ADS 521 - Claims for Losses of Private Personal Property

This policy applies to USAID employees, participating agency employees, Personal Service Contract personnel, and their authorized dependents. The Chief, Travel and Transportation Division, M/AS/TT has the authority to settle and approve payment of claims in an amount not to exceed $5,000. The Director of Administrative Services, M/AS/OD has the authority to approve all other claims. The Mission Executive Officer at post is responsible for assisting employees in preparing their claims and completing form DS-1620A, "Claims Investigating Officer's Report (CIOR)." Employees are responsible for ensuring that their claims are properly documented and substantiated prior to submitting the claims package to the Mission Executive Officer. When employees incur a loss of or damage to personal property incident to their official duties with the U.S. Government, they may file a claim under the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act of 1964, as amended, 31 U.S.C. Section 3721. The Agency must adhere to the policies and procedures governing Personal Property Claims outlined in 6 FAM 310-326, and the Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act of 1964, 31 U.S.C. Section 3721, as amended by Public Law 91-311. The specific policies and procedures governing Personal Property Claims can be found in the applicable FAM sections, including 6 FAM 313 for Claims Assistance Officer's Report, 6 FAM 314 for Claims Investigating Officer's Report (CIOR), and 6 FAM 316.5 for "Hi-Value items." The Military Personnel and Civilian Employees' Claims Act of 1964, as amended, requires that claims be properly documented and substantiated prior to submission. The Agency must also adhere to the policies and procedures governing Personal Property Claims, including the submission of claims, final determination and disposition, and review and adjudication by the Claims Officer. The definitions of key terms, such as accrual date, claims, employee, replacement value, and settle, can be found in 6 FAM 311.3.