FROM: U.S. GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
GSA Freezes Federal Travel Reimbursement Rates
Per Diem Rates for Fiscal Year 2013 Remain at 2012 Levels to cut costs
Aug. 14, 2012
WASHINGTON -- Today, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) announced it will set government-wide per diem travel reimbursement rates for fiscal year (FY) 2013 at current 2012 levels. The action will help federal agencies meet the Obama Administration's directives to reduce travel costs government-wide. GSA sets the federal government’s reimbursement rates for lodging, meals, and incidentals for federal employees’ official government travel. Freezing the federal travel reimbursement rates will save an estimated $20 million in avoided costs in FY 2013.
This action supports an Office of Management and Budget memorandum, directing federal agencies to decrease all travel spending in FY 2013 by 30 percent compared to FY 2010. In addition, as part of Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini’s ongoing top-to-bottom review of GSA operations, freezing per diem rates is one of several measures the administrator has taken to ensure the agency is closely evaluating travel spending.
"GSA is undergoing a rigorous review process to find ways in which we can streamline agency operations and save money across the government," said Tangherlini. "By keeping per diem rates at current levels, we are supporting federal agencies in controlling costs and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely."
