3.20—General.
The Act of December 28, 1922, 42 Stat. 1066, the Small Claims Act, authorized the
head of each department and establishment to consider, ascertain, adjust, and
determine claims of $1,000 or less for damage to, or loss of, privately owned
property caused by the negligence of any officer or employee of the Government
acting within the scope of his employment. The Federal Tort Claims Act superseded
the Small Claims Act with respect to claims that are allowable under the former act.
Therefore, claims that are not allowable under the Federal Tort Claims Act, for
example, claims arising abroad, may be allowable under the Small Claims Act.