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B-288536 1 (2002-11-19)

handle is hein.gao/gaobacycp0001 and id is 1 raw text is: 


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         G    A    0Comptroller General
 -   -Accountability * Integrity * Reliability                     of the United States
United States General Accounting Office
Washington, DC 20548




         Decision


         Matter of:  Bureau of Indian Affairs, Great Plains Regional Office, Incentive
                     Awards Ceremony

         File:       B-288536

         Date:       November  19, 2001

         DIGEST

         Bureau of Indian Affairs may use its general operating appropriation to pay
         reasonable expenses, including the cost of refreshments in the form of a buffet
         luncheon, associated with annual Incentive Awards Ceremony under the
         Government Employees' Incentive Awards Act.
         DECISION

         This decision responds to a request from Cora L. Jones, Director of the Great Plains
         Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, concerning the availability of appropriated
         funds for a buffet-style luncheon provided employees attending an awards
         ceremony. For the reasons set forth below, we conclude that appropriations are
         available for this purpose.

         BACKGROUND

         On December  14, 2000, the Great Plains Regional Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs
         (BIA), an agency of the Department of the Interior, held an Employee's Incentive
         Awards Ceremony  in recognition of the achievements of its personnel during the
         year. As part of the ceremony, the Office provided a buffet-style luncheon at a cost
         of $554.40. The Office used a government charge card to pay for the food, charging
         the amount to its appropriations.

         The Agency Charge Card Program Coordinator noted the charge and referred the
         matter to the agency's Inspector General. The Inspector General concluded that the
         Bureau could not pay the charge because the buffet was more of a dinner meal,
         rather than light refreshments. The Bureau's Regional Director disagreed,
         contending that the expenditure was proper and that the meal, as part of an award
         ceremony, was in the best interest of the government.

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