Board of Contract Appeals
                 General Services Administration
                     Washington, D.C. 20405



                       __________________

                         March 26, 1998
                                                  


                        GSBCA 14526-RELO


                  In the Matter of STEVE RESCH


     Steve Resch, Havelock, NC, Claimant.

     G. A. Terrill and Judy Hughes, Defense Finance and
Accounting Service, Columbus, OH, appearing for Department of the
Navy.

WILLIAMS, Board Judge.

     The instant claim is dismissed as premature because claimant
has not submitted the claim to the agency for initial
adjudication.

                           Background

     On March 16, 1998, claimant, Steve Resch, filed the instant
claim against the Department of the Navy, seeking reimbursement
of certain transportation expenses incurred in connection with
his relocation from California to Japan in December 1995.  On
March 24, 1998, the agency informed the Board that the claimant
has not filed a claim with the agency and the agency has not yet
been afforded the opportunity to adjudicate it.

                           Discussion

     Rule 401(c) of the Board's Rules of Procedure for Travel and
Relocation Expenses Cases provides that any claim for entitlement
to travel or relocation expenses must first be filed with the
claimant's own department or agency and that the agency must
initially adjudicate the claim.  A claimant disagreeing with the
agency's determination may request review by this Board.

                            Decision

     This claim is dismissed and remanded to the agency for its
initial adjudication.



                                   
_______________________________
                                   MARY ELLEN COSTER WILLIAMS
                                   Board Judge