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Federal Travel Policy Governmentwide Review . Cheryl Daly September 21, 2011. Background. Governmentwide travel policy review 2007 – 2009 Objective to simplify and streamline travel policies Began with DoD ; expanded to all federal travelers
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Federal Travel PolicyGovernmentwide Review Cheryl Daly September 21, 2011
Background • Governmentwide travel policy review 2007 – 2009 • Objective to simplify and streamline travel policies • Began with DoD; expanded to all federal travelers • Workshops included reps from across federal agencies • Today’s agenda • Discuss guiding principles / lessons learned • Review recommendations • Possible initiatives for future thought
Guiding Principles / Lessons Learned • Evaluate policy options in light of government operations/ mission impact • Evaluate policies for currency and practicality – best practices and industry trends • Treat travelers as responsible professionals who will act in good faith to minimize overall cost to agency • Look for opportunities to simplify, streamline and consolidate policies • Establish policies that are understandable to the traveler • Policies should be easy for agency to administer efficiently • Acknowledge that statutory authority and specific operational/mission requirements may warrant separate policies
Guiding Principles / Lessons Learned, cont. • Don’t be constrained by “as is” when reviewing current policies and allowances/entitlements • Ensure policy changes don’t create “unintended consequences” • Acknowledge “one size doesn’t fit all” and allow flexibilityto meet unusual circumstances (e.g., waivers) • Think strategically to transform….bring in critical thinkers • When you’re done and you rewrite the rules….explain the rationaleto the readers
Travel review recommendations – 2009 • Create a framework for proactive policy development • Strengthen governance structures • Enable data driven business case development • Expand governmentwide principles • Simplify and streamline policy • Simplify reimbursements • Submit a travel reform legislative package • Revise and standardize governmentwideregulations • Review governmentwide regulations and recommend a consistent level • Restructure policy guidance for uniformed members and DoD civilians
Initiatives to consider • Establish standards for air travel; modify hotel standard • Air: economy seat (middle OK), 1 bag for <2 weeks / 2 bags for more, 1 carry-on • Lodging: room, access to internet • Review use of PCS/TCS/TDY to drive entitlements • Is length of travel a better identifier? • Consider total costs • Develop standard to include labor costs • Develop standard to include cost trade-offs • Incorporate automatic updates where required • Increase traveler's flexibility • Establish plan to change reimbursement to simple trip rates