You can ask for an ADVANCE on your per-diem, but it is paid after the fact. So, IF the independent contractors (a.k.a. “Hookers”) were paid in cash, it would have been from personal funds.
They did not break any local laws, so what is the deal?
If any were under 18, it would be a very big deal - as in up to 30 years in federal prison.
I swear I recall getting advance before I left. It's been a long time.
But I went TDY months at a time. Once for two years and had to fly home every six months -- at least when it was overseas.
I don't think I had to do that on domestic TDY.
Not military, all civilian. Yes I was a GS employee for a few years.