Table of Contents
- Definition
- Examples
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Related Terms
- Online References
- Suggested Books for Further Studies
Definition
OCONUS stands for “Outside Contiguous United States.” It is a term commonly used in federal regulations to describe travel and assignments that occur outside the contiguous 48 states of the U.S. and the District of Columbia. Federal employees and service members have specific travel rules and allowances, including per diem rates for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses, which are published under the Federal Travel Regulations and updated periodically.
Examples
- Example 1: A federal employee traveling to Alaska for official business would be traveling OCONUS.
- Example 2: A military service member stationed in Germany is considered OCONUS and follows the travel rules and allowances applicable to that designation.
- Example 3: A government official attending a conference in Hawaii would be traveling OCONUS.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What locations are considered OCONUS?
Any location outside the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia is considered OCONUS. This includes Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories such as Guam and Puerto Rico, and foreign countries.
How are per diem rates determined for OCONUS travel?
Per diem rates for OCONUS travel are determined by the General Services Administration (GSA) for civilian travel, the Department of Defense (DoD) for military travel, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for executive agencies. These rates are reviewed and updated periodically to reflect current costs.
What expenses are covered under OCONUS travel allowances?
OCONUS travel allowances typically cover lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. The specific rates vary by location and are published in the Federal Travel Regulations.
Are there different rules for civilian and military OCONUS travel?
Yes, the rules and allowances for civilian and military OCONUS travel can differ. Civilian travel follows the guidelines set by the GSA, while military travel follows regulations set by the DoD.
How do I find the current per diem rates for OCONUS travel?
Current per diem rates can be found on the GSA website for civilian employees and the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) website for military personnel.
Related Terms
- CONUS: Stands for “Contiguous United States,” referring to the 48 adjoining states and the District of Columbia. Learn more about CONUS here.
- Per Diem: A daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses when traveling for work or military assignments. Read more about per diem here.
- Federal Travel Regulations (FTR): Guidelines set by the federal government that govern travel entitlements for employees. Learn more about FTR here.
Online References
- General Services Administration (GSA) OCONUS Per Diem Rates
- Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO) OCONUS Per Diem Rates
- Federal Travel Regulation (FTR)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Federal Travel Regulation Handbook” by CCH Incorporated - This book provides an in-depth look at the federal travel regulations, including OCONUS travel rules.
- “Government Travel and Relocation” by Donald P. Rider - A comprehensive guide to the policies and procedures related to government travel and relocation.
- “The Complete Guide to Office Relocation: How to Manage Large and Complex Moves” by Karen Warner - Although focused on office relocation, this book includes sections on federal travel and allowances.
