November 4, 1998
Department of
Agriculture
MAP-98017
FMD-98013
Agricultural
Services
Agricultural
Services
TO:
All MAP Participants and FMD Cooperators
Independence Ave., SW
Stop 1042
Washington. DC
20250-1042
Background:
Numerous questions have been raised recently regarding the eligibility of wireless phones as reimbursable costs under the MAP and FMD programs. FAS encourages participants and cooperators to take advantage of and utilize new technologies, particularly when it helps enhance export opportunities and expands markets for American products.
Policy:
FAS will reimburse the cost of "airtime" devoted to program activities. Phone equipment, equipment repair, insurance, or other charges are not reimbursable by FAS.
Action:
Because of the wide array of discount rates and promotion packages offered by competing services, wireless service charges are difficult to audit. For audit purposes, claimants must maintain and provide itemized phone billings, or, if not available, itemized phone logs for all wireless phone usage. The billings and/or logs should be annotated for any personal usage, and the associated cost for personal usage subtracted. Only that portion of the monthly expenses utilized for program activities is eligible for reimbursement. The Compliance Review Staff will audit any billings for wireless phone usage as part of their on-site foreign office reviews.
If there are any questions, please contact the Marketing Operations Staff at (202) 720-4327.
KENT D. SISSON
Director
Marketing Operations Staff
