About | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline Law Journal Library | HeinOnline
LOG IN
LOG IN

B-271511 1 (1997-03-04)

handle is hein.gao/gaocrptafpv0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Comptroller General of the United States Washington, D.C. 20548 Decision Matter of: National Security Agency--Availability of Appropriations To Purchase Food as a Nonmonetary Award under the Government Employees Incentive Awards Act. File: B-271511 Date: March 4, 1997 DIGEST 1. The National Security Agency may use appropriated funds to purchase food or food vouchers for use as a nonmonetary award under the Government Employees Incentive Awards Act (Act), 5 U.S.C. §§ 4501-4506. We have no legal basis to object to the Office of Personnel Management's conclusion that agencies may use meals or food vouchers as informal recognition awards provided that the agency concludes that (1) the contribution being recognized will be properly rewarded by presenting an informal recognition award of nominal value, rather than a cash award, time off award, or an honorary award; and (2) meals or vouchers therefor represent a form of informal recognition award that would not jeopardize the credibility and integrity of the government's incentive awards program. 2. The Act authorizes agencies to incur necessary expenses for the honorary recognition of employees. 5 U.S.C. § 4503. We have previously interpreted the Act to permit agencies to use operating appropriations to pay for refreshments and meals in connection with agency employee awards ceremonies, if the agency determines that a reception with food would enhance the recognition value of the awards. 65 Comp. Gen. 738, 740 (1986); B-235163.11, February 13, 1996. DECISION The Comptroller of the National Security Agency (NSA) asks whether appropriated funds are available to purchase food or food vouchers for use as a nonmonetary award under the Government Employees Incentive Awards Act (Act). NSA further asks that if food or food vouchers may be used as an award, can it also use appropriated funds to provide food at a reception honoring the awardee of the non- monetary award. Given the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) advice concerning implementation of the Act, we have no basis to object to NSA's use of its appropriations for food or food vouchers of nominal value as informal recognition awards. Further, should NSA determine that a reception with food 124634

What Is HeinOnline?

HeinOnline is a subscription-based resource containing thousands of academic and legal journals from inception; complete coverage of government documents such as U.S. Statutes at Large, U.S. Code, Federal Register, Code of Federal Regulations, U.S. Reports, and much more. Documents are image-based, fully searchable PDFs with the authority of print combined with the accessibility of a user-friendly and powerful database. For more information, request a quote or trial for your organization below.



Contact us for annual subscription options:

Contact Us

Already a HeinOnline Subscriber?

Log In

profiles profiles most