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B-247563.3 1 (1996-04-05)

handle is hein.gao/gaocrptadop0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Comptroller General of the United States Washington, D.C. 20548 Decision Matter of: Expenditures by The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma File: B-247563.3 Date: April 5, 1996 DIGEST 1. The Department of Veterans Affairs' appropriation for medical care was not available for the purchase of novelty items to potential employees. These items did not directly contribute to an authorized function and, therefore, were not justified under the necessary expense rule. 2. The Department of Veterans Affairs was not authorized to use its medical care appropriation for contest prizes during Women's Equality Week absent evidence that the expenditures related to authorized activities of the department. 3. The Department of Veterans Affairs' appropriation for medical care was not available to pay the sponsor fees and other costs associated with employees' participation in a competitive sporting event since such events are personal activities of the participants. 4. In the absence of a statute or regulation imposing liability, agency officials who are not designated as accountable officers are not personally liable for illegal, improper, or incorrect payments. Officials for whom the Department of Veterans Affairs requests relief are not accountable officers and, thus, are not liable for unauthorized payments. 5. To enhance accountability and help to safeguard public funds, agencies should designate officials authorized to issue third party drafts under the Department of the Treasury's third party draft system as accountable officers or issue regulations under which such individuals would be held financially liable for improper payments. DECISION In the aftermath of an investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) Office of Inspector General (IG), VA has requested an opinion on the legality of 72 335329

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