GSA freezes 2013 per diem travel rates

Officials at the General Services Administration will keep 2012 levels for per diem rates for the next fiscal year to cut travel costs, according to an Aug. 14 announcement.

Keeping the per diem travel reimbursement rates for fiscal year 2013 at current 2012 levels will save nearly $20 million in avoided costs, officials said in a statement. The decision supports an Office of Management and Budget directive that requires agencies to slash travel spending in FY 2013 by 30 percent compared to FY 2010.

The action also aligns with Acting Administrator Dan Tangherlini’s ongoing top-to-bottom assessment of how GSA conducts its business.

“GSA is undergoing a rigorous review process to find ways in which we can streamline agency operations and save money across the government,” Tangherlini said. ”By keeping per diem rates at current levels, we are supporting federal agencies in controlling costs and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used wisely.”

FY13 per diem rates kick in Oct. 1. Current rates are available on GSA’s Per Diem web page.