(a) To the extent authorized by regulations, contributions and awards incident to training in nongovernment facilities, and payment of travel, subsistence, and other expenses incident to attendance at meetings, may be made to and accepted by an employee.
(b) When a contribution, award or payment, in cash or in kind, is made to an employee for travel, subsistence, or other expenses under subsection (a) of this section, an appropriate reduction, pursuant to regulations, shall be made from payment by the Government to the employee for travel, subsistence, or other expenses incident to training in a nongovernment facility or to attendance at a meeting.