United States Government Publishing Office publisher pbl distributor dst United States Government Accountability Office author aut Government Organization text government publication eng GAOREPORTS Legislative Agency Publications gao_comptroller_general legislative 2016-06-24 U.S. Government Publishing Office 1997-03-04 monographic deposited born digital 4 p. GA 1.13:B-271511 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-B-271511 P0b002ee18fd4c6c5 f:271511 DGPO 2016-06-24 2016-06-24 GAOREPORTS-B-271511 machine generated eng fdlp COMPTROLLERDECISION GAOREPORTS-B-271511 B-271511 Comptroller General Decision

1. The National Security Agency may use appropriated funds to purchase food or food vouchers for use as a nonmonetary award under the Government Employees Incentive Awards Act (Act), 5 U.S.C. sec. 4501-4506. We have no legal basis to object to the Office of Personnel Management's conclusion that agencies may use meals or food vouchers as informal recognition awards provided that the agency concludes that (1) the contribution being recognized will be properly rewarded by presenting an informal recognition award of nominal value, rather than a cash award, time off award, or an honorary award; and (2) meals or vouchers therefor represent a form of informal recognition award that would not jeopardize the credibility and integrity of the government's incentive awards program. <p/>2. The Act authorizes agencies to "incur necessary expenses for the honorary recognition of employees." 5 U.S.C. sec. 4503. We have previously interpreted the Act to permit agencies to use operating appropriations to pay for refreshments and meals in connection with agency employee awards ceremonies, if the agency determines that a reception with food would enhance the recognition value of the awards. 65 Comp. Gen. 738, 740 (1986); B-235163.11, February 13, 1996. https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-B-271511/html/GAOREPORTS-B-271511.htm https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/GAOREPORTS-B-271511/pdf/GAOREPORTS-B-271511.pdf GAO/B-271511 https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/GAOREPORTS-B-271511 Comptroller General Decision GAO/B-271511; National Security; Title 5 Section 4501-4506 Title 5 Section 4503 Title 5 Section 4506 5 U.S.C. 4501-4506 5 U.S.C. 4503 5 U.S.C. 4506