VAOIG-21-01526-48.pdf

..."Conclusion
The OIG found nothing improper in the two executives’ receiving relocation allowances in
connection with their reassignments. However, guidance provided by VA in the HRM letter does
not appear to properly implement the Federal Travel Regulation, which establishes the “best
interest of the government” standard when considering paying an individual employee’s
relocation allowance after a position has been filled through reassignment. Instead, the HRM
letter applied criteria to relocation allowances that are defined in other federal regulations and
VA policy about the appropriateness of offering relocation incentives for a position in advance of
filling it. The HRM letter should have more accurately articulated the criteria, procedures, and
documentation required for approval of relocation allowances.
Requested Action
The OIG requests that HRA inform the OIG of what action, if any, is taken to revise the
guidance and processes for approving relocation allowances and related documentation. This
includes revisions to the HRM letter or other guidance.
VA Response
Appendix A provides the response of the assistant secretary for HRA/OSP. The assistant
secretary indicated that HRA plans to rescind the HRM letter (HRML 05-18-08) and issue a
bulletin by the end of 2021 that accurately describes VA policy, criteria, procedures, and
documentation required for incentives and relocation allowances. The assistant secretary also
noted that they have recently revised Handbook 5007 and are reviewing Handbook 5005. These
VA OIG 21-01526-48 | Page 6 | December 15, 2021
handbooks (including recent revisions) do not currently address payment of relocation
allowances for the management-directed reassignments that were the subject of this review."...