Pay & Personnel Center, Travel Branch



Travel News Headlines:

Travel Approving Official (AO) e-Newsletters

TPAX Outages Scheduled for 26 May and 1-4 June

The TPAX system will be unavailable from 0800 (CDT) to 2200 (CDT) on Saturday, 26 May 2012 due to system maintenance.

Additionally, system will be unavailable for use from approximately 1800 (CDT) on Friday, 01 June to 0001 on Monday, 04 June 2012. TPAX is scheduled to be updated version 6.16 to 6.17. Please ensure that all travelers have all travel claims forwarded to AO so they can approve the claims prior to 1400 on 01 June (CDT). This will ensure that the claim is processed through to a payment prior to the upgrade and reduce the chances of claims becoming corrupt.

A few of the changes/enhancements are: The removal of wizard mode, removal of proxy OPFAC limitations, AO obligation notification/certification, and the removal of SAE and SAELP to be replaced with AE and AELP (a percentage of 101% to 300% must be entered). A detailed list of changes in the new version can be viewed in the Web-TPAX -- Version 6.17 Change LogPDF file format.

Per Diem for Orders in Support of a Contingency Operation (Title 10)

Published Date: Mon, 02 Mar 2012 13:00:16 CDT

There have been a significant number of reserve component (RC) members under orders in Support of a Contingency Operation (Title 10) erroneously authorized per diem when performing active duty at a location within the local area of their primary residence/home. This has resulted in enormous debts, with some exceeding over $100,000. When an RC member is called/ordered to active duty order under a designated contingency operation, the following guidance will be used to determine the entitlement to per diem . . . Continue reading "Per Diem for Orders in Support of a Contingency Operation (Title 10)" File in PDF format

Update to OCONUS PCS Entry Approval Points

CG Base Honolulu was established on 11 January 2012. CG Base Honolulu replaces "PSSU Honolulu" as the Entry Approval Point for "All other Hawaii Units / American Samoa" as listed in Exhibit 1.H.3. of Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST M1000.8(series). Please use the PLAD "COGARD BASE HONOLULU HI" for entry approval messages.

PCS Mileage (MALT) and TDY Mileage Rates

Effective 1 January 2012, the MALT (monetary allowance in lieu of transportation) rate per authorized POC (privately owned conveyance) is $0.23 (twenty three cents) per mile. This rate is effective for all PCS travel that commences on or after 1 January 2012 (i.e., the initial travel is started).

TDY mileage rates changed on 17 April 2012. The new TDY rates are:

POC:
$0.555 - Automobile (if no GOV is available)
$0.23 - POC use instead of a government furnished vehicle (if a GOV is available) when use of a government furnished vehicle is to the government's advantage.
$0.525 - Motorcycle
$1.31 - Airplane

Current and previous PCS & TDY mileage rates are posted at http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/otherratesMile.cfm.

Web-Based TPAX

Web TPAX is Common Access Card (CAC) enabled allowing travelers to auto login once their CAC card is linked to their Logon ID. This eliminates the need for logon passwords although secondary passwords will remain for orders/claim document approval. Procedures for establishing CAC access as well as general Web TPAX information can be found the slide show linked below. As noted in ALCOAST 565/11, travelers can also log into Web TPAX with their user ID and password by pressing the "Escape" key when the option to choose a digital certificate is presented. Detailed instructions for using the system are available in the context sensitive help file, which can be accessed by clicking the "Help" button once logged into the application.

Updated - FY 2012 Coast Guard Reduced Per Diem Rates

Per Joint Federal Travel Regulations, paragraph U4177, the service may authorize per diem rates in lesser amounts when the circumstances of the travel or duty to be performed so warrant.

As of 17 April, the following localities have been authorized reduced/zero per diem.

Fifth District:

CG LocationCityState M&IE
RED RATE		Effective
Date
STA (small) Roosevelt InletLewesDelaware$0.00 01OCT11
STA (small) StillpondWortonMaryland$0.00 01OCT11
STA (small) Shark RiverAvon By The SeaNew Jersey$0.00 01OCT11
STA (small) Beach HavenBeach HavenNew Jersey$0.00 01OCT11
STA (small) FortesqueFortesqueNew Jersey$0.00 01OCT11
STA (small) Great EggOcean CityNew Jersey$0.00 01OCT11
STA (small) Salem RiverSalem New Jersey$0.00 01OCT11
STA (small) Townsend InletTownsend InletNew Jersey$0.00 01OCT11
STA (small) OcracokeOcracokeNorth Carolina$0.00 01OCT11
NCRADFWashingtonDistrict of Columbia$56.13 22FEB12

Seventh District

CG Location City State M&IE
Red Rate		 Effective
Date
Providenciales (OPBAT) Turks & Caicos Islands $49.50 01OCT11
Turks (OPBAT) Turks & Caicos Islands $49.50 01OCT11
Caicos (OPBAT) Turks & Caicos Islands $49.50 01OCT11
Air Facility Charleston Charleston South Carolina $26.00 01OCT11

Ninth District Operation Summer Stock Locations:

CG Location City State M&IE
RED RATE		Effective
Date
AUXOP STA Sodus PointSodus PointNY$15.0001MAY12
AUXOP STA Sackets HarborSackets HarborNY$15.0001MAY12
AUXOP STA ApenaAlpenaMI$15.0001MAY12
AUXOP STA Green BayGreen BayWI$15.0001MAY12
OIC SelfridgeMt. ClemensMI$15.0001MAY12
STA Michigan CityMichigan CityIN$15.0001MAY12
STA SheboyganSheboygan WI$15.0001MAY12
CG STA RochesterRochesterNY$15.0001MAY12
CG STA St. Clair Shores St. Clair ShoresMI$15.0001MAY12
CG STA Marquette MarquetteMI$15.0001MAY12
CG STA St. IgnaceSt. IgnaceMI$15.0001MAY12
CG STA Alexandria BayWellesley IslandNE$15.0001MAY12
CG STA MarbleheadMarbleheadOH$15.0001MAY12
CG STA Bell IsleBell IsleMI$15.0001MAY12
CG STA Sturgeon Bay Sturgeon BayWI$15.0001MAY12
CG STA Duluth DuluthMN$15.0001MAY12
CG Air Facility MuskegonMuskegonMI$32.0001MAY12

Thirteenth District Air Facilities and SARDETS:

CG Location City State M&IE
RED RATE		Effective
Date
SARDET Rouge River Gold Beach Oregon$18.00 01OCT11
SARDET Coquille River Bandon Oregon$10.00 01OCT11
SARDET Coquille River Bandon Oregon$18.00 17APR12
Air Facility Newport Newport Oregon$26.00 01OCT11

TDY Personnel - LANTAREA Mission Effectiveness Project (MEP) Cutters

CG Location City State M&IE
RED RATE		Effective
Date
LANTAREA WMEC crewembers whose cutters are part of the MEP, off-cycle, and TDY away from home port but reside with their primary dependentsVariousVarious$0.00 01JAN12

We've prepared the Coast Guard Reduced Per Diem Rates and Procedures guide, it provides the FY 2012 reduced per diem localities, rates, and provides the procedure for correctly completing your travel itinerary in TPAX/Web-TPAX when reduced per diem is authorized.

New Address for Web T-PAX Following Upgrade

The Web-based version T-PAX is back online. The new address is https://ppcms-tpaxwb.main.ads.uscg.mil/.

Here is a list of enhancements and changes made in connection with this upgrade.

Make sure you do NOT select your e-mail certificate on login.
Common Access Card Certificate Selection Box

Lost Receipts or Original Orders? (Updated 29 Aug 11)

The following statements must accompany any claim (including audit requests) that does not include required receipts or original orders:

The statements must be completed by the traveler and signed IN BLUE INK by both the traveler and the Approving Official (AO).

How to calculate "Cost of GTR"

Constructive Cost of GTR worksheetMS Excel Spreadsheet (Revised 18 January 2012)

When a member is authorized to travel on TDY using a Privately Owned Conveyance (POC) not to exceed (NTE) the cost of government procured transportation/GTR, the orders must state: "POC travel NTE the constructed cost of the GTR $XXX.XX;" with the actual dollar amount replacing the "X's". To calculate this amount, you must add together:

  1. the government airfare rate (You can lookup the contract carrier "city pair rates" at http://apps.fss.gsa.gov/citypairs/search/)
  2. any taxi fares and tips that would be appropriate to and from the airport and/or lodging accommodations, mileage, parking and tolls that would be appropriate to and from the airport,
  3. airfare service/booking (SATO) fees,
  4. 75% of the M&IE per diem for two travel days,
  5. and the cost for a rental vehicle if one would had been authorized.

To determine which will be paid, add together total mileage multiplied by the current TDY mileage rate, tolls, total per diem for travel days (75% for first and last day and full per diem for each additional day of driving travel), and lodging costs (not to exceed max. lodging rate for that area) during travel if required to stop in route. The member will be entitled to the lesser of these amounts. Travel days and reimbursement WILL NOT exceed GTR limits. If there are extenuating circumstances, i.e. member is transporting unit equipment or flying to multiple destinations where the costs to the government would be much higher, then POV may be determined to be advantageous, in which case the orders need to specify and provide reason for decision. For more information, please refer to the following JFTR paragraphs: U3305-A1; U3305; U3325; U3310; U4330; U4326-B3; U4326-A2; U4145-B; and U4147-3.

Travel Audit Package Tutorial

Tutorial: Travel Audit Package Submissionspowerpoint

Travel Approving Official (AO) Online Training

The Travel Approving Official Training Course describes the responsibility and liability assumed when becoming a Travel Approving Official (AO). Upon completion of this course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the knowledge base requirements, responsibilities, and liabilities associated with performing Travel Approving Official duties. The estimated time to complete the course is approximately one and one-half hours.

Completion AO Training Course is not a prerequisite for AO designation.

Processing Personally Procured Move (PPM) Claims

The Coast Guard Finance Center (FINCEN) process claims for Processing Personally Procured Moves. According to the FINCEN, approximately 24% of all initial PPM claims received must be returned to the member due to lack of required documentation. See ALCOAST 494/10 for tips to help expedite your PPM claim. FINCEN also has the Processing Personally Procured Move Checklist available to help ensure you complete all the requirements that are necessary to process your claim.

Travel Voucher Summaries and Individual Audit Status Reports

The Travel Voucher Summary and TPAX Audit Request Status reports hosted on the FINCEN Internet and Intranet web sites were offline due to technical problems. We resolved the issues and access has been restored.

Split Disbursement in TPAX

Web TPAX Procedures:

You should verify your GTCC information in Direct-Access before using the Split Disbursement function in TPAX.

Please Use the Current Version of the Travel Voucher Form (DD-1351/2)

Multiple versions of the DD-1351-2 are being used, even dating back 4 versions or more. Please note that the current version of the DD-1351-2 is March 2008 which requires both the AO's printed name and signature. All previous versions are considered to be obsolete and should not be used. The current form can be found in the list of Forms/Worksheets on this web page or at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd1351-2.pdf.

Directing Travel Claim Payment to an Account Other Than Regular Pay Account

The Web TPAX payment method defaults to electronic funds transfer (EFT). Travel claim payments due the member will be disbursed by the Coast Guard Finance Center (FINCEN) into the member's pay direct deposit account. If the member desires to change the designated account for their travel payments (separate from the pay account), they may submit an EFT/ACH Member Payment Enrollment Form (FastStart) to the Coast Guard Finance Center.

Multiple Advances Against the Same TONO

The travel software system is not set up to do supplemental advance requests against the same exact travel dates. Please follow the below guidance when submitting SF-1038 (request for advance) in paper format or through the T PAX system. More...

Audit Status and Reports

Tutorial: Travel Audit Package Submissionspowerpoint

See PPC Message 271442ZJUL06, Subj: TPAX TDY Travel Claim Audit Requests for more information. Also see PPC AIG 11939 Message R301416Z OCT 06; Travel Claim Audit Requests, which provides additional information on audit request policy and procedures.

TPAX Audit Request Status for Individuals

This application allows viewing of TPAX Audit Request Status. Audit data contained in the system is maintained for 60 days after the COMPLETE date. Important Note: Only data from requests made on or after May 1, 2006 is available.

The address is https://www.fincen.uscg.mil/TVS_Aux2/.

Also see pages 2-B-16 through 2-B-20 of the Personnel & Pay Procedures Manual, PPCINST M1000.2AAdobe Acrobat Required, for records maintenance instructions and audit policies and procedures.

PPC AIG 11939 Message R301416Z OCT 06; Travel Claim Audit Requests, provides additional information on audit request policy and procedures

Also see pages 2-B-16 through 2-B-20 of the Personnel & Pay Procedures Manual, PPCINST M1000.2A, for records maintenance instructions and audit policies and procedures. Adobe Acrobat Required

Unit Travel Claim Audit Reports

TPAX audit reports are now available online at PPC's intranet (CGWEB) site. The address is http://cgweb.ppc.uscg.mil/travel/audits/default.asp.

Travel Payment Status:

Did you know FINCEN disburses travel claim payments for PPC?

Note:  If you traveled under Aircraft Repair and Supply Center (ARSC) travel/training orders funded by AFC-41 and/or AC&I funds, please contact the ARSC Personnel Resources Division (PRD) Travel Administrator for assistance in determining the status of your claim.

With the FINCEN toll free number, your travel payment status can be obtained by simply entering your SSN.  You'll receive the payment status of your last five travel claims.

INCONUS CG Travelers
(1-800-564-5504)

OUTCONUS CG Travelers
(757-523-6940)

Travel Payment Inquiries Available Online:

Users may query the Finance Center Database for payment information on their Travel Claims. All matching travel payments will be returned.

Query by 9 digit Social Security Number and Last Name. Do not include spaces or hyphens (-) in the Social Security Number, example "123456789".

Note: All records matching the Social Security Number and Last Name will be retrieved. Payment information is updated daily.

Travel Voucher Summaries:

This application allows viewing of Claim Status/Travel Voucher Summaries (Payment Details). Claim data contained in this system is maintained for 90 days.

Travel Voucher Summaries (TVS)

Claims Mailing Address

Mail Claims To:

Commanding Officer (TVL)
Pay & Personnel Center
444 SE QUINCY ST
Topeka, KS 66683-3591

The mailing address for sending claims for TPAX(UTS) audits is:

Commanding Officer (TVL/TPAX Audits)
U. S. Coast Guard
Pay & Personnel Center
PO Box 3551
Topeka, KS 66601

Note: Use the Clams Mailing Address (444 SE Quincy St, Topeka, KS 66683-3591) above for services (DHL, FEDEX, etc.) requiring a physical address.

The Audit Travel Claim package will consist of:

If the traveler is audited on multiple claims, a complete individual audit package is required for each claim requested for audit. Multiple audit packages may be sent in the same envelope to PPC Travel-Audit however each claim package must be separated by placing each audit in their own individual package that distinguishes them apart from each other. Incomplete/improperly prepared packages will be returned to the member to be separated into the individual audit packages. Additionally, Please send only copies of the required documents.

Also see pages 2-B-16 through 2-B-20 of the Personnel & Pay Procedures Manual, PPCINST M1000.2A (PDF), for records maintenance instructions and audit policies and procedures.

Note:  If you traveled under Aircraft Repair and Supply Center (ARSC) travel/training orders funded by AFC-41 and/or AC&I funds, please contact the ARSC Personnel Resources Division (PRD) Travel Administrator for assistance in determining the status of your claim.

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Last Modified 5/23/2012