Sufficient Justification to Exceed GSA Hotel Rates?

Ribkah said:

What is sufficient justification for a CO to approve a contractor to exceed the GSA hotel rates? 

Context is that the contract was issued 2 weeks before the meeting was to take place so there were no hotels within a 50 miles radius available within those rates. We explained this and they stated that ' a meeting should not have been scheduled before a contract was issued" This is a high level federal meeting that is set by appointees.

The Federal Travel Regulations probably do not apply in full to a contractor's travel. The FTR does, however, provide a good guideline as to what contractor travel costs may be reasonable for a CO to approve.

The FTR discusses when "actual" expenses may be used in lieu of locality per diem rates for lodging.

Also here’s a good source.  The first two Q&A seem applicable to your question

Travel

Ribkah said:

' a meeting should not have been scheduled before a contract was issued"

Others have provided reference with regard to the travel.  I picked up on the quoted part of your original post.  It made me think of precontract costs.   Here is a discussion on WIFCON that helps with regard references regarding precontract costs.  Thought I would provide as an assist as well.....