HR6330-119

What This Bill Does

This bill adds a new title 5 section 5739a allowing federal agencies to use lump-sum relocation payments. When the head of an agency, or a designee, authorizes or approves, the agency may pay an employee who relocates in the interest of the government a one-time lump sum instead of any otherwise authorized or required relocation payment under the relocation-expense subchapter.

The bill requires the Administrator of General Services to prescribe regulations for implementation and administration. Those regulations must cover when agencies may authorize a one-time lump sum instead of the otherwise available payments, how agencies calculate the lump-sum amount, and the process for employees to dispute a relocation-expense claim with their agency. The regulations also must include notice of the employee's right to appeal the agency decision to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals and citations to the Board's appeal procedures. The bill updates the table of sections to add the new authority.

Who Benefits and How

Federal employees relocating for government assignments benefit because a lump-sum option can simplify relocation payments and give earlier certainty about funds. Federal agency human resources offices benefit from a potentially simpler payment structure than processing many itemized relocation reimbursements. Federal finance offices benefit if lump sums reduce administrative work for travel, moving, and relocation claims. GSA policy staff benefit from explicit authority to write government-wide implementation rules. Civilian Board of Contract Appeals judges benefit from a clearer appeal notice requirement tied to relocation-payment disputes.

Who Bears the Burden and How

GSA regulation writers must draft rules on authorization, calculation, disputes, notices, and appeal procedures. Agency heads and designees must decide when lump-sum payments are appropriate instead of itemized relocation payments. Agency disbursing officials must calculate and issue one-time payments under the new regulations. Federal employees must evaluate whether accepting a lump sum covers their actual relocation costs and must use dispute procedures if claims are denied. Relocation service providers may see changed demand if employees manage more expenses from a fixed lump sum.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes agencies to pay a one-time lump sum to employees relocating in the government's interest.
• Provides the lump sum as an alternative to otherwise authorized or required relocation payments.
• Requires GSA regulations on when agencies may use lump sums and how amounts are calculated.
• Requires regulations on employee dispute procedures for relocation-expense claims.
• Requires notice of appeal rights to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.
• Adds new title 5 section 5739a to the table of sections.