Can I buy invitations, decorations or pay for mailing for ceremonies?
GAO decisions have authorized the purchase and payment of certain items in conjunction with “Traditional Ceremonies”. Those ceremonies are generally defined as “ground breaking, change of commands or ship christening ceremonies”. Expenditures which might otherwise be prohibited as personal may be permissible when they are incurred incident to certain traditional ceremonies. For example: a shovel for a ground breaking ceremony, flower centerpieces at a dedication ceremony or printing invitations to a change of command ceremony. The precise scope of the “traditional ceremony” concept still needs some clarification. One early Comptroller of the Treasury decision not overruled or modified as of 1990, disallowed expenses for printing, decorations, music, and refreshments at opening exercises for new buildings. Holiday Decorations – Cardholders/buyers are authorized to use appropriated funds to obtain seasonal decorations for use in public areas. Contracting Officers must consider local cust
