November 12, 2009

CBCA 1714-TRAV

In the Matter of HARRY BERENS

Harry Berens, Renton, WA, Claimant.

Joann M. Putnam, Office of Regional Counsel, Federal Aviation Administration, Renton, WA, appearing for Department of Transportation.

DANIELS, Board Judge (Chairman).

Harry Berens, an employee of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), was sent on a long-term temporary duty assignment in the summer of 2009. Mr. Berens was authorized to use his privately-owned vehicle (POV) for travel to and from the place of his temporary duty. His assignment lasted for more than sixty days, and the FAA allowed him to return home for a week in August before resuming his work. Mr. Berens drove his POV on this trip, as well, and the agency paid in full the amount he requested to cover the cost of the trip. Mr. Berens is not satisfied with the way in which the agency treated him, however. He asks the Board to review the FAA=s policies and procedures regarding the use of POVs for return trips home by employees on extended temporary duty assignments.

We have no authority to conduct the review requested here. Our jurisdiction as to expenses incurred by federal civilian employees for official travel and transportation is defined by 31 U.S.C. ' 3702(a)(3) (2006) as the settlement of claims concerning these expenses. A Aclaim@ in this context is a demand for money, and Mr. Berens has already received all the money he has demanded. Consequently, nothing remains for us to settle.