This year, the CIA, Transportation Department and U.S. Army in Europe took home the honors bestowed by a panel of seven judges who are leaders in federal travel management. Three years later, the agency has declared victory. It has reworked its travel process from top to bottom, building a new software system, changing agency policy, requiring use of the travel card, using digital signatures for approval and more. The program became mandatory agencywide in October. We had account permission slips agencywide forms plus local forms and then forms for after the trip again, centralized accounting forms plus local forms.
Reimbursement is quick, too, making for happier travelers.
Government Executive's Travel Managers of the Year award judges praised the agency for totally reengineering the way it conducts travel, especially its use of in-house software and charge cards, the agencywide implementation, and the change of agency culture all of this required. The Transportation Department overhauled its contracts with travel agents, saving money and winning improved travel services in the bargain. Until recently, travel agents, including those who contracted with the government, made their money by collecting commissions from airlines, hotels and motels, and car rental companies. Starving for income, some travel management firms started charging clients directly for the services they provide. But government contracts weren't open to renegotiation, so travel firms looking to make up for lost commissions were under pressure to reduce services to government clients as well.