_________________

                               May 30, 1997
                             _________________


                             GSBCA 13710-RELO


                     In the Matter of MICHAEL J. KRELL


     Michael J. Krell, Andrews Air Force Base, MD, Claimant.

     R. Michael Imphong, Chief, Allowances Unit, Air Force
Personnel Operations Agency, Washington, DC, appearing for the
Department of the Air Force.

HYATT, Board Judge.

     Michael J. Krell, a civilian employee of the Department of the
Air Force, requested the General Accounting Office's (GAO's) review
of the Air Force's decision to pay only a portion of his claim for
temporary quarters subsistence allowance (TQSA).  This allowance 
was authorized under 5 U.S.C.  5923 (1994) in connection with his
permanent change of station (PCS) from Kadena Air Base, Okinawa,
Japan to Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland.  GAO transferred this
matter to the Board when we were given the authority to decide
claims for expenses incurred by federal civilian employees for
travel, transportation, and relocation. 

     After reviewing the materials received from GAO in detail, we
conclude that TQSA is not an expense of travel, transportation, or
relocation within chapter 57 of title 5 of the United States Code,
but rather is an allowance provided under chapter 59 of title 5 of
the United States Code.  See Susan Drach, GSBCA 13863-RELO (Feb.
13, 1997); Donald Guenther, GSBCA 14032-RELO (Feb. 6, 1997).  As
such, we lack the authority to decide this claim.  Accordingly, we
are dismissing this case from our docket and transferring it to the
Office of Personnel Management for resolution.  





                                   ___________________________
                                   CATHERINE B. HYATT
                                   Board Judge