Lodging Guidelines
UTMB can only reimburse for stays at lodging establishments which have been certified by the US General Services Administration (GSA) as Fire Safe Hotels. Below is a link to the GSA for approved hotels and motels: https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/hotel/
- Any lodging arrangements made outside of these guidelines will not be reimbursed.
Fire Safe Hotels
In setting federal lodging per diem rates, GSA is required by law to use only properties that are certified as being fire safe. The following explains this requirement in greater detail.
The policy of the federal government, as reflected in the Hotel and Motel Fire Safety Act of 1990 (Pub. L. No. 101-391, September 25, 1990 as amended by Pub. L. No. 105-85, November 18, 1997), referred to as "the Act" in this paragraph, is to save lives and protect property by promoting fire safety in hotels, motels, and all places of public accommodation affecting commerce. Federal employees are required by the Act to stay in a fire-safe facility (i.e., an approved accommodation) when commercial lodging is required. Additionally, employees are encouraged to report properties that don’t meet the requirements of the Act (hard-wired smoke alarms in each guest room and an automatic sprinkler system in each guest room if the property is more than three stories in height). A list of lodging properties that meet government requirements and a form to report non-compliant properties is on the U.S. Fire Administration's website.
Texas Executive Order GA-48
Executive Order GA-48 is a statewide directive requiring all state agencies and Texas higher education institutions to strengthen institutional safeguards. It is intended to protect critical infrastructure, sensitive information, and intellectual property from the influence of designated foreign adversaries.
Key areas impacted include:
- Purchasing goods and services from certain foreign entities
- International travel (both professional and personal)
- Gifts and travel reimbursements
- Participation in foreign talent programs
- Qualifications and screening for critical infrastructure roles
Please visit the UTMB Office of Institutional Compliance website for details.