Contact US
US Department of Transportation
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs and Chief Financial Officer
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Room W93-444
Washington DC 20590
Phone:
(202) 366-0300
8:30am-5:00pm ET, M-F
FY 2012 Conference Spending Disclosure
On June 4, 2010, the DOT Chief Financial Officer (CFO) issued a policy establishing internal control procedures for the planning and approval of all DOT conferences and workshops. The primary objective of this policy was to ensure that all such events are planned and managed in a cost-effective manner that minimizes inefficient spending, beginning with the establishment of a mission-based need for holding all conferences.
The policy also outlined strict procedures and considerations related to the selection of prudent locations for such events, appropriate use of meals and refreshments, and the use of conference planners. In addition, the policy established a monthly reporting regimen that requires DOT’s operating administrations to follow a rigorous approval protocol for all conferences, including the administrator’s personal approval of all such events. Copies of these approvals are required to be sent to the DOT CFO for further review.
As a follow on to this initiative, the DOT CFO issued supplemental guidance in February of 2012, “Internal Control Procedures and Guidance for Using DOT Funds for Conferences, Workshops, and Related Gatherings.” This policy reinforced and strengthened the internal controls over conference spending. Detailed guidance further outlined considerations such as location selection, cost comparisons, use of video teleconferencing technology (in lieu of travel), and refreshments/meals.
Together, these policies have helped limit the number of such events throughout the year.
Updated: Thursday, January 31, 2013