PPC Travel News Feed

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Advance Pay and PCS Allowance Policy Reminder

Published Date: Thu, 09 May 2013 14:00:16 CDT

Per ALCOAST 422/12, Servicing Personnel Offices (SPO) shall only approve requests for advance pay of up to one month if applicants meet the conditions in paragraph 2 of the message. Any request for two or three months advance pay must be approved by the member's commanding officer in consideration of the guidelines in paragraphs 3.A through 3.E of the message. PCS travel and transportation advances are limited to 80% of the estimated travel and transportation costs to include MALT, per diem, DLA, and TLE. Payment must not be made more than 30 days before the member detaches, except under extenuating circumstances (e.g., member moves dependents before detaching).

Verifying PCS Order Funds Obligations

Published Date: Fri, 03 May 2013 12:00:16 CDT

Per the Web-TPAX Advance Signature Proxy (ASP) Tutorial, the ASP must verify that funds have been obligated prior to requesting and advance. To speed the process of receiving authorization for approving PCS advances when the FINCEN Query by Document (CGWEB Link) shows the TONO does not exist or funds are not obligated, send an e-mail inquiry to Ms. Shannon Dorsey at DCMS, Shannon.t.dorsey@uscg.mil. Include in the email the member's name, EMPLID, PCS TONO, DA status of orders and date of status. (Note: It takes about 10 days for the obligation to take place after the SPO places the order in a ready status.)

Direct Access and Imaging System Outage 28 May-03 June

Published Date: Fri, 03 May 2013 09:00:16 CDT

As announced in CG-1's Flag Voice #365, a new contract has been awarded for the hosting of our Human Resources (HR) systems, Direct Access (DA) and HR Imaging System (ImageNow/WebNow). During the transition to the new provider, DA and the Imaging System will not be available. Here is the timeline for the transition:

  1. 28 May - HR Imaging taken offline at 1600 EDT*
  2. 30 May - Direct Access taken offline at 2000 EDT
  3. 03 Jun - Direct Access and HR Imaging on line in regular production environments at 0800 EDT.

*During the period 28 May to 03 June PPC will not be able to process user access forms for TPAX or Direct Access. PPC will resume processing user access forms when the imaging system becomes available.

Travel Approving Official eNewsletter 01 May 2013/ PCS Travel Advances

Published Date: Wed, 01 May 2013 12:00:16 CDT

Approving Officials and Advance Signature Proxies,

As of 1 April 2013 all military PCS travel advances are submitted through Web TPAX by the Advance Signature Proxy. The ASP permission is given to Yeomen assigned to the SPO that have the CGHRS or CGHRSUP Direct Access permission. The updated CG-7421A has been posted on the PPC website. PCS advances sent to PPC via fax will not be processed. Travelers who need TDY advances may submit through Web TPAX or by fax with an SF-1038 and a copy of the signed orders.

When processing PCS orders with advances, refer to Chapter 2.A.8 of the Personnel and Pay Procedures manual. A completed original PCS travel order signed by the Approving Official must be scanned and uploaded to Web TPAX. The image must be in the Portable Document Format (PDF). In the Image Description field, do not name it the same as the file name, this will cause an error in the application. Before you begin the PCS advance, ensure the PCS travel advances are correctly listed on the order. Each entitlement will be separated with the total amount and the advance amount shown. IAW ALCOAST 422/12, PCS travel and transportation advances are limited to 80 percent of the estimated travel and transportation costs to include, MALT, per diem, DLA, and TLE. If the member is requesting an advance on an entitlement and is authorized other entitlements, 80 percent of the requested entitlement will be paid.

Example: 

MEMBER PER DIEM             _______ @ 80% _________
MEMBER MALT                 _______ @ 80% _________
DEPENDENT(S) PER DIEM       _______ @ 80% _________
DEPENDENT(S) MALT           _______ @ 80% _________
DLA                         _______ @ 80% _________
TLE                         _______ @ 80% _________
TOTAL                       _______ @ 80% _________

PCS TRAVEL ADVANCE AUTHORIZED FOR $___________

Do not submit the PCS advance to PPC when it is greater than 35 days before the member detaches. The additional five days accounts for processing time and making payment to the member. Per the Coast Guard Supplement to the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (CGS-JFTR), COMDTINST M4600.17(series), paragraph 5020, payment of advances must not be made more than 30 days before the member detaches, except under extenuating circumstances. If you need to submit a PCS advance to PPC greater than 35 days due to extenuating circumstances, the SPO Approving Official may submit a PPC Customer Care Ticket with details.

The Coast Guard no longer obligates PCS TONOs as a doc type 12, these doc types are converted to a doc type 19. All PCS obligations for travel can be viewed in the FINCEN Query by Document website by changing the first two numbers on the TONO. For example, a member is issued TONO 1213G13MNO11Z000 on their PCS travel order. Prior to the AO approving the PCS advance in Web TPAX, the AO must check for funds obligation under 1913G13MNO11Z (minus the suffix). If the funds are obligated, the AO may approve the PCS advance. The obligation takes place a couple days after the orders have been placed in a Ready Status. To place orders in a Ready Status, the CGHRSUP must approve the orders in DA. If the funds have not been obligated, the AO must wait for DCMS to obligate the funds. The TONO on the orders shall remain a 12 doc type.

Resources:

CWO3 JAY BENBOW
TRAVEL BRANCH CHIEF
COAST GUARD PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER

Direct Access and Imaging System Outage Postponed

Published Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:00:16 CDT

The Direct Access and Imaging System hosting contract cutover is postponed. An ALCOAST update will be coming out soon with the new dates.

As announced in CG-1's Flag Voice #365, a new contract has been awarded for the hosting of our Human Resources (HR) systems, Direct Access (DA) and HR Imaging System (ImageNow/WebNow). During the transition to the new provider, DA and the Imaging System will not be available. Here is the timeline for the transition:

  1. 3 May - HR Imaging taken offline at 1700 EDT*
  2. 8 May - Direct Access taken offline at 1700 EDT
  3. 13 May - Direct Access and HR Imaging on line in regular production environments at 0800 EDT.

*During the period 3 to 13 May PPC will not be able to process user access forms for TPAX or Direct Access. PPC will resume processing user access forms when the imaging system becomes available.

Government Travel Charge Card Program Updates and PCS Reminders

Published Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2013 15:00:16 CDT

ALCGPSC 046/13

SUBJ: GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CHARGE CARD (GTCC) PROGRAM UPDATES AND PCS SEASON REMINDERS

A. Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) Program Policies and Procedures, COMDTINST M4600.18 (SERIES)

1. This message seeks to raise awareness of the need to maintain accurate cardholder information and provide general guidance as we move into the summer transfer season.

2. Account Information Updates. The current DHS task order contract with JPMC for the fleet, purchase and travel card programs expires on 30 Nov 13. DHS is working to award a new five year contract under the GSA Smartpay2 Contract. This new contract will be awarded to JPMC, CITIBANK, or USBANK. The potential transition to a new bank significantly increases the importance of cardholders ensuring their contact information (phone, mailing address, and e-mail address) remain current in the bank system from now through the new contract start date. Cardholders should always provide their (AT)uscg.mil address as their primary e-mail address if available and use the copy address for their personal e-mail address. Contact information can be updated by calling the bank at 888-297-0781 or by contacting their local Travel Manager. The list of Travel Managers is available under the contacts tab on the PSC-BOPS webpage: www.uscg.mil/psc/bops/govtrvl/.

3. Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Issues. Relocation to a new duty station can be both exciting and stressful on the member and the family. Provided below are a few helpful reminders to ensure cardholders use their travel card correctly during the move:

A. PCS Duration. If the duration of the PCS travel will exceed 15 days, including leave, compensatory absence, proceed-time, and temporary duty in conjunction with the PCS, the card shall not be used. This does not apply to Temporary Lodging Allowance (TLA). The card may be used to cover hotels and meals in conjunction with the TLA entitlement, but reimbursement claims must be submitted every 15 days to allow for timely payment of the GTCC bill. In the case of Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE), card use is subject to the 15-day rule addressed above. If PCS travel duration will exceed 15 days, ensure the traveler requests a travel advance to cover the expenses.

B. Dependent Travel. The GTCC shall not be used for dependent travel expenses such as meals, lodging, and transportation tickets. Instead members should request travel advances and ensure their PCS travel orders authorize the use of the Centrally Billed Account (CBA) for dependent travel.

C. Leisure in Conjunction with Official Travel. Use of the members GTCC or the CBA and the GSA contracted fares for travel other than between official duty stations is not authorized. Special rules and fare restrictions apply to leisure in conjunction with official travel. Travelers are encouraged to review the Leisure in Conjunction with Official FAQ sheet available at www.uscg.mil/psc/bops/govtrvl/Traveler/LICWO-FAQ.pdf or contact their Servicing Personnel Office (SPO) prior to booking any leisure travel.

D. Transportation of Household Goods. The GTCC is not authorized for the transportation of household goods (for example: U Haul rental), privately owned vehicles, mobile homes and boats per reference (A). This includes Personally Procured Moves (PPM).

E. Credit Limit Increases. As part of your travel preparations, travelers should verify that the credit limit on their GTCC is sufficient to meet their authorized, reimbursable travel expenses. Cardholders can view their credit limit in Direct Access under the Self-Service, Employee, View, My Credit Card Data or by contacting their Travel Manager who can also increase the limit if needed.

4. All questions should be directed as follows:

A. Cardholders shall direct GTCC questions to their unit GTCC Travel Manager. Members can determine who their supporting Travel Managers are under the contacts page located at www.uscg.mil/psc/bops/govtrvl/.

B. GTCC Travel Managers shall direct questions to Ms. Carlene Curry at 703-872-6398 or Evelyn.C.Curry(AT)uscg.mil or Mr. Matt Ruckert at 703-872-6404 or Matthew.T.Ruckert(AT)uscg.mil.

5. RDML Dave Callahan, Commander, CG Personnel Service Center, sends.

6. Internet Release Authorized.

Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) Notification 28 March 2013

Published Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:00:16 CDT

The following information was updated for 01 April 2013:

  • OCONUS Non-Foreign and Foreign Per Diem Rates
  • CONUS Per Diem Rates for FY 2013
  • Overseas Housing Allowances (OHA)
  • Overseas Cost of Living Allowances (COLA)
  • Travel Regulations (JFTR & JTR)

To access this information, visit http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil.

FY2013 Midyear Per Diem Adjustments in the States of Oklahoma and Texas

Published Date: Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:00:16 CDT

The General Services Administration has adjusted per diem rates in two locations in the states of Oklahoma and Texas, effective April 1, 2013.

The adjustments were made for Garfield County, Oklahoma and Midland County, Texas.

Please visit www.gsa.gov/perdiem to view these changes, as well as all of the rates.

Personally Procured Household Goods Movement (PPM) Guidance (ALCOAST 94/13)

Published Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:00:16 CDT

Thinking of conducting a personally procured move (PPM), formerly known as do-it-yourself move (DITY), this transfer season? ALCOAST 094/13 provides guidance you must follow if you expect to be reimbursed for a PPM.

Transfer Season 2013 Household Goods (HHG) Shipping Information

Published Date: Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:16 CDT

ALCOAST 132/13
COMDTNOTE 4050

SUBJ: TRANSFER SEASON 2013 HOUSEHOLD GOODS (HHG) SHIPPING INFORMATION AND MANDATORY CUSTOMER SATISFACTION SURVEY

  1. Transfer season 2013 will be in full swing soon and whether a member is performing a long distance permanent change of station (PCS) move or a funded short distance move, HHG counseling is necessary. HHG counseling may be conducted in person by a Transportation Officer (TO), or members may self counsel using the Defense Personal Property System (DPS). Requests for short distance HHG moves, including those to or from unusually arduous sea duty, must be forwarded to COMDT (CG-1222) for consideration.
  2. The time period between 15 May and 31 July is the peak of the HHG moving season. If at all possible, members should avoid requesting a HHG shipment during this peak season. As soon as possible after receipt of authenticated Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders, members should contact their HHG transportation office to request a HHG movement, or self counsel in DPS. The earlier a HHG shipment is requested the more likely the requested packing, pick-up, and delivery dates can be met. Requested dates are not guaranteed, so members should not cancel or enter into a rental agreement, lease, or buy or sell a home until they have verified with their TO and their Transportation Service Provider (TSP) that their requested dates are confirmed.
  3. After a member receives their authenticated PCS orders, please direct them to www.move.mil to register in DPS. DPS allows members and spouses to self counsel, request HHG packing, pick-up and delivery dates, and file any necessary damage claims directly with the TSP from their desk or home. After a member registers in DPS, it will take up to 72 hours to receive their user name and password to schedule their move. Because a common access card is required to register in DPS, members conducting their first or last move (accession, separation, or retirement) should visit a transportation office to set up their HHG shipment.
  4. DPS is not available underway. If members assigned afloat cannot schedule their HHG movements while in port, they may see their legal assistance office or transportation office to grant another person a special power of attorney to schedule their HHG movements.
  5. During HHG peak season it may be difficult to secure a Government contracted TSP that meets everyones desired packing, pick-up, and delivery dates. If a TSP cannot be contracted that meets a members desired dates, members have the option to conduct a Personally Procured Move (PPM), previously known as a Do-It-Yourself Move. If a member properly conducts a PPM they will receive an incentive payment up to 95 percent of what it would have cost the Government to move their HHGs based on certified weight tickets, not to exceed their maximum weight allowance, at the Governments best value rate in one shipment. More information on PPMs will be published in a separate ALCOAST.
  6. Exceeding HHG weight limits is the number one reason members pay excess costs for HHG shipments. To avoid paying excess costs members must be aware of their maximum HHG weight allowance, found in the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR), U5310.b.2. To reduce HHG weight and prevent excess costs, members are encouraged to dispose of any unwanted or unneeded HHG. To help estimate HHG weights, a weight estimating tool is available on the www.move.mil web site. Also, the TSP will estimate the weight of members HHG during the pre-move survey. If a member desires a witnessed HHG reweigh it must be requested before HHGs are delivered. It is not possible to reweigh HHGs after delivery.
  7. Professional books, papers, and equipment, also known as pro gear, do not count toward a members HHG weight allowance. However, all items claimed as pro gear must meet the definition of pro gear in JFTR U5310-C and JFTR Appendix A. Items not meeting the description of pro gear will count toward a members maximum HHG weight allowance. Because spousal pro gear is limited to 500 pounds, a member cannot combine their pro gear with spousal pro gear. An itemized inventory of spousal pro gear must be provided to the TO at the time of counseling and must indicate the profession for which the items are being used (e.g. lawyer, doctor, teacher). The itemized inventory of spousal pro gear must be certified by the members signature.
  8. Members are responsible for ensuring pro gear is separated from HHG during packing and weighed separately during pick-up. All pro gear must be identified as such on the TSP inventory sheet at origin and the estimated weight must be entered on the Application for Shipment and/or Storage of Personal Property, DD Form 1299. Ensure the term M-PRO is used to identify the military members pro gear and S-PRO is used to identify spousal pro gear. Each line item for pro gear must indicate M-PRO/S-PRO, cubic ft, and pounds. Pro gear cannot be claimed after the fact. There are no exceptions or waivers to this policy.
  9. Another important feature of DPS is the ability to grade a TSPs performance by submitting a Customer Satisfaction Survey (CSS). The CSS process is simple and its importance cannot be overstated. The CSS is used to document positive and negative experiences and helps determine the number of military HHG shipments a TSP will receive in the future. Because the CSS can only be completed after delivery of HHG, members should make note of anything positive or negative they would like to include in their CSS.
  10. Damage claim submission is the responsibility of the member. Completion and submission of the Joint Statement of Loss or Damage at Delivery, DD Form 1840 by the member and TSP, and the Notice of Loss or Damage, DD Form 1840R by the member after the TSP departs does not constitute filing a claim. These forms are only used for proper notification of loss or damage to a TSP. A claim is separate and distinct, and must be submitted in a timely manner. See www.move.mil and the Coast Guard Finance Centers (FINCEN) web site www.fincen.uscg.mil/hhg.htm for guidance on HHG damage claim submissions. If a TSP offers to submit a claim on a members behalf, the member should decline the TSPs offer and request all documentation associated with their move to submit the claim themselves.
  11. Full replacement value (FRV) protection now applies to all HHG shipments. It is important for service members to understand that FRV does not mean that a member will receive the full replacement cost for every item lost, damaged, or destroyed. To find more information on FRV a member can visit the Army Surface Deployment and Distribution Command (SDDC) web site www.sddc.army.mil/pp/default.aspx. If a member desires additional HHG damage insurance they may purchase it from a private insurance provider.
  12. The pamphlet "Its Your Move" contains guidance about shipping HHGs. This pamphlet and other useful HHG information are available at www.fincen.uscg.mil/hhg.htm. Additional HHG transportation information can also be found at the SDDC web site www.sddc.army.mil/pp/default.aspx.
  13. In accordance with JFTR, par. U5417, members with dependents who own more than one POV may ship a second POV within the Continental United States (INCONUS). However, the member and their dependents must travel together in one POV, and commercial travel at government expense is not authorized for the member or any dependents. The Governments reimbursement for transporting a second POV will be limited to the monetary allowance in lieu of transportation (MALT) plus per diem a member or dependent would have been entitled to for non-concurrent travel by two POVs to the new PDS, or the actual cost to ship a second POV whichever is less. Any excess costs incurred to ship a second POV will be borne by the member. Members must personally arrange for shipment of a second POV INCONUS and are not entitled to reimbursement for delivery to, or pick-up from the carrier. Members orders must reflect this entitlement and display the maximum reimbursement computations. The entitlement to ship a POV INCONUS when the member is physically unable to drive or there is insufficient time in accordance with JFTR, par. U5415 may only be authorized by COMDT (CG-1222).
  14. To ensure members are aware of their HHG transportation entitlements and the requirements of this ALCOAST commands are to ensure that all members departing PCS receive a printed copy of this ALCOAST. Also, HHG counseling should be placed on each units PCS check in/out sheet.
  15. COMDT (CG-1222) POC is CWO Randy Jeffery at 202-475-5393, James.R.Jeffery@uscg.mil or Mr. Tony Pearson at 202-475-5368, Anthony.H.Pearson@uscg.mil.
  16. RADM Steven E. Day, Acting Director Reserve and Military Personnel Policy sends.
  17. Internet release authorized.

Web-TPAX CAC Certificate Issue Resolved

Published Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 16:00:16 CDT

The Web-TPAX CAC login issue has been resolved. If you are having any other issue, please contact PPC Customer Service.

How to Bypass Web-TPAX CAC Login

Published Date: Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:00:16 CDT

Web-TPAX is experiencing logon issues associated with certain CAC authentication certificate numbers. PPC is aware of the situation and is working towards a resolution. If you need to process a travel claim, and are getting a "403 forbidden: access is denied" error message close completely out of Internet Explorer (IE). Reopen IE and reconnect to Web-Tpax. Bypass the CAC logon by clicking escape at the CAC authentication screen or by hitting cancel. This will allow you to bypass the CAC and use your logon user name and password. If you are having any other issue, please contact PPC Customer Service.

Web-TPAX CAC Login

Published Date: Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:00:16 CDT

The CAC certificate issue with Web-TPAX has been resolved. However, some users who normally use the auto-login, may be prompted for their primary password. If this happens, type in your password and login. Logout, close Internet Explorer (IE), re-open IE and proceed to Web TPAX. This will reset the CAC auto-login process.

Web-TPAX Certificate Error

Published Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:00:16 CDT

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties in Web TPAX, specifically with CAC certificate 29. We are diligently working to resolve the issue.

Government Travel Charge Card Bulletin

Published Date: Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:00:16 CST

Transfer season is right around the corner! Now is a good time for some reminders on the proper use of the JPMC Govt Travel Card:

February 2013 GTCC BULLETIN pdf

Guidance for Passports

Published Date: Tue, 05 Mar 2013 17:00:16 CST

OFFICIAL PASSPORT DIVISION STAFF

The Passport and Visa Division is located at Coast Guard Headquarters, in the Office of International Affairs and Foreign Policy (CG-DCO-I).

For all passport and visa inquiries, please email the passport division staff members at: uscgpassports@uscg.mil.

OFFICIAL PASSPORT AND VISA RESOURCES

Official passport and visa regulations and procedures can be found in Chapter 9 of COMDTINST M5710.5, Foreign Affairs Policy Manual (FAPM).

Comprehensive, one-stop shopping for passport and visa information can be found at the DCO-I Passport and Visa CGPortal Page.

HELPFUL GUIDANCE

Ensure that all members who are PCS-ing to a new unit retain their official passport, and either keep it on their person or forwarded along with their PDR.

Do not return official passports to DCO-I unless the member is separating from the service for any reason (Relad, Discharge, Unqualified Resignation, Temp Sep, etc).

All newly issued passports, and any passport movement shall be entered into Direct Access.

PASSPORT AGENT TRAINING

CG-DCO-I holds 2 Passport Acceptance Agent Trainings per year at USCG Headquarters in Washington DC and is funded by the member's unit. If interested in attending, please send an email to: uscgpassports@uscg.mil or visit the DCO-I Passport and Visa CGPortal Page.

Travel AO eNewsletter 05 February 13 / CG Supplement to the JFTR

Published Date: Thu, 06 Feb 2013 13:00:16 CST

Approving Officials,

I would like to announce the promulgation of the Coast Guard Supplement to the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (CGS-JFTR), COMDTINST 4600.17A. This new CGS-JFTR replaces a directive that served us well for almost 20 years.

The CGS-JFTR provides additional guidance to the travel and transportation regulations for military personnel and their dependents contained in the Joint Federal Travel Regulations Volume 1 (JFTR). If the CGS-JFTR conflicts with the JFTR, the JFTR takes precedence. There may be circumstances under which the payment of allowances is prohibited in the JFTR and in the CGS-JFTR; those circumstances are stated. The absence of a prohibition does not imply or grant authority or permission for any action for which authority does not exist/is not explicitly allowed in the JFTR or in the CGS-JFTR. Authorizing/Approving Officials (AOs) and travelers have the responsibility to ensure travel orders are complete, accurate, and lawful. If a statement or endorsement is on a travel order, the entitlements of such a statement or endorsement must be supported by the statutory regulations contained in the JFTR. Significant updates and clarifications to the JFTR travel and transportation regulations have been promulgated since the last CGS-JFTR issuance in 1993. Some of the most significant changes reflected in the new CGS-JFTR are listed below.

I strongly encourage members who coordinate travel and prepare travel orders to read this updated directive. Some aspects of military travel can be very complicated and challenging to understand. Our goal is to provide useful, easily understood direction within the CGS-JFTR. No paper distribution will be made of this Manual. An electronic version will be located on the Internet at http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/4000-4999/CIM_4600_17A.pdf

COMMANDANT (CG-1222)
ATTN: YNCM SNYDER
US COAST GUARD
2100 2ND ST SW STOP 7801
WASHINGTON DC 20593-7801

CGS-JFTR SIGNIFICANT UPDATES/CLARIFICATIONS PER THE JFTR

Par.
2020-E: Members attending a conference must have an approved Conference Attendance Form on file in accordance with the Conference Guide, available on CGPORTAL. Registration fees to attend a conference which is determined to be a training activity under 5 CFR 410.404 are reimbursable travel expenses.

2710-B: An AO has the right to request a receipt for questionable travel expenditures less than $75.

2800-A: The local area may include separate counties, cities, towns, or installations adjacent to or within 50 miles or less, or a two hour roundtrip commute as determined by DTOD, served by local public transit systems, or between which the commuting public travels on a daily basis, refer to Figures 4-1 (pg. 4-6) and 7-1 (pg. 7-7) when determining the entitlement to per diem.

3320-A: A compact car is the standard size rental vehicle authorized for TDY travel. The AO may authorize or approve an appropriately sized rental vehicle when it is determined that the standard size does not meet the mission requirements. Only one rental vehicle may be authorized or approved for a member, reimbursement for multiple rental vehicles at one time is not authorized.

4102-A: A member is not authorized per diem on any day not in a travel status or any day classified as leave (e.g., annual leave, sick leave, paternity leave, etc.) or administrative absence. Refer to the Military Assignments and Authorized Absences Manual, COMDTINST M1000.8 (series) for a complete listing of authorized absences. Refer to the JFTR, Paragraph U7225, for the lodging reimbursement authorized to a reserve member ordered TDY in support of a Contingency Operation who retains lodging at the TDY location during an authorized absence.

4105: Members under a voluntary TDY in support of a Contingency Operation order at one location in CONUS for more than 180 consecutive days are authorized a per diem rate equal to 55% of the applicable locality per diem rate (lodging and M&IE).

4131: A member who leases or rents an apartment, house, or recreation vehicle with other official or non-official traveler(s) must only be reimbursed the appropriate percentage of the following lodging expenses (e.g., two occupants - each receive 50%; three occupants - each receive 33%) not to exceed the applicable locality or the reduced per diem lodging rate prescribed.

4135: Dual lodging is limited to a maximum of seven consecutive days, extensions beyond seven consecutive days may only be approved after the fact by COMDT (CG-1222).

4137: Note: Effective for orders issued on or after 1 April 2013, a member who purchases a home TDY will not be entitled to the M&IE portion of per diem in accordance with Paragraph 4177.

5020: PCS travel and transportation advances are limited to 80% of the estimated travel and transportation costs to include MALT plus per diem, DLA, and TLE.

5100: In accordance with the JFTR, Paragraph U5355, on a case-by-case basis COMDT (CG-1222) may authorize or approve a local short distance HHG move to include DLA in connection with a PCS order when the member's residence or old PDS are within the local area of the new PDS and household relocation is mission essential, in the Government's best interest, and not primarily for the member's convenience, this would include a short distance HHG move for a member when the new or old PDS is an Unusually Arduous Sea Duty vessel in accordance with the JFTR, Paragraphs U5222-D2 and U5350-C.

5107: POC travel thru CONUS is not authorized for a consecutive overseas tour (COT) PCS order unless in accordance with Paragraph 7200-C, POC travel is authorized or approved by COMDT (CG-1222) because it has been determined to be cost advantageous to the Government.

5600-D: DLA is not authorized in connection with a PCS from home or from the place from which called/ordered to active duty (PLEAD) to the first PDS unless the member has dependents that relocate. This would include a reserve member issued a long-term active duty PCS order that is not currently on long-term active duty.

5600-E: A member married to member couple (with or without dependents) who both relocate in connection with a PCS during the same assignment season, from the same residence at the old PDS to the same residence at the new PDS, are only authorized the applicable DLA rate (with or without dependents) to one of the members, not both. An exception to this rule may be authorized if the member that remained at the old PDS was required to establish a new non-temporary residence and had a separate HHG shipment.

7150-A: Travel and transportation allowances are not authorized for travel between the member's primary residence/home/PLEAD and the place of active duty when both are in the corporate limits of the same city/town. When a member's primary residence/home/PLEAD is not within the corporate limits of the same city/town but is within the local area as defined in Paragraph 2800-A, one round trip during the active duty period may be reimbursed using the applicable TDY mileage rate determined by odometer reading, per diem would not be authorized. When determining the entitlement to per diem the DTOD is the only official source for determined TDY distances.

7200-A1: In-Place COT (IPCOT). Personnel who receive consecutive tours of duty at the same OCONUS PDS must have completed their initial tour length to include any extensions and their new assignment must be for the tour length contained in the Military Assignments and Authorized Absences Manual, COMDTINST M1000.8 (series), Articles 1.A.4.a.(1)-(3),(5) for officers and Article 1.A.4.b. for enlisted, to be entitled to IPCOT leave travel. The member must complete the first overseas tour regardless of billet reassignment at the PDS to qualify for IPCOT leave travel.

7200-A2: Note: The tour lengths (with or without dependents) contained in the Military Assignments and Authorized Absences Manual, COMDTINST M1000.8 (series) govern COT/IPCOT leave travel eligibility; any deviation in tour lengths (e.g., short tours) could adversely affect eligibility.

7200-C: COT travel performed by POC may be authorized or approved by COMDT (CG-1222) if determined to be cost advantageous to the Government. If POC use is authorized or approved the member is authorized MALT plus per diem. If a POC is used for PCS travel between two OCONUS PDSs without authorization or approval the member's reimbursement is limited to the policy constructed airfare contained in the JFTR, Appendix A.

7200-D: COT leave travel is meant to be taken between two OCONUS tours in connection with PCS travel and should only be deferred when the member is operationally unable to travel to the HOR or an alternate location en route. Commands should counsel detaching personnel eligible for COT leave travel as to this requirement. Deferral of COT leave travel for an eligible traveler that travels through CONUS, or through or near an OCONUS HOR may only be authorized by COMDT (CG-1222). Commands have no authority to authorize deferral of COT leave travel for an eligible traveler that travels through CONUS, or through or near an OCONUS HOR.

7450: When a member is ordered to travel for disciplinary action (e.g., NJP, Court-Martial) lodging, meals, and travel must be provided by the Government (Government conveyance or Government procured transportation). Payment of per diem, while traveling or while at the disciplinary action point is not authorized.

7450-A: If a POC is used for the ordered travel, the member is authorized the Other Mileage Rate contained in the JFTR, Paragraph U2600-A for the official distance and reimbursement for highway, bridge, tunnel tolls, and parking fees.

7960-A: The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905, signed into law on 15 October 2010 authorizes reimbursement for travel to specialty care less than 100 miles for a beneficiary and one necessary attendant residing on an island in CONUS which lacks public access roads to the mainland. The beneficiary must be enrolled in TRICARE Prime and referred to a specialty care provider by a primary care physician.

Travel AO eNewsletter 02 January 2013 / PCS Travel Advances

Published Date: Fri, 01 Feb 2013 11:00:16 CST

WEB TPAX PCS Advances

Approving Officials,

The tutorial for submitting PCS travel advances through Web TPAX by the Advance Signature Proxy (ASP) is located on the PPC Travel website. Starting 1 April 2013, all PCS travel advances must be submitted through Web TPAX. PCS Advances submitted by fax or attached to a PPC customer care ticket will no longer be accepted.

The Coast Guard no longer obligates PCS TONOs as a doc type 12, these doc types are converted to a doc type 19. All PCS obligations for travel can be viewed in the FINCEN Query by Document website by changing the first two numbers on the TONO. For example, a member is issued TONO 1213G13MNO11Z000 on their PCS travel order. Prior to the AO approving the PCS advance in Web TPAX, the AO must check for funds obligation under 1913G13MNO11Z (minus the suffix). If the funds are obligated, the AO may approve the PCS advance. The obligation normally takes place a couple days after the orders have been placed in a ready status. To place orders in a ready status, the CGHRSUP must approve the orders in DA. If the funds have not been obligated, the AO must wait for DCMS to obligate the funds. The TONO on the orders shall remain a 12 doc type.

WEB TPAX PCS Travel Advance Resources:

WEB TPAX PCS Advances Q&A

Q1: Who can have the Advance Signature Proxy permission in Web TPAX?

A1: The Advance Signature Proxy permission is given to Yeomen assigned to the SPO. PPC now verifies this by the user roles CGHRS and CGHRSUP in Direct Access.

Q2: Does the TONO in Web TPAX get entered as a doc type 12 or 19?

A2: When processing the advance in Web TPAX, enter the TONO as a doc type 12 (as stated on the orders). The doc type 19 is used to verify obligation of funds in the FINCEN Query by Document website only.

CWO3 JAY BENBOW
TRAVEL BRANCH CHIEF
COAST GUARD PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER

Travel AO eNewsletter 02 January 2013

Published Date: Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:00:16 CST

Approving Officials:

Contents:

  1. PCS Travel Advances in Web TPAX
  2. Calendar Year 2013 Mileage and Government Meal Rate
  3. Reserve Contingency Orders

PCS Travel Advances in Web TPAX:

The Pay and Personnel Center is transitioning from processing faxed PCS travel advances to SPOs submitting all PCS travel advances in Web TPAX. A user role called Advance Signature Proxy (ASP) will allow a proxy to request PCS travel advances on behalf of the member, attach a PDF copy of the orders in Web TPAX and forward to the AO to review/approve. The ASP and AO cannot be the same person when processing the advance. I highly recommend all SPOs submit CG-7421A's for Yeomen who process PCS orders/advances for the Advance Signature Proxy user role. The ASP block on the CG-7421A must be checked, signed by the member and the command. When completing the CG-7421A, remember this form will supersede all previous forms. As such, if you are an AO or Travel Manager, you need to ensure this permission is annotated on the newly submitted form as well. The ASP permission will automatically expire one year from the date the command signs. SPOs may start submitting for the ASP roll immediately. PPC will verify SPO personnel off the SPO contact list that's currently posted on the PPC website (http://cgweb.ppc.uscg.mil/spocontactlist.asp).

This process replaces the need to complete the SF-1038 (Advance of Funds Application and Account) and fax coversheet. A member who submits a command approved PCS departing Worksheet (CG-2000) requesting a PCS travel advance does not need to review the Web TPAX advance since their signature is on the PCS worksheet. The process to fax PCS travel advances will be terminated in the near future. A tutorial to process a PCS travel advance for the ASP and AO is located below and on the PPC Travel website. Chapter 2.A.9 of the PPPM has been updated to reflect the new process. PCS travel advance entitlements must be authorized on the orders with each entitlement separated with the total amount shown and at the authorized eighty percent, for example:

DLA w/Dependents:$2000.00@80%$1600.00
Mbr. MALT Plus:$200.00@80%$160.00
Dept. MALT Plus:$100.00@80%$80.00
Advance TLE:$500.00@80%$400.00
Total:$2800.00@80%$2240.00

PCS TVL Advance Authorized at 80%: $2240.00

Links:

Calendar Year 2013 Mileage and Government Meal Rate:

Updates to the mileage rates have been approved by GSA Bulletin FTR 13-02 effective 1 January 2013. These changes are scheduled to appear in JFTR change number 568. These rates have be loaded into TPAX for uniform and civilian travelers.

TDY:

$0.565 - Automobile (if no GOV is available)
$0.535 - Motorcycle
$1.33 - Airplane
$0.24 - POC use instead of a GOV'T furnished vehicle (if a GOV is available) when use of a GOV'T furnished vehicle is to the GOV'T advantage.

Effective 1 January 2013, the Government Meal Rate (GMR) is 11.70.

PCS:

Effective 1 January 2013, the MALT rate per authorized POC is $.24/mile.

Reserve Contingency Orders:

A worksheet to compute lodging reimbursement during an authorized absence or while on leave for members on long-term voluntary Contingency ADOS orders at the 55% per diem (IAW U7225/JFTR) has been created and placed on the PPC Travel website. http://www.uscg.mil/ppc/travel/55PercentLodgingComputation.xls

Receipts are required to calculate the out-of-pocket expense reimbursement. Travel claims that are selected for an audit and the member had an authorized absence or went on leave must include the lodging receipts with the audit package. Receipts are needed to check what the member would have received if the authorized absence had not been taken.

CWO3 JAY BENBOW
TRAVEL BRANCH CHIEF
COAST GUARD PAY & PERSONNEL CENTER

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