(August 18, 2014) The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has released federal per diem rates for FY2015 that will go into effect October 1, 2014.

 

The standard continental United States (CONUS) per diem rate remained at $83 per night for lodging. This rate, which is reviewed every three years, was increased last year from the previous rate of $77. The tiered standard meal rate also remained unchanged for 2015.

 

Non-standard rates (NSAs), however, were adjusted, and most NSAs in Washington State experienced an increase. The most significant change was in King County, where seasonal rates were introduced. The Seattle NSA per diem rate, which applies to all of King County, went from $152 per day throughout the year to $190 per day between June 1 and August 31. The rate for other months was increased to $156.

 

In contrast, the Anacortes / Coupeville / Oak Harbor NSA dropped from $91 to $85 per day. The only other Washington NSA to decrease was Ocean Shores, where the summer rate dropped from $105 to $104.

 

Federal per diem rates, used by government travelers to obtain hotel rooms at a standard discount, are established each year based on actual market data compiled and provided by Smith Travel Research.