> *Revised September 2005*

**RELOCATION**

**ENTITLEMENTS**

**FOR**

**TRANSFEREES**

**RELOCATING**

**TO A**

**FOREIGN**

**AREA**

**[TABLE OF CONTENTS]{.underline}**

Telephone Numbers for NOAA's Relocation Services Coordinators
RSCs).............1

Time
Limitations..................................................................................1

Immediate Family
Members.....................................................................1

Citibank Government Travel
Card..............................................................2

Vouchering and
Receipts.........................................................................2

Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA)/Relocation Income Tax Allowance
(RITA).......2

Relocation
Forms..................................................................................4

OCONUS Relocation
Allowances.........................................................\...\....5

Travel En
Route.................................................................................\...6

Allowance for Temporary Quarters (TQ)
Expenses...........................................7

Transportation and Temporary/Extended Storage of Household Goods
(HHG)......\.....9

Transportation and Emergency Storage of
POV.......................................\...\.....11

Miscellaneous Expense Allowance
(MEA).............................................\...\....11

Allowances for Expenses Incurred in Connection with Residence
Transactions........12

**Congratulations on your new position!**

Please take a few minutes to read this brief summary of entitlements
that may be reimbursed in connection with your relocation. This summary
covers employees currently working for the Federal Government
transferring to, from, or between locations OCONUS. For more information
regarding relocation, please see Federal Travel Regulation (FTR),
Chapter 302:
<http://www.gsa.gov/gsa/cm_attachments/GSA_DOCUMENT/ftr_040504_508_R2QA53_0Z5RDZ-i34K-pR.pdf>,
and [NOAA Travel Regulation, Chapter
302](http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~finance/TR.chapter_302.htm).
It is important that you contact your servicing Relocation Services
Coordinator (RSC) below immediately upon notification of your job offer.
You should contact the RSC who services the location to which you are
relocating (gaining office). It is equally important that you provide
your servicing RSC at least three weeks notice when moving your
household goods.

**[TELEPHONE NUMBERS FOR NOAA's RSCs]{.underline}**
![](media/image1.wmf){width="0.7305555555555555in"
height="0.40902777777777777in"}

[Transferee's New Official Duty Station Serviced by:]{.underline}
[Telephone Number:]{.underline}

Eastern Finance Branch (757) 441-6527

Central Finance Branch (816) 426-7822 or (816) 426-7828

Mountain Finance Branch (303) 497-6199

Western Finance Branch (206) 526-4426

NOAA Finance Office (Wash., D.C. Metro Area) (301) 444-2136

**[TIME LIMITATIONS]{.underline}**
![](media/image2.wmf){width="0.5701388888888889in"
height="0.37222222222222223in"}

Generally, all aspects of your relocation should be completed as soon as
possible, but must be completed within two years from the effective date
of your transfer. However, under extenuating circumstances, you may
request that the two-year period be extended for an additional two
years, not to exceed a total of four years, but only if you have
received an extension to complete the sale and purchase or lease
termination. Approval to extend the two-year time limit may be
authorized no late than 30 days after the last day of the first two-year
period, and must be approved one level higher than the authorizing
official of the travel order. The amended travel order must contain a
justification explaining the compelling reason(s) requiring the
additional time. **Note:** The two-year time period does not include
time that you cannot travel and/or transport your household effects due
to shipping restriction to or from your post of duty OCONUS. (FTR,
Chapter 302-2.10)

**[IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS]{.underline}**
![](media/image3.wmf){width="0.40555555555555556in"
height="0.43194444444444446in"}

For purposes of relocation "immediate family" includes your spouse and
children. It may also include dependent parents and dependent siblings
under 21 years of age. Unmarried children and siblings who, regardless
of age, are physically or mentally incapable of self-support may also be
included. "Dependent" assumes at least 51% support by the employee.
"Children" include natural offspring, step children, adopted children,
grandchildren, legal minor wards, or other dependent children who are
under legal guardianship of the employee or spouse.

**-1-**

**[CITIBANK GOVERNMENT TRAVEL CARD]{.underline}**
![](media/image4.jpeg){width="0.5256944444444445in" height="0.35in"}

You are only authorized to use either the Citibank Government travel
card or personal funds to cover the cost of per diem, mileage, local
transportation, subsistence expenses while occupying temporary quarters
(TQ), transportation and storage of household goods if payment is not
being made by a Commercial Bill of Lading (CBL). Please contact your
servicing Citibank Agency Program Coordinator (APC) to apply for a
[Citibank Government travel
card](http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~finance/CITI.application.doc).
However, you **cannot** use the Citibank Government travel card for real
estate or miscellaneous expenses.

**[VOUCHERING AND RECEIPTS]{.underline}**
![](media/image5.wmf){width="0.4in" height="0.36666666666666664in"}

Reimbursement travel vouchers must be submitted to the gaining finance
office, and must be filed within five days after each segment of the
relocation is completed and after each 30 days of TQ. Receipts must
accompany the travel voucher for all lodging expenses and any
miscellaneous expense that exceeds \$75. In addition, receipts are only
required for the following items when they exceed \$75:

1.  Meals and/or groceries consumed while occupying TQ;

2.  Laundry and dry cleaning expenses except when a coin operated
    machine is used;

3.  Airline tickets if travel was by common carrier;

4.  Real estate costs or unexpired leases, supported by a copy of:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
a.  Purchase agreement;

b.  Sales agreement;

c.  Loan closing statements;

d.  Invoices or receipts for bills paid; and

e.  Lease agreements when claiming lease breaking expenses.

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
5.  Household goods not shipped by CBL:

```{=html}
<!-- -->
```
a.  Receipts for rental truck, etc.;

b.  Receipts for gasoline;

c.  Receipts for any other expenses in connection with the shipment; and

d.  Weight certificates.

**Note:** Receipts are required for each miscellaneous expense when
total miscellaneous expenses exceed the \$500 or \$1,000 maximum (See
page 11).

**[WITHHOLDING TAX ALLOWANCE (WTA) &]{.underline}**
![](media/image6.jpeg){width="0.5597222222222222in"
height="0.37222222222222223in"}

**[RELOCATION INCOME TAX ALLOWANCE (RITA]{.underline}**

Withholding tax allowance (WTA) and relocation income tax allowance
(RITA) are computed to pay Federal Withholding Taxes on the employee's
behalf and to ensure that the employee is made whole again after taxes.
Applicable taxes will be withheld as required when vouchers are
processed. These taxes include Federal, FICA, and Medicare. Your
reimbursement will be made by electronic fund transfer directly to your
bank account. Please keep your servicing finance office informed of any
changes to your bank account.

-2-

**WTA/RITA:** WTA will be calculated as each relocation voucher is
processed. The WTA will be paid to offset the Federal Withholding Tax,
but will not offset the state withholding. The state withholding process
is automatic, requiring no action on your part. However, in order to
process the Federal withholding, you will need to complete the RITA
package which will be sent to you by your servicing finance office
sometime in April and subsequent to the tax year in which you were
reimbursed for relocation expenses.

The RITA calculation will apply the estimated partial (WTA) payment(s)
made and result in a final determination of the amount due to you for a
specific tax year. **In some cases, the estimated partial payment(s)
(the WTA(s) may exceed the RITA, and you will be required to reimburse
NOAA for the difference.** Claims for RITA should be filed by May 15 of
the year following the calendar year (tax year) in which the relocation
voucher(s) was paid. If a claim for the RITA is not filed by the due
date, action will be taken to collect the total WTA (partial) payment(s)
previously made to you. Please contact your servicing finance office for
additional RITA information and/or any questions. **NOTICE:** **The
Federal Tax withholding amount is dictated by the IRS to be an average
percentage of all tax brackets. If you are in a lower tax bracket the
year you received reimbursements, the WTA may have been over paid and
you will owe NOAA a refund.**

-3-

**[RELOCATION FORMS]{.underline}**
![](media/image7.wmf){width="0.3875in" height="0.3958333333333333in"}

You **must** have a completed and signed [CD-150, \"Request for
Authorization of Travel/Moving
Expense\"](http://www.osec.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd150fll.pdf) and a
completed Relocation Expense Worksheet, along with an authorized travel
order **before** you incur any relocation expenses. You may download any
of the forms below by clicking on the name of the form:

1.  The [CD-150](http://www.osec.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd150fll.pdf)
    **must** be completed first and serves as your service agreement to
    remain in

> Government service for at least twelve months. The [Relocation Expense
> Worksheet](http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~finance/RELO.worksheet.doc)
> must be
>
> completed after the
> [CD-150](http://www.osec.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd150fll.pdf) and serves as
> a tool to help estimate your relocation costs. You must
>
> complete sections II, and III of the
> [CD-150](http://www.osec.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd150fll.pdf) and page 1 of
> the Relocation Expense Worksheet.
>
> Once the forms are completed, you must fax both forms to your
> authorizing official who will
>
> provide valuable information for the new office to prepare your travel
> order.

2.  The [[Form CD-29, \"Travel
    Order"]{.underline}](http://www.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd29fll.pdf) must
    be prepared outside of Travel Manager by the office

hiring you and is based on the information provided from the
[CD-150](http://www.osec.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd150fll.pdf), as well as the

Relocation Expense Worksheet. You must have specific approval on the
travel order for TQ,

shipment of your privately-owned vehicle (POV) entrance into the
voucherless home sale

program, and other costs as noted. Click here to view a [sample
relocation travel
order](http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~finance/RELO.SampleT.pdf)
for a

transferee.

3.  The [Listing
    Addendum](http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~finance/RELO.list addend.pdf)
    must be signed by and your realtor and attached to your listing

> agreement if you are interested in the voucherless home sale program.
> The Listing Addendum
>
> will be necessary if CARTUS buys your residence through the appraised
> sale process. By signing the Listing Addendum, the realtor
> acknowledges that they will not receive any commission or compensation
> if Cartus buys your residence.

4.  The [[CD-371, \"Employee Application for Reimbursement of Expenses
    Incurred Upon Sale or\
    Purchase (or both) of Residence Upon Change of Official
    Station\"]{.underline}](http://www.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd371fll.pdf)
    must be filled out and

> submitted with your travel voucher if you are selling or buying a
> residence through the direct
>
> reimbursement method, i.e., you are not selling or buying through
> Cartus.

5.  The [[CD-372, \"Expense Record for Temporary
    Quarters\"]{.underline}](http://www.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd372fll.pdf)
    must be filled out and submitted

> with your travel voucher for each 30-day or less period of time that
> you occupy TQ.

6.  The [[CD-370, \"Travel
    Voucher\"]{.underline}](http://www.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd370fll.pdf)
    must be filled out and submitted each time relocation

> expenses are claimed.

-4-

**[OCONUS RELOCATION ALLOWANCES]{.underline} FTR, Chapter 302-3.101**

**Column 1\-- Column 2\--**

**[Relocation allowances that agency Relocation allowances that agency
has]{.underline}**

**[must pay or reimburse discretionary authority to pay or
reimburse]{.underline}**

**Table B: Transfer from CONUS to an Official Station Outside the
Continental United States (OCONUS):**

1.  Transportation & per diem for 1. TQ is not authorized in a foreign

employee and immediate family area, however, under Dept. of State

2.  Miscellaneous expense allowance Standardized Regulations, you may

3.  Transportation & temporary storage be entitled to a Foreign Transfer

of household goods (HHG) Allowance (FTA) for TQ before

4.  Extended storage of HHG departure from CONUS or TQ in a

5.  Relocation income tax allowance(Rita) foreign area.

6\. Sell or buy residence or lease 2. Shipment of POV

termination expenses for Alaska and Hawaii only. (Part 302-11)

**Table C: Transfer from OCONUS Official Station to an Official Station
in CONUS:**

1.  Transportation & per diem for 1. Shipment of POV

employee and immediate family

2.  TQ

3.  Miscellaneous expense allowance

4.  Sell & buy residence expenses or

lease termination expenses

5.  Transportation & temporary

storage of HHG

6.  Extended storage of HHG, only when assigned to an isolated location
    within CONUS

7\. RITA

**Table D: Transfer Between OCONUS Official Stations**

1.  Transportation & per diem for 1. Shipment of POV

employee and immediate family

2.  TQ

3.  Transportation & temporary

storage of HHG

4.  Miscellaneous expense allowance

5.  Extended storage of HHG

6.  RITA

**Table E: Tour Renewal Agreement Travel**

1.  Transportation for employee &

immediate family

2\. Per diem for employee only

**Table F: Return from OCONUS Official Station for Separation**

1.  Transportation for employee & 1. Shipment of POV

immediate family

2\. Per diem for employee only

3\. Transportation and temporary storage of HHG

-5-

**[TRAVEL EN ROUTE]{.underline}**
![](media/image8.gif){width="0.7798611111111111in"
height="0.36944444444444446in"}

**Transportation Expenses:** Both you and your immediate family are
entitled to transportation expense reimbursement for your en route
travel.

**Per Diem Expenses:** You are authorized the full standard CONUS per
diem rate when traveling to a CONUS location and the full locality rate
when traveling to an OCONUS

location. When per diem is allowable for your immediate family (see
previous page),

they are authorized a percentage of your rate as follows:

Your rate = the applicable per diem rate;

Unaccompanied spouse = the applicable per diem rate;

Accompanied spouse/immediate family members over 12 yrs. = .75 of your
rate;

Family members under 12 yrs. = .50 of your rate.

**Note:** Per diem is not allowed when the total travel period is 12
hours or less within the same calendar day. When the travel period is
more than 12 hours, and lodging is not required, you and your immediate
family will be reimbursed ¾ of the applicable M&IE rate.

**Number of Per Diem Days:** The number of per diem days you and your
immediate family will be reimbursed is based on the actual number of
travel days, substantiated by lodging receipts.

-6-

**[ALLOWANCE FOR TEMPORARY QUARTERS]{.underline}**
![](media/image9.wmf){width="0.7104166666666667in"
height="0.5569444444444445in"}**[\
(TQ)EXPENSES]{.underline}**

(Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302-6)

TQ is intended to reimburse you reasonably and equitably for subsistence
expense incurred either at your new official duty station, while you are
actively looking for permanent residence, or prior to departing CONUS.

**Transportation Expenses:** You are not entitled to any transportation
expenses while in TQ status.

**Per Diem Expenses:** When TQ is allowable (see page 5), you are
authorized the full Standard CONUS rate while at a CONUS location or
official duty station within CONUS and the full locality rate for the
location while at an official duty station OCONUS. Per diem is
authorized as follows:

**First 30-day period:**

Your rate = the applicable per diem rate;

Unaccompanied spouse = the applicable per diem rate;

Accompanied spouse/immediate family members over 12 yrs. = .75 of your
rate;

Family member under 12 yrs. = .50 of your rate.

**Any additional days:**

Your rate = .75 of the applicable per diem rate;

Unaccompanied spouse = .75 of the applicable per diem rate;

Accompanied spouse/immediate family members over 12 yrs. = .75 of your
rate;

Family members under 12 yrs. = .40 of your rate.

**Location of TQ:** You and your immediate family may occupy TQ within
reasonable proximity of your old and/or new official duty stations and
you may occupy TQ at different locations, as needed. However, a
justification must be shown on the travel order explaining why TQ is
authorized at different locations.

**Length of Time to occupy TQ:** When allowable, TQ and the length of
time TQ will be occupied, not to exceed 60 days, shall be authorized in
advance on the travel order. On a case-by-case basis, approval for the
extension of TQ over 60 days up the maximum of 120 days, may be
authorized one level higher than the authorizing official of the travel
order. An amended travel order shall be prepared and must contain a
justification explaining the compelling reason(s) requiring the
additional time. The justification should describe circumstances which
occurred during the initial period and which are beyond the transferee's
control and acceptable to the agency. See FTR, Chapter 302-6.105 for
circumstances when TQ can be extended.

-7-

**Interruption of TQ:** Your authorized period for claiming TQ is
measured in consecutive days, and once begun, normally continues to run
whether or not you occupy

TQ. For example, if you occupy TQ ahead of your spouse, the clock starts
the day you being occupying TQ, and additional time cannot be added when
your spouse begins occupying TQ. See FTR, Chapter 302-6.106 for
circumstances when TQ can be interrupted.

**Itemization and Receipts:** The actual expenses incurred while
occupying TQ shall be itemized on [[CD-372, \"Expense Record for
Temporary
Quarters\"]{.underline}](http://www.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd372fll.pdf). The
CD-372 must be attached to the [[CD-370, \"Travel
Voucher\"]{.underline}](http://www.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd370fll.pdf).
Allowable subsistence expense include meals, lodging, fees and tips
incident to meals and lodging, laundry, and cleaning and pressing of
clothing. Receipts are required for all lodging expenses, and any
expense that exceeds \$75. See FTR, Chapter 301-11.12(c) for lodging
reimbursement when lodging with friends and relatives.

-8-

**[TRANSPORTATION AND]{.underline}**
![](media/image10.wmf){width="0.7993055555555556in"
height="0.6680555555555555in"}**[\
TEMPORARY/EXTENDED STORAGE OF HOUSEHOLD GOODS (HHG)]{.underline}**

(Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302-7)

Transportation and storage of your HHG is an automatic entitlement that
does not need to be specifically approved on your travel order. Per the
[Department of Commerce (DOC) Leave Handbook](http://ohrm.os.doc.gov/),
you may be granted up to 16 hours of excused absence for the purpose of
packing at your old official duty station, and up to 8 hours for
unpacking at your new official duty station. It is important that you
contact your servicing Transportation Officer below immediately upon
notification of your job offer or within three weeks of moving your HHG.
You should contact the Transportation Officer who services the location
to which you are relocating (gaining office).

**[Transferee's New Duty Station Serviced by:]{.underline} [Telephone
Number]{.underline} [Transportation ]{.underline}**

**[Specialist]{.underline}**

Eastern Finance Branch (757) 441-6468 Anita Holley

Central Finance Branch (816) 426-7822 Debbie Ferrara

816. 426-7828 Donna Newport

Mountain Finance Branch (303) 497-6199 Steve Tatum

Western Finance Branch (206) 526-4430 Kevin Godfrey

Wash., D.C., Metro Area (202) 619-8937 Betho Vogelsinger

**Transportation of Your HHG:** The General Services Administration
(GSA) has instituted a centralized [Household Goods Traffic Management
Program](http://www.r6.gsa.gov/fss/fsstt/hhg/MovingGuideRevisedF.pdf).
Under this program, GSA provides agencies with a list of carrier
selections and routes for domestic moves based on cost comparisons
between the commuted rate and the actual expenses method.

**Weight Limitation:** The [net weight]{.underline} of household goods
and personal effects which may be transported at Government expense [may
not exceed 18,000 pounds]{.underline}. Charges for weight in excess of
18,000 pounds must be paid by you.

**Actual Expense Method:** Under the actual expense method, more
commonly

> called Commercial Bill of Lading (CBL), the Government assumes
> responsibility for negotiating and awarding contracts to carriers,
> assists in filing loss and damage claims, and auditing/paying the
> transportation claims. Your servicing
>
> Transportation Officer will coordinate with you in making the
> arrangements with the carrier. See your servicing RSC for information
> regarding your Transportation Officer.
>
> -9-
>
> If you are authorized the actual expense method but choose to move
> yourself, reimbursement will be limited to the actual costs incurred
> (e.g., truck rental, material handing equipment, packaging materials,
> gasoline, tool charges, etc.),
>
> [supported by receipts]{.underline}, not to exceed the maximum amount
> that would have been paid on the CBL. Official weight certificates
> establishing the gross and tare weight will be required along with all
> receipts for the actual expenses when submitting the travel voucher
> for payment.
>
> **Commuted Rate Method:** Under the commuted rate system, you would
> make the carrier selection and arrange for transportation and storage.
> You would be responsible for paying the costs and filing a travel
> voucher for reimbursement, which is based on the Commuted Rate
> Schedule. You would be required to provide a bill of lading and weight
> certificate for services provided by the commercial carrier or a
> weight certificate showing gross and tare weight of the vehicle when
> rental trucks/trailers are used. **Once again, this method of moving
> your household goods must be authorized in advance by your authorizing
> official. Do not make the assumption that you have the authorization
> until you have received travel orders clearly specifying the commuted
> rate method.**

**Temporary Storage of Your Household Goods:** In addition to the
allowance for transportation of household goods and personal effects,
you are also entitled to temporary storage of your transported goods.
Maximum time allowable for temporary storage is limited to 90 days. On a
case by case basis, approval for the extension of temporary storage over
90 days up to the maximum of 180 days, may be authorized one level
higher than the authorizing official of the travel order. The amended
travel order must contain the date temporary storage initially began,
with a justification explaining the compelling reason(s) requiring the
additional time. See FTR, Chapter 302-7.9 for reasons to justify
additional storage time.

> **Professional Books, Papers and Equipment (PBP&E):** The weight of
> any PBP&E is generally part of and not in addition to the 18,000 pound
> weight limitation. However, if the weight of any PBP&E causes the lot
> to exceed 18,000 pounds, the PBP&E may be transported to the new
> official duty station as an administrative expense of the agency.
> Authorization for such shipment is granted solely at the discretion of
> the authorizing official and must be specifically authorized on the
> travel order.

**Extended Storage of your Household Goods:** Extended storage is not an
entitlement, but may be authorized on your travel order in lieu of
shipment when you are assigned to an overseas official station and NOAA
limits the amount of HHG that you may transport to that location or NOAA
determines extended storage is in the public interest or is cost
effective. Extended storage of your HHG is limited to the duration of
the OCONUS assignment plus 30 days prior to the time your tour begins
and plus 60 days after the tour is completed. See FTR, Chapter 302-8 for
further information.

-10-

**[TRANSPORTATION AND EMERGENCY]{.underline}**
![](media/image11.gif){width="0.6333333333333333in"
height="0.27152777777777776in"} **[\
STORAGE OF POV]{.underline}**

(Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302-9)

Shipment of POV, OCONUS, is not an entitlement, but may be authorized
when you are

transferred or otherwise reassigned to a post of duty at which it is in
the interest of the

Government for you to have use of a POV for personal transportation.

Emergency Storage of a POV is to protect a POV transported at Government
expense to

your post of duty when NOAA determines that the post of duty is within a
zone from

which your immediate family and/or HHG should be evacuated.

**[MISCELLANEOUS EXPENSE ALLOWANCE (MEA)]{.underline}**
![](media/image12.wmf){width="0.36527777777777776in"
height="0.36527777777777776in"}

(Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302-16)

The miscellaneous expense allowance (MEA) is an automatic entitlement
that does not need to be specifically approved on your travel order. It
is intended to help defray some of the cost incurred due to relocation,
such as discontinuing your residence at your old official station, and
establishing a residence at your new official duty station. The
following are ways in which you can claim MEA:

**Claiming MEA Without Documentation/Receipts:** The following amounts
will

paid for MEA without documentation or receipts, either:

1.  \$500 or the equivalent of one week basic pay, whichever is less,
    for an

> employee without an immediate family; or

2.  \$1000 or equivalent to two weeks basic pay, whichever is less, for
    an employee with an immediate family.

**Claiming MEA in Excess of the \$500 or \$1000 Limitation:** Allowances
in

excess of \$500 or \$1000 may be authorized if supported by an
acceptable

justification and supporting documentation. The aggregate amount may not

exceed:

1.  One week's basic pay for an employee without an immediate family; or

2.  Two week's basic pay for employee with an immediate family.

The amount authorized cannot exceed the maximum salary of a GS-13.

> Documentation and/or receipts will be required for the entire amount
> claimed. See FTR, Chapter 302-16.1 for types of miscellaneous expenses
> that can be claimed under this method and see FTR, Chapter 302-16.202
> and 302-16.203 for types of expenses that cannot be claimed under this
> method.
>
> -11-

**[ALLOWANCES FOR EXPENSES]{.underline}**
![](media/image13.wmf){width="0.6694444444444444in"
height="0.6284722222222222in"}**[\
INCURRED IN CONNECTION WITH RESIDENCE TRANSACTIONS]{.underline}**

(Federal Travel Regulation, Chapter 302-11)

You are eligible to receive an allowance for residence transaction
expenses:

1.  if your old and new stations are within the United States; or

2.  if you transferred from an official station in the United States to
    a foreign

> area and you are now transferring back to the United States.

NOAA currently offers two programs in which you can sell and buy a home.
Under the

[direct reimbursement method]{.underline}, **you** will be responsible
for selling and purchasing your home, providing the reimbursable closing
costs at settlement, and for filing a travel voucher for the closing
costs. Under the [voucherless home sale/home purchase
programs]{.underline},

**Cartus/Cartus Home Loan LLC**, NOAA's contractor for relocation
services, will assist you with the selling and purchasing of your home,
and there will be no travel voucher to file since Cartus/Cartus Home
Loan LLC will provide all reimbursable closing costs at settlement. You
do not have to sell your residence at your old official duty station to
be eligible for residence purchase transactions at your new official
duty station.

Click on the following chart for a comparison between the direct
reimbursement method and the voucherless home purchase program. Please
read all of the information provided and contact Cartus/Cartus Home Loan
LLC's Relocation Center on 888-RELOFED so that you can make an informed
decision on which program will best fit your needs. In addition, please
contact your servicing RSC for more information regarding these
programs.

-12-

**Reimbursable Real Estate Expenses**: Provided that the expenses would
customarily be paid by you selling your residence at the old official
duty station or purchasing a residence at the new official duty station,
the following is a list of real estate expenses that are reimbursable
under both the "direct reimbursement program" and the "voucherless home
sale/home purchase programs." Note that not all of the real estate
expenses listed are reimbursable for the purchase of a residence. Under
the direct reimbursement method, these expense are reimbursable directly
to you since you are responsible for paying for them at settlement.
Under the voucherless home sale/home purchase programs, these expenses
are reimbursable to Cartus/Cartus Home Loan LLC since Cartus/Cartus Home
Loan LLC is responsible for paying them at settlement. See FTR, Chapter
302-11.200 and Form, CD-371, for more detailed information on these
reimbursable expenses. Note, you are responsible for all
**non-reimbursable** real estate expenses. See FTR, Chapter 302-11.202
for a list of non-reimbursable real estate expenses.

+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **REIMBURSABLE REAL ESTATE EXPENSES**        |           |           |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Real Estate Expenses**                     | **Old     | **New     |
|                                              | O         | O         |
|                                              | fficial** | fficial** |
|                                              |           |           |
|                                              | **Duty    | **Duty    |
|                                              | Station** | Station** |
|                                              |           |           |
|                                              | *         | **(Pu     |
|                                              | *(Sale)** | rchase)** |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Brokerage Fees**                           | YES       | NO        |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Advertising**                              | YES       | NO        |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Appraisal Fees**                           | YES       | NO        |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Legal and Related Costs**                  | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Miscellaneous Costs** Amounts paid in      | NO        | NO        |
| connection with the sale of your             |           |           |
|                                              |           |           |
| residence at the old official duty station   |           |           |
| and purchase of your residence at the new    |           |           |
| official duty station. Normally, these       |           |           |
| expenses are paid by the purchaser.          |           |           |
|                                              |           |           |
| However, depending on local custom and       |           |           |
| practice, the seller may be required         |           |           |
|                                              |           |           |
| to pay some of them.                         |           |           |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Prepayment charge**                        | YES       | NO        |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Lender's appraisal fee**                   | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Loan origination fee**                     | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **FHA or VA application fee**                | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Certifications**                           | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Credit report**                            | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Mortgage title policy**                    | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Escrow Agent's fee**                       | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **State Revenue Stamp**                      | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Mortgage and transfer taxes**              | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Owners title insurance policy**            | YES       | YES       |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Expenses in connection with construction   | YES       | YES       |
| of a residence**                             |           |           |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Environmental testing and property         | YES       | YES       |
| inspection fees**                            |           |           |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+
| **Attorney's fees when they are reasonable   | YES       | YES       |
| and customary**                              |           |           |
+----------------------------------------------+-----------+-----------+

-13-

**Direct Reimbursement**: Under the direct reimbursement method for the
**sale** of your residence, you will be responsible for marketing and
selling your residence, paying all reimbursable real estate expenses at
settlement, and for filing a travel voucher for the reimbursable real
estate expenses paid at settlement. Under the direct reimbursement
method for the **purchase** of your new residence, you will be
responsible for paying all reimbursable real estate expense at
settlement and for filing a travel voucher for the reimbursable real
estate expenses paid at settlement. Direct reimbursement for both the
sale and purchase of a residence is a taxable event that requires a RITA
in order to reimburse you for taxes paid by you as a result of your
relocation. See page 2 for more information on RITA.

**Limitation**: You are entitled to reimbursable real estate expenses
not to exceed:

> 1\) ten percent of the actual sale price for the sale of your
> residence at the

old official duty station; and

2.  five percent of the actual sale price for the purchase of your
    residence

> at the new official duty station.

**Itemization and Receipts**: You must submit the following documents
when

claiming expenses for the sale and purchase of residences:

1.  [[CD-370, "Travel
    Voucher"]{.underline}](http://www.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd370fll.pdf),

2.  [[CD-371, "Employee Application for Reimbursement of Expenses
    Incurred Upon Sale or Purchase (or both) of Residence Upon Change of
    Official
    Station"]{.underline}](http://www.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd371fll.pdf)
    which must be signed by the approving official;

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3.  Copies of your sales agreement and/or purchase agreement;

4.  Property settlement documents;

5.  Loan closing documents; and

6.  Invoices or receipts for other bills paid.

**Unexpired Lease Expense**: Reimbursement of unexpired lease expense
may be authorized in lieu of residence transaction fees under the
following conditions:

1.  Applicable laws or the terms of the lease provide for payment of
    settlement

> expenses;

2.  Such expenses cannot be avoided by sublease or other arrangement;

3.  You have not contributed to the expenses by failing to give
    appropriate lease termination notice promptly after you have
    definite knowledge of your transfer; or

4.  The broker's fees or advertising charges are not in excess of those
    customarily charged for comparable services in that locality.

**Itemization and Receipts**:

1.  [[CD-370, "Travel
    Voucher"]{.underline}](http://www.doc.gov/forms/pdf/cd370fll.pdf),

2.  Documentation, such as a receipt or canceled check which shows you
    paid all lease settlement fees; and

3.  A copy of the lease agreement.

-14-

**Voucherless Home Sale Program**: The voucherless home sale program is
a tax protected program that begins with marketing assistance by Cartus
on day one of the listing agreement and concludes with closing of the
sale of your residence. Please contact Cartus/Cartus Home Loan LLC's
Relocation Center on 877-RELOFED or visit Cartus's website:
[www.cartus.com](http://www.cartus.com/).

The voucherless home sale program consists of three phases: "[buyer
value program]{.underline}:, "[amended sale program]{.underline}" and
the "[appraised sale program]{.underline}." The [buyer value
program]{.underline} usually happens within the first 60 days of listing
your residence and allows you to get market value for your residence. If
you are not able to bring a bona fide buyer to the table within the
first 60 days, you have the option of entering the [appraised sale
program]{.underline}, whereby Cartus will make you an offer based on
appraisals. You will have 60 days after the offer is made to either
accept or reject Cartus's offer. During the 60 day offer period, you
must continue to market your home until the 90^th^ day of the listing
agreement or you receive an offer from a bona fide buyer. If at any time
after Cartus orders appraisals you bring a bona fide buyer to the table,
you will be switched to the [amended sale program]{.underline} which
means that with the assistance of Cartus, you will sell your home at
market value. If you reject Cartus's offer, you may withdraw from the
program and you will continue listing the residence on your own.

**Limitation**: Under the voucherless home sale program, reimbursement
for real

> estate expenses is limited based on the value of your home. The
> maximum home value for which NOAA will pay for home sale expenses is
> \$500,000. Any expenses in excess of the \$500,000 cap would be your
> responsibility. However, on a case by case basis, requests to waive
> the \$500,000 maximum home value for which NOAA will pay for home sale
> services can be submitted through your Line Office CFO/Management and
> Budget Officer, through the NOAA CFO, to the DOC, Director,
> Administrative Services for approval. A copy of the travel order must
> accompany all requests.
>
> **Eligibility**: Cartus will cover the residential dwelling and the
> land that reasonably relates to the residence. You are eligible to use
> the services of the voucherless home sale program if:

1.  The title to the residence is in either your name or an immediate
    family

> member's name;

2.  You commute to and from work from the residence you are selling;

3.  Your residence can be financed;

4.  Your residence is insurable;

5.  Your residence is adequately serviced by potable water and sanitary

> Waste facilities;

6.  Any construction on your residence is complete;

7.  Your residence is not contaminated by a toxic substance;

8.  Your residence is not a mobile home, houseboat, or a co-op;

-15-

9.  Your residence is not used for commercial purposes;

10. You own a duplex that is only partially occupied by you. In this
    case, expenses for the portion you do not occupy are your
    responsibility;

11. Your residence complies with other applicable state or local codes.
    It is your responsibility to bring the property to code at your
    expense;

12. You have proper approval if you are over your two year time
    limitation; and

13. You have a waiver if your residence exceeds the \$500,000 cap.

**Follow-up** **Paperwork**: You must provide the following paper work
**after**

entrance into the home sale program:

1.  A listing agreement; and

> (a copy provided to RSC and finance)

2.  A [Listing
    Addendum](http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~finance/RELO.list addend.pdf).

> (a copy provided to RSC)

**Buyer Value Program or Amended Sale Program**: Offers made under the
buyer value program or amended sale program are based on the price
negotiated between you and the buyer rather than on appraisals. Once you
receive an outside offer and all contingencies are removed, including
the completion of all necessary inspections, Cartus will purchase the
residence for the amount of the outside offer. You will:

1.  Have the option of selecting your own real estate agent or selecting
    one from

> Cartus's network of brokers (Call Cartus Relocation Center on
>
> 877-RELOFED for a listing of Cartus's brokers);

2.  Receive access to objective advice from Cartus on how to market your

    residence, set a listing price, as well as oversight of marketing
    activities and

    negotiation assistance;

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2.  Be eligible for home marketing assistance, home finding assistance,
    and mortgage counseling at no cost to you or NOAA; and

3.  Not sign or initial the buyer's offer, but will forward the contract
    to Cartus for signature;

4.  Receive a guaranteed sale and therefore are not at risk if the sale
    does not close. Finding a replacement buyer is Cartus's
    responsibility;

5.  Be responsible for any additional costs when the maximum value of
    the residence exceeds the \$500,000 real estate cap, unless approved
    by a waiver. If you do not have waiver, the additional costs will be
    deducted from your equity.

6.  Receive 95% of your home's equity once the contract is executed, and
    100% of the equity once the residence has been vacated;

7.  Not be responsible for mortgage payments, utilities, and maintenance
    once the residence is vacated;

-16-

9.  Not attend settlement. Cartus will manage the details of settlement
    including payment of commissions;

10. Not submit a travel voucher for closing cost. Cartus will invoice
    NOAA in accordance with the contracted fee. Once the invoice is
    paid, the RSC will forward a copy of the invoice to the gaining
    office;

11. Not bear any **tax liability** for this transaction.

**Appraised Sale Program**: If your residence does not sell within the
first 60 days under the buyer value program, you may enter the appraised
sale program. You would need to notify your servicing RSC if you are
interested in entering this program. Under the appraised sale program,
Cartus will make you an offer to purchase your residence for its fair
market value as determined by independent appraisals. Click on
[Appraisal
Q&As](http://www.corporateservices.noaa.gov/~finance/RELO.appraisal.pdf)
for more information regarding the appraisal process. Under the
appraised sale program:

1.  Appraisals are initiated on day 60 and are made on the property in
    an "as is"

> condition. Appraisals shall be conducted according to the Employee
>
> Relocation Council (ERC) appraisal form. The appraiser shall use a
>
> marketing time of not less than 120 days and not more than 180 days.

2.  You have up to 60 days to accept or reject the offer by Cartus.

3.  You will continue to independently market your residence until your
    residence has been listed for 90 days.

4.  You may request an advance up to 95 percent of the estimated equity
    from your residence, based on the appraised sale offer, for the
    purpose of purchasing a residence at the new official duty station.
    The equity advance may be secured by a second deed of trust or other
    security which Cartus deems satisfactory. The equity advance shall
    be deducted from your equity upon Cartus's acquisition of the
    property. Cartus's cost of money or any other administrative charges
    will not be charged to you or to the Government.

5.  If you do not receive an outside offer and decide to accept the
    offer made by Cartus, Cartus will purchase your residence for its
    fair market value as determined by the independent appraisals.
    Cartus will invoice NOAA in accordance with the contracted fee. Once
    the invoice is paid, the RSC will forward a copy of the invoice to
    the gaining office.

6.  If you do not accept the offer from Cartus, you will sell your
    residence under the direct reimbursement method as outlined on
    page 14. It is important to note that you will not be reimbursed for
    any charges (inspection fees, appraisal fees, etc.) that duplicate
    fees paid to Cartus. If at any time you withdraw from the program,
    you may not reenter.

> 7\) If you accept an outside offer by a bona fide buyer during the 60
> day offer
>
> period, Cartus will amend the appraised sale offer to reflect the
> value of the
>
> offer from the outside buyer. Please note that under the amended sale
> program,
>
> you must review all outside offers with Cartus and you cannot sign any
> sales
>
> agreement or accept any money from the outside buyer.
>
> -17-

8.  If you do not accept Cartus's appraised sale offer and fail to repay
    amounts advanced, Cartus may use normal legal recourse against you.
    Furthermore, in the event that you do not accept Cartus's appraised
    sale offer, Cartus may charge you \$125 administrative fee. The
    Government shall not accept responsibility for repayment of the
    amount advance and Cartus shall have no legal recourse against the
    Government if you fail to pay the amounts advanced.

9.  If you sign a sales contract or accept money from any outside buyer,
    you are automatically out of the program. However, you may re-enter
    the program if the outside offer fails to close within the 60 day
    offer period.

**Home Purchase Program**: Under the home purchase program you will have
the potential ability to quickly purchase a residence at the new
official duty station through Cartus Home Loan LLC. You will receive
mortgage counseling and mortgage pre-approval within 48 hours of
contacting Cartus Home Loan LLC and you will have early access to
demographic information on every town, school, and neighborhood at your
new official duty station. Our current contract for home purchase is
Cartus Home Loan LLC.

You will:

1.  Be provided with individual counseling to familiarize you with to
    program.

> Cartus Home Loan LLC will analyze your financial position to determine
> which mortgage will best meet your needs;
>
> 2\) Work with Cartus Home Loan LLC, who will complete the loan
> application by

telephone for you;

3\) Review and sign the loan application and return it in the prepaid
return

> envelope back to Cartus Home Loan LLC. Prior to closing, you will
> receive
>
> information from Cartus Home Loan LLC outlining reimbursable closing
>
> costs according to the FTR.

You are responsible for bringing the remaining funds to closing;

> 4\) Not pay the reimbursable closing costs or file a travel voucher
> since the
>
> Reimbursable closing cost are charged directly to NOAA, and not
> charged to
>
> you at settlement. Cartus Home Loan LLC will forward an itemized
> invoice
>
> and signed copy of the HUD-1 form (settlement statement) to the
> appropriate
>
> RSC for payment. Once the invoice is paid, the RSC will forward a copy
> of
>
> the HUD-1 form and itemized invoice to the gaining office;
>
> 5\) Pay for any non-reimbursable expenses that were advanced to you;
> and

6\) Bear a **tax liability** for this transaction. Please be aware that
all home

Purchase reimbursements are considered taxable income for which you will

Receive a RITA.

> -18-