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1.  Purpose.  This Instructional Memorandum (IM) provides detailed guidance on when a limited open (blanket) travel authorization can be used while on temporary duty (TDY) travel.

2.  Scope.  This IM applies to all travelers with limited open travel authorizations.

3.  Approval Authority.  The approval authority for limited open travel authorizations is Office Chiefs reporting to the Director/Deputy Director and Managers and Supervisors who report directly to a Senior Executive Service Manager.

4.  Policy.  Limited open travel authorizations, otherwise known as “blanket travel authorizations” are authorizations that allow employees to conduct multiple trips without obtaining trip-specific approval.  Blanket authorizations are only to be used for recurring trips to the same geographical location for meetings or for a specific purpose such as field work and site visits.  Blanket authorizations must include the time period and the anticipated costs for that time-frame, not to exceed the current fiscal year.

A blanket authorization is not allowed for the following activities: Conferences or large meetings defined as a conference for reporting purposes; training; travel that is being paid by a non-Federal source; and foreign travel.

/s/ Diane K. Wade                                                                                          September 21, 2012
_____________________________________________                              _________________
Diane K. Wade                                                                                                           Date
Associate Director for Administration and
Enterprise Information and Acting Associate Director
for Human Capital

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