The Department of the Interior (Interior) asks whether it may obligate funds appropriated in the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations act to purchase a nonmonetary award, such as a plaque, to give to a state government employee who contributed to National Park Service programs. Generally, appropriated funds are not available for gifts. While the Government Employees' Incentives Awards Act authorizes agencies to purchase awards for federal employees who contribute significantly to agency programs, it does not cover nonfederal employees. Interior, however, retains specific authority under section 115 of the Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for fiscal year 1992 to purchase nonmonetary awards for private individuals who contribute to Interior's programs. We conclude that section 115's language applies to future fiscal years and encompasses state employees; thus, Interior may obligate funds to purchase this award.
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Decision
Matter of: Department of the Interior, National Park Service—Availability of Appropriations for Nonmonetary Awards to Private Individuals
File: B-334711
Date: June 5, 2023
DIGEST
The Department of the Interior (Interior) asks whether it may obligate funds appropriated in the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations act to purchase a nonmonetary award, such as a plaque, to give to a state government employee who contributed to National...
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