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Lodging taxes are not included in the above per diem rates but are reimbursed as a separate expense.

Lodging

Employees should obtain government (or the most economical) room rates where available.

Actual lodging expenses may exceed the applicable federal rate to a maximum of 300%, per the Federal Travel Regulation, if any of the special or unusual circumstances listed below apply. No additional approval other than the individual approving the Travel Expense Report is required (see Travel Expense Report Settlement).

1. If it becomes necessary to exceed the maximum lodging rate on a repetitive or continuing basis for a single business location, the Laboratory must obtain advance approval from the DOE Contracting Officer.
2. Special or Unusual Circumstances
   
   1. Lodging at a hotel where a conference, meeting, or training session is held
   2. Lodging costs temporarily escalate due to events (e.g., sporting events, conventions, or natural disasters)
   3. Mission requirement: Traveler is required to do business in a certain location on certain days and no lodging is available at the government rate
   4. Other unplanned circumstances encountered by travelers such as:
      
      1. Government rate booked but not available upon arrival at hotel
      2. Flight cancelled; traveler required to spend night in airport hotel and not compensated by airline

Direct-bill hotels are set up by individual divisions for local-area lodging. Direct billing for lodging can be reimbursed through a Request for Issuance of Check (RFIC) form for lodging and lodging taxes only. All other expenses including incidentals are the responsibility of the traveler. All expenses other than lodging taxes are to be settled with the hotel by the traveler.

Anchordw3dw3Any increase in lodging expense due to an accompanying non-employee is the responsibility of the traveler.

Travelers lodging in noncommercial facilities such as house trailers or field camping are reimbursed actual expenses up to the maximum applicable lodging rate.

Travelers will not be reimbursed lodging costs for stays at a facility either owned or leased by the traveler.

Lodging with friends or relatives is nonreimbursable.

Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE)

1. To minimize costs, travelers are highly encouraged to request reimbursement for the actual cost of meals and incidental expenses up to the applicable federal M&IE rate (see Lodging and Meals & Incidental Expenses [M&IE]). The following table reflects M&IE allowance guidelines.
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2. Meal expenses include the cost of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and related tips and taxes. Specifically excluded are alcoholic beverages and entertainment expenses and any expenses incurred for other persons.
3. When a meal is furnished at a nominal or no cost, or is included in a registration fee, the amount claimed for meals and incidental expenses must be adjusted per the table on the Travel Services Web site. This does not apply to meals provided by common carriers or complimentary meals provided by hotels/ motels.
4. Incidental expenses include fees and tips given to porters, baggage carriers, bellhops, hotel maids, stewards or stewardesses, and others on ships. On foreign travel, laundry and dry cleaning are also considered incidental expenses (see Traveler Directly Reimbursed by a Third Party).

Long-Term Travel (Domestic or Foreign)

1. The traveler is on long-term travel if assigned to one location away from his or her primary work location for 30 days or more. Travelers on long-term travel should use establishments catering to the long-term visitor (e.g., weekly or monthly rentals).
2. Travel over 30 Days. Reimbursement for travel longer than 30 days and up to six months is limited to a daily amount of up to 55% of the applicable federal per diem rates once the long-term stay location has been occupied (see Travel Reimbursement Expense Guidelines).
   
   1. The maximum reimbursement amount is 55%. Divisions can set a lower reimbursement amount, at their discretion.
   2. Travelers have 30 days to identify and occupy the long-term stay location.
   3. Trip must be identified as "Long-Term Travel" in the "Trip Description and Business Benefit" section of the expense report. Required information in the "Trip Description and Business Benefit" section includes:
      
      1. Identification of the trip as "Long-Term Travel"
      2. Expected duration of the long-term stay, and the start and end dates Business purpose
3. Travel That Exceeds Six Months. For travel assignments that exceed six months, refer to the Laboratory's Relocation or Change-of-Station policy. Employees on such assignments will not be reimbursed any costs associated with per diem (except for en-route travel) unless the employee maintains a residence at the permanent duty station in compliance with DOE policy.

Anchor_D.4_Miscellaneous_Business_D.4_Miscellaneous_BusinessD.4 Miscellaneous Business Expenses

1. Miscellaneous business expenses are reimbursable (see Travel Reimbursement Expense Guidelines). The following are examples of reimbursable business expenses.
   
   1. Business office expenses for the use of computers, printers, fax equipment, Internet, scanners, copy services, and postal service
   2. Baggage charges for business travel: one bag for domestic and two bags for foreign
   3. Purchase of materials and supplies when normal procurement procedures are not practical; use a Request for Issuance of Check (RFIC) form
   4. Registration fees for attendance at conferences, conventions, or meetings of professional societies. Any part of such fees covering entertainment is not allowed. However, if a non-governmental organization sponsors a conference and a single, mandatory, nonseparable registration fee is charged for both attendance and meals or an evening social event, the Laboratory will reimburse the traveler's full registration fee.
   5. Fees for use of automated teller machines, traveler's checks, money orders, certified checks, visas, photographs, and inoculations when not obtained through Laboratory facilities
   6. Expenses for laundry and dry-cleaning services for domestic travel if travel lasts more than four nights. For foreign and OCONUS, separate claims for laundry and dry-cleaning expenses are not allowed. They are included as part of the incidental expense allowance, which represents 20% of the applicable foreign M&IE rate.
   7. One reasonable personal telephone call home per day
2. Entertainment and alcohol expenses are not reimbursable.

Anchor_D.5_Special_Requirements_D.5_Special_RequirementsD.5 Special Requirements for Non-employees

1. Non-employees traveling at the Laboratory's request may be reimbursed for their travel expenses. In addition to complying with this Travel Policy, the following special guidelines apply:
   1. Foreign Visitors. Payments to foreign visitors, including advances and reimbursements, may be restricted by the visitor's visa status or other requirements established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Additional documentation must be provided by the visitor for reimbursement. See Non-Employee Travel: Guests for documentation information.
   2. Interviewees. Travel expenses associated with interviewing prospective employees are reimbursable. Reimbursement is made for actual transportation, lodging, and M&IE. At the discretion of the Laboratory Director (or designee), actual travel expenses may be reimbursed for spouses/domestic partners who accompany candidates for senior-level positions on final interviews.
   3. Reimbursement Requirements. See the following table for non-employee travel reimbursement requirements.

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Anchor_D.6_Travel_Expense_D.6_Travel_ExpenseD.6 AnchorTravelExpenseReportSettlementTravelExpenseReportSettlement Travel Expense Report Settlement

Reimbursement – General

1. Reimbursement claims for travel expenses should be submitted via a Travel Expense Report within 30 days after completion of the trip using the Laboratory's travel expense (TREX) reimbursement system. For local travel, multiple claims for reimbursement may be submitted on one Travel Expense Report.
2. The traveler must certify the expenses, which are then approved by an authorized signer in the Laboratory's Signature Authorization System (SAS). If the traveler is a Laboratory employee, the certification must be made in the Laboratory's TREX system. Certification for affiliates will be made in the system by the division travel arranger, on behalf of the traveler.
3. The Travel Office may exercise the option to partially pay a Travel Expense Report when it lacks the required receipts or information.
4. Travelers should submit itemized original receipts as described in the Travel Reimbursement Expense Guidelines. When original receipts are unavailable, electronic receipts from the vendor (e.g., e-mailed or faxed) are acceptable provided that the detail contained is equivalent to the detail contained on the original receipt.
5. All Travel Expense Reports should be submitted and processed for payment by the close of the fiscal year to adhere to best practices and ensure all expenses are properly posted.

6. If Laboratory travel is to be paid by another host organization, and the travel cost is charged to the Laboratory in the interim, the traveler must ensure payment is received from the host organization. Include full supporting documentation from the host organization (i.e., invitation letter, invoice, and a copy of the reimbursement check from the host to the traveler or Laboratory), along with a personal check made payable to UC Regents. Acceptable receipts include the following:

   Receipt Requirements	Airline/Rail	Hotel/Lodging	Event Registration	Commercial Rental Car	Expenses $75 and over
   Vendor Name	x	x	—	x	x
   Traveler Name	x	x	x	x	—
   Transaction Date	x	x	x	x	x
   Flight/Rail Itinerary	x	—	—	—	—
   Total Fare	x	—	—	—	—
   Proof of Payment	x	x	x	x	When applicable
   Ticket Number	x	—	—	—	—
   Itemized Daily Costs	—	x	When applicable	x	x
   Total Cost	—	x	x	x	x
   Event Name	—	—	x	—	—

7. Lost/Missing Receipts (receipts not available). When circumstances beyond the traveler's control prohibit submission of required receipts, a Lost/Missing Receipt Waiver form will be completed. In the absence of a satisfactory justification, the amount involved will not be reimbursed.

Trip Reports for Foreign Travel

1. A DOE Foreign Trip Report is not required for travel fully funded by the Office of Science or a non-DOE funded project. Foreign Trip Reports are required for travel sponsored by the following DOE Program Offices:
   1. Environmental Management (EM)
   2. Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)
   3. Fossil Energy (FE)
   4. National Nuclear Security Administration/NNSA (NA)
   5. Nuclear Energy (NE)
   6. Office of Electricity Delivery & Energy Reliability (OE)
   7. Radioactive Waste Management (RW)
2. See the Travel Services Web site for more information on how to create a Foreign Trip Report and where to submit it once completed.
3. Important: When preparing a Travel Expense Report in TREX, an abstract of major highlights, benefits, and results will be required for all trips regardless of the funding source.
4. Foreign Currency
   1. Expense reports must be submitted in U.S. dollars.
   2. Expenses paid by credit card are reimbursed at the rate used by the credit-card company.
   3. Expenses paid in foreign currency are reimbursed using the exchange rate at the time of conversion. Therefore, currency exchange receipts should be saved, used for converting foreign currencies back to U.S. dollars, and submitted with the Travel Expense Report. Fees charged for conversion are reimbursable.
   4. In the absence of a receipt showing the rate of conversion, the official bank rate of exchange will be based on the first day of official business travel using the currency converter provided by OANDA.

Expense Report Certification. Before submitting a Travel Expense Report for approval, the traveler must certify the expenses claimed. If a Laboratory employee, the traveler must record the certification in TREX. Certification for affiliates will be recorded in the system by the division travel arranger, on behalf of the traveler.

Expense Report Approval

1. Travel Expense Reports must be approved by an authorized signer in the Laboratory's Signature Authorization System (SAS).
2. A Travel Expense Report cannot be approved by anyone who has a direct or indirect reporting relationship with the traveler. Individuals delegated authority to approve travel cannot approve their own travel. In addition, travelers may not approve the travel of a near relative, e.g., spouse or equivalent, child, parent, etc.
3. Travel expenses for associate Laboratory directors (ALDs), division directors, Deputy Director, and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be approved by the Chief of Staff. Travel expenses for the Laboratory Director will be approved by the Controller.

AnchorTravelerDirectlyReimbursedTravelerDirectlyReimbursedTraveler Directly Reimbursed by a Third Party. When a third party reimburses a traveler for travel expenses, or if the traveler owes money to the Laboratory (e.g., advance exceeds reimbursable expenses), the traveler will remit reimbursement, payable to the UC Regents.

Supplemental Expense Reports. If the traveler did not receive full reimbursement on a Travel Expense Report due to nonreimbursable or unallowable costs, a Supplemental Expense Report for additional expenses will only be accepted with itemized receipts.

Anchor_D.7_Records_Retention_D.7_Records_RetentionD.7 Records Retention

The Travel Office has institutional responsibility for retention of completed Travel Expense Reports and required receipts. These travel documents are maintained for seven years.

Anchor_D.8_Tax_Considerations_D.8_Tax_ConsiderationsD.8 Tax Considerations

Under IRS regulations, travel advances not substantiated or returned "within a reasonable period of time" are considered to be of personal economic benefit to the traveler and reportable to taxing authorities. For tax purposes, 120 days is considered "within a reasonable period of time." If an employee does not substantiate expenses and return unused advances within this 120-day period, the Laboratory is obligated under IRS regulations to consider the advances as additional income and to withhold appropriate income and employment taxes. No refund of these taxes may be made, even if the amounts are returned or substantiated after the 120-day period

Anchor_D.9_Travel_Insurance_D.9_Travel_InsuranceD.9 AnchorTravelInsuranceTravelInsurance Travel Insurance and Accident ReportingInsurance

The University of California (UC) maintains a business travel insurance policy for employees, students, and any person traveling on behalf of the Laboratory. Coverage can also be provided for a spouse/domestic partner and dependent(s) while traveling with them (see UC Business Travel Accident Insurance). The policy provides worldwide coverage, 24 hours a day, for a wide variety of accidents and incidents while away from the primary work location at no cost to the traveler for accidental death or dismemberment. The policy also provides travel assistance services (e.g., security extraction, emergency medical evacuation).

The traveler must register at http://www.uctravel.org/for each foreign and domestic trip outside of his or her home state to ensure coverage. Coverage is automatic for business travel within the state and registration is not required for those trips.

AnchorRentalVehicleInsuranceRentalVehicleInsuranceRental Vehicle Insurance

1. Travelers should use rental agencies with which the Laboratory or UC has system-wide contracts that include insurance coverage. Charges for optional insurance, including collision damage waiver (CDW) and loss damage waiver (LDW) on rental cars in the continental United States, are not allowable and will not be reimbursed. The cost for full collision coverage for rental cars used in Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. possessions, and foreign countries is allowable.
2. If the traveler is unable to use a UC Rental Car Agreement, the corporate travel card should be used. In general, CDW coverage is provided through the corporate travel card for vehicles rented anywhere in the world (see Corporate Travel Charge Cards).

Private Vehicle Insurance

1. Travel by private vehicle to the official business destination requires verification of insurance. The minimum prescribed liability insurance coverage is:
   
   1. $50,000 for personal injury or death of one person
   2. $100,000 for injury to, or death of, two or more persons in one accident
   3. $50,000 for property damage
2. Employees who use a privately owned vehicle for Laboratory business must provide, upon request, satisfactory evidence of insurance coverage.
3. When an employee uses a private vehicle for Laboratory business, the employee's own personal vehicle policy is the primary insurance coverage for damage to the employee's private vehicle, damage to a third-party vehicle, and injury to a third party. For damage to the employee's private vehicle, the Laboratory may authorize up to $500 in reimbursement to cover the insurance deductible. If the employee is injured in an accident, the UC workers' compensation program covers injuries in the course and scope of employment.

Accident Reporting While on Travel

1. For all vehicle accidents, notify the local police authority and complete the forms required by the insurance or rental-car company. Furnish copies of all reports to the Laboratory Counsel Office.
2. Accidents involving personal injury must also be reported to Laboratory Health Services as soon as possible following the occurrence.

Injury or Illness While on Travel

1. Illness or injury requiring hospitalization while on official travel status must be reported promptly to Health Services. In addition, all Laboratory employees are provided with workers' compensation coverage for work-related injury or illness that occurs during a Laboratory-approved and -funded business trip.

E. Roles and Responsibilities

Managers, supervisors, and employees have the responsibility to adhere to the provisions of this policy.

F. Definitions/Acronyms

G. Recordkeeping Requirements

None

H. Implementing Documents

I. Contact Information

Business Services Manager, OCFO

J. Revision History

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TOC TOC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. General Information
1.1 How to Use This Document

1.2 Overview

1.3 Exceptions

1.4 When Does Travel Begin and End

1.5 Local, Domestic, and Foreign Travel

1.6 Roles and Responsibilities

1.7 Combining Personal Vacation Days with Business Travel

1.8 Corporate Travel Card

1.9 Travel/Cash Advances and Prepayments

1.10 Non-Employees, Guests, Affiliates Travel and Lodging

2. Pre-Planning Your Trip
2.1 Authorization to Travel

2.2 Long-Term Travel (Domestic or Foreign)

2.3 Reservations and Service Providers

2.4 Travel Packages and Third Party Booking Sites

2.5 Canceling Reservations

3. Modes of Transportation
3.1 Air Travel

3.2 Travel to and from the Airport

3.3 Use of Surface (Ground) Transportation

3.4 Rental Vehicles

3.5 Train (Rail) or Bus

3.6 Parking Charges

3.7 Motorcycles/Bicycles

3.8 Other Transportation

4. Lodging and Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE)
4.1 Lodging

4.2 Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE)

4.3 Long-Term Travel Reimbursement Limitations

5. Miscellaneous Expenses Incurred While On Business Travel

6. Non-Reimbursable Expenses

7. Travel Expense Report Settlement
7.1 Expense Report Submission

7.2 Prepaid Expenses

7.3 Foreign Travel Currency Translations

7.4 Receipt Requirements

7.5 Supplemental Expense Reports

8. Travel Insurance
8.1 Business Travel Insurance

8.2 Rental Vehicle Insurance

8.3 Private Vehicle Insurance

9. Accident Reporting

10. Injury or Illness While On Travel

11. Tax Considerations

12. Records Retention

13. Definitions/Acronyms

POLICY

A. Purpose

This document outlines the policy employees of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) must follow when on official business. In addition, certain non-employee travel, including that of guests (e.g., invited guests, guest researchers), affiliates, foreign visitors, interviewees, and subcontractors traveling at Berkeley Lab's request and for Berkeley Lab business must comply with this policy. The word "you" in this document refers to you, the traveler.

These requirements apply to all types of official Berkeley Lab travel and comply with the regulations and guidelines of the DOE as required by Contract 31 and the FAR. In addition, some elements of the FTR are also incorporated into the policy. This policy applies to all travel performed under Contract 31, regardless of the funding source. The DOE program office, or a non-DOE organization funding a trip, may have additional requirements, which travelers are responsible for meeting.

B. Persons Affected

This policy applies to all travelers. You are responsible for becoming familiar with the rules and guidelines and complying with all policy requirements outlined in this document. All managers, supervisors, and employees are expected to follow the guidelines set forth in this document.

C. Exceptions

See Section 1.3 of this policy.

D. Travel Policy

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1. General Information 

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1.1 How to Use This Document
There are many ways to locate information in this document:

• Use the Table of Contents to find the subject you are looking for.
• Use the hyperlinks in the flowchart — Travel Policy Flowchart.
• Use the hyperlinks embedded in the text to locate information about a particular policy.
• Use Control + F on your computer keyboard to search for a term.

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1.2 1.2

1.2 Overview

• You must support cost-effective measures by evaluating the need to travel and the potential of using less-expensive travel alternatives such as email, audio and/or net (Web) conferencing, and videoconferencing.
• Your official Berkeley Lab travel must be properly authorized, conducted, reported, and reimbursed in accordance with the policy outlined herein.
• You must conduct travel while on official Berkeley Lab business in a manner that meets business needs and minimizes costs.
• You must report travel expenses in a timely, responsible, and ethical manner and are expected to complete a Travel Expense Report within 30 days after completion of the trip. See additional requirements regarding the submission and approval of Expense Reports in Section 7.1, Expense Report Submission.
• Only travel expenses that are ordinary and necessary to accomplish the official business purpose of the trip are eligible for reimbursement.
• Your Expense Report will be partially paid/short paid if costs submitted deviate from policy.
• For all foreign travel, Berkeley Lab has mandated the use of our designated travel agency. Due to the complex regulations Berkeley Lab is subject to, you are strongly urged to use our designated travel agency for airfare booking on all domestic trips.
• For airline reservations booked through the Lab travel agency, travelers are required to provide a personal credit card for any personal airfare costs at the time of reservation. There is a cost for this service, which is the responsibility of the employee/traveler. This is referred to as "Split-Ticketing." Agency fees and/or additional airfare charged to personal credit cards for split-ticketing will not be reimbursed if a trip is canceled.

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1.3 1.3

1.3 Exceptions
Requests for exceptions to this policy may be emailed to the Travel Manager by the traveler, arranger, or Division Business Manager. Requests for exceptions should be submitted prior to travel. A letter outlining the circumstances, and containing all relevant documentation, signed by the traveler and Business Manager is to accompany the email.
Submission of an exception request does not mean the exception has been granted. Each exception request is researched to determine allowability, and responses are provided back to the requestor and Business Manager. The typical turnaround time is 3–5 business days. On occasion, exception requests may require additional research, senior management or other departmental review and determination. In these instances, the turnaround time varies.

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1.4 When Does Travel Begin and End
An official Berkeley Lab business trip:

• Begins when you, (the traveler) leave your residence or primary work location, whichever occurs last.
• Ends when you, (the traveler) return to your residence or primary work location, whichever occurs first.

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1.5 1.5

1.5 Local, Domestic, and Foreign Travel

• Local travel is that which is conducted within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab, or the primary worksite, is completed in one calendar day, and does not include lodging, meals, or incidental expenses (M&IE). Local travel costs do include expenses for mileage, tolls, and public transportation.
• Domestic travel is that which is (1) within the United States and its possessions, (2) travel from a foreign country to the United States, or (3) travel within a foreign country, originating in that same foreign country. Domestic travel costs include transportation costs (air, etc.), lodging, M&IE, and other appropriate travel costs, the details of which are outlined elsewhere in this policy.
• Foreign travel is that which is from the United States to a foreign country (including Canada and Mexico) and return, or travel between foreign countries. Foreign travel costs include transportation costs (air, etc.), lodging, M&IE, and other appropriate travel costs, the details of which are outlined elsewhere in this policy.

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1.6 Roles and Responsibilities

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1.7 Combining Personal Vacation Days with Business Travel

• When you combine personal/vacation days with business travel, reimbursement is limited to expenses for business travel only.
• When you take personal/vacation days during official travel status, the number of personal days must be specified on the Expense Report in the TRavel EXpense Reimbursement System, TREX (travel system).
• All foreign travel requests that include vacation time must comply with a 1:1 ratio. You are permitted to take one vacation day for every one day of official working business day. The first and last days of travel are considered one business day each. Nonworking weekend and arrival days are not calculated into 1:1 ratio.
• Additionally, while on official foreign travel some DOE programs may be subject to additional limitations. Contact the Travel Office for guidance prior to submitting a foreign Travel Authorization in the TREX system to be certain.

Vacation Interrupt: If you are on vacation or have already purchased planned vacation travel tickets and are required to interrupt your vacation for business reasons, travel costs will be reimbursed from the vacation point to the official business point and back to the vacation point, plus any change or penalty fees that may apply.

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1.8 1.8

1.8 Corporate Travel Card

Berkeley Lab offers a *US Bank Visa Corporate Travel Charge Cardto employees who travel at least once per year on behalf of Berkeley Lab. Cards are issued at no cost to you and with no individual credit check. Once you complete the application form, the application must be approved by your supervisor and faxed to the Travel Office at (510) 486-6888.

*Please visit the U.S. Bank Travel Card section on the Travel website for more information.

An advantage of obtaining the Corporate Travel Charge Card is that your reimbursement can go directly from your TREX Expense Report to your US Bank account as an electronic transfer.
What MAY you charge on your Corporate Travel Charge Card?
The Corporate Travel Charge Card is to be used exclusively for Berkeley Lab business expenses associated with official travel such as hotels, car rentals, meals, miscellaneous expenses, and registration fees in accordance with, and as allowed by, Contract 31 and Berkeley Lab policy. Your card can only be used for your own Lab business travel expenses.
What MAY you NOT charge on the Corporate Travel Charge Card?
Personal charges, unrelated to Berkeley Lab business purposes, are not to be charged to the Corporate Travel Charge Card. Any nonbusiness-related charges you incur are not reimbursable. You may not charge any expenses on your card for anyone other than yourself.
Who makes the payments?
Corporate Travel Charge Cards are issued directly to you, the cardholder, and not to Berkeley Lab. Corporate Travel Charge Card payments are your own responsibility. Delinquencies and/or misuse may result in the cancellation of the travel card and/or other corrective action, up to and including termination. Any interest and/or late fees incurred for delinquent payments are your responsibility and, therefore, are nonreimbursable.
Cancellation of Corporate Travel Charge Card
The Corporate Travel Charge Card may be canceled at the discretion of Berkeley Lab or the issuing bank, and must be relinquished upon termination of employment.

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1.9 1.9

1.9 Travel/Cash Advances and Prepayments
You are expected to use your Corporate Travel Charge Card to obtain cash advances for expenses incurred in connection with official Berkeley Lab business travel.
Obtaining a cash advance if you don't have a corporate card: Berkeley Lab checks for travelers without a Corporate Travel Charge Card are available on an exception basis. Advances are issued only under special circumstances and are limited to the following restrictions:

• May not exceed the estimated out-of-pocket expenses for the trip.
• Will not be made more than one week prior to the travel date.
• Require written justification.
• Will not be issued to persons who have been issued a Corporate Travel Charge Card.
• Are not authorized for any person who is 30 days delinquent in submitting a Travel Expense Report for a prior trip.
• Will not be made for local travel.

A Travel Authorization must be completed in the TREX system for a travel advance or prepayment.
Note: For conference travel it is very important to note that no commitments may be made or money spent (e.g., registration fees, travel expenses — airfare, hotel, meals, etc., which could result in unrecoverable cost) until a definitive approval or denial is provided by DOE, or a determination is made by DOE that approval is not required.
When must you return an advance?
An advance must be returned to the Travel Office immediately if an authorized trip is canceled or indefinitely postponed. Under certain conditions, travel advances may be considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service. See Section 11, "Tax Considerations."

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1.10 Non-Employees, Guests, Affiliates Travel, and Lodging
Certain non-employee travel including that of guests (e.g., invited guests, guest researchers) affiliates, foreign visitors, interviewees, and subcontractors traveling at Berkeley Lab's request and for Berkeley Lab business must comply with this policy. Expense Reports are to be submitted in TREX and are to be input by the Division travel arranger (requires Guest ID setup in TREX).
Foreign Visitor Payment Restrictions: Payments to foreign visitors, including advances and reimbursements, may be restricted by the visitor's visa status or other requirements established by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Additional documentation must be provided by the visitor for reimbursement. For documentation information, see Non-Employee Travel: Guests.
Travel of Interviewee and Spouse: Travel expenses associated with interviewing prospective employees are reimbursable. Reimbursement is made for actual transportation, lodging, and M&IE for the interviewee. Actual travel expenses may be reimbursed for spouses/domestic partners who accompany candidates on final interviews when two conditions are met: (1) the Division Director or Deputy concurs with the request and (2) the DOE Contracting Officer approves the request. These two approvals need to be obtained in advance of costs being incurred.
Subcontractors and Consultants: When travel is covered by a subcontractor or consultant agreement, and Berkeley Lab is making the reimbursement, the traveler must comply with this policy as well as any specific travel terms listed in the contract/agreement. The traveler must provide their Expense Report and electronic copy of receipts using the home organization's form to the Disbursement's Office (AP) and it will be routed for review by the Travel Office.
Lodging: For non-employees, guests, affiliates, and interviewees, the preferred lodging location is the Berkeley Lab Guest House.
Travel Reimbursement Requirements: The following table is for Non-Berkeley Lab Employees. Click these links for specific guidelines for non-employee subcontractor travel and non-employee guest travel.

Return to Table of Contents>

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2. Pre-Planning Your Trip

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2.1 2.1

2.1 Authorization to Travel
Domestic Travel: The division funding the trip determines the authorization process. See Domestic Travel Step by Step Procedures.
Foreign Travel: Regardless of funding source, before you travel, you must complete a Travel Authorization in TREX 30 days prior to departure, Foreign Travel Step by Step Procedures. The director (or designee) of the division funding the trip must then approve the trip in TREX, followed by review and approval by the Travel Office. Trips to sensitive countries require additional LBNL approvals, and may require review of specific technical activities. The Travel Office submits the request to DOE and Department of State (travel information entered into DOE Foreign Travel Management System (FTMS), and notification to the Department of State for country clearance). The DOE has five business days to review and disapprove the trip if necessary.
An agenda and presentation (if applicable) is required for all travel requests that include conference attendance. If the presentation is not available, DOE will accept an outline, abstract, or brief summary instead. The final presentation must be submitted to the Travel Office along with the Expense Report.
Please ensure you follow the 30-day requirement and all requirements outlined in the Travel Authorization Advance Notice on the Travel Office website. You may not embark on ANY foreign travel prior to completion of the DOE and State Department reviews/notifications. The Travel Office will notify you when all requirements have been met. You must also adhere to the Department of State's training requirements when necessary for country clearance.
Local Travel: The division funding the trip determines authorization requirements. Berkeley Lab's TREX system does not accept Travel Authorizations for local travel. See Local Travel Information.
Conference Attendance and Related Travel: All planned attendance to a conference must be coordinated with Conference Services. A definitive approval or denial for conference attendance must be provided by DOE, or a determination made by DOE that approval for the conference is not required. No commitments for conference travel may be made until these steps are completed. See further guidance at Conference Services.

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2.2 Long-Term Travel (Domestic or Foreign)
Employee Long-Term Travel
The traveler is on long-term travel if assigned to one location away from his or her primary work location for 30 days or more. Travelers on long-term travel should use establishments catering to the long-term visitor (e.g., weekly or monthly rentals). 
Reimbursement for travel longer than 30 days and up to 12 months is limited to a daily amount of up to 55% of the applicable federal per diem rates, for lodging and M&IE, once the long-term stay location has been occupied. See Travel Reimbursement Expense Guidelines.

• Reimbursement for lodging and M&IE is limited to the lesser of actual costs or 55% of the per diem. Divisions can set a lower reimbursement amount, at their discretion.
• Travelers have 30 days to identify and occupy the long-term stay location.
• Travelers must include the following information in the "Trip Description and Business Benefit" section of the Expense Report:
  • Identification of the trip as "Long-Term Travel."
  • Expected duration of the long-term stay, start and end dates, and business purpose.

Lodging with friends or relatives is not reimbursable. Lodging costs for stays at a facility that the traveler owns is not reimbursable. Other forms of nonconventional lodging (e.g., residential-based lodging other than hotel, motel, and long-term stay) must be an arm's length transaction. (See Section D.13, Definitions/Acronyms, for definition of "arm's length transaction.") The traveler must submit an attestation with each expense report affirmatively stating he or she is not staying at a location that the traveler owns or is owned or leased by a friend or relative. 
Off-Site Assignments That Exceed 12 Months: For off-site assignments that exceed 12 months, refer to Berkeley Lab's Temporary Change-of-Station policy.
Non-Employee Long-Term Travel
The traveler is on long-term travel if assigned to one location away from his or her primary work location for 30 days or more. Travelers on long-term travel should use establishments catering to the long-term visitor (e.g., weekly or monthly rentals). 
Reimbursement for travel longer than 30 days is limited to a daily amount of up to 55% of the applicable federal per diem rates, for lodging and M&IE, once the long-term stay location has been occupied. See Travel Reimbursement Expense Guidelines.

• Approval is documented in an authorization form that is signed by the host accompanied by the Division invitation letter.
• A copy of the signed authorization form and the invitation letter (including an additional revisions) will need to be forwarded to the Travel Office via the askUS ticketing system prior to commencing long-term travel.
• Reimbursement for lodging and M&IE is limited to the lesser of actual costs or 55% of the per diem. Divisions can set a lower reimbursement amount, at their discretion.
• Travelers have 30 days to identify and occupy the long-term stay location.
• Travelers must include the following information in the "Trip Description and Business Benefit" section of the Expense Report:
  • Identification of the trip as "Long-Term Travel."
  • Expected duration of the long-term stay, start and end dates, and business purpose.
  • A copy of the authorization, invitation letter, and attestation forms must accompany each monthly expense report submitted for reimbursement.

Travel over 12 months but less than 24 months must be approved in advance by the Division Director or his/her designee.

• Approval is documented in an authorization form that is signed by the host and Division Director that includes the individual's name and home organization, the nature of the collaboration, the time frame for the travel reimbursement, and any limitations on costs below the 55% of per diem.
• Please note: Specific information must be provided in the Nature of Collaboration section of the authorization form.
• Additionally, the Division invitation letter must accompany the authorization form when submitted to the Division Director.
• Once the Division Director has signed the letter, a copy of both the authorization form AND the Division Invitation Letter (and any additional revisions) will need to be forwarded to the Travel Office via the askUS ticketing system prior to commencing long-term travel.
• Please remember: A copy of the authorization and attestation forms as well as the Division invitation letter must accompany each monthly expense report submitted for reimbursement.

Travel over 24 months but less than 36 months is by exception only and requires the advance approval of the Laboratory's Division Director or his/her designee, Deputy Director or his/her designee, AND the Bay Area Site Office (BASO) Contracting Officer.

• Approval is documented in an authorization form that is signed by the host, Division Director, Laboratory Deputy Director, and the BASO Contracting Officer, and includes the individual's name and home organization, the nature of the collaboration, the time frame for the travel reimbursement, and any limitations on costs below the 55% of per diem.
• Please note: Specific information must be provided in the Nature of Collaboration section of the authorization form.
• Additionally, the Division invitation letter must accompany the authorization form when submitted to the Deputy Director.
• Once the Deputy Director has signed the letter, a copy of both the authorization form AND the Division Invitation Letter (and any additional revisions) will need to be forwarded to the Travel Office via the askUS ticketing system prior to commencing long-term travel.
• The Travel Office will forward the authorization form to the BASO Contracting Officer.
• Please remember: A copy of the authorization and attestation forms as well as the Division Invitation Letter must accompany each monthly expense report submitted for reimbursement.

Long-term travel for non-employees will not exceed 36 months. If the 36-month limit is reached, a break in long-term travel of at least 12 months is required before long-term travel can be initiated again. 
Should a non-employee be on long-term travel and return to his/her home institution, any break of less than 12 months is considered a continuation of the preceding long-term travel, and the approval parameters described above will apply.
Lodging with friends or relatives is not reimbursable. Lodging costs for stays at a facility that the traveler owns is not reimbursable. Other forms of nonconventional lodging (e.g., residential-based lodging other than hotel, motel, and long-term stay) must be an arm's length transaction (See Section D.13, Definitions/Acronyms, for a definition of "arm's length transaction"). The traveler must submit an attestation with each expense report affirmatively stating that he or she is not staying at a location that the traveler owns or is owned or leased by a friend or relative. 

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2.3 Reservations and Service Providers
Ideally, you will make reservations for official Berkeley Lab travel through Berkeley Lab's designated travel agency or online booking tool, Concur.
Using Berkeley Lab's designated travel agency will provide you with the following services:

• Direct billing of airline tickets to the Lab (no out-of-pocket to you).
• Discounted fares through Southwest SWABIZ and other carrier-specific airfare programs.
• Calculating allowable/reimbursable airfares.
• Fly America Act/Open Skies Agreement guidance and compliance (assurance that all flights are compliant).

Even if you choose to make reservations on your own, you should use Berkeley Lab's current contracts with selected air carriers, hotels, and rental-car agencies whenever possible. You will be reimbursed according to allowable cost guidelines. See the Travel Services website.

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2.4 Travel Packages and Third Party Booking Sites
Because commercially offered travel "packages" typically do not itemize expenses, no business-related travel should be booked through such vendors unless you have confirmed that each aspect of the package will be separately itemized (e.g., itemized hotel charges and airfare) to assure appropriate documentation for reimbursement. Examples of third party booking sites are: Priceline, Booking(dot com), Costco, Expedia, etc. Travelers should avoid purchasing lodging accommodation from third-party online vendors requiring lodging costs to be paid in-full prior to arrival. In the event travel plans are changed or canceled, third-party vendors are not required to issue a refund, and you may not be reimbursed for the cost. Please make travel arrangements with the Lab’s designated travel agency or directly with the airline, hotel, or rental car vendor. 

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2.5 Canceling Reservations
If you are unable to honor a reservation, you will be responsible for canceling the reservation in compliance with the terms of the hotel, airline, car-rental agency, or conference/seminar vendor, etc. Charges or lost refunds resulting from failure to cancel a reservation will be reimbursed if cancellation was the result of circumstances beyond your control. A justification is required on the travel expense report.
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3. Modes of Transportation

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3.1 Air Travel
Purchasing Tickets
You should obtain transportation tickets from Berkeley Lab's designated travel agency to take advantage of special discounts and ensure compliance with all federal requirements, (i.e., Fly America Act), and to ensure full reimbursement of allowable costs. Tickets obtained from Berkeley Lab's designated travel agency are charged to Berkeley Lab's direct-billing account and are the property of Berkeley Lab. Berkeley Lab's travel agency offers special airfare discounts that cannot be obtained by outside sources. All such tickets, including those that are unused (full or partial), must be reported on your Travel Expense Report. For all foreign travel destinations, Berkeley Lab has mandated use of our designated travel agency. This includes travel:

• From the United States to a foreign country (including Canada and Mexico) and return.
• Between foreign countries or within a foreign county, when the trip originated in the United States.
• Between foreign countries, when the trip originated in a foreign country.

Travelers or travel arrangers may request approval to purchase airfare outside of the designated travel agency when travel is between foreign countries, originating in a foreign country and if the Lab's designated travel agency is (1) unable to provide a flight or (2) provides a flight that is significantly greater in costs than the traveler can access via other resources. The requester must submit their request to TravelHelp@lbl.gov at least 7 days in advance of the travel date and provide a short explanation of the need to purchase outside the designated travel agency as well as the airline they are planning to fly on. The traveler should only proceed with booking when he/she has received approval of the request from the Travel Office. A copy of the email approving the purchase must be included in the receipt documentation, attached to the expense report.
Any other foreign airfare booked outside of the Lab's designated travel agency or the process described above will not be reimbursed.
Laboratory guests coming to the United States from a foreign country must ensure their airline tickets are Fly America Act compliant, as described in the "When may you use a Foreign Carrier" portion of this section. The use of our designated travel agency is strongly encouraged.
For domestic travel destinations, the use of our designated travel agency is highly recommended. 
Charges for re-ticketing, schedule changes, etc., may be reimbursed for a valid business reason: The business purpose for the change (e.g., increased costs, flight/trip changes) must be documented on the Travel Expense Report within the comments section.
Employee-Purchased Tickets: Berkeley Lab's travel agency offers special airfare discounts that cannot be obtained by outside sources. See special discounts. Reimbursement will be made only after the trip has occurred. If the ticket is canceled, the ticket remains the property of the traveler. Any employee-purchased ticket not in compliance with the Fly America Act (including Open Skies) will not be reimbursed.
Obtaining Lowest Available Airfare (Coach Class):

• Reimbursement is limited to the actual expense for business travel only.
• Any airfare cost for deviating from your business destination will not be reimbursed unless the cost is less than the lowest available coach fare for the business travel.
• You are expected to travel by the most efficient and economical modes of transportation possible within mission requirements, on the most direct route consistent with the business purpose of the trip (i.e., utilize negotiated or discounted airfares; request departure and arrival within a two-hour window; or consider alternate airports).
• Reservations must be made as early as possible to take advantage of the lowest coach fare available.
• Coach class, or any discounted class, must be used in the interest of economy on all domestic or foreign flights. In extenuating circumstances, written authorization for reimbursement of airfare for premium economy-class, business-class, or first-class service must be obtained in advance of the trip. Please refer to Appendix I, Upgrading Airline Accommodations, for details (See the APPENDIX I tab of this policy).

Choosing a Carrier
All commercial air travel between the United States and a foreign country and between foreign countries must be made via a U.S. flag carrier or U.S. code share as required by Public Law 93-623, Fly America Act. (Note: U.S. Code Share is an agreement that allows certain U.S. air carriers to directly sell a flight operated by a foreign carrier.)
This applies to the following:

• Travel reimbursed from any funding source (DOE or non-DOE).
• International charter flights.
• Travel to/from Canada or Mexico.
• Flights to/from personal destinations in conjunction with official travel.

When May You Use a Foreign Carrier?
In accordance with the Fly America Act, foreign carriers can be used only under the following circumstances:

• The use of a U.S. flag air extends travel time, including delay at origin, by 24 hours or more.
• The U.S. flag air carrier does not offer nonstop or direct service (no aircraft change) between your origin and destination, you must use a U.S. flag air carrier on every portion of the route where service is provided unless (when compared with using a foreign air carrier) such use would result in one or more of the following:
  • It would increase the number of aircraft changes you must make outside of the United States by two or more.
  • It would extend the travel time by six hours or more.
  • It would require a connecting time of four hours or more at an overseas interchange point.
  • Travel to/from the European Union (including the United Kingdom, Norway, Iceland, Australia, and Switzerland) may qualify for an exception to the Fly America Act by using the Open Skies Agreement. Open Skies airfare must be issued by the Laboratory-designated travel agency.
  • The Open Skies waiver and certification document must be completed and attached to the expense report.

Rest Stops Enroute to Business Location
A rest stop at either an intermediate point or the destination is allowed when all the following conditions apply:

• The class of service used for air travel is less than premium economy, business, or first class.
• The origin or destination is outside the continental United States.
• The scheduled flight time (total air time) exceeds 14 hours.
• Air travel is consistent with the Fly America Act (including Open Skies Agreement).
• Travel is taken by a direct or usually traveled route.
• Reimbursement is based on the per diem rate for the rest-stop location. A maximum of three days are reimbursable before the date of actual official business (one day en route, the arrival day, and one rest stop within a 24-hour period).

Indirect Itineraries
You are responsible for any additional expenses resulting from the use of an indirect route or stops along the way for personal reasons. Reimbursement is limited to the actual costs incurred or to the costs that would have been incurred using the normally traveled route, whichever is lower. Excess travel time will be charged to the appropriate type of leave.
Cancellations and Airline Ticket Credits
This section applies to airline tickets purchased through the Berkeley Lab designated travel agency. Cancellations must be reported directly to the travel agency prior to departure time.
Airline ticket credits resulting from trip cancellations are stored in the Berkeley Lab travel agency database for your future use. Ticket credits expire after a period of time, which varies by airline. You are responsible for keeping track of all unused airline credits and using them prior to their expiration date.
If you have an unused airline ticket, it must be reported and submitted on your Travel Expense Report for which it was intended, in TREX, even if the trip was canceled.
Please note in the trip comments section in TREX the circumstances for cancelling, and enter as much information about the airline ticket as possible, e.g., Trip canceled, Ticket #000000, canceled with travel agency on (date). Total cost, e.g., $600, residual value on file $345. You can obtain this information from the travel agency when you place the call to cancel.
When the airline credit is subsequently used on another trip, and if the subsequent trip has a Project ID other than the one used for the original Expense Report, you must consult with the Resource Analyst or Business Manager to facilitate the appropriate resource adjustment. (Note: A resource adjustment will be made by the Division to credit the original Project ID and debit the Project ID receiving the airline credit).
Vacating a Reserved Seat and Related Compensation

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3.2 Travel to and from the Airport
Personal Car: When you drive to or from the airport, the mileage and parking for one round trip for the duration of the trip is reimbursable. When two or more persons share a privately owned vehicle, only the driver can be reimbursed.
When you are driven to and from the airport, the mileage, short-term parking, and tolls for two round trips is reimbursable.
Mileage will be reimbursed from the time you leave your residence or primary work location, whichever occurs last, to when you return to your residence or primary work location, whichever occurs first.
Taxi/Car Service/Ride Share (Uber or Lyft): Employees should choose cost-effective measures and use the most economical mode of transportation to and from home and the airport. The cost of a shuttle or taxi is reimbursable. Airport car services (sometimes referred to as limousines) are reimbursable, as long as it is the most cost-effective mode. Sedan services may be used when they are less expensive than alternative means of transportation or when valid business reasons preclude the use of more economical transportation. The reason for use of a sedan service must be included in the comments section of the Expense Report. The use of Uber or Lyft services are reimbursable. Premium or XL vehicles are nonreimbursable unless sharing vehicle with other Laboratory travelers. Justification is required for a larger vehicle.

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3.3 Use of Surface (Ground) Transportation
You may choose to use surface (ground) transportation for personal reasons even if air travel is an appropriate mode of transportation. In that case, reimbursement may not exceed the airfare Berkeley Lab would have paid if air travel had been used. The cost of meals, lodging, tolls, ferries, and parking while in transit via surface transportation may be reimbursed if the total amount reimbursed does not exceed the cost of airfare. Travelers are advised to contact the Travel Office prior to traveling to determine the allowable airfare and reimbursable limits.
If you are using a private vehicle:

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3.4 Rental Vehicles
A rental vehicle should be used when it is more economical than the use of taxis or other means of transportation. It may be used for local travel only when no other means is available. Travelers are expected to use Berkeley Lab preferred rental car vendors and charge the rental to their Corporate Travel Charge Card or personal credit card.
Reimbursement for a rental vehicle cannot exceed intermediate-size sedans, unless the following conditions and documentation requirements are met.

Gasoline is reimbursable. The traveler should refuel the rental vehicle prior to returning it to the rental agency, thus avoiding excess gasoline charges.
Is GPS (Global Positioning System) reimbursable? Yes, only for those travelers who are traveling in an unfamiliar area. It is expected that travelers who are familiar with their travel location will decline the GPS option when making their reservation or upon checkout.
Non-standard options such as car seats are not reimbursable.
If a rental vehicle is used instead of air travel, reimbursement of transportation costs, including the cost of meals, lodging, tolls, ferries, and parking while in transit, shall not exceed the sum of the total allowable airfare (if air had been used). You should contact the Travel Office prior to traveling to determine the allowable airfare and reimbursement limits.
If the traveler is unable to use a University of California (UC) Rental Car Agreement, the corporate travel card should be used. In general, collision damage waiver coverage is provided through the corporate travel card for vehicles rented anywhere in the world. See Corporate Travel Charge Cards.

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3.5 Train (Rail) or Bus

• Reimbursement for train transportation is limited to the lowest first-class rate.
• Transportation by bus is not limited to any specific class of service.

When rail or bus transportation is used instead of available air travel due to business necessity, actual expenses including the cost of meals and lodging will be reimbursed. Reimbursement for the cost of a sleeping car accommodation is allowed in lieu of lodging expense for each night that these accommodations are used. If a rail or bus is to be used instead of air travel for personal convenience, reimbursement of actual expenses including the fare, cost of meals, lodging, tolls, ferries, and parking shall not exceed sum of the total allowable airfare (if air travel had been used). Travelers should contact the Travel Office prior to traveling to determine the allowable airfare and reimbursable limits. Local public transportation fares for transportation such as taxis, buses, subways, or streetcars are reimbursable.

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3.6 Parking Charges
Reasonable parking charges for official, rental, and personal vehicles, when used for official Berkeley Lab business, are reimbursable. Travelers should use long-term or off-airport facilities when parking at common carrier (airline) terminals. Charges associated with valet parking are not reimbursable. Travel Office may request additional justifications for parking in short-term facilities. 

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3.7 Motorcycles/Bicycles
Motorcycles (or motor-driven cycles of any type) or bicycles are not allowed for use on official Berkeley Lab business, nor will any reimbursement be made for their use.

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3.8 Other Transportation
Charges for the use of other types of transportation (e.g., helicopter, boat) are allowed when their use is beneficial to Berkeley Lab. A written justification for their use must be included with the Travel Expense Report. When traveling by passenger ship, transportation at the lowest first-class rate is reimbursable.
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4. Lodging and Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE)

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4.1 Lodging
Lodging reimbursement is limited to actual cost or per diem, whichever is lower. Lodging will be reimbursed based on the type of travel and location in which the traveler is staying. Per diem allowances are set in accordance with the rates established by the following federal agencies:

Lodging taxes are not included in the per diem rates but are reimbursed as a separate expense, which you must enter on your TREX Expense Report.
You should obtain government room rates where available, or the most economical rate offered.
Actual lodging expenses may exceed the applicable federal rate to a maximum of 300 percent (see Federal Travel Regulation) if any of the special or unusual circumstances listed below apply. No additional approval other than the individual approving the Travel Expense Report is required. See section 7, "Travel Expense Report Settlement."

• Lodging (and/or meals) are at a pre-arranged place such as a hotel where a conference, meeting, or training session is held.
• Lodging costs are temporarily escalated due to special events (e.g., sporting events, conventions, natural or man-made disasters).
• Lodging (and/or meal) expenses within the prescribed allowances cannot be obtained nearby, and costs to commute to/from the nearby location consume most or all of the savings achieved from occupying less-expensive lodging.
• You are required to do business in a certain location on certain days and no lodging is available at the government rate.
• Other unplanned circumstances you encounter such as:
  • Government rate room booked but not available upon arrival at hotel.
  • Flight canceled, if you are required to spend the night in airport hotel and not compensated by the airline.

A written justification documenting the business purpose for procuring lodging at the higher rate must be placed within the comments section of the Expense Report in TREX and the Expense Report (containing the reason). By approving the Expense Report, the Division is authorizing the request for reimbursement based on the actual expenses due to the special or unusual circumstances (not to exceed 300 percent of government rate as stated above).
Lodging in non-commercial facilities, such as house trailers or field camping, is reimbursed at the actual expense up to the maximum applicable lodging rate.
Non-commercial lodging properties such as AirBnB or VRBO should be selected only when normal facilities are not obtainable. Costs will be limited to the applicable daily lodging rate. Cancellation fees will be limited to one-night of lodging rate not to exceed the applicable daily lodging per diem rate. A justification for use of an AirBnB or VRBO should be included on the expense report.
Shared Lodging: Lab travelers who share a room with another Berkeley Lab employee are reimbursed based on receipt only.
Lodging with friends or relative is not reimbursable. Lodging costs for stays at a facility that you either own or lease is not reimbursable.
Standard Room Rate Exception — Berkeley Lab Guest House
The Berkeley Lab Guest House is located on the Lab facilities, and due to the potential savings in transportation costs for travelers visiting and staying at the Lab, the cost of a standard room rate at the Guest House rate in effect at the time is allowable and reimbursable.

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4.2 Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE)
M&IE reimbursement is limited to per diem. M&IE will be reimbursed based on the type of travel and location in which the traveler is staying. Per diem allowances are in accordance with the rates established by the following federal agencies:

Meal Expenses
Meal expenses include the cost of breakfast/continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, and related tips and taxes.
Furnished meals, meals included in registration fees, and nominal fee meals require adjustment on the Expense Report following the table on the Travel Services website. Meals provided by common carriers or complimentary meals provided by hotels/motels do not require any adjustment of the Expense Report.
To minimize costs, you are highly encouraged to request reimbursement for the actual cost of meals and incidental expenses up to the applicable federal M&IE rate. Travelers will not be reimbursed for meal costs in excess of per diem rates.
The following table reflects M&IE allowance guidelines.

Incidental Expenses
Incidental expenses may include fees and tips given to porters, baggage carriers, bellhops, and hotel maids. When on foreign travel, laundry and dry cleaning are considered incidental expenses.

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4.3 Long-Term Travel Reimbursement Limitations
Reimbursement for travel longer than 30 days and up to 12 months is limited to a daily amount of up to 55% of the applicable federal per diem rates, for lodging and M&IE, once the long-term stay location has been occupied. See Travel Reimbursement Expense Guidelines.

• Reimbursement for lodging and M&IE is limited to the lesser of actual costs or 55% of the per diem. Divisions can set a lower reimbursement amount, at their discretion.
• Travelers have 30 days to identify and occupy the long-term stay location.
• The trip must be identified as "Long-Term Travel" in the "Trip Description and Business Benefit" section of the Expense Report. Required information in the "Trip Description and Business Benefit" section includes:
  • Identification of the trip as "Long-Term Travel."
  • Expected duration of the long-term stay, and the start and end dates business purpose.

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5. Miscellaneous Expenses Incurred While On Business Travel
The following are examples of reimbursable miscellaneous business expenses incurred while on business travel. We advise you contact the Travel Office prior to incurring any expenses, should you have questions on reimbursability.

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6. Non-Reimbursable Expenses
The following list includes examples of the most common types of nonreimbursable expenses.

• Entertainment and alcohol expenses.
• Expenses paid or incurred on behalf of others.
• Lodging with friends or relatives.
• Lodging costs for stays at a facility that you either own or lease.
• Travel / airline memberships (including TSA PreCheck, Sentry, Global Entry, etc.).
• Full-size limousine or stretch limousine.
• Domestic car-rental insurance.
• Unused employee-purchased airline ticket.
• Airline change fees for personal reasons.
• The use of chartered and/or private aircraft.
• Childcare, pet sitting, and transporting pets.
• Bicycle (including scooter) rentals or transport of personal bicycle.
• Alternative rental car/car sharing services (e.g. ZipCar, Get Around, etc.).

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7. Travel Expense Report Settlement

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7.1 Expense Report Submission
Expectations for Completing Expense Reports
Expense Reports are expected to be submitted within 30 days after completion of the trip, using Berkeley Lab's Travel Expense reimbursement system (TREX).
Expense Reports submitted after 90 days are considered "late submissions" and must be approved by the Division Business Manager or the Division Deputy of Operations in TREX prior to submission to the Travel Office. In addition, a reason for the submission of the late Expense Report must be included in the comments section of the Expense Report. This requirement applies to all travelers except for those positions that require specific approvals:

• Associate Laboratory Directors (ALDs), Division Directors, Deputy Director, and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be approved by the Chief of Staff.
• The Controller will approve travel expenses for the Laboratory Director.

Under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations, travel advances not substantiated or returned "within a reasonable period of time" are considered to be of personal economic benefit to the traveler and reportable to taxing authorities. For tax purposes, 120 days is considered "within a reasonable period of time." If an employee does not substantiate expenses and return unused advances within this 120-day period, Berkeley Lab is obligated under IRS regulations to consider the advance as additional income to the employee and to withhold appropriate income and employment taxes. Airfare charged to the corporate credit card and prepaid hotel and registration costs are considered an advance and taxes will be withheld if the Expense Report is not submitted within 120 days from the end of the trip. No refund of these taxes will be made.
All Travel Expense Reports must be submitted and processed for payment by the close of the fiscal year to ensure all expenses are properly posted.
For information on how to create an Expense Report, see TREX How To information.
Process
Each official Berkeley Lab business trip must be submitted for reimbursement on a separate Expense Report. An official Berkeley Lab business trip:

• Begins when you (the traveler), leave your residence or primary work location, whichever occurs last.
• Ends when you (the traveler), return to your residence or primary work location, whichever occurs first.

However, for local travel, multiple claims for reimbursement may be submitted on one travel expense report.
All costs related to an official Berkeley Lab business trip must be reported on the traveler's Expense Report and must be substantiated by appropriate receipts, as required by policy. As it relates to Berkeley Lab-purchased airline tickets, including those that are unused (full or partial), refundable, or canceled trips, even though tickets are charged directly to the ticket information the costs must be reported on your Travel Expense Report.
Expense Report Certification/Approval

• You must first certify the expenses claimed. If the traveler is a Berkeley Lab employee, the certification must be made in Berkeley Lab's TREX system. Certification for Affiliates or Guests will be made in the system by the division travel arranger, on behalf of the traveler.
• The Travel Expense Report must then be approved by an authorized signer in Berkeley Lab's Signature Authorization System (SAS).
• A Manager/Supervisor can approve his/her direct or indirect reports, but the direct or indirect reports cannot approve the Manager's Expense Report.
• Individuals with delegated authority to approve travel cannot approve their own travel.
• Travelers may not approve the travel of a near relative, e.g., spouse or equivalent, child, parent, etc.
• Travel expenses for Associate Laboratory Directors (ALDs), Division Directors, Deputy Director, and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be approved by the Chief of Staff.
• The Controller will approve travel expenses for the Laboratory Director.

Travel Paid by a Host/Third Party

Personal Expenses
If at any time during Expense Report review it is determined that personal expenses have been submitted, the Travel Office will contact the traveler. The Travel Office will not approve your Expense Report for payment until the matter has been resolved and/or a check made payable to UC Regents has been received in the Travel Office.

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7.2 Prepaid Expenses
Airline Tickets
Airline tickets purchased through Berkeley Lab's designated travel agency are directly billed to Berkeley Lab. This is Berkeley Lab's preferred method for obtaining airline tickets.
When you purchase a ticket outside of the agency, reimbursement will not be made until after the trip has occurred. See Section 3.1, "Air Travel."
Hotel and Event Registration Fees
You are expected to pay the vendor directly and request reimbursement through the Expense Report process. You may use your personal credit card or obtain a U.S. Bank Travel Charge Card.
Your reimbursement may be obtained in advance on a Prepayment Expense Report in TREX or reimbursement can be requested at the conclusion of the trip when other travel related costs are submitted.
For example, hotels requiring a deposit may be submitted on a Prepayment Expense Report in TREX.
Berkeley Lab checks to vendors, via the FMS Payment Request process, are available on an exception basis only (justification and/or documentation will be required).
Note: You may request conference registration fee reimbursement only if the conference has been approved by DOE. DOE conference reporting guidelines state, no commitments may be made or money spent, (e.g., registration and travel expenses, airfare, hotel, meals, etc.), until a definitive approval or denial is provided by DOE, or a determination is made by DOE that approval is not required. If a denial is provided and you carry on with your trip, you will not be reimbursed for any expenses.

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7.3 Foreign Travel Currency Translations
Expense Reports must be submitted in U.S. dollars. Expenses paid by credit card are reimbursed at the rate used by the credit-card company. When a rate is not provided, the conversion will be based on the date the transaction occurred using OANDA. Expenses paid by cash are reimbursed by the OANDA conversion rate on the date the country was entered.
Expenses paid in a foreign currency are reimbursed using the exchange rate at the time of conversion. Therefore, all currency exchange receipts should be saved, used for converting foreign currencies back to U.S. dollars, and submitted with the Travel Expense Report, electronically. Fees charged for conversion are reimbursable.
In the absence of a receipt showing the rate of conversion, the official bank rate of exchange will be based on the first day of official business travel using the currency converter provided by OANDA.

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7.4 7.4

7.4 Receipt Requirements
You must submit all receipts electronically via the TREX system. All paper receipts are to be scanned in the same direction and attached to the Expense Report as a PDF file by the traveler or travel arranger.
Travelers should keep the original, hardcopy receipts until reimbursement has been received.
Receipts are always required for any expense $75 and over. See the eReceipts Reference Guide.

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7.5 7.5

7.5 Supplemental Expense Reports
If you did not claim all expenses or receive full reimbursement on your Travel Expense Report due to a mistake/omission of a reimbursable expense, a Supplemental Expense Report will be accepted with itemized receipts, submitted electronically.
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8. Travel Insurance

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8.1 8.1

8.1 Business Travel Insurance
The University of California (UC) maintains a business travel insurance policy for employees, students, and any person traveling on behalf of Berkeley Lab. Coverage can also be provided for a spouse/domestic partner and dependent(s) while traveling with the Berkeley Lab traveler. See UC Business Travel Accident Insurance. The policy provides worldwide coverage, 24 hours a day, for a wide variety of accidents and incidents while away from the primary work location at no cost to the traveler for accidental death or dismemberment. The policy also provides travel assistance services (e.g., security extraction, emergency medical evacuation).
If you did NOT book your travel through the Berkeley Lab designated travel agency, you must register at UCOP Travel for each foreign and domestic trip outside of your home state to ensure coverage. Coverage is automatic for business travel within the state and registration is not required for those trips.

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8.2 8.2

8.2 Rental Vehicle Insurance
Travelers should use rental agencies with which Berkeley Lab or the UC has system-wide contracts that include insurance coverage. Charges for optional insurance, including collision damage waiver (CDW) and loss damage waiver (LDW) on rental cars in the continental United States, will not be reimbursed. The cost for full collision coverage for rental cars used in Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. possessions, and foreign countries is reimbursable.
If the traveler is unable to use a UC Rental Car Agreement, the corporate travel card should be used. In general, CDW coverage is provided through the corporate travel card for vehicles rented anywhere in the world. See Corporate Travel Charge Cards.

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8.3 8.3

8.3 Private Vehicle Insurance
Employees who use a privately owned vehicle for Berkeley Lab business must provide, upon request, satisfactory evidence of insurance coverage.
The minimum prescribed liability insurance coverage is:

• $50,000 for personal injury or death of one person.
• $100,000 for injury to, or death of, two or more persons in one accident.
• $50,000 for property damage.

When an employee uses a private vehicle for Berkeley Lab business, the employee's own personal vehicle policy is the primary insurance coverage for damage to the employee's private vehicle, damage to a third-party vehicle, and injury to a third party. For damage to the employee's private vehicle, Berkeley Lab may authorize payment to the employee of up to $500 or the amount of the deductible, whichever is less. Expenses that can be recouped from insurance are not eligible for reimbursement. The amount reimbursed shall be based on receipts submitted by the employee to the individual who authorized the travel.

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9. Accident Reporting
All vehicle accidents, whether involving property damage and/or personal injury, should be reported pursuant to the Vehicle Accident Reporting policy in the RPM.

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10. Injury or Illness While On Travel

• Illness or injury requiring hospitalization while on official travel status must be reported promptly to Health Services.
• In addition, all Berkeley Lab employees are provided with workers' compensation coverage for work-related injury or illness that occurs during a Berkeley Lab-approved and -funded business trip.
  
  

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11. Tax Considerations
The Laboratory's travel reimbursement policy is designed to conform to the "accountable plan" rules published by the IRS. Therefore, reimbursement of a traveler's expenses does not result in additional taxable income to the employee.
However, under IRS regulations, travel advances not substantiated or returned "within a reasonable period of time" are considered to be of personal economic benefit to the traveler and reportable to taxing authorities. For tax purposes, 120 days is considered "within a reasonable period of time."
If an employee does not substantiate expenses and return unused advances within this 120-day period, Berkeley Lab is obligated under IRS regulations to consider the advance as additional income and to withhold appropriate income and employment taxes. Airfare charged to the corporate credit card and prepaid hotel and registration costs are considered an advance and taxes will be withheld, if the Expense Report is not submitted within 120 days from the end of the trip. No refund of these taxes will be made.

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12. Records Retention
The Travel Office has an institutional responsibility for retention of completed Travel Expense Reports and required receipts. These travel documents are maintained as required by Berkeley Lab records management and archiving policies.
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13. Definitions/Acronyms

Implementing Documents

Contact Information

• Sr. Finance Manager, OCFO
• Travel Manager, OCFO

Revision History

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label Appendix I
Title: Travel Policy and Reference Guide Publication date: 6/12/2023 Effective date: 6/12/2023 APPENDIX I: UPGRADING AIRLINE ACCOMMODATIONS The following table reflects the conditions and approvals required for the use of a one-class upgrade for airline accommodations (Airline Accommodations §FTR 301-10.123). Conditions for Use of One-Class Upgrade for Airline Accommodations Category Condition Advance Written Approval in Addition to Division Approval Disability Berkeley Lab employees who request upgraded travel arrangements for health reasons must work with the Integrated Disability & Absence Management Office (IDAM). A confidential medical certification from the employee’s physician is required specifying the functional limitations and restrictions for the requested accommodation, and the duration of the accommodation. The IDAM team evaluates the request and notifies the Travel Office and the affected Division of the recommended travel accommodations and duration. Employees are required to update their medical documentation annually should the employee require further accommodation. Integrated Disability Absence Management Office (IDAM) - Reasonable Accommodation under ADA DOE Mission Urgent requirements to successfully perform Berkeley Lab's mission exists that cannot be postponed Laboratory Director (or designee) Sanitation Needs Coach class on an authorized foreign carrier does not provide adequate sanitation or health standards. DOE Office of Aviation Management in addition to DOE Final Approval for Foreign Travel Availability No other class of service (coach or business) is available within 24 hours of the proposed departure or arrival time. Coach class is not provided on regularly scheduled flights between the origin and the destination. LBNL Travel Manager for Domestic Travel in addition to DOE Final Approval for Foreign travel Overall Cost Savings An overall savings (subsistence costs, overtime, lost productive time) would be realized, compared to waiting for coach class. LBNL Travel Manager for Domestic travel in addition to DOE Final Approval for Foreign travel Extended Flight Time Origin/destination is outside the continental United States and scheduled flight time, excluding stopovers and change of planes, is more than 14 hours. In this case, no rest stops will be approved. One-way upgrade to business location. LBNL Travel Manager for Domestic travel in addition to DOE Final Approval for Foreign travel Overnight Travel without adequate rest Itinerary involves overnight travel without an opportunity for normal rest before commencement of working hours. One-way upgrade to business location. LBNL Travel Manager for Domestic travel in addition to DOE Final Approval for Foreign travel Personal Expense Travelers may upgrade to business, first class, or upgraded coach at their own expense, including through the redemption of frequent flyer miles. Approval is not required

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label Appendix II
Title: Travel Policy and Reference Guide Publication date: 6/12/2023 Effective date: 6/12/2023 APPENDIX II: REIMBURSABLE EXPENSE TABLES This table applies to both domestic and foreign travel. Receipts are required for any expense $75 or more (exceptions noted). Travelers are highly encouraged to request reimbursement for the actual cost of M&IE up to the established rates.   TRAVEL GUIDELINES Applies to travel both within the Continental U.S. – CONUS Outside the Continental U.S.: Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. possessions – OCONUS and Foreign Travel Reimbursement is based on published rates or other applicable guidelines from the following agencies: GSA for CONUS travel, Department of Defense (DOD) for OCONUS travel, and Department of State for foreign travel. Activity or Expense Type Allowable Amount Requirements/Reimbursements       Meals & Incidentals (M&IE) Local & Domestic       12 hours or less No reimbursement More than 12 hours, but less than 24 hours 75% of maximum rate published by the GSA 24 hours or more Maximum rate published by GSA (75% of the rate for first and last day of travel) Meals & Incidentals (M&IE) Foreign N/A M&IE for business location reimbursed up to the maximum rates established by the U.S. Department of State (75% of the rate for first and last day of travel) Lodging/Hotel Actual Lodging expenses will be reimbursed at the actual expense up to the maximum lodging rate established by the GSA. Under special circumstances, and with a written explanation, up to 300% of the maximum rate may be reimbursed. See Section 4.1 under the POLICY tab for details. Lodging costs for a standard room at the Berkeley Lab Guest House are allowable. Lodging receipts required. 30 + days in one location 55% of the per diem rate for the business location A reasonable living allowance not to exceed 55% of the maximum per diem rates for lodging and M&IE at the business location.     TRAVEL TO ALL LOCATIONS Activity or Expense Type Allowable Amount Requirements/Reimbursements Non-commercial lodging (such as house trailers, field camping, AirBnB/VRBO) Actual Actual cost of lodging plus M&IE not to exceed maximum published rates. Type of lodging must be specified. Receipt required. Airfare Actual Allowable airfare is the lowest fare, including discount fares that meets the needs of the traveler. Receipts required. Reissued or exchanged airfare Actual All documentation, for both the original and reissued tickets needs to be submitted Canceled Reservation NA Traveler is responsible for canceling reservations (hotel, air, car, conference, etc.). Charges or lost refunds resulting from failure to cancel a reservation will be reimbursed if cancellation was the result of circumstances beyond your control (documentation will be required). Surface Transportation in lieu of air (personal reasons) Not to exceed comparable air Actual mileage is reimbursed (based on standard highway guide) as long as it is less than what the Lab would have paid for airfare. Cost of additional lodging and meals are reimbursed if there is overall cost savings. Mileage GSA mileage rate Receipt not required Parking Actual Receipt required if $75 or more. Taxi/Shuttle/Limo Car Service Actual Receipt required if $75 or more. Private Auto – to/from terminals Actual Actual mileage for one round trip, plus parking (long-term parking encouraged), or two round trips and short-term parking. Receipts for parking $75 or more. Rental Cars Actual Receipt required. CDW/LDW are not reimbursed within CONUS. CDW/LDW are reimbursable outside of CONUS and foreign. Rental Car: Gas Actual Receipt required for $75 or more Tolls Actual Receipt required for $75 or more Conference Registration fees Actual Receipt and back up information including title and purpose, date, and conference agenda identifying meals provided, is required. You may request conference registration fee reimbursement only if the conference has been approved by DOE or a determination is made by DOE that approval is not required. DOE conference reporting guidelines state, no commitments should be made or money spent, (e.g., registration and travel expenses, airfare, hotel, meals, etc.), until a definitive approval or denial is provided by DOE, or a determination is made by DOE that approval is not required. If a denial is provided and you carry on with your trip, you will not be reimbursed for any expenses. Phone Calls Actual All business and emergency calls as well as one brief non-emergency call per day. ATM Transaction fees Actual List as miscellaneous items on Travel Expense Report in TREX. Receipt not required. Miscellaneous expenses Actual Items such as excess baggage, postage, FAX transmittals, hotel taxes, etc. Receipts required for any item $75 or more.

Travel Policy

Card
label Document Information
DOCUMENT INFORMATION Title: Travel Policy and Reference Guide
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label Document Information title Document Information
DOCUMENT INFORMATION	Title:

Document number	11.06.001.000
Revision number

2

6.

2

1
Publication date:	6/12/

20/2012

2023

Effective date:

11

6/

16

12/

2012

2023

Next review date:

10

5/

26

31/

2013

2026
Policy Area:	Travel
RPM Section (home)	Financial Management
RPM Section (cross-reference)	Section 11.08
Functional Division	OCFO
Prior reference information (optional)	RPM Section 11.08