Download  

Department of the Interior

Effective Date: 7/16/82

Series: Financial Management

Part 334: Uniform Allowances

Chapter 1: Standards and Procedures

Originating Office: Office of Financial Management

1.1 Purpose. The purpose of this Part is to set forth Departmental policies and procedures for the payment of uniform allowances to employees under the Federal Employees Uniform Allowance Act of 1954, as amended, and the guidelines in Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-30, Revised, dated August 20, 1966.

1.2 Scope. The provisions of this Part, as well as 334 DM 2, are applicable to all bureaus and offices. This Part covers the policies and procedures for payment of initial and replacement uniform allowances to employees whose duties require the wearing of a uniform. Bureaus and offices authorizing employees to wear a prescribed uniform must adhere to these policies and procedures and comply with the regulatory authority under which uniform allowances are authorized (see 370 DM 594 Addition to FPM for the Department policy on eligibility and standards for granting uniform allowances to employees).

1.3 Policy. The payment of a uniform allowance is proper only in those cases where employees are required by law, regulation, or bureau or office directive to wear a uniform, and the uniform has not been provided by the bureau or office. Uniform is defined as wearing apparel different from that normally worn in off-duty hours. Items of protective clothing authorized to be worn by bureau or office employees are not considered a uniform and are not subject to this policy (see 51 Comp. Gen. 446).

1.4 Statutory and Other References.

A. Statutory References:

Federal Employees Uniform Allowance Act. Public Law 83-763 (September 1, 1954) 68 Stat. 1114, as amended.

Federal Salary and Fringe Benefits Act of 1966. Public Law 89-504 (July 18, 1966) 80 Stat. 288, as amended.

Public Law 94-458 (October 7, 1976) 90 Stat. 1940.

Great Dismal Swamp Act. Public Law 96-291 (June 28, 1980), 94 Stat. 608, as amended.

B. Other References:

5 U.S.C. 5901 - Uniform Allowances.

5 U.S.C. 5902 - Increase in maximum uniform allowance.

5 U.S.C. 5903 - Regulations.

5 U.S.C. 7903 - Protective Clothing and Equipment.

Office of Management and Budget Circular No. A-30, Revised, August 20, 1966. 1/ Comptroller General Decision B-174629, dated January 31, 1972. Part 370 DM 594 Addition to FPM - Allowances for Uniforms.

1.5 Responsibilities.

A. Departmental. The Office of Financial Management, Office of Assistant Secretary - Policy, Budget and Administration is responsible for (1) furnishing policy and procedural guidance to implement regulatory directives and issuances, and (2) providing assistance and guidance to the bureaus and offices on the payment of employee uniform allowances.

B. Bureaus and Offices. Bureaus and offices are responsible for (1) determining the uniform to be worn, (2) designating who is to wear the uniform, (3) setting the price for each article of clothing constituting the uniform, (4) conducting periodic reviews of representative uniform suppliers to establish initial and replacement uniform allowance costs, and (5) furnishing uniforms or paying uniform allowances to employees (see 370 DM 594,1.1 Addition to FPM).

-----------------

1/ Executive Order 11609 transferred responsibility for carrying out the provisions of the Federal Employees Uniform Allowance Act from the Office of Management and Budget to the Office of Personnel Management, effective October 21, 1971.

*

7/16/82 #3411

Replaces 7/16/82 #2420