§ 301-7.6 - Lodgings-plus per diem system.

Per diem allowances for all official travel, including travel incident to a change of official station, shall be computed under the lodgings-plus per diem system, except as otherwise provided in this part. Under this system, the per diem allowance for each travel day is established on the basis of the actual amount the traveler pays for lodgings plus an allowance for meals and incidental expenses (M&IE), the total not to exceed the applicable maximum per diem rate for the location concerned. The rules provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section and in §§ 301-7.7 through 301-7.10 shall be applied in the specific situations covered.

(a) Maximum per diem rates—(1) For travel within CONUS. Maximum per diem rates prescribed under § 301-7.3(a) for travel within CONUS are listed in appendix A. For all CONUS locations not specifically listed or encompassed by the defined boundaries of a listed location, the standard maximum per diem rate (standard CONUS rate) is prescribed.

(2) For travel outside CONUS. Maximum per diem rates prescribed under §§ 301-7.3(b) and 301-7.3(c) apply to travel outside CONUS.

(3) Maximum rate applicable to change of official station travel. The standard CONUS rate shall be the applicable maximum per diem rate for en route travel performed in CONUS incident to a change of official station. Locality rates prescribed for locations outside CONUS will apply for en route travel performed outside CONUS incident to a change of official station.

(b) Elements of per diem allowance—(1) Maximum lodging expense allowance. The maximum per diem rates include a maximum amount for lodging expenses. The employee will be reimbursed for actual lodging costs incurred up to the applicable maximum amounts. Receipts for lodging are required as provided in § 301-7.9(b).

(2) Meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) allowance. The maximum per diem rates include a fixed allowance for meals and for incidental expenses (M&IE rate). The M&IE rate, or fraction thereof, is payable to the traveler without itemization of expenses or receipts. For a partial day of travel, the M&IE rate shall be prorated as provided in § 301-7.8 (a) or (c)(3), as appropriate.