SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Background

In the past, properties in high cost travel areas have been under no obligation to provide lodging to Federal travelers at the prescribed per diem rate. Thus, GSA established the FPLP to contract directly with properties in high cost travel markets to make available a set number of rooms to Federal travelers at contract rates. FPLP contract results along with the lodging survey data are integrated together to determine reasonable per diem rates that more accurately reflect lodging costs in these areas. In addition, the FPLP will enhance the Government's ability to better meet its overall room night demand and allow travelers to find lodging close to where they need to conduct business. After an analysis of this additional data, the maximum lodging amounts published in the Federal Register on August 30, 2002 (67 FR 56160), are being changed in Indianapolis, Indiana; Kansas City/Overland Park, Kansas; Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Kansas City and Platte, Missouri; and King of Prussia/Ft. Washington/Bala Cynwyd, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

B. Executive Order 12866

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

C. Regulatory Flexibility Act

This final rule is not required to be published in the Federal Register for notice and comment; therefore, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601, et seq., does not apply.

D. Paperwork Reduction Act

The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes to the FTR do not impose recordkeeping or information collection requirements, or the collection of information from offerors, contractors, or members of the public that require the approval of the Office of Management and Budget under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

E. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act

This final rule is also exempt from congressional review prescribed under 5 U.S.C. 801 since it relates solely to agency management and personnel.

For the reasons set forth in the preamble, under 5 U.S.C. 5701-5709, GSA amends 41 CFR chapter 301 as set forth below:

CHAPTER 301—TEMPORARY DUTY (TDY) TRAVEL ALLOWANCES

1. Amend the table in appendix A to chapter 301 as follows:

a. Under the State of Indiana, city of Indianapolis, including Marion County and Fort Benjamin Harrison, amend the maximum lodging amount by removing “70” and adding “83” in its place; and amend the maximum per diem rate by removing “116” and adding “129” in its place;

b. Under the State of Kansas, cities of Kansas City/Overland Park, including Wyandotte and Johnson Counties, amend the maximum lodging amount by removing “85” and adding “84” in its place; and amend the maximum per diem rate by removing “127” and adding “126” in its place;

c. Under the State of Minnesota, cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul, including Hennepin County and Ft. Snelling Military Reservation and Navy Astronautics Group (Detachment BRAVO), and Ramsey County, amend the maximum lodging amount by removing “95” and adding “110” in its place; and amend the maximum per diem rate by removing “145” and adding “160” in its place;

d. Under the State of Missouri, city of Kansas City, including Jackson and Clay Counties and Kansas City International Airport, amend the maximum lodging amount by removing “85” and adding “84” in its place; and amend the maximum per diem rate by removing “131” and adding “130” in its place;

e. Under the State of Missouri, city of Platte, including Platte County (except Kansas City International Airport), amend the maximum lodging amount by removing “61” and adding “84” in its place; and amend the maximum per diem rate by removing “99” and adding “122” in its place;

f. Amend the entry under the State of Pennsylvania, cities of King of Prussia/Ft. Washington/Bala Cynwyd, including Montgomery County, by removing the two rows of season rates and adding “124” under maximum lodging amount; “46” under M&IE rate; and “170” under maximum per diem rate; and ( printed page 69635)

g. Under the State of Pennsylvania, city of Philadelphia, including Philadelphia County, amend the maximum lodging amount by removing “118” and adding “124” in its place; and amend the maximum per diem rate by removing “168” and adding “174” in its place.

The revised pages containing the amendments to the table set forth above read as follows:

67 FR 69634