B-114692 May 13, 1953
Highlights
Peters: Reference is made to your letter of April 14. Requesting a decision as to whether you are authorized to certify bureau vouchers Nos. 53 4936 in the amount of $7 each in favor of the Allen Picture Frame Company. It is stated in your letter that it appears "that these certificates are personal property and there is doubt as to the necessity in the interests of the Government for incurrence of the expense.". DiSalle's certificate "was used officially by him. " it is now in his possession and that Mr. Freehill's certificate is "still being used officially by him" in his official capacity as Director of the Office of Price Stabilization. It is recognized that it is customary for Presidential Certificates of Appointment to be displayed in the offices of Government officials during their terms of duty.
B-114692 May 13, 1953
Mr. F. D. Peters, Authorized Certifying Officer Office of Price Stabilization
Dear Mr. Peters:
Reference is made to your letter of April 14, 1953, file 2933/FDP, requesting a decision as to whether you are authorized to certify bureau vouchers Nos. 53 4936 in the amount of $7 each in favor of the Allen Picture Frame Company, 527 Ninth Street, N. W., Washington, D. C., to cover the expense of framing Presidential Certificaates of Appointment for Mr. Michael V. DiSalle and Mr. Joseph H. Freehill, the former and present Directors of the Office of Price Stabilization.
It is stated in your letter that it appears "that these certificates are personal property and there is doubt as to the necessity in the interests of the Government for incurrence of the expense." Correspondence attached to your letter indicates that, while Mr. DiSalle's certificate "was used officially by him," it is now in his possession and that Mr. Freehill's certificate is "still being used officially by him" in his official capacity as Director of the Office of Price Stabilization.
As indicated in the enclosures with your letter, it is recognized that it is customary for Presidential Certificates of Appointment to be displayed in the offices of Government officials during their terms of duty. While it may be that the certificates are the personal property of the officials to whom they are issued, it is also clear that they evidence the authority of the officials to hold office and carry out the functions thereof. Therefore, the display of the certificates reasonably may be regarded as incident to the proper performance of their duties, so that no objection will be interposed to reasonable expenditures for framing of the certificates for such purposes.
Accordingly, the vouchers together with the accompanying papers, are returned herewith and you are advised that certification thereof for payment is authorized.
Sincerely yours,
Lindsay C. Warren Comptroller General of the United States
Enclosures