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Travel/conservancy-travel-policy.txt
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@ -18,41 +18,46 @@ in order to maintain its financial viability and tax exempt status.
As such, Conservancy expects persons to use good judgment and to claim
reimbursement for only those expenses that are necessary and reasonable.
Excessive expenses, including but not limited to luxury accommodations
and services unnecessary for or unrelated to the furtherance of Conservancy's
and services unnecessary for, or unrelated to the furtherance of Conservancy's
charitable mission are not eligible for reimbursement.
Any travel expense that adheres to this Policy is considered In-Policy
and does not require special approval, so long as the trip itself
has been approved in writing by Conservancy's Executive Director or
by a Project's Leadership Committee (``PLC'') in a regular and documented
PLC vote. Conservancy and/or a PLC can limit allowable travel expenses
PLC vote. Conservancy and/or a PLC can limit allowable travel expenses
to an amount less than what would otherwise be considered acceptable
according to this Policy. If so, the smaller budget is the maximum
allowed expense.
PLC's may, in fact, have their own travel policy that is more restrictive
than this one. Please consult the PLC for your Conservancy project before
incurring an expenses to ensure you understand what expenses can be
reimbursed.
== Project Leadership Committee Review
Conservancy foresees the need for periodic reasonable exceptions to
this Policy. Persons working on behalf of a specific Project seeking
this Policy. Persons working on behalf of a specific Project seeking
an exception to this Policy must petition their PLC to obtain written
approval from Conservancy authorizing the exception. Persons working
approval from Conservancy authorizing the exception. Persons working
directly on behalf of Conservancy must seeking an exception to the
Policy must obtain written approval from Conservancy authorizing the
exception.
PLCs are responsible for creating procedures for requesting exceptions,
and submitting to Conservancy reimbursement requests associated with
their respective Projects. PLCs are also responsible for making available
their respective Projects. PLCs are also responsible for making available
a list of required response times for inquiries, including but not
limited to, the following two cases: a specific number of days to
respond to regular reimbursement requests, and a specific number of
days to respond to pre-authorization requests.
limited to, the following two cases
* a specific number of days to respond to regular reimbursement requests,
and
* a specific number of days to respond to pre-authorization requests.
== Air Travel
=== Overall Airfare Cost
Domestic travel greater than US$750 requires Conservancy approval
@ -61,67 +66,62 @@ International travel greater than US$1,500 requires Conservancy
approval prior to booking, even if all other Policy conditions have
been met.
=== Class of Service
Coach Airfare is the only acceptable class for all flights (domestic
and international) unless a PLC provides a special exception and a
valid reason to Conservancy for written approval. Travelers may select
their airline of choice (e.g., for the purpose of collecting airline
miles and rewards), provided that the resulting air fare otherwise
meets the requirements of this Policy. Travelers should not book out-of-Policy
trips (and thus pay a higher fare) in order to qualify for a mileage
upgrade.
Coach and/or Economy Airfare is the only acceptable class for all flights
(domestic and international) unless a PLC provides a special exception and
a valid reason (such as a need for business class due to a documented
medical reason) to Conservancy for written approval. Travelers may select
their airline of choice (e.g., for the purpose of collecting airline miles
and rewards), provided that the resulting air fare otherwise meets the
requirements of this Policy. Travelers should not book out-of-Policy trips
(and thus pay a higher fare) in order to qualify for a mileage upgrade.
=== Advance Purchase
Travel should be booked at least 14 days in advance; any travel booked
less than 14 days in advance requires written pre-authorization by
Conservancy. Flights beyond 365 days in advance also require written
pre-authorization by Conservancy.
Conservancy. Flights beyond 365 days in advance also require written
pre-authorization by Conservancy.
=== Low Fare
Conservancy aims to balance cost savings with convenience and considers
flights that are within US$200 of the lowest logical fare to be
within Policy. Any flights greater than US$200 over the lowest
logical fare require written pre­-authorization by Conservancy. PLCs
shall use Kayak.com as the comparison shopping site for determining
the baseline lowest fare.
flights that are within US$100 of the lowest logical fare to be within
Policy. Any flights greater than US$100 over the lowest logical fare
require written pre-authorization by Conservancy. PLCs shall use FIXME
as the comparison shopping site for determining the baseline lowest fare.
=== Reasonable Flights
Conservancy asks that travelers allow for flexibility with respect
to departure times during a desired day of travel, as well as longer
trips in order to reduce cost. However, Conservancy does consider
trips in order to reduce cost. However, Conservancy does consider
flights with two or more connections as unreasonable and does not
expect travelers to consider those flight options to be reasonable.
=== Additional Days of Travel
Travelers often seek to add extra days before or after an approved
trip (e.g., the weekend before a conference). A traveler may seek
approval for the expenses associated with an extended stay prior to
booking the trip, provided that the additional days are solely to
enable a traveler to conduct work within the PLC's objectives and
Conservancy's charitable mission. Travelers may seek approval to book
travel itineraries that include extra days for personal reasons, so
long as the cost of the flight meets the other requirements of this
Policy. Other expenses incurred during extra personal days beyond
air fare and transportation to and from the airport are not reimbursable.
Travelers often seek to add extra days before or after an approved trip
(e.g., the weekend before a conference). A traveler may seek approval for
the expenses associated with an extended stay prior to booking the trip,
provided that the additional days are solely to enable a traveler to
conduct work within the PLC's objectives and Conservancy's charitable
mission, or to get a particular airfare that *reduces* the overall cost of
the trip. Travelers may seek approval to book travel itineraries that
include extra days for personal reasons, so long as the cost of the flight
meets the other requirements of this Policy. Other expenses incurred
during extra personal days beyond air fare and transportation to and from
the airport are not reimbursable.
=== Excess Baggage
Should a team member travel on an airline that charges for a single
piece of checked baggage, such a baggage expense is eligible for reimbursement.
Should a team member travel on an airline that charges for a single piece
of checked baggage, such a baggage expense is eligible for reimbursement.
Team members are responsible for charges on any baggage beyond a single
piece.
piece, unless that additional baggage is materials specifically related to
the Project's and Conservancy's mission (i.e., bringing t-shirts and other
promotional materials to an event).
=== Out-of-Policy Bookings
@ -131,15 +131,14 @@ and require written pre-authorization by Conservancy's Executive Director.
=== Cancellation Fees
Cancellation fees and other penalties incurred result of a change
of plans are reimbursable at Conservancy's discretion. In general,
of plans are reimbursable at Conservancy's discretion. In general,
Conservancy shall reimburse such fees if the traveler can submit a
valid reason for the change of plans. Acceptable reasons include Conservancy
valid reason for the change of plans. Acceptable reasons include Conservancy
and/or the PLC canceling or altering the trip or unexpected delays
in flight connections. In instances where these fees are incurred
in flight connections. In instances where these fees are incurred
without adequate explanation, Conservancy reserves the right to refuse
to reimburse the cost of the fees.
== Other Reimbursable Expenses
Conservancy will reimburse persons for Project-related expenses that
@ -148,53 +147,52 @@ Conservancy business. Only necessary, ordinary and reasonable expenses
are eligible for reimbursement, and only those categories of expenses
listed in this document qualify.
=== Lodging
In some cases, Conservancy or a PLC may decide to book lodging on
behalf of travelers. In this case, Conservancy­-booked lodging is
always considered In-Policy. If a traveler wants to stay elsewhere
behalf of travelers. In this case, Conservancy-booked lodging is
always considered In-Policy. If a traveler wants to stay elsewhere
or self-book at the same location, Conservancy will only reimburse
the team member the amount that it would otherwise have paid. Travelers
the team member the amount that it would otherwise have paid. Travelers
are expected to be cost-conscious and prudent when booking lodging
for approved trips. Lodging documentation submitted as part of a reimbursement
for approved trips. Lodging documentation submitted as part of a reimbursement
request must include a copy of the hotel invoice detailing all charges
(credit card receipts alone are unacceptable). Conservancy will not
(credit card receipts *alone* are unacceptable). Conservancy will not
reimburse travelers for any costs associated with an upgrade of room
accommodations.
=== Meals and Incidental Expenses
==== Overview
Travelers can submit for a per diem for meals and incidental expenses
for every day of a trip devoted to PLC- and/or Conservancy-related
mission work, including the day(s) of travel itself. Maximum per diem
rates for travel within the United States shall be based on the United
States General Services Administration's Per Diem calculator (www.gsa.gov/perdiem),
using the ZIP code of the travel destination. For example, a traveler
based in Pao Alto, CA heading to a conference in Atlanta, GA (with
for every day of a trip devoted to Project- and/or Conservancy-related
mission work, including the day(s) of travel itself. Maximum per diem
rates for travel within the United States shall be based on the
http://www.gsa.gov/perdiem[United States General Services Administration's Per Diem calculator],
using the ZIP code of the travel destination. For example, a traveler
based in Palo Alto, CA heading to a conference in Atlanta, GA (with
a layover in Dallas, TX each way) will use the ZIP code of the destination
in Atlanta to calculate the maximum per diem for the entire trip,
including days of travel. Maximum per diem rates for locations outside
including days of travel.
Maximum per diem rates for locations outside
of the United States shall be based on the
http://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp[United States Department of State's ``Foreign Per Diem Rates by Location'' calculator]'s ``Meals & Incidental Expenses'' (M&IE) column,
using the name of a listed city closest to the travel destination.
For example, a traveler based in Pao Alto heading to a conference
For example, a traveler based in Palo Alto heading to a conference
in London, England (with a layover in New York City) has a maximum
per diem of the M&IE per diem listed London for the entire trip,
including days of travel.
Conservancy encourages travelers to be conservative with their per
diem submissions.
diem submissions, and consider asking for less if the full per diem
amounts were not used during travel.
PLCs and/or Conservancy have the authority to set lower per diems
than those generated by the calculators above. In those instances,
than those generated by the calculators above. In those instances,
travelers will only be able to submit for the lower per diems.
==== Group Meals
For groups of travelers on an In-Policy trip, each traveler should
@ -203,23 +201,29 @@ opportunity to submit for separate per diems after the trip.
For clarification purposes, this Policy does not relate to planned
group events that include meals and/or refreshments (e.g., a PLC-organized
conference that includes lunch for all attendees). Further, PLCs and/or
conference that includes lunch for all attendees). Further, PLCs and/or
Conservancy retain the right to allocate a separate budget for anticipated
large group meals beyond the individual per diem limits of each traveler,
provided that they are within the PLC's technical objectives and/or
Conservancy's mission. Travelers anticipating a need to cover such
a large group meal may seek pre-approval from his/her PLC and/or Conservancy
Conservancy's mission. Travelers anticipating a need to cover such
a large group meal should seek pre-approval from his/her PLC and/or Conservancy
for such expenses before the trip.
For any such group meal, Conservancy will require a written paragraph
summary of the meeting, indicating what was accomplished for the Project's
and Conservancy's mission.
==== Meals For Organizational Development
Travelers may occasionally have the need to invite third parties,
e.g., prospective donors, contributors, community members, etc., to
meals in order to further a PLC's technical direction and/or Conservancy's
mission. Conservancy recommends that travelers seek pre-approval from
their PLC and/or Conservancy for such meals.
mission. Conservancy recommends that travelers seek pre-approval from
their PLC and/or Conservancy for such meals.
For any such organizational development meal, Conservancy will require a
written paragraph summary of the meeting, indicating what was accomplished
for the Project's and Conservancy's mission.
==== Phone Call Charges Part of Per Diem
@ -227,43 +231,41 @@ Charges for personal phone calls (e.g., made from a hotel, or via
a mobile phone in international travel) are not reimbursable as an
expense separate from the allocated per diem.
==== Ground Transportation
Ground transportation necessary as part of authorized Project trips
is considered to be a reasonable expense. Public ground transportation,
is considered to be a reasonable expense. Public ground transportation,
such as taxis, shuttles, buses and municipal transit, are generally
the most cost-effective options and are the standard for eligible
ground transportation reimbursements. All car rentals require pre-authorization
by the PLC or by Conservancy's Executive Director. When car rentals
have been pre­-approved, the rental of compact cars is encouraged;
mid-size vehicles are authorized when necessary (e.g., when compact­-sized
ground transportation reimbursements. All car rentals require pre-authorization
by the PLC or by Conservancy's Executive Director. When car rentals
have been pre-approved, the rental of compact cars is encouraged;
mid-size vehicles are authorized when necessary (e.g., when compact-sized
vehicles are not available or the number of passengers or volume of
baggage makes a compact vehicle impractical).
==== Rail Transportation}
==== Rail Transportation
Rail transportation as a means of travel for an authorized Project
trip is considered to be a reasonable expense. All rail transportation
must be in economy class in North America.
trip is considered to be a reasonable expense. All rail transportation
must be in economy and/or coach class.
==== Use of Personal Vehicles
When circumstances require travelers to utilize their personal vehicles
for Project purposes, he/she can be reimbursed at the current IRS
rate per mile, plus any related parking expenses and toll fees.
for Project purposes, he/she can be reimbursed at the current USA IRS
rate per mile, plus any related parking expenses and toll fees. Drivers
are encouraged to find the lowest cost reasonably parking area nearby
their destination.
==== Non-reimbursable Expenses
Non-reimbursable expenses are identified throughout this policy. The
Non-reimbursable expenses are identified throughout this policy. The
following items are typically non-reimbursable expenses:
* Partner, spouse, and/or companion travel
* First class travel
* First class travel (unless medically necessary)
* Upgrades to air travel, car rentals, or hotel rooms
@ -277,38 +279,40 @@ personal items
* Personal entertainment or recreational expenses beyond the allotted per
diem
Travelers are permitted to pay for their own upgrades, or use bonus
programs to upgrade Conservancy-reimbursed expenses. However, travelers
must ensure that Conservancy does not receive nor reimburses any charges
for any such transaction.
== Satisfaction of IRS Requirements
Reimbursed travel expenses are subject to examination by the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). Travelers are responsible for retaining documentary
Reimbursed travel expenses are subject to examination by the USA Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). Travelers are responsible for retaining documentary
evidence that all expenses are strictly for Project- and/or
Conservancy-related purposes, not personal in nature, and therefore not
includable as taxable income to the traveler. Receipts are required for
includable as taxable income to the traveler. Receipts are required for
all expenses, no matter the amount.
== Currency Exchange Rates
Expenses incurred in foreign currencies will be converted to US dollars
based on the exchange rate on the date of incursion. The currency
exchange rate of record shall be the one posted at Oanda.com.
based on the exchange rate on the date of incursion. The currency
exchange rate of record shall be done using
[http://www.bankofcanada.ca/rates/exchange/10-year-converter/]The Bank of Canada 10-year currency converter.
== Approvals
Travelers traveling on behalf of a Project must seek approvals and
submit expense reports to their PLC. PLCs are to review those expense
submit expense reports to their PLC. PLCs are to review those expense
reports and pass them along to Conservancy's Executive Director for
final approval and reimbursement.
Travelers traveling on behalf of Conservancy must seek approvals and
submit expense reports to Conservancy's Executive Director. Conservancy
submit expense reports to Conservancy's Executive Director. Conservancy
staff must seek approvals and submit expense reports to Conservancy's
Treasurer or to another Conservancy Board Member designated by Conservancy's
Board.
== Expense Reporting
Travelers seeking reimbursement must submit an expense report to the
@ -320,33 +324,37 @@ appropriate channel with the following information:
trip to XYZ conference for ABC project, served as planning committee
member''; ``Feb. '12 FOO hackfest in Portland, OR; contributed code'')
* A brief paragraph explaining what was accomplished for the project
during your travel.
* Number of days traveled (with documentary evidence, e.g., conference
itinerary, etc.) and associated per diem
* List of expenses not covered by per diem (e.g., transportation, lodging)
with substantiating receipts (or scans of receipts)
with substantiating receipts (or scans of receipts).
** In the event that it is impractical to obtain a required receipt or
if such receipt has been inadvertently destroyed, the traveler should
** In the event that it is impractical to obtain a required receipt and/or
if such receipt has been inadvertently destroyed or lost, the traveler should
furnish a written statement to that effect, as well as an explanation
of the expenditure involved
of the expenditure involved. When possible, secondary documentation (such
a redacted credit card bill) should be provided instead of the
lost/destroyed receipt.
Any expense without a substantiated receipt and/or a supporting written
statement will not be reimbursed.
Conservancy requests that all expense reports be submitted within
two weeks of travel. Expense reports filed more than 60 days after
expenses are incurred will not be reimbursed without the approval
of Conservancy's Board.
Conservancy requests that all expense reports be submitted within two
weeks of travel. Expense reports filed more than 90 days after expenses
are incurred will not be reimbursed without the approval of Conservancy's
Board. Reimbursements are paid by Conservancy on a NET-30 basis, from the
date of receipt by Conservancy of the fully complete report and supporting
documentation for the travel.
== Consequences of Policy Violations
Failure to comply with this policy may result in the denial of, or delay
in payment for, reimbursement requests.
== Policy Changes
The Conservancy reserves the right to change any terms of this Policy