Overseas Point of Contact Training Information
Updated: 14-OCT-08

The Per Diem, Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee periodically conducts an in-depth, two-day training session for overseas military allowance points of contact (Country and Locality Allowance Coordinators). This training provides a working knowledge of overseas allowances, survey coordination, and reporting requirements. The objective of the class is to train overseas allowance coordinators to conduct and coordinate surveys and to submit accurate and complete allowance reports. The important role that the Country and Locality Allowance Coordinator play in the allowance setting process is also covered. For overseas allowance coordinator responsibilities, please see Appendix M on our website. Part V of Appendix M contains a sample appointment letter for Country or Locality Allowance Coordinator.

The Senior Officer in country, as defined in Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR), Appendix M, should plan for new Country Allowance Coordinators to attend at least one session. Locality survey coordinators should attend this training prior to conducting annual Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) surveys. Any command, base, or duty station may send a representative to training.

WHEN AND WHERE IS THE NEXT CLASS

PDTATAC usually offers one or more training classes per year at our office in Alexandria, Virginia. The next training class is 12-13 January 2009 . Training provided at the PDTATAC Headquarters office in Virginia is geared towards Country and Locality Allowance Coordinators. Training provided by PDTATAC in the field is geared toward Country POCs, as well as individual duty station and locality POCs. Maximum participation is encouraged.

To inquire about signing the class or for additional details, send an email to: pdtatac@dtmo.pentagon.mil

Proposed Curriculum:

Day one

A. Meet Staff, Administrative Remarks –

B. Per Diem Travel and Transportation Allowance Committee—who we are.

C. Country and Locality Allowance Coordinators’ Roles and Responsibilities

D. Overseas Cost-of-Living Allowance (OCOLA)

1. COLA Program Overview

2. Creating and conducting a customized Living Pattern Survey (LPS) for your location

3 Conducting a Market Basket Survey and completing the Retail Price Schedule (RPS) for your location

E. Q&A

Day 2 (half day)

A. Overseas Housing Allowance (OHA)

1. Rental Allowances (Ceilings) - where the data comes from and how it is updated

2. Utility Allowances

3. Move-in Housing Allowance (MIHA)

4. Conducting a Utility / MIHA Survey

B. Rates of Exchange (Currency) Adjustments: The mechanics.

C. Per Diem Rates: Overseas foreign, overseas non-foreign, and CONUS rates.

D. Q&A

Attendance : Attendees are expected to attend the entire training session that will last two full days.

Will PDTATAC pay for my travel and per diem?

No. Your activity must provide the funding for you to attend this session.

What should I bring TO THE CLASS ?

Questions!! Review JFTR Chapters 9 and 10 and Appendixes J, K, M and N

Computer equipment will be provided.

SHOULD I WEAR MY UNIFORM ?

If required by your activity; otherwise, appropriate casual office apparel is satisfactory.

IF I CAN’T ATTEND THIS CLASS ?

PDTATAC usually offers a spring and fall class each year. Check this web page periodically for new training dates.