Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of certifying a DTS voucher or local voucher?
What is the primary purpose of certifying a DTS voucher or local voucher?
To allow payment of claimed expenses.
What is an Authorizing Official's status regarding travel documents in DTS?
What is an Authorizing Official's status regarding travel documents in DTS?
They are Certifying Officers when approving travel documents that contain payments, and Departmental Accountable Officials at all other times.
Receipts are mandatory for all expenses of $75 or more and most lodging expenses.
Receipts are mandatory for all expenses of $75 or more and most lodging expenses.
True (A)
Which of the following IS a defense against pecuniary liability?
Which of the following IS a defense against pecuniary liability?
DTS is a leave-approving system, so there is a need to reflect leave in DTS.
DTS is a leave-approving system, so there is a need to reflect leave in DTS.
Which form should be used to appoint a Certifying Officer or Departmental Accountable Official?
Which form should be used to appoint a Certifying Officer or Departmental Accountable Official?
What is the best definition of pecuniary liability?
What is the best definition of pecuniary liability?
What is a Certifying Officer's maximum level of pecuniary liability with regards to erroneous payments?
What is a Certifying Officer's maximum level of pecuniary liability with regards to erroneous payments?
The Certifying Officer shows that the investigation failed to prove negligence, which is a means of clearing their pecuniary liability.
The Certifying Officer shows that the investigation failed to prove negligence, which is a means of clearing their pecuniary liability.
What is the purpose of the DTS Pre-Audit Trip screen?
What is the purpose of the DTS Pre-Audit Trip screen?
What is the best way for a Certifying Officer to prevent pecuniary liability?
What is the best way for a Certifying Officer to prevent pecuniary liability?
Who is responsible for convening an investigation when an erroneous payment is discovered?
Who is responsible for convening an investigation when an erroneous payment is discovered?
What does Federal law say about Departmental Accountable Officials?
What does Federal law say about Departmental Accountable Officials?
What does Federal law say about Certifying Officers?
What does Federal law say about Certifying Officers?
When faced with a questionable payment, you may ask for additional supporting documentation.
When faced with a questionable payment, you may ask for additional supporting documentation.
What is meant by saying a proposed payment is 'correct'?
What is meant by saying a proposed payment is 'correct'?
A DTS authorization needs to be certified when it contains an advance or partial payment.
A DTS authorization needs to be certified when it contains an advance or partial payment.
A Certifying Officer is presumed negligent when there is a fiscal irregularity.
A Certifying Officer is presumed negligent when there is a fiscal irregularity.
To whom would you forward a request for an advance decision when faced with a questionable payment?
To whom would you forward a request for an advance decision when faced with a questionable payment?
If you are a Departmental Accountable Official, who retains your appointment letter?
If you are a Departmental Accountable Official, who retains your appointment letter?
What is meant by saying a proposed payment is 'proper'?
What is meant by saying a proposed payment is 'proper'?
DTS eliminates the requirement for obligations and disbursements.
DTS eliminates the requirement for obligations and disbursements.
You may approve the authorization after the traveler corrects the error if a disallowed expense included in their authorization is discovered.
You may approve the authorization after the traveler corrects the error if a disallowed expense included in their authorization is discovered.
Departmental Accountable Officials provide information to Certifying Officers.
Departmental Accountable Officials provide information to Certifying Officers.
The DoD General Counsel grants the Departmental Accountable Official's formal request for relief as a means of clearing their pecuniary liability.
The DoD General Counsel grants the Departmental Accountable Official's formal request for relief as a means of clearing their pecuniary liability.
From what does pecuniary liability strive to protect the Government?
From what does pecuniary liability strive to protect the Government?
Non-DTS Entry Agents may be appointed as a Departmental Accountable Official.
Non-DTS Entry Agents may be appointed as a Departmental Accountable Official.
Departmental Accountable Officials bear no presumption of negligence regarding pecuniary liability.
Departmental Accountable Officials bear no presumption of negligence regarding pecuniary liability.
Both EFT and split disbursement are usually mandatory.
Both EFT and split disbursement are usually mandatory.
If you are a Departmental Accountable Official, who retains your appointment letter?
If you are a Departmental Accountable Official, who retains your appointment letter?
Study Notes
DTS Voucher Certification
- Certifying a DTS or local voucher enables payment for claimed expenses.
- Authorizing Officials act as Certifying Officers when approving documents in DTS that involve payments.
Receipts and Expenses
- Receipts are required for all expenses of $75 or more and most lodging costs.
- Certifying Officers are liable for ensuring all submitted expenses comply with regulations.
Pecuniary Liability
- Defined as the obligation to reimburse the Government for financial irregularities.
- Certifying Officers have liability limited to the amount of erroneous payments tied to their actions.
- Following established procedures serves as a defense against pecuniary liability.
- A Certifying Officer is presumed negligent if a fiscal irregularity occurs.
Travel Document Certification
- DTS authorization must be certified for advances or partial payments.
- The DTS Pre-Audit Trip screen lets travelers justify questionable expenses.
- Certifying Officers should only certify documents that are legitimate to prevent potential liability.
- Requests for additional documentation can be made to anyone involved in the travel process to clarify questionable payments.
Departmental Accountable Officials
- Appointed using DD Form 577 and bear limited pecuniary liability under federal law.
- They provide vital information to Certifying Officers and have no presumption of negligence.
Responsibilities and Procedures
- The CO's commander or director is tasked with convening investigations for erroneous payments.
- For questionable payments, requests for advance decisions should go to the Component's General Counsel or DFAS.
- The individual or office that appoints a Departmental Accountable Official retains their appointment letter.
Payment Integrity
- A proposed payment is termed "correct" if it is based on accurate payee details and dollar amounts, and has not been previously paid.
- It is considered "proper" when supporting documents are available and services/products have been received.
Certification Process
- DTS does not eliminate the obligation for documenting obligations and disbursements.
- If a traveler includes disallowed expenses, their authorization can still be approved after corrections are made.
Electronic Funds Transfer
- Electronic funds transfer (EFT) and split disbursement are generally mandatory payment processes.
- Misunderstandings or errors can be addressed through established channels, ensuring compliance with financial guidelines.
Fraud and Error Protection
- Pecuniary liability aims to protect the Government from fraud and errors in financial transactions.
- Non-DTS Entry Agents cannot be appointed as Departmental Accountable Officials, ensuring that only qualified personnel are entrusted with this responsibility.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the certification process for DTS vouchers and the roles of Authorizing Officials in travel documentation. This assessment covers key terms and definitions to help you understand the intricacies of the travel payment system. Perfect for anyone involved in travel authorizations and expense claims.
