PPC Travel News Feed

You can add this news feed to your "RSS" program (See RSS Feeds for more information and more U. S. Coast Guard RSS Feeds) or you can elect to have news updates sent via e-mail by joining our mailing list. If you have a news item to share, please send it to us using our News Update Form.

Google Reader users:
Use this link to subscribe.

To use this feed in your RSS reader software copy and paste this

TPAX/Web-TPAX Version Upgrade

Published Date: Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:00:16 CDT

TPAX and Web-TPAX will be down Saturday, 27 March and Sunday, 28 March for a version upgrade. The majority of the changes being made are to the database and will not be seen by users. Here are a couple of changes that you may see once the version upgrade is completed:

  • Evacuation similar to LT type claims when using Doc 13 (blanket TONOs)
  • Scroll bar in Web-TPAX when viewing screens vs. Previous/Next links

Note: ALL PENDING TRAVEL CLAIMS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE APPROVING OFFICIAL (AO) PRIOR TO 1200 (CDT) ON 26 MAR 10 TO BE PROCESSED FOR PAYMENT PRIOR TO THE UPGRADE.


Related Content.

Travel Voucher Summaries and Individual Audit Status Reports

Published Date: Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:00:16 CST

The Travel Voucher Summary and T-PAX 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.


Related Content.

TPAX Outage Cancelled

Published Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:00:16 CST

The TPAX/Web-TPAX maintenance, originally scheduled to take place the weekend of 6-7 March 2010, is cancelled.


Related Content.

Information for Travel Approving Officials

Published Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:00:16 CST

Guest post by CWO J. Benbow, Chief, PPC Travel Branch.

Approving Officials, I wanted to touch base with everyone again and pass some very important information with TDY and PCS travel. For starters, please be aware that as an AO, you are fully accountable to the Coast Guard and may be found liable for erroneous or improper payments. Take your time and seek assistance if you have questions before you approve a travel claim. Determine that the travel expenses were necessary, reasonable, justified, and consistent with completing the assigned objectives or mission.

For my previous e-mail, please review the Blog post at http://uscgppc.blogspot.com/2010/01/ppc-travel-chiefs-letter-to-approving.html

Review ALCOAST 001/10, new Travel Management Center (TMC) service contracts have been awarded with an effective date of 1 Jan 2010. SATO has two services, one for TDY and the other for PCS. All official travel is to be arranged through the TMC. A government traveler that uses a non-contract carrier without authorization may be required to bear any additional costs or penalties and is at personal financial risk for cancellations or changes.

TDY

ATM fees may be reimbursed if the JP Morgan travel card is used (GTCC). If the ATM fees in block 18 look excessive, you should request a copy of the member's travel card statement from the member or from the government travel card coordinator to verify the claimed expense.

A high number of claims are still being submitted with Laundry/Dry-Cleaning Expenses for military and civilians that do not meet the JFTR/FTR requirements. For example, a military member who had traveled within CONUS with three nights had claimed $58 for laundry and the AO approved and submitted the claim. The costs for personal laundry, dry-cleaning and/or pressing of clothing incurred during TDY travel (not after returning to/arriving at PDS) is a separate reimbursable travel expense based on ACTUAL expenses (NOT AN ENTITLEMENT) up to but not to exceed $2 per day and requires at least 7 consecutive nights of TDY lodging in CONUS. It is NOT an authorized OCUNUS expense. Civilian TDY or PCS travel within CONUS requires at least four consecutive nights lodging. Again, the laundry expense is based on actual expense, it's not an entitlement. As an AO if you feel something is not correct, seek assistance from your chain of command. If you have a member on long term TDY who claims $60 each month for laundry/dry cleaning, you can require that the member provide receipts.

Once a claim has been submitted, advise the member they must retain travel claim records for six years, three months. TDY claims that exceed $2500 will be 100% audited by PPC, anything under the $2500 threshold has a 15% +/- chance to be audited.

PCS

PASSPORT FEES: Refer to ALCOAST 113/07, Official (red) passports are no-fee, the only expenses authorized for reimbursement is the photo and visa associated with that passport. The tourist passport fee will only be reimbursed if it was approved by the order issuing authority, not the departing/reporting unit.

TLE: The JFTR references the following for distance, 'must be in the vicinity of the old and/or new PDS/DESIGNATED PLACE.' PPC determines vicinity as having to be within a distance that is commutable on a daily basis, a two hour round trip rule. If PPC determines the TLE site is outside the vicinity, the departing/reporting unit will need to amend the orders stating the location of the TLE site being claimed is authorized. All lodging receipts for TLE must be itemized with name/address of the lodging establishment. If the member is claiming M&IE for staying with friends or family, the member must include the dates, name, address, and phone number of the residence in the remarks block and provide documentation showing the date when the HHGs were picked up or delivered.

DEPENDENTS: If the member's dependent(s) traveled on separate dates, submit a separate travel claim with itinerary that accompanies the member's travel claim. Thoroughly review block 5 for accuracy and check all that applies. If the member is entitled to DLA and it's authorized on the orders, the DLA block should be checked, even if they were paid DLA in their advances. This allows PPC to liquidate the advance and not put the member in debt.

PETS: Members are authorized reimbursement for pet quarantine fees not to exceed $550.00 with a valid receipt for OCONUS. Other animals (horses, fish, birds, various rodents, etc.) are excluded as pets covered by the pet quarantine reimbursement because of their size, exotic nature, or restriction on shipping, host country restriction, and/or special handling difficulties.

References: PPPM, JFTR and FTR.


Related Content.

TPAX/Web-TPAX Supplemental Claims Issue

Published Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:00:16 CST

A programming issue has been identified in TPAX and Web-TPAX when processing supplemental claims against an existing debt. Please do not process supplemental claims in TPAX, if they meet this criteria, until after March 18, 2010. If the claim must get processed immediately, please submit a manual supplemental to PPC Travel for correct processing.


Related Content.

Web-TPAX Split Disbursement Error

Published Date: Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:00:16 CST

Please be advised that PPC Travel has identified an error in Web-Tpax when using the WIZARD mode. This error IS NOT occurring in EXPERT mode.

Currently in Web-Tpax version (Nov 9, 2009) if a member is in the wizard mode using split disbursement and the clicks on modify accounting, the system will may change the split disbursement amount to $1. This amount ends being transmitted to FINCEN for payment to JPMC.

This error has been reported to the programmers and a FIX to the bug is being tested. Once it passes test it will be loaded to the production system (version date on log on screen will be March, 2010).

In the mean time, once a member completes their travel claim and saves it, PPC Travel recommends that prior to sending to the AO for approval, the member switches their mode to EXPERT (top left corner of the screen) and open the claim to ensure the split disbursement amount is correct. If not, correct the amount and modify accounting, save the claim and send to AO for approval.


Related Content.

Web-TPAX Users -- Use the Tab Key to Move Between Fields!

Published Date: Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:00:16 CST

PPC (tvl-systems) has reviewed both tutorials for Web-TPAX on the PPC web site, neither one states anywhere about the importance of "Tab-bing" through the fields in order to have the system read the selections correctly. All the tutorials states, is to click on options that are needed for completion. While this is true, a member needs to tab though the fields and all the way out. An example would be tab-bing all the way though the itinerary.


Related Content.

TPAX Outage Scheduled for 05 February

Published Date: Tue, 04 Dec 2009 17:00:16 CST

TPAX and Web-TPAX will be unavailable on Friday, February 5, 2010 from 2000 (CST)(060200Z FEB 10) until 2300 (CST) (060500Z FEB 10) for maintenance. Please be logged out of the system prior to the scheduled maintenance time to prevent the loss of claims/data.


Related Content.

Travel Approving Officials (AOs) Information

Published Date: Thu, 14 Jan 2010 18:00:16 CST

Let me take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am CWO3 Jay Benbow, the Travel Branch Chief at the Pay and Personnel Center in Topeka, KS. I reported in this past summer and got to experience the height of the travel claim season. With that said, I wanted to share some of the common errors we experience here every day. A lot of paper claims are returned to the member, believe me that is the last thing we like to do, but it has to be done. Please review the information below and become familiar with the PPPM, JFTR and FTR. As an Approving Official (AO) you have big responsibility to ensure all travel entitlements are legitimate, authorized and submitted with everything we need to process the claim the first time. It can be frustrating to the member and to the travel staff when claims have to be sent back. I look forward to my tour here and I'm open to any feedback you may have to improve the travel claim process. Thanks for your hard work and taking on the responsibility as an AO.

What's New!

PPC Travel website: http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/tvl.asp

Updated Approving Official (AO) check-off sheet: http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/travel/AOChecklist.pdf

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 at http://www.dtic.mil/whs/directives/infomgt/forms/eforms/dd1351-2.pdf. AO's permissions in T-Pax/Web T-Pax expire after one year. You may view your expiration date in T-Pax by viewing your profile. Once your AO permissions expire you will have to resubmit a new T-Pax/WINIATS User Access Authorization/AO designation form (http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/forms/PPC7421.pdf). Once you separate from the Coast Guard or transfer to a new unit, your permissions as an AO will be removed.

Common Kick-backs of Travel Claims

Paper travel claims and amendments submitted to PPC must have original signatures in blue ink from the member and AO. We cannot accept photo copies or certified as a true copy.

Block 5 must be filled in, check all that applies. If the member is authorized DLA and its authorized on the orders, the member must claim it in block 5; otherwise we cannot pay the member DLA.

The itinerary in block 15 must be properly filled out using the two letter code on page two of the travel claim. Block 15a indicate the year in the first block, all blocks below list month and day.

If the member received advances, they must list it in block 9, as an AO you may verify their advances at https://www.fincen.uscg.mil/secure/PH_menu_CG.htm.

Good to Know

T-PAX - It is important to ensure that FUND TYPE codes are accurate in the order information screen. The fund type is based on the organization/agency (not unit) responsible for the payment of travel claims. There are currently four (4) different fund type codes listed: Coast Guard, ALC (previously known as ARSC), The Yard (Balt & ELC), and Other. Many travel claims, authorizations and TONOs have to be deleted due to invalid selections of this code. There is no other corrective action that can be taken. As a result, an invalid fund type selection will delay member's payments. Most travel within the Coast Guard should have the fund type Coast Guard. The selection of "Other Funds" should not be used by Coast Guard employees (military or civilian).

Laundry/Dry-Cleaning Expenses (Uniformed Member Only) (TDY only) - Reimbursable for CONUS Travel. Costs for personal laundry, dry-cleaning and/or pressing of clothing incurred during TDY travel (not after returning to/arriving at PDS) is a separate reimbursable travel expense based on actual expenses (not an entitlement) up to but not to exceed $2 per day, in addition to per diem/AEA, when travel within CONUS requires at least 7 consecutive nights of TDY lodging in CONUS (e.g., 6 nights, no laundry, 7 nights, NTE $14, 8 nights, NTE $16).

Not Reimbursable for OCONUS Travel. Laundry/dry-cleaning and/or pressing of clothing is not a separately reimbursable travel expense for OCONUS travel. It is part of the IE allowance included within the per diem rates/AEA authorized/ approved for OCONUS travel.

Laundry/Dry-Cleaning Expenses (Civilian Employee Only) (PCS & TDY) - Reimbursable for CONUS Travel. Costs for personal laundry, dry-cleaning and/or pressing of clothing incurred during TDY or PCS travel (not after returning to/arriving at PDS) are a separately reimbursable travel expense when travel within CONUS requires at least 4 consecutive nights lodging.

Receipts - Any authorized necessary expense that is $75 or over must be accompanied by a valid receipt and any mandatory receipts to include (these receipts are mandatory even if the expense was less than $75) Conference Fee/Registration, Lodging, Rental Vehicle, and Commercial Transportation.

Phone Calls (Official) - The AO may determine certain communications to a traveler's home/family are official (i.e., to advise of the traveler's safe arrival, inform/inquire about medical conditions, and advise regarding changes in itinerary), The AO should limit communications to a dollar amount in advance of the TDY, and may approve charges after the TDY completion, when appropriate (adopted from GSBCA 14554-TRAV,18 August 1998). Prepaid communication services (i.e., prepaid phone cards, cell phones) are not reimbursable unless the AO can determine they were used for official business.

List all parking receipts separate in block 18 for reimbursable expenses.

Commercial Transportation - A copy of the valid receipt with member's name and type of payment (Individual Billing Account (IBA) or Central Billing Account (CBA)). CTO/TMO is mandatory, if unavailable member may only be authorized the cost of the city pair rates for authorized points. Ensure member used CTO/TMO for travel arrangements and used the CA/YCA fare or sufficiently explain deviation from either (see ALCOAST 390/07 for clarification).

  • PCS - If member and or dependents are authorized a GTR, the dollar amounts shall be listed on the orders.
  • PCS - If dependents are authorized to travel, they must be listed on the orders with birth dates. The dependent spouse must have date of marriage listed as well.
  • PCS - If the member is ordered to or from Alaska and took the Alaska ferry, make sure the ferry itinerary is submitted with the claim.

Reserve travel entitlements when mobilized: Payment of per diem is not authorized when the member commutes between his/her home and his/her duty station, even if the residence lies outside the local reasonable commuting distance. (Note: See ALCOAST 029/10 for specific information on current recalls.)

If the member is receiving per diem for being mobilized, the member is not entitled to the M&IE portion when in a leave status. They shall indicate all leave days used on the TDY travel claim. The leave shall be indicated as follows:

In T-Pax, on the itinerary and exceptions to daily expense screens. On DD Form 1351-2 (March 2008), in block 29 (Remarks) on page two.

Currently Being Worked On

  • New AO check-off sheet strictly for military PCS
  • New AO check-off sheet strictly for civilian PCS


Related Content.

Split Disbursement in T-PAX

Published Date: Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:00:16 CST

Split disbursement is a function in which a payment is made to the member's government travel charge card (GTCC) on behalf of the member and any remaining balance is reimbursed to the member. Per, ALCOAST 715/09, this functionality must be used by travelers to pay for, at a minimum, lodging, commercial carrier transportation and rental car charges that were placed against their CG GTCC.

T-PAX Procedures:

Web T-PAX Procedures:

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


Related Content.

Local and TDY Mileage Rate Change

Published Date: Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:00:16 CST

Effective 01 January 2010, the TDY mileage rate for a car decreases from $.55/mile to $.50/mile. The rate for travel by a motorcycle also decreased. See JFTR/JTR Immediate Changes (403) for more information at http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/immediatechgs.html

.
Related Content.

PCS Mileage (MALT) Rate Change

Published Date: Mon, 21 Dec 2009 11:00:16 CST

Effective 1 January 2010, the MALT (monetary allowance in lieu of transportation) rate per authorized POC (privately owed conveyance) is $.165 (sixteen and one-half cents) per mile. This rate is effective for all PCS travel that commences on or after 1 January 2010 (i.e., the initial travel is started).


Related Content.

Schedule for T-PAX and Web T-PAX Server Maintenance

Published Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 12:00:16 CST

PPC will be performing regular scheduled maintenance on the T-PAX server the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month making T-PAX unavailable from 1800 (6PM) until approximately 2230 (1030PM) CST. This maintenance schedule will begin 12/21/2009. Please ensure you are not logged into the T-PAX system during this time or you may loose any data you are working on when the maintenance begins.


Related Content.

Printing Travel Voucher Summaries from T-PAX and Web T-PAX

Published Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2009 11:00:16 CST

The Travel Voucher Summary and T-PAX Audit Request Status reports hosted on the FINCEN Internet and Intranet web sites are offline due to technical problems. We expect to have the issues resolved and to restore access in January 2010. Travelers can use T-PAX or Web T-PAX to access and print Travel Voucher Summaries. Unit audit request reports can be accessed via the PPC Travel web page at http://cgweb.PPC.uscg.mil/travel/audits/ (Unit Travel Claim Audit Reports). Enter the unit 7 digit OPFAC in the search box to find the link to your unit page, which contains 5 reports: 1st requests; 2nd requests; 3rd requests; suspended requests; and requests being recouped.

Printing TVSs (T-PAX) - Users can print a TVS from the Travel Order History screen by highlighting the TONO and settlement and clicking the print button at the bottom of the screen and then selecting Print Voucher.

Tpax orders history screen

Printing TVSs (Web T-PAX) - At the T-PAX Inbox screen, click on the Profile and History menu. A drop down menu appears listing various options. Click on the History option. To view a travel order, click on the desired travel order number (highlighted in blue) in the Order Number column. The Travel Order screen will appear. To view the details for a particular travel order, click on the Details button to the left of the travel order number.

Tpax orders history screen


Related Content.

New Web-Based Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) Claims System

Published Date: Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:00:16 CST

Units processing Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA) claims will have the ability to do so through the TLA Web-Based Application on the U.S. Coast Guard Finance Center (FINCEN) Intranet beginning 15 December 2009. This application eliminates fax or email requests for TLA payment, though this method may still be used for those units not having a Payment Approving Official (PAO)/Data Entry Operator (DEO). FINCEN's goal is to eliminate the use of fax or emailing TLA claims. The web-based TLA application will allow field units to enter the required information on-line via a secured link on FINCEN's Intranet. Due to separation of duties, there must be, at minimum, one each PAO/DEO from each unit wishing to use the TLA Web-Based Application. FINCEN assigns a password to each DEO which allows access to the application to enter the required information for the TLA claim. The PAO does not require a password for access.

PAOs must be designated in writing by FINCEN. For those units not currently having a PAO for the TLA Web Application, request PAO designation for those E-6 or above and/or GS-7 or above by memo to FINCEN (OPA-MT) thru COMDT (CG-1222) scan/email the request to david.j.maly@uscg.mil. FINCEN's Comptroller Division will issue the PAO designation letter.

The DEO is not required to have an authorization letter from FINCEN, but the unit PAO may request DEO designation/password from FINCEN (thru COMDT CG-1222).

For questions regarding this application and to request a copy of the Web-Based Temporary Lodging Allowance Procedural Guide, contact YNCM Maly (CG-1222) at email: david.j.maly@uscg.mil


Related Content.

TPAX Outage Scheduled for 04-05 December

Published Date: Tue, 04 Dec 2009 17:00:16 CST

TPAX and WEB-TPAX will not be available from Friday Dec 4, 2009 from 1700 CST to Saturday Dec 5th, 2009 at 0500 CST due to server maintenance. Please be logged out of the system prior to the scheduled maintenance time to prevent the loss of claims/data.


Related Content.

TPAX Outage Scheduled for 04 November

Published Date: Wed, 04 Nov 2009 10:00:16 CST

TPAX and WEB-TPAX will not be available from 1900 to 2200 on Wednesday, 04 November, 2009 (CDT) due to server maintenance at PPC.


Related Content.

Mandated Government Travel Charge Card Training

Published Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2009 15:00:16 CST
Completion Certificate

DHS has mandated all government travel charge cardholders complete a new DHS travel card training program. This training replaces the currently mandated GSA cardholder training and must be completed by all government travel charge cardholders no later than 30 November 2009.

The DHS travel card training course is available on the Coast Guard Learning portal and is accessible from any computer with an internet connection. It is located under Miscellaneous Training courses in the course catalog. A score of 70% or better must be obtained in order to pass the course. After course completion, expect at least a 24 hour delay before completions are reflected in the Training Management Tool (TMT). Members are encouraged to print a copy of their certificate of course completion for their records. See ALCOAST 580/09 for more information.

Note: Per, ALCOAST 623/09, non-supervisory/bargining unit civilian employees are now required to complete the DHS travel charge card training by 30 November 2009. The suspension announced in ALCOAST 590/09 has been lifted.


Related Content.

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

Published Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2009 09:00:16 CDT

T-Pax and Web T-Pax 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.


Related Content.

TPAX Outage Scheduled for 15 October

Published Date: Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:00:16 CDT

TPAX and WEB-TPAX will not be available from 1800 to 2000 on 15 Oct 09 (CDT) (152300Z TO 160100Z OCT 09) due to server maintenance at PPC.


Related Content.

Mandated Government Travel Charge Card Training

Published Date: Thu, 08 Oct 2009 13:30:16 CDT

DHS has mandated all government travel charge cardholders complete a new DHS travel card training program. This training replaces the currently mandated GSA cardholder training and must be completed by all government travel charge cardholders no later than 30 November 2009.

The DHS travel card training course is available on the Coast Guard Learning portal and is accessible from any computer with an internet connection. It is located under Miscellaneous Training courses in the course catalog. A score of 70% or better must be obtained in order to pass the course. After course completion, expect at least a 24 hour delay before completions are reflected in the Training Management Tool (TMT). Members are encouraged to print a copy of their certificate of course completion for their records. See ALCOAST 580/09 for more information.


Related Content.

TPAX Scheduled Maintenance

Published Date: Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:16 CDT

TPAX (and Web TPAX) will be down for FY10 maintenance from Friday Oct 2, 2009 at 1800 CDT until Saturday Oct 3, 2009 at 0600 CDT.

PPC Travel System Support
For assistance:
Phone: 785-339-2200 or 1-866-PPC-USCG (772-8724)
On-line trouble ticket: http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/ccb/
(Please ensure you include the tono, dates traveled, EMPLID and a description in your inquiry.)


Related Content.

FY 2010 Continental United States (CONUS) Per Diem Rates

Published Date: Mon, 14 Sep 2009 15:00:16 CDT

The Department of Defense, Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC) has released the FY 2010 CONUS per diem rates. The most notable change is the amount for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) will increase by $7 for each of the six M&IE tiers, resulting in a $5 increase for meals and a $2 increase (from $3 to $5) for incidental expenses. The new CONUS standard per diem rate is $70 maximum lodging and $46 (M&IE), for a total of $116.

The new rates are effective 01 October 2009.

To access the updated information, go to http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/perdiemrates.html


Related Content.

T-PAX Scheduled Outage 07 September

Published Date: Wed, 02 Sep 2009 15:00:16 CDT

T-PAX will not be available from 0600 to 1800 (CDT) on Monday, 07 September, due to electrical maintenance.


Related Content.

Office Closure

Published Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:00:16 CDT
PPC Topeka offices will be minimum staffed on Tuesday, 04 August 2009, beginning at 1130 hrs (central time) to close of business day so staff members may attend command sponsored morale event. Normal business hours will resume on Wednesday 05 August 2009.
Related Content.

CANCELED-T-PAX Scheduled Outage 17-18 July

Published Date: Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:35:15 CDT

T-PAX will be available 17/18 July. The scheduled maintenance will not impact T-PAX availability.


Related Content.

(cancel) T-PAX Scheduled Outage 17-18 July

Published Date: Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:35:15 CDT

The scheduled maintenance will not impact T-PAX availability.

T-PAX will not be available from 1300 Saturday, 18 July TO 1700 Sunday, 19 July (CDT) due to hardware maintenance.


Related Content.

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

Published Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:20:15 CDT

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.


Related Content.

Multiple Advances Against the Same TONO

Published Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:05:15 CDT

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.

Submitting an advance request for a 13 doc type TONO:

Order dates are the dates in which the blanket TONO are issued for. For example, if for the first quarter of the FY the order dates would be from 10/1 12/31/YY (1 October - 31 December).

  • Advance travel dates would be specific to the dates of travel for that advance. Example would be the member will need three advances to cover each month.
    1. The first advance would have the travel dates of 10/1-10/31/YY,
    2. the second advance would have the travel dates of 11/1-11/30/YY, and
    3. the third advance would have the travel dates of 12/1-12/31/YY.
  • It is extremely important to remember when you submit requests for travel advances in this manner, that the member should also file travel claims at a minimum of every 30 days. This is due to the fact that FINCEN is set up to collect unliquidated advances within 30 days past the end travel date of each advance request by issuing a debt letter.

Note: If you submit the first advance with the travel dates covering the entire TONO period of 10/1-12/31/YY, no additional advances will be permitted against this same TONO.

Submitting an advance request for an 11 doc type TONO:

Order dates are the dates in which the normal/evac TONO are issued for. Typically only one advance is processed when an 11 doc type TONO is used no matter the duration of travel. However, if when deemed necessary by the command 11 doc types can be processed in two different ways.

  1. If the 11 doc type TONO is short term (30 days or less) only one advance will be processed for this TONO.
  2. If the 11 doc type TONO is for "long term" TDY (31 days or longer) then the advances need to be processed the same way as if the TONO was a 13 doc type. Example would be the member will need three advances to cover each month.
    1. The first advance would have the travel dates of 10/1-10/31/YY,
    2. the second advance would have the travel dates of 11/1-11/30/YY,
    3. and the third advance would have the travel dates of 12/1-12/31/YY.
  • It is extremely important to remember when you submit requests for travel advances in this manner, that the member should only file ONE (1) travel claim against this TONO at the end of the travel period. Once a claim is filed, no additional advance can be processed for payment.

Note: If you submit the first advance with the travel dates of 10/1-12/31/YY, no additional advances will be permitted against this same TONO.
Related Content.

T-PAX FAQ Update: Currency Conversion

Published Date: Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:46:15 CDT

Q. How does T-PAX handle foreign currency?

A. T-PAX does not perform currency conversion. All amounts must be entered in U. S. dollars. Click the Currency Converter button, this will take to you to an online currency converter where you can look up exchange rates for specific dates. IBOP stands for International Balance of Payments and is only there because DOD wants to know where exactly U.S. dollars are being spent (specifically what country). The CG version of T-PAX defaults to U.S. dollars.


Related Content.

Spotting Signs of a Rental Scam

Published Date: Tue, 26 May 2009 10:26:15 CDT

It's PCS season and the Federal Trade Commission has some timely advice for spotting rental scams.

Consumers in search of an apartment or house to rent often rely on online rental listings in order to find the right place, especially if they're looking in another city or state.

Unfortunately, scammers are taking advantage. Some make up phony listings, and try to lure renters with the promise of extra-low rent. They ask potential renters to send money before they see the apartment or sign a lease.

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, wants to help consumers hang on to their hard-earned money by showing them how they can spot a rental scam. The FTC has developed a new Consumer Alert, Rental Listings May Be Red Herrings.

To learn more about avoiding rental scams, go to

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt002.shtm

.
Related Content.

SATO's "GetThere" to be Updated for Secure Flight Compliance

Published Date: Thu, 14 May 2009 08:30:15 CDT

The Secure Flight passenger vetting program will begin asking passengers to enter their full name - as it appears on the government issued identification they will be traveling with - when making airline reservations. Coast Guard travelers, using the GetThere program should ensure their full name appears in their user profile. The second phase of Secure Flight, which is effective 15 August 2009, requires travelers to provide their date of birth and gender when making reservations. The GetThere user profile page will soon be updated to allow users to store this information.

For more information on TSA's Secure Flight Program, please visit TSA's web site.


Related Content.

Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - Foreign PCS Travel for Dependents

Published Date: Thu, 07 Apr 2009 12:15:15 CDT

Do you have your U.S. Passport? The Coast Guard Director of International Affairs & Foreign Policy (CG-DCO-I) wants to make you aware of some potential concerns in light of the upcoming implementation of phase two of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) on 01 June 2009. The International Affairs office has received a lot of questions concerning passports for dependents traveling under PCS orders to Alaska (via Canada) and other foreign countries thus the reason this announcement.

PCS TRAVEL TO & FROM ALASKA (through Canada):

Dependents must have a passport for travel to or from Alaska if they plan to enter Canada for any portion of their transit. This is not a Canadian requirement, this is a United State requirement.

CHILDREN: U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.

  1. Dependents can have a valid tourist passport or a dependent no-fee passport. If dependents already have a tourist passport at the time PCS orders are issued, they do not need to apply for the dependent no-fee passport.
  2. If dependents DO NOT have a tourist passport at the time PCS orders are issued, they should apply for the dependent no-fee passport.

NOTE: If dependents apply for a tourist passport for the PCS transfer they will NOT be reimbursed by the USCG.

Why can dependents travel on tourist passport or dependent no-fee passport?

The requirement to have a passport to re-enter the U.S. is a Department of Homeland Security requirement. The issuance of the dependent no-fee passport vice the tourist boils down to cost. If the dependents already have tourist passport then there is no need to obtain the dependent no-fee passports for travel through Canada.

It is important to apply for the dependent passports if the dependents DO NOT have a tourist passport. It is not realistic to expect that a family traveling to or from Alaska (via Canada) should spend several hundreds of dollars to obtain passports for their travel. The dependent no-fee passport is free for dependents vice the $60-$80.00 cost for a single tourist passport. There may be some minimal cost to apply for the dependent no-fee passport (passport photos and/or processing fee at a local U.S. post office). Those types of expenses are reimbursable on the PCS travel claim per JFTR, Appendix G.

PCS ASSIGNMENT TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY (does not include Canada):

  1. Dependents MUST apply for a dependent no-fee passport for a PCS tour abroad. The dependents are authorized to use the dependent no-fee passport any foreign travel performed while they are assigned overseas with the active duty member.
  2. If a dependent wishes to apply for a tourist passport for a PCS tour abroad they may do so but there is no reimbursement for the tourist passport.

For all dependent passport questions or concerns please contact the Passport & Visa Staff (Tel. 202-372-4465/4474/4476) or the local Coast Guard Certified Passport Agent (a listing if passport agents is available from the Servicing Personnel Office).

For more information on the WHTI, please visit the websites below:


Related Content.

Per Diem Committee Web Page and JFTR Update

Published Date: Tue, 28 Apr 2009 16:15:15 CDT

The following information was updated for 01 May 2009:

  • Foreign and OCONUS Non-Foreign Per Diem Rates
  • FY 2009 CONUS Per Diem Rates
  • Overseas Cost of Living (OCOLA) and Housing (OHA) Allowances
  • Travel Regulations (JFTR & JTR)

To access the updated information, go to http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem/


Related Content.

Coast Guard E-mail Access Required for Password Resets

Published Date: Tue, 07 Apr 2009 11:00:15 CDT

By: James Glynn, PPC Customer Care

Using automatic password reset features for DA and T-PAX is the quickest way to receive a new password, via email, 24/7 - without having to contact PPC and have a manual password reset performed. ALCOAST 598/08 directed all CG members with standard CG workstation access to enable Outlook Web Access (OWA) to make possible password resets through their personal Outlook inbox via the web. Additionally, it set 1 April 2009, as the last day that personnel, with standard CG workstation access, could contact PPC Customer Care for password reset support. Now, only personnel without standard CG workstation access are authorized to contact the PPC for password reset support. All manual DA/T-PAX password reset support will end on 1 July 2009. This deadline provides ample time for personnel to establish OWA access.

All CG civilian and military personnel are required to validate a current/correct e-mail address in both their DA and T-PAX profiles. It is imperative that all personnel maintain "uscg.mil" or "dhs.gov" email addresses in both systems. Compliance with this automatically enables the "Forgotten Password" reset function in both systems.

To assist personnel and commands in this tasking, a Step-by-Step Guide can be found at: http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/pswdreset. Additionally, a report titled "CG_Recall_Contact_Info" in DA can help commanding officers identify members for non-compliance with the "Forgotten Password" reset function in DA. No tools are currently available for this use in T-PAX.


Related Content.

Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC) merged with the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO)

Published Date: Tue, 03 Mar 2009 10:35:15 CST

Defense Travel SealThe staff and responsibilities of the Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee (PDTATAC) merged with the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) on 1 October 2008, streamlining central management of commercial travel policy for DoD.

Effective 1 March 2009, the Per Diem Committee Website's new URL is http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/perdiem.

About PDTATAC:

PDTATAC ensures uniform travel and transportation regulations are issued pursuant to applicable laws and policies. PDTATAC coordinates with GSA and the State Department to establish per diem rates for OCONUS locations. PDTATAC also oversees several programs such as Continental U.S. Cost of Living Allowance (CONUS COLA), Outside Continental U.S. Cost of Living Allowance (OCONUS COLA), Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA) as well as the Travel Regulation Change Process.


Related Content.

T-PAX Split-Disbursement Option Disabled During Transition to new Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC)

Published Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:35:15 CST

The Split disbursement function will be turned off in the T-PAX system on 27 February at approximately 1800 (CST). For any claim that has been submitted for payment at that time, PPC/FINCEN will work to distribute payment to the Citibank GTCC. After that date, all monies will be paid to member/traveler via their normal travel payment process. It will be the traveler's responsibility to pay the GTCC. FINCEN will notify the member via email when a GTCC payment was requested but cannot be made.

Should a travel claim cross the dates of 2/27-2/28/09, PPC Travel recommends the traveler not utilize the split disbursement function. Split disbursement will only make payments to Citibank at this time. If an overpayment to Citibank occurs, it will be the member's responsibility to coordinate with Citibank for a refund.

The Split Disbursement function will be re-enabled shortly after the transition to the JP Morgan Chase GTCC is complete.


Related Content.

New URL for PPC

Published Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:00:15 CST

The Personnel Service Center was renamed on 13 February 2009 to the Pay & Personnel Center. We've changed the address of our internet and CGWEB sites to reflect our new name. The internet home page can now be found at http://www.uscg.mil/ppc. The CGWEB site's new address is http://cgweb.ppc.uscg.mil. Please update your favorites/bookmarks and help pass the word.


Related Content.

Modernization Update

Published Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:15:15 CST

PPC Logo - a lighthouse, a sunflower and the Topeka skyline in the backgroundOn February 13, 2009, the current Personnel Service Center in Topeka, Kansas will be renamed the Coast Guard Pay and Personnel Center. This name change will precede the March 16, 2009 stand up of the mission support organization's Personnel Service Center (PSC) in Arlington, Virginia. The new PSC will unify, within one service center, all Coast Guard personnel and human resource support currently provided by the Personnel Command, the Pay and Personnel Center, the Recruiting Command, as well as some functions currently carried out by Headquarters, the MLCs, and ISCs, including services such as housing, MWR, CGES, educational services, health and safety, and work-life. See 'Modernization Update: 27 JAN 09 - Early 2009 Milestones' for more information.


Related Content.

Reissuance of the JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC)

Published Date: Tue, 21 Jan 2009 09:15:05 CST

JPMC is reissuing the government travel card due to coding issues with the magnetic strip on the back of the initially issued cards. The new JPMC GTCC and pin will be mailed separately to the current address on file in the cardholders JPMC profile. Addresses for those cardholders whose initial JPMC GTCC was returned to the bank as being undeliverable have been updated to reflect the cardholders home or unit address.

All GTCC cardholders shall take the following actions:

  1. Immediately destroy, by cutting or shredding, your initially issued JPMC Visa travel card and pin.
  2. Immediately upon receipt, activate your new JPMC Visa GTCC.
  3. Continue to use your Citibank Mastercard GTCC thru February, 27, 2009.
  4. Commence using your new JPMC GTCC on February, 28, 2009.

Related Content.

Local and TDY Mileage Rate Change

Published Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:15:05 CST
Effective 01 January 2009, the TDY mileage rate for a car decreases from $.585/mile to $.55/mile. Rates for travel by airplane and motorcycle also decreased. See JFTR/JTR Immediate Changes (CH 336) for more information at http://www.perdiem.osd.mil/regchgs.htm.
Related Content.

PCS Mileage (MALT) Rate Change

Published Date: Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:15:01 CST
Effective 1 January 2009, the MALT (monetary allowance in lieu of transportation) rate per authorized POC (privately owed conveyance) is $.24 per mile. This rate is effective for all PCS travel that commences on or after 1 January 2009 (i.e., the initial travel is started).
Related Content.

Travel T-PAX/UTS Newsletter Archives

Top of page [Valid RSS]

Last Modified 3/11/2009