DCAA Issues Guidance On Revised Travel Cost Rule

In response to the recent revision to the travel cost rule at FAR 31.205-46(b) and (c), which now limits allowable airfare costs to the lowest airfare available to the contractor, DCAA issued guidance on March 22, 2010, that identifies the "lowest airfare available" as that available to the contractor through direct negotiation with airlines or travel agents. The guidance advises that contractors' policies and procedures should provide for (a) documented, advance planning of travel that considers nonrefundable airfares and lower airfares negotiated with airlines, travel service providers, and credit card companies and (b) obtaining quotations from competing airlines or travel service providers.