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I'm writing to remind you that travel charges to federally funded sponsored research accounts must be in compliance with the Fly America Act, which requires the use of U.S. flag carriers to the maximum extent possible. This requirement is mandated by the federal government and has been in effect in various forms since the 1970's. The most recent version of the act was approved in 1998, and can be found on the ORPA website (http://www.princeton.edu/orpa/memos/us_flag_carriers.pdf).
Some general exceptions to the Act may apply in cases where no U.S. air carrier service is available or if the requirement would cause significant time delays for the trip. Note that a traveler may not be reimbursed from federal funds for any transportation costs for which the traveler improperly used a foreign air carrier service.
In light of recent code share arrangements among the airlines, compliance can be complicated and difficult to monitor. As a result, the Purchasing Department has negotiated agreements with several travel agencies who will certify to the University that a trip is booked properly if the traveler identifies themselves as a Princeton employee traveling on federal funds. These agencies include:
- Anthony Travel - Phone: 800-366-3772 - Contact: Pat Walsh
- Class "A" Travel - Phone: 609-497-0011 - Contact: Marianne Murphy
- Marathon Travel - Phone: 800-826-2978 - Contact: Tanya Yenter
- TQ³ Navigant - Phone: 800-966-3802 - Contact: Deborah Abdelgainy
Agencies typically charge booking fees between $25-$40 per ticket. In addition, ORPA and the Treasurer's Office will engage members of the Academic Managers Group to refine our booking and approval procedures to ensure better compliance with the Act.
Please contact me or your cognizant ORPA representative if you have any questions regarding the Act.
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D. Dobkin
C. Eisgruber
J. Floersch
L. Harvey
C. McCrudden
Department and Financial Managers
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