OMB Circular A-126 requires the Solicitor or his principal deputy to authorize all travel on government aircraft by employees above GS-15, members of their families and non-federal travelers. This applies to all government-owned, leased, chartered and rental aircraft. "Mission requirements" are defined in OPM 7, Appendix 1 and specifically excludes travel for meetings or routine site visits. Therefore, for non-mission flights, a cost comparison must be completed and forwarded to the Solicitor.
OPM 7 addresses the Management and Use of Government Aircraft.
To ensure this is a non-mission flight, see the Flow Chart and Decision Memo OPM 7, Appendix 7.
Cost comparisons are required for all non-mission flights as directed by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-126. The ordering office must complete and keep a cost comparison on file.