MARADMIN 291/12 - Defense Travel System (DTS) Voucher Approval Process

Scope

MARADMIN 291/12 routes every Marine Corps DTS voucher through the servicing Disbursing or Finance Office (DO/FO) for final approval, except those processed via TECOM Worldwide Travel (TECOM WWT). The change moves pecuniary liability from local commands to the DO/FO to correct voucher inaccuracies and approval timeline lags. Local command Approving (Certifying) Officials become Reviewing Officials under the new routing. Full implementation by 2012-12-31. Applicability is the Marine Corps Total Force.

Audience

• Disbursing Officers and Finance Officers (DO/FO). Approve every DTS voucher. Validate entitlements, payment accuracy, GTCC balances, and proper split disbursement.
• Local command Reviewing Officials (former Approving or Certifying Officials). Process vouchers within 2 working days of receipt.
• Disbursing or Finance Office Approving Officials. Process vouchers within 3 working days of receipt.
• Lead Defense Travel Administrators (LDTAs) and Organizational Defense Travel Administrators (ODTAs). Convert command DTS routing lists to flow through the DO/FO. Do not convert TECOM WWT routing lists.
• Commanders. Approve travel authorizations. Review traveler-submitted vouchers against commander intent.
• TECOM Worldwide Travel office. Continues to process its routed vouchers without DO/FO insertion.

Action items

1. DOs and FOs work with LDTAs and ODTAs to convert routing lists. Increment workload absorption.
2. Notify impacted units before each routing change.
3. Local Reviewing Officials process vouchers within 2 working days. DO/FO Approving Officials within 3 working days.
4. After final approval, travelers and Reviewing Officials review comments and take follow-on action.
5. Disbursing or Finance personnel receive approving and reviewing authority through the DD Form 577 process. Blanket waiver from the grade requirement in MCO 4650.39 applies. DO/FOs exercise due diligence under DoD FMR Volume 5 when appointing AOs and COs.
6. Run full implementation by 2012-12-31.

Scope limits

• The revised routing process governs vouchers only. DTS authorizations stay under the previous approval flow.

Connection to higher policy

• DoD Financial Management Regulation Volume 9 Chapter 3. Travel policy reference.
• DoD Financial Management Regulation Volume 5. Disbursing operations authority.

Connection to Marine Corps doctrine

• MCO 4650.39. Defense Travel System (DTS).
• MCO 4600.40A. Government Travel Charge Card Program (GTCCP).
• MARADMIN 359/25. Updated Guidance for Processing Unsubmitted DTS Travel Vouchers and Closing Outstanding Travel Orders. The current OTO and zero-dollar voucher framework.
• IGMC FAC 10 GTCC. Inspection program drawing evidence on travel management.

Status

Released 2012-05-31, DTG R 311634Z MAY 12. Originator CMC Washington DC, MRA MI and PR RFF. Release authorized by Lieutenant General Wissler, Deputy Commandant for Programs and Resources. Applicability is the Marine Corps Total Force. POCs Dave Bye at MI (703-432-9312) and David Fuqua at RFF (703-614-3512). Full implementation deadline 2012-12-31. Active until folded into MCO 4650.39A and the successor financial management policy.