RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS
AIR FORCE BOARD FOR CORRECTION OF MILITARY RECORDS

IN THE MATTER OF:	DOCKET NUMBER: BC-2011-01499
		COUNSEL:  NONE
		HEARING DESIRED:  NO

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APPLICANT REQUESTS THAT:

He be compensated for his personally procured move (PPM) as 
briefed by his Traffic Management Office (TMO), in the amount of 
$5,819.34, or in the alternative $3,234.77, for the self-
absorbed loss.

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APPLICANT CONTENDS THAT:

The TMO incorrectly used “low cost” rates to counsel him on his 
PPM application rather than the newly implemented “best value” 
rates.  As such, the counselor incorrectly estimated the amount 
of compensation he would receive for a “Do-it-Yourself (DITY) 
move.  

He would not have agreed to a PPM that would have provided no 
incentive and resulted in excess costs.  

The decision to accomplish a PPM was based on the TMO’s briefed 
rates of $171.27, which would have resulted in a cost of 
$19,843.24, and an incentive of $5,819.34 (based on his 
contracted carrier).  Instead, the change to “best value” rates 
resulted in a government computed rate of $93.09 with a total 
cost of $10,789.13, resulting in a self-absorbed loss of 
$3,234.77 to accomplish the PPM.  

In support of his request, the applicant provides a letter from 
his commander, and other forms associated with his move.

The applicant's complete submission, with attachments, is at 
Exhibit A.

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STATEMENT OF FACTS:

The applicant is currently serving in the Regular Air force in 
the grade of major.

On 13 May 10, pursuant to a permanent change of station (PCS) 
move from Hickam AFB, HI to Maxwell AFB, AL, the applicant was 
counseled on PPMs.  The applicant completed a DD Form 2278, 
Application for Do-it-Yourself Move and Counseling Checklist, 
and was quoted an estimated incentive payment of $19,524.78 to 
personally procure his move.  Based on that amount, the 
applicant was given an advance payment of $12,331.44.

The applicant personally arranged to have his HHG transported at 
a cost of $14,023.90.  Under the Defense Personal Property 
System (DPS), the maximum payment authorized for shipping the 
actual weight of 11,590 pounds was $10,789.13.  Since the 
applicant received an advance allowance of $12,331.44, he owed 
the government $1,542.31.  

The applicant applied for a remission of the debt, and it was 
approved by the Air Force.

Effective 1 Apr 10, change 283, to the Joint Federal Travel 
Regulation (JFTR), required that Government Constructed Cost 
(GCC) used to determine the incentive payments in PPMs be based 
on “best value” charges, versus the “low cost” charges.

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AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

PPA HQ/ECAF recommends denial.  ECAF states the JFTR requires a 
member’s incentive/reimbursement be based upon the GCC for 
shipping the member’s weight allowance or actual weight, as 
applicable, and at the time the applicant’s shipment was 
processed the GCC was based upon the “best value” rates 
reflected in DPS.  

ECAF recommends the applicant be reimbursed for any funds 
personally expended in excess of the authorized GCC.  

The complete ECAF evaluation is at Exhibit B.

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APPLICANT'S REVIEW OF AIR FORCE EVALUATION:

On 5 Aug 11, a copy of the Air Force evaluation was forwarded to 
the applicant for review and comment within 30 days.  To date, a 
response has not been received (Exhibit C).

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THE BOARD CONCLUDES THAT:

1.  The applicant has exhausted all remedies provided by 
existing law or regulations.

2.  The application was timely filed.

3.  Sufficient relevant evidence has been presented to 
demonstrate the existence of error or injustice.  Although it 
does appear the applicant was miscounseled regarding the amount 
of reimbursement he could expect to receive for a PPM, we are 
not inclined to grant him full relief.  However, we do believe 
partial relief is warranted in this case, and recommend that the 
applicant be reimbursed for his actual expenses incurred.  We 
note that the applicant received partial relief through the 
remission process; however, as PPA HQ/ECAF pointed out there is 
still a net loss of $1,692.42.  ECAF is recommending that the 
applicant’s alternative request be approved and he be reimbursed 
for his out of pocket expenses totaling $1,692.42, and we agree 
and believe this constitutes proper and fitting relief.  
Therefore, we accept the opinion and recommendation of ECAF and 
adopt its rationale as the basis for our recommendation to 
correct the applicant’s records as indicated below.

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THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT:

The pertinent military records of the Department of the Air 
Force relating to APPLICANT, be corrected to show that under 
competent authority, government procured transportation was not 
available and in accordance with Joint Federal Travel Regulation 
(JFTR), Volume 1, paragraph U5320-D.1, he is authorized 
reimbursement for actual expenses incurred.  The expenses 
incurred were $14,023.90; the advance operating allowance 
received was $12,331.44; resulting in an out of pocket expense 
of $1,692.46 due the member.

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The following members of the Board considered AFBCMR Docket 
Number BC-2011-01499 in Executive Session on 16 Nov 11 and 19 
Jan 12, under the provisions of AFI 36-2603:

		
All members voted to correct the records, as recommended.  The 
following documentary evidence was considered:

     Exhibit A.  DD Form 149, dated 18 Apr 11, w/atchs.
     Exhibit B.  Letter, PPA HQ/ECAF, dated 26 Jul 11.
     Exhibit C.  Letter, SAF/MRBR, dated 5 Aug 11.