The SAAM requires that agency management and all those traveling on state business be familiar with and have an understanding of State of Arizona Travel Policy. Lack of travel policy knowledge is not an acceptable reason for noncompliance. Travel expenses incurred that do not comply with policy are the traveler’s responsibility and will not be reimbursed.

To better assist agencies and employees, the General Accounting Office (GAO) created supplemental training and policy resources for employees who travel on state business. GAO recommends that all those who travel, and all those who make or review travel arrangements start with taking the following training prior to traveling on state business or prior to reviewing or approving any travel claims or travel-related expenditures. Travel policy is covered under SAAM Topic 50. The following training and policy resources are a compilation of SAAM requirements that address many of the frequently asked travel questions and circumstances that arise and are the first three steps to take in understanding State of Arizona Travel Policy along with reviewing SAAM Topic 50.

First Steps:

1. Travel Policy Computer-Based Training
2. Policy SAAM 5009: Responsibilities of Travelers and Those Making or Reviewing Travel Arrangements
3. Did You Know? A Guide for State Travelers

Next Steps:

• SAAM Topic 50: Travel:  Review all sections with an emphasis on the areas that are most applicable.

Use the following link to review rates for travel: Current Alaska, Hawaii and Overseas Rates - Lodging and Meal Index.

See SAAM 5095-5 for clarification on how to calculate the correct lodging and meal rates.    

Contiguous Travel

1. Search under the “Per Diem Rate Calculator | CONUS” for federal maximum lodging rates in the contiguous United States. Local meals, proportional meals, incidentals, and per diem rates do not apply.

2. Select the correct federal fiscal year (October 1 - September 30), state, select "No" under "Include DoD Installations", and select "Yes" for "Include All Cities & Townships". Enter the code shown in the box and click "Submit".

Non-Contiguous Travel (Alaska, Hawaii, and Out-of-Country)

1. Search under the "Per Diem Rate Calculator | Foreign & Non-Foreign OCONUS" section for local meals and lodging in Alaska, Hawaii and Overseas locations. Proportional meals, incidentals and per diem rates do not apply.

2. Select the correct publication date for the date of travel, select the applicable country/state, and select "No" under "Include DoD Installations". Enter the code shown in the box and click "Submit".

3. See SAAM 5095-5 for clarification on how to calculate the correct lodging and meal rates.

See APP (Arizona Procurement Portal) for current state contracts for vehicle rentals and the effective dates of the contracts and extensions. See SAAM 5015 for additional guidance.

• Enterprise and National: Account Number XZ50755  
• Hertz: Customer Discount Program (CDP) Number 66596

FedRooms is the official U.S. government hotel program and is recommended for federal travelers by the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA). It is available at www.fedrooms.com.

State employees on official state business may utilize the program. The program is not available for personal travel. The State of Arizona has no affiliation with the program, however, this may be a helpful resource for state employees traveling on official business.

The tool may be helpful to locate Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) compliant lodging accommodations that are at or below the federal rates. There are no additional booking fees.

To Register for an Account at FedRooms:

1. In the upper right-hand corner, click on “Book a room”.
2. A new webpage will load; continue to log in to the account.
   • If the employee has previously created an account, enter the user name and password.
   • If the employee has not previously created an account, click on “Create an account”. A new webpage will open. State government employees will enter “locala” on the first line and “newuser” on the second line.  Click on "Continue".  Create a user name, password, and enter the employee's work email.