GENERAL SERVICES                                         audits. In addition, this final rule                  modified the definition declared value
                                           ADMINISTRATION                                           updates definitions in 41 CFR part 102–               that is added to 41 CFR 102–117.25 so
                                                                                                    117, Transportation Management, as a                  that it does not reference released value;
                                           41 CFR Parts 102–117 and 102–118                         result of the amendments to 41 CFR                    included a definition for released value
                                           [Change 2016–01; FMR Case 2015–102–2;                    102–118.                                              in 41 CFR 102–117.25; and has removed
                                           Docket 2015–0014; Sequence 1]                               This final rule is the outcome of the              the definition released value from 41
                                                                                                    first of a two phase review of FMR part               CFR 102–118.
                                           RIN 3090–AJ59
                                                                                                    102–118, Transportation Payment and                      Comment: With regards to the
                                           Federal Management Regulation                            Audit, conducted by GSA and the                       definition claim, NMFTA indicates that
                                           (FMR); Transportation Payment and                        Governmentwide Transportation Policy                  in the transportation industry, the term
                                           Audit                                                    Council (GTPC). The GTPC is composed                  claim is generally used in the context of
                                                                                                    of representatives from civilian agencies             claims for the payment of overcharges or
                                           AGENCY:  Office of Government-wide                       and DoD and provides GSA with                         claims for loss or damage. NMFTA
                                           Policy (OGP), General Services                           guidance in the planning and                          recommends that any other terms for
                                           Administration (GSA).                                    development of uniform transportation                 demands for payment by the TSP to the
                                           ACTION: Final rule.                                      policies and procedures.                              Government or amounts the TSP
                                                                                                       The first phase review focused on                  believes an agency owes them should
                                           SUMMARY:   GSA is amending the Federal                   FMR part 102–118 Subparts A (General),                not be included in this definition and
                                           Management Regulation (FMR),                             D (Prepayment Audits of Transportation                would be better defined separately.
                                           Transportation Payment and Audit, to                     Services), and E (Postpayment                            Response: GSA does not accept this
                                           clarify agency and Department of                         Transportation Audits). The second                    recommendation. The definition of
                                           Defense (DoD) transportation payment                     phase review will focus on FMR part                   claim presented in this final rule is
                                           and audit requirements. GSA is also                      102–118 Subpart A (General), as well as               modeled after the definition of claim or
                                           amending relevant definitions. The FMR                   Subparts B (Ordering and Paying for                   debt found in 31 U.S.C. 3701(b)(1).
                                           is written in plain language to provide                  Transportation and Transportation                        Comment: The Government
                                           agencies with updated regulatory                         Services), C (Use of Government Billing               Transportation Request (GTR) is
                                           material that is easy to read and                        Documents), and F (Claims and Appeals                 defined, in part, as a Government
                                           understand.                                              Procedures).                                          document used to procure common
                                                                                                                                                          carrier interstate transportation services.
                                           DATES:  Effective: September 22, 2016.                   B. Public Comments and Responses                      NMFTA indicates that as far as
                                           FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:      For                   In the proposed rule published at 80               interstate motor carrier transportation is
                                           clarification of content, contact Mr. Ron                FR 59094 in the Federal Register, on                  concerned, the term common carrier is
                                           Siegel, Office of Government-wide                        October 1, 2015, GSA provided the                     no longer defined in 49 U.S.C. 13102.
                                           Policy, at 202–357–9540 or by email at                   public a 60-day comment period which                  Former common carriers are now
                                           ron.siegel@gsa.gov. For information                      ended on November 30, 2015. GSA                       referred to as motor carriers. NFMTA
                                           pertaining to status or publication                      received comments from the National                   suggests using the description motor
                                           schedules, contact the Regulatory                        Motor Freight Traffic Association, Inc.               carrier or TSP which is used elsewhere
                                           Secretariat Division (MVCB), 1800 F                      (NMFTA), and Relocation Management                    in these regulations. NFMTA also
                                           Street NW., Washington, DC 20405,                        Worldwide Incorporated (RMW). This                    suggests that since the Government can
                                           202–501–4755. Please cite FMR Case                       final rule reflects the following changes             procure intrastate transportation with a
                                           2015–102–2.                                              made as a result of some of these                     GTR, it does not make sense to include
                                           SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                               comments.                                             the word ‘‘interstate’’ in the final GTR
                                                                                                       Comment: The definition in the                     definition.
                                           A. Background                                            proposed rule for declared value in                      Response: The term common carrier
                                              Agencies are authorized to procure                    FMR 102–117.25 and 102–118.35                         is used to define Government
                                           transportation services either through                   contains reference to declared value and              Transportation Request (GTR) in the
                                           the Federal Acquisition Regulation                       released value. However, NMFTA                        Federal Travel Regulation (FTR). In
                                           (FAR) by utilizing a contract, or via 49                 indicates that the ‘‘terms ‘declared                  response to the comment, GSA has
                                           U.S.C. 10721 (for rail transportation), 49               value’ and ‘released value’ are neither               revised the definition of GTR to clarify
                                           U.S.C. 13712 (for surface                                synonymous nor recognized by the                      that the document is used to acquire
                                           transportation), and/or 49 U.S.C. 15504                  transportation industry. A carrier                    passenger transportation.
                                           (for pipeline transportation) by utilizing               establishes released value provisions                    Comment: Standard Carrier Alpha
                                           rate tenders. It is critical that agencies               with the intent of the shipper agreeing               Code (SCAC) is defined, in part, as the
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                                           ensure that transportation services                      to a lesser value for the cargo shipped               unique four-letter code used to identify
                                           received are properly charged and that                   in return for a lower rate for                        American-based motor transportation
                                           the payment made is correct.                             transportation. Declared value assigns a              companies assigned by NMFTA.
                                              Toward that end, the Travel and                       value to the cargo in order to                        NMFTA indicates that the SCAC
                                           Transportation Reform Act of 1998 (Pub.                  authenticate loss and damage liability                definition should be a two-to-four letter
                                           L. 105–264) established agency statutory                 limitations on the cargo that was                     identification code assigned to all


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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                     65297

                                           modes of transportation companies                        the prepayment process. GSA’s intent is               (http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/
                                           worldwide by the NMFTA.                                  to clarify transportation payment and                 100753) provides oversight and quality
                                              Response: GSA accepts this comment                    audit requirements for all agencies                   control evaluation of GSA audit
                                           and has modified the definition of                       including DoD.                                        contractors and ensures integrity in all
                                           SCAC to a unique code, typically two to                     Comment: The rule indicates that                   audit processes.
                                           four characters, used to identify                        agencies may choose to use a Third-                      Comment: This rule indicates that the
                                           transportation companies.                                Party Payment System or charge card                   GSA Transportation Audits Division
                                              Comment: NFMTA indicates that the                     company that includes prepayment                      does not charge agencies a fee for
                                           Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) is                    audit functions, such as Syncada and                  conducting the transportation
                                           a proper noun and should be                              Payport Express. RMW asks if GSA is                   postpayment audit and the expenses for
                                           capitalized.                                             allowed to promote specific companies                 such audits are financed from
                                              Response: GSA agrees with this                        and promote their own specific                        overpayments collected from the TSP’s
                                           comment and has made the appropriate                     products in the Code of Federal                       bills previously paid by the agency and
                                           changes.                                                 Regulations.                                          similar type of refunds. Since the GSA
                                              Comment: When an agency notifies a                       Response: GSA agrees that the                      Transportation Audits Division or
                                           TSP of any adjustment to a TSP bill, the                 reference to Syncada may constitute an                contracted auditing companies do not
                                           notice must reference the TSP’s                          endorsement of a private enterprise and               receive funding unless they find errors
                                           Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) or                    has removed the reference from the final              in TSP billings, RMW asks how this is
                                           other agency identifier for the carrier,                 rule. However, PayPort Express is a GSA               not a conflict of interest?
                                           such as the Department of Defense                        Center for Transportation Management                     Response: GSA has determined that
                                           Activity Address Code (DoDAAC)                           payment solution that is compliant with               this topic is outside the intended scope
                                           number. NMFTA suggests deleting the                      the rules established by GSA                          of this rule. The funding mechanism
                                           reference to the DoDAAC as the                           Transportation Audits Division. Being a               identified in this rule is established by
                                           DoDAAC is not used to identify TSPs.                     GSA product, the acknowledgement of                   statute, 31 U.S.C. 3726 Payment for
                                           NMFTA indicates that the Defense                         PayPort Express, or subsequent GSA                    transportation.
                                           Logistics Agency defines a DoDAAC as                     payment solution, does not constitute                    Comment: If the GSA Transportation
                                           ‘‘. . . a six-character, alpha-numeric                   the endorsement of a private enterprise.              Audits Division is overseeing the prepay
                                           code that uniquely identifies a unit,                       Comment: The rule lists what                       audit to ensure it is being done
                                           activity, or organization within the                     information must be included in an                    properly, RMW asks who is overseeing
                                           DoDAAD [Department of Defense                            agency’s notice to a TSP when an                      the GSA Transportation Audits Division
                                           Activity Address Directory]. A unit,                     agency is adjusting the TSP’s bill. RMW               to determine if the prepay oversight and
                                           activity, or organization may have more                  points out that the list of required                  the postpayment audit are being done
                                           than one DoDAAC for different                            information excludes the reason for the               properly?
                                           authority codes or purposes. Each                        adjustment and asks if this important                    Response: While GSA has determined
                                           activity that requisitions, contracts for,               element can be added to the list.                     that this topic is outside the intended
                                           receives, has custody of, issues, or ships                  Response: The final rule accepts and               scope of this rule, the GSA Office of the
                                           DoD assets, or funds/pays bills for                      incorporates the comment.                             Inspector General and the management
                                           materials and/or services is identified                     Comment: The rule indicates that the               of the Federal Acquisition Service (FAS)
                                           by a six-position alphanumeric                           Administrator of General Services (GSA)               provide such oversight of the GSA
                                           DoDAAC.’’                                                has a congressionally mandated                        Transportation Audits Division.
                                              Response: GSA accepts this                            responsibility under 31 U.S.C. 3726 to
                                                                                                                                                          C. Substantive Changes
                                           suggestion and has deleted the DoDAAC                    perform oversight on transportation
                                           reference.                                               bills. The GSA Transportation Audits                     This final rule:
                                              Comment: The rule indicates that ‘‘the                Division accomplishes this oversight by                  • Revises the definitions for
                                           prepayment audit cannot be conducted                     conducting postpayment audits of all                  ‘‘Agency’’, ‘‘Bill of lading’’ (BOL),
                                           by the same firm providing                               agencies’ transportation bills. RMW                   ‘‘Government bill of lading’’ (GBL),
                                           transportation services for the agency,                  suggests that GSA should confirm and                  ‘‘Transportation document’’ (TD), and
                                           such as a move manager.’’ Relocation                     identify that the audits are actually                 ‘‘Transportation Service Provider’’
                                           Management Worldwide, Incorporated                       performed by contracted auditing                      (TSP), removes the definition ‘‘Release/
                                           (RMW) suggests that the term move                        companies and not by GSA                              declared value’’, and adds the
                                           manager is an incorrect example of a                     Transportation Audits.                                definitions ‘‘Declared value’’ and
                                           TSP and should be removed. RMW                              Response: GSA does not accept this                 ‘‘Released value’’ in FMR part 102–117;
                                           indicates that a TSP, being a carrier,                   recommendation. Information regarding                 and revises the definitions ‘‘Agency’’,
                                           could have a conflict of interest auditing               the GSA Transportation Audits Division                ‘‘Bill of lading’’ (BOL), ‘‘Document
                                           their own files, but a move manager                      procedures, including reviewing                       reference number’’, ‘‘Government bill of
                                           does not have to be a TSP.                               transportation invoices in conjunction                lading’’ (GBL), ‘‘Government
                                              Response: GSA agrees that the                         with audit contracting companies, is                  transportation request’’, Offset’’,
                                           language may be confusing and has                        provided on the Division’s Postpayment                ‘‘Overcharge’’, ‘‘Postpayment audit’’,
                                           modified § 102–118.275(c) to explain                     Audit homepage (www.gsa.gov/portal/                   ‘‘Rate authority’’, ‘‘Reparation’’,
                                           that a move manager may not have any                     content/100056).                                      ‘‘Standard Carrier Alpha Code’’ (SCAC),
                                           affiliation with or financial interest in                   Comment: RMW requests that GSA                     ‘‘Statement of difference’’,
                                           the transportation company providing                     identify what safeguards are in place to              ‘‘Supplemental bill’’, ‘‘Transportation
                                           the transportation services for which the                prevent contracted auditing companies                 document (TD)’’, and ‘‘Transportation
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                                           prepayment audit is being conducted.                     from providing both the prepayment                    Service provider’’ (TSP), removes the
                                              Comment: RMW asks if the rule’s                       and postpayment audit of the same bill.               terms ‘‘Agency claim’’, ‘‘Released
                                           intent is to eliminate a move manager                       Response: GSA has determined that                  value’’, ‘‘Transportation service’’,
                                           from being a prepayment auditor.                         this topic is outside the intended scope              ‘‘Transportation service provider
                                              Response: GSA has modified the rule                   of this rule. GSA Transportation Audits               claim’’, and ‘‘Virtual GBL (VGBL)’’, and
                                           to clarify the role of a move manager in                 Division’s Dispute Resolution Branch                  adds the terms ‘‘Claim’’ and


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                                           65298            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           ‘‘Transportation’’ in FMR part 102–118                   and recordkeeping requirements,                          Government bill of lading (GBL)
                                           to ensure consistency.                                   Transportation.                                       means the transportation document
                                              • Strengthens agency requirements                       Dated: September 8, 2016.                           used as a receipt of goods, evidence of
                                           and responsibilities for transportation                  Denise Turner Roth,                                   title, and a contract of carriage for
                                           prepayment audits and transportation                     Administrator.
                                                                                                                                                          Government international shipments
                                           postpayment audit, submission                                                                                  (see Bill of Lading (BOL) definition).
                                                                                                      For the reasons set forth in the
                                           requirements to the GSA Transportation                   preamble, GSA amends 41 CFR parts                     *      *     *     *     *
                                           Audits Division, and the required                        102–117 and 102–118 as follows:                          Released value means an assigned
                                           information on all transportation                                                                              value of the cargo for reimbursement
                                           documentation.                                           PART 102–117—TRANSPORTATION                           purposes that is not necessarily the
                                              • Updates and clarifies GSA                           MANAGEMENT                                            actual value of the cargo. Released value
                                           Transportation Audits Division roles                                                                           may be more or less than the actual
                                           and responsibilities.                                    ■ 1. The authority citation for 41 CFR                value of the cargo; however, in the event
                                                                                                    part 102–117 continues to read as                     of loss or damage to the shipment, if the
                                           C. Executive Orders 12866 and 13563                      follows:                                              released value exceeds the actual value,
                                              Executive Orders (E.O.) 12866 and                       Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3726; 40 U.S.C.                reimbursement would be the lesser of
                                           13563 direct agencies to assess all costs                121(c); 40 U.S.C. 501, et seq.; 46 U.S.C.             the two values. When the released value
                                           and benefits of available regulatory                     55305; 49 U.S.C. 40118.                               is agreed upon as the basis of
                                           alternatives and, if regulation is                       ■  2. Amend § 102–117.25 by—                          reimbursement and the actual value
                                           necessary, to select regulatory                          ■  a. Revising the definitions ‘‘Agency’’             exceeds the released value, the released
                                           approaches that maximize net benefits                    and ‘‘Bill of lading (BOL)’’;                         value is the maximum amount that
                                           (including potential economic,                           ■ b. Adding, in alphabetical order, the               could be recovered by the agency in the
                                           environmental, public health and safety                  definition ‘‘Declared value’’;                        event of loss or damage to the shipments
                                                                                                    ■ c. Revising the definition
                                           effects, distributive impacts, and                                                                             of freight or household goods. When
                                           equity). E.O. 13563 emphasizes the                       ‘‘Government bill of lading (GBL)’’;                  negotiating for rates and the released
                                                                                                    ■ d. Removing the definition ‘‘Release/
                                           importance of quantifying both costs                                                                           value is proposed to be less than the
                                                                                                    declared value’’;
                                           and benefits, of reducing costs, of                                                                            actual value of the cargo, the TSP
                                                                                                    ■ e. Adding, in alphabetical order, the
                                           harmonizing rules, and of promoting                                                                            should offer a rate lower than other rates
                                                                                                    definition ‘‘Released value’’; and
                                           flexibility. This is not a significant                   ■ f. Revising the definitions
                                                                                                                                                          for shipping cargo at full value. The
                                           regulatory action, and therefore, will not               ‘‘Transportation document (TD)’’, and                 statement of released value may be
                                           be subject to review under Section 6(b)                  ‘‘Transportation service provider                     shown in any applicable tariff, tender,
                                           of E.O. 12866, Regulatory Planning and                   (TSP)’’.                                              contract, transportation document or
                                           Review, dated September 30, 1993. This                      The revisions and additions read as                other documents covering the shipment.
                                           rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C.                  follows:                                              *      *     *     *     *
                                           804.                                                                                                              Transportation document (TD) means
                                                                                                    § 102–117.25      What definitions apply to this      any executed document for
                                           D. Regulatory Flexibility Act                            part?
                                                                                                                                                          transportation service, such as a bill of
                                              These revisions are not substantive,                  *      *     *     *    *                             lading, a tariff, a tender, a contract, a
                                           and therefore, this rule would not have                     Agency means a department, agency,                 Government Transportation Request
                                           a significant economic impact on a                       and independent establishment in the                  (GTR), invoices, paid invoices, any
                                           substantial number of small entities                     executive branch of the Government as                 transportation bills, or other equivalent
                                           within the meaning of the Regulatory                     defined in 5 U.S.C. 101 et seq., and a                documents, including electronic
                                           Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq. The               wholly-owned Government corporation                   documents.
                                           proposed rule is also exempt from the                    as defined in 31 U.S.C. 9101(3).
                                                                                                       Bill of lading (BOL), sometimes                    *      *     *     *     *
                                           Administrative Procedure Act per 5                                                                                Transportation service provider (TSP)
                                           U.S.C. 553(a)(2), because it applies to                  referred to as a commercial bill of
                                                                                                    lading, but includes a Government bill                means any party, person, agent, or
                                           agency management or personnel.                                                                                carrier that provides freight, household
                                                                                                    of lading (GBL), means the document
                                           E. Paperwork Reduction Act                               used as a receipt of goods, a contract of             goods, or passenger transportation or
                                                                                                    carriage, and documentary evidence of                 related services to an agency.
                                             The rule does not contain any
                                                                                                    title.                                                *      *     *     *     *
                                           information collection requirements that
                                           require the approval of the Office of                    *      *     *     *    *                             PART 102–118—TRANSPORTATION
                                           Management and Budget under the                             Declared value means the actual value
                                                                                                                                                          PAYMENT AND AUDIT
                                           Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C.                       of cargo as declared by the agency for
                                           Chapter 35).                                             reimbursement purposes or to establish                ■ 3. The authority citation for 41 CFR
                                                                                                    duties, taxes, or other customs fees. The             part 102–118 is revised to read as
                                           F. Small Business Regulatory                             declared value is the maximum amount
                                           Enforcement Fairness Act                                                                                       follows:
                                                                                                    that could be recovered by the agency in
                                                                                                                                                            Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3726; 40 U.S.C.
                                             This rule is also exempt from                          the event of loss or damage for the                   121(c); 40 U.S.C. 501, et seq.; 46 U.S.C.
                                           Congressional review prescribed under                    shipments of freight and household                    55305; 49 U.S.C. 40118.
                                           5 U.S.C. 801 since it relates to agency                  goods, unless the declared value
                                                                                                                                                          ■ 4. Revise § 102–118.10 to read as
                                           management or personnel.                                 exceeds the carrier’s released value (see
                                                                                                                                                          follows:
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                                                                                                    ‘‘Released value’’). The statement of
                                           List of Subjects in 41 CFR Parts 102–117                 declared value must be shown on any                   § 102–118.10      What is a transportation
                                           and 102–118                                              applicable tariff, tender, contract, bill of          audit?
                                             Accounting, Claims, Freight,                           lading, or other document covering the                  A transportation audit is a thorough
                                           Government property management,                          shipment.                                             review and validation of transportation
                                           Moving of household goods, Reporting                     *      *     *     *    *                             related documents and bills. The audit


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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                      65299

                                           must examine the validity, propriety,                    ■  h. Adding, in alphabetical order, the              official travel and transportation related
                                           and conformity of the charges or rates                   definition ‘‘Transportation’’;                        expenses for which the agency is billed.
                                           with tariffs, quotations, contracts,                     ■ i. Revising the definition                             Government Transportation Request
                                           agreements, or tenders, as appropriate.                  ‘‘Transportation document (TD)’’;                     (GTR) (Optional Form 1169)—means a
                                                                                                    ■ j. Removing the definition                          Government document used to procure
                                           § 102–118.15      [Amended]                                                                                    passenger transportation services from a
                                                                                                    ‘‘Transportation service’’;
                                           ■  5. Amend § 102–118.15 by removing                     ■ k. Revising the definition                          TSP. The document obligates the
                                           ‘‘or people and/or’’ and adding ‘‘,                      ‘‘Transportation service provider                     Government to pay for transportation
                                           people or’’ in its place.                                (TSP)’’;                                              services provided and is used when a
                                           ■ 6. Revise § 102–118.20 to read as                      ■ l. Removing the definitions                         Government contractor issued charge
                                           follows:                                                 ‘‘Transportation service provider claim’’             card is not.
                                                                                                    and ‘‘Virtual GBL (VGBL)’’; and                          Offset means something that serves to
                                           § 102–118.20      Who is subject to this part?           ■ m. Revising the ‘‘Note’’ at the end of              counterbalance or to compensate for
                                              This part applies to all agencies                     the section. The revisions and additions              something else. These are funds owed to
                                           (including the Department of Defense                     read as follows:                                      a TSP that are not released by the
                                           (DoD)) and TSPs defined in § 102–                                                                              agency but instead used to repay the
                                           118.35, and wholly-owned Government                      § 102–118.35      What definitions apply to this      agency for a debt incurred by the TSP.
                                           corporations as defined in 31 U.S.C.                     part?
                                                                                                                                                          *      *     *    *     *
                                           101, et seq. and 31 U.S.C. 9101(3). Your                 *      *     *     *    *                                Overcharge means those charges for
                                           agency is required to incorporate this                      Agency means a department, agency,                 transportation that exceed those
                                           part into its internal regulations.                      or instrumentality of the United States               applicable under the executed
                                           ■ 7. Revise §§ 102–118.25 and 102–                       Government (31 U.S.C. 101).                           agreement for services such as bill of
                                           118.30 to read as follows:                                  Bill of lading (BOL), sometimes                    lading (including a GBL, contract, rate
                                                                                                    referred to as a commercial bill of                   tender or a GTR).
                                           § 102–118.25 What must my agency                         lading, but includes a Government bill
                                           provide to GSA regarding its transportation
                                                                                                                                                             Postpayment audit means an audit of
                                                                                                    of lading (GBL), means the document                   transportation billing documents, and
                                           policies?                                                used as a receipt of goods, a contract of             all related transportation documents
                                              As part of the evaluation of agencies’                carriage, and documentary evidence of                 after payment, to decide their validity,
                                           transportation program and                               title.                                                propriety, and conformity of rates with
                                           postpayment audit, GSA may request to                    *      *     *     *    *                             tariffs, quotations, agreements,
                                           examine your agency’s transportation                        Claim means—                                       contracts, or tenders. The audit process
                                           prepayment audit program and policies                       (1) Any demand by an agency upon a                 may also include subsequent
                                           to verify the performance of the                         transportation service provider (TSP) for             adjustments and collection actions
                                           prepayment audit. GSA Office of                          the payment of overcharges, ordinary                  taken against a TSP by the Government
                                           Government-wide Policy,                                  debts, fines, penalties, administrative               (31 U.S.C. 3726).
                                           Transportation Policy Division and GSA                   fees, special charges, and interest; or                  Prepayment audit means an audit of
                                           Transportation Audits Division may                          (2) Any demand by the TSP for                      transportation billing documents before
                                           suggest revisions of agencies’ audit                     amounts not included in the original                  payment to determine their validity,
                                           program or policies.                                     bill that the TSP believes an agency                  propriety, and conformity of rates with
                                           § 102–118.30 Are Government-controlled                   owes them. This includes amounts                      tariffs, quotations, agreements,
                                           corporations bound by this part?                         deducted or offset by an agency;                      contracts, or tenders (31 U.S.C. 3726).
                                              This part does not apply to                           amounts previously refunded by the                    *      *     *    *     *
                                           Government-controlled corporations                       TSP, which is believed to be owed; and                   Rate authority means the document
                                           and mixed-ownership Government                           any subsequent bills from the TSP                     that establishes the legal charges for a
                                           corporations as defined in 31 U.S.C.                     resulting from a transaction that was                 transportation shipment. Charges
                                           9101(1) and (2).                                         prepayment or postpayment audited by                  included in a rate authority are those
                                           ■ 8. Amend § 102–118.35 by-
                                                                                                    the GSA Transportation Audits                         rates, fares, and charges for
                                           ■ a. Revising the definition ‘‘Agency’’;
                                                                                                    Division.                                             transportation and related services
                                           ■ b. Removing the definition ‘‘Agency
                                                                                                       Document reference number (DRN)                    contained in tariffs, tenders, contracts,
                                           claim’’;                                                 means the unique number on a bill of                  bills of lading, and other equivalent
                                           ■ c. Revising the definition ‘‘Bill of                   lading, Government Transportation                     documents.
                                           lading’’;                                                Request (GTR), or transportation ticket                  Reparation means a payment to or
                                           ■ d. Adding, in alphabetical order, the                  used to track the movement of                         from an agency to correct an improper
                                           definition ‘‘Claim’’;                                    shipments and individuals.                            transportation billing as determined by
                                           ■ e. Revising the definitions ‘‘Document                 *      *     *     *    *                             a postpayment audit involving a TSP.
                                           reference number’’, ‘‘Government bill of                    Government bill of lading (GBL)                    Improper routing, overcharges, or
                                           lading (GBL)’’, ‘‘Government contractor-                 means the transportation document                     duplicate payments may cause such
                                           issued charge card’’, ‘‘Government                       used as a receipt of goods, evidence of               improper billing. This is different from
                                           Transportation Request (GTR)’’,                          title, and a contract of carriage for                 a payment to settle a claim for loss and
                                           ‘‘Offset’’, ‘‘Overcharge’’, ‘‘Postpayment                Government international shipments                    damage.
                                           audit’’, ‘‘Prepayment audit’’, and ‘‘Rate                (see Bill of lading (BOL) definition).                   Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC)
                                           authority’’;                                                Government contractor-issued charge                is a unique code, typically two to four
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                                           ■ f. Removing the definition ‘‘Released                  card means the charge card used by                    characters, used to identify
                                           value’’;                                                 authorized individuals to pay for official            transportation companies.
                                           ■ g. Revising the definitions                            travel and transportation related                        Statement of difference means a
                                           ‘‘Reparation’’, ‘‘Standard carrier alpha                 expenses for which the contractor bills               statement issued by an agency or its
                                           code (SCAC)’’, ‘‘Statement of                            the employee. This is different than a                designated audit contractor during a
                                           difference’’, and ‘‘Supplemental bill’’;                 centrally billed account paying for                   prepayment audit when they determine


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                                           65300            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           that a TSP has billed the agency for                     Agency Requirements With Transportation               Subpart D—Prepayment Audit of
                                           more than the proper amount for the                      Service Providers                                     Transportation Services
                                           services. This statement tells the TSP on                § 102–118.290 Must my agency notify the
                                           the invoice, the amount allowed and the                      TSP of any adjustment to the TSP bill?            Agency Requirements for a
                                           basis for the proper charges. The                        § 102–118.295 Does my agency                          Transportation Prepayment Audit
                                           statement also cites the applicable rate                     transportation prepayment audit                   Program
                                           references and other data relied on for                      program need to establish appeal
                                                                                                        procedures?                                       § 102–118.265     What is a prepayment
                                           support. The agency issues a separate                                                                          audit?
                                                                                                    § 102–118.300 What must my agency do if
                                           statement of difference for each                                                                                  Prepayment audit means a review of
                                                                                                        the TSP disputes the findings and my
                                           transportation transaction.                                  agency cannot resolve the dispute?                transportation documentation before
                                           *     *     *      *     *                               § 102–118.305 What information must be                payment to determine their validity,
                                              Supplemental bill means the bill for                      on all transportation payment records             propriety, and conformity of rates with
                                                                                                        that have completed my agency’s                   tariffs, quotations, agreements,
                                           services that the TSP submits to the
                                                                                                        prepayment audit?                                 contracts, or tenders. Prepayment
                                           agency for additional payment of the                     § 102–118.310 What does the GSA
                                           services provided.                                                                                             auditing by your agency will detect and
                                                                                                        Transportation Audits Division consider
                                                                                                                                                          eliminate billing errors before payment
                                           *     *     *      *     *                                   when verifying an agency prepayment
                                                                                                        audit program?                                    (31 U.S.C. 3726).
                                              Transportation means service
                                                                                                    § 102–118.315 How does my agency contact              § 102–118.270 Must my agency establish a
                                           involved in the physical movement                            the GSA Transportation Audits Division?
                                           (from one location to another) of people,                                                                      transportation prepayment audit program,
                                                                                                    § 102–118.320 What action should my                   and how is it funded?
                                           household goods, and freight by a TSP                        agency take if the agency’s transportation
                                           or a Third Party Logistics (3PL) entity                                                                           (a) Yes, under 31 U.S.C. 3726, your
                                                                                                        prepayment audits program changes?
                                           for an agency, as well as activities                                                                           agency is required to establish a
                                           directly relating to or supporting that                  Agency Certifying and Disbursing Officers             transportation prepayment audit
                                           movement. These activities are defined                   § 102–118.325 Does establishing an agency             program. Your agency’s Chief Financial
                                           in 49 U.S.C. 13102.                                          Chief Financial Officer-approved                  Officer (CFO) must approve the
                                                                                                        transportation prepayment audit                   prepayment audit program.
                                              Transportation document (TD) means                        program change the responsibilities of               (b) Your agency must pay for the
                                           any executed document for                                    the certifying officers?                          prepayment audit program from those
                                           transportation services, such as a bill of               § 102–118.330 Does a transportation                   funds appropriated for transportation
                                           lading, a tariff, a tender, a contract, a                    prepayment audit waiver change any                services.
                                           GTR, invoices, paid invoices, any                            liabilities of the certifying officer?               (1) Agencies are encouraged to
                                           transportation bills, or other equivalent                § 102–118.335 What relief from liability is
                                                                                                                                                          consider using a GSA Transportation
                                           documents, including electronic                              available for the certifying official under
                                                                                                        a transportation postpayment audit?
                                                                                                                                                          Audits Division approved third party
                                           documents.                                                                                                     electronic payment processor for
                                                                                                    § 102–118.340 Do the requirements of a
                                              Transportation service provider (TSP)                     transportation prepayment audit change            transportation invoice processing,
                                           means any party, person, agent, or                           the disbursing official’s liability for           payment, and prepayment audit. These
                                           carrier that provides freight, household                     overpayment?                                      electronic payment processors are no
                                           goods, or passenger transportation or                    § 102–118.345 Where does relief from                  cost to the agency and are fully
                                           related services to an agency.                               transportation prepayment audit liability         compliant with GSA Transportation
                                                                                                        for certifying, accountable, and                  Audits Division prepayment audit
                                             Note to § 102–118.35: 15 U.S.C. 96, et seq.,
                                                                                                        disbursing officers reside in my agency?          requirements.
                                           49 U.S.C. 13102, et seq., and 41 CFR Chapter
                                           302 Federal Travel Regulation defines                    Exemptions and Suspensions of the                        (2) Use of these third party payment
                                           additional transportation terms not listed in            Mandatory Transportation Prepayment                   processors generally means your agency
                                           this section.                                            Audit Program                                         will not have to provide any additional
                                                                                                    § 102–118.350 What agency has the                     prepayment or postpayment
                                           ■   9. Revise Subpart D to read as follows:                  authority to grant an exemption from the          documentation to GSA Transportation
                                                                                                        transportation prepayment audit                   Audits Division.
                                           Subpart D—Prepayment Audit of                                requirement?
                                                                                                    § 102–118.355 How does my agency apply                § 102–118.275 What must my agency
                                           Transportation Services
                                                                                                        for an exemption from a transportation            consider when developing a transportation
                                           Sec.                                                         prepayment audit requirement?                     prepayment audit program?
                                                                                                    § 102–118.360 How long will GSA take to                  (a) Your agency’s transportation
                                           Agency Requirements for a Transportation
                                           Prepayment Audit Program
                                                                                                        respond to an exemption request from a            prepayment audit program must
                                                                                                        transportation prepayment audit                   consider all of the methods that your
                                           § 102–118.265 What is a prepayment audit?                    requirement?                                      agency uses to order and pay for
                                           § 102–118.270 Must my agency establish a                 § 102–118.365 Can my agency renew an                  passenger, household goods, and freight
                                               transportation prepayment audit                          exemption from the transportation                 transportation to include Government
                                               program, and how is it funded?                           prepayment audit requirements?
                                                                                                    § 102–118.370 Are my agency’s prepayment
                                                                                                                                                          contractor-issued charge cards (see
                                           § 102–118.275 What must my agency
                                               consider when developing a                               audited transportation documentation              § 102–118.35 for definition Government
                                               transportation prepayment audit                          subject to periodic postpayment audit             contractor-issued charge cards).
                                               program?                                                 oversight from the GSA Transportation                (b) Each method of ordering
                                           § 102–118.280 Must all transportation                        Audits Division?                                  transportation and transportation
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                                               payment records, whether they are                    § 102–118.375 Can GSA suspend my                      services for passenger, household goods,
                                               electronic or paper, undergo a                           agency’s transportation prepayment                and freight transportation may require a
                                               prepayment audit?                                        audit program?                                    different kind of prepayment audit
                                           § 102–118.285 What must be included in                     Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3726; 40 U.S.C.                process. The manner in which your
                                               my agency’s transportation prepayment                121(c); 40 U.S.C. 501, et seq.; 46 U.S.C.             agency orders or procures transportation
                                               audit program?                                       55305; 49 U.S.C. 40118.                               services determines how and by whom


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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                       65301

                                           the bill for those services will be                      chooses to use statistical sampling, all                 (g) A minimum dollar threshold for
                                           presented. Your agency should ensure                     bills must be                                         transportation bills subject to audit;
                                           that each TSP bill or employee travel                       (1) At or below the Comptroller                       (h) A statement in a cost reimbursable
                                           voucher contains enough information                      General specified limit of $2,500.00 (31              contracts contract or rate tender that the
                                           for the prepayment audit to determine                    U.S.C. 3521(b)); and                                  contractor shall submit to the address
                                           which contract or rate tender is used                       (2) In compliance with the U.S.                    and in the electronic format identified
                                           and that the type and quantity of any                    Government Accountability Office                      for prepayment audit, transportation
                                           additional services are clearly                          Using Statistical Sampling (GAO/                      documents which show that the United
                                           delineated.                                              PEMD–10.1.6), Rev. 1992, Chapter 7                    States will assume freight charges that
                                              (c) The prepayment audit cannot be                    Random Selection Procedures                           were paid by the contractor. Cost
                                           conducted by the same firm providing                     obtainable from http://www.gao.gov; or                reimbursable contractors shall only
                                           the transportation services for the                         (b) The Administrator of General                   submit for audit bills of lading with
                                           agency. If a move manager is being                       Services grants your agency a specific                freight shipment charges exceeding
                                           utilized, the move manager may not                       exemption from the prepayment audit                   $100.00. Bills under $100.00 shall be
                                           have any affiliation with or financial                   requirement which may include bills                   retained on-site by the contractor and
                                           interest in the transportation company                   determined to be below your agency’s                  made available for on-site Government
                                           providing the transportation services for                threshold, mode or modes of                           audits (Federal Acquisition Regulation
                                           which the prepayment audit is being                      transportation, or for an agency or                   (FAR) 52.247–67);
                                           conducted. Contracts with charge card                    subagency.                                               (i) Require your agency’s paying office
                                           companies that provide prepayment                        § 102–118.285 What must be included in                to offset, if directed by GSA’s
                                           audit services are a valid option. The                   an agency’s transportation prepayment                 Transportation Audits Division, debts
                                           agency can choose to—                                    audit program?                                        from amounts owed to the TSP within
                                              (1) Create an internal prepayment                        The agency prepayment audit                        the 3 years (31 U.S.C. 3726(b));
                                           audit program;                                           program must include—                                    (j) A process to ensure complete and
                                              (2) Contract directly with a                             (a) The agency’s CFO approval of the               accurate audits of all transportation bills
                                           prepayment audit service provider;                       transportation prepayment audit                       and notification to the TSP of any
                                              (3) Use the services of a prepayment                  program with submission to GSA                        adjustment within 7 calendar days of
                                           audit contractor under GSA’s multiple                    Transportation Audits Division;                       receipt of the bill;
                                           award schedule covering audit and                           (b) Compliance with the Prompt                        (k) An appeals process as part of the
                                           financial management services (SIN                       Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3901, et seq.);                approved prepayment audit program for
                                           520.10 Transportation Audits); or                           (c) Assurance that each TSP bill or                a TSP to appeal any reduction in the
                                              (4) Use a Third-Party Payment System                  employee travel voucher contains                      amount billed. Refer to § 102–118.295
                                           or charge card company that includes                     appropriate information for the                       for details regarding the appeals
                                           prepayment audit functions, such as the                  prepayment audit to determine which                   process.
                                           GSA Center for Transportation                            contract or rate tender is used and that                 (l) Accurate notices and agency
                                           Management’s PayPort Express.                            the type and quantity of any additional               procedures for notifying the TSPs with
                                              (d) An appeals process must be                        services are clearly delineated;                      a detailed description of the reasons for
                                           established for a TSP to appeal any                         (d) Verification of all transportation             any full or partial rejection of the stated
                                           reduction in the amount billed. It is                    bills against filed rates and charges                 charges on the invoice. Refer to § 102–
                                           recommended the agency establish an                      before payment;                                       118.290 for notice requirements; and
                                           electronic appeal process that will                         (e) A process to forward all                          (m) A unique agency numbering
                                           direct TSP-filed appeals to an agency                    transportation documentation (TD)                     system to handle commercial paper and
                                           official for determination of the claim.                 monthly to the GSA Transportation
                                                                                                                                                          practices (see § 102–118.55 for
                                              (e) A process to ensure that all agency               Audits Division.
                                                                                                                                                          information on administrative
                                           transportation procurement and related                      (1) GSA Transportation Audits
                                                                                                    Division can provide your agency a                    procedures your agency must establish).
                                           documents including contracts and
                                           tenders are submitted electronically to                  Prepayment Audit Program with a                       Agency Requirements With
                                           GSA Transportation Audits Division.                      monthly reporting template upon                       Transportation Service Providers
                                              (f) Use of GSA Transportation Audits                  request at Audit.Policy@gsa.gov (see
                                                                                                    § 102–118.35 for definition TD).                      § 102–118.290 Must my agency notify the
                                           Division’s Prepayment Audit Program                                                                            TSP of any adjustment to the TSP bill?
                                           template is recommended (contact                            (2) In addition to the requirements for
                                                                                                    agencies to maintain transportation                      (a) Yes, your agency must notify the
                                           Audit.Policy@gsa.gov for a copy of the                                                                         TSP of any adjustment to the TSP bill
                                                                                                    records, GSA will store paid
                                           template). If the template is not used,                                                                        either electronically or in writing within
                                                                                                    transportation bills in accordance with
                                           provide the same information listed on                                                                         seven calendar days of the agency
                                                                                                    the General Records Schedule 9, Travel
                                           the template to GSA Transportation                                                                             receipt of the bill.
                                                                                                    and Transportation (36 CFR 1228.22).
                                           Audits Division.                                                                                                  (b) This notice must include:
                                                                                                    GSA will arrange for storage of any
                                           § 102–118.280 Must all transportation                    document requiring special handling,                     (1) TSP’s bill number;
                                           payment records, whether they are                        such as bankruptcy and court cases.                      (2) Agency name;
                                           electronic or paper, undergo a prepayment                These bills will be retained pursuant to                 (3) TSP’s TIN;
                                           audit?                                                   44 U.S.C. 3309 until claims have been                    (4) SCAC;
                                             Yes, all transportation bills and                      settled;                                                 (5) DRN;
                                           payment records, whether they are                           (f) Establish procedures in which                     (6) Date invoice submitted;
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                                           electronic or paper, must undergo a                      transportation bills not subject to                      (7) Amount billed;
                                           prepayment audit with the following                      prepayment audit, such as bills for                      (8) Date invoice was approved for
                                           exceptions:                                              unused tickets and charge card billings,              payment;
                                             (a) Your agency’s prepayment audit                     are handled separately and are also                      (9) Date and amount agency paid;
                                           program uses a statistical sampling                      forwarded monthly to the GSA                             (10) Payment location number and
                                           technique of the bills. If your agency                   Transportation Audits Division;                       agency organization name;


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                                           65302            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                             (11) Payment voucher number;                             (3) Your agency name;                               Agency Certifying and Disbursing
                                             (12) Complete contract, tender or tariff                 (4) DRN;                                            Officers
                                           authority, including item or section
                                           number;                                                    (5) Amount billed;                                  § 102–118.325 Does establishing an
                                                                                                                                                          agency Chief Financial Officer-approved
                                             (13) Reason for the adjustment; and                      (6) Date invoice was approved for                   transportation prepayment audit program
                                             (14) Complete information on the                       payment;                                              change the responsibilities of the certifying
                                           agency appeal process.                                     (7) Date and amount agency paid;                    officers?
                                             (c) A TSP must submit claims to the
                                           agency within three years under the                        (8) Payment location code number                       No, in a prepayment audit program,
                                           guidelines established in subpart F,                     and office or organization name;                      the official certifying a transportation
                                           Claims and Appeals Procedures, of this                     (9) Payment voucher number;                         voucher is held liable for verifying
                                           part.                                                                                                          transportation rates, freight
                                                                                                      (10) Complete contract, tender or tariff            classifications, and other information
                                           § 102–118.295 Does my agency                             authority, including item or section                  provided on a transportation billing
                                           transportation prepayment audit program                  number;                                               instrument or transportation request
                                           need to establish appeal procedures?                                                                           undergoing a prepayment audit (31
                                                                                                      (11) The TSP’s TIN;
                                             Yes, your agency must establish, in                                                                          U.S.C. 3528).
                                           the approved prepayment audit                              (12) The TSP’s SCAC;
                                           program, an appeals process for a TSP                      (13) The auditor’s authorization code               § 102–118.330 Does a transportation
                                           to appeal any reduction in the amount                    or initials; and                                      prepayment audit waiver change any
                                           billed. It is recommended the agency                                                                           liabilities of the certifying officer?
                                                                                                      (14) A copy of any statement of
                                           establish an electronic appeal process                   difference and the date it was sent to the               Yes, a certifying official is not
                                           that will direct TSP-filed appeals to an                 TSP.                                                  personally liable for verifying
                                           agency official for determination of the                                                                       transportation rates, freight
                                           claim. Your agency must complete the                       (b) Your agency can find added
                                                                                                                                                          classifications, or other information
                                           review of the appeal and inform the TSP                  guidance in the ‘‘U.S. Government
                                                                                                                                                          provided on a bill of lading or passenger
                                           of the agency determination within 30                    Freight Transportation Handbook.’’ This
                                                                                                                                                          transportation request when the
                                           calendar days of the receipt of the                      handbook is located at www.gsa.gov/
                                                                                                                                                          Administrator of General Services or
                                           appeal, either electronically or in                      transaudits.                                          designee waives the prepayment audit
                                           writing.                                                 § 102–118.310 What does the GSA                       requirement and your agency uses
                                                                                                    Transportation Audits Division consider               postpayment audits.
                                           § 102–118.300 What must my agency do if
                                                                                                    when verifying an agency prepayment audit
                                           the TSP disputes the findings and my                                                                           § 102–118.335 What relief from liability is
                                           agency cannot resolve the dispute?                       program?
                                                                                                                                                          available for the certifying official under a
                                             (a) If your agency is unable to resolve                  GSA Transportation Audit Division                   transportation postpayment audit?
                                           the disputed amount with the TSP, your                   bases verification of agency prepayment                  The agency counsel relieves a
                                           agency must submit, within 30 calendar                   audit programs on objective cost-                     certifying official from liability for
                                           days, all relevant transportation                        savings, paperwork reductions, current                transportation overpayments in cases
                                           documentation associated with the                        audit standards, and other positive                   where—
                                           dispute, including a complete billing                    improvements, as well as adherence to
                                                                                                                                                             (a) Postpayment is the approved
                                           history and the appropriation or fund                    the guidelines listed in this part.
                                                                                                                                                          method of auditing;
                                           charged, to GSA Transportation Audits
                                           Division by email at Audit.Policy@                       § 102–118.315 How does my agency                         (b) The overpayment occurred solely
                                                                                                    contact the GSA Transportation Audits                 because the administrative review
                                           gsa.gov, or by mail to: U.S. General
                                                                                                    Division?                                             before payment did not verify
                                           Services Administration, 1800 F St.
                                           NW., 3rd Floor, Mail Hub 3400,                             Your agency may contact the GSA                     transportation rates; and
                                           Washington, DC 20405.                                    Transportation Audits Division at                        (c) The overpayment was the result of
                                             (b) The GSA Transportation Audits                      Audit.Policy@gsa.gov.                                 using improper transportation rates or
                                           Division will review the appeal of an                                                                          freight classifications or the failure to
                                           agency’s final, full, or partial denial of               § 102–118.320 What action should my                   deduct the correct amount under a land
                                           a claim and issue a decision within 30                   agency take if the agency’s transportation            grant law or agreement.
                                                                                                    prepayment audit program changes?
                                           calendar days of receipt of appeal.
                                                                                                                                                          § 102–118.340 Do the requirements of a
                                             (c) A TSP must submit claims to the                       (a) If your agency’s transportation                transportation prepayment audit change the
                                           agency within three years under the                      prepayment audit program changes in                   disbursing official’s liability for
                                           guidelines established in subpart F of                   any way to include changes in                         overpayment?
                                           this part.                                               prepayment auditors, your agency must
                                                                                                    submit the CFO-approved revised                          No, the disbursing official has a
                                           § 102–118.305 What information must be
                                                                                                    transportation prepayment audit                       liability for overpayments on all
                                           on all transportation payment records that                                                                     transportation bills subject to
                                           have completed my agency’s prepayment                    program to GSA Transportation Audits
                                                                                                    Division via email at Audit.Policy@                   prepayment audit (31 U.S.C. 3322).
                                           audit?
                                              (a) The following information must be                 gsa.gov, Subject line: Agency PPA-                    § 102–118.345 Where does relief from
                                           annotated on all transportation payment                  Revised.                                              transportation prepayment audit liability for
                                           records, electronically or on paper, that                   (b) If GSA determines the agency’s                 certifying, accountable, and disbursing
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                                                                                                    approved plan is insufficient, GSA will               officers reside in my agency?
                                           have completed your agency’s
                                           prepayment audit and for submission to                   contact the agency CFO to inform of the                 Your agency’s counsel has the
                                           GSA Transportation Audits Division:                      prepayment audit program deficiencies                 authority to relieve liability and give
                                              (1) The date the bill was received                    and request corrective action and                     advance opinions on liability issues to
                                           from a TSP;                                              resubmission to GSA Transportation                    certifying, accountable, and disbursing
                                              (2) A TSP’s invoice number;                           Audits Division.                                      officers (31 U.S.C. 3527).


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                                                            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations                                          65303

                                           Exemptions and Suspensions of the                        oversight. Upon request, GSA                              and what information must be on these
                                           Mandatory Transportation Prepayment                      Transportation Audits Division will                       documents?
                                           Audit Program                                            provide a report analyzing your agency’s              § 102–118.430 What is the process the GSA
                                                                                                    prepayment audit program.                                 Transportation Audits Division employs
                                           § 102–118.350 What agency has the                                                                                  to conduct a postpayment audit?
                                           authority to grant an exemption from the                 § 102–118.375 Can GSA suspend my                      § 102–118.435 What are the transportation
                                           transportation prepayment audit                          agency’s transportation prepayment audit                  postpayment audit roles and
                                           requirement?                                             program?                                                  responsibilities of the GSA
                                              Only the Administrator of General                                                                               Transportation Audits Division?
                                                                                                       (a) Yes. The Director of the GSA                   § 102–118.440 Does my agency pay for a
                                           Services or their designee has the                       Transportation Audits Division may                        transportation postpayment audit
                                           authority to grant an exemption for a                    suspend your agency’s transportation                      conducted by the GSA Transportation
                                           specific time period from the                            prepayment audit program until the                        Audits Division?
                                           prepayment audit requirement. The                        agency corrects their prepayment audit                § 102–118.445 How do I contact the GSA
                                           Administrator may exempt bills, a                        program deficiencies. This suspension                     Transportation Audits Division?
                                           particular mode or modes of                              may be in whole or in part. If GSA
                                           transportation, or an agency or                          suspends your agency’s transportation                 Subpart E—Postpayment
                                           subagency from a prepayment audit and                    prepayment audit and GSA assumes                      Transportation Audits
                                           verification and in lieu thereof require                 responsibility for auditing an agencies               § 102–118.400 What is a transportation
                                           a postpayment audit, based on cost                       prepayment audit program, the agency                  postpayment audit?
                                           effectiveness, public interest, or other                 will reimburse GSA for the expense.
                                           factors the Administrator considers                                                                               Postpayment audit means an audit of
                                                                                                       (b) This suspension determination is               transportation billing documents after
                                           appropriate (31 U.S.C. 3726(a)(2)).                      based on identification of a systematic               payment to decide their validity,
                                                                                                    or frequent failure of the agency’s                   propriety, and conformity of rates with
                                           § 102–118.355 How does my agency apply
                                           for an exemption from a transportation                   transportation prepayment audit                       tariffs, quotations, agreements,
                                           prepayment audit requirement?                            program to—                                           contracts, or tenders. The audit may also
                                             Your agency must submit a request for                     (1) Conduct a prepayment audit of
                                                                                                                                                          include subsequent adjustments and
                                           an exemption from the requirement to                     your agency’s transportation bills; and/
                                                                                                                                                          collection actions taken against a TSP
                                           perform transportation prepayment                        or
                                                                                                                                                          by the Government (31 U.S.C. 3726).
                                                                                                       (2) Abide by the terms of the Prompt
                                           audits by email to Audit.policy@gsa.gov,
                                                                                                    Payment Act (31 U.S.C. 3901, et seq.);                § 102–118.405 Who conducts a
                                           Subject Line: Prepayment Audit
                                                                                                       (3) Adjudicate TSP claims disputing                transportation postpayment audit?
                                           Exemption Request. The agency
                                                                                                    prepayment audit positions of the                       The Administrator of General Services
                                           exemption request must explain in
                                                                                                    agency regularly within 30 calendar                   (GSA) has a congressionally mandated
                                           detail why the request is submitted
                                                                                                    days of receipt;                                      responsibility under 31 U.S.C. 3726 to
                                           based on cost effectiveness, public
                                                                                                       (4) Follow Comptroller General                     perform oversight on transportation
                                           interest, or other factors the
                                                                                                    decisions, Civilian Board of Contract                 bills. The GSA Transportation Audits
                                           Administrator considers appropriate,
                                                                                                    Appeals decisions, the Federal                        Division accomplishes this oversight by
                                           such as transportation modes, dollar
                                                                                                    Management Regulation and GSA                         conducting postpayment audits of all
                                           thresholds, adversely affecting the
                                                                                                    instructions or precedents about                      agencies’ transportation bills.
                                           agency’s mission, or is not feasible (31
                                                                                                    substantive and procedure matters; and/
                                           U.S.C. 3726(a)(2)).                                                                                            § 102–118.410 If agencies perform the
                                                                                                    or
                                           § 102–118.360 How long will GSA take to                     (5) Provide information and data or to             mandatory transportation prepayment
                                           respond to an exemption request from a                   cooperate with on-site inspections                    audit, will this eliminate the requirement for
                                                                                                                                                          a transportation postpayment audit
                                           transportation prepayment audit                          necessary to conduct a quality assurance              conducted by GSA?
                                           requirement?                                             review.
                                              GSA will respond to the exemption                                                                             No, agency compliance to the
                                                                                                    ■ 10. Revise Subpart E to read as
                                           from the transportation prepayment                                                                             mandatory transportation prepayment
                                                                                                    follows:                                              audit does not eliminate the
                                           audit requirement request within 180
                                           calendar days from the date of receipt.                  Subpart E—Postpayment Transportation                  requirement of the transportation
                                                                                                    Audits                                                postpayment audit conducted by GSA
                                           § 102–118.365 Can my agency renew an                     Sec.                                                  (31 U.S.C. 3726).
                                           exemption from the transportation                        § 102–118.400 What is a transportation
                                           prepayment audit requirements?                                postpayment audit?                               § 102–118.415 Can the Administrator of
                                             It may be possible for your agency to                  § 102–118.405 Who conducts a                          General Services exempt the transportation
                                                                                                         transportation postpayment audit?                postpayment audit requirement?
                                           be granted a prepayment audit
                                           exemption extension. Your agency must                    § 102–118.410 If agencies perform the                    Yes. The Administrator of General
                                           submit a request for the extension to                         mandatory transportation prepayment              Services or designee may exempt, for a
                                                                                                         audit, will this eliminate the requirement       specified time, an agency or subagency
                                           GSA Transportation Audits Division at                         for a transportation postpayment audit
                                           least six months in advance of the                                                                             from the GSA transportation
                                                                                                         conducted by GSA?
                                           current exemption expiration.                                                                                  postpayment audit oversight
                                                                                                    § 102–118.415 Can the Administrator of
                                                                                                         General Services exempt the                      requirements of this subpart. The
                                           § 102–118.370 Are my agency’s                                                                                  Administrator can also exempt modes
                                                                                                         transportation postpayment audit
                                           prepayment audited transportation                                                                              (31 U.S.C. 3726).
                                                                                                         requirement?
                                           documentation subject to periodic
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                                           postpayment audit oversight from the GSA                 § 102–118.420 Is my agency allowed to                 § 102–118.420 Is my agency allowed to
                                           Transportation Audits Division?                          perform a postpayment audit on our                    perform a postpayment audit on our
                                             Yes. All your agency’s prepayment                      transportation documents?                             transportation documents?
                                           audited transportation documents are                     § 102–118.425 Is my agency required to                   No. Your agency may not perform a
                                           subject to the GSA Transportation                            forward all transportation documents to           transportation postpayment audit unless
                                           Audits Division postpayment audit                            the GSA Transportation Audits Division,           granted an exemption and specifically


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                                           65304            Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 / Rules and Regulations

                                           directed to do so by the Administrator                      (f) Issues a Notice of Overcharge                  commodity descriptions, excessive
                                           in lieu of a prepayment audit. Whether                   stating that a TSP owes a debt to the                 transportation cost authorizations, and
                                           such an exemption is granted or not,                     agency. This notice states the amount                 unsound principles employed in traffic
                                           your agency must forward all                             paid and the basis for the proper charge              and transportation management; and
                                           transportation documents (TD) to GSA                     for the document reference number                        (10) Confer with individual TSPs or
                                           for postpayment audit (see § 102–118.35                  (DRN), and cites applicable contract,                 related groups and associations
                                           for definition TD).                                      tariff, or tender, along with other data              presenting specific modes of
                                                                                                    relied on to support the overcharge; and              transportation to resolve mutual
                                           § 102–118.425 Is my agency required to                      (g) Issues a GSA Notice of                         problems concerning technical and
                                           forward all transportation documents to                  Indebtedness when a TSP owes an
                                           GSA Transportation Audits Division, and
                                                                                                                                                          accounting matters, and providing
                                                                                                    ordinary debt to an agency. This notice               information on requirements.
                                           what information must be on these
                                           documents?                                               states the basis for the debt, the TSP’s                 (b) The Administrator of General
                                                                                                    rights, interest, penalty, and other                  Services may provide transportation
                                              (a) Yes, your agency must provide all
                                                                                                    results of nonpayment. The debt is due                audit and related technical assistance
                                           TDs to GSA Transportation Audits
                                                                                                    immediately and is subject to interest                services, on a reimbursable basis, to any
                                           Division (see § 102–118.35 for definition
                                                                                                    charges, penalties, and administrative                other agency. Such reimbursements may
                                           TD).                                                     cost under 31 U.S.C. 3717.
                                              (b) The following information must be                                                                       be credited to the appropriate revolving
                                           annotated on all TDs and bills that have                 § 102–118.435 What are the transportation             fund or appropriation from which the
                                           completed your agency’s prepayment                       postpayment audit roles and                           expenses were incurred (31 U.S.C.
                                           audit for submission to GSA                              responsibilities of the GSA Transportation            3726(j)).
                                           Transportation Audits Division:                          Audits Division?
                                                                                                                                                          § 102–118.440 Does my agency pay for a
                                              (1) The date the bill was received                       (a) The GSA Transportation Audits                  transportation postpayment audit
                                           from a TSP;                                              Division role is to perform the oversight             conducted by the GSA Transportation
                                              (2) A TSP’s invoice number;                           responsibility of transportation                      Audits Division?
                                              (3) Your agency name;                                 prepayment and postpayment granted to
                                              (4) A DRN;                                                                                                     The GSA Transportation Audits
                                                                                                    the Administrator. The GSA                            Division does not charge agencies a fee
                                              (5) Amount billed;                                    Transportation Audits Division will—
                                              (6) Date invoice was approved for                                                                           for conducting the transportation
                                                                                                       (1) Examine and analyze
                                           payment;                                                                                                       postpayment audit. Transportation
                                                                                                    transportation documents and payments
                                              (7) Payment date and amount agency                                                                          postpayment audits expenses are
                                                                                                    to discover their validity, relevance and
                                           paid;                                                                                                          financed from overpayments collected
                                                                                                    conformity with tariffs, quotations,
                                              (8) Payment location code number                                                                            from the TSP’s bills previously paid by
                                                                                                    contracts, agreements, or tenders and
                                           and office name;                                                                                               the agency and similar type of refunds.
                                                                                                    make adjustments to protect the interest
                                              (9) Payment voucher number;                                                                                 However, if a postpayment audit is
                                                                                                    of an agency;
                                              (10) Complete contract, tender, or                       (2) Examine, adjudicate, and settle                conducted in lieu of a prepayment audit
                                           tariff authority, including item or                      transportation claims by and against the              at the request of an agency, or if there
                                           section number;                                          agency;                                               are additional services required, GSA
                                              (11) The TSP’s TIN;                                      (3) Collect from TSPs by refund,                   may charge the agency.
                                              (12) The TSP’s SCAC;
                                              (13) The auditor’s full name, email                   setoff, offset, or other means, the                   § 102–118.445 How do I contact the GSA
                                           address, contact telephone number, and                   amounts determined to be due the                      Transportation Audits Division?
                                                                                                    agency;
                                           authorization code; and                                                                                           You may contact the GSA
                                                                                                       (4) Adjust, terminate, or suspend
                                              (14) A copy of any statement of                                                                             Transportation Audits Division by email
                                                                                                    debts due on TSP overcharges;
                                           difference sent to the TSP.                                                                                    at Audit.Policy@gsa.gov.
                                                                                                       (5) Prepare reports to the Attorney
                                              (c) Your agency can find additional                                                                         [FR Doc. 2016–22609 Filed 9–21–16; 8:45 am]
                                                                                                    General of the United States with
                                           guidance in the ‘‘U.S. Government
                                                                                                    recommendations about the legal and                   BILLING CODE 6820–14–P
                                           Freight Transportation Handbook.’’ This
                                                                                                    technical bases available for use in
                                           handbook is located at www.gsa.gov/
                                                                                                    prosecuting or defending suits by or
                                           transaudits.
                                                                                                    against an agency and provide technical,              FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
                                           § 102–118.430 What is the process the                    fiscal, and factual data from relevant                COMMISSION
                                           GSA Transportation Audits Division                       records;
                                           employs to conduct a postpayment audit?                     (6) Provide transportation specialists             47 CFR Part 73
                                              The GSA Transportation Audits                         and lawyers to serve as expert
                                                                                                                                                          [MB Docket No. 16–182; RM–11770; DA 16–
                                           Division                                                 witnesses; assist in pretrial conferences;            1007]
                                              (a) Audits select TSP bills after                     draft pleadings, orders, and briefs; and
                                           payment;                                                 participate as requested in connection                Radio Broadcasting Services; Eagle
                                              (b) Audits select TSP bills before                    with transportation suits by or against               Butte, South Dakota
                                           payment as needed to protect the                         an agency;
                                           Government’s interest;                                      (7) Review agency policies, programs,              AGENCY:  Federal Communications
                                              (c) Examines, settles, and adjusts                    and procedures to determine their                     Commission.
                                           accounts involving payment for                           adequacy and effectiveness in the audit               ACTION: Final rule.
                                           transportation and related services for                  of freight or passenger transportation
                                           the account of agencies;                                 payments, and review related fiscal and               SUMMARY:   At the request of the
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                                              (d) Adjudicates and settles                           transportation practices;                             Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, the Audio
                                           transportation claims by and against                        (8) Furnish information on rates,                  Division amends the FM Table of
                                           agencies;                                                fares, routes, and related technical data             Allotments, by allotting Channel 228C1
                                              (e) Offsets an overcharge by any TSP                  upon request;                                         at Eagle Butte, South Dakota, as the first
                                           from an amount subsequently found to                        (9) Inform an agency of irregular                  local Tribal-owned service. A staff
                                           be due that TSP;                                         shipping routing practices, inadequate                engineering analysis indicates that


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Document Created: 2016-09-22 01:03:56
Document Modified: 2016-09-22 01:03:56
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionRules and Regulations
ActionFinal rule.
DatesEffective: September 22, 2016.
ContactFor clarification of content, contact Mr. Ron Siegel, Office of Government-wide Policy, at 202-357-9540 or by email at [email protected] For information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the Regulatory Secretariat Division (MVCB), 1800 F Street NW., Washington, DC 20405, 202-501-4755. Please cite FMR Case 2015-102-2.
FR Citation81 FR 65296 
RIN Number3090-AJ59
CFR Citation41 CFR 102-117
41 CFR 102-118
CFR AssociatedAccounting; Claims; Freight; Government Property Management; Moving of Household Goods; Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements and Transportation

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