5 U.S.C. 301.
(a) The Department of the Treasury Employee Rules of Conduct (Rules) are separate from and additional to the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch (Executive Branch-wide Standards) (5 CFR part 2635) and the Supplemental Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Department of the Treasury (Treasury Supplemental Standards) (to be codified at 5 CFR part 3101). The Rules prescribe employee rules of conduct and procedure and provide for disciplinary action for the violation of the Rules, the Treasury Supplemental Standards, the Executive Branch-wide Standards, and any other rule, regulation or law governing Department employees.
(b) The Rules are not all-inclusive and may be modified by interpretive guidelines and procedures issued by the Department's bureaus. The absence of a specific published rule of conduct covering an action does not constitute a condonation of that action or indicate that the action would not result in corrective or disciplinary action.
(a) All employees and officials of the Department are required to follow the rules of conduct and procedure contained in the Rules, the Treasury Supplemental Standards, the Executive Branch-wide Standards of Ethical Conduct, the Employee Responsibilities and Conduct (5 CFR part 735), and any bureau issued rules.
(b) Employees found in violation of the Rules, the Treasury Supplemental Standards, the Executive Branch-wide Standards or any applicable bureau rule may be instructed to take remedial or corrective action to eliminate the conflict. Remedial action may include, but is not limited to:
(1) Reassignment of work duties;
(2) Disqualification from a particular assignment;
(3) Divestment of a conflicting interest; or
(4) Other appropriate action.
(c) Employees found in violation of the Rules, the Treasury Supplemental Standards, the Executive Branch-wide Standards or any applicable bureau rule may be disciplined in proportion to the gravity of the offense committed, including removal. Disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with applicable laws and regulations
The following definitions are used throughout this part:
(a) Adviser means a person who provides advice to the Department as a representative of an outside group and is not an employee or special Government employee as those terms are defined in § 0.103.
(b) Bureau means:
(1) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms;
(2) Bureau of Engraving and Printing;
(3) Bureau of the Public Debt;
(4) Departmental Offices;
(5) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center;
(6) Financial Management Service;
(7) Internal Revenue Service;
(8) Legal Division;
(9) Office of the Comptroller of the Currency;
(10) Office of the Inspector General;
(11) Office of Thrift Supervision;
(12) United States Customs Service;
(13) United States Mint;
(14) United States Secret Service; and
(15) Any organization designated as a bureau by the Secretary pursuant to appropriate authority.
(c)
(d)
(e)
The Deputy General Counsel is the Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official (DAEO). The DAEO is responsible for managing the Department's ethics program, including coordinating ethics counseling and interpreting questions of conflicts of interest and other matters that arise under the Executive Branch-wide Standards and Treasury Supplemental Standards and Rules. See 5 CFR 2638.203. The Senior Counsel for Ethics is the Alternate Designated Agency Ethics Official.
The Chief Counsel or Legal Counsel for a bureau, or a designee, is the Deputy Ethics Official for that bureau. The Legal Counsel for the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is the Deputy Ethics Official for that organization. It is the responsibility of the Deputy Ethics Official to give authoritative advice and guidance on conflicts of interest and other matters arising under the Executive Branch-wide Standards, Treasury Supplemental Standards, and the Rules.
Bureau heads or designees are required to:
(a) Provide all employees with a copy of Executive Order 12674, as amended by Executive Order 12731, the Executive Branch-wide Standards, the Treasury Supplemental Standards and the Rules; provide all new employees with an explanation of the contents and application of the Executive Branch-wide Standards, Treasury Supplemental Standards and the Rules; and provide all departing employees with an explanation of the applicable post-employment restrictions contained in 18 U.S.C. 207 and 5 CFR part 2641 and any other applicable law or regulation.
(b) Provide guidance and assistance to supervisors and employees in implementing and adhering to the rules and procedures included in the Executive Branch-wide Standards and Treasury
(c) Take appropriate corrective or disciplinary action against an employee who violates the Executive Branch-wide Standards, Treasury Supplemental Standards or Rules, or any other applicable law, rule or regulation, and against a supervisor who fails to carry out his responsibilities in taking or recommending corrective or disciplinary action when appropriate against an employee who has committed an offense.
(a) Employees are required to:
(1) Read and follow the rules and procedures contained in the Executive Branch-wide Standards, Treasury Supplemental Standards, and Rules;
(2) Request clarification or interpretation from a supervisor or ethics official if the application of a rule contained in the Executive Branch-wide Standards, Treasury Supplemental Standards, or Rules is not clear;
(3) Report to the Inspector General or to the appropriate internal affairs office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Customs Service, Internal Revenue Service, or Secret Service, any information indicating that an employee, former employee, contractor, subcontractor, or potential contractor engaged in criminal conduct or that an employee or former employee violated the Executive Branch-wide Standards or the Treasury Supplemental Standards or Rules. Legal Division attorneys acquiring this type of information during the representation of a bureau shall report it to the appropriate Chief or Legal Counsel or the Deputy General Counsel, who shall report such information to the Inspector General or appropriate internal affairs office; and
(4) Report to the Inspector General information defined in paragraph (a)(3) of this section relating to foreign intelligence or national security, as covered in Executive Order 12356. Legal Division attorneys acquiring this type of information during the representation of a bureau shall report it to the Deputy General Counsel, who shall report such information to the Inspector General.
(b) The confidentiality of the source of the information reported to the Inspector General or the internal affairs office under this section will be maintained to the extent appropriate under the circumstances.
(a) Employees may:
(1) Take an active part in political management or in political campaigns to the extent permitted by law (5 U.S.C. 7321-7326); and
(2) Vote as they choose and express their opinions on political subjects and candidates.
(b) Employees may not use their official authority or influence to interfere with or affect election results.
(c) Employees may be disqualified from employment for knowingly supporting or advocating the violent overthrow of our constitutional form of government.
The Hatch Act Reform Amendments of 1993 significantly reduced the statutory restrictions on the political activity of most Department employees. However, career members of the Senior Executive Service and employees of the Secret Service, the Internal Revenue Service, Office of Criminal Investigation, the Customs Service, Office of Investigative Programs, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Office of Law Enforcement, remain subject to significant restrictions on their political activities.
Employees shall not strike against the Government.
(a) The United States Constitution prohibits employees from accepting gifts, emoluments, offices, or titles from a foreign government without the consent of the Congress. Congress has consented to an employee accepting
(b) All gifts exceeding minimal value, the refusal of which would likely cause offense or embarrassment or otherwise adversely affect the foreign relations of the United States, shall be accepted and deposited with the Department within sixty days of acceptance. If the gift is travel or expenses for travel taking place entirely outside the United States, it shall be reported within thirty days (see 5 U.S.C. 7342(c)(1)(B)(ii)).
(c) As used in paragraph (b) of this section,
(d) All foreign gifts must be reported as prescribed in the Treasury Directive on Foreign Gifts (Treasury Directive 61-04).
Employees shall not sell, use or possess controlled substances or intoxicants in violation of the law while on Department property or official duty, or use a controlled substance or intoxicant in a manner that adversely affects their work performance.
(a) Employees shall not conceal, remove, alter, destroy, mutilate or access documents or data in the custody of the Federal Government without proper authority.
(b) Employees are required to care for documents according to Federal law and regulation, and Department procedure (18 U.S.C. 2071, 5 U.S.C. 552, 552a).
(c) The term
Employees shall not disclose official information without proper authority, pursuant to Department or bureau regulation. Employees authorized to make disclosures should respond promptly and courteously to requests from the public for information when permitted to do so by law (31 CFR 1.9, 1.10, and 1.28(b)).
Employees shall respond to questions truthfully and under oath when required, whether orally or in writing, and must provide documents and other materials concerning matters of official interest when directed to do so by competent Treasury authority.
Employees shall not intentionally make false, misleading or ambiguous statements, orally or in writing, in connection with any matter of official interest. Matters of official interest include among other things: Transactions with the public, government agencies or fellow employees; application forms and other forms that serve as a basis for appointment, reassignment, promotion or other personnel action; vouchers; leave records and time and attendance records; work reports of any nature or accounts of any kind; affidavits; entry or record of any matter relating to or connected with an employee's duties; and reports of any moneys or securities received, held or paid to, for or on behalf of the United States.
Employees shall not use Government vehicles for unofficial purposes, including to transport unauthorized passengers. The use of Government vehicles for transporting employees between their domiciles and places of employment must be authorized by statute (See, e.g., 31 U.S.C. 1344).
Employees must adhere to the regulations controlling conduct when they are on official duty or in or on Government property, including the Treasury Building, Treasury Annex Building and grounds; the Bureau of Engraving and Printing buildings and grounds; the
Employees shall not solicit, make collections, canvass for the sale of any article, or distribute literature or advertising in any space occupied by the Department without appropriate authority.
(a) Employees shall not use Government time, money, or property to petition a Member of Congress to favor or oppose any legislation. This prohibition does not apply to the official handling, through the proper channels, of matters relating to legislation in which the Department of the Treasury has an interest.
(b) Employees, individually or collectively, may petition Congress or Members of Congress or furnish information to either House of Congress when not using Government time, money or property (5 U.S.C. 7211).
Employees shall not engage in criminal, infamous, dishonest, or notoriously disgraceful conduct, or any other conduct prejudicial to the Government.
(a) Employees shall not discriminate against or harass any other employee, applicant for employment or person dealing with the Department on official business on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, or disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination and is prohibited by this section.
(b) An employee who engages in discriminatory conduct may be disciplined under these rules. However, this section does not create any enforceable legal rights in any person.
(a) Employees shall not possess firearms, explosives, or other dangerous or deadly weapons, either openly or concealed, while on Government property or official duty.
(b) The prohibition in paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to employees who are required to possess weapons or explosives in the performance of their official duties.
Employees involved in the design, development, operation, or maintenance of any system of records or in maintaining records subject to the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (5 U.S.C. 552a), shall comply with the conduct regulations delineated in 31 CFR 1.28(b).
(a) Employees may hold the following financial interests without violating 18 U.S.C. 208(a):
(1) The stocks or bonds of a publicly traded corporation with a value of $1000 or less; and
(2) The stocks or bonds in the investment portfolio of a diversified mutual fund in which an employee has invested.
(b) The Department has found that the financial interests listed in paragraph (a) of this section are too remote and inconsequential to affect the integrity of an employee's service.
The rules of conduct contained in subpart B of this part apply to special Government employees employed with the Treasury Department. The regulations contained in § 0.201 of subpart B, concerning political activity, apply to special Government employees only on the days that they serve the Department. Treasury bureaus are responsible for informing special Government employees employed with them of the applicability of bureau specific statutes or regulations.
A special Government employee serving concurrently in the Department and in a Federal agency other than the Department is required to inform the Department and the agency in which he serves of the arrangement so that appropriate administrative measures may be taken.
(a) An adviser or advisory committee member includes an individual who provides advice to the Department as a representative of an outside group and is not an employee or special Government employee of the Department. Questions concerning whether an individual serves the Department in the capacity of an adviser, employee, or special Government employee shall be addressed to the Designated Agency Ethics Official or a Deputy Ethics Official.
(b) Advisers or advisory committee members are not required to follow the Rules and are not generally required by the Department to file financial disclosure statements; nevertheless, they should be guided by the regulations in this part covering such issues as public disclosure of official information (§ 0.206), conduct (§ 0.211 and § 0.213), and gifts or gratuities from Foreign governments (§ 0.203).
5 U.S.C. 301 and 31 U.S.C. 321. Subpart A also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended. Subpart C also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552a.
(a)
(i) The Departmental Offices, which include the offices of:
(A) The Secretary of the Treasury, including immediate staff;
(B) The Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, including immediate staff;
(C) The Chief of Staff, including immediate staff;
(D) The Executive Secretary and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(E) The Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(F) The Under Secretary of the Treasury for Domestic Finance and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(G) The Under Secretary for Enforcement and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(H) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Institutions and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(I) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(J) The Fiscal Assistant Secretary and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(K) The General Counsel and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff; except legal counsel to the components listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(i)(L), and (a)(1)(i)(S), and (a)((1)(ii) through (xii) of this section;
(L) The Inspector General and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(M) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(N) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Legislative Affairs and Public Liaison and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(O) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Management and Chief Financial Officer and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(P) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Public Affairs and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(Q) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Tax Policy and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(R) The Treasurer of the United States, including immediate staff;
(S) The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff.
(ii) The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
(iii) The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
(iv) The United States Customs Service.
(v) The Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
(vi) The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
(vii) The Financial Management Service.
(viii) The Internal Revenue Service.
(ix) The United States Mint.
(x) The Bureau of the Public Debt.
(xi) The United States Secret Service.
(xii) The Office of Thrift Supervision.
(2) For purposes of this subpart, the office of the legal counsel for the components listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(ii) through (xii) of this section are to be considered a part of their respective bureaus. Any office which is now in existence or may hereafter be established, which is not specifically listed or known to be a component of any of those listed in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (xii) of this section, shall be deemed a part of the Departmental Offices for the purpose of making requests for records under this subpart.
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(13)
(14)
(a)
(1) Information required to be published in the
(2) Information required to be made available for public inspection and copying or, in the alternative, to be published and offered for sale (see § 1.4); and
(3) Information required to be made available to any member of the public upon specific request (see § 1.5).
(b) Subject only to the exemptions and exclusions set forth in 5 U.S.C. 552(b) and (c), any person shall be afforded access to information or records in the possession of any bureau of the Department of the Treasury, subject to the regulations in this subpart and any regulations of a bureau implementing or supplementing them.
(c)
(2) Even though an exemption described in 5 U.S.C. 552(b) may be applicable to the information or records requested, a Treasury bureau may, if not precluded by law, elect under the circumstances of that request not to apply the exemption. The fact that the exemption is not applied by a bureau in response to a particular request shall have no precedential significance in processing other requests, but is merely an indication that, in the processing of the particular request, the bureau finds no necessity for applying the exemption.
(a)
(1) Descriptions of its central and field organization and the established places at which, the persons from whom, and the methods whereby, the public may obtain information, make submittals or requests, or obtain decisions;
(2) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions are channeled and determined, including the nature and requirements of all formal and informal procedures available;
(3) Rules of procedure, descriptions of forms available or the places at which forms may be obtained, and instructions as to the scope and contents of all papers, reports, or examinations;
(4) Substantive rules of general applicability adopted as authorized by law, and statements of general policy or interpretations of general applicability formulated and adopted by the bureau; and
(5) Each amendment, revision, or repeal of matters referred to in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section.
(b)
(a)
(1) Final opinions, including concurring and dissenting opinions, and orders, made in the adjudication of cases;
(2) Those statements of policy and interpretations which have been adopted by the bureau but are not published in the
(3) Its administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect a member of the public;
(4) Copies of all records, regardless of form or format, which have been released to any person under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(3), and which the bureau determines have become or are likely to become the subject of subsequent requests for substantially the same records because they are clearly of interest to the public at large. The determination that records have become or may become the subject of subsequent requests shall be made by the Responsible Official (as defined at § 1.1(b)(12)).
(5) A general index of the records referred to in paragraph (a)(4) of this section.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2) Each bureau shall make the index referred to in paragraph (a)(5) of this section available on the Internet by December 31, 1999.
(a)
(2) This subpart applies only to records in the possession or control of the bureau at the time of the request. Records considered to be responsive to the request are those in existence on or before the date of receipt of the request by the appropriate bureau official. Requests for the continuing production of records created after the date of the appropriate bureau official's receipt of the request shall not be honored. Bureaus shall provide the responsive record or records in the form or format requested if the record or records are readily reproducible by the bureau in that form or format. Bureaus shall make reasonable efforts to maintain their records in forms or formats that are reproducible for the purpose of disclosure. For purposes of this section,
(3) Requests for information classified pursuant to Executive Order 12958, “Classified National Security Information,” require the responsible bureau to review the information to determine whether it continues to warrant classification. Information which no longer warrants classification under the Executive Order's criteria shall be declassified and made available to the requester, unless the information is otherwise exempt from disclosure.
(4) When a bureau receives five or more requests for substantially the same records, it shall place those requests in front of an existing request backlog that the responsible official may have. Upon completion of processing, the released records shall be made available in the bureau's public reading room, and if created on or after November 1, 1996, shall be made available in the electronic reading room of the bureau's web site.
(b)
(1) The request for records shall be made in writing, signed by the person making the request, and state that it is made pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, or this subpart.
(2) The request shall indicate whether the requester is a commercial user, an educational institution, non-commercial scientific institution, representative of the news media, or “other” requester, subject to the fee provisions described in § 1.7. In order for the Department to determine the proper category for fee purposes as defined in this section, a request for records shall also state how the records released will be used. This information shall not be used to determine the releasibility of any record or records. A determination of the proper category of requester shall be based upon a review of the requester's submission and the bureau's own records. Where a bureau has reasonable cause to doubt the use to which a requester will put the records sought, or where that use is not clear from the request itself, bureaus
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(3) The request must be properly addressed to the bureau that maintains the record. The functions of each bureau are summarized in
(4) The request must reasonably describe the records in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section.
(5) The request must set forth the address where the person making the request wants to be notified about whether or not the request will be granted.
(6) The request must state whether the requester wishes to inspect the records or desires to have a copy made and furnished without first inspecting them.
(7) The request must state the firm agreement of the requester to pay the fees for search, duplication, and review as may ultimately be determined in accordance with § 1.7. The agreement may state the upper limit (but not less than $25) that the requester is willing to pay for processing the request. A request that fees be waived or reduced may accompany the agreement to pay fees and shall be considered to the extent that
(c)
(2) When a requested record has been created by an agency or Treasury bureau other than the Treasury bureau possessing the record, the bureau having custody of the record shall refer the record to the originating agency or Treasury bureau for a direct response to the requester. The requester shall be informed of the referral unless otherwise instructed by the originating agency. This is not a denial of a FOIA request; thus no appeal rights accrue to the requester.
(3) When a FOIA request is received for a record created by a Treasury bureau that includes information originated by another bureau of the Department of the Treasury or another agency, the record shall be referred to the originating agency or bureau for review and recommendation on disclosure. The agency or bureau shall respond to the referring office. The Treasury bureau shall not release any such records without prior consultation with the originating bureau or agency.
(4) In certain instances and at the discretion of the Departmental Offices, requests having impact on two or more bureaus of the Department may be coordinated by the Departmental Offices.
(d)
(e)
(2) Records will be processed as soon as practicable when a requester asks for expedited processing in writing and is granted such expedited treatment by the Department. The requester must demonstrate a compelling need for expedited processing of the requested records. A compelling need is defined as follows:
(i) Failure to obtain the requested records on an expedited basis could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual. The requester shall fully explain the circumstances warranting such an expected threat so that the Department may make a reasoned
(ii) With respect to a request made by a person primarily engaged in disseminating information, urgency to inform the public concerning actual or alleged Federal Government activity. A person “primarily engaged in disseminating information” does not include individuals who are engaged only incidentally in the dissemination of information. The standard of “urgency to inform” requires that the records requested pertain to a matter of current exigency to the American public and that delaying a response to a request for records would compromise a significant recognized interest to and throughout the American general public. The requester must adequately explain the matter or activity and why the records sought are necessary to be provided on an expedited basis.
(3) A demonstration of a compelling need by a person making a request for expedited processing shall be made by a statement certified by the requester to be true and correct to the best of his or her knowledge and belief. The statement must be in the form prescribed by 28 U.S.C. 1746, “I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. Executed on [date].”
(4) Upon receipt by the appropriate bureau official, a request for expedited processing shall be considered and a determination as to whether to grant or deny the request for expedited processing shall be made, and the requester notified, within 10 calendar days of the date of the request. However, in no event shall the bureau have fewer than five days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) from the date of receipt of the request for such processing. The determination to grant or deny a request for expedited processing may be made solely on the information contained in the initial letter requesting expedited treatment.
(5) Appeals of initial determinations to deny expedited processing must be made within 10 calendar days of the date of the initial letter of determination denying expedited processing. Both the envelope and the appeal itself shall be clearly marked, “Appeal for Expedited Processing.”
(6) An appeal determination regarding expedited processing shall be made, and the requester notified, within 10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) from the date of receipt of the appeal.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i) State the exemptions relied on in not granting the request;
(ii) If technically feasible, indicate the amount of information deleted at the place in the record where such deletion is made (unless providing such indication would harm an interest protected by the exemption relied upon to deny such material);
(iii) Set forth the name and title or position of the responsible official;
(iv) Advise the requester of the right to administrative appeal in accordance with paragraph (i) of this section; and
(v) Specify the official or office to which such appeal shall be submitted.
(5)
(i)
(A) Access to records has been denied in whole or in part;
(B) There has been an adverse determination of the requester's category as provided in § 1.7(d)(4);
(C) A request for fee waiver or reduction has been denied;
(D) It has been determined that no responsive records exist; or
(E) A request for expedited processing has been denied.
(ii) An appeal, other than an appeal for expedited processing, must be submitted within 35 days of the date of the initial determination or the date of the letter transmitting the last records released, whichever is later, except in the case of a denial for expedited processing. An appeal of a denial for expedited processing must be made within 10 days of the date of the initial determination to deny expedited processing (see § 1.5(e)(5)). All appeals must be submitted to the official specified in the appropriate appendix to this subpart whose title and address should also have been included in the initial determination. An appeal that is improperly addressed shall be considered not to have been received by the Department until the office specified in the appropriate appendix receives the appeal.
(2) The appeal shall—
(i) Be made in writing and signed by the requester or his or her representative;
(ii) Be addressed to and mailed or hand delivered within 35 days (or within 10 days when expedited processing has been denied) of the date of the initial determination, or the date of the letter transmitting the last records released, whichever is later, to the office or officer specified in the appropriate appendix to this subpart and also in the initial determination. (See the appendices to this subpart for the address to which appeals made by mail should be addressed);
(iii) Set forth the address where the requester desires to be notified of the determination on appeal;
(iv) Specify the date of the initial request and date of the letter of initial determination, and, where possible, enclose a copy of the initial request and the initial determination being appealed.
(3)(i) Appeals shall be stamped with the date of their receipt by the office to which addressed, and shall be processed in the approximate order of their receipt. The receipt of the appeal shall be acknowledged by the office or officer specified in the appropriate appendix to this subpart and the requester advised of the date the appeal was received and the expected date of response. The decision to affirm the initial determination (in whole or in part) or to grant the request for records shall be made and notification of the determination mailed within 20 days (exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after the date of receipt of the appeal, unless extended pursuant to paragraph (j)(1) of this section. If it is decided that the initial determination is to be upheld (in whole or in part) the requester shall be—
(A) Notified in writing of the denial;
(B) Notified of the reasons for the denial, including the FOIA exemptions relied upon;
(C) Notified of the name and title or position of the official responsible for the determination on appeal; and
(D) Provided with a statement that judicial review of the denial is available in the United States District Court for the judicial district in which the requester resides or has a principal place of business, the judicial district in which the requested records are located, or the District of Columbia in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(B).
(ii) If the initial determination is reversed on appeal, the requester shall be so notified and the request shall be processed promptly in accordance with the decision on appeal.
(4) If a determination cannot be made within the 20-day period (or within a period of extension pursuant to paragraph (j)(1) of this section), the requester may be invited to agree to a voluntary extension of the 20-day appeal period. This voluntary extension shall not constitute a waiver of the right of the requester ultimately to commence an action in a United States district court.
(j)
(i) The need to search for and collect the requested records from field facilities or other establishments that are separate from the office processing the request;
(ii) The need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records which are demanded in a single request; or
(iii) The need for consultation, which shall be conducted with all practicable speed, with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of the request, or among two or more bureaus or components of bureaus of the Department of the Treasury having substantial subject matter interest therein.
(2) Any extension or extensions of time shall not cumulatively total more than 10 days (exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays).
(3) Bureaus may establish multitrack processing of requests based on the amount of work or time, or both, involved in processing requests.
(4) If more than one request is received from the same requester, or from a group of requesters acting in concert, and the Department believes that such requests constitute a single request which would otherwise satisfy the unusual circumstances specified in paragraph (j)(1) of this section, and the requests involve clearly related matters, the Department may aggregate these requests for processing purposes.
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) The business submitter has in good faith designated the information as commercially or financially sensitive information, or
(2) The bureau has reason to believe that disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to cause substantial competitive harm.
(3) Notice of a request for business information falling within paragraph (c)(1) or (2) of this section shall be required for a period of not more than ten years after the date of submission unless the business submitter requests, and provides acceptable justification for, a specific notice period of greater duration.
(4) The submitter's claim of confidentiality should be supported by a statement by an authorized representative of the company providing specific justification that the information in question is in fact confidential commercial or financial information and has not been disclosed to the public.
(d)
(2) When notice is given to a submitter under this section, the requester shall be advised that such notice has been given to the submitter. The requester shall be further advised that a delay in responding to the request may be considered a denial of access to records and that the requester may proceed with an administrative appeal or seek judicial review, if appropriate. However, the requester will be invited to agree to a voluntary extension of time so that the bureau may review the business submitter's objection to disclose.
(e)
(1) A statement of the reasons for which the business submitter's disclosure objections were not sustained;
(2) A description of the business information to be disclosed; and
(3) A specified disclosure date which is not less than ten days (exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after the notice of the final decision to release the requested information has been mailed to the submitter. Except as otherwise prohibited by law, a copy of the disclosure notice shall be forwarded to the requester at the same time.
(f)
(g)
(1) The bureau determines that the information shall not be disclosed;
(2) The information lawfully has been published or otherwise made available to the public; or
(3) Disclosure of the information is required by law (other than 5 U.S.C. 552).
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b)
(c)
(2) Fees shall be charged in accordance with the schedule contained in paragraph (g) of this section for services rendered in responding to requests for records, unless any one of the following applies:
(i) Services were performed without charge;
(ii) The cost of collecting a fee would be equal to or greater than the fee itself; or,
(iii) The fees were waived or reduced in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section.
(d)
(2) Normally no charge shall be made for providing records to state or foreign governments, international governmental organizations, or local government agencies or offices.
(3) Appeals from denials of requests for waiver or reduction of fees shall be decided in accordance with the criteria set forth in paragraph (d)(1) of this section by the official authorized to decide appeals from denials of access to
(4) Appeals from an adverse determination of the requester's category as described in § 1.5(b)(2) and provided in § 1.5(i)(1) shall be decided by the official authorized to decide appeals from denials of access to records and shall be based upon a review of the requester's submission and the bureau's own records. Appeals shall be addressed in writing to the office or officer specified in the appropriate appendix to this subpart within 35 days of the date of the bureau's determination of the requester's category and shall be decided within 20 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays).
(e)
(2) If the requester has failed to state a limit and the costs are estimated to exceed $250.00, the requester shall be notified of the estimated costs and must pre-pay such amount prior to the processing of the request, or provide satisfactory assurance of full payment if the requester has a history of prompt payment of FOIA fees. The requester shall also be given an opportunity to reformulate the request in such a way as to constitute a request for responsive records at a reduced fee.
(3) When the Department or a bureau of the Department acts under paragraphs (e)(1) or (2) of this section, the administrative time limits of 20 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) from receipt of initial requests or appeals, plus extensions of these time limits, shall begin only after fees have been paid, a written agreement to pay fees has been provided, or a request has been reformulated.
(f)
(2) The Department of the Treasury reserves the right to request prepayment after a request is processed and before documents are released.
(3) When costs are estimated or determined to exceed $250, the Department shall either obtain satisfactory assurance of full payment of the estimated cost where the requester has a history of prompt payment of FOIA fees or require a requester to make an advance payment of the entire estimated or determined fee before continuing to process the request.
(4) If a requester has previously failed to pay a fee within 30 days of the date of the billing, the requester shall be required to pay the full amount owed plus any applicable interest, and to make an advance payment of the full amount of the estimated fee before the Department begins to process a new request or the pending request. Whenever interest is charged, the Department shall begin assessing interest on the 31st day following the day on which billing was sent. Interest shall be at the rate prescribed in 31 U.S.C. 3717. In addition, the Department shall take all steps authorized by the Debt Collection Act of 1982, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, including administrative offset pursuant to 31 CFR Part 5, disclosure to consumer reporting agencies and use of collection agencies, to effect payment.
(g)
(1)
(i) $.20 per page, up to 8
(ii) Photographs, films, and other materials—actual cost of duplication.
(iii) Other types of duplication services not mentioned above—actual cost.
(iv) Material provided to a private contractor for copying shall be charged to the requester at the actual cost charged by the private contractor.
(2)
(i)
(ii)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(i) Certifying that records are true copies;
(ii) Sending records by special methods such as express mail, etc.
(h)
1.
2.
3.
4.
(i) Appellate determinations under 31 CFR 1.5(i) with respect to records of the Departmental Offices will be made by the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary, General Counsel, Inspector General, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, Treasurer of the United States, or Assistant Secretary having jurisdiction over the organizational unit which has immediate custody of the records requested, or the delegate of such officer.
(ii) Appellate determinations with respect to requests for expedited processing shall be made by the Deputy Assistant Secretary (Administration).
(iii) Appeals should be addressed to:
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Appeals may be delivered personally to the Assistant Chief Counsel (Disclosure Litigation) CC:EL:D, Office of the Chief Counsel, Internal Revenue Building, 1111 Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, D.C.
5.
1.
2.
3.
(a) Headquarters—Initial determinations under 31 CFR 1.5(h) as to whether to grant requests for records will be made by the appropriate Division Director at Customs Service Headquarters having custody of or functional jurisdiction over the subject matter of the requested records. If the request relates to records maintained in an office which is not within a division, the initial determination shall be made by the individual designated for that purpose by the Assistant Commissioner having responsibility for that office. Requests may be mailed or delivered in person to:Freedom of Information Act,Chief, Disclosure Law Branch,U.S. Customs
(b) Field Offices—Initial determinations under 31 CFR 1.5(h) as to whether to grant requests for records maintained by the Office of Investigations will be made by the Special Agent in Charge in whose office the records are maintained. Initial determinations of records maintained in Customs Ports of Entry as to whether or not to grant requests for records will be made by the Port Director of the Customs Service Port having jurisdiction over the Port of Entry in which the records are maintained. Requests may be mailed or faxed to or delivered personally to the respective Special Agents in Charge or Port Directors of the Customs Service Ports at the following locations:
(c) All such requests should be conspicuously labeled on the face of the envelope,
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Appeals may be mailed or delivered in person to:Freedom of Information Appeal,Assistant Director, Liaison and Public Information,Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms,650 Massachusetts Avenue, NW.,Washington, DC 20226.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Appeals may be delivered personally to the Office of the Commissioner, Financial Management Service, 401 14th Street, SW., Washington, DC.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Appeals may be delivered personally to the Communications Division, Comptroller of the Currency, 250 E Street, SW., Washington, DC.
5.
1.
2.
3.
Requests may be delivered personally to the Management Analysis Division, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Building 94, Glynco, GA.
4.
5.
1.
2.
3.
Requests for records may be delivered in person to: Public Reference Room, Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC.
4.
Appeals may be delivered in person to: Public Reference Room, Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC.
5.
The regulations in this subpart concern access to information and records other than under 5 U.S.C. 552. This subpart is applicable only to the Departmental Offices as defined in § 1.1(a) of this part and the United States Savings Bonds Division and the United States Secret Service.
Except in accordance with this part, or as otherwise authorized, Treasury Department officers and employees are prohibited from making records or duplicates available to any person, not an officer or employee of the Department, and are prohibited from withdrawing any such records or duplicates from the files, possession or control of the Department.
(a) Officers and employees of the Department may, in response to requests, provide orally information contained in records of the Department which are determined to be available to the public. If the obtaining of such information requires search of the records, a written request and the payment of the fee for record search set forth in § 1.6 will be required.
(b) Information with respect to activities of the Department not a matter of record shall not be disclosed if the information involves matters exempt from disclosure under 5 U.S.C. 552 or the regulations in this part, or if the disclosure of such information would give the person requesting the information advantages not accorded to other citizens;
(a) Treasury Department officers and employees are prohibited from testifying or otherwise furnishing information obtained as a result of their official capacities or in connection with the transaction of public business, in compliance with a subpoena or other order or demand of any court or other authority without the prior approval of an officer authorized to determine the availability of records under these regulations.
(b) Treasury Department officers and employees are prohibited from furnishing any record in compliance with subpoenas duces tecum or other order or demand of any court or other authority, without the prior approval of an officer authorized to determine the availability of records under the regulations in this part.
(c) In court cases in which the United States or the Treasury Department is not a party, where the giving of testimony is desired, an affidavit by the litigant or the litigant's attorney, setting forth the information with respect to which the testimony of such officer or employee is desired, must be submitted before permission to testify will be granted. Permission to testify will, in all cases, be limited to the information set forth in the affidavit or to such portions thereof as may be deemed proper.
(d) Where approval to testify or to furnish records in compliance with a subpoena, order or demand is not given the person to whom it is directed shall, if possible, appear in court or before the other authority and respectfully state his inability to comply in full with the subpoena, order or demand, relying for his action upon this section.
The regulations in this part shall not be applicable to official requests of other governmental agencies or officers thereof acting in their official capacities, unless it appears that granting a particular request would be in violation of law or inimical to the public interest. Cases of doubt should be referred for decision to the supervisory official designated in § 1.8.
The regulations in this subpart are issued to implement the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a). The regulations apply to all records which are contained in systems of records maintained by the Department of the Treasury and which are retrieved by an individual's name or personal identifier. They do not relate to those personnel records of Government employees, which are under the jurisdiction of the Office of Personnel Management to the extent such records are subject to regulations issued by such OPM. The regulations apply to all components of the Department of the Treasury. Any reference in this subpart to the Department or its officials, employees, or records shall be deemed to refer also to the components or their officials, employees, or records. The regulations set forth the requirements applicable to Department of the Treasury employees maintaining, collecting, using or disseminating records pertaining to individuals. They also set forth the procedures by which individuals may request notification of whether the Department of the Treasury maintains or has disclosed a record pertaining to them or may seek access to such records maintained in any nonexempt system of records, request correction of such records, appeal any initial adverse determination of any request for amendment, or may seek an accounting of disclosures of such records. For the convenience of interested persons, the components of the Department of the Treasury may reprint these regulations in their entirety (less any appendices not applicable to the component in question) in those titles of the Code of Federal Regulations which normally contain regulations applicable to such components. In connection with such republication, and at other appropriate times, components may issue supplementary regulations applicable only to the component in question, which are consistent with these regulations. In the event of any actual or apparent inconsistency, these Departmental regulations shall govern. Persons interested in the records of a particular component should, therefore, also consult the
(a) The Departmental Offices, which include the offices of:
(1) The Secretary of the Treasury, including immediate staff;
(2) The Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, including immediate staff;
(3) The Chief of Staff, including immediate staff;
(4) The Executive Secretary and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(5) The Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(6) The Under Secretary of the Treasury for Domestic Finance and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(7) The Under Secretary for Enforcement and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(8) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Institutions and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(9) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(10) The Fiscal Assistant Secretary and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(11) The General Counsel and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff; except legal counsel to the components listed in paragraphs (a)(17) and (b) through (l) of this section;
(12) The Inspector General and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(13) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for International Affairs and
(14) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Legislative Affairs and Public Liaison and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(15) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Management and Chief Financial Officer and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(16) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Public Affairs and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(17) The Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Tax Policy and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff;
(18) The Treasurer of the United States, including immediate staff;
(19) The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and all offices reporting to such official, including immediate staff.
(b) The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
(c) The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
(d) The United States Customs Service.
(e) The Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
(f) The Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
(g) The Financial Management Service.
(h) The Internal Revenue Service.
(i) The United States Mint.
(j) The Bureau of the Public Debt.
(k) The United States Secret Service.
(l) The Office of Thrift Supervision.
(m) The Office of Thrift Supervision.
(a) The term
(b) The term
(c) The term
(d) The term
(e) The term
(f) The term
(g) The term
(h) The term
(i) The term
(j) The term
(k) The term
(a)
(1) Maintain in its records only such information about an individual as is relevant and necessary to accomplish a purpose of the agency required to be accomplished by the statute or by Executive order of the President (See 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1)).
(2) Collect information to the greatest extent practicable directly from the subject individual when the information may result in adverse determinations about an individual's rights, benefits, and privileges under Federal programs. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(2)).
(b)
(1) The authority (whether granted by statute, or by Executive order of the President) which authorizes the solicitation of the information and whether disclosure of such information is mandatory or voluntary;
(2) The principal purpose or purposes for which the information is intended to be used;
(3) The routine uses which may be made of the information, as published pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(D); and
(4) The effects on such individual, if any, of not providing all or any part of the requested information. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(3)).
(c)
(d)
(1) Subject to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j) and § 1.23(c)(1), maintain all records which are used in making any determination about any individual with such accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness as is reasonably necessary to assure fairness to the individual in the determination (see 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(5);
(2) Prior to disseminating any record about an individual to any person other than an agency, unless the dissemination is made pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552 (see 31 CFR part 1, subpart A), make reasonable efforts to assure that such records are accurate, complete, timely, and relevant for Department of the Treasury purposes (see 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(6)) and
(3) Establish appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in substantial harm, embarrassment, inconvenience, or unfairness to any individual on whom information is maintained. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(10)).
(i) System managers, with the approval of the head of their offices within a component, shall establish administrative and physical controls, consistent with Department regulations, to insure the protection of records systems from unauthorized access or disclosure and from physical damage or destruction. The controls instituted shall be proportional to the degree of sensitivity of the records but at a minimum must insure that records other than those available to the general public under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), are protected from public view, that the area in which the records are stored is supervised during all business hours and physically secure during nonbusiness hours to prevent unauthorized personnel from obtaining access to the records. Automated systems shall comply with the security standards promulgated by the National Bureau of Standards.
(ii) System managers, with the approval of the head of their offices within a component, shall adopt access restrictions to insure that only those individuals within the agency who have a need to have access to the records for the performance of their duties have access to them. Procedures shall also be adopted to prevent accidental access to, or dissemination of, records.
(e)
(1) Expressly authorized by statute, or
(2) Expressly authorized by the individual about whom the record is maintained, or
(3) Pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized law enforcement activity. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a (e)(7))
(f)
(g)
(a)
(2) Minor changes to systems of records shall be published annually. (See paragraph (d)(8) of this section)
(3) In addition, the Department shall publish in the
(i) The name and location of the system;
(ii) The categories of individuals on whom records are maintained in the system;
(iii) The categories of records maintained in the system;
(iv) Each routine use of the records contained in the system, including the categories of users and the purpose of such use;
(v) The policies and practices of the component regarding storage,
(vi) The title and business address of the Treasury official who is responsible for the system of records;
(vii) The procedures of the component whereby an individual can be notified if the system of records contain a record pertaining to the individual, including reasonable times, places, and identification requirements.
(viii) The procedures of the component whereby an individual can be notified on how to gain access to any record pertaining to such individual that may be contained in the system of records, and how to contest its content; and
(ix) The categories of sources of records in the system. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4))
(b)
(c)
(i) Information compiled for the purpose of identifying individual criminal offenders and alleged offenders and consisting only of identifying data and notations of arrests, the nature and disposition of criminal charges, sentencing, confinement, release, and parole, and probation status;
(ii) Information compiled for the purpose of a criminal investigation, including reports of informants and investigators, and associated with an identifiable individual; or
(iii) Reports identifiable to an individual compiled at any stage of the process of enforcement of the criminal laws from arrest or indictment through release from supervision. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a(j))
(2)
(i) Subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(1);
(ii) Investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes, other than material within the scope of subsection (j)(2) of 5 U.S.C. 552a and paragraph (a)(1) of this section. If any individual is denied any right, privilege, or benefit that such individual would otherwise be entitled to by Federal law, or for which such individual would otherwise be eligible, as a result of the maintenance of this material, such material shall be provided to the individual, except to the extent that the disclosure of the material would reveal the identity of a source who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence, or prior to September 27, 1975, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence;
(iii) Maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or other individuals pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3056;
(iv) Required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records;
(v) Investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian employment, military service, Federal contracts, or access to classified information, but only to the extent that the disclosure of such material would reveal the identity of a source who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence, or, prior to September 27, 1975, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence;
(vi) Testing or examination material used solely to determine individual qualifications for appointment or promotion in the Federal service the disclosure of which would compromise the objectivity or fairness of the testing or examination process; or
(vii) Evaluation material used to determine potential for promotion in the armed services, but only to the extent that the disclosure of such material would reveal the identity of a source who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence, or, prior to September 27, 1975, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence.
(3) At the time that rules under this subsection are adopted, the head of the component shall include in the statement required under 5 U.S.C. 553(c) the reasons why the system of records is to be exempted from a provision of 5 U.S.C. 552a and this part. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a (j) and (k))
(d)
(1) Review every two years a random sample of the component's contracts that provide for the maintenance of a system of records on behalf of the component to accomplish a function of the component, in order to ensure that the working of each contract makes the provisions of the Act apply. (5 U.S.C. 552a(m)(1))
(2) Review annually component's recordkeeping and disposal policies and practices in order to assure compliance with the Act.
(3) Review routine use disclosures every 3 years, that are associated with each system of records in order to ensure that the recipient's use of such records continues to be compatible with the purpose for which the disclosing agency originally collected the information.
(4) Review every three years each system of records for which the component has issued exemption rules pursuant to section (j) or (k) of the Privacy Act in order to determine whether the exemption is needed.
(5) Review annually each ongoing matching program in which the component has participated during the year, either as a source or as a matching agency in order to assure that the requirements of the Act, the OMB Matching Guidelines, and the OMB Model Control System and checklist have been met.
(6) Review component's training practices annually to ensure that all component personnel are familiar with the requirements of the Act, these regulations and Departmental directives.
(7) Review annually the actions of component personnel that have resulted either in the agency being found civilly liable under section (g) of the Act, or an employee being found criminally liable under the provisions of section (i) of the Act, in order to determine the extent of the problem and to prevent future recurrences.
(8) Review annually each system of records notice to ensure that it accurately describes the system. Where minor changes are needed, publish an amended notice in the
(a)
(1) To those offices and employees of the Department of the Treasury who have a need for the record in the performance of their duties;
(2) Retired under 5 U.S.C. 552 (subpart A of this part);
(3) For a routine use as defined in 5 U.S.C. 552a(a)(7) and § 1.21(g) and as described under 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(D) and § 1.23(a)(4);
(4) To the Bureau of the Census for purposes of planning or carrying out a census or survey or related activity pursuant to the provisions of title 13 of the U.S. Code;
(5) To a recipient who has provided the component with advance adequate written assurance that the record will be used solely as a statistical research or reporting record, and the record is to be transferred in a form that is not individually identifiable;
(6) To the National Archives of the United States as a record which has sufficient historical or other value to warrant its continued preservation by the United States Government, or for evaluation by the Administrator of General Services or the designee of such official to determine whether the record has such value;
(7) To another agency or to an instrumentality of any governmental jurisdiction within or under the control of the United States for a civil or criminal law enforcement activity.
(i) If the activity is authorized by law; and
(ii) If the head of the agency or instrumentality has made a written request to the Department of the Treasury specifying the particular portion desired and the law enforcement activities for which the record is sought;
(8) To a person pursuant to a showing of compelling circumstances affecting the health or safety of an individual, if upon such disclosure, notification is transmitted to the last known address of such individual;
(9) To either House of Congress, or, to the extent of matter within its jurisdiction, any committee or subcommittee thereof, any joint committee of Congress or subcommittee of any such joint committee.
(10) To the Comptroller General, or the authorized representatives of such official, in the course of the performance of the duties of the General Accounting Office; or
(11) Pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a(b))
(a)
(1) Keep an accurate accounting of: (i) The date, nature, and purpose of each disclosure of a record to any person or to an agency made under 5 U.S.C. 552a (b) and § 1.24; and (ii) the name and address of the person or agency to whom the disclosure is made;
(2) Retain the accounting made under paragraph (a)(1) of this section for at least five years or the life of the record, whichever is longer, after the disclosure for which the accounting is made; and
(3) Inform any person or other agency about any correction or notation of dispute made by the constitutent unit in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a (d) and § 1.28 of any record that has been disclosed to the person or agency if an accounting of the disclosure was made. (See 5 U.S.C. 552(c).)
(b)
(1) Be established in the least expensive and most convenient form that will permit the system manager to advise individuals, promptly upon request, what records concerning them have been disclosed and to whom:
(2) Provide, as a minimum, the identification of the particular record disclosed, the name and address of the person or agency to whom or to whom or to which disclosed, and the date, nature and purpose of the disclosure; and
(3) Be maintained for 5 years or until the record is destroyed or transferred to the National Archives and Records Service for storage in records centers, in which event, the accounting pertaining to those records, unless maintained separately, shall be transferred with the records themselves.
(c)
(1) To those officers and employees of the Department of the Treasury who have a need for the record in the performance of their duties; or
(2) If disclosure would be required under 5 U.S.C. 552 and Subpart A of this part.
(d)
(2) Access accountings of disclosure may be withheld from the individual named in the record only if the disclosures were (i) made under 5 U.S.C. 552a (b)(7) and § 1.24 (a)(7), or (ii) under a system of records exempted from the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3) in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552 (j) or (k) and § 1.23(c). (See 5 U.S.C. 552a(c))
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(i) Be made in writing and signed by the person making the request, who must be the individual about whom the record is maintained, or such individual's duly authorized representative (See § 1.34);
(ii) State that it is made pursuant to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a or these regulations, have marked “Privacy Act Request” on the request and on the envelope;
(iii) Give the name of the system or subsystem or categories of records to which access is sought, as specified in “Privacy Act Issuances” published by the Office of the Federal Register and referenced in the appendices to this subpart;
(iv) Describe the nature of the record(s) sought in sufficient detail to enable Department personnel to locate the system of records containing the record with a reasonable amount of effort. Whenever possible, a request for access should describe the nature of the record sought, the date of the record or the period in which the record was compiled.
(v) Provide such identification of the requester as may be specified in the appropriate appendix to this subpart; and
(vi) Be addressed or delivered in person to the office or officer of the component indicated for the particular system or subsystem or categories of records the individual wishes access to, as specified in “Privacy Act Issuances” published by the Office of the Federal Register and referenced in the appendices to this subpart. Assistance in ascertaining the appropriate component or in preparing a request for notification may be obtained by a written request to this effect addressed as specified in Appendix A of this part, as the address for the Departmental Offices for “Request for notification and access to records and accountings of disclosures”.
(2) A request for access to records shall, in addition to complying with paragraph (a)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section:
(i) State whether the requester wishes to inspect the records or desires to have a copy made and furnished without first inspecting them;
(ii) If the requester desires to have a copy made, state the firm agreement of the requester to pay the fees for duplication ultimately determined in accordance with (31 CFR 1.6) Subpart A of this title, unless such fees are waived pursuant to that section by the system manager or other appropriate official as indicated in the appropriate appendix to these regulations; and
(iii) Comply with any other requirement set forth in the applicable appendix to this subpart or the “Notice of Records Systems” applicable to the system in question. Requesters are hereby advised that any request for access which does not comply with the foregoing requirements and those set forth elsewhere in this Subpart C, will not be deemed subject to the time constraints of this section, unless and until amended so as to comply. However, components shall advise the requester in what respect the request is deficient so that it may be processed. This section applies only to records which are contained in a system of records and which are in the possession
(e)
(2) Where the record requested was created by a Department or agency other than the Department of the Treasury or a component of the Department and has been classified (e.g. National Defense or Intelligence Information) or otherwise restrictively endorsed (e.g. Office of Personnel Management records of FBI reports) by such other Department or agency, and a copy is in the possession of a component of the Department of the Treasury, that portion of the request shall be referred to the originating agency for determination as to all issues in accordance with the Privacy Act. In the case of a referral to another agency under this paragraph, the requester shall be notified that such portion of the request has been so referred and that the requester may expect to hear from that agency.
(3) When information sought from a system manager or other appropriate official in the Department of the Treasury includes information furnished by other Federal agencies not classified or otherwise restrictively endorsed, the system manager or other appropriate official receiving the request shall consult with the appropriate agency prior to making a decision to disclose or not to disclose the record. The decision as to whether the record shall be disclosed shall be made, in the first instance by the system manager or other appropriate official maintaining the record. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a (d) and (f))
(f)
(g)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(ii) Requests from individuals for access to records which have been exempted from access pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a (k) shall be processed as follows:
(A) Requests for information classified pursuant to Executive Order 11652 require the responsible component of the Department to review the information to determine whether it continues to warrant classification under the criteria of sections 1 and 5 (B), (C), (D) and (E) of the Executive order. Information which no longer warrants classification under these criteria shall be declassified and made available to the individual. If the information continues to warrant classification, the individual shall be advised that the information sought is classified, that it has been reviewed and continues to warrant classification, and that it has been exempted from access pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552 (b)(1) and 5 U.S.C. 552a (k)(1). Information which has been exempted pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a (j) and which is also classified shall be reviewed as required by this paragraph but the response to the individual shall be in the form prescribed by paragraph (g)(6)(i) of this section.
(B) Requests for information which has been exempted from disclosure pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a (k)(2) shall be responded to in the manner provided in paragraph (g)(6)(i) of this section unless the requester shows that the information has been used or is being used to deny the individual any right, privilege or benefit for which he is eligible or to which he would otherwise be entitled under federal law. In that event, the individual shall be advised of the existence of the information but such information as would identify a confidential source shall be extracted or summarized in a manner which protects the source to the maximum degree possible and the summary extract shall be provided to the requesting individual.
(C) Information compiled as part of an employee background investigation
(D) Testing or examination material which has been exempted pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a (k)(6) shall not be made available to an individual if disclosure would compromise the objectivity or fairness of the testing or examination process; but may be made available if no such compromise possibility exists. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a (d)(5), (j) and (k)).
(a)
(b)
(1) Be made in writing and signed by the person making the request, who must be the individual about whom the record is maintained, or the duly authorized representative of such individual;
(2) State that it is made pursuant to the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a or these regulations, have marked “Privacy Act Amendment Request” on the request and on the envelope;
(3) Be addressed to the office or officer of the component specified for such purposes in “Privacy Act Issuances” published by the Office of the Federal Register and referenced in the appendices to this subpart for that purpose; and
(4) Reasonably describe the records which the individual desires to have amended, including, to the best of the requester's knowledge, dates of letters requesting access to such records previously and dates of letters in which notification concerning access was made, if any, and the individual's documentation justifying the correction. (See U.S.C. 552a (d) and (f))
(c)
(d)
(1) Not later than 10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after the date of receipt of such request, acknowledge in writing such receipt; and
(2) Promptly, either—(i) Make any correction of any portion which the individual believes and the official agrees is not accurate, relevant, timely, or complete; or
(ii) Inform the individual of the refusal to amend the record in accordance with the individual's request, the reason for the refusal, and the name and business address of the officer designated in the applicable appendix to this subpart, as the person who is to review such refusal. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a (d) and (f))
(e)
(2) Form of request for administrative review of refusal to amend record. At any time within 35 days after the date of the notification of the initial decision described in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section, the requester may submit an administrative appeal from such refusal to the official specified in the notification of the initial decision and the appropriate appendix to this subpart. The appeal shall:
(i) Be made in writing stating any arguments in support thereof and be signed by the person to whom the record pertains, or the duly authorized representative of such official;
(ii) Be addressed to and mailed or hand delivered within 35 days of the date of the initial decision, to the office or officer specified in the appropriate appendix to this subpart and in the notification. (See the appendices to this subpart for the address to which appeals made by mail should be addressed);
(iii) Have clearly marked on the appeal and on the envelope, “Privacy Act Amendment Appeal”;
(iv) Reasonably describe the records requested to be amended; and
(v) Specify the date of the initial request, to amend records, and the date of the letter giving notification that the request was denied. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a (d) and (f))
(3)
(4)
(5)
(f)
(1) Transcripts or written statements made under oath; and
(2) Transcripts of Grand Jury proceedings, judicial or quasi-judicial proceedings which form the official record of those proceedings; and
(3) Pre-sentence reports comprising the property of the courts but maintained in agency files; and
(4) Records pertaining to the determination, the collection and the payment of the Federal taxes; and
(5) Records duly exempted from correction by notice published in the
(6) Records compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action or proceeding.
(a)
(b)
(1) The head of each office of a component of the Department shall be responsible for assuring that employees subject to such official's supervision are advised of the provisions of the Privacy Act, including the criminal penalties and civil liabilities provided therein, and the regulations in this subpart, and that such employees are made aware of their individual and collective responsibilities to protect the security of personal information, to assure its accuracy, relevance, timeliness and completeness, to avoid unauthorized disclosure either orally or in writing, and to insure that no information system concerning individuals, no matter how small or specialized is maintained without public notice.
(2) Employees of the Department of the Treasury involved in the design, development, operation, or maintenance of any system of records, or in maintaining any record shall:
(i) Collect no information of a personal nature from individuals unless authorized to collect it to achieve a function or carry out a responsibility of the Department;
(ii) Collect from individuals only that information which is necessary to Department functions or responsibilities, unless related to a system exempted under 5 U.S.C. 552a (j) or (k):
(iii) Collect information, wherever possible, directly from the individual to whom it relates, unless related to a system exempted under 5 U.S.C. 552a(j);
(iv) Inform individuals from whom information is collected about themselves of the authority for collection, the purposes thereof, the use that will be made of the information, and the effects, both legal and practical, of not furnishing the information. (While this provision does not explicitly require it, where feasible, third party sources should be informed of the purposes for which information they are asked to provide will be used.);
(v) Neither collect, maintain, use nor disseminate information concerning an individual's religious or political beliefs or activities or membership in associations or organizations, unless (A) the individual has volunteered such information for the individual's own benefits; (B) the information is expressly authorized by statute to be collected, maintained, used or disseminated; or (C) the activities involved are pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized investigation, adjudication or correctional activity;
(vi) Advise their supervisors of the existence or contemplated development
(vii) Disseminate no information concerning individuals outside the Department except when authorized by 5 U.S.C. 552a or pursuant to a routine use published in the
(viii) Assure that an accounting is kept in the prescribed form, of all dissemination of personal information outside the Department, whether made orally or in writing, unless disclosed under 5 U.S.C. 552 and subpart A of this part;
(ix) Maintain and process information concerning individuals with care in order to insure that no inadvertent disclosure of the information is made either within or without the Department; and
(x) Assure that the proper Department authorities are aware of any information in a system maintained by the Department which is not authorized to be maintained under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, including information on First Amendment Activities, information that is inaccurate, irrelevant or so incomplete as to risk unfairness to the individual concerned.
(3) Heads of components within the Department or their delegates shall, at least annually, review the record systems subject to their supervision to insure compliance with the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974 and the regulations in this subpart. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a (e)(9), (i) and (m))
(c)
(i) Who by virtue of the official's employment or official position, has possession of, or access to, agency records which contain individually identifiable information the disclosure of which is prohibited by this section (5 U.S.C. 552a) or regulations established thereunder, and who knowing that disclosure of the specific material is so prohibited, willfully discloses the material in any manner to any person or agency not entitled to receive it, or
(ii) Who willfully maintains a system of records without meeting the notice requirements of paragraph (e)(4) of this section (5 U.S.C. 552a)—shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not more than $5,000.
(2) The Act also imposes a collateral criminal penalty on the conduct of any person as follows:
“Any person who knowingly and willfully requests or obtains any record concerning an individual from an agency under false pretenses shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not more than $5,000.”
(3) For the purposes of 5 U.S.C. 552a (i), the provisions of paragraph (c)(1) of this section are applicable to Government contractors and employees of such contractors who by contract, operate by or on behalf of the Department of the Treasury a system of records to accomplish a Departmental function. Such contractor and employees are considered employees of the Department of the Treasury for the purposes of 5 U.S.C. 552a(i). (See 5 U.S.C. 552a (i) and (m).)
(a)
(b)
(i) Shall not be subject to 5 U.S.C. 552a,
(ii) Except, that a statement describing such records [modeled after 5 U.S.C. 552a (e)(4) (A) through (G)] shall be published in the
(2)
(i) Shall not be subject to 5 U.S.C. 552a,
(ii) Except, that a statement describing such records in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a (e)(4) (A) through (G) shall be published in the
When a component contracts for the operation of a system of records, to accomplish a Departmental function, the provisions of the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and this subpart shall be applicable to such system. The component shall have responsibility for insuring that the contractor complies with the contract requirements relating to privacy.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) Any disclosure which is required by Federal statute, or
(2) The disclosure of a social security number to any Federal, State, or local agency maintaining a system of records in existence and operating before January 1, 1975, if such disclosure was required under statute or regulation adopted prior to such date to verify the identity of an individual.
(c)
(1) Disclosure is mandatory or voluntary.
(2) By what statutory or other authority such number is solicited, and
(3) What uses will be made of it. (See section 7 of the Privacy Act of 1974 set forth at 5 U.S.C. 552a, note.)
The parent or guardian of a minor or a person judicially determined to be incompetent shall, in addition to establishing the identity of the minor or other person represented, establish parentage or guardianship by furnishing a copy of a birth certificate showing parentage or a court order establishing the guardianship and may thereafter, act on behalf of such individual. (See 5 U.S.C. 552a (h))
(a)
(b)
(1) To insure that no information concerning religion, political beliefs or activities, association memberships (other than those required for a professional license), or the exercise of First Amendment rights is required to be disclosed unless such requirement of disclosure is expressly authorized by statute or is pertinent to, and within the scope of, any authorized law enforcement activity;
(2) To insure that the form or a separate form that can be retained by the individual makes clear to the individual which information he is required by law to disclose and the authority for that requirement and which information is voluntary;
(3) To insure that the form or a separate form that can be retained by the individual states clearly the principal purpose or purposes for which the information is being collected, and summarizes concisely the routine uses that will be made of the information;
(4) To insure that the form or a separate form that can be retained by the individual clearly indicates to the individual the effect in terms of rights, benefits or privileges of not providing all or part of the requested information; and
(5) To insure that any form requesting disclosure of a Social Security Number, or a separate form that can be retained by the individual, clearly advises the individual of the statute or regulation requiring disclosure of the number or clearly advises the individual that disclosure is voluntary and that no consequence will follow from the refusal to disclose it, and the uses that will be made of the number whether disclosed mandatorily and voluntarily.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(i) Departmental Offices:
(ii) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms:
(iii) Comptroller of the Currency:
(iv) U.S. Customs Service:
(v) Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
(vi) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
(vii) Financial Management Service.
(viii) Internal Revenue Service:
(ix) U.S. Mint
(x) Bureau of the Public Debt
(xi) U.S. Secret Service:
(xii) Office of Thrift Supervision:
(2) The Department hereby exempts the systems of records listed in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (xii) of this section from the following provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2): 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3) and (4), 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1), (2), (3), (4), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1), (2) and (3), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(G), (H), and (I), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(5) and (8), 5 U.S.C. 552a(f), and 5 U.S.C. 552a(g).
(d)
(i) Take steps to avoid detection;
(ii) Inform associates that an investigation is in progress;
(iii) Learn the nature of the investigation;
(iv) Learn whether they are only suspects or identified as law violators;
(v) Begin, continue, or resume illegal conduct upon learning that they are not identified in the system of records; or
(vi) Destroy evidence needed to prove the violation.
(2) 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1), (e)(4)(H) and (f)(2), (3) and (5) grant individuals access to records pertaining to them. The application of these provisions to the systems of records would compromise the Department's ability to provide useful tactical and strategic information to law enforcement agencies.
(i) Permitting access to records contained in the systems of records would
(A) Discovering the facts that would form the basis for their arrest;
(B) Enabling them to destroy or alter evidence of criminal conduct that would form the basis for their arrest; and
(C) Using knowledge that criminal investigators had reason to believe that a crime was about to be committed, to delay the commission of the crime or commit it at a location that might not be under surveillance.
(ii) Permitting access to either on-going or closed investigative files would also reveal investigative techniques and procedures, the knowledge of which could enable individuals planning crimes to structure their operations so as to avoid detection or apprehension.
(iii) Permitting access to investigative files and records could, moreover, disclose the identity of confidential sources and informers and the nature of the information supplied and thereby endanger the physical safety of those sources by exposing them to possible reprisals for having provided the information. Confidential sources and informers might refuse to provide criminal investigators with valuable information unless they believed that their identities would not be revealed through disclosure of their names or the nature of the information they supplied. Loss of access to such sources would seriously impair the Department's ability to carry out its mandate.
(iv) Furthermore, providing access to records contained in the systems of records could reveal the identities of undercover law enforcement officers who compiled information regarding the individual's criminal activities and thereby endanger the physical safety of those undercover officers or their families by exposing them to possible reprisals.
(v) By compromising the law enforcement value of the systems of records for the reasons outlined in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) through (iv) of this section, permitting access in keeping with these provisions would discourage other law enforcement and regulatory agencies, foreign and domestic, from freely sharing information with the Department and thus would restrict the Department's access to information necessary to accomplish its mission most effectively.
(vi) Limitation on access to the material contained in the protective intelligence files is considered necessary to the preservation of the utility of intelligence files and in safeguarding those persons the Department is authorized to protect. Access to the protective intelligence files could adversely affect the quality of information available to the Department; compromise confidential sources, hinder the ability of the Department to keep track of persons of protective interest; and interfere with the Department's protective intelligence activities by individuals gaining access to protective intelligence files.
(vii) Many of the persons on whom records are maintained in the protective intelligence suffer from mental aberrations. Knowledge of their condition and progress comes from authorities, family members and witnesses. Many times this information comes to the Department as a result of two party conversations where it would be impossible to hide the identity of informants. Sources of information must be developed, questions asked and answers recorded. Trust must be extended and guarantees of confidentiality and anonymity must be maintained. Allowing access to information of this kind to individuals who are the subjects of protective interest may well lead to violence directed against an informant by a mentally disturbed individual.
(viii) Finally, the dissemination of certain information that the Department may maintain in the systems of records is restricted by law.
(3) 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(2), (3) and (4), (e)(4)(H), and (f)(4) permit an individual to request amendment of a record pertaining to him or her and require the agency either to amend the record, or to note the disputed portion of the record and to provide a copy of the individual's statement of disagreement with the agency's refusal to amend a record to persons or other agencies to
(4) 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3) requires an agency to make accountings of disclosures of a record available to the individual named in the record upon his or her request. The accountings must state the date, nature, and purpose of each disclosure of the record and the name and address of the recipient.
(i) The application of this provision would impair the ability of law enforcement agencies outside the Department of the Treasury to make effective use of information provided by the Department. Making accountings of disclosures available to the subjects of an investigation would alert them to the fact that another agency is conducting an investigation into their criminal activities and could reveal the geographic location of the other agency's investigation, the nature and purpose of that investigation, and the dates on which that investigation was active. Violators possessing such knowledge would be able to take measures to avoid detection or apprehension by altering their operations, by transferring their criminal activities to other geographical areas, or by destroying or concealing evidence that would form the basis for arrest. In the case of a delinquent account, such release might enable the subject of the investigation to dissipate assets before levy.
(ii) Moreover, providing accountings to the subjects of investigations would alert them to the fact that the Department has information regarding their criminal activities and could inform them of the general nature of that information. Access to such information could reveal the operation of the Department's information-gathering and analysis systems and permit violators to take steps to avoid detection or apprehension.
(iii) The release of such information to the subject of a protective intelligence file would provide significant information concerning the nature of an investigation, and could result in impeding or compromising the efforts of Department personnel to detect persons suspected of criminal activities or to collect information necessary for the proper evaluation of persons considered to be of protective interest.
(5) 5 U.S.C. 552(c)(4) requires an agency to inform any person or other agency about any correction or notation of dispute that the agency made in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552a(d) to any record that the agency disclosed to the person or agency if an accounting of the disclosure was made. Since this provision depends on an individual's having access to and an opportunity to request amendment of records pertaining to him or her, and since these rules exempt the systems of records from the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a relating to access to and amendment of records, for the reasons set out in paragraph (f)(3) of this section, this provision should not apply to the systems of records.
(6) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(I) requires an agency to publish a general notice listing the categories of sources for information contained in a system of records. The application of this provision to the systems of records could compromise the Department's ability to provide useful information to law enforcement agencies, since revealing sources for the information could:
(i) Disclose investigative techniques and procedures;
(ii) Result in threats or reprisals against informers by the subjects of investigations; and
(iii) Cause informers to refuse to give full information to criminal investigators for fear of having their identities as sources disclosed.
(7) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1) requires an agency to maintain in its records only such information about an individual as is relevant and necessary to accomplish a purpose of the agency required to be accomplished by statute or executive order. The term “maintain,” as defined in 5 U.S.C. 552a(a)(3), includes
(i) At the time that the Department collects information, it often lacks sufficient time to determine whether the information is relevant and necessary to accomplish a Treasury Department purpose.
(ii) In many cases, especially in the early stages of investigation, it may be impossible to immediately determine whether information collected is relevant and necessary, and information that initially appears irrelevant and unnecessary often may, upon further evaluation or upon collation with information developed subsequently, prove particularly relevant to a law enforcement program.
(iii) Compliance with the records maintenance criteria listed in the foregoing provision would require the periodic up-dating of the Department's protective intelligence files to insure that the records maintained in the system remain timely and complete.
(iv) Not all violations of law discovered by the Department fall within the investigative jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury. To promote effective law enforcement, the Department will have to disclose such violations to other law enforcement agencies, including State, local and foreign agencies, that have jurisdiction over the offenses to which the information relates. Otherwise, the Department might be placed in the position of having to ignore information relating to violations of law not within the jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury when that information comes to the Department's attention during the collation and analysis of information in its records.
(8) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(2) requires an agency to collect information to the greatest extent practicable directly from the subject individual when the information may result in adverse determinations about an individual's rights, benefits, and privileges under Federal programs. The application of this provision to the systems of records would impair the Department's ability to collate, analyze, and disseminate investigative, intelligence, and enforcement information.
(i) Most information collected about an individual under criminal investigation is obtained from third parties, such as witnesses and informants. It is usually not feasible to rely upon the subject of the investigation as a source for information regarding his criminal activities.
(ii) An attempt to obtain information from the subject of a criminal investigation will often alert that individual to the existence of an investigation, thereby affording the individual an opportunity to attempt to conceal his criminal activities so as to avoid apprehension.
(iii) In certain instances, the subject of a criminal investigation is not required to supply information to criminal investigators as a matter of legal duty.
(iv) During criminal investigations it is often a matter of sound investigative procedure to obtain information from a variety of sources to verify information already obtained.
(9) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(3) requires an agency to inform each individual whom it asks to supply information, on the form that it uses to collect the information or on a separate form that the individual can retain, of the agency's authority for soliciting the information; whether disclosure of information is voluntary or mandatory; the principal purposes for which the agency will use the information; the routine uses that may be made of the information; and the effects on the individual of not providing all or part of the information. The systems of records should be exempted from this provision to avoid impairing the Department's ability to collect and collate investigative, intelligence, and enforcement data.
(i) Confidential sources or undercover law enforcement officers often obtain information under circumstances in which it is necessary to keep the true purpose of their actions secret so as not to let the subject of the investigation or his or her associates know that a criminal investigation is in progress.
(ii) If it became known that the undercover officer was assisting in a criminal investigation, that officer's
(iii) Individuals often feel inhibited in talking to a person representing a criminal law enforcement agency but are willing to talk to a confidential source or undercover officer whom they believe not to be involved in law enforcement activities.
(iv) Providing a confidential source of information with written evidence that he or she was a source, as required by this provision, could increase the likelihood that the source of information would be subject to retaliation by the subject of the investigation.
(v) Individuals may be contacted during preliminary information gathering, surveys, or compliance projects concerning the administration of the internal revenue laws before any individual is identified as the subject of an investigation. Informing the individual of the matters required by this provision would impede or compromise subsequent investigations.
(vi) Finally, application of this provision could result in an unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of the subject of the criminal investigation, particularly where further investigation reveals that the subject was not involved in any criminal activity.
(10) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(5) requires an agency to maintain all records it uses in making any determination about any individual with such accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness as is reasonably necessary to assure fairness to the individual in the determination.
(i) Since 5 U.S.C. 552a(a)(3) defines “maintain” to include “collect” and “disseminate,” application of this provision to the systems of records would hinder the initial collection of any information that could not, at the moment of collection, be determined to be accurate, relevant, timely, and complete. Similarly, application of this provision would seriously restrict the Department's ability to disseminate information pertaining to a possible violation of law to law enforcement and regulatory agencies. In collecting information during a criminal investigation, it is often impossible or unfeasible to determine accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness prior to collection of the information. In disseminating information to law enforcement and regulatory agencies, it is often impossible to determine accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness prior to dissemination, because the Department may not have the expertise with which to make such determinations.
(ii) Information that may initially appear inaccurate, irrelevant, untimely, or incomplete may, when collated and analyzed with other available information, become more pertinent as an investigation progresses. In addition, application of this provision could seriously impede criminal investigators and intelligence analysts in the exercise of their judgment in reporting results obtained during criminal investigations.
(iii) Compliance with the records maintenance criteria listed in the foregoing provision would require the periodic up-dating of the Department's protective intelligence files to insure that the records maintained in the system remain timely and complete.
(11) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(8) requires an agency to make reasonable efforts to serve notice on an individual when the agency makes any record on the individual available to any person under compulsory legal process, when such process becomes a matter of public record. The systems of records should be exempted from this provision to avoid revealing investigative techniques and procedures outlined in those records and to prevent revelation of the existence of an ongoing investigation where there is need to keep the existence of the investigation secret.
(12) 5 U.S.C. 552a(g) provides for civil remedies to an individual when an agency wrongfully refuses to amend a record or to review a request for amendment, when an agency wrongfully refuses to grant access to a record, when an agency fails to maintain accurate, relevant, timely, and complete records which are used to make a determination adverse to the individual, and when an agency fails to comply with any other provision of 5 U.S.C. 552a so as to adversely affect the individual. The systems of records
(e)
Departmental Offices:
(2) The Department of the Treasury hereby exempts the system of records listed in paragraph (e)(1) of this section from the following provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(1): 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1), (2), (3) and (4), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(G), (H), and (I), and 5 U.S.C. 552a(f).
(f)
(g)
(i) Departmental Offices:
(ii) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms:
(iii) Comptroller of the Currency
(iv) U.S. Customs Service:
(v) Bureau of Engraving and Printing:
(vi) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
(vii) Financial Management Service
(viii) Internal Revenue Service:
(ix) U.S. Mint:
(x) Bureau of the Public Debt.
(xi) U.S. Secret Service:.
(xii) Office of Thrift Supervision:.
(2) The Department hereby exempts the systems of records listed in paragraphs (g)(1)(i) through (xii) of this section from the following provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2): 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), 5 U.S.C. 552a(d) (1), (2), (3), and (4), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(G), (H), and (I), and 5 U.S.C. 552a(f).
(h)
(i) The application of this provision would impair the ability of the Department and of law enforcement agencies outside the Department of the Treasury to make effective use of information maintained by the Department. Making accountings of disclosures available to the subjects of an investigation would alert them to the fact that an agency is conducting an investigation into their illegal activities and could reveal the geographic location of the investigation, the nature and purpose of that investigation, and the dates on which that investigation was active. Violators possessing such knowledge would be able to take measures to avoid detection or apprehension by altering their operations, by transferring their illegal activities to other geographical areas, or by destroying or concealing evidence that would form the basis for detection or apprehension. In the case of a delinquent account, such release might enable the subject of the investigation to dissipate assets before levy.
(ii) Providing accountings to the subjects of investigations would alert them to the fact that the Department has information regarding their illegal activities and could inform them of the general nature of that information.
(2) 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1), (e)(4)(H) and (f)(2), (3) and (5) grant individuals access to records pertaining to them. The application of these provisions to the systems of records would compromise the Department's ability to utilize and provide useful tactical and strategic information to law enforcement agencies.
(i) Permitting access to records contained in the systems of records would provide individuals with information concerning the nature of any current investigations and would enable them to avoid detection or apprehension by:
(A) discovering the facts that would form the basis for their detection or apprehension;
(B) enabling them to destroy or alter evidence of illegal conduct that would form the basis for their detection or apprehension, and
(C) using knowledge that investigators had reason to believe that a violation of law was about to be committed, to delay the commission of the violation or commit it at a location that might not be under surveillance.
(ii) Permitting access to either on-going or closed investigative files would also reveal investigative techniques and procedures, the knowledge of which could enable individuals planning non-criminal acts to structure their operations so as to avoid detection or apprehension.
(iii) Permitting access to investigative files and records could, moreover, disclose the identity of confidential sources and informers and the nature of the information supplied and thereby endanger the physical safety of those sources by exposing them to possible reprisals for having provided the information. Confidential sources and informers might refuse to provide investigators with valuable information unless they believed that their identities would not be revealed through disclosure of their names or the nature of the information they supplied.Loss of access to such sources would seriously
(iv) Furthermore, providing access to records contained in the systems of records could reveal the identities of undercover law enforcement officers or other persons who compiled information regarding the individual's illegal activities and thereby endanger the physical safety of those undercover officers, persons, or their families by exposing them to possible reprisals.
(v) By compromising the law enforcement value of the systems of records for the reasons outlined in paragraphs (h)(2)(i) through (iv) of this section, permitting access in keeping with these provisions would discourage other law enforcement and regulatory agencies, foreign and domestic, from freely sharing information with the Department and thus would restrict the Department's access to information necessary to accomplish its mission most effectively.
(vi) Finally, the dissemination of certain information that the Department may maintain in the systems of records is restricted by law.
(3) 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(2), (3) and (4), (e)(4)(H), and (f)(4) permit an individual to request amendment of a record pertaining to him or her and require the agency either to amend the record, or to note the disputed portion of the record and to provide a copy of the individual's statement of disagreement with the agency's refusal to amend a record to persons or other agencies to whom the record is thereafter disclosed. Since these provisions depend on the individual's having access to his or her records, and since these rules exempt the systems of records from the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a relating to access to records, for the reasons set out in paragraph (h)(2) of this section, these provisions should not apply to the systems of records.
(4) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1) requires an agency to maintain in its records only such information about an individual as is relevant and necessary to accomplish a purpose of the agency required to be accomplished by statute or executive order. The term “maintain,” as defined in 5 U.S.C. 552a(a)(3), includes “collect” and “disseminate.” The application of this provision to the system of records could impair the Department's ability to collect, utilize and disseminate valuable law enforcement information.
(i) At the time that the Department collects information, it often lacks sufficient time to determine whether the information is relevant and necessary to accomplish a Department purpose.
(ii) In many cases, especially in the early stages of investigation, it may be impossible immediately to determine whether information collected is relevant and necessary, and information that initially appears irrelevant and unnecessary often may, upon further evaluation or upon collation with information developed subsequently, prove particularly relevant to a law enforcement program.
(iii) Not all violations of law discovered by the Department analysts fall within the investigative jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury. To promote effective law enforcement, the Department will have to disclose such violations to other law enforcement agencies, including State, local and foreign agencies that have jurisdiction over the offenses to which the information relates. Otherwise, the Department might be placed in the position of having to ignore information relating to violations of law not within the jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury when that information comes to the Department's attention during the collation and analysis of information in its records.
(5) U.S.C. 552a (e)(4)(G) and (f)(1) enable individuals to inquire whether a system of records contains records pertaining to them. Application of these provisions to the systems of records would allow individuals to learn whether they have been identified as suspects or subjects of investigation. As further described in the following paragraph, access to such knowledge would impair the Department's ability to carry out its mission, since individuals could:
(i) Take steps to avoid detection;
(ii) Inform associates that an investigation is in progress;
(iii) Learn the nature of the investigation;
(iv) Learn whether they are only suspects or identified as law violators;
(v) Begin, continue, or resume illegal conduct upon learning that they are not identified in the system of records; or
(vi) Destroy evidence needed to prove the violation.
(6) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(I) requires an agency to publish a general notice listing the categories of sources for information contained in a system of records. The application of this provision to the systems of records could compromise the Department's ability to complete or continue investigations or to provide useful information to law enforcement agencies, since revealing sources for the information could:
(i) Disclose investigative techniques and procedures;
(ii) Result in threats or reprisals against informers by the subjects of investigations; and
(iii) Cause informers to refuse to give full information to investigators for fear of having their identities as sources disclosed.
(i)
U.S. Secret Service:
(2) The Department hereby exempts the system of records listed in (i)(1) of this section from the following provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(3): 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1), (2), (3),and (4), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(G), (H), and (I), and 5 U.S.C. 552a(f).
(j)
(i) The application of this provision would impair the ability of law enforcement agencies outside the Department of the Treasury to make effective use of information provided by the Department. Making accountings of disclosures available to the subjects of an investigation would alert them to the fact that another agency is conducting an investigation into their criminal activities and could reveal the geographic location of the other agency's investigation, the nature and purpose of that investigation, and the dates on which the investigation was active. Violators possessing such knowledge would be able to take measures to avoid detection or apprehension by altering their operations, by transferring their criminal activities to other geographical areas, or by destroying or concealing evidence that would form the basis for arrest.
(ii) Providing accountings to the subjects of investigations would alert them to the fact that the Department has information regarding their criminal activities and could inform them of the general nature of that information. Access to such information could reveal the operation of the Department's information-gathering and analysis systems and permit violators to take steps to avoid detection or apprehension.
(iii) The release of such information to the subject of a protective intelligence file would provide significant information concerning the nature and scope of an investigation, and could result in impeding or compromising the
(2) 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1), (e)(4)(H) and (f)(2), (3) and (5) grant individuals access to records pertaining to them. The application of these provisions to the systems of records would compromise the Department's ability to provide useful tactical and strategic information to law enforcement agencies.
(i) Permitting access to records contained in the systems of records would provide individuals with information concerning the nature of any current investigations and would enable them to avoid detection or apprehension by:
(A) Discovering the facts that would form the basis for their arrest;
(B) Enabling them to destroy or alter evidence of criminal conduct that would form the basis for their arrest, and
(C) Using knowledge that criminal investigators had reason to believe that a crime was about to be committed, to delay the commission of the crime or commit it at a location that might not be under surveillance.
(ii) Permitting access to either on-going or closed investigative files would also reveal investigative techniques and procedures, the knowledge of which could enable individuals planning crimes to structure their operations so as to avoid detection or apprehension.
(iii) Permitting access to investigative files and records could, moreover, disclose the identity of confidential sources, and informers and the nature of the information supplied and thereby endanger the physical safety of those sources by exposing them to possible reprisals for having provided the information. Confidential sources and informers might refuse to provide criminal investigators with valuable information unless they believed that their identities would not be revealed through disclosure of their names or the nature of the information they supplied. Loss of access to such sources would seriously impair the Department's ability to carry out its mandate.
(iv) Furthermore, providing access to records contained in the systems of records could reveal the identities of undercover law enforcement officers who compiled information regarding the individual's criminal activities and thereby endanger the physical safety of those undercover officers or their families by exposing them to possible reprisals.
(v) By compromising the law enforcement value of the systems of records for the reasons outlined in paragraphs (j)(2)(i) through (iv) of this section, permitting access in keeping with these provisions would discourage other law enforcement and regulatory agencies, foreign and domestic, from freely sharing information with the Department and thus would restrict the Department's access to information necessary to accomplish its mission most effectively.
(vi) Limitation on access to the materials contained in the protective intelligence files is considered necessary to the preservation of the utility of intelligence files and in safeguarding those persons the Department is authorized to protect. Access to the protective intelligence files could adversely affect the quality of information available to the Department; compromise confidential sources; hinder the ability of the Department to keep track of persons of protective interest; and interfere with the Department's protective intelligence activities by individuals gaining access to protective intelligence files.
(vii) Many of the persons on whom records are maintained in the protective intelligence files suffer from mental aberrations. Knowledge of their condition and progress comes from authorities, family members and witnesses. Many times this information comes to the Department as a result of two-party conversations where it would be impossible to hide the identity of informants. Sources of information must be developed, questions asked and answers recorded. Trust must be extended and guarantees of confidentiality and anonymity must be maintained. Allowing access of information of this kind to individuals who are the subjects of protective interest may well lead to violence directed
(viii) Finally, the dissemination of certain information that the Department may maintain in the systems of records is restricted by law.
(3) 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(2), (3) and (4), (e)(4)(H), and (f)(4) permit an individual to request amendment of a record pertaining to him or her and require the agency either to amend the record, or to note the disputed portion of the record and to provide a copy of the individual's statement of disagreement with the agency's refusal to amend a record to persons or other agencies to whom the record is thereafter disclosed. Since these provisions depend on the individual's having access to his or her records, and since these rules exempt the systems of records from the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a relating to access to records, for the reasons set out in paragraph (j)(2) of this section, these provisions should not apply to the systems of records.
(4) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1) requires an agency to maintain in its records only such information about an individual as is relevant and necessary to accomplish a purpose of the agency required to be accomplished by statute or executive order. The term “maintain,” as defined in 5 U.S.C. 552a(a)(3), includes “collect” and “disseminate.” The application of this provision to the systems of records could impair the Department's ability to collect and disseminate valuable law enforcement information.
(i) At the time that the Department collects information, it often lacks sufficient time to determine whether the information is relevant and necessary to accomplish a Department purpose.
(ii) In many cases, especially in the early stages of investigation, it may be impossible immediately to determine whether information collected is relevant and necessary, and information that initially appears irrelevant and unnecessary often may, upon further evaluation or upon collation with information developed subsequently, prove particularly relevant to a law enforcement program.
(iii) Not all violations of law discovered by the Department analysts fall within the scope of the protective intelligence jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury. To promote effective law enforcement, the Department will have to disclose such violations to other law enforcement agencies, including State, local and foreign agencies, that have jurisdiction over the offenses to which the information relates. Otherwise, the Department might be placed in the position of having to ignore information relating to violations of law not within the jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury when that information comes to the Department's attention during the collation and analysis of information in its records.
(5) U.S.C. 552a (e)(4)(G) and (f)(1) enable individuals to inquire whether a system of records contains records pertaining to them. Application of these provisions to the systems of records would allow individuals to learn whether they have been identified as suspects or subjects of investigation. As further described in the following paragraph, access to such knowledge would impair the Department's ability to carry out its mission to safeguard those persons the Department is authorized to protect, since individuals could:
(i) Take steps to avoid detection;
(ii) Inform associates that an investigation is in progress;
(iii) Learn the nature of the investigation;
(iv) Learn whether they are only suspects or identified as law violators;
(v) Begin, continue, or resume illegal conduct upon learning that they are not identified in the system of records; or
(vi) Destroy evidence needed to prove the violation.
(6) 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(I) requires an agency to publish a general notice listing the categories of sources for information contained in a system of records. The application of this provision to the systems of records could compromise the Department's ability to provide useful information to law enforcement agencies, since revealing sources for the information could:
(i) Disclose investigative techniques and procedures;
(ii) Result in threats or reprisals against informers by the subject(s) of a protective intelligence file; and
(iii) Cause informers to refuse to give full information to criminal investigators for fear of having their identities as sources disclosed.
(k)
Internal Revenue Service:
(2) The Department hereby exempts the system of records listed in paragraph (k)(1) of this section from the following provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(4): 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1), (2), (3), and (4), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(G), (H), and (I), and 5 U.S.C. 552a(f).
(3) The system of records is maintained under section 6108 of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides that “the Secretary or his delegate shall prepare and publish annually statistics reasonably available with respect to the operation of the income tax laws, including classifications of taxpayers and of income, the amounts allowed as deductions, exemptions, and credits, and any other facts deemed pertinent and valuable.”
(l)
(m)
(i) Departmental Offices:
(ii) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms:
(iii) Comptroller of the Currency:
(iv) U.S. Customs Service:
(v) Bureau of Engraving and Printing:
(vi) Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
(vii) Financial Management Service
(viii) Internal Revenue Service:
(ix) U.S. Mint
(x) Bureau of the Public Debt
(xi) U.S. Secret Service
(xii) Office of Thrift Supervision
(2) The Department hereby exempts the systems of records listed in paragraphs (m)(1)(i) through (xii) of this section from the following provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(5): 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1), (2), (3), and (4), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(G), (H), and (I), and 5 U.S.C. 552a(f).
(n)
(2) If any investigatory material contained in the above-named systems becomes involved in criminal or civil matters, exemptions of such material under 5 U.S.C. 552a (j)(2) or (k)(2) is hereby claimed.
(o)
Internal Revenue Service:
(2) The Department hereby exempts the system of records listed in paragraph (o)(1) of this section from the following provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552a, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(6): 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), 5 U.S.C. 552a(d)(1), (2), (3), and (4), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(1), 5 U.S.C. 552a(e)(4)(G), (H), and (I), and 5 U.S.C. 552a(f).
(p)
(q)
1.
2.
Privacy Act Request, DO, Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220.
Requests may be delivered personally to the Main Treasury Building, Room 5030, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC.
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Privacy Act Amendment Request, DO Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220. Appeals may be delivered personally to the Library, Room 5030, Main Treasury Building, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC.
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6.
General Counsel, Department of the Treasury, Room 3000, Main Treasury Building, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220.
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(i) An individual seeking notification or access to records in person, or seeking to amend a record in person, may establish identity by the presentation of a single official document bearing a photograph (such as a passport or identification badge) or by the presentation of two items of identification which do not bear a photograph but do bear both a name and signature (such as a driver's license or credit card).
(ii) An individual seeking notification or access to records by mail, or seeking to amend a record by mail, may establish identity by a signature, address, and one other identifier such as a photocopy of a driver's license or other official document bearing the individual's signature.
(iii) Notwithstanding subdivisions (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph, an individual seeking notification or access to records by mail or in person, or seeking to amend a record by mail or in person, who so desires, may establish identity by providing a notarized statement, swearing or affirming to such individual's identity and to the fact that the individual understands the penalties provided in 5 U.S.C. 552a(i)(3) for requesting or obtaining access to records under false pretenses.
1.
(a) The procedures whereby an individual can be notified in response to a request if a system of records named by the individual contains a record pertaining to such individual (5 U.S.C. 552a(f)(1)).
(b) The procedures governing reasonable times, places, and requirements for identifying an individual who requests a record of information pertaining to such individual before the Internal Revenue Service will make the record or information available to the individual (5 U.S.C. 552a (f)(2)).
(c) The procedures for the disclosure to an individual upon a request of a record of information pertaining to such individual, including special procedures for the disclosure to an individual of medical records, including psychological records. (5 U.S.C. 552a (f)(3)).
(d) The procedures for reviewing a request from an individual concerning the amendment of any record or information pertaining to the individual, for making a determination on the request, for an appeal within the Internal Revenue Service of an initial adverse agency determination, and for whatever additional means may be necessary for individuals to be able to exercise fully their right under 5 U.S.C. 552a (5 U.S.C. 552a (f)(4)).
Any individual seeking to determine whether a system of records maintained by any office of the Internal Revenue Service contains a record or information pertaining to such individual, or seeking access to, or amendment of, such a record, must comply fully with the applicable procedure contained in paragraph (3) or (4) of this section before the Internal Revenue Service will act on the request. Neither the notification and access (or accounting of disclosures) procedures under paragraph (3) of this section nor the amendment procedures under paragraph (4) of this section are applicable to (i) systems of records exempted pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a (j) and (k), (ii) information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action or proceeding (see 5 U.S.C. 552a (d)(5)), or (iii) information pertaining to an individual which is contained in, and inseparable from, another individual's record.
2.
3.
(b)
(ii) Such request shall be clearly marked, “Request for notification and access,” or “Request for accounting of disclosures.”
(iii) Such a request shall contain a statement that it is being made under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974.
(iv) Such request shall contain the name and address of the individual making the request. In addition, if a particular system employs an individual's social security number as an essential means of accessing the system, the request must include the individual's social security number. In the case of a record maintained in the name of two or more individuals (e.g., husband and wife), the request shall contain the names, addresses, and social security numbers (if necessary) of both individuals.
(v) Such request shall specify the name and location of the particular system of records (as set forth in the Notice of Systems) for which the individual is seeking notification and access (or an accounting of disclosures), and the title and business address of the official designated in the access section for the particular system (as set forth in the Notice of Systems). In the case of two or more systems of records which are under the control of the same designated official at the same systems location, a single request may be made for such systems. In the case of two or more systems of records which are not in the control of the same designated official at the same systems location, a separate request must be made for each such system.
(vi) If an individual wishes to limit a request for notification and access to a particular record or records, the request should identify the particular record. In the absence of a statement to the contrary, a request for notification and access for a particular system of records shall be considered to be limited to records which are currently maintained by the designated official at the systems location specified in the request.
(vii) If such request is seeking notification and access to material maintained in a system of records which is exempt from disclosure and access under 5 U.S.C. 552a (k)(2), the individual making the request must establish that such individual has been denied a right, privilege, or benefit that such individual would otherwise be entitled to under Federal law as a result of the maintenance of such material.
(viii) Such request shall state whether the individual wishes to inspect the record in person, or desires to have a copy made and furnished without first inspecting it. If the individual desires to have a copy made, the request must include an agreement to pay the fee for duplication ultimately determined to be due. If the individual does not wish to inspect a record, but merely wishes to be notified whether a particular system or records contains a record pertaining to such individual, the request should so state.
(c)
(d) Sample request for notification and access to records. The following are sample requests for notification and access to records which will satisfy the requirements of this paragraph:
I, John Doe, of 100 Main Street, Boston, MA 02108 (soc. sec. num. 000-00-0000) request under the Privacy Act of 1974 that the following system of records be examined and that I be furnished with a copy of any record (or a specified record) contained therein pertaining to me. I agree that I will pay the fees ultimately determined to be due for duplication of such record. I have enclosed the necessary information.
I, John Doe, of 100 Main Street, Boston, MA 02108 (soc. sec. num. 000-00-0000) request under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974, that the following system of records be examined and that I be granted access in person to inspect any record (or a specified record) contained therein pertaining to me. I have enclosed the necessary identification.
(e)
(ii) Within 30 days (not including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after the receipt of a request for notification and access (or a request for an accounting of disclosures), to a particular system of records by the designated official for such system, a determination will be made as to whether the particular system of records is exempt from the notification and access provisions of the Privacy Act, and if such system is not exempt, whether it does or does not contain a record pertaining to the individual making the request. If a determination cannot be made within 30 days, the individual will be notified of the delay, the reasons therefor, and the approximate time required to make a determination. If it is determined by the designated official that the particular system of records is exempt from the notification and access provisions of the Privacy Act, the individual making the request will be notified of the provisions of the Privacy Act under which the exemption is claimed. On the other hand, if it is determined by the designated official that the particular system of records is not exempted from the notification and access provisions of the Privacy Act and that such system contains a record pertaining to the individual making the request, the individual will be notified of the time and place where inspection may be made. If an individual has not requested that access be granted to inspect the record in person, but merely requests that a copy of the record be furnished, or if it is determined by the designated official that the granting of access to inspect a record in person is not feasible in a particular case, then the designated official will furnish a copy of the record with the notification, or if a copy cannot be furnished at such time, a statement indicating the approximate time such copy will be furnished. If the request is for an accounting of disclosures from a system of records which is not exempt from the accounting of disclosure provisions of the Privacy Act, the individual will be furnished with an accounting of such disclosures.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i) An individual seeking notification or access to records in person, or seeking to amend a record in person, may establish identity by the presentation of a single document bearing a photograph (such as a passport or identification badge) or by the presentation of two items of identification which do not bear a photograph but do bear both a name and signature (such as a driver's license or credit card).
(ii) An individual seeking notification or access to records by mail, or seeking to amend a record by mail, may establish identity by a signature, address, and one other identifier such as a photocopy of a driver's license or other document bearing the individual's signature.
(iii) Notwithstanding subdivisions (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph, an individual seeking notification or access to records by mail or in person, or seeking to amend a record by mail or in person, who so desires, may establish identity by providing a notarized statement, swearing or affirming to such individual's identity and to the fact that the individual understands the penalties provided in 5 U.S.C. 552a(i)(3) for requesting or obtaining access to records under false pretenses.
(iv) Notwithstanding subdivisions (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subparagraph, a designated official may require additional proof of an individual's identity before action will be taken on any request if such official determines that it is necessary to protect unauthorized disclosure of information in a particular case. In addition, a parent of any minor or a legal guardian of any individual will be required to provide adequate proof of legal relationship before such person may
(i)
4.
(b)
(c)
(ii) Such request shall be clearly marked “Request for amendment of record.”
(iii) Such request shall contain a statement that it is being made under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974.
(iv) Such request shall contain the name and address of the individual making the request. In addition, if a particular system employs an individual's social security number as an essential means of accessing the system, the request must include the individual's social security number. In the case of a record maintained in the name of two or more individuals (e.g., husband and wife), the request shall contain the names, addresses, and social security numbers (if necessary) of both individuals.
(v) Such request shall specify the name and location of the system of records (as set forth in the Notice of Systems) in which such record is maintained, and the title and business address of the official designated in the access section for such system (as set forth in the Notice of Systems).
(vi) Such request shall specify the particular record in the system which the individual is seeking to amend.
(vii) Such request shall clearly state the specific changes which the individual wishes to make in the record and a concise explanation of the reasons for the changes. If the individual wishes to correct or add any information, the request shall contain specific language making the desired correction or addition.
(d)
(e)
(ii) Within 30 days (not including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after the receipt of a request to amend a record by the designated official, a determination will be made as to whether to grant the request in whole or part. The individual will then be notified in writing of the determination. If a determination cannot be made within 30 days, the individual will be notified in writing within such time of the reasons for the delay and the approximate time required to make a determination. If it is determined by the designated official that the request will be granted, the requested changes will be made in the record and the individual will be notified of the changes. In
(f)
(g)
(ii) Such request shall be clearly marked “Request for review of adverse determination”.
(iii) Such request shall contain a statement that it is being made under the provisions of the Privacy Act of 1974.
(iv) Such request shall contain the name and address of the individual making the request. In addition, if a particular system employs an individual's social security number as an essential means of accessing the system, the request must include the individual's social security number. In the case of a record maintained in the name of two or more individuals (e.g. husband and wife), the request shall contain the names, addresses, and social security numbers (if necessary) of both individuals.
(v) Such request shall specify the particular record which the individual is seeking to amend, the name and location of the system of records (as set forth in the Notice of Systems) in which such record is maintained, and the title and business address of the designated official for such system (as set forth in the Notice of Systems).
(vi) Such request shall include the date of the initial request for amendment of the record, and the date of the letter notifying the individual of the initial adverse determination with respect to such request.
(vii) such request shall clearly state the specific changes which the individual wishes to make in the record and a concise explanation of the reasons for the changes. If the individual wishes to correct or add any information, the request shall contain specific language making the desired correction or addition.
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
5.
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2.
(b) For records maintained at Regional Offices, initial requests for notification and access to records and accountings of disclosures under 31 CFR 1.26, should be mailed or personally delivered to the Regional Commissioner of Customs in whose region the records are located. This official shall have the authority to grant the request or deny the request. The appropriate location of the regional offices is specified in Customs Appendix A in “Privacy Act Issuances” published annually by the Office of the Federal Register.
(c) Each request shall comply with the identification and other requirements set forth in 31 CFR 1.26, and in the appropriate system notice in the “Privacy Act Issuances” published annually by the Office of the Federal Register. Each request should be conspicuously labeled on the face of the envelope “Privacy Act Request”.
3.
(b) For records not maintained at Customs Service Headquarters, initial requests for amendment of records under 31 CFR 1.27 (a) through (d) should be mailed or personally delivered to the Regional Commissioner of Customs in whose region the records are located. This official shall have the authority to grant or deny the request. A request directed to a Regional Commissioner should be mailed to or personally delivered at the appropriate location specified in Customs Appendix A in “Privacy Act Issuances” published annually by the Office of the Federal Register.
(c) Each request shall comply with the identification and other requirements set forth in 31 CFR 1.27, and in the appropriate system notice in “Privacy Act Issuance published by the Office of the Federal Register. Each request should be conspicuously labeled on the face of the envelope “Privacy Act Amendment Request”.
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(b) Individuals making requests in person will be required to exhibit at least two acceptable identifying documents such as employee identification cards, driver's license, medical cards, or other documents sufficient to verify the identity of the requester.
(c) The parent or guardian of a minor or a person judicially determined to be incompetent, shall in addition to establishing the identity of the minor or other person he represents as required in (a) and (b), establish his own parentage or guardianship by furnishing a copy of a birth certificate showing parentage (or other satisfactory documentation) or a court order establishing the guardianship.
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(i) An individual appearing in person may establish identity by the presentation of a single document bearing a photograph (such as a passport or identification badge) or by the presentation of two items of identification which do not bear a photograph, but do bear both a name and signature (such as a credit card).
(ii) An individual may establish identity through the mail by a signature, address, and one other identifier such as a photocopy of a driver's license or other document bearing the individual's signature.
(iii) Notwithstanding subdivisions (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph, an individual who so desires, may establish identity by providing a notarized statement, swearing or affirming to such individual's identity and to the fact that the individual understands the penalties provided in 5 U.S.C. 552a(1)(3) for requesting or obtaining access to records under false pretenses.
Notwithstanding subdivision (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subparagraph, the Executive Assistant or other designated official may require additional proof of an individual's identity before action will be taken on any request if such official determines that it is necessary to protect against unauthorized disclosure of information in a particular case. In addition, a parent of any minor or a legal guardian of any individual will be required to provide adequate proof of legal relationship before such person may act on behalf of such minor or such individual.
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Requests may be delivered in person to: Office of Thrift Supervision, Information Services Division, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC.
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Privacy Act Amendment Requests may be delivered in person to: Office of Thrift Supervision, Information Services Division, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC.
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Appeals may be delivered in person to: Office of Thrift Supervision, Information Services Division, 1700 G Street, NW., Washington, DC.
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(i) An individual seeking notification or access to records in person, or seeking to amend a record in person, may establish identity by the presentation of a single official document bearing a photograph (such as a passport or identification badge) or by the presentation of two items of identification which do not bear a photograph but do bear both a name and signature (such as a driver's license or credit card).
(ii) An individual seeking notification or access to records by mail, or seeking to amend a record by mail, may establish identity by a signature, address, and one other identifier such as a photocopy of a driver's license or other official document bearing the individual's signature.
(iii) Notwithstanding subdivisions (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph, an individual seeking notification or access to records by mail or in person, or seeking to amend a record by mail or in person, who so desires, may establish identity by providing a notarized statement, swearing or affirming to such individual's identity and to the fact that the individual understands the penalties provided in 5 U.S.C. 552a(i)(3) for requesting or obtaining access to records under false pretenses. Alternatively, an individual may provide a statement that the individual understands the penalties provided in 5 U.S.C. 552a(i)(3) for requesting or obtaining access to records under false pretenses which is subscribed by the individual as true and correct under penalty of perjury pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1746. Notwithstanding subdivision (i), (ii), or (iii) of this subparagraph, a designated official may require additional proof of an individual's identity before action will be taken on any request, if such official determines that
31 U.S.C. 321; E.O. 12958, 60 FR 19825, 3 CFR, 1995 Comp., p. 333.
(a) National security information (hereinafter also referred to as “classified information”) shall be classified at one of the following three levels:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(b)
(c)
Designations of original classification authority for national security information are contained in Treasury Order (TO) 102-19 (or successor order), which is published in the
Delegations of original Top Secret, Secret and Confidential classification authority shall be in writing and be reported annually to the Departmental Director of Security, who shall maintain such information on behalf of the Assistant Secretary (Management). These delegations are to be limited to the minimum number absolutely required for efficient administration. Periodic reviews and evaluations of such delegations shall be made by the Departmental Director of Security to ensure that the officials so designated have demonstrated a continuing need to exercise such authority. If, after reviewing and evaluating the information, the Departmental Director of Security determines that such officials have not demonstrated a continuing need to exercise such authority, the Departmental Director of Security shall recommend to the Assistant Secretary (Management), as warranted, the reduction or elimination of such authority. The Assistant Secretary (Management) shall take appropriate action in consultation with the affected official(s) and the Departmental Director of Security. Such action may include relinquishment of this authority where the Assistant Secretary (Management) determines that a firm basis for retention does not exist.
The Departmental Director of Security shall maintain a listing by name, position title and delegated classification level, of all officials in the Departmental Offices who are authorized under this regulation to originally classify information as Top Secret, Secret or Confidential. Officials within the Departmental Offices with Top Secret classification authority shall report in writing on TD F 71-01.14 (Report of Authorized Classifiers) to the Departmental Director of Security, the names, position titles and authorized classification levels of the officials designated by them in writing to have original Secret or Confidential classification authority. The head of each bureau shall maintain a similar listing of all officials in his or her bureau authorized to apply original Secret and Confidential classification and shall provide a copy of TD F 71-01.14, reflecting the list of officials so authorized, to the Departmental Director of Security.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
The information security system requires that standard markings be applied to classified information. Except in extraordinary circumstances as provided in section 1.5(a) of the Order, or as indicated herein, the marking of paper and electronically created documents shall not deviate from the following prescribed formats. These markings shall also be affixed to material other than paper and electronically created documents, including file folders, film, tape, etc., or the originator shall provide holders or recipients of the information with written instructions for protecting the information.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(i) There will be minimal circulation of the specified documents or information and minimal potential usage of the documents or information as a
(ii) There is some other basis to conclude that the potential benefits of portion marking are clearly outweighed by the increased administrative burdens.
(b) Unless the portion marking requirement has been waived as authorized, each portion of a document, including subjects and titles, shall be marked by placing a parenthetical designation either immediately preceding or following the text to which it applies. The symbols, “(TS)” for Top Secret, “(S)” for Secret, “(C)” for Confidential, and “(U)” for Unclassified shall be used for this purpose. The symbol, “(LOU)” shall be used for Limited Official Use information. If the application of parenthetical designations is not practicable, the document shall contain a statement sufficient to identify the information that is classified and the level of such classification, as well as the information that is
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) For information to be declassified automatically on a specific date:
(2) For information to be declassified automatically upon the occurrence of a specific event:
(3) For information not to be declassified automatically:
(4) For information to be downgraded automatically on a specific date or upon occurrence of a specific event:
(f)
(i) For an unclassified transmittal document:
(ii) For a classified transmittal document:
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(ii) Removable information storage media, however, will bear external labels indicating the security classification of the information and associated security markings, as applicable, such as handling caveats and dissemination controls. Examples of such media include magnetic tape reels, cartridges, and cassettes; removable disks, disk cartridges, disk packs, and diskettes, including “floppy” or flexible disks; paper tape reels; and magnetic and punched cards. Two labels may be required on each medium: a color coded security classification label, i.e., orange Standard Form 706 (Top Secret label), red SF 707 (Secret label), blue SF 708 (Confidential label), purple SF 709 (Classified label), green SF 710 (Unclassified label); and a white SF 711 (Data Descriptor label). National stock numbers of the labels, which are available through normal Federal Supply channels, are as follows: SF 706, 7540-01-207-5536; SF 707, 7450-01-207-5537; SF 708, 7450-01-207-5538; SF 709, 7540-01-207-5540; SF 710, 7540-01-207-5539 and SF 711, 7540-01-207-5541. Treasury Directive 71-02 provides for the use of a green “Officially Limited Information” label, TD F 71-05.2, to identify information so marked.
(iii) In a mixed environment in which classified and unclassified information in processed or stored, the “Unclassified” label must be used to identify the media containing unclassified information. In environments in which only unclassified information is processed or stored, the use of the “Unclassified” label is not required. Unclassified media, however, that are on loan from (and must be returned to) vendors do not require the “Unclassified” label, but each requires a Data Descriptor label with the words, “Unclassified Vendor Medium” entered on it.
(iv) Each medium shall be appropriately affixed with a classification label and, as applicable, with a Data Descriptor label at the earliest practicable time as soon as the proper security classification or control has been established. Labels shall be conspicuously placed on media in a manner that will not adversely affect operation of the equipment in which the media is used. Once applied, the label is not to be removed. A label to identify a higher level of classification may, however, be applied on top of a lower classification level in the event that the content of the media changes, e.g., from Confidential to Secret. A lower classification label may not be applied to media already bearing a higher classification label. Personnel shall be responsible for appropriately labeling and controlling ADP and computer storage media within their possession.
(g)
(1) The highest level of classification shall appear before the first line of text;
(2) A “CLASSIFIED BY” line is not required;
(3) The duration of classification shall appear as follows:
(i) For information to be declassified automatically on a specific date: “DECL: (date)”;
(ii) For information to be declassified upon occurrence of a specific event: “DECL: (description of event)”;
(iii) For information not to be automatically declassified which requires the originating agency's determination (see also § 2.7(e)(3)): “DECL: OADR”;
(iv) For information to be automatically downgraded: “DOWNGRADE TO (classification level to which the information is to be downgraded) ON (date or description of event on which downgrading is to occur)”.
(4) Portion marking shall be as prescribed in § 2.7(a)(3);
(5) Specially designated markings as prescribed in § 2.7(f) (2), (3), and (4) shall appear after the marking for the highest level of classification. These include:
(i) Restricted Data or Formerly Restricted Data;
(ii) Information concerning intelligence sources or methods: “WNINTEL,” unless otherwise prescribed by the Director of Central Intelligence; and
(iii) Foreign Government Information (FGI).
(6) Paper copies of electronically transmitted messages shall be marked as provided in § 2.7(a) (1), (2), and (3).
(h)
(a) Before reclassifying information as provided in section 1.6(c) of the Order, authorized officials, who must have original classification authority and jurisdiction over the information involved, shall consider the following factors which shall be addressed in a report to the Assistant Secretary (Management) who shall in turn forward a report to the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office:
(1) The elapsed time following disclosure;
(2) The nature and extent of disclosure;
(3) The ability to bring the fact of reclassification to the attention of persons to whom the information was disclosed;
(4) The ability to prevent further disclosure; and
(5) The ability to retrieve the information voluntarily from persons not authorized access in its reclassified state.
(b) Information may be classified or reclassified after it has been requested under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. 552a), or the mandatory declassification review provisions of the Order if such classification meets the requirements of the Order and is accomplished personally and on a document-by-document basis by the Secretary of the Treasury, the Deputy Secretary, the Assistant Secretary (Management) or an official with original Top Secret classification authority. Such reclassification actions shall be reported in writing to the Departmental Director of Security.
(c) In no case may information be classified or reclassified in order to conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error; to prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or agency; to restrain competition; or
Designations of derivative classification authority for national security information are contained in Treasury Order 102-19 (or successor order). The authority to derivatively classify inheres within the office and may be exercised by a person acting in that capacity. There may be additional redelegations of derivative classification authority made pursuant to TO 102-19 (or successor order). Officials identified in Treasury Order 102-19 (or successor order) may also administratively control and decontrol sensitive but unclassified information using the legend “Limited Official Use” and may redelegate their authority to control and decontrol. Such redelegations shall be in writing on TD F 71-01.20 “Designation of Controlling/Decontrolling Officials” (or successor form).
Delegations of derivative classification authority to officials not otherwise identified in § 2.9, shall be in writing and reported annually each October 15th to the Departmental Director of Security on TD F 71-01.18 (Report of Authorized Derivative Classifiers). Such delegations shall be limited to the minimum number absolutely required for efficient administration. Periodic reviews and evaluations of such delegations shall be made by the Departmental Director of Security to ensure that officials so designated have demonstrated a continuing need to exercise such authority. If after reviewing and evaluating the information the Departmental Director of Security determines that such officials have not demonstrated a continuing need to exercise such authority, the Departmental Director of Security shall recommend to the Assistant Secretary (Management), as warranted, the reduction or elimination of such authority. The Assistant Secretary (Management) shall take appropriate action in consultation with the affected official(s) and the Departmental Director of Security. Such action may include relinquishment of this authority where the Assistant Secretary (Management) determines that a firm basis for retention does not exist.
The application of derivative classification markings is a responsibility of those who incorporate, paraphrase, restate, or generate in new form information that is already classified, and of those who apply markings in accordance with instructions from an authorized original classifier or in accordance with an approved classification guide. If an individual who applies derivative classification markings believes that the paraphrasing, restating or summarizing of classified information has changed the level of or removed the basis for classification, that person must consult an appropriate official of the originating agency or office of origin who has the authority to upgrade, downgrade or declassify the information for a final determination. A sample marking of derivatively classified documents is set forth in § 2.13.
(a)
(1) Identify and categorize the elements of information to be protected;
(2) State which classification level applies to each element or category of information; and
(3) Prescribe declassification instructions for each element or category of information in terms of:
(i) A period of time,
(ii) The occurrence of an event, or
(iii) A notation that the information shall not be declassified automatically without the approval of the originating agency i.e., “OADR”.
(b)
(2) Each office and bureau that prepares and maintains a classification guide shall also maintain a record of individuals authorized to apply derivative classification markings in accordance with a classification guide. This record shall be maintained on TD F 71-01.18 (Report of Authorized Derivative Classifiers) which shall be reported annually each October 15th to the Departmental Director of Security.
(c)
(1) The ability to segregate and describe the elements of information;
(2) The practicality of producing or disseminating the guide because of the nature of the information;
(3) The anticipated usage of the guide as a basis for derivative classification; and
(4) The availability of alternative sources for derivatively classifying the information in a uniform manner.
Information classified derivatively on the basis of source documents or classification guides shall bear all markings prescribed in § 2.7 (a) through (f), as are applicable. Information for these markings shall be taken from the source document or instructions in the appropriate classification guide.
(a)
(b)
Downgrading and declassification authority may be exercised by the official authorizing the original classification, if that official is still serving in the
In making determinations under section 3.1(a) of the Order, officials shall respect the intent of the Order to protect foreign government information and confidential foreign sources.
Whenever a change is made in the original classification or in the dates of downgrading or declassification of any classified information, it shall be promptly and conspicuously marked to indicate the change, the authority for the action, the date of the action, and the identity of the person taking the action. Earlier classification markings shall be cancelled or otherwise obliterated when practicable. See also § 2.7(h).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a) Except as provided by section 3.4 (b) of the Order, all information classified by the Department under the Order or any predecessor Executive Order shall be subject to declassification review by the Department, if:
(1) The request is made by a United States citizen or permanent resident alien, a Federal agency, or a state or local government;
(2) The request describes the document or material containing the information with sufficient specificity to enable the Department to locate it with a reasonable amount of effort; and
(3) The requester provides substantial proof as to his or her United States citizenship or status as a permanent resident alien, e.g., a copy of a birth certificate, a certificate of naturalization, official passport or some other means of identity which sufficiently describes the requester's status. A permanent resident alien is any individual, who is not a citizen or national of the United States, who has been lawfully accorded the privilege of residing permanently in the United States as an immigrant in accordance with the immigration laws, such status not having changed. Permanent means a relationship of continuing or lasting nature, as distinguished from temporary, but a relationship may be permanent even though it is one that may be dissolved eventually at the instance either of the United States or of the individual, in accordance with law.
(b)
(i) The Departmental Office of Security shall acknowledge the receipt of the request in writing.
(ii) A valid mandatory declassification review request need not identify the requested information by date or title of the responsive records, but must be of sufficient particularity to allow Treasury personnel to locate the records containing the information sought with a reasonable amount of effort. Whenever a request does not reasonably describe the information sought, the requester shall be notified by the Departmental Office of Security that unless additional information is provided or the scope of the request is narrowed, no further action will be undertaken.
(iii) The Departmental Office of Security shall determine the appropriate office or bureau to take action on the request and shall forward the request to that office or bureau.
(iv) In responding to mandatory declassification review requests, the appropriate reviewing officials shall make a prompt declassification determination. The Departmental Office of Security shall notify the requester if additional time is needed to process the request. Reviewing officials shall also identify the amount of search and/or review time required to process the request. The Department shall make a final determination within one year from the date of receipt except in unusual circumstances. When information cannot be declassified in its entirety, reasonable efforts, consistent with other applicable laws, will be made to release those declassified portions of the requested information which constitute a coherent segment. Upon the denial or partial denial of an initial request, the Departmental Office of Security shall also notify the requester of the right of an administrative appeal which must be filed with the Assistant Secretary (Management) within 60 days of receipt of the denial.
(v) When the Department receives a mandatory declassification review request for records in its possession that were originated by another agency, the Departmental Office of Security shall forward the request to that agency. The Departmental Office of Security shall include a copy of the records requested together with the Department's recommendations for action. Upon receipt, the originating agency shall process the request in accordance with the Directive 32 CFR 2001.32(a)(2)(i). The originating agency shall also be requested to communicate its declassification determination to Treasury.
(vi) When another agency forwards to the Department a request for information in that agency's custody that has been classified by Treasury, the Departmental Office of Security shall:
(A) Advise the other agency as to whether it can notify the requester of the referral;
(B) Review the classified information in coordination with other agencies that have a direct interest in the subject matter; and
(C) Respond to the requester in accordance with the procedures in § 2.18(b)(1)(iv). If requested, Treasury's determination shall be communicated to the referring agency.
(vii) Appeals of denials of a request for declassification shall be referred to the Assistant Secretary (Management) who shall normally make a determination within 30 working days following the receipt of an appeal. If additional time is required to make a determination, the Assistant Secretary (Management) shall notify the requester of the additional time needed and provide the requester with the reason for the extension. The Assistant Secretary (Management) shall notify the requester in writing of the final determination and, as applicable, the reasons for any denial.
(viii) Except as provided in this paragraph, the Department shall process mandatory declassification review requests for classified records containing foreign government information in accordance with § 2.18(a). The agency that initially received or classified the foreign government information shall be responsible for making a declassification determination after consultation with concerned agencies. If upon receipt of the request, the Department determines that Treasury is not the agency that received or classified the foreign government information, it shall refer the request to the appropriate agency for action. Consultation with the foreign originator through appropriate channels may be necessary prior to final action on the request.
(ix) Mandatory declassification review requests for cryptologic information and/or information concerning intelligence activities (including special activities) or intelligence sources or methods shall be processed solely in accordance with special procedures issued by the Secretary of Defense and the Director of Central Intelligence, respectively.
(x) The fees to be charged for mandatory declassification review requests shall be for search and/or review and duplication. The fee charges for services of Treasury personnel involved in locating and/or reviewing records shall be at the rate of a GS-10, Step 1, for each hour or fraction thereof, except that no charge shall be imposed for search and/or review consuming less than one hour.
(A) Photocopies per page up to 8
(B) When it is estimated that the costs associated with the mandatory declassification review request will exceed $100.00, the Departmental Office of Security shall notify the requester of the likely cost and obtain satisfactory written assurance of full payment or may require the requester to make an advance payment of the entire fee before continuing to process the request. The Department reserves the right to request prepayment after a mandatory declassification review request is processed and before documents are released. In the event the requester does not agree to pay the actual charges, he or she shall advise how to proceed with the mandatory declassification review request. Failure of a requester to pay charges after billing will result in future requests not being honored.
(C) In order for a requester's initial request to be processed it shall be accompanied by a statement that he or she is agreeable to paying fees for search and/or review and copying. In the event the initial request does not include this statement, processing of the request will be held in abeyance until such time as the required statement is received. Failure to provide a response within a reasonable amount of time will serve as the basis for administratively terminating the mandatory declassification review request.
(D) Payment of fees shall be made by check or money order payable to the Treasurer of the United States. Fees levied by the Department of the Treasury for mandatory declassification review requests are separate and distinct from any other fees which might be imposed by a Presidential Library, the National Archives and Records Administration or another agency or department.
The Secretary of the Treasury shall assist the Department of State in its preparation of the “Foreign Relations of the United States” series by facilitating access to appropriate classified material in Treasury custody and by expediting declassification review of documents proposed for inclusion in the series.
The Department of the Treasury shall process requests for records containing classified national security information that are submitted under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, as amended, or the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, in accordance with the provisions of those Acts.
Information classified pursuant to this Order or predecessor Orders shall be afforded a level of protection against unauthorized disclosure commensurate with its level of classification.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) Access to classified information may be granted only as is essential to the accomplishment of authorized and lawful United States Government purposes. This requirement may be waived, however, for persons who:
(1) Are engaged in historical research projects, or
(2) Previously have occupied policymaking positions to which they were appointed by the President.
(b) Access to classified information may be granted to historical researchers and to former Presidential appointees upon a determination of trustworthiness; a written determination that such access is consistent with the interests of national security; the requestor's written agreement to safeguard classified information; and the requestor's written consent to have his or her notes and manuscripts reviewed to ensure that no classified information is contained therein. The conferring of historial researcher status does not include authorization to release foreign government information or other agencies’ classified information per § 2.24 of this part. By the terms of section 4.3(b)(3) of the Order, former Presidential appointees not engaged in historical research may
(c) If the access requested by historical researchers and former Presidential appointees requires the rendering of services for which fair and equitable fees may be charged pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 9701, the requestor shall be so notified and the fees may be imposed. Treasury's fee schedule identified in § 2.18(b)(1)(x), applicable to mandatory declassification review, shall also apply to fees charged for services provided to historical researchers and former Presidential appointees for search and/or review and copying.
Except as otherwise provided by section 102 of the National Security Act of 1947, 61 Stat. 495, 50 U.S.C. 403, classified information originating in another agency may not be disseminated outside the Department without the consent of the originating agency.
The Administrator of General Services issues (in coordination with agencies originating classified information), establishes and publishes uniform standards, specifications, and supply schedules for security equipment designed to provide for secure storage and to destroy classified information. Treasury bureaus and the Departmental Offices may establish more stringent standards for their own use. Whenever new security equipment is procured, it shall be in conformance with the standards and specifications referred to above and shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be of the type available through the Federal Supply System.
(a)
(1) Initially receive all Top Secret information entering their respective bureau, including the Departmental Offices. Any Top Secret information received by a Treasury bureau or Departmental Offices employee shall be immediately hand carried to the designated Top Secret Control Officer for proper accountability.
(2) Maintain current accountability records of Top Secret information received within their bureau or office.
(3) Ensure that Top Secret information is properly stored and that Top Secret information under their control is personally destroyed, when required. Top Secret information must be destroyed in the presence of an appropriately cleared official who shall actually witness such destruction. Accordingly, the use of burnbags to store Top Secret information, pending final destruction at a later date, is not authorized.
(4) Ensure that prohibitions against reproduction of Top Secret information are strictly followed.
(5) Conduct annual physical inventories of Top Secret information. An inventory shall be conducted in the presence of an individual with an appropriate security clearance. The inventory shall be completed annually and signed by the Top Secret Control Officer and the witnessing individual.
(6) Ensure that Top Secret documents are downgraded, declassified, retired or destroyed as required by regulations or other markings.
(7) Attach a TD F 71-01.7 (Top Secret Document Record) to the first page or cover of each copy of Top Secret information. The Top Secret Document Record shall be completed by the Top Secret Control Officer and shall serve as a permanent record.
(8) Ensure that all persons having access to Top Secret information sign the Top Secret Document Record. This also includes persons to whom oral disclosure of the contents is made.
(9) Maintain receipts concerning the transfer and destruction of Top Secret information. Record all such actions on the Top Secret Document Record which shall be retained for a minimum of three years.
(10) As received, number in sequence each Top Secret document in a calendar year series (e.g. TS 89-001). This number shall be posted on the face of the document and on all forms required for control of Top Secret information.
(11) Attach a properly executed TD F 71-01.5 (Classified Document Record of Transmittal) when a Top Secret document is transmitted internally or externally.
(12) Verify, prior to releasing Top Secret information, that the recipient has both a security clearance and is authorized access to such information.
(13) Report, in writing, all Top Secret documents unaccounted for to the Assistant Secretary (Management) who shall take appropriate action in conjunction with the Departmental Director of Security.
(14) Assure that no individual within his or her office or bureau transmits Top Secret information to another individual or office without the knowledge and consent of the Top Secret Control Officer.
(15) Ensure upon receipt that a Standard Form 703 (Top Secret Cover Sheet) is affixed to such information.
(16) Notify office and/or bureau employees annually in writing of the designated control point for all incoming and outgoing Top Secret information.
(17) Be notified as to the transmission, per § 2.28(b), whenever Top Secret information is sent outside of a Treasury bureau or office within the Departmental Offices.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1)
(2)
(3)
Classified information shall be stored only in facilities or under conditions designed to prevent unauthorized persons from gaining access to it.
(a)
(i) The area that houses the security container or vault shall be subject to the continuous protection of U.S. guard or duty personnel;
(ii) U.S. Guard or duty personnel shall inspect the security container or vault at least once every two hours; or
(iii) The security container or vault shall be controlled by an alarm system to which a force will respond in person within 15 minutes.
(2)
(b)
(i) Whenever such equipment is placed in use;
(ii) Whenever a person knowing the combination no longer requires access to it;
(iii) Whenever a combination has been subjected to possible compromise;
(iv) Whenever the equipment is taken out of service: or
(v) At least once each year.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1)
(2)
(e)
(f)
(2)
(i) Classified information shall be in the physical possession of the individual and shall have adequate safeguards at all times if proper storage at a United States Government facility is not available. Under no circumstances shall classified information be stored in a hotel safe or room, locked in automobiles, private residences, train compartments, or any vehicular detachable storage compartments.
(ii) An inventory of all Top Secret classified information, including teletype messages, shall be made prior to departure and a copy of same shall be retained by the traveller's office until the traveller's return at which time all Top Secret classified information shall be accounted for. These same procedures are recommended for information classified Secret, Confidential or Limited Official Use.
(iii) Classified information shall never be displayed or used in any manner in public conveyances or rooms. First class or business travel is not authorized when the justification for commercially available transportation is based on the need for reviewing classified materials while enroute. Travelers are responsible for reviewing and familiarizing themselves with required classified materials, under appropriately secure circumstances, in advance of their travel and not during such travel.
(iv) In order to avoid unnecessary delays in the screening process prior to boarding commercial air carriers, the traveler shall have in his or her possession written authorization, on Treasury or bureau letterhead, to transport classified information and either an identification card or credential bearing both a photograph and descriptive data. Courier authorizations shall be signed by an appropriate security representative authorized to direct official travel. This courier authorization, along with official travel orders, shall, in most instances, permit the individual to exempt the classified information from inspection. If difficulty is encountered, the traveler should tactfully refuse to exhibit or disclose the classified information to inspection and should insist on the assistance of the local United States diplomatic representative at the port of entry or departure.
(v) Upon completion of the visit, the traveler shall have the information returned to his or her office by approved means. All Top Secret and Secret classified information, including teletype messages transported for the purpose of the visit shall be accounted for. It is highly recommended that Confidential and Limited Official Use information also be accounted for. If any Top Secret or Secret classified items are left with the office being visited for its retention and use, the individual shall obtain a receipt.
Classified information shall not be communicated by telecommunications or computer transmissions except as may be authorized with respect to the transmission of classified information over authorized secure communications circuits or systems.
Only the Secretary of the Treasury may create or continue a special access program if:
(a) Normal management and safeguarding procedures do not limit access sufficiently; and
(b) The number of persons with access is limited to the minimum necessary to meet the objective of providing extra protection for the information.
(a) Top Secret documents, except for the controlled initial distribution of information processed or received electronically, shall not be reproduced without the consent of the originator.
(b) Unless restricted by the originating agency, Secret, Confidential
(c) Reproductions of classified documents shall be subject to the same accountability and controls as the original documents.
(d) Paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall not restrict the reproduction of documents to facilitate review for possible declassification.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Identification of the source, date and circumstances of the compromise.
(2) Classification and description of the specific information which has been lost.
(3) An analysis and statement of the known or probable damage to the national security that has resulted or may result.
(4) An assessment of the possible advantage to foreign powers resulting from the compromise.
(5) An assessment of whether,
(i) The classification of the information involved should be continued without change;
(ii) The specific information, or parts thereof, shall be modified to minimize or nullify the effects of the reported compromise and the classification retained;
(iii) Downgrading, declassification, or upgrading is warranted, and if so, confirmation of prompt notification to holders of any change, and
(6) An assessment of whether countermeasures are appropriate and feasible to negate or minimize the effect of the compromise.
(d)
(e)
(2) Whenever a compromise of United States classified information is the result of actions taken by foreign nationals, by foreign government officials, or by United States nationals in the employ of international organizations, the agency performing the damage assessment shall endeavor to ensure through appropriate intergovernmental liaison channels, that information pertinent to the assessment is obtained. Whenever more than one agency is responsible for the assessment, those agencies shall coordinate the request prior to transmittal through appropriate channels.
(3) Whenever an action is contemplated against any person believed responsible for the loss or compromise of classified information, damage assessments shall be coordinated with appropriate legal counsel. Whenever a violation of criminal law appears to have occured and a criminal prosecution is contemplated, coordination shall be made with the Department of Justice.
(4) The designated representative of the Director of Central Intelligence, or other appropriate officials with responsibility for the information involved, will be consulted whenever a compromise of sensitive compartmented information has occurred.
Any person having access to and possession of classified information is responsible for protecting it from persons not authorized access, i.e., persons who do not possess an appropriate security clearance, and who do not possess the required need-to-know. This includes keeping classified documents under constant observation and turned face-down or covered when not in use and securing such information in approved security equipment or facilities whenever it is not under the direct supervision of authorized persons. In all instances, such protective means must meet accountability requirements prescribed by the Department.
Individuals charged with the custody of classified information shall conduct the necessary inspections within their areas to ensure adherence to procedural safeguards prescribed to protect classified information. Security officers shall ensure that periodic inspections are made to determine whether procedural safeguards prescribed by this regulation and any bureau implementing regulation are in effect at all times. At a minimum such checks shall ensure that all classified information is stored in approved security containers, including removable storage media, e.g., floppy disks used by word processors that contain classified information; burn bags, if utilized, are either stored in approved security containers or destroyed; and classified shorthand notes, carbon paper, carbon and plastic typewriter ribbons, rough drafts and similar papers have been properly stored or destroyed.
Any individual, at any level of employment, determined to have been responsible for the unauthorized release or disclosure or potential release or disclosure of classified national security information, whether it be knowingly, willfully or through negligence, shall be notified on TD F 71-21.1 (Record of Security Violation) that his or her action is in violation of this regulation, the Order, the Directive, and Executive Order 10450, as amended. Treasury Directive 71-04, entitled, “Administration of Security Violations” sets forth provisions concerning security violations which shall apply to each Treasury employee and persons under contract or subcontract to the Department authorized access to Treasury classified national security information.
(a) Repeated abuse of the classification process, either by unnecessary or over-classification, or repeated failure, neglect or disregard of established requirements for safeguarding classified information by any employee shall be
(b) After an affirmative adjudication of a security violation, and as the occasion demands, reports of accountable security violations shall be placed in the employee's personnel security file, and as appropriate, in the employee's official personnel folder. The security official of the office or bureau concerned shall recommend to the respective management official or bureau head that disciplinary action be taken when such action is indicated.
Classified information no longer needed in current working files or for reference or record purposes shall be processed for appropriate disposition in accordance with the provisions of Title 44, United States Code, Chapters 21 and 33, which govern disposition of Federal records. Classified information approved for destruction shall be destroyed by either burning, melting, chemical decomposition, pulping, mulching, pulverizing, cross-cut shredding or other mutilation in the presence of appropriately cleared and authorized persons. The method of destruction
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
National Security Decision Directive 197, Reporting Hostile Contacts and Security Awareness, provides that United States Government employees are responsible for reporting to their designated security officer:
(a) Any suspected or apparent attempt by persons, regardless of nationality, to obtain unauthorized access to classified national security information, sensitive or proprietary information or technology and/or;
(b) Instances in which they feel they are being targeted for possible exploitation. Contacts with representatives of designated countries of concern identified in § 2.43(f) which involve requests for information which are not ordinarily provided in the course of an employee's job, regular or daily activity, and/or which might possibly lead to further requests for access to sensitive, proprietary or classified information or technology, are to be reported to designated security officers. Reports of such contacts are to be forwarded by the designated security officer to the Departmental Director of Security for appropriate action and coordination.
(a) The Assistant Secretary (Management) shall:
(1) Enforce the Order, the Directive and this regulation, and establish, coordinate and maintain active training, orientation and inspection programs for employees concerned with classified information.
(2) Review suggestions and complaints regarding the administration of this regulation.
(b) Pursuant to Treasury Directive 71-08, “Delegation of Authority Concerning Physical Security Programs”, the Departmental Director of Security shall:
(1) Review all bureau implementing regulations prior to publication and shall require any regulation to be changed, if it is not consistent with the Order, the Directive or this regulation.
(2) Have the authority to conduct on-site reviews of bureau physical security programs and information security programs as they pertain to each Treasury bureau and to require such reports, information and assistance as may be necessary, and
(3) Serve as the principal advisor to the Assistant Secretary (Management) with respect to Treasury physical and information security programs.
Each Treasury bureau and the Departmental Offices shall designate, in writing to the Departmental Director of Security, an officer or official to direct, coordinate and administer its physical security and information security programs which shall include active oversight to ensure effective implementation of the Order, the Directive, this regulation. Bureaus and the Departmental Offices shall revise their existing implementing regulation on national security information to ensure conformance with this regulation. Time frames for bureau and Departmental Offices implementation shall be established by the Departmental Director of Security.
Each Treasury bureau and the Departmental Offices shall develop plans for the protection, removal, or destruction of classified information in case of fire, natural disaster, civil disturbance, or possible enemy action. These plans shall include the disposition of classified information located in foreign countries.
The Secretary of the Treasury may prescribe by regulation special provisions for the dissemination, transmittal, destruction, and safeguarding of national security information during combat or other emergency situations which pose an imminent threat to national security information.
Each Treasury bureau that creates, processes or handles national secutity information, including the Departmental Offices, is required to establish a security education program. The program shall be sufficient to familiarize all necessary personnel with the provisions of the Order, the Directive, this regulation and any other implementing directives and regulations to impress upon them their individual security responsibilities. The program shall also provide for initial, refresher, and termination briefings.
(a)
(b) [Reserved]
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(2) Information produced by the United States Government pursuant to or as a result of a joint arrangement with a foreign government or governments or an international organization of governments, or any element thereof, requiring that the information, the arrangement, or both, are to be held in confidence.
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
(x)
(y)
(z)
28 U.S.C. 2672; 28 CFR part 14; 5 U.S.C. 301.
(a) The regulations in this part shall apply to claims asserted under the Federal Tort Claims Act, as amended, 28 U.S.C. 2672, accruing on or after January 18, 1967, for money damages against the United States for injury to or loss of property or personal injury or death caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of an employee of the Department while acting within the scope of his office or employment, under circumstances where the United States if a private person, would be liable to the claimant for such damage, loss, injury, or death, in accordance with the law of the place where the act or omission occurred. The regulations in this subpart
(b) Unless specifically modified by the regulations in this part, procedures and requirements for filing and handling claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act shall be in accordance with the regulations issued by the Department of Justice, at 28 CFR part 14, as amended.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Any claim that exceeds $500, involves personal injuries or automobile damage, or arises out of an incident that is likely to result in multiple claimants, shall be forwarded to the legal division of the bureau or office out of whose activities the claim arose. The claim, together with the reports of the employee and the investigation, shall be reviewed in the legal division which shall thereupon make a recommendation that the claim be approved, disapproved, or compromised, and shall advise on the need for referral of the claim to the Department of Justice. This recommendation and advice, together with the file, shall be forwarded to the head of the bureau or office or his designee.
(a) Claims not exceeding $25,000 and not otherwise requiring consultation with the Department of Justice pursuant to 28 CFR 14.6(b) shall be approved, disapproved, or compromised by the head of the bureau or office or his designee, taking into consideration the recommendation of the legal division.
(a) All proposed awards, compromises or settlements in excess of $25,000 require the prior written approval of the Attorney General.
(b) All claims which fall within the provisions of 28 CFR 14.6(b) require referral to and consultation with the Department of Justice.
(c) Any claim which falls within paragraph (a) or (b) of this section shall be reviewed by the General Counsel. If the claim, award, compromise, or settlement receives the approval of the General Counsel and the head of the bureau or office or his designee, a letter shall be prepared for the signature of the General Counsel transmitting to the Assistant Attorney General, Civil Division, Department of Justice, the case for approval or consultation as required by 28 CFR 14.6. Such letter shall conform with the requirements set forth in 28 CFR 14.7.
The final denial of an administrative claim shall conform with the requirements of 28 CFR 14.9 and shall be signed by the head of the bureau or office, or his designee.
(a) Any award, compromise, or settlement in an amount of $2,500 or less shall be processed for payment from the appropriations of the bureau or office out of whose activity the claim arose.
(b) Payment of an award, compromise, or settlement in excess of $2,500 and not more than $100,000 shall be obtained by the bureau or office by forwarding Standard Form 1145 to the Claims Division, General Accounting Office.
(c) Payment of an award, compromise, or settlement in excess of $100,000 shall be obtained by the bureau by forwarding Standard Form 1145 to the Bureau of Government Financial Operations, Department of the Treasury, which will be responsible for transmitting the award, compromise, or settlement to the Bureau of the Budget for inclusion in a deficiency appropriation bill.
(d) When an award is in excess of $25,000, Standard Form 1145 must be accompanied by evidence that the award, compromise, or settlement has been approved by the Attorney General or his designee.
(e) When the use of Standard Form 1145 is required, it shall be executed by the claimant. When a claimant is represented by an attorney, the voucher for payment shall designate both the claimant and his attorney as payees; the check shall be delivered to the attorney, whose address shall appear on the voucher.
(f) Acceptance by the claimant, his agent, or legal representative, of any award, compromise or settlement made pursuant to the provisions of section 2672 or 2677 of title 28, United States Code, shall be final and conclusive on the claimant, his agent or legal representative and any other person on whose behalf or for whose benefit the claim has been presented, and shall constitute a complete release of any claim against the United States and against any employee of the Government whose act or omission gave rise to the claim, by reason of the same subject matter.
Claims under this subpart must be presented in writing to the Department within 2 years after the claim accrued.
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.
Procedures and requirements for filing claims under this section shall be the same as required for filing claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act as set forth in Subpart A of this part.
Claims filed under this subpart shall be forwarded to the legal division of the bureau or office out of whose activities the claim arose. The claim, together with the reports of the employee and the investigation, shall be reviewed in the legal division which shall thereupon make a recommendation that the claim be approved, disapproved or compromised.
Claims shall be approved, disapproved, or compromised by the head of the bureau or office or his designee, taking into consideration the recommendation of the legal division.
No claim will be considered under this subpart unless filed within 1 year from the date of the accrual of said claim.
(a) The Department of the Treasury may indemnify, in whole or in part, a
(b) The Department of the Treasury may pay for the settlement or compromise of a claim against a Department employee at any time, provided the Secretary or his or her designee determines that (1) the alleged conduct giving rise to the claim was within the scope of the employee's employment and (2) such settlement or compromise is in the interest of the Department of the Treasury.
(c) Absent exceptional circumstances, as determined by the Secretary or his or her designee, the Department will not entertain a request to indemnify or to pay for settlement of a claim before entry of an adverse judgment, verdict or other determination.
(d) When a Department employee becomes aware that he or she has been named as a party in a proceeding in his or her individual capacity as a result of conduct within the scope of his or her employment, the employee should immediately notify his or her supervisor that such an action is pending. The supervisor shall promptly thereafter notify the chief legal officer of the employee's employing component. The employee shall immediately apprise the chief legal officer of his or her employing component of any offer to settle the proceeding.
(e) A Department employee may request indemnification to satisfy a verdict, judgment or monetary award entered against the employee or to compromise a claim pending against the employee. The employee shall submit a written request, with appropriate documentation including a copy of the verdict, judgment, award or other order or settlement proposal, in a timely manner to the Secretary or his or her designee for decision.
(f) Any payment under this section either to indemnify a Department employee or to settle a claim shall be contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds for the payment of salaries and expenses of the employing component.
31 U.S.C. 3721(j).
The procedures for filing a claim with the Treasury Department for personal property that is lost or damaged incident to service are contained in Treasury Directive 32-13, “Claims for Loss or Damage to Personal Property,” and Treasury Department Publication 32-13, “Policies and Procedures For Employees’ Claim for Loss or Damage to Personal Property Incident to Service.”
31 U.S.C. 3711.
The regulations of this part are issued under section 3 of the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966, Pub. L. 89-508, 80 Stat. 308, 309, and in conformity with the Joint Regulations issued under that Act by the General Accounting Office and the Department of Justice prescribing standards for administrative collection, compromise, termination of agency collection action, and referral to the General Accounting Office and to the Department of Justice for litigation, of civil claims by the Government for money or property, 4 CFR Chapter II.
The regulations of this part incorporate by this reference all provisions of the Joint Regulations of the General Accounting Office and the Department of Justice, and supplement those regulations by the prescription of procedures and directives necessary and appropriate for Treasury operations. The Joint Regulations and this part do not apply to tax claims nor to any claim as to which there is an indication of fraud or misrepresentation, as described in § 101.3 of the Joint Regulations, unless returned by the Justice Department to the Treasury Department for handling.
The heads of bureaus and offices and their delegates are designated as designees of the Secretary of the Treasury authorized to perform all the duties for which the Secretary is responsible under the foregoing Act and Joint Regulations:
(a) The authority of the Secretary of the Treasury or the head of a bureau or office within the Treasury Department to compromise claims of the United States shall be exercised with respect to claims not exceeding $20,000, exclusive of interest, in conformity with the Federal Claims Collection Act, the Joint Regulations thereunder, and this part, except where standards are established by other statutes or authorized regulations issued pursuant thereto.
(b) The authority of the Secretary of the Treasury or the head of a bureau or office within the Treasury Department to remit or mitigate a fine, penalty or forfeiture shall be exercised in accordance with the standards for remission or mitigation established in the governing statute or in Departmental enforcement policies. In the absence of such standards, the standards of the Joint Regulations shall be followed to the extent applicable.
5 U.S.C. 5514; 5 CFR part 550, subpart K.
The purpose of the Debt Collection Act of 1982, (Pub. L. 97-365), is to provide a comprehensive statutory approach to the collection of debts due the Federal Government. These regulations implement section 5 of the Act which authorizes the collection of debts owed by Federal employees to the Federal Government by means of salary offsets, except that no claim may be collected by such means if outstanding for more than 10 years after the agency's right to collect the debt first accrued, unless facts material to the Government's right to collect were not known and could not reasonably have been known by the official or officials who were charged with the responsibility for discovery and collection of such debts. These regulations are consistent with the regulations on salary offset published by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) on July 3, 1984, codified in Subpart K of part 550 of title 5 of the
(a) These regulations provide Departmental procedures for the collection by salary offset of a Federal employee's pay to satisfy certain debts owed the Government.
(b) These regulations apply to collections by the Secretary of the Treasury from:
(1) Federal employees who owe debts to the Department; and
(2) Employees of the Department who owe debts to other agencies.
(c) These regulations do not apply to debts or claims arising under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended (26 U.S.C. 1
(d) These regulations do not apply to any adjustment to pay arising out of an employee's election of coverage or a change in coverage under a Federal benefits program requiring periodic deductions from pay, if the amount to be recovered was accumulated over four pay periods or less.
(e) Nothing in these regulations precludes the compromise, suspension, or termination of collection actions where appropriate under the standards implementing the Federal Claims Collection Act (31 U.S.C. 3711
The heads of bureaus and offices and their delegates are designated as designees of the Secretary of the Treasury authorized to perform all the duties for which the Secretary is responsible under the foregoing act and Office of Personnel Management Regulations:
As used in this part (except where the context clearly indicates, or where the term is otherwise defined elsewhere in this part) the following definitions shall apply:
(a)
(1) An Executive Agency as defined by section 105 of Title 5, United States Code, including the U.S. Postal Service and the U.S. Postal Rate Commission;
(2) A military department as defined by section 102 of Title 5, United States Code;
(3) An agency or court of the judicial branch including a court as defined in section 610 of Title 28, United States Code, the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands and the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation;
(4) An agency of the legislative branch, including the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives; and
(5) Other independent establishments that are entities of the Federal Government.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(1) Federal employment taxes;
(2) Amounts deducted for the U.S. Soldiers’ and Airmen's Home;
(3) Fines and forfeiture ordered by a court martial or by a commanding officer;
(4) Federal, state or local income taxes no greater than would be the case if the employee claimed all dependents to which he or she is entitled and such additional amounts for which the employee presents evidence of a tax obligation supporting the additional withholding;
(5) Health insurance premiums;
(6) Normal retirement contributions (
(7) Normal life insurance premiums, exclusive of optional life insurance premiums (
(h)
(i) Federal Claims Collection Standards, “FCCS,” jointly published by the Department of Justice and the General Accounting Office at 4 CFR 101.1
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
These regulations are to be followed in instances where:
(a) The Department is owed a debt by an individual currently employed by another agency;
(b) Where the Department is owed a debt by an individual who is a current employee of the Department; or
(c) Where the Department currently employs an individual who owes a debt to another Federal Agency. Upon receipt of proper certification from the creditor agency, the Department will offset the debtor-employee's salary in accordance with these regulations.
These regulations do not preclude an employee from requesting waiver of an overpayment under 5 U.S.C. 5584 or 8346(b), 10 U.S.C. 2774, 32 U.S.C. 716, or in any way questioning the amount or validity of a debt by submitting a subsequent claim to the General Accounting Office in accordance with the procedures prescribed by the General Accounting Office. These regulations also do not preclude an employee from requesting a waiver pursuant to other statutory provisions pertaining to the particular debts being collected.
(a) Deductions under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 5514 shall not be made unless the creditor agency provides the employee with written notice that he/she owes a debt to the Federal Government, a minimum of 30 calendar days before salary offset is initiated. When Treasury is the creditor agency this notice of intent to offset an employee's salary shall be hand-delivered or sent by certified mail to the most current address that is available to the Department and will state:
(1) That the Secretary has reviewed the records relating to the claim and has determined that a debt is owed, the amount of the debt, and the facts giving rise to the debt;
(2) The Secretary's intention to collect the debt by means of deduction from the employee's current disposable pay account until the debt and all accumulated interest is paid in full;
(3) The amount, frequency, approximate beginning date, and duration of the intended deductions;
(4) An explanation of the Department's policy concerning interest, penalties and administrative costs including a statement that such assessments must be made unless excused in accordance with the Federal Claims Collection Standards, 4 CFR 101.1
(5) The employee's right to inspect and copy all records of the Department pertaining to the debt claimed or to receive copies of such records if personal inspection is impractical;
(6) The right to a hearing conducted by an impartial hearing official (an administrative law judge, or alternatively, a hearing official not under the supervision or control of the Secretary) with respect to the existence and amount of the debt claimed, or the repayment schedule (
(7) If not previously provided, the opportunity (under terms agreeable to the Department) to establish a schedule for the voluntary repayment of the debt or to enter into a written agreement to establish a schedule for repayment of the debt in lieu of offset. The
(8) The name, address and phone number of an officer or employee of the Department who may be contacted concerning procedures for requesting a hearing;
(9) The method and time period for requesting a hearing;
(10) That the timely filing of a petition for a hearing on or before the fifteenth calendar day following receipt of such notice of intent will stay the commencement of collection proceedings;
(11) The name and address of the office to which the petition should be sent;
(12) That the Department will initiate certification procedures to implement a salary offset, as appropriate, (which may not exceed 15 percent of the employee's disposable pay) not less than thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of the notice of debt, unless the employee files a timely petition for a hearing;
(13) That a final decision on the hearing (if one is requested) will be issued at the earliest practical date, but not later than sixty (60) days after the filing of the petition requesting the hearing, unless the employee requests and the hearing official grants a delay in the proceedings;
(14) That any knowingly false or frivolous statements, representations, or evidence may subject the employee to:
(i) Disciplinary procedures appropriate under Chapter 75 of Title 5, United States Code, part 752 of title 5,
(ii) Penalties under the False Claims Act, sections 3729-3731 of Title 31, United States Code or any other applicable statutory authority; and
(iii) Criminal penalties under sections 286, 287, 1001, and 1002 of Title 18, United States Code or any other applicable statutory authority;
(15) Any other rights and remedies available to the employee under statutes or regulations governing the program for which the collection is being made;
(16) That unless there are applicable contractual or statutory provisions to the contrary, that amounts paid on or deducted for the debt which are later waived or found not owed to the United States will be promptly refunded to the employee (5 U.S.C. 5514); and
(17) Proceedings with respect to such debt are governed by section 5 of the Debt Collection Act of 1982 (5 U.S.C. 5514).
(b) The Department is not required to comply with paragraph (a) of this section for any adjustment to pay arising out of an employee's election of coverage or a change in coverage under a Federal benefits program requiring periodic deductions from pay if the amount to be recovered was accumulated over four pay periods or less.
(a)
(b)
(1) An employee waives the right to a hearing, and will have his or her disposable pay offset in accordance with the Department's offset schedule, if the employee:
(i) Fails to file a request for a hearing unless such failure is excused; or
(ii) Fails to appear at an oral hearing of which he or she was notified unless
(c)
(d)
(2) In response to a timely request submitted by the debtor, the designated official will notify the employee of the location and time when the employee may inspect and copy records related to the debt.
(3) If personal inspection is impractical, arrangements shall be made to send copies of such records to the employee.
(e)
(f)
(2) When the debtor is a Department employee, the Department may contact any agent of another agency designated in Appendix A to part 581 of title 5,
(g)
(2)
(i) Informal conferences with the hearing official or administrative law judge, in which the employee and agency representative will be given full opportunity to present evidence, witnesses and argument;
(ii) Informal meetings with an interview of the employee; or
(iii) Formal written submissions, with an opportunity for oral presentation.
(3)
(4)
(h)
(i)
(1) A statement of the facts presented to support the origin, nature, and amount of the debt;
(2) The hearing official's findings, analysis and conclusions; and
(3) The terms of any repayment schedules, if applicable.
(j)
(a) The bureau salary offset coordination officer shall provide a certification to the paying agency in all cases where:
(1) The hearing official determines that a debt exists;
(2) The employee admits the existence and amount of the debt by failing to request a hearing; or
(3) The employee admits the existence of the debt by failing to appear at a hearing.
(b) The certification must be in writing and must state:
(1) The employee owes the debt;
(2) The amount and basis of the debt;
(3) The date the Government's right to collect the debt first accrued;
(4) The Department's regulations have been approved by OPM pursuant to 5 CFR part 550, subpart K;
(5) The amount and date of the lump sum payment;
(6) If the collection is to be made in installments, the number of installments to be collected, the amount of each installment, and the commencing date of the first installment, if a date other than the next officially established pay period is required; and
(7) The dates the action(s) was taken and that it was taken pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5514.
(a) In response to a notice of intent to an employee may propose to repay the debt as an alternative to salary offset. Any employee who wishes to repay a debt without salary offset shall submit in writing a proposed agreement to repay the debt. The proposal shall admit the existence of the debt and set forth a proposed repayment schedule. Any proposal under this subsection must be received by the official designated in that notice within fifteen (15) calendar days after receipt of the notice of intent.
(b) When the Department is the creditor agency and in response to a timely proposal by the debtor, the Secretary will notify the employee whether the employee's proposed written agreement for repayment is acceptable. It is within the Secretary's discretion to accept a repayment agreement instead of proceeding by offset.
(c) If the Secretary decides that the proposed repayment agreement is unacceptable, the employee will have fifteen (15) days from the date he or she received notice of the decision to file a petition for a hearing.
(d) If the Secretary decides that the proposed repayment agreement is acceptable, the alternative arrangement must be in writing and signed by both the employee and the Secretary.
(a) An employee subject to salary offset or a voluntary repayment agreement, may, at any time, request a special review by the creditor agency of the amount of the salary offset or voluntary payment, based on materially changed circumstances such as, but not
(b) In determining whether an offset would prevent the employee from meeting essential subsistence expenses (costs incurred for food, housing, clothing, transportation and medical care), the employee shall submit a detailed statement and supporting documents for the employee, his or her spouse and dependents indicating:
(1) Income from all sources;
(2) Assets;
(3) Liabilities;
(4) Number of dependents;
(5) Expenses for food, housing, clothing and transportation;
(6) Medical expenses; and
(7) Exceptional expenses, if any.
(c) If the employee requests a special review under this section, the employee shall file an alternative proposed offset or payment schedule and a statement, with supporting documents, showing why the current salary offset or payments result in an extreme financial hardship to the employee.
(d) The Secretary shall evaluate the statement and supporting documents, and determine whether the original offset or repayment schedule imposes an extreme financial hardship on the employee. The Secretary shall notify the employee in writing of such determination, including, if appropriate, a revised offset or payment schedule.
(e) If the special review results in a revised offset or repayment schedule, the bureau salary offset coordination officer shall provide a new certification to the paying agency.
(a) Upon receipt of proper certification of the creditor agency, the bureau payroll office will send the employee a written notice of salary offset. Such notice shall, at a minimum:
(1) Contain a copy of the certification received from the creditor agency; and
(2) Advise the employee that salary offset will be initiated at the next officially established pay interval.
(b) The bureau payroll office shall provide a copy of the notice to the creditor agency and advise such agency of the dollar amount to be offset and the pay period when the offset will begin.
(a) The Secretary shall coordinate salary deductions under this subpart.
(b) The appropriate bureau payroll office shall determine the amount of an employee's disposable pay and will implement the salary offset.
(c) Deductions shall begin within three official pay periods following receipt by the payroll office of certification.
(d)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(e)
(f)
(a)
(i) Arrange for a hearing upon proper petition by a Federal employee; and
(ii) Prescribe, upon consultation with the General Counsel, such practices and procedures as may be necessary to carry out the intent of this regulation.
(2) The head of each bureau shall designate a salary offset coordination officer who will be responsible for:
(i) Ensuring that each notice of intent to offset is consistent with the requirements of § 5.11;
(ii) Ensuring that each certification of debt sent to a paying agency is consistent with the requirements of § 5.13;
(iii) Obtaining hearing officials from other agencies pursuant to § 5.12(f); and
(iv) Ensuring that hearings are properly scheduled.
(3)
(i) Certify, in writing, that the employee owes the debt, the amount and basis of the debt, the date on which payment(s) is due, the date the Government's right to collect the debt first accrued, and that the Department's regulations implementing 5 U.S.C. 5514 have been approved by the Office of Personnel Management;
(ii) Advise the paying agency of the action(s) taken under 5 U.S.C. 5514(b) and give the date(s) the action(s) was taken (unless the employee has consented to the salary offset in writing or signed a statement acknowledging receipt of the required procedures and the written consent or statement is forwarded to the paying agency);
(iii) Except as otherwise provided in this paragraph, submit a debt claim containing the information specified in paragraphs (a)(3) (i) and (ii) of this section and an installment agreement (or other instruction on the payment schedule), if applicable, to the employee's paying agency;
(iv) If the employee is in the process of separating, the Department must submit its debt claim to the employee's paying agency for collection as provided in § 5.12. The paying agency must certify the total amount of its collection and notify the creditor agency and the employee as provided in paragraph (b)(4) of this section. If the paying agency is aware that the employee is entitled to payments from the Civil Service Retirement Fund and Disability Fund, or other similar payments, it must provide written notification to the agency responsible for making such payments that the debtor owes a debt (including the amount) and that the provisions of his section have been fully complied with. However, the Department must submit a properly certified claim to the agency responsible for making such payments before the collection can be made.
(v) If the employee is already separated and all payments due from his or her former paying agency have been paid, the Department may request, unless otherwise prohibited, that money due and payable to the employee from the Civil Service Retirement Fund and Disability Fund (5 CFR 831.1801
(4) When an employee transfers to another paying agency, the Department shall not repeat the due process procedures described in 5 U.S.C. 5514 and this subpart to resume the collection. The Department must review the debt upon
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(a) The Department shall assess interest, penalties and administrative costs on debts owed pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3717 and 4 CFR 101.1
(a) In instances where the Department is the creditor agency, it shall promptly refund any amount deducted under the authority of 5 U.S.C. 5514 when:
(1) The debt is waived or otherwise found not to be owing the United States; or
(2) An administrative or judicial order directs the Department to make a refund.
(b) Unless required or permitted by law or contract, refunds under this subsection shall not bear interest.
(a) The Department will provide a hearing official upon request of the creditor agency when the debtor is employed by the Department and the creditor agency cannot provide a prompt and appropriate hearing before an administrative law judge or before a hearing official furnished pursuant to another lawful arrangement.
(b) The Department will provide a hearing official upon request of a creditor agency when the debtor works for the creditor agency and that agency cannot arrange for a hearing official.
(c) The bureau salary offset coordination officer will appoint qualified personnel to serve as hearing officials.
(d) Services rendered under this section will be provided on a fully reimbursable basis pursuant to the Economy Act of 1932,
An employee's involuntary payment of all or any portion of a debt being collected under this Subpart must not be construed as a waiver of any rights which the employee may have under 5 U.S.C. 5514 or any other provisions of a written contract or law unless there are statutory or contractual provisions to the contrary.
31 U.S.C. 3720A; 26 CFR 301.6402-6T.
(a) These regulations implement 31 U.S.C. 3720A which authorizes the IRS to reduce a tax refund by the amount
(b) For purposes of this section, a past-due legally enforceable debt referable to the IRS is a debt which is owed to the United States and:
(1) Except in the case of a judgment debt, has been delinquent for at least three months and will not have been delinquent more than ten years at the time the offset is made;
(2) Cannot be currently collected pursuant to the salary offset provisions of 5 U.S.C. 5514;
(3) Is ineligible for administrative offset under 31 U.S.C. 3716(a) by reason of 31 U.S.C. 3716(c)(2) or cannot be collected by administrative offset under 31 U.S.C. 3716(a) by the referring agency against amounts payable to the debtor by the referring agency;
(4) With respect to which the bureau has given the taxpayer at least sixty (60) days to present evidence that all or part of the debt is not past-due or legally enforceable, has considered evidence presented by such taxpayer, and determined that an amount of such debt is past-due and legally enforceable;
(5) Which, in the case of a debt to be referred to the Service after June 30, 1986, has been disclosed by the bureau to a consumer reporting agency as authorized by 31 U.S.C. 3711(f), unless the consumer reporting agency would be prohibited from reporting information concerning the debt by reason of 15 U.S.C. 1681c;
(6) With respect to which the Department has notified or has made a reasonable attempt to notify the taxpayer that:
(i) The debt is past due, and
(ii) Unless repaid within 60 days thereafter, the debt will be referred to the IRS for offset against any overpayment of tax; and
(7) Is at least $25.
The heads of bureaus and their delegates are designated as designees of the Secretary of the Treasury authorized to perform all the duties for which the Secretary is responsible under the foregoing statutes and IRS Regulations:
For purposes of this subpart:
(a) The Department, through the individual bureaus, will provide information to the Service within the time frame prescribed by the Commissioner of the IRS to enable the Commissioner to make a final determination as to the each bureau's participation in the tax refund offset program. Such information shall include a description of:
(1) The size and age of the bureau's inventory of delinquent debts;
(2) The prior collection efforts that the inventory reflects; and
(3) The quality controls the bureau maintains to assure that any debt the bureau may submit for tax refund offset will be valid and enforceable.
(b) In accordance with the timetable specified by the Commissioner, the bureau will submit test magnetic media to the IRS, in such form and containing such data as the IRS shall specify.
(c) The bureau shall establish a toll free telephone number that the IRS will furnish to individuals whose refunds have been offset to obtain information from the bureau concerning the offset.
(d) The bureau shall enter into a separate agreement with the IRS to provide for reimbursement of the Service's cost of administering the pilot tax refund offset program in 1987.
(a) The bureau head or his or her designee shall be the point of contact with the IRS for administrative matters regarding the offset program.
(b) The bureaus shall ensure that:
(1) Only those past-due legally enforceable debts described in § 5.23(b) are forwarded to the IRS for offset; and
(2) The procedures prescribed in the MOU between the bureau and the IRS are followed in developing past-due debt information and submitting the debts to the IRS.
(c) The bureau shall submit a notification of a taxpayer's liability for past-due legally enforceable debt to the IRS on magnetic media as prescribed by the IRS. Such notification shall contain:
(1) The name and taxpayer identifying number (as defined in section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code) of the individual who is responsible for the debt;
(2) The dollar amount of such past-due and legally enforceable debt;
(3) The date on which the original debt became past-due;
(4) The designation of the referring bureau submitting the notification of liability and identification of the referring agency program under which the debt was incurred;
(5) A statement accompanying each magnetic tape by the referring bureau certifying that, with respect to each debt reported on the tape, all of the requirements of eligibility of the debt for referral for the refund offset have been satisfied. See § 5.23(b).
(d) A bureau shall promptly notify the IRS to correct Treasury data submitted when the bureau:
(1) Determines that an error has been made with respect to a debt that has been referred;
(2) Receives or credits a payment on such debt; or
(3) Receives notification that the individual owing the debt has filed for bankruptcy under Title 11 of the United States Code or has been adjudicated bankrupt and the debt has been discharged.
(e) When advising debtors of an intent to refer a debt to the IRS for offset, the bureau shall also advise the debtors of all remedial actions available to defer or prevent the offset from taking place.
(a) A bureau shall refer to the Service for collection by tax refund offset, from refunds otherwise payable in calendar year 1987, only such past-due legally enforceable debts owed to the Department:
(1) That are eligible for offset under the terms of 31 U.S.C. 3720A, section 6402(d) of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 CFR 301.6402-6T, and the MOU; and
(2) That information will be provided for each such debt as is required by the terms of the MOU.
(b) Such referrals shall be made by submitting to the Service a magnetic tape pursuant to § 5.27(c), together with an accompanying written certification to the Service by the bureau that the conditions or requirements specified in 26 CFR 301.6402-6T and the MOU have been satisfied with respect to each debt included in the referral on such tape. The bureaus certification shall be in the form specified in the MOU.
(a) The bureau must notify, or make a reasonable attempt to notify, the individual that:
(1) The debt is past due, and
(2) Unless repaid within 60 days thereafter, the debt will be referred to the Service for offset against any refund of overpayment of tax;
(b) The bureau shall provide a toll free telephone number for use in obtaining information from the bureau concerning the offset.
(c) The bureau shall give the individual debtor at least sixty (60) days from the date of the notification to present evidence to the bureau that all
(d) Notification given to a debtor pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this section shall advise the debtor of how he or she may present evidence to the bureau that all or part of the debt is not past-due or legally enforceable. Such evidence may not be referred to, or considered by, individuals who are not officials, employees, or agents of the United States in making the determination required under paragraph (c) of this section. Unless such evidence is directly considered by an official or employee of the bureau, and the determination required under paragraph (c) of this section has been made by an official or employee of the bureau, any unresolved dispute with the debtor as to whether all or part of the debt is past-due or legally enforceable must be referred to the bureau for ultimate administrative disposition, and the bureau must directly notify the debtor of its determination.
31 U.S.C. 3701; 31 U.S.C. 3711; 31 U.S.C. 3716.
These regulations apply to the collection of debts owed to the United States arising from transactions with the Department, or where a request for an offset is received by the Department from another agency. These regulations are consistent with the Federal Claims Collection Standards on administrative offset issued jointly by the Department of Justice and the General Accounting Office as set forth in 4 CFR 102.3.
The heads of bureaus and offices and their delegates are designated as designees of the Secretary of the Treasury authorized to perform all the duties for which the Secretary is responsible under the foregoing statutes:
(a)
(b)
(a) The Secretary or his or her designee, after attempting to collect a debt from a person under section 3(a) of the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966, as amended (31 U.S.C. 3711(a)), may collect the debt by administrative offset subject to the following:
(1) The debt is certain in amount; and
(2) It is in the best interests of the United States to collect the debt by administrative offset because of the decreased costs of collection and the acceleration in the payment of the debt;
(b) The Secretary, or his or her designee, may initiate administrative offset with regard to debts owed by a person to another agency of the United States Government, upon receipt of a request from the head of another agency or his or her designee, and a certification that the debt exists and that the
(c) The Secretary, or his or her designee, may request another agency that holds funds payable to a Treasury debtor to offset the debt against the funds held and will provide certification that:
(1) The debt exists; and
(2) The person has been afforded the necessary due process rights.
(d) If the six-year period for bringing action on a debt provided in 28 U.S.C. 2415 has expired, then administrative offset may be used to collect the debt only if the costs of bringing such action are likely to be less than the amount of the debt.
(e) No collection by administrative offset shall be made on any debt that has been outstanding for more than 10 years unless facts material to the Government's right to collect the debt were not known, and reasonably could not have been known, by the official or officials responsible for discovering and collecting such debt.
(f) These regulations do not apply to:
(1) A case in which administrative offset of the type of debt involved is explicitly provided for or prohibited by another statute; or
(2) Debts owed by other agencies of the United States or by any State or local government.
Before collecting any debt through administrative offset, a notice of intent to offset shall be sent to the debtor by certified mail, return receipt requested, at the most current address that is available to the Department. The notice shall provide:
(a) A description of the nature and amount of the debt and the intention of the Department to collect the debt through administrative offset;
(b) An opportunity to inspect and copy the records of the Department with respect to the debt;
(c) An opportunity for review within the Department of the determination of the Department with respect to the debt; and
(d) An opportunity to enter into a written agreement for the repayment of the amount of the debt.
(a) A debtor may dispute the existence of the debt, the amount of debt, or the terms of repayment. A request to review a disputed debt must be submitted to the Treasury official who provided notification within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the written notice described in § 5.34.
(b) If the debtor requests an opportunity to inspect or copy the Department's records concerning the disputed claim, 10 business days will be granted for the review. The time period will be measured from the time the request for inspection is granted or from the time the copy of the records is received by the debtor.
(c) Pending the resolution of a dispute by the debtor, transactions in any of the debtor's account(s) maintained in the Department may be temporarily suspended. Depending on the type of transaction the suspension could preclude its payment, removal, or transfer, as well as prevent the payment of interest or discount due thereon. Should the dispute be resolved in the debtor's favor, the suspension will be immediately lifted.
(d) During the review period, interest, penalties, and administrative costs authorized under the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966, as amended, will continue to accrue.
A debtor who admits liability but elects not to have the debt collected by administrative offset will be afforded an opportunity to negotiate a written agreement for the repayment of the debt. If the financial condition of the debtor does not support the ability to pay in one lump-sum, reasonable installments may be considered. No installment arrangement will be considered unless the debtor submits a financial statement, executed under penalty of perjury, reflecting the debtor's assets, liabilities, income, and expenses. The financial statement must be submitted within 10 business days of the Department's request for the statement. At the Department's option, a confess-judgment note or bond of indemnity with surety may be required
(a) If the debtor does not exercise the right to request a review within the time specified in § 5.35 or if as a result of the review, it is determined that the debt is due and no written agreement is executed, then administrative offset shall be ordered in accordance with these regulations without further notice.
(b)
(1) That the debtor owes the debt;
(2) The amount and basis of the debt; and
(3) That the agency has complied with the requirements of 31 U.S.C. 3716, its own administrative offset regulations and the applicable provisions of 4 CFR part 102 with respect to providing the debtor with due process.
(c)
(1) Receipt of written certification from the creditor agency:
(i) That the debtor owes the debt;
(ii) The amount and basis of the debt;
(iii) That the agency has prescribed regulations for the exercise of administrative offset; and
(iv) That the agency has complied with its own administrative offset regulations and with the applicable provisions of 4 CFR part 102, including providing any required hearing or review.
(2) A determination by the Department that collection by offset against funds payable by the Department would be in the best interest of the United States as determined by the facts and circumstances of the particular case, and that such offset would not otherwise be contrary to law.
The Department may effect an administrative offset against a payment to be made to the debtor prior to the completion of the procedures required by §§ 5.34 and 5.34 of this part if failure to take the offset would substantially jeopardize the Department's ability to collect the debt, and the time before the payment is to be made does not reasonably permit the completion of those procedures. Such prior offset shall be promptly followed by the completion of those procedures. Amounts recovered by offset but later found not to be owed to the Department shall be promptly refunded.
Sec. 203(a)(1), Pub. L. 96-481, 94 Stat. 2325 (5 U.S.C. 504(c)(1)).
The Equal Access to Justice Act, 5 U.S.C. 504 (called “the Act” in this part), provides for the award of attorney fees and other expenses to eligible individuals and entities who are parties to certain administrative proceedings (called “adversary adjudications”) before agencies of the Government of the United States. An eligible party may receive an award when it prevails over an agency, unless the agency's position in the proceeding was substantially justified or special circumstances make an award unjust. The rules in this part describe the parties eligible for awards and the proceedings that are covered. They also explain how to apply for awards, and the procedures and standards that the Treasury Department will use to make them.
The Act applies to any adversary adjudication pending before an agency at any time between October 1, 1981 and September 30, 1984. This includes proceedings begun before October 1, 1981, if final agency action has not been taken before that date, and proceedings pending on September 30, 1984, regardless of when they were initiated or when final agency action occurs.
The Act applies to adversary adjudications required to be conducted by the Treasury Department under 5 U.S.C. 554. Within the Treasury Department, these proceedings are:
(a) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms: (1) Permit proceedings under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (27 U.S.C. 204); (2) Permit proceedings under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 5171, 5271, 5713); (3) License and permit proceedings under the Federal Explosives Laws (18 U.S.C. 843).
(b) Comptroller of the Currency:
(a) To be eligible for an award of attorney fees and other expenses under the Act, the applicant must be a party to the adversary adjudication for which it seeks an award. The term “party” is defined in 5 U.S.C. 551(3). The applicant must show that it meets all conditions of eligibility set out in this subpart and has complied with the requirements in Subpart B of this part.
(b) The types of eligible applicants are as follows:
(1) An individual with a net worth of not more than $1 million;
(2) The sole owner of an unincorporated business who has a net worth of not more than $5 million, including both personal and business interests, and not more than 500 employees;
(3) A charitable or other tax-exempt organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)) with not more than 500 employees;
(4) A cooperative association as defined in section 15(a) of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141(a)) with not more than 500 employees, or
(5) Any other partnership, corporation, association, or public or private organization with a net worth of not more than $5 million and not more than 500 employees.
(c) For the purpose of eligibility, the net worth and number of employees of an applicant shall be determined as of the date the proceeding was initiated.
(d) An applicant who owns an unincorporated business will be considered as an “individual” rather than a “sole owner of an unincorporated business” if the matter in controversy is primarily related to personal interests rather than to business interests.
(e) The employees of an applicant include all persons who regularly perform services for remuneration for the applicant, under the applicant's direction and control. Part-time employees shall be included.
(f) The net worth and number of employees of the applicant and all of its affiliates shall be aggregated to determine eligibility. Any individual or group of individuals, corporation or other entity that directly or indirectly controls or owns a majority of the voting shares of another business, or controls in any manner the election of a
(g) An applicant that participates in a proceeding primarily on behalf of one or more other persons or entities that would be ineligible is not itself eligible for an award.
(a) A prevailing applicant may receive an award for fees and expenses incurred in connection with the
(b) An award will be reduced or denied if the applicant has unduly or unreasonably protracted the proceeding or if special circumstances make the award sought unjust.
(a) The following fees and other expenses are allowable under the Act:
(1) Reasonable expenses of expert witnesses;
(2) Reasonable cost of any study, analysis, engineering report, test, or project which the agency finds necessary for the preparation of the party's case;
(3) Reasonable attorney or agent fees.
(b) The amount of fees awarded will be based upon the prevailing market rates for the kind and quality of services furnished, except that
(1) Compensation for an expert witness will not exceed the highest rate paid by the agency for expert witnesses; and
(2) Attorney or agent fees will not be in excess of $75 per hour.
The Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Comptroller of the Currency are authorized to take final action on matters pertaining to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 5 U.S.C. 504, in proceedings listed in § 6.3 under the respective bureau or office. The Secretary of the Treasury may by order delegate authority to take final action on matters pertaining to the Equal Access to Justice Act in particular cases to other subordinate officials.
(a) An application for an award of fees and expenses under the Act shall identify the applicant and the proceeding for which an award is sought. The application shall show that the applicant has prevailed and identify the position of the agency in the proceeding that the applicant alleges was not substantially justified. The application shall state the basis for the applicant's belief that the position was not substantially justified. Unless the applicant is an individual, the application shall also state the number of employees of the applicant and describe briefly the type and purpose of its organization or business.
(b) The application shall also include a statement that the applicant's net worth does not exceed $1 million (if an individual) or $5 million (for all other applicants, including their affiliates). However, an applicant may omit this statement if:
(1) It attaches a copy of a ruling by the Internal Revenue Service that it qualifies as an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)) or, in the case of a tax-exempt organization not required to obtain a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on its exempt status, a statement that describes the basis for the applicant's belief that it qualifies under such section; or
(2) It states that it is a cooperative association as defined in section 15(a) of the Agricultural Marketing Act (12 U.S.C. 1141j(a)).
(c) The application shall itemize the amount of fees and expenses for which an award is sought.
(d) The application may also include any other matters that the applicant wishes the agency to consider in determining whether and in what amount an award should be made.
(e) The application shall be signed by the applicant or an authorized officer with respect to the eligibility of the applicant and by the attorney of the applicant with respect to fees and expenses sought. It shall also contain or be accompanied by a written verification under oath or under penalty of perjury that the information provided in the application is true and correct.
(a) Each applicant except a qualified tax-exempt organization, or cooperative association must provide with its application a detailed exhibit showing the net worth of the applicant and any affiliates (as defined in § 6.4(f)) when the proceeding was initiated. In the case of national banking associations, “net worth” shall be considered to be the total capital and surplus as reported, in conformity with the applicable instructions and guidelines, on the bank's last Consolidated Report of Condition filed before the initiation of the underlying proceeding.
(b) The exhibit may be in any form convenient to the applicant that provides full disclosure of the applicant's and its affiliates assets and liabilities and is sufficient to determine whether the applicant qualifies under the standards in this part. The adjudicative officer may require an applicant to file additional information to determine its eligibility for an award.
(a) The application shall be accompanied by full documentation of the fees and expenses, including the cost of any study, engineering report, test, or project, for which an award is sought.
(b) The documentation shall include an affidavit from any attorney, agent, or expert witness representing or appearing in behalf of the party, stating the actual time expended and the rate at which fees and other expenses were computed and describing the specific services performed.
(1) The affidavit shall state the services performed. In order to establish the hourly rate, the affidavit shall state the hourly rate which is billed and paid by the majority of clients during the relevant time periods.
(2) If not hourly rate is paid by the majority of clients because, for instance, the attorney or agent represents most clients on a contingency basis, the attorney or agent shall provide information about two attorneys or agents with similar experience, who perform similar work, stating their hourly rate.
(c) The documentation shall also include a description of any expenses for which reimbursement is sought and a statement of the amounts paid and payable by the applicant or by any other person or entity for the services provided.
(d) The adjudicative officer may require the applicant to provide vouchers, receipts, or other substantiation for any expenses claimed.
(a) An application may be filed whenever the applicant has prevailed in the proceeding but in no case later than 30 days after the agency's final disposition of the proceeding.
(b) If review or reconsideration is sought or taken of a decision as to which an appplicant believes it has prevailed, proceedings for the award of fees shall be stayed pending final disposition of the underlying controversy.
Any application for an award or other pleading or document related to an application shall be filed and served on all parties to the proceeding in the same manner as other pleadings in the proceeding.
(a) Within 30 days after service of an application, counsel representing the agency against which an award is sought shall file an answer to the application.
(b) If agency counsel and the applicant believe that the issues in the fee application can be settled, they may jointly file a statement of their intent to negotiate a settlement. The filing of this statement shall extend the time for filing an answer for an additional 60 days and further extensions may be granted by the adjudicative officer upon request by agency counsel and the applicant.
(c) The answer shall explain any objections to the award requested and identify the facts relied on in support of agency counsel's position. If the answer is based on any alleged facts not already in the record of the proceeding, agency counsel shall include with the answer supporting affidavits.
The adjudicative officer shall issue an initial decision on the application within 60 days after completion of proceedings on the application. The decision shall include written findings and conclusions on the applicant's eligibility and status as a prevailing party, and an explanation of the reasons for any difference between the amount requested and the amount awarded. The decision shall also include, if at issue, findings on whether the agency's position was substantially justified, whether the applicant unduly protracted the proceedings, or whether special circumstances make an award unjust.
Either the applicant or agency counsel may seek review of the initial decision on the fee application, or the agency may decide to review the decision on its own initiative. If neither the applicant nor agency counsel seeks a review and the agncy does not take review on its own initiative, the initial decision on the application shall become a final decision of the agency 30 days after it is issued. Whether to review a decision is a matter within the discretion of the agency. If review is taken, the agency will issue a final decision on the application or remand the application to the adjudicative officer for further proceedings.
Judicial review of final agency decisions on awards may be sought as provided in 5 U.S.C. 504(c)(2).
An applicant seeking payment of an award shall submit to the agency a copy of the agency's final decision granting the award, accompanied by a statement that the applicant will not seek review of the decision in the United States courts. An applicant shall be paid the amount awarded unless judicial review of the award or of the underlying decision of the adversary adjudication has been sought by the applicant or any other party to the proceeding.
80 Stat. 379; 5 U.S.C. 301, sec. 6, E.O. 10096; 3 CFR, 1949-1953 Comp., p. 292, as amended by E.O. 10930; 3 CFR, 1959-1963 Comp., p. 456.
Provisions defining the right, title, and interest of the Government in and to an invention made by a Government employee under various circumstances
The responsibilities of the Treasury Department are to determine initially (a) the occurrence of an invention by an employee, (b) his rights in the invention and the rights of the Government therein, and (c) whether patent protection will be sought in the United States by the Department, and to furnish the required reports to the Patent Office.
(a) Heads of bureaus or offices in the Department shall be responsible for determining initially whether the results of research, development, or other activity of an employee within that bureau or office constitute an invention which falls within the purview of Executive Order 10096, as amended, and is to be handled in accordance with the regulations in this part.
(b) Heads of bureaus or offices are responsible for obtaining from the employee the necessary information and, if the determination under paragraph (a) of this section is affirmative, preparing on behalf of the bureau or office a description of the invention and its relationship to the employee's duties and work assignments.
(c) Heads of bureaus or offices, after such examination and investigation as may be necessary, shall refer to the General Counsel all information obtained concerning the invention and such determination as the head of the bureau or office has made with respect to the character of the activity as an invention. These reports shall include any determination as to the giving of a cash award to the employee for his performance relating to that invention.
(a) The General Counsel shall be responsible for determining, subject to review by the Commissioner of Patents, the respective rights of the Government and of the inventor in and to any invention made by an employee of the Department.
(b) On the basis of the foregoing determination, the General Counsel shall determine whether patent protection will be sought by the Department for such an invention.
(c) The General Counsel will prepare and furnish to the Patent Office the reports required by the regulations of that Office and will serve as the liaison officer between the Department and the Commissioner of Patents.
All employees are required to report to the heads of their bureaus or offices any result of research, development, or other activity on their part which may constitute an invention and the circumstances under which this possible invention came into being.
The acceptance by an employee of a cash award for performance which constitutes an invention shall, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 4502(c), constitute an agreement that the use by the Government of the idea, method, or device for which the award is made does not form the basis of any further claim against the Government by the employee, his heirs or assigns.
(a) Any employee who is aggrieved by a determination made by the head of his bureau or office under this part may obtain a review of the determination by filing an appeal with the General Counsel within 30 days after receiving the notice of the determination complained of.
(b) Any employee who is aggrieved by a determination made by the General Counsel under this part may obtain a review of the determination by filing a written appeal with the Commissioner of Patents within 30 days after receiving notice of the determination complained of, or within such longer period as the Commissioner may provide. The appeal to the Commissioner shall be processed in accordance with the provisions in the regulations of the Patent Office for an appeal from an agency determination.
The heads of bureaus or offices and the General Counsel may delegate, as appropriate, the performance of the responsibilities assigned to them under this part.
Sec. 3, 23 Stat. 258 (31 U.S.C. 1026); 5 U.S.C. 301, 500, 551-559; and Reorganization Plan No. 26 of 1950, 15 FR 4935, 64 Stat. 1280, as amended.
This part contains rules governing the recognition of attorneys, certified public accountants, enrolled practitioners, and other persons representing clients before the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
Conference and practice requrements of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, including requirements for powers of attorney are set forth in:
(a) 26 CFR part 601, subpart E (or those regulations as recodified in 27 CFR part 71 subsequent to the effective date of these regulations, 31 CFR part 8) with respect to all representations before the Bureau except those concerning license or permit proceedings;
(b) 27 CFR part 200 with respect to proceedings concerning permits issued under the Federal Alcohol Administration Act or the Internal Revenue Code;
(c) 27 CFR 47.44 with respect to proceedings concerning licenses issued under the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778);
(d) 27 CFR part 178, subpart E, with respect to proceedings concerning licenses issued under the Gun Control Act of 1968 (18 U.S.C. Chapter 44); and
(e) 27 CFR part 181, subpart E, with respect to proceedings concerning licenses or permits issued under the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970 (18 U.S.C. Chapter 40).
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
The secretary reserves the power to issue special orders as he or she may deem proper in any cases within the scope of this part.
As used in this part, terms shall have the meaning given in this section. Words in the plural shall include the singular, and vice versa. The terms
(a)
(b)
(1) Minimum criteria required of an enrolled practioner will consist of: 5 years employment with the Treasury Department in a responsible position which would familiarize the person with applicable laws and regualtions; or 5 years employment in a regulated industry in a responsible position which would familiarize the person with applicable laws and regulations; or possession of a law degree; or other significant experience such as the prior respresentation of persons before the Internal Revenue Service or the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
(2) An enrolled paractioner may demonstrate technical knowledge in one or more of the several areas of laws and regulations administered by the Bureau (alcohol, tobacco firearms, or explosives matters).
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a) The Director, in denying an application for enrollment, shall inform the applicant as to the reasons. The applicant may, within 30 days after receipt of the notice of denial, file a written appeal together with reasons in support thereof, with the Director of Practice. The Director of Practice shall render a decision on the appeal as soon as practicable.
(b) An applicant may, within 30 days after receipt of the decision of the Director of Practice in sustaining a denial of enrollment, appeal the decision to the Secretary.
The Director shall issue an enrollment card to each practitioner who is enrolled to practice before the Bureau. Each enrollment card is valid for a period of 5 years as long as the holder remains enrolled and in good standing before the Bureau. Unless advised to the contrary by the Director, any officer or employee of the Bureau may consider the holder of an unexpired enrollment card to be authorized to practice before the Bureau in the subject area or areas indicated upon the card (alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or explosives matters).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
The Director shall maintain, for public inspection, a register of all persons enrolled to practice before the Bureau and the subject areas in which each person is enrolled to practice, a register of all persons disbarred or suspended from practice, and a register of all persons whose applications for enrollment before the Bureau have been denied.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(1) An individual may represent another individual who is his or her regular full-time employer, may represent a partnership of which he or she is a member or a regular full-time employee, of may represent without compensation a member of his or her immediate family.
(2) Corporations (including parent corporations, subsidiaries or affiliated corporations), trusts, estates, associations, or organized groups may be represented by bona fide officers or regular full-time employees.
(3) Trusts, receiverships, guardianships, or estates may be represented by their trustees, receivers, guardians, administrators, executors, or their regular full-time employees.
(4) Any government unit, agency, or authority may be represented by an officer or regular employee in the course of his or her official duties.
(5) Unenrolled persons may participate in rulemaking as provided in 5 U.S.C. 553.
(b)
(a)
(b)
No attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled practitioner may unreasonably delay the prompt disposition of any matter before the Bureau.
Each attorney, certified public accountant, and enrolled practitioner shall exercise due diligence in:
(a) Preparing or assisting in the preparation of, approving, and filing returns, documents, affidavits, and other papers relating to Bureau matters;
(b) Determining the correctness of any representations made by him or her to the Bureau; and
(c) Determining the correctness of any information which he or she imparts to a client with reference to any matter administered by the Bureau.
Each attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled practitioner who knows that a client has not complied with applicable law, or has made an error in or omission from any document, affidavit, or other paper which the law requires the client to execute, shall advise the client promptly of the fact of such noncompliance, error, or omission.
No attorney, certified public accountant or enrolled practitioner shall, in practice before the Bureau, knowingly and directly or indirectly:
(a) Employ or accept assistance from any person who is under disbarment or suspension from practice before any agency of the Treasury Department;
(b) Accept employment as associate, correspondent, or subagent from, or share fees with, any such person;
(c) Accept assistance in a specific matter from any person who participated personally and substantially in the matter as an employee of the Treasury Department.
No partner of an officer or employee of the executive branch of the U.S. Government, of any independent agency of the United States, or of the District of Columbia, may represent anyone in any matter administered by the Bureau in which the Government employee participates or has participated personally and substantially as a Government employee, or which is the subject of that employee's official responsibility.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
No attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled practitioner may, with respect to any matter administered by the Bureau, take acknowledgements, administer oaths, certify papers, or perform any official act in connection with matters in which he or she is employed as counsel, attorney, or practioner, or in which he or she
No attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled practitioner may charge an unconscionable fee for representing a client in any matter before the Bureau.
No attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled practitioner may represent conflicting interests in practice before the Bureau, except by express consent of all directly interested parties after full disclosure has been made.
(a)
(2) No attorney, certified public accountant or enrolled practitioner shall make, directly or indirectly, an uninvited solicitation of employment, in matters related to the Bureau. Solicitation includes, but is not limited to, in-person contacts, telephone communications, and personal mailings directed to the specific circumstances unique to the recipient. This restriction does not apply to: (i) Seeking new business from an existing or former client in a related matter; (ii) solicitation by mailings, the contents of which are designed for the general public; or (iii) non-coercive in-person solicitation by those eligible to practice before the Bureau while acting as an employee, member, or officer of an exempt organization listed in sections 501(c) (3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C.).
(b)
(i) The name, address, telephone number, and office hours of the practitioner or firm.
(ii) The names of individuals associated with the firm.
(iii) A factual description of the services offered.
(iv) Acceptable credit cards and other credit arrangements.
(v) Foreign language ability.
(vi) Membership in pertinent, professional organizations.
(vii) Pertinent professional licenses.
(viii) A statement that an individual's or firm's practice is limited to certain areas.
(ix) In the case of an enrolled practitioner, the phrase “enrolled to practice before the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.”
(x) Other facts relevant to the selection of a practitioner in matters related to the Bureau which are not prohibited by these regulations.
(2) Attorneys, certified public accountants and enrolled practitioners may use, to the extent they are consistent with the regulations in this section, customary biographical insertions in approved law lists and reputable professional journals and directories, as well as professional cards, letterheads and announcements:
(c)
(i) Fixed fees for specific routine services.
(ii) Hourly rates.
(iii) Range of fees for particular services.
(iv) Fee charged for an initial consultation.
(2) Attorneys, certified public accountants and enrolled practitioners may also publish the availability of a written schedule of fees.
(3) Attorneys, certified public accountants and enrolled practitioners shall be bound to charge the hourly rate, the fixed fee for specific routine services, the range of fees for particular services, or the fee for an initial consultation published for a reasonable period of time, but no less than thirty days from the last publication of such hourly rate or fees.
(d)
(e)
Nothing in the regulations in this part may be construed as authorizing persons not members of the bar to practice law.
The Secretary, after due notice and opportunity for hearing, may suspend or disbar from practice before the Bureau any attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled practitioner shown to be incompetent, disreputable or who refuses to comply with the rules and regulations in this part or who shall, with intent to defraud, in any manner willfully and knowingly deceive, mislead, or threaten any client or prospective client, by word, circular, letter, or by advertisement.
Disreputable conduct for which an attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled practitioner may be disbarred or suspended from practice before the Bureau includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Conviction of any criminal offense under the revenue laws of the United States; under any other law of the United States which the Bureau enforces pursuant to Treasury Department Order No. 221 (37 FR 11696) effective July 1, 1972; or for any offense involving dishonesty or breach of trust.
(b) Giving false or misleading information, or participating in any way in the giving of false or misleading information, to the Bureau or any officer or employee thereof, or to any tribunal authorized to pass upon matters administered by the Bureau in connection with any matter pending or likely to be pending before them, knowing the information to be false or misleading. Facts or other matters contained in testimony, Federal tax returns, financial statements, applications for enrollment, affidavits, declarations, or any other document or statement, written or oral, are included in the term “information”.
(c) Solicitation of employment as prohibited under § 8.41, the use of false or misleading representations with intent to deceive a client or a prospective client in order to procure employment, or intimating that the practitioner is able improperly to obtain special consideration or action from the Bureau or an officer or employee thereof.
(d) Willfully failing to make a Federal tax return in violation of the revenue laws of the United States, or evading, attempting to evade, or participating in any way in evading or attempting to evade any Federal tax or payment thereof; knowingly counseling or suggesting to a client or prospective client an illegal plan to evade Federal taxes or payment thereof, or concealing assets of himself or herself, or of another in order to evade Federal taxes or payment thereof.
(e) Misappropriation of, or failure properly and promptly to remit funds received from a client for the purpose of payment of taxes or other obligations due the United States.
(f) Directly or indirectly attempting to influence, or offering or agreeing to attempt to influence, the official action of any officer or employee of the Bureau by the use of threats, false accusations, duress or coercion, by the offer of any special inducement or promise of advantage or by the bestowing of any gift, favor, or thing of value.
(g) Disbarment or suspension from practice as an attorney or certified public accountant by any duly constituted authority of any State, possession, Commonwealth, the District of Columbia, or by any Federal court of record.
(h) Disbarment or suspension from practice as an attorney, certified public accountant, or other person admitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.
(i) Knowingly aiding and abetting another person to practice before the Bureau during a period of suspension, disbarment, or ineligibility of the other person. Maintaining a partnership for the practice of law, accountancy, or other related professional service with a person who is under disbarment from practice before the Bureau or the Intenal Revenue Service is presumed to be a violation of this provision.
(j) Contemptuous conduct in connection with practice before the Bureau, including the use of abusive language, making false accusations and statements knowing them to be false, or circulating or publishing malicious or libelous matter.
(k) Willful violatin of any of the regulations contained in this part.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
If it appears that the respondent in his or her answer, falsely and in bad faith, denies a material allegation of fact in the complaint or states that the respondent has no knowledge sufficient to form a belief, when he or she in fact possesses that information, or if it appears that the respondent has knowingly introduced false testimony during proceedings for his or her disbarment or suspension, the Director of Practice may file supplemental charges against the respondent. These supplemental charges may be tried with other charges in the case, provided the respondent is given due notice and is afforded an opportunity to prepare to a defense to them.
In the case of a variance between the allegations in a pleading, the Administrative Law Judge may order or authorize amendment of the pleading to conform to the evidence. The party who would otherwise be prejudiced by the amendment will be given reasonable opportunty to meet the allegation of the pleading as amended, and the Administrative Law Judge shall make findings on an issue presented by the pleadings as so amended.
Motions and requests may be filed with the Director of Practice or with the Administrative Law Judge.
A respondent or proposed respondent may appear in person or be represented by counsel or other representative who need not be enrolled to practice before the Bureau. The Director of Practice may be represented by an Attorney or other employee of the Treasury Department.
(a)
(b)
(1) Administer oaths and affirmation;
(2) Make rulings upon motions and requests; these rulings may not be appealed prior to the close of the hearing except at the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge in extraordinary circumstances;
(3) Rule upon offers of proof, receive relevant evidence, and examine witnesses;
(4) Take or authorize to the taking of depositions;
(5) Determine the time and place of hearing and regulate its course and conduct;
(6) Hold or provide for the holding of conferences to settle or simplify the issues by consent of the parties;
(7) Receive and consider oral or written arguments on facts or law;
(8) Make initial decisions;
(9) Adopt rules of procedure and modify them from time to time as occasion requires for the orderly disposition of proceedings; and
(10) Perform acts and take measures as necessary to promote the efficient conduct of any proceeding.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Depositions for use at a hearing may, with the written approval of the Administrative Law Judge, be taken by either the Director of Practice or the respondent or their authorized representatives. Depositions may be taken upon oral or written questioning, upon not less than 10 days’ written notice to the other party before any officer authorized to administer an oath for general purposes or before an officer or employee of the Bureau authorized to administer an oath pursuant to 27 CFR 70.35. The written notice will state the names of the witnesses and the time and place where the depositions are to be taken. The requirement of 10 days’ notice may be waived by the parties in writing, and depositions may then be taken from the persons and at the times and places mutually agreed to by the parties. When a deposition is taken upon written questioning, any cross-examination will be upon written questioning. Copies of the written questioning will be served upon the other party with the notice, and copies of any written cross-interrogation will be mailed or delivered to the opposing party at least 5 days before the date of taking the depositions, unless the parties mutually agree otherwise. A party on whose behalf a deposition is taken must file it with the Administrative Law Judge and serve one copy upon the opposing party. Expenses in the reproduction of depositions will be borne by the party at whose instance the deposition is taken.
In cases in which the hearing is stenographically reported by a Government contract reporter, copies of the
Except in cases when the respondent has failed to answer the complaint or when a party has failed to appear at the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge, prior to making his or her decision, shall afford the parties a reasonable opportunity to submit proposed findings and conclusions and their supporting reasons.
As soon as practicable after the conclusion of a hearing and the receipt of any proposed findings and conclusions timely submitted by the parties, the Administrative Law Judge shall make the initial decision in the case. The decision will include (a) a statement of findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis therefor, upon all the material issues of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record, and (b) an order of disbarment, suspension, or reprimand or an order of dismissal of the complaint. The Administrative Law Judge shall file the decision with the Director of Practice and shall transmit a copy to the respondent or the respondent's attorney of record. In the absence of an appeal to the Secretary, or review of the decision upon motion of the Secretary, the decision of the Administrative Law Judge will, without further proceedings, become the decision of the Secretary of the Treasury 30 days from the date of the Administrative Law Judge's decision.
Within 30 days from the date of the Administrative Law Judge's decision, either party may appeal to the Secretary. The appeal will be filed with the Director of Practice in duplicate and will include exceptions to the decision of the Administrative Law Judge and supporting reasons for those exceptions. If the Director of Practice files the appeal, he or she shall transmit a copy of it to the respondent. Within 30 days after receipt of an appeal or copy thereof, the other party may file a reply brief in duplicate with the Director of Practice. If the Director of Practice files the reply brief, he or she shall transmit a copy of it to the respondent. Upon the filing of an appeal and a reply brief, if any, the Director of Practice shall transmit the entire record to the Secretary.
On appeal from or review of the intial decision of the Administrative Law Judge, the Secretary shall make the agency decision. In making this decision, the Secretary shall review the record or those portions of the records as may be cited by the parties in order to limit the issues. The Director of Prasctice shall transmit a copy of the Secretary's decision to the respondent.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The Director of Practice may entertain a petition for reinstatement from any person disbarred from practice before the Bureau after the expiration of 5 years following disbarment. The director of Practice may not grant reinstatement unless he or she is satisfied that the petitioner is not likely to conduct himself or herself contrary to the regulations in this part, and that granting reinstatement would not be contrary to the public interest.
Sec. 232, as amended, 76 Stat. 877, 80 Stat. 369 (19 U.S.C. 1862); 5 U.S.C. 301; Reorg. Plan No. 1 of 1973; and E.O. 11725, June 27, 1973 (38 FR 17175).
As used herein,
(a) Upon request of the head of any Government department or agency, upon application of an interested party, or upon his own motion, the Assistant Secretary shall set in motion an immediate investigation to determine the effects on the national security of imports of any article.
(b) The Secretary shall report the findings of his investigation under paragraph (a) of this section with respect to the effect of the importation of such article in such quantities or under such circumstances upon the national security and, based on such findings, his recommendation for action or inaction to the President within one year after receiving an application from an interested party or otherwise beginning an investigation under this section.
(a) In determining the effect on the national security of imports of the article which is the subject of the investigation, the Secretary is required to take into consideration the following:
(1) Domestic production needed for projected national defense requirements including restoration and rehabilitation.
(2) The capacity of domestic industries to meet such projected requirements, including existing and anticipated availabilities of:
(i) Human resources.
(ii) Products.
(iii) Raw materials.
(iv) Production equipment and facilities.
(v) Other supplies and services essential to the national defense.
(3) The requirement of growth of such industries and such supplies and services including the investment, exploration and development necessary to assure capacity to meet projected defense requirements.
(4) The effect which the quantities, availabilities, character and uses of imported goods have or will have on such industries and the capacity of the United States to meet national security requirements.
(5) The economic welfare of the Nation as it is related to our national security, including the impact of foreign competition on the economic welfare of
(b) The Secretary shall also consider other relevant factors in determining whether the national security is affected by imports of the article.
(a) Applications shall be in writing. Twenty-five copies shall be filed by mail with the Assistant Secretary (Enforcement, Operations, and Tariff Affairs), Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC 20220.
(b) Applications shall describe how the quantities or circumstances of imports of the particular article affect the national security and shall contain the following information:
(1) Identification of the person, partnership, association, corporation, or other entity on whose behalf the application is filed.
(2) A precise description of the article.
(3) Description of the applicant and the domestic industry concerned, including pertinent information regarding companies and their plants, locations, capacity and current output of the domestic industry concerned with the article in question.
(4) Pertinent statistics showing the quantities and values of both imports and production in the United States.
(5) Nature, sources, and degree of the competition created by imports of the article in question.
(6) The effect, if any, of imports of the article in question upon the restoration of domestic production capacity in an emergency.
(7) Employment and special skills involved in the domestic production of the article.
(8) Extent to which investment and specialized productive capacity is or will be adversely affected.
(9) Revenues of Federal, State, or local Governments which are or may be affected by the volume or circumstances of imports of the article.
(10) Defense or defense supporting uses of the article including data on defense contracts or sub-contracts, both past and current.
(c) Statistical material presented should be on a calendar-year basis for sufficient periods of time to indicate trends and afford the greatest possible assistance to the Assistant Secretary. Monthly or quarterly data for the latest complete years should be included as well as any other breakdowns which may be pertinent to show seasonal or short-term factors.
Information submitted in confidence which the Assistant Secretary determines would disclose trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged, within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 552 and 31 CFR part 1, will be accorded confidential treatment. All information submitted in confidence must be on separate pages marked “Business Confidential.”
(a) The investigation by the Assistant Secretary or by such official or agency as he may designate, shall be such as to enable the Secretary to arrive at a fully informed opinion as to the effect on the national security of imports of the article in question.
(b) If the Assistant Secretary determines that it is appropriate to hold public hearings or otherwise afford interested parties an opportunity to present information and advice relevant to an investigation, he shall issue a public notice which shall be published in the
(c) All applications filed and all comments, opinions, and data submitted pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, except information determined to be confidential as provided in § 9.6, will be available for inspection and copying at the Office of the Assistant Secretary (Enforcement, Operations, and Tariff Affairs), Department of the Treasury, in Washington, DC. The Assistant Secretary will maintain a roster of persons who have submitted materials.
(d) The Assistant Secretary or his designee may also request further data from other sources through the use of questionnaires, correspondence, or other means.
(e) The Assistant Secretary or his delegate shall, in the course of the investigation, seek information or advice from, and consult with, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, or their delegates, and any other appropriate officer of the United States as the Assistant Secretary shall determine.
(f) In addition, the Assistant Secretary, or his designee, may, when he deems it appropriate, hold public hearings to elicit further information. If a hearing is held:
(1) The time and place thereof will be published in the
(2) It will be conducted by the Assistant Secretary or his designee, and the full record will be considered by the Secretary in arriving at his determination.
(3) Interested parties may appear, either in person or by representation, and produce oral or written evidence relevant and material to the subject matter of the investigation.
(4) After a witness has testified the Assistant Secretary or his designee may question the witness. Questions submitted to the Assistant Secretary or his designee in writing by any interested party may, at the discretion of the Assistant Secretary or his designee, be posed to the witness for reply for the purpose of assisting the Assistant Secretary in obtaining the material facts with respect to the subject matter of the investigation.
(5) The hearing will be stenographically reported. The Assistant Secretary will not cause transcripts of the record of the hearing to be distributed to the interested parties, but a transcript may be inspected at the Office of the Assistant Secretary (Enforcement, Operations, and Tariff Affairs), Department of the Treasury, in Washington, DC, or purchased from the reporter.
In emergency situations or when in his judgment national security interests require it, the Secretary may vary or dispense with any of the procedures set forth above and may formulate his views without following such procedures.
A report will be made and published in the
Sec. 3, 23 Stat. 258, secs. 2-12, 60 Stat. 237
Nomenclature changes affecting this part appear at 57 FR 41095, Sept. 9, 1992.
This part contains rules governing the recognition of attorneys, certified public accountants, enrolled agents, and other persons representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service. Subpart A of this part sets forth rules relating to authority to practice before the Internal Revenue Service; subpart B of this part prescribes the duties and restrictions relating to such practice; subpart C of this part contains rules relating to disciplinary proceedings; subpart D of this part contains rules applicable to disqualification of appraisers; and Subpart E of this part contains general provisions, including provisions relating to the availability of official records.
(a)
(b)
(c)
As used in this part, except where the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g) A
(h)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) An individual who practices before the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to this subsection shall be subject to the provisions of this part in the same manner as attorneys, certified public accountants and enrolled agents.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(a)
(b)
(1) Application for enrollment on account of former employment in the Internal Revenue Service shall be made to the Director of Practice. Each applicant will be supplied a form by the Director of Practice, which shall indicate the information required respecting the applicant's qualifications. In addition to the applicant's name, address, citizenship, age, educational experience, etc., such information shall specifically include a detailed ascount of the applicant's employment in the Internal Revenue Service, which account shall show (i) positions held, (ii) date of each appointment and termination thereof, (iii) nature of services rendered in each position, with particular reference to the degree of technical experience involved, and (iv) name of supervisor in such positions, together with such other information regarding the experience and training of the applicant as may be relevant.
(2) Upon receipt of each such application, it shall be transmitted to the appropriate officer of the Internal Revenue Service with the request that a detailed report of the nature and rating of the applicant's services in the Internal Revenue Service, accompanied by the recommendation of the superior officer in the particular unit or division of the Internal Revenue Service that such employment does or does not qualify the applicant technically or otherwise for the desired authorization, be furnished to the Director of Practice.
(3) In examining the qualification of an applicant for enrollment on account of employment in the Internal Revenue Service, the Director of Practice will be governed by the following policies:
(i) Enrollment on account of such employment may be of unlimited scope or may be limited to permit the presentation of matters only of the particular class or only before the particular unit or division of the Internal Revenue Service for which his former employment in the Internal Revenue Service has qualified the applicant.
(ii) Application for enrollment on account of employment in the Internal Revenue Service must be made within 3 years from the date of separation from such employment.
(iii) It shall be requisite for enrollment on account of such employment that the applicant shall have had a minimum of 5 years continuous employment in the Service during which he shall have been regularly engaged in applying and interpreting the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder relating to income, estate, gift, employment, or excise taxes.
(iv) For the purposes of paragraph (b)(3)(iii) of this section an aggregate of 10 or more years of employment, at least 3 of which occurred within the 5 years preceding the date of application, shall be deemed the equivalent of 5 years continuous employment.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(1) Who have been granted active enrollment to practice before the Internal Revenue Service;
(2) Whose enrollment has been placed in an inactive status for failure to meet the requirements for renewal of enrollment;
(3) Whose enrollment has been placed in an inactive retirement status;
(4) Who have been disbarred or suspended from practice before the Internal Revenue Service;
(5) Whose offer of consent to resignation from enrollment to practice before the Internal Revenue Service has been accepted by the Director of Practice under § 10.55 of this part; and
(6) Whose application for enrollment has been denied.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) All individuals enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service before November 1, 1986 shall apply for renewal of enrollment during the period between November 1, 1986 and January 31, 1987. Those who receive initial enrollment between November 1, 1986 and January 31, 1987 shall apply for renewal of enrollment by March 1, 1987. The first effective date of renewal will be April 1, 1987.
(2) Thereafter, applications for renewal will be required between November 1, 1989 and January 31, 1990, and between November 1 and January 31 of every third year subsequent thereto. Those who receive initial enrollment during the renewal application period shall apply for renewal of enrollment by March 1 of the renewal year. The effective date of renewed enrollment will be April 1, 1990, and April 1 of every third year subsequent thereto.
(3) The Director of Practice will notify the individual of renewal of enrollment and will issue a card evidencing such renewal.
(4) A reasonable nonrefundable fee may be charged for each application for renewal of enrollment filed with the Director of Practice.
(5) Forms required for renewal may be obtained from the Director of Practice, Internal Revenue Service, Washington, DC 20224.
(e)
(1)
(ii) An individual who receives initial enrollment between January 1, 1986 and January 31, 1987 is exempt from the continuing education requirement for the renewal of enrollment effective April 1, 1987, but is required to file a
(2)
(ii) A minimum of 16 hours of continuing education credit must be completed in each year of an enrollment cycle.
(iii) An individual who receives initial enrollment during an enrollment cycle must complete two (2) hours of qualifying continuing education credit for each month enrolled during such enrollment cycle. Enrollment for any part of a month is considered enrollment for the entire month.
(f)
(i) Be a qualifying program designed to enhance the professional knowledge of an individual in Federal taxation or Federal tax related matters, i.e. programs comprised of current subject matter in Federal taxation or Federal tax related matters to include accounting, financial management, business computer science and taxation; and
(ii) Be conducted by a qualifying sponsor.
(2)
(A) Require attendance;
(B) Require that the program be conducted by a qualified instructor, discussion leader or speaker, i.e. a person whose background, training, education and/or experience is appropriate for instructing or leading a discussion on the subject matter of the particular program; and
(C) Require a written outline and/or textbook and certificate of attendance provided by the sponsor, all of which must be retained by the attendee for a three year period following renewal of enrollment.
(ii)
(A) Require registration of the participants by the sponsor;
(B) Provide a means for measuring completion by the participants (e.g., written examination); and
(C) Require a written outline and/or textbook and certificate of completion provided by the sponsor which must be retained by the participant for a three year period following renewal of enrollment.
(iii)
(A) One hour of continuing education credit will be awarded for each contact hour completed as an instructor, discussion leader or speaker at an educational program which meets the continuing education requirements of this part.
(B) Two hours of continuing education credit will be awarded for actual subject preparation time for each contact hour completed as an instructor, discussion leader or speaker at such programs. It will be the responsibility of the individual claiming such credit to maintain records to verify preparation time.
(C) The maximum credit for instruction and preparation may not exceed 50% of the continuing education requirement for an enrollment cycle.
(D) Presentation of the same subject matter in an instructor, discussion leader or speaker capacity more than one time during an enrollment cycle will not qualify for continuing education credit.
(iv)
(A) Continuing education credit will be awarded for publications on Federal taxation or Federal tax related matters to include accounting, financial management, business computer science, and taxation, provided the content of
(B) The credit allowed will be on the basis of one hour credit for each hour of preparation time for the material. It will be the responsibility of the person claiming the credit to maintain records to verify preparation time.
(C) The maximum credit for publications may not exceed 25% of the continuing education requirement of any enrollment cycle.
(3)
(i) Achieving a passing score on each part of the Special Enrollment Examination administered under this part during the three year period prior to renewal; and
(ii) Completing a minimum of 16 hours of qualifying continuing education during the last year of an enrollment cycle.
(g)
(2) To qualify as a sponsor, a program presenter must:
(i) Be an accredited educational institution;
(ii) Be recognized for continuing education purposes by the licensing body of any State, possession, territory, Commonwealth, or the District of Columbia responsible for the issuance of a license in the field of accounting or law;
(iii) Be recognized by the Director of Practice as a professional organization or society whose programs include offering continuing professional education opportunities in subject matter within the scope of this part; or
(iv) File a sponsor agreement with the Director of Practice to obtain approval of the program as a qualified continuing education program.
(3) A qualifying sponsor must ensure the program complies with the following requirements:
(i) Programs must be developed by individual(s) qualified in the subject matter;
(ii) Program subject matter must be current;
(iii) Instructors, discussion leaders, and speakers must be qualified with respect to program content;
(iv) Programs must include some means for evaluation of technical content and presentation;
(v) Certificates of completion must be provided those who have successfully completed the program; and
(vi) Records must be maintained by the sponsor to verify completion of the program and attendance by each participant. Such records must be retained for a period of three years following completion of the program. In the case of continuous conferences, conventions, and the like, records must be maintained to verify completion of the program and attendance by each participant at each segment of the program.
(4) Professional organizations or societies wishing to be considered as qualified sponsors shall request such status of the Director of Practice and furnish information in support of the request together with any further information deemed necessary by the Director of Practice.
(5) Sponsor agreements and qualified professional organization or society sponsors approved by the Director of Practice shall remain in effect for one enrollment cycle. The names of such sponsors will be published on a periodic basis.
(h)
(2) A contact hour is 50 minutes of continuous participation in a program. Credit is granted only for a full contact hour, i.e. 50 minutes or multiples thereof. For example, a program lasting more than 50 minutes but less than 100 minutes will count as one contact hour.
(3) Individual segments at continuous conferences, conventions and the like will be considered one total program. For example, two 90-minute segments (180 minutes) at a continuous conference will count as three contact hours.
(4) For university or college courses, each semester hour credit will equal 15
(i)
(i) The name of the sponsoring organization;
(ii) The location of the program;
(iii) The title of the program and description of its content e.g., course syllibi and/or textbook;
(iv) The dates attended;
(v) The credit hours claimed;
(vi) The name(s) of the instructor(s), discussion leader(s), or speaker(s), if appropriate; and
(vii) The certificate of completion and/or signed statement of the hours of attendance obtained from the sponsor.
(2) To receive continuing education credit for service completed as an instructor, discussion leader, or speaker, the following information must be maintained for a period of three years following the date of renewal of enrollment:
(i) The name of the sponsoring organization;
(ii) The location of the program;
(iii) The title of the program and description of its content;
(iv) The dates of the program; and
(v) The credit hours claimed.
(3) To receive continuing education credit for publications, the following information must be maintained for a period of three years following the date of renewal of enrollment:
(i) The publisher;
(ii) The title of the publication;
(iii) A copy of the publication; and
(iv) The date of publication.
(j)
(i) Health, which prevented compliance with the continuing education requirements;
(ii) Extended active military duty;
(iii) Absence from the United States for an extended period of time due to employment or other reasons, provided the individual does not practice before the Internal Revenue Service during such absence; and
(iv) Other compelling reasons, which will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
(2) A request for waiver must be accompanied by appropriate documentation. The individual will be required to furnish any additional documentation or explanation deemed necessary by the Director of Practice. Examples of appropriate documentation could be a medical certificate, military orders, etc.
(3) A request for waiver must be filed no later than the last day of the renewal application period.
(4) If a request for waiver is not approved, the individual will be so notified by the Director of Practice and placed on a roster of inactive enrolled individuals.
(5) If a request for waiver is approved, the individual will be so notified and issued a card evidencing such renewal.
(6) Those who are granted waivers are required to file timely applications for renewal of enrollment.
(k)
(2) The Director of Practice may require any individual, by first class mail to his/her last known mailing address, to provide copies of any records required to be maintained under this part. The Director of Practice may disallow any continuing professional education hours claimed if the individual concerned fails to comply with such requirement.
(3) An individual who has not filed a timely application for renewal of enrollment, who has not made a timely response to the notice of non-compliance with the renewal requirements, or who has not satisfied the requirements of eligibility for renewal will be placed on a roster of inactive enrolled individuals for a period of three years. During this time, the individual will be ineligible to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.
(4) During inactive enrollment status or at any other time an individual is ineligible to practice before the Internal Revenue Service, such individual shall not in any manner, directly or indirectly, indicate he or she is enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service, or use the term “enrolled agent,” the designation “E. A.,” or other form of reference to eligibility to practice before the Internal Revenue Service.
(5) An individual placed in an inactive status may satisfy the requirements for renewal of enrollment during his/her period of inactive enrollment. If such satisfaction includes completing the continuing education requirement, a minimum of 16 hours of qualifying continuing education hours must be completed in the 12 month period preceding the date on which the renewal application is filed. Continuing education credit under this subsection may not be used to satisfy the requirements of the enrollment cycle in which the individual has been placed back on the active roster.
(6) An individual placed in an inactive status must file an application for renewal of enrollment and satisfy the requirements for renewal as set forth in this section within three years of being placed in an inactive status. The name of such individual otherwise will be removed from the inactive enrollment roster and his/her enrollment will terminate. Eligibility for enrollment must then be reestablished by the individual as provided in this part.
(7) Inactive enrollment status is not available to an individual who is the subject of a discipline matter in the Office of Director of Practice.
(l)
(m)
(n)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(i) An individual may represent a member of his or her immediate family.
(ii) A regular full-time employee of an individual employer may represent the employer.
(iii) A general partner or a regular full-time employee of a partnership may represent the partnership.
(iv) A bona fide officer or a regular full-time employee of a corporation (including a parent, subsidiary, or other affiliated corporation), association, or organized group may represent the corporation, association, or organized group.
(v) A trustee, receiver, guardian, personal representative, administrator, executor, or regular full-time employee of a trust, receivership, guardianship, or estate may represent the trust, receivership, guardianship, or estate.
(vi) An officer or a regular employee of a governmental unit, agency, or authority may represent the governmental unit, agency, or authority in the course of his or her official duties.
(vii) An individual may represent any individual or entity before personnel of the Internal Revenue Service who are outside of the United States.
(viii) An individual who prepares and signs a taxpayer's return as the preparer, or who prepares a return but is not required (by the instructions to the return or regulations) to sign the return, may represent the taxpayer before officers and employees of the Examination Division of the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the tax liability of the taxpayer for the taxable year or period covered by that return.
(2)
(ii) The Director, after notice and opportunity for a conference, may deny eligibility to engage in limited practice before the Internal Revenue Service under § 10.7(c)(1) to any individual who has engaged in conduct that would justify suspending or disbarring a practitioner from practice before the Service.
(iii) An individual who represents a taxpayer under the authority of § 10.7(c)(1)(viii) is subject to such rules of general applicability regarding standards of conduct, the extent of his or her authority, and other matters as the Director prescribes.
(d)
(e)
Nothing contained in the regulations in this part shall be deemed to affect or limit the right of a customhouse broker, licensed as such by the Commissioner of Customs in accordance with the regulations prescribed therefor, in any customs district in which he is so licensed, at the office of the District Director of Internal Revenue or before the National Office of the Internal Revenue Service, to act as a representative in respect to any matters relating specifically to the importation or exportation of merchandise under the customs or internal revenue laws, for any person for whom he has acted as a customhouse broker.
(a)
(b)
Each attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary who, having been retained by a client with respect to a matter administered by the Internal Revenue Service, knows that the client has not complied with the revenue laws of the United States or has made an error in or omission from any return, document, affidavit, or other paper which the client is required by the revenue laws of the United States to execute, shall advise the client promptly of the fact of such noncompliance, error, or omission.
Each attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary shall exercise due diligence:
(a) In preparing or assisting in the preparation of, approving, and filing returns, documents, affidavits, and other papers relating to Internal Revenue Service matters;
(b) In determining the correctness of oral or written representations made by him to the Department of the Treasury; and
(c) In determining the correctness of oral or written representations made by him to clients with reference to any matter administered by the Internal Revenue Service.
No attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary shall unreasonably delay the prompt disposition of any matter before the Internal Revenue Service.
No attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary shall, in practice before the Internal Revenue Service, knowingly and directly or indirectly:
(a) Employ or accept assistance from any person who is under disbarment or suspension from practice before the Internal Revenue Service.
(b) Accept employment as associate, correspondent, or subagent from, or share fees with, any such person.
(c) Accept assistance from any former government employee where the provisions of § 10.26 of these regulations or any Federal law would be violated.
No partner of an officer or employee of the executive branch of the U.S.
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(b)
(2) No former Government employee who participated in a transaction shall, subsequent to his Government employment, represent or knowingly assist, in that transaction, any person who is or was a specific party to that transaction.
(3) No former Government employee who within a period of one year prior to the termination of his Government employment had official responsibility for a transaction shall, within one year after his Government employment is ended, represent or knowingly assist in that transaction any person who is or was a specific party to that transaction.
(4) No former Government employee shall, within one year after his Government employment is ended, appear before any employee of the Treasury Department in connection with the publication, withdrawal, amendment, modification, or interpretation of a rule in the development of which the former Government employee participated or for which, within a period of one year
(c)
(i) No member of the firm who had knowledge of the participation by the Government employee in the transaction initiated discussions with the Government employee concerning his becoming a member of the firm until his Government employment is ended or six months after the termination of his participation in the transaction, whichever is earlier;
(ii) The former Government employee did not initiate any discussions concerning becoming a member of the firm while participating in the transaction or, if such discussions were intitiated, they conformed with the requirements of 18 U.S.C. 208(b); and
(iii) The firm isolates the former Government employee in such a way that he does not assist in the representation.
(2) No member of a firm of which a former Government employee is a member may represent or knowingly assist a person who was or is a specific party in any transaction with respect to which the restrictions of paragraph (b)(3) of this section apply to the former employee, in that transaction unless the firm isolates the former Government employee in such a way that he does not assist in the representation.
(3) When isolation of the former Government employee is required under paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section, a statement affirming the fact of such isolation shall be executed under oath by the former Government employee and by a member of the firm acting on behalf of the firm, and shall be filed with the Director of Practice and in such other place and in the manner prescribed by regulation. This statement shall clearly identify the firm, the former Government employee, and the transaction or transactions requiring such isolation.
(d)
No attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary as notary public shall with respect to any matter administered by the Internal Revenue Service take acknowledgments, administer oaths, certify papers, or perform any official act in connection with matters in which he is employed as counsel, attorney, or agent, or in which he may be in any way interested before the Internal Revenue Service (26 Op. Atty. Gen. 236).
(a)
(b)
No attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary shall represent conflicting interests in his practice before the Internal Revenue Service, except by express consent of all directly interested parties after full disclosure has been made.
(a)
(2) No attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, enrolled actuary, or other individual eligible to practice before the Internal Revenue Service shall make, directly or indirectly, an uninvited solicitation of employment in matters related to the Internal Revenue Service. Solicitation includes, but is not limited to, in-person contacts and telephone communications. This restriction does not apply to (i) Seeking new business from an existing or former client in a related matter; (ii) communications with family members; (iii) making the availability of professional services known to other practitioners, so long as the person or firm contacted is not a potential client; (iv) solicitation by mailings; or (v) non-coercive in-person solicitation by those eligible to practice before the Internal Revenue Service while acting as an employee, member, or officer of an exempt organization listed in sections 501(c)(3) or (4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C.).
(b)
(i) Fixed fees for specific routine services.
(ii) Hourly rates.
(iii) Range of fees for particular services.
(iv) Fee charged for an initial consultation.
(2) Attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary and other individuals eligible to practice before the Internal Revenue Service may also publish the availability of a written schedule of fees.
(3) Attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary and other individuals eligible to practice before the Internal Revenue Service shall be bound to charge the hourly rate, the fixed fee for specific routine services, the range of fees for particular services, or the fee for an initial consultation published for a reasonable period of time, but no less than thirty days from the last publication of such hourly rate or fees.
(c)
(d)
No attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary who is an income tax return preparer shall endorse or otherwise negotiate any check made in respect of income taxes which is issued to a taxpayer other than the attorney, certified public accountant or enrolled agent.
Nothing in the regulations in this part shall be construed as authorizing persons not members of the bar to practice law.
(a)
(1)
(ii) A practitioner may not accept as true asserted facts pertaining to the tax shelter which he/she should not, based on his/her background and knowledge, reasonably believe to be true. However, a practitioner need not conduct an audit or independent verification of the asserted facts, or assume that a client's statement of the facts cannot be relied upon, unless he/she has reason to believe that any relevant facts asserted to him/her are untrue.
(iii) If the fair market value of property or the expected financial performance of an investment is relevant to the tax shelter, a practitioner may not accept an appraisal or financial projection as support for the matters claimed therein unless:
(A) The appraisal or financial projection makes sense on its face;
(B) The practitioner reasonably believes that the person making the appraisal or financial projection is competent to do so and is not of dubious reputation; and
(C) The appraisal is based on the definition of fair market value prescribed under the relevant Federal tax provisions.
(iv) If the fair market value of purchased property is to be established by reference to its stated purchase price, the practitioner must examine the terms and conditions upon which the property was (or is to be) purchased to determine whether the stated purchase price reasonably may be considered to be its fair market value.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(ii) A favorable overall evaluation may not be rendered unless it is based on a conclusion that substantially more than half of the material tax benefits, in terms of their financial impact on a typical investor, more likely than not will be realized if challenged by the Internal Revenue Service.
(iii) If it is not possible to give an overall evaluation, or if the overall evaluation is that the material tax benefits in the aggregate will not be realized, the fact that the practitioner's opinion does not constitute a favorable overall evaluation, or that it is an unfavorable overall evaluation, must be clearly and prominently disclosed in the offering materials.
(iv) The following examples illustrate the principles of this paragraph:
A limited partnership acquires real property in a sale-leaseback transaction. The principal tax benefits offered to investing partners consist of depreciation and interest deductions. Lesser tax benefits are offered to investors by reason of several deductions under Internal Revenue Code section 162 (ordinary and necessary business expenses). If a practitioner concludes that it is more likely than not that the partnership will not be treated as the owner of the property for tax purposes (which is required to allow the interest and depreciation deductions), then he/she may not opine to the effect that it is more likely than not that the material tax benefits in the aggregate will be realized, regardless of whether favorable opinions may be given with respect to the deductions claimed under Code section 162.
A corporation electing under subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code is formed to engage in research and development activities. The offering materials forecast that deductions for research and experimental expenditures equal to 75% of the total investment in the corporation will be available during the first two years of the corporation's operations, other expenses will account for another 15% of the total investment, and that little or no gross income will be received by the corporation during this period. The practitioner concludes that it is more likely than not that deductions for research and experimental expenditures will be allowable. The practitioner may render an opinion to the effect that based on this conclusion, it is more likely than not that the material tax benefits in the aggregate will be realized, regardless of whether he/she can opine that it is more likely than not that any of the other tax benefits will be achieved.
An investment program is established to acquire offsetting positions in commodities contracts. The objective of the program is to close the loss positions in year one and to close the profit positions in year two. The principal tax benefit offered by the program is a loss in the first year, coupled with the deferral of offsetting gain until the following year. The practitioner concludes that the losses will not be deductible in year one. Accordingly, he/she may not render an opinion to the effect that it is more likely than not that the material tax benefits in the aggregate will be realized, regardless of the fact that he/she is of the opinion that losses not allowable in year one will be allowable in year two, because the principal tax benefit offered is a one-year deferral of income.
A limited partnership is formed to acquire, own and operate residential rental real estate. The offering material forecasts gross income of $2,000,000 and total deductions of $10,000,000, resulting in net losses of $8,000,000 over the first six taxable years. Of the total deductions, depreciation and interest are projected to be $7,000,000, and other deductions $3,000,000. The practitioner concludes that it is more likely than not that all of the depreciation and interest deductions will be allowable, and that it is more likely than not that the other deductions will not be allowed. The practitioner may render an opinion to the efect that it is more likely than not that the material tax benefits in the aggregate will be realized.
(6)
(b)
(i) At least one other competent practitioner provides an opinion on the likely outcome with respect to all of the other material tax issues which involve a reasonable possibility of challenge by the Internal Revenue Service, and an overall evalution whether the material tax benefits in the aggregate more likely than not will be realized, which is disseminated in the same manner as the practitioner's opinion; and
(ii) The practitioner, upon reviewing such other opinions and any offering materials, has no reason to believe that the standards of paragraph (a) of this section have not been complied with.
(2)
(c)
(1)
(2) A
(i) Deductions in excess of income from the investment being available in any year to reduce income from other sources in that year, or
(ii) Credits in excess of the tax attributable to the income from the investment being available in any year to offset taxes on income from other sources in that year. Excluded from the term are municipal bonds; annuities; family trusts (but not including schemes or arrangements that are marketed to the public other than in a direct practitioner-client relationship); qualified retirement plans; individual retirement accounts; stock option plans; securities issued in a corporate reorganization; mineral development ventures, if the only tax benefit would be percentage depletion; and real estate where it is anticipated that in no year is it likely that deductions will exceed gross income from the investment in that year, or that tax credits will exceed the tax attributable to gross income from the investment in that year. Whether an investment is intended to have tax shelter features depends on the objective facts and circumstances of each case. Significant weight will be given to the features described in the offering materials to determine whether the investment is a tax shelter.
(3) A
(4) A
(i) Any Federal income or excise tax issue relating to a tax shelter that would make a significant contribution toward sheltering from Federal taxes income from other sources by providing deductions in excess of the income from the tax shelter investment in any year, or tax credits available to offset tax liabilities in excess of the tax attributable to the tax shelter investment in any year;
(ii) Any other Federal income or excise tax issue relating to a tax shelter that could have a significant impact (either benefical or adverse) on a tax shelter investor under any reasonably foreseeable circumstances (e.g., depreciation or investment tax credit recapture, availability of long-term capital gain treatment, or realization of taxable income in excess of cash flow, upon sale or other disposition of the tax shelter investment); and
(iii) The potential applicability of penalties, additions to tax, or interest charges that reasonably could be asserted against a tax shelter investor by the Internal Revenue Service with respect to the tax shelter. The determination of what is material is to be made in good faith by the practitioner, based on information available at the time the offering materials are circulated.
(d) For purposes of advising the Director of Practice whether an individual may have violated § 10.33, the Director of Practice is authorized to establish an Advisory Committee, composed of at least five individuals authorized to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. Under procedures established by the Director of Practice, such Advisory Committee shall, at the request of the Director of Practice, review and make recommendations with regard to alleged violations of § 10.33.
(a)
(i) The practitioner determines that the position satisfies the realistic possibility standard; or
(ii) The position is not frivolous and the practitioner advises the client of any opportunity to avoid the accuracy-related penalty in section 6662 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 by adequately disclosing the position and of the requirements for adequate disclosure.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i)
(ii)
(b)
Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 330(b), the Secretary of the Treasury after notice and an opportunity for a proceeding, may
Disreputable conduct for which an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary may be disbarred or suspended from practice before the Internal Revenue Service includes, but is not limited to:
(a) Conviction of any criminal offense under the revenue laws of the United States, or of any offense involving dishonesty, or breach of trust.
(b) Giving false or misleading information, or participating in any way in the giving of false or misleading information to the Department of the Treasury or any officer or employee thereof, or to any tribunal authorized to pass upon Federal tax matters, in connection with any matter pending or likely to be pending before them, knowing such information to be false or misleading. Facts or other matters contained in testimony, Federal tax returns, financial statements, applications for enrollment, affidavits, declarations, or any other document or statement, written or oral, are included in the term “information.”
(c) Solicitation of employment as prohibited under § 10.30, the use of false or misleading representations with intent to deceive a client or prospective client in order to procure employment, or intimating that the practitioner is able improperly to obtain special consideration or action from the Internal Revenue Service or officer or employee thereof.
(d) Willfully failing to make Federal tax return in violation of the revenue laws of the United States, or evading, attempting to evade, or participating in any way in evading or attempting to evade any Federal tax or payment thereof, knowingly counseling or suggesting to a client or prospective client an illegal plan to evade Federal taxes or payment thereof, or concealing assets of himself or another to evade Federal taxes or payment thereof.
(e) Misappropriation of, or failure properly and promptly to remit funds received from a client for the purpose of payment of taxes or other obligations due the United States.
(f) Directly or indirectly attempting to influence, or offering or agreeing to attempt to influence, the official action of any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service by the use of threats, false accusations, duress or coercion, by the offer of any special inducement or promise of advantage or by the bestowing of any gift, favor or thing of value.
(g) Disbarment or suspension from practice as an attorney, certified public accountant, public accountant, or actuary by any duly constituted authority of any State, possession, territory, Commonwealth, the District of Columbia, any Federal court of record or any Federal agency, body or board.
(h) Knowingly aiding and abetting another person to practice before the Internal Revenue Service during a period of suspension, disbarment, or ineligibility of such other person. Maintaining a partnership for the practice of law, accountancy, or other related professional service with a person who is under disbarment from practice before the Service shall be presumed to be a violation of this provision.
(i) Contemptuous conduct in connection with practice before the Internal Revenue Service, including the use of abusive language, making false accusations and statements knowing them to be false, or circulating or publishing malicious or libelous matter.
(j) Giving a false opinion, knowingly, recklessly, or through gross incompetence, including an opinion which is intentionally or recklessly misleading, or a pattern of providing incompetent opinions on questions arising under the Federal tax laws. False opinions described in this paragraph include those which reflect or result from a knowing misstatement of fact or law; from an assertion of a position known to be unwarranted under existing law; from counseling or assisting in conduct known to be illegal or fraudulent; from concealment of matters required by
A practitioner may be disbarred or suspended from practice before the Internal Revenue Service for any of the following:
(a) Willfully violating any of the regulations contained in this part.
(b) Recklessly or through gross incompetence (within the meaning of § 10.51(j)) violating § 10.33 or § 10.34 of this part.
If an officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service has reason to believe that an attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary has violated any provision of this part, or if any such officer or employee receives information to that effect, he shall promptly make a written report thereof, which report or a copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Director of Practice. If any other person has information of such violations, he may make a report thereof to the Director of Practice or to any officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service.
Whenever the Director of Practice has reason to believe that any attorney, certified public accountant, enrolled agent, or enrolled actuary has violated any provision of the laws or regulations governing practice before the Internal Revenue Service, he may reprimand such person or institute a proceeding for disbarment or suspension of such person. The proceeding shall be instituted by a complaint which names the respondent and is signed by the Director of Practice and filed in his office. Except in cases of willfulness, or where time, the nature of the proceeding, or the public interest does not permit, a proceeding will not be instituted under this section until facts or conduct which may warrant such action have been called to the attention of the proposed respondent in writing and he has been accorded opportunity to demonstrate or achieve compliance with all lawful requirements.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
If it appears that the respondent in his answer, falsely and in bad faith, denies a material allegation of fact in the complaint or states that the respondent has no knowledge sufficient to form a belief, when he in fact possesses such information, or if it appears that the respondent has knowingly introduced false testimony during proceedings for his disbarment or suspension, the Director of Practice may thereupon file supplemental charges against the respondent. Such supplemental charges may be tried with other charges in the case, provided the respondent is given due notice thereof and is afforded an opportunity to prepare a defense thereto.
No reply to the respondent's answer shall be required, and new matter in the answer shall be deemed to be denied, but the Director of Practice may file a reply in his discretion or at the request of the Administrative Law Judge.
In the case of a variance between the allegations in a pleading and the evidence adduced in support of the pleading, the Examiner may order or authorize amendment of the pleading to conform to the evidence:
Motions and requests may be filed with the Director of Practice or with the Administrative Law Judge.
A respondent or proposed respondent may appear in person or he may be represented by counsel or other representative who need not be enrolled to practice before the Internal Revenue Service. The Director may be represented by an attorney or other employee of the Internal Revenue Service.
(a)
(b)
(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(2) Make rulings upon motions and requests, which rulings may not be appealed from prior to the close of a hearing except, at the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge, in extraordinary circumstances;
(3) Determine the time and place of hearing and regulate its course and conduct;
(4) Adopt rules of procedure and modify the same from time to time as occasion requires for the orderly disposition of proceedings;
(5) Rule upon offers of proof, receive relevant evidence, and examine witnesses;
(6) Take or authorize the taking of depositions;
(7) Receive and consider oral or written argument on facts or law;
(8) Hold or provide for the holding of conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues by consent of the parties;
(9) Perform such acts and take such measures as are necessary or appropriate to the efficient conduct of any proceeding; and
(10) Make initial decisions.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Depositions for use at a hearing may, with the written approval of the Administrative Law Judge be taken by either the Director of Practice or the respondent or their duly authorized representatives. Depositions may be taken upon oral or written interrogatories, upon not less than 10 days’ written notice to the other party before any officer duly authorized to administer an oath for general purposes or before an officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service who is authorized to administer an oath in internal revenue matters. Such notice shall state the names of the witnesses and the time and place where the depositions are to be taken. The requirement of 10 days’ notice may be waived by the parties in writing, and depositions may then be
In cases where the hearing is stenographically reported by a Government contract reported, copies of the transcript may be obtained from the reporter at rates not to exceed the maximum rates fixed by contract between the Government and the reporter. Where the hearing is stenographically reported by a regular employee of the Internal Revenue Service, a copy thereof will be supplied to the respondent either without charge or upon the payment of a reasonable fee. Copies of exhibits introduced at the hearing or at the taking or depositions will be supplied to the parties upon the payment of a reasonable fee (Sec. 501, Pub. L. 82-137, 65 Stat. 290 (31 U.S.C. 483a)).
Except in cases where the respondent has failed to answer the complaint or where a party has failed to appear at the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge prior to making his decision, shall afford the parties a reasonable opportunity to submit proposed findings and conclusions and supporting reasons therefor.
As soon as practicable after the conclusion of a hearing and the receipt of any proposed findings and conclusions timely submitted by the parties, the Administrative Law Judge shall make the initial decision in the case. The decision shall include (a) a statement of findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis therefor, upon all the material issues of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record, and (b) an order of disbarment, suspension, or reprimand or an order of dismissal of the complaint. The Administrative Law Judge shall file the decision with the Director of Practice and shall transmit a copy thereof to the respondent or his attorney of record. In the absence of an appeal to the Secretary of the Treasury, or review of the decision upon motion of the Secretary, the decision of the Administrative Law Judge shall without further proceedings become the decisions of the Secretary of the Treasury 30 days from the date of the Administrative Law Judge's decision.
Within 30 days from the date of the Administrative Law Judge's decision, either party may appeal to the Secretary of the Treasury. The appeal shall be filed with the Director of Practice in duplicate and shall include exceptions to the decision of the Administrative Law Judge and supporting reasons for such exceptions. If an appeal is filed by the Director of Practice, he shall transmit a copy thereof to the respondent. Within 30 days after receipt of an appeal or copy thereof, the other party may file a reply brief in duplicate with the Director of Practice. If the reply brief is filed by the Director, he shall transmit a copy of it to the respondent. Upon the filing of an appeal and a reply brief, if any, the Director of Practice shall transmit the
On appeal from or review of the initial decision of the Administrative Law Judge, the Secretary of the Treasury will make the agency decision. In making his decision the Secretary of the Treasury will review the record or such portions thereof as may be cited by the parties to permit limiting of the issues. A copy of the Secretary's decision shall be transmitted to the respondent by the Director of Practice.
In case the final order against the respondent is for disbarment, the respondent shall not thereafter be permitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service unless and until authorized to do so by the Director of Practice pursuant to § 10.75. In case the final order against the respondent is for suspension, the respondent shall not thereafter be permitted to practice before the Internal Revenue Service during the period of suspension. If an enrolled agent is disbarred or suspended, he shall surrender his enrollment card to the Director of Practice for cancellation, in the case of disbarment, or for retention during the period of suspension.
Upon the issuance of a final order disbarring or suspending an attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled agent, the Director of Practice shall give notice thereof to appropriate officers and employees of the Internal Revenue Service and to interested departments and agencies of the Federal Government. Notice in such manner as the Director of Practice may determine may be given to the proper authorities of the State by which the disbarred or suspended person was licensed to practice as an attorney or accountant.
The Director of Practice may entertain a petition for reinstatement from any person disbarred from practice before the Internal Revenue Service after the expiration of 5 years following such disbarment. Reinstatement may not be granted unless the Director of Practice is satisfied that the petitioner, thereafter, is not likely to conduct himself contrary to the regulations in this part, and that granting such reinstatement would not be contrary to the public interest.
(a)
(b)
(1) Has had his or her license to practice as an attorney, certified public accountant, or actuary suspended or revoked for cause (not including a failure to pay a professional licensing fee) by any authority or court, agency, body, or board described in § 10.51(g); or
(2) Has been convicted of any crime under title 26 of the United States Code, or a felony under title 18 of the United States Code involving dishonesty or breach of trust.
(c)
(1) Of the place and due date for filing an answer;
(2) That a decision by default may be rendered if the respondent fails to file an answer as required;
(3) That the respondent may request a conference with the Director to address the merits of the complaint and that any such request must be made in the answer; and
(4) That the respondent may be suspended either immediately following the expiration of the period by which an answer must be filed or, if a conference is requested, immediately following the conference.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) The Director lifts the suspension after determining that the practitioner is no longer described in paragraph (b) of this section or for any other reason; or
(2) The suspension is lifted by an Administrative Law Judge or the Secretary of the Treasury in a proceeding referred to in paragraph (g) of this section and instituted under § 10.54.
(g)
(a)
(b)
(1) Appraisals by such appraiser shall not have any probative effect in any administrative proceeding before the Department of the Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service; and
(2) Such appraiser shall be barred from presenting evidence or testimony in any such administrative proceeding. Paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall apply to appraisals made by such appraiser after the effective date of disqualification, but shall not apply to appraisals made by the appraiser on or
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
If it appears that the respondent in his/her answer, falsely and in bad faith, denies a material allegation of fact in the complaint or states that the respondent has no knowledge sufficient to form a belief, when he/she in fact possesses such information, or if it appears that the respondent has knowingly introduced false testimony during proceedings for his/her disqualification, the Director of Practice may thereupon file supplemental charges against the respondent. Such supplemental charges may be tried with other charges in the case, provided the respondent is given due notice thereof and is afforded an opportunity to prepare a defense thereto.
No reply to the respondent's answer shall be required, and any new matter in the answer shall be deemed to be denied, but the Director of Practice may file a reply in his/her discretion or at the request of the Administrative Law Judge.
In the case of a variance between the allegations in a pleading and the evidence adduced in support of the pleading, the Administrative Law Judge may order or authorize amendment of the pleading to conform to the evidence; provided, that the party who would otherwise be prejudiced by the amendment is given reasonable opportunity to meet the allegations of the pleading as amended, and the Administrative Law Judge shall make findings on any issue presented by the pleadings as so amended.
Motions and requests may be filed with the Director of Practice or with the Administrative Law Judge.
A respondent may appear in person or may be represented by counsel or other representative. The Director of Practice may be represented by an attorney or other employee of the Department of the Treasury.
(a)
(b)
(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(2) Make rulings upon motions and requests, which rulings may not be appealed from prior to the close of a hearing except at the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge, in extraordinary circumstances;
(3) Determine the time and place of hearing and regulate its course and conduct;
(4) Adopt rules of procedure and modify the same from time to time as occasion requires for the orderly disposition of proceedings;
(5) Rule upon offers of proof, receive relevant evidence, and examine witnesses;
(6) Take or authorize the taking of depositions;
(7) Receive and consider oral or written argument on facts or law;
(8) Hold or provide for the holding of conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues by consent of the parties;
(9) Perform such acts and take such measures as are necessary or appropriate to the efficient conduct of any proceeding; and
(10) Make initial decisions.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Depositions for use at a hearing may, with the written approval of the Administrative Law Judge, be taken either by the Director of Practice or the respondent or their duly authorized representatives. Depositions may be taken upon oral or written interrogatories, upon not less than 10 days’ written notice to the other party before any officer duly authorized to administer an oath for general purposes or before an officer or employee of the Internal Revenue Service who is authorized to administer an oath in internal revenue matters. Such notice shall state the names of the witnesses and the time and place where the depositions are to be taken. The requirement of 10 days’ notice may be waived by the parties in writing, and depositions may then be taken from the persons and at the times and places mutually agreed to by the parties. When a deposition is taken upon written interrogatories, any cross-examination shall be upon written interrogatories. Copies of such
In cases where the hearing is stenographically reported by a Government contract reporter, copies of the transcript may be obtained from the reporter at rates not to exceed the maximum rates fixed by contract between the Government and the reporter. Where a hearing is stenographically reported by a regular employee of the Internal Revenue Service, a copy thereof will be supplied to the respondent either without charge or upon the payment of a reasonable fee. Copies of exhibits introduced at the hearing or at the taking of depositions will be supplied to the parties upon the payment of a reasonable fee (Sec. 501, Pub. L. 82-137, 65 Stat. 290 (31 U.S.C. 483a)).
Except in cases where the respondent has failed to answer the complaint or where a party has failed to appear at the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge, prior to making a decision, shall afford the parties a reasonable opportunity to submit proposed findings and conclusions and supporting reasons therefor.
As soon as practicable after the conclusion of a hearing and the receipt of any proposed findings and conclusions timely submitted by the parties, the Administrative Law Judge shall make the initial decision in the case. The decision shall include (a) a statement of findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis therefor, upon all the material issues of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record, and (b) an order of disqualification or an order of dismissal of the complaint. The Administrative Law Judge shall file the decision with the Director of Practice and shall transmit a copy thereof to the respondent or his attorney of record. In the absence of an appeal to the Secretary of the Treasury, or review of the decision upon motion of the Secretary, the decision of the Administrative Law Judge shall without further proceedings become the decision of the Secretary of the Treasury 30 days from the date of the Administrative Law Judge's decision.
Within 30 days from the date of the Administrative Law Judge's decision, either party may appeal such decision to the Secretary of the Treasury. If an appeal is by the respondent, the appeal shall be filed with the Director of Practice in duplicate and shall include exceptions to the decision of the Administrative Law Judge and supporting reasons for such exceptions. If an appeal is filed by the Director of Practice, a copy thereof shall be transmitted to the respondent. Within 30 days after receipt of an appeal or copy thereof, the other party may file a reply brief in duplicate with the Director of Practice. If the reply brief is filed by the Director, a copy shall be transmitted to the respondent. Upon the filing of an appeal and a reply brief, if any, the Director of Practice shall transmit the entire record to the Secretary of the Treasury.
On appeal from or review of the initial decision of the Administrative Law Judge, the Secretary of the Treasury shall make the agency decision. In making such decision, the Secretary of the Treasury will review the record or such portions thereof as may be cited by the parties. A copy of the Secretary's decision shall be transmitted to the respondent by the Director of Practice.
Upon the issuance of a final order disqualifying an appraiser, the Director
The Director of Practice may entertain a petition for reinstatement from any disqualified appraiser after the expiration of 5 years following such disqualification. Reinstatement may not be granted unless the Director of Practice is satisfied that the petitioner, thereafter, is not likely to conduct himself/herself contrary to 26 U.S.C. 6701(a), and that granting such reinstatement would not be contrary to the public interest.
(a)
(b)
Any proceeding for the disbarment or suspension of an attorney, certified public accountant, or enrolled agent, instituted but not closed prior to the effective date of these revised regulations, shall not be affected by such regulations. Any proceeding under this part based on conduct engaged in prior to the effective date of these regulations may be instituted subsequent to such effective date.
The Secretary of the Treasury reserves the power to issue such special orders as he may deem proper in any cases within the purview of this part.
49 Stat. 1559, as amended by Act of Aug. 3, 1954, Pub. L. 83-565, 68 Stat. 663, as further amended by Pub. L. 93-516, 88 Stat. 1622, (20 U.S.C. 107).
This part contains policy and procedures to ensure the priority of blind vendors in operating vending facilities on property controlled by the Department of the Treasury. The provisions of this part apply to all bureaus, the Departmental Offices and the Office of Inspector General.
Blind vendors licensed by State licensing agencies designated by the Secretary of Education under the provisions of the Randolph-Sheppard Act (20 U.S.C. 107
Terms used are defined in 34 CFR 395.1, except that as used in this part, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a)
(b) The term
(a) Treasury bureaus shall not acquire a building by ownership, rent, or lease, or occupy a building to be constructed, substantially altered, or renovated unless it is determined that such buildings contain or will contain a “satisfactory site,” as defined in 34 CFR 395.1(q), for the location and operation of a blind vending facility.
(b) In accordance with 34 CFR 395.31, Treasury bureaus shall provide the appropriate State licensing agency with written notice of the intention to acquire or otherwise occupy such building. Providing notification shall be the responsibility of the bureau on-site property management official.
Applications for permits for the operation of vending facilities other than cafeterias shall be made in writing and submitted for the review and approval of the head of the appropriate Treasury bureau or that official's designee.
Every permit shall describe the location of the vending facility, including any vending machines located on other than facility premises, and shall be subject to the following provisions:
(a) The permit shall be issued in the name of the applicant State licensing agency which shall perform the responsibilities set forth in 34 CFR 395.35 (a);
(b) The permit shall be issued for an indefinite period of time subject to suspension or termination on the basis of compliance or noncompliance with agreed upon terms.
(c) The permit shall provide that:
(1) No charge shall be made to the State licensing agency for normal cleaning, maintenance, and repair of the building structure in and adjacent to the vending facility areas;
(2) Cleaning necessary for sanitation; the maintenance of vending facilities and vending machines in an orderly condition at all times; the installation, maintenance, repair, replacement, servicing, and removal of vending facility equipment shall be without cost to the Department of the Treasury; and
(3) Articles sold at vending facilities operated by blind licensees may consist of newspapers, periodicals, publications, confections, tobacco products, foods, beverages, chances for any lottery authorized by State law and conducted by an agency of a State within such State, and other articles or services as are determined by the State licensing agency, in consultation with the appropriate Treasury bureau, to be suitable for a particular location. Such articles and services may be dispensed automatically or manually and may be prepared on or off the premises.
(d) The permit shall further provide that vending facilities shall be operated in compliance with applicable health, sanitation, and building codes or ordinances.
(e) The permit shall further provide that installation, modification, relocation, removal, and renovation of vending facilities shall be subject to the prior approval and supervision of the
(f) The operation of a cafeteria by a blind vendor shall be covered by a contractual agreement and not by a permit. The State licensing agency shall be expected to perform under the same contractual arrangement applicable to commercial cafeteria operators.
(a) The State licensing agency shall attempt to resolve day-to-day problems pertaining to the operation of the vending facility in an informal manner with the participation of the blind vendor and the on-site property management officials of the respective Treasury bureaus who are responsible for the Treasury-controlled property.
(b) Unresolved disagreements concerning the terms of the permit, the Act, or the regulations in this part and any other unresolved matters shall be reported in writing to the State licensing agency supervisory personnel by the bureau on-site supervisory property management official in an attempt to resolve the issue.
This section establishes a Department of the Treasury reporting requirement to comply with 34 CFR 395.38. At the end of each fiscal year, each property managing bureau shall submit a report to the Director, Office of Management Support Systems, Departmental Offices, containing the elements set forth in 34 CFR 395.38. The Director, Office of Management Support Systems, shall submit a consolidated report to the Secretary of Education after the end of the fiscal year.
Sec. 636, Pub. L. 104-52, 109 Stat. 507.
This part contains regulations implementing the “Prohibition of Cigarette Sales to Minors in Federal Buildings Act,” Public Law 104-52, Section 636, with respect to buildings under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Treasury.
As used in this part—
(1) The term
(2) The term
(3) The term
The sale of tobacco products in vending machines located in or around any Federal building under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Treasury is prohibited, except in areas designated pursuant to § 12.5 of this part.
The distribution of free samples of tobacco products in or around any Federal building under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of the Treasury is prohibited, except in areas designated pursuant to § 12.5 of this part.
The prohibitions set forth in this part shall not apply in areas designated by the Secretary as exempt from the prohibitions, but all designated areas must prohibit the presence of minors.
Secs. 202 and 208, Title 3, U.S. Code, as amended and added, respectively by Pub. L. 94-196 (89 Stat. 1109); 5 U.S.C. 301.
This part prescribes the procedures governing protective and financial assistance to State and local governments when an extraordinary protective need requires the protection of foreign diplomatic missions as authorized by sections 202 and 208 of Title 3, U.S. Code, as amended and added, respectively, by Pub. L. 94-196 (89 Stat. 1109).
As used in this part, these terms shall have the following meaning:
(a) The term
(b) The term
(c) The term
(d) The term
(e) The term
(f) The term
(g) The term
(h) The term
(i) The term
(a) Protection, as determined by the Assistant Secretary, will be provided by the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division, pursuant to section 202 of Title 3, U.S. Code, as amended by Pub. L. 94-196, only to foreign diplomatic missions located in metropolitan areas (other than the District of Columbia) where there are located twenty or more such missions, as determined by the Secretary of State, which are headed by full time officers. According to present State Department figures, the following metropolitan areas have 20 or more such foreign diplomatic missions: Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, New Orleans and San Francisco. The protection provided by State or local governments rather than the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division will be reimbursed pursuant to section 208(a) of Title 3, U.S. Code and §§ 13.6, 13.7 and 13.8 of this part.
(b) Protection or reimbursement will be provided for the metropolitan areas described in paragraph (a) of this section only if:
(1) The affected metropolitan area requests such protection or reimbursement;
(2) The Assistant Secretary determines that an extraordinary protective need exists; and
(3) The extraordinary need arises in association with a visit to or occurs at or, pursuant to § 13.6, in the vicinity of: (i) A permanent mission to an international organization of which the United States is a member, (ii) an observer mission invited to participate in the work of an international organization of which the United States is a member, or (iii) in the case of a visit by a foreign official or dignitary to participate in an activity of an international organization of which the United States is a member, a foreign diplomatic mission, including a consular office of the same country as the visitor.
(c) Protection (or reimbursement) may be extended at places of temporary domicile in connection with a visit under paragraph (b) of this section.
(d) Where an extraordinary protective need exists, protection (or reimbursement) may be extended to missions as described in §§ 13.3(b)(3) (i) and (ii) whether or not associated with a visit by a foreign dignitary.
(a) In cases where they believe that an extraordinary protective need exists, the State or local governments may request that protection be provided by the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division; or they may give advance notice of their intention to provide, on a reimbursable basis, all or part of the protection themselves.
(1) Requests for protection or advance notices of reimbursement requests shall be made to: Assistant Secretary (Enforcement and Operations), Department of the Treasury, Washington, DC 20220. Each government requesting the protection authorized pursuant to section 202 of Title 3, U.S. Code, as amended by Pub. L. 94-196, or which intends to seek reimbursement pursuant to section 208(a) of Title 3, U.S. Code and §§ 13.6 and 13.7 of this part, shall submit an application describing the extraordinary protective need. Applications made pursuant to this section shall be submitted to the Assistant Secretary 14 days before the extraordinary protective need arises. In association with a visit, the application shall include the name and title of the visiting foreign official or dignitary, the country he represents, and the name and location of the international organization or mission he will be visting. The application shall also include, if available, the temporary domicile of the visiting official or dignitary and his schedule, including dates and times of arrival and departure from the United States. If the extraordinary protective need occurs at a permanent mission to an international organization of which the
(b) State and local governments shall also indicate on the application whether they are requesting the use of the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division or whether they are giving advance notice of their intention to provide, on a reimbursable basis, all or part of the protection themselves. In order to assist the Assistant Secretary in determining whether to utilize the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division to meet all or part of the extraordinary protective need, or to utilize, with their consent, the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the State or local government, or both, the application must include an estimate of the approximate number of personnel by grade and rank, the services, equipment, and facilities required, along with an estimate of the cost of such personnel, services, equipment and facilities. This application must be submitted in a format consistent with that illustrated in Appendix I of this part.
(1) Upon receipt of a request for protection pursuant to paragraph (a)(1) of this section and for the purposes of reimbursement pursuant to §§ 13.6 and 13.7, the Assistant Secretary will determine whether an extraordinary protective need exists and whether the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division will be used for all, part or none of the protection. In making determinations, the Assistant Secretary may consult with appropriate Federal, State and local government agencies.
The Assistant Secretary may decide to utilize, on a reimbursable basis, the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of State and local governments of the affected metropolitan area desiring to provide protection, or he may utilize the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division, or both. If the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division is utilized to meet all the extraordinary protective need, the governments of the affected metropolitan area will not be reimbursed. If the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division is utilized to meet part of the extraordinary protective needs, the governments of the affected metropolitan area will be reimbursed for that qualifying portion of the protection which is provided by State and local police authorities. If the Assistant Secretary decides to utilize, with their consent, the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of such State and local governments to meet the extraordinary protective need, he will so notify the government as soon as possible after receipt of a request for protection or an advance notice of a reimbursement request made pursuant to § 13.4.
(a) State and local governments providing services, personnel, equipment, or facilities to the affected metropolitan area pursuant to § 13.5 may forward to the Assistant Secretary a bill for reimbursement for the personel, equipment, facilities, and services utilized in meeting the extraordinary protective need. The bill shall be in accordance with the format in Appendix II of this part. The Assistant Secretary will reimburse only those costs directly related to the extraordinary protective need including personnel and equipment costs resulting from assignments made to assist in providing security at an otherwise qualified location in connection with the arrival, departure, or during the visit of a foreign dignitary. Reimbursable costs will also include the costs for establishing both fixed posts at a qualified location and protective perimeters outside of a qualified location when it is clearly established to the satisfaction of the Assistant Secretary that such assignments were necessary to assure the safety of the qualified location. Overhead and administrative costs associated with an extraordinary protective need are
(a) Where events require the State or local governments of the affected metropolitan area to provide protection to meet an extraordinary protective need otherwise qualifying for reimbursement, such reimbursement may be made even if the provisions of §§ 13.4 and 13.5 have not been complied with fully. In such circumstances the provisions of § 13.6 shall apply.
(b) In cases where State or local governments, or both, utilized their own services, personnel, equipment, and facilities to provide protection for an extraordinary protective need, and no request for protective assistance pursuant to § 13.4 was made because the extraordinary protective need occurred prior to the promulgation of this part but after July 1, 1974, an application by such government to the Assistant Secretary for reimbursement otherwise conforming to the requirements of this part will be considered.
(a) State and local governments furnishing services, personnel, equipment, and facilities to provide protection for motorcades and at other places associated with a visit qualifying under section 202(7) of Title 3, U.S. Code may forward to the Assistant Secretary a bill for reimbursement for the personnel, equipment, facilities, and services utilized in providing such protection.
(b) Requests for payments under this section shall conform to the procedures established elsewhere in this part governing reimbursements arising out of an extraordinary protective need.
I hereby request assistance from the Department of the Treasury pursuant to Section 202 of Title 3, U.S. Code, as amended by Pub. L. 94-196. This assistance is needed to enable the affected metropolitan area of
The nature of the extraordinary protective need prompting this request is as follows:
(If in association with a visit, include the name and title of the visiting foreign official or dignitary, the country represented and the name and location of the international organization involved and/or mission to be visited. The temporary domicile of the visiting official or dignitary and his schedule, including dates and times of arrival and departure from the United States, if available, must also be included. If the extraordinary protective need occurs at or, pursuant to § 13.6 of 31 CFR part 13, in the vicinity of, a permanent mission to an international organization of which the United States is a member or at an observer mission invited to participate in the work of the organization, the application shall include the name and location of the mission. If the extraordinary protective need occurs at a foreign diplomatic mission, including a consular office, in conjunction with a qualifying visit by a foreign official or dignitary of the same country as that mission, the application shall include the name and location of the mission or office. If, pursuant to § 13.8, the visiting foreign official is to travel by motorcade and/or visit locations other than his foreign mission or temporary domicile, the application shall include a description of the anticipated motorcade routes and all stops on the routes as well as the name (or description) and location of any other places to be visited.
The ______ (Government entity) ______ (is or is not) ______ prepared to provide ______ (all or a portion of) the protection required to meet this need. Attached is an estimate of the appropriate number of personnel, by grade and rank, and the specific services, equipment and facilities which will be required to meet this extraordinary protective need, along with an estimate of the cost of such personnel, services, equipment, and facilities.
I hereby request that ______ (Governmental entity) be reimbursed by the Department of the Treasury pursuant to sections 202 and 208 of Title 3, U.S. Code, as amended and added, respectively, by Public Law 94-196 (89 Stat. 1109) (and/or pursuant to Public Law 96-74) for expenses incurred while providing an adequate level of protection during the extraordinary protective need arising in association with a visit of ______ (Official or dignitary's name and title) of ______ (Country) to participate in the work of ______ (International Organization) or occurring at the _______ (Permanent or observer mission) to ______ (International organization) during the period ______ (Date) through ______ (Date).
I certify that the level of protection provided was both reasonable and necessary; that the costs herein billed are only those direct costs associated with meeting the extraordinary protective need; and that the costs herein billed are not costs of an indirect nature such as administrative costs, overhead, and depreciation, except as provided in § 13.6(a) of 31 CFR 13.
Access to all records, accounts, receipts, etc., pertaining to the costs herein billed will be accorded to representatives of the Assistant Secretary (Enforcement and Operations) and the General Accounting Office at such reasonable times and places as may be mutually agreed upon by said representatives and ______ (Governmental entity).
Sec. 1108, Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978, 92 Stat. 3697
For purposes of this regulation, the term:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
The purpose of these regulations is to authorize Departmental units to request financial records from a financial institution pursuant to the formal written request procedure authorized by section 1108 of the Act, and to set forth the conditions under which such requests may be made.
Departmental units are hereby authorized to request financial records of any customer from a financial institution pursuant to a formal written request under the Act only if:
(a) No administrative summons or subpoena authority reasonably appears to be available to the Departmental unit to obtain financial records for the purpose for which the records are sought;
(b) There is reason to believe that the records sought are relevant to a legitimate law enforcement inquiry and will further that inquiry;
(c) The request is issued by a supervisory official of a rank designated by the head of the requesting Departmental unit. Officials so designated shall not delegate this authority to others;
(d) The request adheres to the requirements set forth in § 14.4; and
(e) The notice requirements set forth in section 1108(4) of the Act, or the requirements pertaining to delay of notice in section 1109 of the Act are satisfied, except in situations where no notice is required. (e.g., section 1113(g))
The formal written request shall be in the form of a letter or memorandum to an appropriate official of the financial institution from which financial records are requested. The request shall be signed by an issuing official of the requesting Department unit. It shall set forth that official's name, title, business address and business phone number. The request shall also contain the following:
(a) The identity of the customer or customers to whom the records pertain;
(b) A reasonable description of the records sought;
(c) Any other information that the issuing official deems appropriate, e.g., the date on which the requesting Departmental unit expects to present a certificate of compliance with the applicable provisions of the Act, the name and title of the individual to whom disclosure is to be made, etc.
Prior to obtaining the requested records pursuant to a formal written request, an official of a rank designated by the head of the requesting Departmental unit shall certify in writing to the financial institution
92 Stat. 1864 (18 U.S.C. 207), as amended.
This part contains rules governing discipline of a former officer or employee of the Department of the Treasury because of a post employment conflict of interest. Such discipline may include prohibition from practice before the Department or a separate statutory agency thereof as those terms are defined in this part.
For the purpose of this part—(a) The term
(b) The term
(c) The term
(d) The term
(e) The term
There is, in the Office of the Secretary of the Treasury, the Office of Director of Practice. The Director shall institute and provide for the conduct of disciplinary proceedings involving former employees of the Department as authorized by 18 U.S.C. 207(j), and perform such other duties as are necessary or appropriate to carry out his/her functions under this part.
For activity alleged to violate 18 U.S.C. 207 (a), (b) or (c), the Director may also bring a disciplinary proceeding pursuant to the regulations governing practice before the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms or the Internal Revenue Service as found in 31 CFR part 8 and 31 CFR part 10, respectively. Such proceeding may be consolidated with any proceeding brought pursuant to this part.
There are made available to public inspection at the Office of Director of Practice the roster of all persons prohibited from practice before the Department. Other records may be disclosed upon specific request, in accordance with appropriate disclosure regulations of the Department.
A determination that a former officer or employee of the Department violated 18 U.S.C. 207 (a), (b) or (c) will be made in conformance with the standards established in the interpretative regulations promulgated by the Office of Government Ethics and published at 5 CFR part 737.
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 207(j), if the General Counsel finds, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a former officer or employee of the Department violated 18 U.S.C. 207 (a), (b) or (c), the General Counsel in his/her discretion may prohibit that person from engaging in practice before the Department or a separate statutory agency thereof for a period not to exceed five years, or may take other appropriate disciplinary action.
The General Counsel may issue special orders as he/she may consider proper in any case within the purview of this part.
If an officer or employee of the Department has reason to believe that a former officer or employee of the Department has violated 18 U.S.C. 207 (a), (b) or (c), or if any such officer or employee receives information to that effect, he/she shall promptly make a written report thereof, which report or a copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Inspector General, Department of the Treasury. If any other person has information of such violations, he/she may make a report thereof to the Inspector General or to any officer or employee of the Department. The Inspector General shall refer any information he/she deems warranted to the Director.
(a)
(b)
(a) Whenever the Director has reason to believe that any former officer or employee of the Department has violated 18 U.S.C. 207 (a), (b) or (c), he/she may reprimand such person or institute an administrative disciplinary proceeding for that person's suspension
(b) The Director shall coordinate proceedings under this part with the Department of Justice in cases where it initiates criminal prosecution.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
No reply to the respondent's answer shall be required, and new matter in the answer shall be deemed to be denied, but the Director may file a reply in his/her discretion or at the request of the Administrative Law Judge.
In the case of a variance between the allegations in a pleading and the evidence adduced in support of the pleading, the Administrative Law Judge may order or authorize amendment of the pleading to conform to the evidence:
Motions and requests may be filed with the Director or with the Administrative Law Judge.
A respondent or proposed respondent may appear in person or he/she may be represented by counsel or other representative. The Director may be represented by an attorney or other employee of the Department.
(a)
(b)
(1) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(2) Make rulings upon motions and requests, which rulings may not be appealed from prior to the close of a hearing except, at the discretion of the Administrative Law Judge, in extraordinary circumstances;
(3) Determine the time and place of hearing and regulate its course and conduct;
(4) Adopt rules of procedure and modify the same from time to time as occasion requires for the orderly disposition of proceedings;
(5) Rule upon offers of proof, receive relevant evidence, and examine witnesses;
(6) Take or authorize the taking of depositions;
(7) Receive and consider oral or written argument on facts or law;
(8) Hold or provide for the holding of conferences for the settlement or simplification of the issues by consent of the parties;
(9) Assess the responsible party extraordinary costs attributable to the location of a hearing;
(10) Perform such acts and take such measures as are necessary or appropriate to the efficient conduct of any proceeding; and
(11) Make initial decisions.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Depositions for use at a hearing may, with the consent of the parties in writing or the written approval of the Administrative Law Judge, be taken by either the Director or the respondent or their duly authorized representatives. Depositions may be taken upon oral or written interrogatories, upon not less than 10 days’ written notice to the other party before any officer duly authorized to administer an oath for general purposes or before an officer or employee of the Department who is authorized to administer an oath. Such notice shall state the names of the witnesses and the time and place where the depositions are to be taken. The requirement of 10 days’ notice may be waived by the parties in writing, and depositions may then be taken from the persons and at the times and places mutually agreed to by the parties. When a deposition is taken upon written interrogatories, any cross-examination shall be upon written interrogatories. Copies of such written interrogatories shall be served upon the other party with the notice, and copies of any written cross-interrogation shall be mailed or delivered to the opposing party at least 5 days before the date of taking the depositions, unless the parties mutually agree otherwise. A party upon whose behalf a deposition is taken must file it with the Administrative Law Judge and serve one copy upon the opposing party. Expenses in the reporting of depositions shall be borne by the party at whose instance the deposition is taken.
In cases where the hearing is stenographically reported by a Government contract reporter, copies of the transcript may be obtained from the reporter at rates not to exceed the maximum rates fixed by contract between the Government and the reporter or from the Department at actual cost of duplication. Where the hearing is stenographically reported by a regular employee of the Department, a copy thereof will be supplied to the respondent either without charge or upon payment of a reasonable fee. Copies of exhibits introducted at the hearing or at
Except in cases where the respondent has failed to answer the complaint or where a party has failed to appear at the hearing, the Administrative Law Judge prior to making his/her decision, shall afford the parties a reasonable opportunity to submit proposed findings and conclusions and supporting reasons therefor.
As soon as practicable after the conclusion of a hearing and the receipt of any proposed findings and conclusions timely submitted by the parties, the Administrative Law Judge shall make the initial decision in the case. The decision shall include (a) a statement of findings and conclusions, as well as the reasons or basis therefor, upon all the material issues of fact, law, or discretion presented on the record, and (b) an order of suspension from practice before the Department or separate statutory agency thereof or other appropriate disciplinary action, or an order of dismissal of the complaint. The Administrative Law Judge shall file the decision with the Director and shall transmit a copy thereof to the respondent or his/her attorney of record. In the absence of an appeal to the General Counsel or review of the decision upon motion of the General Counsel, the decision of the Administrative Law Judge shall without further proceedings become the decision of the General Counsel 30 days from the date of the Administrative Law Judge's decision.
Within 30 days from the date of the Administrative Law Judge's decision, either party may appeal to the General Counsel. The appeal shall be filed with the Director in duplicate and shall include exceptions to the decision of the Administrative Law Judge and supporting reasons for such exceptions. If an appeal is filed by the Director, he/she shall transmit a copy thereof to the respondent. Within 30 days after receipt of an appeal or copy thereof, the other party may file a reply brief in duplicate with the Director. If the reply brief is filed by the Director, he/she shall transmit a copy of it to the respondent. Upon the filing of an appeal and a reply brief, if any, the Director shall transmit the entire record to the General Counsel.
On appeal from or review of the initial decision of the Administrative Law Judge, the General Counsel will make the agency decision. In making his/her decision, the General Counsel will review the record or such portions thereof as may be cited by the parties to permit limiting of the issues. A copy of the General Counsel's decision shall be transmitted to the respondent by the Director.
(a) Upon the issuance of a final order suspending a former officer or employee from practice before the Department or a separate statutory agency thereof, the Director shall give notice thereof to appropriate officers and employees of the Department. Officers and employees of the Department shall refuse to participate in any appearance by such former officer or employee or to accept any communication which constitutes the prohibited practice before the Department or separate statutory agency thereof during the period of suspension.
(b) The Director shall take other appropriate disciplinary action as may be required by the final order.
In my proceeding before the Department, if an initial decision is made with respect to the disqualification of a representative or attorney for a party on the grounds of 18 U.S.C. 207(a), (b) or (c), such decision may be appealed to
31 U.S.C. 3801-3812.
(a)
(b)
(1) Establishes administrative procedures for imposing civil penalties and assessments against persons who make, submit, or present, or cause to be made, submitted, or presented, false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims or written statements to authorities or to their agents, and
(2) Specifies the hearing and appeal rights of persons subject to allegations of liability for such penalties and assessments.
(a) Made to the authority for property, services, or money (including money representing grants, loans, insurance, or benefits);
(b) Made to a recipient of property, services, or money from the authority or to a party to a contract with the authority—
(1) For property or services if the United States—
(i) Provided such property or services;
(ii) Provided any portion of the funds for the purchase of such property or services; or
(iii) Will reimburse such recipient or party for the purchase of such property or services; or
(2) For the payment of money (including money representing grants, loans, insurance, or benefits) if the United States—
(i) Provided any portion of the money requested or demanded; or
(ii) Will reimburse such recipient or party for any portion of the money paid on such request or demand; or
(c) Made to the authority which has the effect of decreasing an obligation to pay or account for property, services, or money, except that such term does not include any claim made in any return of tax imposed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
(a) Has actual knowledge that the claim or statement is false, fictitious, or fraudulent;
(b) Acts in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the claim or statement; or
(c) Acts in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the claim or statement.
(a) Serving in a position for which the rate of basic pay is not less than the minimum rate of basic pay for grade GS-16; and
(b) Is not subject to supervision by, or required to report to, the investigating official; and
(c) Is not employed in the organization unit of the authority in which the investigating official is employed.
(a) With respect to a claim or to obtain the approval or payment of a claim (including relating to eligibility to make a claim); or
(b) With respect to (including relating to eligibility for)—
(1) A contract with, or a bid or proposal for a contract with; or
(2) A grant, loan, or benefit from, the authority, or any State, political subdivision of a State, or other party, if the United States Government provides any portion of the money or property under such contract or for such grant, loan, or benefit, or if the government will reimburse such State, political subdivision, or party of any portion of
(a)
(i) Is false, fictitious, or fraudulent;
(ii) Includes or is supported by any written statement which asserts a material fact which is false, fictitious, or fraudulent;
(iii) Includes or is supported by any written statement that—
(A) Omits a material fact;
(B) Is false, fictitious, or fraudulent as a result of such omission; and
(C) Is a statement in which the person making such statement has a duty to include such material fact; or
(iv) Is for payment for the provision of property or services which the person has not provided as claimed, shall be subject, in addition to any other remedy that may be prescribed by law, to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each such claim.
(2) Each voucher, invoice, claim form, or other individual request or demand for property, services, or money constitutes a separate claim.
(3) A claim shall be considered made to an authority, recipient, or party when such claim is actually made to an agent, fiscal intermediary, or other entity, including any State or political subdivision thereof, acting for or on behalf of such authority, recipient, or party.
(4) Each claim for property, services, or money is subject to a civil penalty under these regulations regardless of whether such property, services, or money is actually delivered or paid.
(5) If the government has made any payment (including transferred property or provided services) on a claim, a person subject to a civil penalty under paragraph (a)(1) of this section shall also be subject to an assessment of not more than twice the amount of such claim or that portion thereof that is determined to be in violation of paragraph (a)(1) of this section. Such assessment shall be in lieu of damages sustained by the Government because of such claim.
(b)
(i) The person knows or has reason to know—
(A) Asserts a material fact which is false, fictitious, or fraudulent; or
(B) Is false, fictitious, or fraudulent because it omits a material fact that the person making the statement has a duty to include in such statement; and
(ii) Includes or is accompanied by an express certification or affirmation of the truthfulness and accuracy of the content of the statement,
(2) Each written representation, certification, or affirmation constitutes a separate statement.
(3) A statement shall be considered made to an authority when such statement is actually made to an agent, fiscal intermediary, or other entity, including any State or political subdivision thereof, acting for or on behalf of such authority.
(c)(1) In the case of any claim or statement made by any individual relating to any of the benefits listed in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, received by such individual, such individual may be held liable for penalties and assessments under this section only if such claim or statement is made by such individual in making application for such benefits with respect to such individual's eligibility to receive such benefits.
(2) For purposes of this paragraph, the term
(i) Benefits under the food stamp program (as defined in section 3(h) of the Food Stamp Act of 1977);
(ii) Benefits under Chapters 11, 13, 15, 17, and 21 of Title 38;
(iii) Benefits under the Black Lung Benefits Act;
(iv) Any authority or other benefit under the Railroad Retirement Act of 1974;
(v) Benefits under the National School Lunch Act;
(vi) Benefits under any housing assistance program for lower income families or elderly or handicapped persons which is administered by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development or the Secretary of Agriculture;
(vii) Benefits under the special supplemental food program for women, infants, and children established under section 17 of the Child Nutrition Act of 1966;
(viii) Benefits under part A of the Energy Conservation in Existing Buildings Act of 1976;
(ix) Benefits under the supplemental security income program under title XVI of the Social Security Act;
(x) Old age, survivors, and disability insurance benefits under title II of the Social Security Act;
(xi) Benefits under title XVIII of the Social Security Act;
(xii) Aid to families with dependent children under a State plan approved under section 402(a) of the Social Security Act;
(xiii) Medical assistance under a State plan approved under section 1902(a) of the Social Security Act;
(xiv) Benefits under title XX of the Social Security Act;
(xv) Benefits under section 336 of the Older Americans Act; or
(xvi) Benefits under the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Act of 1981, which are intended for the personal use of the individual who receives the benefits or for a member of the individual's family.
(d) No proof of specific intent to defraud is required to establish liability under this section.
(e) In any case in which it is determined that more than one person is liable for making a claim or statement under this section, each such person may be held liable for a civil penalty under this section.
(f) In any case in which it is determined that more than one person is liable for making a claim under this section, and on which the Government has made payment (including transferred property or provided services), an assessment may be imposed against any such person or jointly and severally against any combination of such persons.
(a) If an investigating official concludes that a subpoena pursuant to the authority conferred by 31 U.S.C. 3804(a) is warranted—
(1) The subpoena so issued shall notify the person to whom it is addressed of the authority under which the subpoena is issued and shall identify the information, records, or documents sought;
(2) The investigating official may designate a person to act on his behalf to receive the information, records, or documents sought; and
(3) The person receiving such subpoena shall be required to tender to the investigating official or to the person designated to receive the information, records, or documents, a certification that the information, records, or documents sought have been produced, or that such information, records, or documents are not available and the reasons therefor, or that such information, records, or documents, suitably identified, have been withheld based upon the assertion of an identified legal privilege.
(b) If the investigating official concludes that an action under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act may be warranted, the investigating official shall report the findings and conclusions of such investigation to the reviewing official.
(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude or limit the investigating official's discretion to refer allegations directly to the Department of Justice for suit under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3729-3731, or for other civil relief, or to preclude or limit such official's discretion to defer or postpone a report or referral to avoid interference with an investigation into criminal misconduct or a criminal prosecution.
(d) Nothing in this section modifies any responsibility of the investigating official to report violations of criminal law to the Attorney General.
(a) If, based on the report of the investigating official under § 16.4(b), the reviewing official determines that
(b) Such notice shall include—
(1) A statement of the reviewing official's reasons for issuing a complaint;
(2) A statement specifying the evidence that supports the allegations of liability;
(3) A description of the claims or statements upon which the allegations of liability are based;
(4) An estimate of the amount of money or the value, if any, of property, services, or other benefits requested or demanded in violation of § 16.3 of this part; or, if no monetary value can be put on the property, service or benefit, a statement regarding the non-monetary consequences to the agency of a false statement.
(5) A statement of any exculpatory or mitigating circumstances that may relate to the claims or statements known by the reviewing official or the investigating official; and
(6) A statement that there is a reasonable prospect of collecting an appropriate amount of penalties and assessments. Such a statement may be based upon information then known or an absence of any information indicating that the person may be unable to pay such an amount.
(a) The reviewing official may issue a complaint under § 16.7 only if—
(1) The Department of Justice approves the issuance of a complaint in a written statement described in 31 U.S.C. 3803(b)(l), and
(2) In the case of allegations of liability under § 16.3(a) with respect to a claim, the reviewing official determines that, with respect to such claim or a group of related claims submitted at the same time such claim is submitted (as defined in paragraph (b) of this section), the amount of money or the value of property or services demanded or requested in violation of § 16.3(a) does not exceed $150,000.
(b) For the purposes of this section, a related group of claims submitted at the same time shall include only those claims arising from the same transaction (e.g., grant, loan, application, or contract) that are submitted simultaneously as part of a single request, demand, or submission.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the reviewing official's authority to join in a single complaint against a person, claims that are unrelated or were not submitted simultaneously, regardless of the amount of money or the value of property or services demanded or requested, as long as the total amount for each claim does not exceed $150,000.
(a) On or after the date the Attorney General or his designee approves the issuance of a complaint in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3803(b)(1), the reviewing official may serve a complaint on the defendant, as provided in § 16.8.
(b) The complaint shall state—
(1) The allegations of liability against the defendant, including the statutory basis for liability, an identification of the claims or statements that are the basis for the alleged liability, and the reasons why liability allegedly arises from such claims or statements;
(2) The maximum amount of penalties and assessments for which the defendant may be held liable;
(3) Instructions for filing an answer to request a hearing, including a specific statement of the defendant's right to request a hearing by filing an answer and to be represented by an attorney;
(4) That the defendant has a right to review and obtain certain information pursuant to Section 16.20 herein; and
(5) That failure to file an answer within 30 days of service of the complaint will result in the imposition of the maximum amount of penalties and assessments without right to appeal.
(c) At the same time the reviewing official serves the complaint on the defendant(s), he or she shall serve the defendant with a copy of these regulations.
(a) Service of a complaint must be made by a certified or registered mail or by delivery in any manner authorized by Rule 4(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
(b) Proof of service, stating the name and address of the person on whom the complaint was served, and the manner and date of service, may be made by—
(1) Affidavit of the individual making service;
(2) An acknowledged United States Postal Service return receipt card; or
(3) Written acknowledgement of the defendant or his representative.
(a) The defendant may request a hearing by filing an answer with the reviewing official within 30 days of service of the complaint. An answer shall be deemed to be a request for hearing.
(b) In the answer, the defendant—
(1) Shall admit or deny each of the allegations of liability made in the complaint;
(2) Shall state any defense on which the defendant intends to rely;
(3) May state any reasons why the defendant contends that the penalties and assessments should be less than the statutory maximum; and
(4) Shall state whether the defendant has authorized an attorney to act as defendant's representative, and shall state the name, address, and telephone number of the representative.
(a) If the defendant does not file an answer within the time prescribed in § 16.9(a), the reviewing official may refer the complaint to the ALJ for initial decision.
(b) Upon the referral of the complaint, the ALJ shall promptly serve on defendant in the manner prescribed in § 16.8, a notice that an initial decision will be issued under this section.
(c) If the defendant fails to file a timely answer, the ALJ shall assume the facts alleged in the complaint to be true and, if such facts eatablish liability under § 16.3, the ALJ shall issue an initial decision imposing the maximum amount of penalties and assessments allowed under the statute.
(d) Except as otherwise provided in this section, by failing to file a timely answer, the defendant waives any right to further review of the penalties and assessments imposed under paragraph (c) of this section, and the initial decision shall become final and binding upon the parties 30 days after it is issued.
(e) If, before such an initial decision becomes final, the defendant files a motion with the ALJ, and serves a copy on the agency, seeking to reopen on the grounds that extraordinary circumstances prevented the defendant from filing a timely answer, the initial decision shall be stayed pending the ALJ's decision on the motion. The ALJ shall permit the agency a reasonable amount of time, not less than 15 calendar days, to respond to the defendant's motion.
(f) If, on such motion, the defendant can demonstrate extraordinary circumstances excusing the failure to file a timely answer, the ALJ shall withdraw the initial decision, if such a decision has been issued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section, and shall grant the defendant an opportunity to answer the complaint.
(g) A decision of the ALJ denying a defendant's motion under paragraph (e) of this section is not subject to reconsideration under § 16.38.
(h) The defendant may appeal to the authority head the decision denying a motion to reopen by filing a notice of appeal with the authority head within 15 days after the ALJ denies the motion. The timely filing of a notice of appeal shall stay the initial decision until the authority head decides the issue.
(i) If the defendant files a timely notice of appeal with the authority head, the ALJ shall forward the record of the proceeding to the authority head.
(j) The authority head shall decide expeditiously, and based solely on the record before the ALJ, whether extraordinary circumstances excuse the defendant's failure to file a timely answer.
(k) If the authority head decides that extraordinary circumstances excuse the defendant's failure to file a timely
(l) If the authority head decides that the defendant's failure to file a timely answer is not excused, the authority head shall reinstate the initial decision of the ALJ, which shall become final and binding upon the parties 30 days after the authority head issues such decision.
Upon receipt of an answer, the reviewing official shall file the complaint and answer with the ALJ.
(a) When the ALJ receives the complaint and answer, the ALJ shall promptly serve a notice of hearing upon the defendant and the agency representative in the manner prescribed by § 16.8.
(b) Such notice shall include—
(1) The tentative time and place, and the nature of the hearing;
(2) The legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held;
(3) The matters of fact and law to be asserted;
(4) A description of the procedures for the conduct of the hearing;
(5) The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the representatives of the Government and of the defendant, if any; and
(6) Such other matters as the ALJ deems appropriate.
(a) The parties to the hearing shall be the defendant and the authority.
(b) Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3730(c)(5), a private plaintiff under the False Claims Act may participate in these proceedings to the extent authorized by the provisions of that Act.
(a) The investigating official, the reviewing official, and any employee or agent of the authority who takes part in investigating, preparing, or presenting a particular case may not, in such case or a factually related case—
(1) Participate in the hearing as the ALJ;
(2) Participate or advise in the initial decision or the review of the initial decision by the authority head, except as a witness or a representative in public proceedings; or
(3) Make the collection of penalties and assessments under 31 U.S.C. 3806.
(b) The ALJ shall not be responsible to, or subject to the supervision or direction of the investigating official or the reviewing official.
(c) Except as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, the representative for the Government may be an attorney employed anywhere in the Legal Division of the Department, or an attorney employed in the offices of either the investigating official or the reviewing official; however the representative of the Government may not participate or advise in the review of the initial decision by the authority head.
No party or person (except employees of the ALJ's office) shall communicate in any way with the ALJ on any matter at issue in a case, unless on notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. This provision does not prohibit a person or party from inquiring about the status of a case or asking routine questions concerning administrative functions or procedures.
(a) A reviewing official or ALJ in a particular case may disqualify himself or herself at any time.
(b) A party may file with the ALJ a motion for disqualification of a reviewing official or an ALJ. Such motion shall be accompanied by an affidavit alleging personal bias or other reason for disqualification.
(c) Such motion and affidavit shall be filed promptly upon the party's discovery of reasons requiring disqualification, or such objections shall be deemed waived.
(d) Such affidavit shall state specific facts that support the party's assertion that personal bias or other reason for disqualification exists and the time
(e) Upon the filing of such a motion and affidavit, the ALJ shall proceed no further in the case until he or she resolves the matter of disqualification in accordance with paragrpah (f) of this section.
(f)(1) If the ALJ determines that a reviewing official is disqualified, the ALJ shall dismiss the complaint without prejudice.
(2) If the ALJ disqualifies himself or herself, the agency shall seek to have the case promptly reassigned to another ALJ.
(3) If the ALJ denies a motion to disqualify, the authority head may determine the matter only as part of his or her review of the initial decision upon appeal, if any.
Except as otherwise limited by this part, all parties may—
(a) Be accompanied, represented, and advised by an attorney;
(b) Participate in any conference held by the ALJ;
(c) Conduct discovery;
(d) Agree to stipulations of fact or law, which shall be made part of the record;
(e) Present evidence relevant to the issues at the hearing;
(f) Present and cross-examine witnesses;
(g) Present oral arguments at the hearing as permitted by the ALJ; and
(h) Submit written beliefs and proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law after the hearing.
(a) The ALJ shall conduct a fair and impartial hearing, avoid delay, maintain order, and assure that a record of the proceeding is made.
(b) The ALJ has the authority to—
(1) Set and change the date, time, and place of the hearing upon reasonable notice to the parties;
(2) Continue or recess the hearing in whole or in part for a reasonable period of time;
(3) Hold conferences to identify or simplify the issues, or to consider other matters that may aid in the expeditious disposition of the proceeding;
(4) Administer oaths and affirmations;
(5) Issue subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at depositions or at hearings;
(6) Rule on motions and other procedural matters;
(7) Regulate the scope and timing of discovery;
(8) Regulate the course of the hearing and the conduct of representatives and parties;
(9) Examine witnesses;
(10) Receive, rule on, exclude, or limit evidence;
(11) Upon motion of a party, take official notice of facts;
(12) Upon motion of a party, decide cases, in whole or in part, by summary judgment where there is no disputed issue of material fact;
(13) Conduct any conference, argument, or hearing on motions in person or by telephone; and
(14) Exercise such other authority as is necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the ALJ under this part.
(c) The ALJ does not have the authority to make any determinations regarding the validity of Federal statutes or regulations, or Departmental orders, Directives, or other published rules.
(a) The ALJ may schedule prehearing conferences as appropriate.
(b) Upon the motion of any party, the ALJ shall schedule at least one prehearing conference at a reasonable time in advance of the hearing.
(c) The ALJ may use prehearing conferences to discuss the following:
(1) Simplification of the issues;
(2) The necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings, including the need for a more definite statement;
(3) Stipulations, admissions of fact or the content and authenticity of documents;
(4) Whether the parties can agree to submission of the case on a stipulated record;
(5) Whether a party chooses to waive appearance at an oral hearing and to submit only documentary evidence (subject to the objection of other parties) and written argument;
(6) Limitation of the number of witnesses;
(7) Scheduling dates for the exchange of witness lists and of proposed exhibits;
(8) Discovery;
(9) The time and place for the hearing; and
(10) Such other matters as may tend to expedite the fair and just disposition of the proceedings.
(d) The ALJ may issue an order containing all matters agreed upon by the parties or ordered by the ALJ at a prehearing conference.
(a) Upon written request to the reviewing official, the defendant may review any relevant and material documents, transcripts, records, and other material that relate to the allegations set out in the complaint and upon which the findings and conclusions of the investigating official under § 16.4(b) are based unless such documents are subject to a privilege under Federal law. The Department shall schedule such review at a time and place convenient to it. Upon payment of fees for duplication, the defendant may obtain copies of such documents.
(b) Upon written request to the reviewing official, the defendant also may obtian a copy of all exculpatory information in the possession of the reviewing official or investigating official relating to the allegations in the complaint, even if it is contained in a document that would otherwise be privileged. If the document would otherwise be privileged, only that portion containing exculpatory information must be disclosed.
(c) The notice sent to the Attorney General from the reviewing official as described in § 16.5 is not discoverable under any circumstances.
(d) The defendant may file a motion to compel disclosure of the documents subject to the provisions of this section. Such a motion may only be filed with the ALJ following the filing of an answer pursuant to § 16.9.
(a) The following types of discovery are authorized:
(1) Requests for production of documents for inspection and copying;
(2) Requests for admissions of the authenticity of any relevant document or of the truth of any relevant fact;
(3) Written interrogatories; and
(4) Depositions.
(b) For the purposes of this section and §§ 16.22 and 16.23, the term “documents” includes information, documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, papers, and other data, either paper or electronic, and other documentary evidence. Nothing contained herein shall be interpreted to require the creation of a document.
(c) Unless mutually agreed to by the parties, discovery is available only as ordered by the ALJ. The ALJ shall regulate the timing of discovery.
(d)
(2) Within ten days of service, a party may file an opposition to the motion and/or a motion for protective order as provided in § 16.24.
(3) The ALJ may grant a motion for discovery only if he or she finds that the discovery sought—
(i) Is necessary for the expeditious, fair, and reasonable consideration of the issues;
(ii) Is not unduly costly or burdensome;
(iii) Will not unduly delay the proceeding; and
(iv) Does not seek privileged information.
(4) The burden of showing that discovery should be allowed is on the party seeking discovery.
(5) The ALJ may grant discovery subject to a protective order under § 16.24.
(e)
(2) The party seeking to depose shall serve the subpoena in the manner prescribed in § 16.8.
(3) The deponent may file with the ALJ a motion to quash the subpoena or a motion for a protective order within ten days of service.
(4) The party seeking to depose shall provide for the taking of a verbatim transcript of the deposition, which it shall make available to all other parties for inspection and copying.
(f) Each party shall bear its own costs of discovery.
(a) At least 15 days before the hearing or at such other time as may be ordered by the ALJ, the parties shall exchange witness lists, copies of prior statements of proposed witnesses, and copies of proposed hearing exhibits, including copies of any written statements that the party intends to offer in lieu of live testimony in accordance with § 16.33(b). At the time the above documents are exchanged, any party that intends to rely on the transcript of deposition testimony in lieu of live testimony at the hearing, if permitted by the ALJ, shall provide each party with a copy of the specific pages of the transcript it intends to introduce into evidence.
(b) If a party objects, the ALJ shall not admit into evidence the testimony of any witness whose name does not appear on the witness list or any exhibit not provided to the opposing party as provided above unless the ALJ finds good cause and that there is no prejudice to the objecting party.
(c) Unless another party objects within the time set by the ALJ, documents exchanged in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, shall be deemed to be authentic for the purpose of admissibility at the hearing.
(a) A party wishing to procure the appearance and testimony of any individual at the hearing may request that the ALJ issue a subpoena.
(b) A subpoena requiring the attendance and testimony of an individual may also require the individual to produce documents at the hearing.
(c) A party seeking a subpoena shall file a written request therefor not less than 15 days before the date fixed for the hearing unless otherwise allowed by the ALJ for good cause shown. Such request shall specify any documents to be produced and shall designate the witnesses and describe the address and location thereof with sufficient particularity to permit such witnesses to be found.
(d) The subpoena shall specify the time and place at which the witness is to appear and any documents the witness is to bring with him or her.
(e) The party seeking the subpoena shall serve it in the manner prescribed in § 16.8. A subpoena on a party or upon an individual under the control of a party may be served by first class mail.
(f) A party or the individual to whom the subpoena is directed may file with the ALJ a motion to quash the subpoena within ten days after service or on or before the time specified in the subpoena for compliance if it is less than ten days after service.
(a) A party or a prospective witness or deponent may file a motion for a protective order with respect to discovery sought by an opposing party or with respect to the hearing, seeking to limit the availability or disclosure of evidence.
(b) In issuing a protective order, the ALJ may make any order which justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, including one or more of the following:
(1) That the discovery not be had;
(2) That the discovery may be had only on specified terms and conditions, including a designation of the time or place;
(3) That the discovery may be had only through a method of discovery other than that requested;
(4) That certain matters not be inquired into, or that the scope of discovery be limited to certain matters;
(5) That discovery be conducted with no one present except persons designated by the ALJ;
(6) That the contents of discovery or evidence be sealed;
(7) That a deposition after being sealed be opened only by order of the ALJ;
(8) That a trade secret or other confidential research, development, commercial information, or facts pertaining to any criminal investigation, proceeding, or other administrative investigation not be disclosed or be disclosed only in a designated way; or
(9) That the parties simultaneously file specified documents or information enclosed in sealed envelopes to be opened as directed by the ALJ.
The party requesting a subpoena shall pay the cost of the fees and mileage of any witness subpoenaed in the amounts that would be payable to a witness in a proceeding in United States District Court. A check for witness fees and mileage shall accompany the subpoena when served, except that when a subpoena is issued on behalf of the authority, a check for witness fees and mileage need not accompany the subpoena.
(a)
(2) Every pleading and paper filed in the proceeding shall contain a caption setting forth the title of the action, the case number assigned by the ALJ, and a designation of the paper (
(3) Every pleading and paper shall be signed by, and shall contain the address and telephone number of the party or the person on whose behalf the paper was filed, or his or her representative.
(4) Papers are considered filed when they are mailed. Date of mailing may be etablished by a certificate from the party or its representative or by proof that the document was sent by certified or registered mail.
(b)
(c)
(a) In computing any period of time under this part or in an order issued thereunder, the time begins with the day following the act, event, or default, and includes the last day of the period, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday observed by the Federal Government, in which event it includes the next business day.
(b) When the period of time allowed is less than seven days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays observed by the Federal Government shall be excluded from the computation. When the period of time allowed is more than seven days, all intervening calendar days are included in the computation.
(c) Where a document has been served or issued by mail, an additional five days will be added to the time permitted for any response.
(a) Any application to the ALJ for an order or ruling shall be by motion. Motions shall state the relief sought, the authority relied upon, and the facts alleged, and shall be filed with the ALJ and served on all other parties.
(b) Except for motions made during a prehearing conference or at the hearing, all motions shall be in writing. The ALJ may require that oral motions be reduced to writing.
(c) Within 15 days after a written motion is served, or such other time as may be fixed by the ALJ, any party may file a response to such motion.
(d) The ALJ may not grant a written motion before the time for filing responses thereto has expired, except
(e) The ALJ shall make a reasonable effort to dispose of all outstanding motions prior to the beginning of the hearing.
(a) The ALJ may sanction a person, including any party or representative for—
(1) Failing to comply with an order, rule, or procedure governing the proceeding;
(2) Failing to prosecute or defend an action; or
(3) Engaging in other misconduct that interferes with the speedy, orderly, or fair conduct of the hearing.
(b) Any such sanction, including but not limited to those listed in paragraphs (c), (d), and (e) of this section, shall reasonably relate to the nature of the failure or misconduct.
(c) When a party fails to comply with an order, including an order for taking a deposition, the production of evidence within the party's control, or a request for admission, the ALJ may—
(1) Draw an inference in favor of the requesting party with regard to the information sought;
(2) In the case of requests for admission, deem each matter of which an admission is requested to be admitted;
(3) Prohibit the party failing to comply with such order from introducing evidence concerning, or otherwise relying upon testimony relating to the information sought; and
(4) Strike any part of the pleadings or other submissions of the party failing to comply with such request.
(d) If a party fails to prosecute or defend an action under this part commenced by service of a notice of hearing, the ALJ may dismiss the action or may issue an initial decision imposing penalties and assessments.
(e) The ALJ may refuse to consider any motion, request, response, brief or other document which is not filed in a timely fashion.
(a) The ALJ shall conduct a hearing on the record in order to determine whether the defendant is liable for a civil penalty or assessment under § 16.3 and, if so, the appropriate amount of any such civil penalty or assessment considering any aggravating or mitigating factors.
(b) The authority shall have the burden of proving defendant's liability and any aggravating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.
(c) The defendant shall have the burden of proving any affirmative defenses and any mitigating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.
(d) The hearing shall be open to the public unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ for good cause shown.
(a) In determining an appropriate amount of civil penalties and assessements, the ALJ and upon appeal, the authority head, should evaluate any circumstances that mitigate or aggravate the violation and should articulate in their opinions the reasons that support the penalties and assessments they impose. Because of the intangible costs of fraud, the expense of investigating such conduct, and the need to deter others who might be similarly tempted, double damages and a significant civil penalty ordinarily should be imposed.
(b) Although not exhaustive, the following factors are among those that may influence the ALJ and the authority head in determining the amount of penalties and assessments to impose with respect to the misconduct (i.e., the false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims or statements) charged in the complaint:
(1) The number of false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims or statements;
(2) The time period over which such claims or statements were made;
(3) The degree of the defendant's culpability with respect to the misconduct;
(4) The amount of money or the value of the property, services, or benefit falsely claimed;
(5) The value of the Government's actual loss as a result of the misconduct, including foreseeable consequential damages and the costs of investigation;
(6) The relationship of the amount imposed as civil penalties to the amount of the Government's loss;
(7) The potential or actual impact of the misconduct upon national defense, public health or safety, or public confidence in the management of Government programs and operations;
(8) Whether the defendant has engaged in a pattern of the same or similar misconduct;
(9) Whether the defendant attempted to conceal the misconduct;
(10) The degree to which the defendant has involved others in the misconduct or in concealing it;
(11) Where the misconduct of employees or agents is imputed to the defendant, the extent to which the defendant's practices fostered or attempted to preclude such misconduct;
(12) Whether the defendant cooperated in or obstructed an investigation of the misconduct;
(13) Whether the defendant assisted in identifying and prosecuting other wrongdoers;
(14) The complexity of the program or transaction, and the degree of the defendant's sophistication with respect to it, including the extent of the defendant's prior participation in the program or in similar transactions;
(15) Whether the defendant has been found, in any criminal, civil, or administrative proceeding to have engaged in similar misconduct or to have dealt dishonestly with the Government of the United States or of a State, directly or indirectly; and
(16) The need to deter the defendant and others from engaging in the same or similar misconduct.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the ALJ or the authority head from considering any other factors that in any given case may mitigate or aggravate the offense for which penalties and assessments are imposed.
(a) The hearing may be held—
(1) In any judicial district of the United States in which the defendant resides or transacts business;
(2) In any judicial district of the United States in which the claim or statement in issue was made; or
(3) In such other place as may be agreed upon by the defendant and the ALJ.
(b) Each party shall have the opportunity to present argument with respect to the location of the hearing.
(c) The hearing shall be held at the place and at the time ordered by the ALJ.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, testimony at the hearing shall be given orally by witnesses under oath or affirmation.
(b) At the discretion of the ALJ, testimony may be admitted in the form of a written statement or deposition. Any such written statement must be provided to all other parties along with the last known address of such witness, in a manner which allows sufficient time for other parties to subpoena such witness for cross-examination at the hearing. Prior written statements of witnesses proposed to testify at the hearing and deposition transcripts shall be exchanged as provided in § 16.22(a).
(c) The ALJ shall exercise reasonable control over the mode and order of interrogating witnesses and presenting evidence so as to—
(1) Make the interrogation and presentation effective for the ascertainment of the truth,
(2) Avoid needless consumption of time, and
(3) Protect witnesses from harassment or undue embarrassment.
(d) The ALJ shall permit the parties to conduct such cross examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts.
(e) At the discretion of the ALJ, a witness may be cross-examined on matters relevant to the proceeding without regard to the scope of his or her direct examination. To the extent permited
(f) Upon motion of any party, the ALJ shall order witnesses excluded so that they cannot hear the testimony of other witnesses. This rule does not authorize exclusion of—
(1) A party who is an individual;
(2) In the case of a party that is not an individual, an officer or employee of the party designated by the party's representative; or
(3) An individual whose presence is shown by a party to be essential to the presentation of its case, including an individual employed by the Government engaged in assisting the representative for the Government.
(a) The ALJ shall determine the admissibility of evidence.
(b) Except as provided herein, the ALJ shall not be bound by the Federal Rules of Evidence. However, the ALJ may apply the Federal Rules of Evidence where appropriate,
(c) The ALJ shall exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or incompetent evidence.
(d) Although relevant, evidence may be excluded if its probative value is substantially outweighed by the danger of unfair prejudice, confusion of the issues, or by considerations of undue delay or needless presentation of cumulative evidence.
(e) Although relevant, evidence may be excluded if it is privileged under Federal law.
(f) Evidence concerning offers of compromise or settlement shall be inadmissible to the extent provided in Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence.
(g) The ALJ shall permit the parties to introduce rebuttal witnesses and evidence.
(h) All documents and other evidence offered or taken for the record shall be open to examination by all parties, unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ pursuant to § 16.24.
(a) The hearing will be recorded and transcribed. Transcripts may be obtained following the hearing from the ALJ at a cost not to exceed the actual cost of duplication.
(b) The transcript of testimony, exhibits and other evidence admitted at the hearing, and all papers and requests filed in the proceeding constitute the record for the decision by the ALJ and the authority head.
(c) The record may be inspected and copied (upon payment of a reasonable fee) by anyone, unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ pursuant to § 16.24.
The ALJ may require the parties to file post-hearing briefs. The ALJ shall fix the time for filing such briefs, not to exceed 60 days from the date the parties receive the transcript of the hearing or, if applicable, the stipulated record. Such briefs may be accompanied by proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law. The ALJ may permit the parties to file reply briefs.
(a) The ALJ shall issue an initial decision, based solely on the record, which shall contain findings of fact, conclusion of law, and the amount of any penalties and assessments imposed.
(b) The findings of fact shall include a finding on each of the following issues:
(1) Whether the claims or statements identified in the complaint, or any portions thereof, violate § 16.3;
(2) If the person is liable for penalties of assessments, the appropriate amount of any such penalties or assessments considering any mitigating or aggravating factors that he or she finds in the case, such as those described in § 16.31.
(c) The ALJ shall promptly serve the initial decision on all parties within 90 days after the time for submission of post-hearing briefs and reply briefs (if permitted) has expired. The ALJ shall at the same time serve all defendants with a statement describing the right of any defendant determined to be liable for a civil penalty or assessment to file a motion for reconsideration with
(d) Unless the initial decision of the ALJ is timely appealed to the authority head, or a motion for reconsideration of the initial decision is timely filed, the initial decision shall constitute the final decision of the authority head and shall be final and binding on the parties 30 days after it is issued by the ALJ.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, any party may file a motion for reconsideration of the initial decision within 20 days of receipt of the initial decision. If service was made by mail, receipt will be presumed to be five days from the date of mailing in the absence of contrary proof.
(b) Every such motion must set forth the matters claimed to have been erroneously decided and the nature of the alleged errors. Such motion shall be accompanied by a supporting brief.
(c) Responses to such motions shall be allowed only upon request of the ALJ.
(d) No party may file a motion for reconsideration of an initial decision that has been revised in response to a previous motion for reconsideration.
(e) The ALJ may dispose of a motion for reconsideration by denying it or by issuing a revised initial decision.
(f) When a motion for reconsideration is made, the time periods for appeal to the authority head contained in § 16.38, and for finality of the initial decision in § 16.36(d), shall begin on the date the ALJ issues the denial of the motion for reconsideration or a revised initial decision, as appropriate.
(a) Any defendant who has filed a timely answer and who is determined in an initial decision to be liable for a civil penalty or assessment may appeal such decision to the authority head by filing a notice of appeal with the authority head in accordance with this section.
(b)(1) No notice of appeal may be filed until the time period for filing a motion for reconsideration under § 16.38 has expired.
(2) If a motion for reconsideration is timely filed, a notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days after the ALJ denies the motion or issues a revised initial decision, whichever applies.
(3) If no motion for reconsideration is timely filed, a notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days after the ALJ issues the initial decision.
(4) The authority head may extend the initial 30 days period for an additional 30 days if the defendant files with the authority head a request for extension within the initial 30 days period and shows good cause.
(c) If the defendant files a timely notice of appeal with the authority head, the ALJ shall forward the notice of appeal and record of the proceeding to the authority head.
(d) A notice of appeal shall be accompanied by a written brief specifying exceptions to the initial decision and reasons supporting the exceptions.
(e) The representative for the agency may file a brief in opposition to exceptions within 30 days of receiving the notice of appeal and accompanying brief.
(f) There is no right to appear personally before the authority head.
(g) There is right to appeal any interlocutory ruling by the ALJ.
(h) In reviewing the initial decision, the authority head shall not consider any objection that was not raised before the ALJ unless a demonstration is made of extraordinary circumstances causing the failure to raise the objection.
(i) If any party demonstrates to the satisfaction of the authority head, prior to the issuance of the authority head's decision that additional evidence not presented at such hearing is material and that there were reasonable grounds for the failure to present such evidence at the hearing, the authority head shall remand the matter to the ALJ for consideration of such additional evidence.
(j) The authority head may affirm, reduce, reverse, compromise, remand, or settle any penalty or assessment,
(k) The authority head shall promptly serve each party to the appeal to the ALJ with a copy of the decision of the authority head. At the same time the authority head shall serve the defendant with a statement describing the defendant's right to seek judicial review.
(l) Unless a petition for judicial review is filed as provided in 31 U.S.C. 3805 after a defendant has exhausted all administrative remedies under this part and within 60 days after the date on which the authority head serves the defendant with a copy of the authority head's decision, a determination that a defendant is liable under § 16.3 is final and is not subject to judicial review.
If at any time the Attorney General or an Assistant Attorney General designated by the Attorney General transmits to the authority head a written finding that continuation of the administrative process described in this part with respect to a claim or statement may adversely affect any pending or potential criminal or civil action related to such claim or statement, the authority head shall stay the process immediately. In such a case, the authority head may order the process resumed only upon receipt of the written authorization of the Attorney General.
(a) An initial decision is stayed automatically pending disposition of a motion for reconsideration or of an appeal to the authority head.
(b) No administrative stay is available following a final decision of the authority head.
Section 3805 of title 31, United States Code, authorizes judicial review by an appropriate United States District Court of a final decision of the authority head imposing penalties or assessments under this part and specifies the procedures for such review.
Sections 3806 and 3808(b) of title 31, United States Code, authorize actions for collection of civil penalties and assessments imposed under this part and specify the procedures for such actions.
The amount of any penalty or assessment which has become final, or for which a judgment has been entered under § 16.42 or § 16.43, or any amount agreed upon in a compromise or settlement under § 16.46, may be collected by administrative offset under 31 U.S.C. 3716, except that an administrative offset may not be made under this subsection against a refund of an overpayment of Federal taxes, then or later owing by the United States to the defendant.
All amounts collected pursuant to this part shall be deposited as miscellaneous receipts in the Treasury of the United States, except as provided in 31 U.S.C. 3806(g).
(a) Parties may make offers of compromise or settlement at any time.
(b) The reviewing official has the exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this part at any time after the date on which the reviewing official is permitted to issue a complaint and before the date on which the ALJ issues an initial decision.
(c) The authority head has exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this part at any time after the date on which the ALJ issues an initial decision, except during the pendency of any review under § 16.42 or during the pendency of any action to collect penalties and assessments under § 16.43.
(d) The Attorney General has exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this part during the pendency of any review under § 16.42 or of any action to recover penalties and assessments under 31 U.S.C. 3806.
(e) The investigating official may recommend settlement terms to the reviewing official, the authority head, or
(f) Any compromise or settlement must be in writing and signed by all parties and their representatives.
(a) The notice of hearing with respect to a claim or statement must be served in the manner specified in § 16.8 within 6 years after the date on which such claim or statement is made.
(b) If the defendant fails to file a timely answer, service of a notice under § 16.10(b) shall be deemed a notice of hearing for purposes of this section.
(c) The time limits of this statute of limitations may be extended by agreement of the parties.
29 U.S.C. 794.
The purpose of this part is to effectuate section 119 of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, which amended section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“section 504”) to prohibit discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs or activities conducted by Executive agencies or the United States Postal Service.
This part applies to all programs or activities conducted by the agency, except for programs or activities conducted outside the United States that do not involve individuals with handicaps in the United States.
For purposes of this part, the term—
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i) Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit major life activities but is treated by the agency as constituting such a limitation;
(ii) Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or
(iii) Has none of the impairments defined in subparagraph (1) of this definition but is treated by the agency as having such an impairment.
(g)
(2) With respect to any other program or activity, an individual with handicaps who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity; and
(3) For purposes of employment, “qualified handicapped person” is defined in 29 CFR 1613.702(f), which is made applicable to this part by § 17.140.
(h)
(a) The agency shall, by two years after the effective date of this part, evaluate its current policies and practices, and the effects thereof, to determine if they meet the requirements of this part. To the extent modification of any such policy and practice is required, the agency shall proceed to make the necessary modifications.
(b) The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including individuals with handicaps or organizations representing individuals with handicaps, to participate in the self-evaluation process.
(c) The agency shall, until three years following the completion of the self-evaluation, maintain on file and make available for public inspection:
(1) A description of areas examined and any problems identified; and
(2) A description of any modifications made; and
(3) A list of participants in the self-evaluation process.
The agency shall make available to all Treasury employees, and to all interested persons, as appropriate, information regarding the provisions of this part and its applicability to the programs or activities conducted by the agency, and make such information available to them in such a manner as is necessary to apprise them of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this part.
(a) No qualified individual with handicaps in the United States, shall, by reason of his or her handicap, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency.
(b)(1) The agency, in providing any aid, benefit, or service, may not directly or through contractual, licensing, or other arrangements, on the basis of handicap—
(i) Deny a qualified individual with handicaps the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service;
(ii) Afford a qualified individual with handicaps an opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service that is not equal to that afforded others;
(iii) Provide a qualified individual with handicaps with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective in affording equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement as that provided to others;
(iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits or services to individuals with handicaps or to any class of individuals with handicaps than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified individuals with handicaps with aid, benefits or services that are as effective as those provided to others;
(v) Deny a qualified individual with handicaps the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or
(vi) Otherwise limit a qualified individual with handicaps in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service.
(2) For purposes of this part, aids, benefits, and services, to be equally effective, are not required to produce the identical result or level of achievement for individuals with handicaps and for nonhandicapped persons, but must afford individuals with handicaps equal opportunity to obtain the same result, to gain the same benefit, or to reach the same level of achievement in the most integrated setting appropriate to the individual's needs.
(3) Even if the agency is permitted, under paragraph (b)(1)(iv) of this section, to operate a separate or different program for individuals with handicaps or for any class of individuals with handicaps, the agency must permit any qualified individual with handicaps who wishes to participate in the program that is not separate or different to do so.
(4) The agency may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration the purpose or effect of which would—
(i) Subject qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap; or
(ii) Defeat or substantially impair accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to individuals with handicaps.
(5) The agency may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections the purpose or effect of which would—
(i) Exclude individuals with handicaps from, deny them the benefits of, or otherwise subject them to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency; or
(ii) Defeat or substantially impair the accomplishment of the objectives of a program or activity with respect to individuals with handicaps.
(6) The agency, in the selection of procurement contractors, may not use criteria that subject qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap.
(7) The agency may not administer a licensing or certification program in a manner that subjects qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap, nor may the agency establish requirements for the programs or activities of licensees or certified entities that subject qualified individuals with handicaps to discrimination on the basis of handicap. However, the programs or activities of entities that are licensed or certified by the agency are not, themselves, covered by this part.
(c) The exclusion of nonhandicapped persons from the benefits of a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to individuals with handicaps or the exclusion of a specific class of individuals with handicaps from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to a different class of individuals with handicaps is not prohibited by this part.
(d) The agency shall administer programs and activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified individuals with handicaps.
No qualified individual with handicaps shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity conducted by the Department. The definitions, requirements and procedures of section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791), as established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613, shall apply to employment of federally conducted programs or activities.
Except as otherwise provided in § 17.150, no qualified individual with handicaps shall, because the agency's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by individuals with handicaps, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity conducted by the agency.
(a)
(1) To make structural alterations in each of its existing facilities in order to make them accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps where other methods are effective in achieving compliance with this section; or
(2) To take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens. In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with the § 17.150(a) would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all agency resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that individuals with handicaps receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Identify physical obstacles in the agency's facilities that limit the physical accessibility of its programs or activities to individuals with handicaps;
(2) Describe in detail the methods that will be used to make the facilities accessible;
(3) Specify the schedule for taking the steps necessary to achieve compliance with this section and, if the time period of the transition plan is longer than one year, identify steps that will be taken during each year of the transition period; and
(4) Indicate the official responsible for implementation of the plan.
Each building or part of a building that is constructed or altered by, on behalf of, or for the use of the agency shall be designed, constructed, or altered so as to be readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps. The definitions, requirements, and standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), as established in 41 CFR 101-19.600 through 101-19.607 apply to buildings covered by this section.
(a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to effectively communicate with applicants, participants, personnel of other Federal entities, and members of the public.
(1) The agency shall furnish appropriate auxiliary aids where necessary to afford an individual with handicaps an equal opportunity to participate in, and enjoy the benefits of, a program or activity conducted by the agency.
(i) In determining what type of auxiliary aid is necessary, the agency shall give primary consideration to the requests of the individual with handicaps.
(ii) The agency need not provide individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices of a personal nature to applicants or participants in programs.
(2) Where the agency communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, the agency shall use telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD's) or equally effective telecommunication systems to communicate with persons with impaired hearing.
(b) The agency shall make available to interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.
(c) The agency shall post notices at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users to an accessible facility, or to a location at which they can obtain information about accessible facilities. The international symbol for accessibility shall be used at each primary entrance of an accessible facility.
(d) This section does not require the agency to take any action that it can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in the nature of a program or activity or in undue financial and administrative burdens.
In those circumstances where agency personnel believe that the proposed action would fundamentally alter the program or activity or would result in undue financial and administrative burdens, the agency has the burden of proving that compliance with § 17.160 would result in such alteration or burdens. The decision that compliance would result in such alteration or burdens must be made by the agency head or his or her designee after considering all resources available for use in the funding and operation of the conducted program or activity and must be accompanied by a written statement of the reasons for reaching that conclusion. If an action required to comply with this section would result in such an alteration or such burdens, the agency shall take any other action that would not result in such an alteration or such burdens but would nevertheless ensure that, to the maxium extent possible, individuals with handicaps receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this section applies to all allegations of discrimination on the basis of handicap in programs and activities conducted by the agency.
(b) The agency shall process complaints alleging violations of section 504 with respect to employment according to the procedures established by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 29 CFR part 1613 pursuant to section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 791).
(c) All other complaints alleging violations of section 504 may be sent to the Director, Office of Equal Opportunity Program, Department of the Treasury, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220. The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Departmental Finance and Management shall be responsible for coordinating implementation of this section.
(d)(1) Any person who believes that he or she has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by this part may by him or herself or by his or her authorized representative file a complaint. Any person who believes that any specific class of persons has been subjected to discrimination prohibited by this part and who is a member of that class or the authorized representative of a member of that class may file a complaint.
(2) The agency shall accept and investigate all complete complaints over which it has jurisdiction.
(3) All complete complaints must be filed within 180 days of the alleged act of discrimination. The agency may extend this time period for good cause.
(e) If the agency receive a complaint over which it does not have jurisdiction, it shall promptly notify the complainant and shall make reasonable efforts to refer the complaint to the appropriate government entity.
(f) The agency shall notify the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board upon receipt of any complaint alleging that a building or facility that is subject to the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), is not readily accessible to and usable by individuals with handicaps.
(g)(1) Within 180 days of the receipt of a complete complaint over which it has jurisdiction, the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation in a letter containing—
(i) Findings of fact and conclusions of law;
(ii) A description of a remedy for each violation found; and
(iii) A notice of the right to appeal.
(2) Agency employees are required to cooperate in the investigation and attempted resolution of complaints. Employees who are required to participate in any investigation under this section shall do so as part of their official duties and during the course of regular duty hours.
(3) If a complaint is resolved informally, the terms of the agreement shall be reduced to writing and made part of the complaint file, with a copy of the agreement provided to the complainant. The written agreement shall describe the subject matter of the complaint and any corrective action to which the parties have agreed.
(h) Appeals of the findings of fact and conclusions of law or remedies must be filed by the complainant within 60 days of receipt from the agency of the letter required by § 17.170(g). The agency may extend this time for good cause.
(i) Timely appeals shall be accepted and processed by the Director, Human Resources Directorate, or his or her designee, who will issue the final agency decision which may include appropriate corrective action to be taken by the agency.
(j) The agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the appeal within 30 days of the receipt of the appeal. If the agency determines that it needs additional information from the complainant, it shall have 30 days from the date it received the additional information to make its determination on the appeal.
(k) The time limits cited in paragraphs (g) and (j) of this section may be extended for an individual case when the Assistant Secretary for Departmental Finance and Management determines that there is good cause, based on the particular circumstances of that case, for the extension.
(l) The agency may delegate its authority for conducting complaint investigations to other Federal agencies or may contract with a nongovernment investigator to perform the investigation, but the authority for making the final determination may not be delegated to another agency.
5 U.S.C. 301; 31 U.S.C. 321.
Except as provided in § 18.2, every office within the Department of the Treasury (including its bureaus) to which appointment is required to be made by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate (“PAS Office”) may have a First Assistant within the meaning of 5 U.S.C. 3345-3349d.
(a) Where there is a position of principal deputy to the PAS Office, the principal deputy shall be the First Assistant.
(b) Where there is only one deputy position to the PAS Office, the official in that position shall be the First Assistant.
(c) Where neither paragraph (a) nor (b) of this section is applicable to the PAS Office, the Secretary of the Treasury may designate in writing the First Assistant.
(a) Section 18.1 shall not apply:
(1) When a statute which meets the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 3347(a) prescribes another means for authorizing an officer or employee to perform the functions and duties of a PAS Office in the Department temporarily in an acting capacity; and
(2) To the office of a member of the Internal Revenue Service Oversight Board.
(b) The Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury shall determine any arrangements for the temporary performance of the functions and duties of the Inspector General of the Department of the Treasury when that office is vacant.
(c) The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration shall determine any arrangements for the temporary performance of the functions and duties of the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration when that office is vacant.
E.O. 12549; sec. 5151-5160 of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (Pub. L. 100-690, Title V, Subtitle D; 41 U.S.C. 701
See also Office of Management and Budget notice published at 55 FR 21679, May 25, 1990, and 60 FR 33036, June 26, 1995.
(a) Executive Order (E.O.) 12549 provides that, to the extent permitted by law, Executive departments and agencies shall participate in a governmentwide system for nonprocurement debarment and suspension. A person who is debarred or suspended shall be excluded from Federal financial and nonfinancial assistance and benefits under Federal programs and activities. Debarment or suspension of a participant in a program by one agency shall have governmentwide effect.
(b) These regulations implement section 3 of E.O. 12549 and the guidelines promulgated by the Office of Management and Budget under section 6 of the E.O. by:
(1) Prescribing the programs and activities that are covered by the governmentwide system;
(2) Prescribing the governmentwide criteria and governmentwide minimum due process procedures that each agency shall use;
(3) Providing for the listing of debarred and suspended participants, participants declared ineligible (see definition of “ineligible” in § 19.105), and participants who have voluntarily excluded themselves from participation in covered transactions;
(4) Setting forth the consequences of a debarment, suspension, determination of ineligibility, or voluntary exclusion; and
(5) Offering such other guidance as necessary for the effective implementation and administration of the governmentwide system.
(c) These regulations also implement Executive Order 12689 (3 CFR, 1989 Comp., p. 235) and 31 U.S.C. 6101 note (Public Law 103-355, sec. 2455, 108 Stat. 3327) by—
(1) Providing for the inclusion in the
(2) Setting forth the consequences of a debarment, suspension, determination of ineligibility, or voluntary exclusion.
(d) Although these regulations cover the listing of ineligible participants and the effect of such listing, they do not prescribe policies and procedures governing declarations of ineligibility.
The following definitions apply to this part:
(1) The agency head, or
(2) An official designated by the agency head.
(1) Principal investigators.
(2) [Reserved]
(1) The agency head, or
(2) An official designated by the agency head.
(a) These regulations apply to all persons who have participated, are currently participating or may reasonably be expected to participate in transactions under Federal nonprocurement programs. For purposes of these regulations such transactions will be referred to as “covered transactions.”
(1)
(i)
(ii)
(A) Any transaction between a participant and a person other than a procurement contract for goods or services, regardless of type, under a primary covered transaction.
(B) Any procurement contract for goods or services between a participant and a person, regardless of type, expected to equal or exceed the Federal procurement small purchase threshold fixed at 10 U.S.C. 2304(g) and 41 U.S.C. 253(g) (currently $25,000) under a primary covered transaction.
(C) Any procurement contract for goods or services between a participant and a person under a covered transaction, regardless of amount, under which that person will have a critical influence on or substantive control over that covered transaction. Such persons are:
(
(
(2)
(i) Statutory entitlements or mandatory awards (but not subtier awards thereunder which are not themselves mandatory), including deposited funds insured by the Federal Government;
(ii) Direct awards to foreign governments or public international organizations, or transactions with foreign governments or foreign governmental entities, public international organizations, foreign government owned (in whole or in part) or controlled entities, entities consisting wholly or partially of foreign governments or foreign governmental entities;
(iii) Benefits to an individual as a personal entitlement without regard to the individual's present responsibility (but benefits received in an individual's business capacity are not excepted);
(iv) Federal employment;
(v) Transactions pursuant to national or agency-recognized emergencies or disasters;
(vi) Incidental benefits derived from ordinary governmental operations; and
(vii) Other transactions where the application of these regulations would be prohibited by law.
(b)
(c)
(a) In order to protect the public interest, it is the policy of the Federal Government to conduct business only with responsible persons. Debarment and suspension are discretionary actions that, taken in accordance with Executive Order 12549 and these regulations, are appropriate means to implement this policy.
(b) Debarment and suspension are serious actions which shall be used only in the public interest and for the Federal Government's protection and not for purposes of punishment. Agencies may impose debarment or suspension for the causes and in accordance with the procedures set forth in these regulations.
(c) When more than one agency has an interest in the proposed debarment or suspension of a person, consideration shall be given to designating one agency as the lead agency for making the decision. Agencies are encouraged to establish methods and procedures for coordinating their debarment or suspension actions.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Statutory entitlements or mandatory awards (but not subtier awards thereunder which are not themselves mandatory), including deposited funds insured by the Federal Government;
(2) Direct awards to foreign governments or public international organizations, or transactions with foreign governments or foreign governmental entities, public international organizations, foreign government owned (in whole or in part) or controlled entities, and entities consisting wholly or partially of foreign governments or foreign governmental entities;
(3) Benefits to an individual as a personal entitlement without regard to the individual's present responsibility (but benefits received in an individual's business capacity are not excepted);
(4) Federal employment;
(5) Transactions pursuant to national or agency-recognized emergencies or disasters;
(6) Incidental benefits derived from ordinary governmental operations; and
(7) Other transactions where the application of these regulations would be prohibited by law.
Persons who are ineligible, as defined in § 19.105(i), are excluded in accordance
Persons who accept voluntary exclusions under § 19.315 are excluded in accordance with the terms of their settlements. Department of the Treasury shall, and participants may, contact the original action agency to ascertain the extent of the exclusion.
The Department of the Treasury may grant an exception permitting a debarred, suspended, or voluntarily excluded person, or a person proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, to participate in a particular covered transaction upon a written determination by the agency head or an authorized designee stating the reason(s) for deviating from the Presidential policy established by Executive Order 12549 and § 19.200. However, in accordance with the President's stated intention in the Executive Order, exceptions shall be granted only infrequently. Exceptions shall be reported in accordance with § 19.505(a).
(a) Notwithstanding the debarment, suspension, proposed debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, determination of ineligibility, or voluntary exclusion of any person by an agency, agencies and participants may continue covered transactions in existence at the time the person was debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded. A decision as to the type of termination action, if any, to be taken should be made only after thorough review to ensure the propriety of the proposed action.
(b) Agencies and participants shall not renew or extend covered transactions (other than no-cost time extensions) with any person who is debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, ineligible or voluntary excluded, except as provided in § 19.215.
(a) Except as permitted under § 19.215 or § 19.220, a participant shall not knowingly do business under a covered transaction with a person who is—
(1) Debarred or suspended;
(2) Proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; or
(3) Ineligible for or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction.
(b) Violation of the restriction under paragraph (a) of this section may result in disallowance of costs, annulment or termination of award, issuance of a stop work order, debarment or suspension, or other remedies as appropriate.
(c) A participant may rely upon the certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it and its principals are not debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction (See Appendix B of these regulations), unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. An agency has the burden of proof that a participant did knowingly do business with a person that filed an erroneous certification.
The debarring official may debar a person for any of the causes in § 19.305, using procedures established in §§ 19.310 through 19.314. The existence of a cause for debarment, however, does not necessarily require that the person be debarred; the seriousness of the person's acts or omissions and any mitigating factors shall be considered in making any debarment decision.
Debarment may be imposed in accordance with the provisions of §§ 19.300 through 19.314 for:
(a) Conviction of or civil judgment for:
(1) Commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public or private agreement or transaction;
(2) Violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes, including those proscribing price fixing between competitors, allocation of customers between competitors, and bid rigging;
(3) Commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, making false statements, receiving stolen property, making false claims, or obstruction of justice; or
(4) Commission of any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty that seriously and directly affects the present responsibility of a person.
(b) Violation of the terms of a public agreement or transaction so serious as to affect the integrity of an agency program, such as:
(1) A willful failure to perform in accordance with the terms of one or more public agreements or transactions;
(2) A history of failure to perform or of unsatisfactory performance of one or more public agreements or transactions; or
(3) A willful violation of a statutory or regulatory provision or requirement applicable to a public agreement or transaction.
(c) Any of the following causes:
(1) A nonprocurement debarment by any Federal agency taken before October 1, 1988, the effective date of these regulations, or a procurement debarment by any Federal agency taken pursuant to 48 CFR subpart 9.4;
(2) Knowingly doing business with a debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded person, in connection with a covered transaction, except as permitted in § 19.215 or § 19.220;
(3) Failure to pay a single substantial debt, or a number of outstanding debts (including disallowed costs and overpayments, but not including sums owed the Federal Government under the Internal Revenue Code) owed to any Federal agency or instrumentality, provided the debt is uncontested by the debtor or, if contested, provided that the debtor's legal and administrative remedies have been exhausted;
(4) Violation of a material provision of a voluntary exclusion agreement entered into under § 19.315 or of any settlement of a debarment or suspension action; or
(5) Violation of any requirement of subpart F of this part, relating to providing a drug-free workplace, as set forth in § 19.615 of this part.
(d) Any other cause of so serious or compelling a nature that it affects the present responsibility of a person.
Department of the Treasury shall process debarment actions as informally as practicable, consistent with the principles of fundamental fairness, using the procedures in §§ 19.311 through 19.314.
Information concerning the existence of a cause for debarment from any source shall be promptly reported, investigated, and referred, when appropriate, to the debarring official for consideration. After consideration, the debarring official may issue a notice of proposed debarment.
A debarment proceeding shall be initiated by notice to the respondent advising:
(a) That debarment is being considered;
(b) Of the reasons for the proposed debarment in terms sufficient to put the respondent on notice of the conduct or transaction(s) upon which it is based;
(c) Of the cause(s) relied upon under § 19.305 for proposing debarment;
(d) Of the provisions of § 19.311 through § 19.314, and any other Department of the Treasury procedures, if applicable, governing debarment decisionmaking; and
(e) Of the potential effect of a debarment.
(a)
(b)
(2) A transcribed record of any additional proceedings shall be made available at cost to the respondent, upon request, unless the respondent and the agency, by mutual agreement, waive the requirement for a transcript.
(a)
(b)
(2) The debarring official may refer disputed material facts to another official for findings of fact. The debarring official may reject any such findings, in whole or in part, only after specifically determining them to be arbitrary and capricious or clearly erroneous.
(3) The debarring official's decision shall be made after the conclusion of the proceedings with respect to disputed facts.
(c) (1)
(2)
(d)
(i) Referring to the notice of proposed debarment;
(ii) Specifying the reasons for debarment;
(iii) Stating the period of debarment, including effective dates; and
(iv) Advising that the debarment is effective for covered transactions throughout the executive branch of the Federal Government unless an agency head or an authorized designee makes the determination referred to in § 601.915.
(2) If the debarring official decides not to impose debarment, the respondent shall be given prompt notice of that decision. A decision not to impose debarment shall be without prejudice to a subsequent imposition of debarment by any other agency.
(a) When in the best interest of the Government, Department of the Treasury may, at any time, settle a debarment or suspension action.
(b) If a participant and the agency agree to a voluntary exclusion of the participant, such voluntary exclusion shall be entered on the Nonprocurement List (see subpart E).
(a) Debarment shall be for a period commensurate with the seriousness of the cause(s). If a suspension precedes a debarment, the suspension period shall be considered in determining the debarment period.
(1) Debarment for causes other than those related to a violation of the requirements of subpart F of this part
(2) In the case of a debarment for a violation of the requirements of subpart F of this part (
(b) The debarring official may extend an existing debarment for an additional period, if that official determines that an extension is necessary to protect the public interest. However, a debarment may not be extended solely on the basis of the facts and circumstances upon which the initial debarment action was based. If debarment for an additional period is determined to be necessary, the procedures of §§ 19.311 through 19.314 shall be followed to extend the debarment.
(c) The respondent may request the debarring official to reverse the debarment decision or to reduce the period or scope of debarment. Such a request shall be in writing and supported by documentation. The debarring official may grant such a request for reasons including, but not limited to:
(1) Newly discovered material evidence;
(2) Reversal of the conviction or civil judgment upon which the debarment was based;
(3) Bona fide change in ownership or management;
(4) Elimination of other causes for which the debarment was imposed; or
(5) Other reasons the debarring official deems appropriate.
(a)
(2) The debarment action may include any affiliate of the participant that is specifically named and given notice of the proposed debarment and an opportunity to respond (see §§ 19.311 through 19.314).
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(a) The suspending official may suspend a person for any of the causes in § 19.405 using procedures established in §§ 19.410 through 19.413.
(b) Suspension is a serious action to be imposed only when:
(1) There exists adequate evidence of one or more of the causes set out in § 19.405, and
(2) Immediate action is necessary to protect the public interest.
(c) In assessing the adequacy of the evidence, the agency should consider how much information is available, how credible it is given the circumstances, whether or not important allegations are corroborated, and what inferences can reasonably be drawn as a result. This assessment should include an examination of basic documents such as grants, cooperative agreements, loan authorizations, and contracts.
(a) Suspension may be imposed in accordance with the provisions of §§ 19.400 through 19.413 upon adequate evidence:
(1) To suspect the commission of an offense listed in § 19.405(a); or
(2) That a cause for debarment under § 19.305 may exist.
(b) Indictment shall constitute adequate evidence for purposes of suspension actions.
(a)
(b)
When a respondent is suspended, notice shall immediately be given:
(a) That suspension has been imposed;
(b) That the suspension is based on an indictment, conviction, or other adequate evidence that the respondent has committed irregularities seriously reflecting on the propriety of further Federal Government dealings with the respondent;
(c) Describing any such irregularities in terms sufficient to put the respondent on notice without disclosing the Federal Government's evidence;
(d) Of the cause(s) relied upon under § 19.405 for imposing suspension;
(e) That the suspension is for a temporary period pending the completion of an investigation or ensuing legal, debarment, or Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act proceedings;
(f) Of the provisions of § 19.411 through § 19.413 and any other Department of the Treasury procedures, if applicable, governing suspension decisionmaking; and
(g) Of the effect of the suspension.
(a)
(b)
(i) The action is based on an indictment, conviction or civil judgment, or
(ii) A determination is made, on the basis of Department of Justice advice, that the substantial interests of the Federal Government in pending or contemplated legal proceedings based on the same facts as the suspension would be prejudiced.
(2) A transcribed record of any additional proceedings shall be prepared and made available at cost to the respondent, upon request, unless the respondent and the agency, by mutual agreement, waive the requirement for a transcript.
The suspending official may modify or terminate the suspension (for example, see § 19.320(c) for reasons for reducing the period or scope of debarment) or may leave it in force. However, a decision to modify or terminate the suspension shall be without prejudice to the subsequent imposition of suspension by any other agency or debarment by any agency. The decision shall be rendered in accordance with the following provisions:
(a)
(b)
(2) The suspending official may refer matters involving disputed material facts to another official for findings of fact. The suspending official may reject any such findings, in whole or in part, only after specifically determining them to be arbitrary or capricious or clearly erroneous.
(c)
(a) Suspension shall be for a temporary period pending the completion of an investigation or ensuing legal, debarment, or Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act proceedings, unless terminated sooner by the suspending official or as provided in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) If legal or administrative proceedings are not initiated within 12 months after the date of the suspension notice, the suspension shall be terminated unless an Assistant Attorney General or United States Attorney requests its extension in writing, in which case it may be extended for an additional six months. In no event may a suspension extend beyond 18 months, unless such proceedings have been initiated within that period.
(c) The suspending official shall notify the Department of Justice of an impending termination of a suspension, at least 30 days before the 12-month period expires, to give that Department an opportunity to request an extension.
The scope of a suspension is the same as the scope of a debarment (see § 19.325), except that the procedures of §§ 19.410 through 19.413 shall be used in imposing a suspension.
(a) In accordance with the OMB guidelines, GSA shall compile, maintain, and distribute a list of all persons who have been debarred, suspended, or voluntarily excluded by agencies under Executive Order 12549 and these regulations, and those who have been determined to be ineligible.
(b) At a minimum, this list shall indicate:
(1) The names and addresses of all debarred, suspended, ineligible, and voluntarily excluded persons, in alphabetical order, with cross-references when more than one name is involved in a single action;
(2) The type of action;
(3) The cause for the action;
(4) The scope of the action;
(5) Any termination date for each listing; and
(6) The agency and name and telephone number of the agency point of contact for the action.
(a) The agency shall provide GSA with current information concerning debarments, suspension, determinations of ineligibility, and voluntary exclusions it has taken. Until February 18, 1989, the agency shall also provide GSA and OMB with information concerning all transactions in which Department of the Treasury has granted exceptions under § 19.215 permitting participation by debarred, suspended, or voluntarily excluded persons.
(b) Unless an alternative schedule is agreed to by GSA, the agency shall advise GSA of the information set forth in § 19.200(b) and of the exceptions granted under § 19.215 within five working days after taking such actions.
(c) The agency shall direct inquiries concerning listed persons to the agency that took the action.
(d) Agency officials shall check the Nonprocurement List before entering covered transactions to determine whether a participant in a primary transaction is debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded (Tel. #).
(e) Agency officials shall check the Nonprocurement List before approving principals or lower tier participants where agency approval of the principal or lower tier participant is required under the terms of the transaction, to determine whether such principals or participants are debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded.
(a)
(b)
(2) A participant may rely upon the certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it and its principals are not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction by any Federal agency, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. Participants may decide the method and frequency by which they determine the eligiblity of their principals. In addition, a participant may, but is not required to, check the Nonprocurement List for its principals and for participants (Tel. #).
(c)
(a) The purpose of this subpart is to carry out the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 by requiring that—
(1) A grantee, other than an individual, shall certify to the agency that it will provide a drug-free workplace;
(2) A grantee who is an individual shall certify to the agency that, as a condition of the grant, he or she will
(b) Requirements implementing the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 for contractors with the agency are found at 48 CFR subparts 9.4, 23.5, and 52.2.
(a) Except as amended in this section, the definitions of § 19.105 apply to this subpart.
(b) For purposes of this subpart—
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(i) All
(ii) All
(iii) Temporary personnel and consultants who are directly engaged in the performance of work under the grant and who are on the grantee's payroll.
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(a) This subpart applies to any grantee of the agency.
(b) This subpart applies to any grant, except where application of this subpart would be inconsistent with the international obligations of the United States or the laws or regulations of a foreign government. A determination of such inconsistency may be made only by the agency head or his/her designee.
(c) The provisions of subparts A, B, C, D and E of this part apply to matters covered by this subpart, except where specifically modified by this subpart. In the event of any conflict between provisions of this subpart and other provisions of this part, the provisions of this subpart are deemed to control with respect to the implementation of drug-free workplace requirements concerning grants.
A grantee shall be deemed in violation of the requirements of this subpart if the agency head or his or her official designee determines, in writing, that—
(a) The grantee has made a false certification under § 19.630;
(b) With respect to a grantee other than an individual—
(1) The grantee has violated the certification by failing to carry out the requirements of paragraphs (A)(a) through (g) and/or (B) of the certification (Alternate I to Appendix C) or
(2) Such a number of employees of the grantee have been convicted of violations of criminal drug statutes for violations occurring in the workplace as to indicate that the grantee has failed to make a good faith effort to provide a drug-free workplace.
(c) With respect to a grantee who is an individual—
(1) The grantee has violated the certification by failing to carry out its requirements (Alternate II to Appendix C); or
(2) The grantee is convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any grant activity.
(a) In the event of a violation of this subpart as provided in § 19.615, and in accordance with applicable law, the grantee shall be subject to one or more of the following actions:
(1) Suspension of payments under the grant;
(2) Suspension or termination of the grant; and
(3) Suspension or debarment of the grantee under the provisions of this part.
(b) Upon issuance of any final decision under this part requiring debarment of a grantee, the debarred grantee shall be ineligible for award of any grant from any Federal agency for a period specified in the decision, not to exceed five years (
The agency head may waive with respect to a particular grant, in writing, a suspension of payments under a grant, suspension or termination of a grant, or suspension or debarment of a grantee if the agency head determines that such a waiver would be in the public interest. This exception authority cannot be delegated to any other official.
(a)(1) As a prior condition of being awarded a grant, each grantee shall make the appropriate certification to the Federal agency providing the grant, as provided in Appendix C to this part.
(2) Grantees are not required to make a certification in order to continue receiving funds under a grant awarded before March 18, 1989, or under a no-cost time extension of such a grant. However, the grantee shall make a one-time drug-free workplace certification for a non-automatic continuation of such a grant made on or after March 18, 1989.
(b) Except as provided in this section, all grantees shall make the required certification for each grant. For mandatory formula grants and entitlements that have no application process, grantees shall submit a one-time
(c) A grantee that is a State may elect to make one certification in each Federal fiscal year. States that previously submitted an annual certification are not required to make a certification for Fiscal Year 1990 until June 30, 1990. Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, this certification shall cover all grants to all State agencies from any Federal agency. The State shall retain the original of this statewide certification in its Governor's office and, prior to grant award, shall ensure that a copy is submitted individually with respect to each grant, unless the Federal agency has designated a central location for submission.
(d)(1) The Governor of a State may exclude certain State agencies from the statewide certification and authorize these agencies to submit their own certifications to Federal agencies. The statewide certification shall name any State agencies so excluded.
(2) A State agency to which the statewide certification does not apply, or a State agency in a State that does not have a statewide certification, may elect to make one certification in each Federal fiscal year. State agencies that previously submitted a State agency certification are not required to make a certification for Fiscal Year 1990 until June 30, 1990. The State agency shall retain the original of this State agency-wide certification in its central office and, prior to grant award, shall ensure that a copy is submitted individually with respect to each grant, unless the Federal agency designates a central location for submission.
(3) When the work of a grant is done by more than one State agency, the certification of the State agency directly receiving the grant shall be deemed to certify compliance for all workplaces, including those located in other State agencies.
(e)(1) For a grant of less than 30 days performance duration, grantees shall have this policy statement and program in place as soon as possible, but in any case by a date prior to the date on which performance is expected to be completed.
(2) For a grant of 30 days or more performance duration, grantees shall have this policy statement and program in place within 30 days after award.
(3) Where extraordinary circumstances warrant for a specific grant, the grant officer may determine a different date on which the policy statement and program shall be in place.
(a) When a grantee other than an individual is notified that an employee has been convicted for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace, it shall take the following actions:
(1) Within 10 calendar days of receiving notice of the conviction, the grantee shall provide written notice, including the convicted employee's position title, to every grant officer, or other designee on whose grant activity the convicted employee was working, unless a Federal agency has designated a central point for the receipt of such notifications. Notification shall include the identification number(s) for each of the Federal agency's affected grants.
(2) Within 30 calendar days of receiving notice of the conviction, the grantee shall do the following with respect to the employee who was convicted.
(i) Take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination, consistent with requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or
(ii) Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
(b) A grantee who is an individual who is convicted for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring during the conduct of any grant activity shall report the conviction, in writing, within 10 calendar days, to his or her Federal agency grant officer, or other designee, unless the Federal agency has designated a central point for the receipt of such notices. Notification shall include the identification number(s)
1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective primary participant is providing the certification set out below.
2. The inability of a person to provide the certification required below will not necessarily result in denial of participation in this covered transaction. The prospective participant shall submit an explanation of why it cannot provide the certification set out below. The certification or explanation will be considered in connection with the department or agency's determination whether to enter into this transaction. However, failure of the prospective primary participant to furnish a certification or an explanation shall disqualify such person from participation in this transaction.
3. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when the department or agency determined to enter into this transaction. If it is later determined that the prospective primary participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default.
4. The prospective primary participant shall provide immediate written notice to the department or agency to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective primary participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.
5. The terms
6. The prospective primary participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency entering into this transaction.
7. The prospective primary participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transaction,” provided by the department or agency entering into this covered transaction, without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.
8. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs.
9. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.
10. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 6 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default.
(1) The prospective primary participant certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its principals:
(a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded by any Federal department or agency;
(b) Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them
(c) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1)(b) of this certification; and
(d) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/proposal had one or more public transactions (Federal, State or local) terminated for cause or default.
(2) Where the prospective primary participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.
1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out below.
2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.
3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or had become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.
4. The terms
5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated.
6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include this clause titled “Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transaction,” without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.
7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement and Nonprocurement Programs.
8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.
9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.
(1) The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment,
(2) Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.
1. By signing and/or submitting this application or grant agreement, the grantee is providing the certification set out below.
2. The certification set out below is a material representation of fact upon which reliance is placed when the agency awards the grant. If it is later determined that the grantee knowingly rendered a false certification, or otherwise violates the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the agency, in addition to any other remedies available to the Federal Government, may take action authorized under the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
3. For grantees other than individuals, Alternate I applies.
4. For grantees who are individuals, Alternate II applies.
5. Workplaces under grants, for grantees other than individuals, need not be identified on the certification. If known, they may be identified in the grant application. If the grantee does not identify the workplaces at the time of application, or upon award, if there is no application, the grantee must keep the identity of the workplace(s) on file in its office and make the information available for Federal inspection. Failure to identify all known workplaces constitutes a violation of the grantee's drug-free workplace requirements.
6. Workplace identifications must include the actual address of buildings (or parts of buildings) or other sites where work under the grant takes place. Categorical descriptions may be used (e.g., all vehicles of a mass transit authority or State highway department while in operation, State employees in each local unemployment office, performers in concert halls or radio studios).
7. If the workplace identified to the agency changes during the performance of the grant, the grantee shall inform the agency of the change(s), if it previously identified the workplaces in question (see paragraph five).
8. Definitions of terms in the Nonprocurement Suspension and Debarment common rule and Drug-Free Workplace common rule apply to this certification. Grantees’ attention is called, in particular, to the following definitions from these rules:
A. The grantee certifies that it will or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by:
(a) Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition;
(b) Establishing an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about—
(1) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;
(2) The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;
(3) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and
(4) The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace;
(c) Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a);
(d) Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as a
(1) Abide by the terms of the statement; and
(2) Notify the employer in writing of his or her conviction for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction;
(e) Notifying the agency in writing, within ten calendar days after receiving notice under paragraph (d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction. Employers of convicted employees must provide notice, including position title, to every grant officer or other designee on whose grant activity the convicted employee was working, unless the Federal agency has designated a central point for the receipt of such notices. Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant;
(f) Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days of receiving notice under paragraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted—
(1) Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or
(2) Requiring such employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency;
(g) Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f).
B. The grantee may insert in the space provided below the site(s) for the performance of work done in connection with the specific grant:
(a) The grantee certifies that, as a condition of the grant, he or she will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity with the grant;
(b) If convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any grant activity, he or she will report the conviction, in writing, within 10 calendar days of the conviction, to every grant officer or other designee, unless the Federal agency designates a central point for the receipt of such notices. When notice is made to such a central point, it shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant.
Sec. 319, Pub. L. 101-121 (31 U.S.C. 1352); 31 U.S.C. 321.
See also Office of Management and Budget notice published at 54 FR 52306, December 20, 1989.
(a) No appropriated funds may be expended by the recipient of a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative ageement to pay any person for influencing or attempting to influence an
(b) Each person who requests or receives from an agency a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement shall file with that agency a certification, set forth in Appendix A, that the person has not made, and will not make, any payment prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Each person who requests or receives from an agency a Federal contract, grant, loan, or a cooperative agreement shall file with that agency a disclosure form, set forth in Appendix B, if such person has made or has agreed to make any payment using nonappropriated funds (to include profits from any covered Federal action), which would be prohibited under paragraph (a) of this section if paid for with appropriated funds.
(d) Each person who requests or receives from an agency a commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan shall file with that agency a statement, set forth in Appendix A, whether that person has made or has agreed to make any payment to influence or attempt to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with that loan insurance or guarantee.
(e) Each person who requests or receives from an agency a commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan shall file with that agency a disclosure form, set forth in Appendix B, if that person has made or has agreed to make any payment to influence or attempt to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with that loan insurance or guarantee.
For purposes of this part:
(a)
(b)
(1) The awarding of any Federal contract;
(2) The making of any Federal grant;
(3) The making of any Federal loan;
(4) The entering into of any cooperative agreement; and,
(5) The extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(1) An individual who is appointed to a position in the Government under title 5, U.S. Code, including a position under a temporary appointment;
(2) A member of the uniformed services as defined in section 101(3), title 37, U.S. Code;
(3) A special Government employee as defined in section 202, title 18, U.S. Code; and,
(4) An individual who is a member of a Federal advisory committee, as defined by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, title 5, U.S. Code appendix 2.
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(a) Each person shall file a certification, and a disclosure form, if required, with each submission that initiates agency consideration of such person for:
(1) Award of a Federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement exceeding $100,000; or
(2) An award of a Federal loan or a commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan exceeding $150,000.
(b) Each person shall file a certification, and a disclosure form, if required, upon receipt by such person of:
(1) A Federal contract, grant, or cooperative agreement exceeding $100,000; or
(2) A Federal loan or a commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan exceeding $150,000, unless such person previously filed a certification, and a disclosure form, if required, under paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Each person shall file a disclosure form at the end of each calendar quarter in which there occurs any event that requires disclosure or that materially affects the accuracy of the information contained in any disclosure form previously filed by such person under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section. An event that materially affects the accuracy of the information reported includes:
(1) A cumulative increase of $25,000 or more in the amount paid or expected to be paid for influencing or attempting to influence a covered Federal action; or
(2) A change in the person(s) or individual(s) influencing or attempting to influence a covered Federal action; or,
(3) A change in the officer(s), employee(s), or Member(s) contacted to influence or attempt to influence a covered Federal action.
(d) Any person who requests or receives from a person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section:
(1) A subcontract exceeding $100,000 at any tier under a Federal contract;
(2) A subgrant, contract, or subcontract exceeding $100,000 at any tier under a Federal grant;
(3) A contract or subcontract exceeding $100,000 at any tier under a Federal loan exceeding $150,000; or,
(4) A contract or subcontract exceeding $100,000 at any tier under a Federal cooperative agreement, shall file a certification, and a disclosure form, if required, to the next tier above.
(e) All disclosure forms, but not certifications, shall be forwarded from tier to tier until received by the person referred to in paragraph (a) or (b) of this section. That person shall forward all disclosure forms to the agency.
(f) Any certification or disclosure form filed under paragraph (e) of this section shall be treated as a material representation of fact upon which all receiving tiers shall rely. All liability arising from an erroneous representation shall be borne solely by the tier filing that representation and shall not be shared by any tier to which the erroneous representation is forwarded. Submitting an erroneous certification or disclosure constitutes a failure to file the required certification or disclosure, respectively. If a person fails to file a required certification or disclosure, the United States may pursue all available remedies, including those authorized by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code.
(g) For awards and commitments in process prior to December 23, 1989, but not made before that date, certifications shall be required at award or commitment, covering activities occurring between December 23, 1989, and the date of award or commitment. However, for awards and commitments in process prior to the December 23, 1989 effective date of these provisions, but not made before December 23, 1989, disclosure forms shall not be required at time of award or commitment but shall be filed within 30 days.
(h) No reporting is required for an activity paid for with appropriated funds if that activity is allowable under either subpart B or C.
(a) The prohibition on the use of appropriated funds, in § 21.100 (a), does not apply in the case of a payment of
(b) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, providing any information specifically requested by an agency or Congress is allowable at any time.
(c) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, the following agency and legislative liaison activities are allowable at any time only where they are not related to a specific solicitation for any covered Federal action:
(1) Discussing with an agency (including individual demonstrations) the qualities and characteristics of the person's products or services, conditions or terms of sale, and service capabilities; and,
(2) Technical discussions and other activities regarding the application or adaptation of the person's products or services for an agency's use.
(d) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, the following agencies and legislative liaison activities are allowable only where they are prior to formal solicitation of any covered Federal action:
(1) Providing any information not specifically requested but necessary for an agency to make an informed decision about initiation of a covered Federal action;
(2) Technical discussions regarding the preparation of an unsolicited proposal prior to its official submission; and,
(3) Capability presentations by persons seeking awards from an agency pursuant to the provisions of the Small Business Act, as amended by Pub. L. 95-507 and other subsequent amendments.
(e) Only those activities expressly authorized by this section are allowable under this section.
(a) The prohibition on the use of appropriated funds, in § 21.100 (a), does not apply in the case of a payment of reasonable compensation made to an officer or employee of a person requesting or receiving a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement or an extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of a Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement if payment is for professional or technical services rendered directly in the preparation, submission, or negotiation of any bid, proposal, or application for that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement or for meeting requirements imposed by or pursuant to law as a condition for receiving that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(b) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, “professional and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example, drafting of a legal document accompanying a bid or proposal by a lawyer is allowable. Similarly, technical advice provided by an engineer on the performance or operational capability of a piece of equipment rendered directly in the negotiation of a contract is allowable. However, communications with the intent to influence made by a professional (such as a licensed lawyer) or a technical person (such as a licensed accountant) are not allowable under this section unless they provide advice and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly and solely in the preparation, submission or negotiation of a covered Federal action. Thus, for example, communications with the intent to influence made by a lawyer that do not provide legal advice or analysis directly and solely related to the legal aspects of his or her client's proposal, but generally advocate one proposal over another are not allowable under this section because the lawyer is not providing professional legal services. Similarly, communications with the intent to influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not allowable under this section since the engineer is providing technical services but not directly in the preparation, submission
(c) Requirements imposed by or pursuant to law as a condition for receiving a covered Federal award include those required by law or regulation, or reasonably expected to be required by law or regulation, and any other requirements in the actual award documents.
(d) Only those services expressly authorized by this section are allowable under this section.
No reporting is required with respect to payments of reasonable compensation made to regularly employed officers or employees of a person.
(a) The prohibition on the use of appropriated funds, in § 21.100 (a), does not apply in the case of any reasonable payment to a person, other than an officer or employee of a person requesting or receiving a covered Federal action, if the payment is for professional or technical services rendered directly in the preparation, submission, or negotiation of any bid, proposal, or application for that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement or for meeting requirements imposed by or pursuant to law as a condition for receiving that Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(b) The reporting requirements in § 21.110 (a) and (b) regarding filing a disclosure form by each person, if required, shall not apply with respect to professional or technical services rendered directly in the preparation, submission, or negotiation of any commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan.
(c) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, “professional and technical services” shall be limited to advice and analysis directly applying any professional or technical discipline. For example, drafting or a legal document accompanying a bid or proposal by a lawyer is allowable. Similarly, technical advice provided by an engineer on the performance or operational capability of a piece of equipment rendered directly in the negotiation of a contract is allowable. However, communications with the intent to influence made by a professional (such as a licensed lawyer) or a technical person (such as a licensed accountant) are not allowable under this section unless they provide advice and analysis directly applying their professional or technical expertise and unless the advice or analysis is rendered directly and solely in the preparation, submission or negotiation of a covered Federal action. Thus, for example, communications with the intent to influence made by a lawyer that do not provide legal advice or analysis directly and solely related to the legal aspects of his or her client's proposal, but generally advocate one proposal over another are not allowable under this section because the lawyer is not providing professional legal services. Similarly, communications with the intent to influence made by an engineer providing an engineering analysis prior to the preparation or submission of a bid or proposal are not allowable under this section since the engineer is providing technical services but not directly in the preparation, submission or negotiation of a covered Federal action.
(d) Requirements imposed by or pursuant to law as a condition for receiving a covered Federal award include those required by law or regulation, or reasonably expected to be required by law or regulation, and any other requirements in the actual award documents.
(e) Persons other than officers or employees of a person requesting or receiving a covered Federal action include consultants and trade associations.
(f) Only those services expressly authorized by this section are allowable under this section.
(a) Any person who makes an expenditure prohibited herein shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than
(b) Any person who fails to file or amend the disclosure form (see Appendix B) to be filed or amended if required herein, shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
(c) A filing or amended filing on or after the date on which an administrative action for the imposition of a civil penalty is commenced does not prevent the imposition of such civil penalty for a failure occurring before that date. An administrative action is commenced with respect to a failure when an investigating official determines in writing to commence an investigation of an allegation of such failure.
(d) In determining whether to impose a civil penalty, and the amount of any such penalty, by reason of a violation by any person, the agency shall consider the nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the violation, the effect on the ability of such person to continue in business, any prior violations by such person, the degree of culpability of such person, the ability of the person to pay the penalty, and such other matters as may be appropriate.
(e) First offenders under paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section shall be subject to a civil penalty of $10,000, absent aggravating circumstances. Second and subsequent offenses by persons shall be subject to an appropriate civil penalty between $10,000 and $100,000, as determined by the agency head or his or her designee.
(f) An imposition of a civil penalty under this section does not prevent the United States from seeking any other remedy that may apply to the same conduct that is the basis for the imposition of such civil penalty.
Agencies shall impose and collect civil penalties pursuant to the provisions of the Program Fraud and Civil Remedies Act, 31 U.S.C. sections 3803 (except subsection (c)), 3804, 3805, 3806, 3807, 3808, and 3812, insofar as these provisions are not inconsistent with the requirements herein.
The head of each agency shall take such actions as are necessary to ensure that the provisions herein are vigorously implemented and enforced in that agency.
(a) The Secretary of Defense may exempt, on a case-by-case basis, a covered Federal action from the prohibition whenever the Secretary determines, in writing, that such an exemption is in the national interest. The Secretary shall transmit a copy of each such written exemption to Congress immediately after making such a determination.
(b) The Department of Defense may issue supplemental regulations to implement paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) The head of each agency shall collect and compile the disclosure reports (see Appendix B) and, on May 31 and November 30 of each year, submit to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives a report containing a compilation of the information contained in the disclosure reports received during the six-month period ending on March 31 or September 30, respectively, of that year.
(b) The report, including the compilation, shall be available for public inspection 30 days after receipt of the report by the Secretary and the Clerk.
(c) Information that involves intelligence matters shall be reported only to the Select Committee on Intelligence of the Senate, the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence of the House of Representatives, and the Committees on Appropriations of the Senate and the House of Representatives in accordance with procedures agreed to by such committees. Such information shall not be available for public inspection.
(d) Information that is classified under Executive Order 12356 or any successor order shall be reported only to
(e) The first semi-annual compilation shall be submitted on May 31, 1990, and shall contain a compilation of the disclosure reports received from December 23, 1989 to March 31, 1990.
(f) Major agencies, designated by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), are required to provide machine-readable compilations to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives no later than with the compilations due on May 31, 1991. OMB shall provide detailed specifications in a memorandum to these agencies.
(g) Non-major agencies are requested to provide machine-readable compilations to the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives.
(h) Agencies shall keep the originals of all disclosure reports in the official files of the agency.
(a) The Inspector General, or other official as specified in paragraph (b) of this section, of each agency shall prepare and submit to Congress each year, commencing with submission of the President's Budget in 1991, an evaluation of the compliance of that agency with, and the effectiveness of, the requirements herein. The evaluation may include any recommended changes that may be necessary to strengthen or improve the requirements.
(b) In the case of an agency that does not have an Inspector General, the agency official comparable to an Inspector General shall prepare and submit the annual report, or, if there is no such comparable official, the head of the agency shall prepare and submit the annual report.
(c) The annual report shall be submitted at the same time the agency submits its annual budget justifications to Congress.
(d) The annual report shall include the following: All alleged violations relating to the agency's covered Federal actions during the year covered by the report, the actions taken by the head of the agency in the year covered by the report with respect to those alleged violations and alleged violations in previous years, and the amounts of civil penalties imposed by the agency in the year covered by the report.
The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
(1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
(2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instructions.
(3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a
The undersigned states, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:
If any funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this commitment providing for the United States to insure or guarantee a loan, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, “Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying,” in accordance with its instructions.
Submission of this statement is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required statement shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
Title III, Pub. L. 100-202; 31 U.S.C. 321.
In this part, unless the context indicates otherwise:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) With respect to the prepayment of the amounts permitted by this part to be prepaid of FMS Loans held by DSAA, the date designated by the mutual agreement of both the Borrower and DSAA on which the Guaranty will be attached to the Private Loan Note or the Private Loan Portion Notes, as the case may be, the Private Loan will be funded, and the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount, or the portion thereof which the Borrower has selected to prepay, will be prepaid; and
(2) With respect to the prepayment of the amounts permitted by this part to be prepaid of FMS Loans held by the FFB and guaranteed by DSAA, the date designated by the mutual agreement of the Borrower, the FFB, and DSAA on which the Guaranty will be attached to the Private Loan Note or the Private Loan Portion Notes, as the case may be, the Private Loan will be funded, and the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount, or Portion thereof which the Borrower has selected to prepay, will be prepaid.
(e)
(1) Any participation share of, or undivided ownership or other equity interest in, the Private Loan or any Private Loan Portion;
(2) Any note, bond or other debt instrument or obligation which is collateralized or otherwise secured by a pledge of, or secruity interest in, the Private Loan or any Private Loan Portion; or
(3) Any such interest in such an interest or any such instrument secured by such an instrument.
(f)
(g)
(1) Was outstanding on December 22, 1987;
(2) Has principal amounts becoming due and payable after September 30, 1989; and
(3) Bears interest at a rate equal to or greater than 10 percentum per annum.
(h)
(1) Was outstanding on December 22, 1987;
(2) Has principal amounts becoming due and payable after September 30, 1989; and
(3) Bears interest pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement relating thereto at a consolidated rate equal to or greater than 10 percentum per annum.
(i)
(1) Any of the following entities:
(i) Any banking, savings, or lending institution, or any subsidiary or affiliate thereof, chartered or otherwise lawfully organized under the laws of any State, the District of Columbia, the United States or any territory or possession of the United States, including, but not limited to, any bank, trust company, industrial bank, investment banking company, savings association, savings and loan association, building and loan association, savings bank, credit union, or finance company, which is doing business in the United States;
(ii) Any broker or dealer registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934;
(iii) Any company lawfully organized as an insurance company, and which is subject to supervision by the insurance commissioner or a similar official or agency of a State; or
(iv) Any United States pension fund; or
(2) Any trust or other special purpose financing entity which is funded initially by an entity or entities of the type described in paragraph (i)(1) of this section.
(j)
(k)
(l)
(1) A disbursement of funds made pursuant to a loan agreement between the Borrower and DSAA, which loan agreement provides for making of an FMS Loan; or
(2) A disbursement of funds made pursuant to a loan agreement between the Borrower and the FFB, which loan agreement provides for the making of an FMS Loan.
(m)
(1) A loan made directly by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to section 23 of AECA; or
(2) A loan made by the FFB and guaranteed by the Secretary of Defense pursuant to section 24 of AECA; and “FMS Loans” mean the aggregate of such loans made to or for the account of a Borrower.
(n)
(o)
(p)
(1) With respect to any Derivative which is equal in principal amount to the Private Loan or any Private Loan Portion, that amount of payment on account of such Derivative which is
(2) With respect to any Derivatives which in the aggregate are equal in principal amount to the Private Loan or any Private Loan Portion, that amount of payment on account of such derivatives which is equal to the Guaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Guaranteed Loan Portion Amount, as the case may be.
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(1) The cost of funds to the Borrower for the Private Loan (expressed in terms of the true rate of interest applicable to the Private Loan) if paragraph (a) of § 25.404 applies to the Private Loan; and
(2) The cost of funds to the Borrower for the Private Loan (expressed in terms of the true rate of interest applicable to the Private Loan) if paragraph (a) of § 25.404 does not apply to the Private Loan.
(u)
(v)
(w)
(1) An individual domiciled in the United States;
(2) A corporation incorporated, chartered or otherwise organized in the United States; or
(3) A partnership or other juridical entity doing business in the United States.
(x)
(1) All principal amounts which become due and payable after September 30, 1989, on the respective Eligible FMS Loan or Eligible FMS Advance; and
(2) All unpaid interest, if any, on the respective Eligible FMS Loan or Eligible FMS Advance accrued as of the Closing Date.
(y)
(z)
(aa)
(bb)
(cc)
(1) The aggregate of the respective Permitted P&I Prepayment amount for all Eligible FMS Loans and all Eligible FMS Advances on account of FMS Loans which FMS Loans do not, in themselves, meet the criteria of Eligible FMS Loans; and
(2) The Permitted Arrears Prepayment Amount.
(dd)
(ee)
(ff)
The reporting requirements in this part have been approved under the Office of Management and Budget control number 1505-0109.
(a) To qualify for a loan prepayment at par pursuant to subsection (a) of the Act, a Borrower must have an Eligible FMS Loan or an Eligible FMS Advance.
(b) A Borrower may prepay the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount in portions using more than one closing; however, all prepayments of the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount must have a Closing Date that is not later than September 30, 1991.
(c) A Borrower may prepay all or a portion of the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount; however, if a Borrower selects to prepay any Permitted P&I Prepayment Amount of an FMS Advance, the Borrower must prepay the entire Permitted P&I Prepayment Amount of such FMS Advance.
(d) If the payment billings of an FMS Loan have been consolidated in accordance with the terms of the respective loan agreement, and if any principal payments have been made on account of the FMS Loan, then the outstanding principal balances of any Eligible FMS Advances shall be determined in accordance with the principal of “first disbursed, first repaid,” that is, advances on account of the FMS Loan shall be deemed to have been repaid in the chronological order in which they were disbursed.
(a) Each Borrower that wishes to prepay at par the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount, or any portion thereof, must submit a written prepayment application. To be considered complete, a prepayment application must contain the following information and materials:
(1) Part I of the prepayment application shall be the identification of each Eligible FMS Loan or Eligible FMS Advance, as the case may be, with respect to which the Borrower has selected to prepay the amount thereof permitted by this part to be prepaid, setting forth with respect to each such Eligible FMS Loan or Eligible FMS Advance:
(i) The date on which the Eligible FMS Advance was made or the date on which the Eligible FMS Loan was signed;
(ii) The original amount of the Eligible FMS Loan or Eligible FMS Advance;
(iii) The principal and interest payment schedule of the Eligible FMS Loan or Eligible FMS Advance; and
(iv) The maturity of the Eligible FMS Loan or Eligible FMS Advance.
(2) Part II of the prepayment application shall be the Borrower's estimate of the Permitted Arrears Prepayment Amount calculated as of the date of the application;
(3) Part III of the prepayment application shall be a description of each Private Loan, 90 percent of which the Borrower seeks to have guaranteed, setting forth with respect to each Private Loan:
(i) The total amount of the Private Loan,
(ii) The proposed principal and interest payment schedule of the Private Loan,
(iii) The proposed maturity of the Private Loan, and
(iv) The identity of each Eligible FMS Loan or Eligible FMS Advance with respect to which amount thereof permitted by this part to be prepaid is to be prepaid with the proceeds of the Private Loan;
(4) Part IV of the prepayment application shall be all material transaction documents, in substantially final form, relating to the prepayment of the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount, or the portion thereof which the Borrower has selected to prepay, with the proceeds of the Private Loan; and
(5) Part V of the prepayment application shall be the name, address, and telephone number of the Borrower's contact person with whom the FFB or DSAA will communicate to arrange for prepayment and closing.
(b) Each prepayment application shall be submitted in triplicate to
(c) A Borrower wishing to obtain preliminary, nonbinding review of a plan to prepay at par the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount, or any portion thereof, may, at the Borrower's option, prior to submitting a prepayment application in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, submit to DSAA, at the address set forth in paragraph (b) of this section, a written plan of prepayment. To qualify for review, a plan of prepayment must include a detailed description of the proposed financing structure clearly addressing the terms and conditions of the proposed Private Loan. DSAA will review each plan of prepayment submitted by Borrowers and may engage in informal, non-binding discussions with each Borrower that submitted a plan of prepayment to assist such Borrower in preparing a prepayment application.
(a)
(2) DSAA will review each completed prepayment application to ensure that the Private Loan complies with the requirements of this part, including without limitation the requirements of § 25.400. DSAA will also review each completed prepayment application to ensure that the provisions of subsection (d) of the Act (Purposes and Reports) are considered. DSAA will process each completed prepayment application within 16 days after receipt by DSAA of the respective completed application from a Borrower.
(3) After DSAA has processed a completed prepayment application, DSAA will either:
(i) Return the application to the Borrower; or
(ii) Deliver to the State Department written evidence of the approval of the prepayment application by DSAA.
(b)
(2) After the State Department has processed Parts I and II of a prepayment application, the State Department will either:
(i) Return the parts of the application to DSAA for return to the Borrower; or
(ii) Deliver to the Treasury Department written evidence of the approvals of the prepayment application by DSAA and the State Department.
(c)
(ii) After the Treasury Department has processed Parts I and II of a prepayment application, the Treasury Department will return the parts of the application to DSAA, and thereupon DSAA will commence the Closing Procedures described in § 25.303(a) with respect to the application.
(2)
(ii) After the Treasury Department has processed Parts I and II of a prepayment application, the Treasury Department will commence the Closing Procedures described in § 25.303(b) with respect to the application.
A Borrower that submits a prepayment application may withdraw the prepayment application at any time prior to its approval. Even after a Borrower's prepayment application has been approved, the Borrower is not obligated to prepay its Eligible FMS Loans or Eligible FMS Advances.
(a)
(2) On the Closing Date, the Guaranty will be attached to the Private Loan Note or the Private Loan Portion Notes, as the case may be, the Private Loan shall be funded, and the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount, or the portion thereof which the Borrower has selected to prepay, will be prepaid.
(3) The attachment of the Guaranty to the Private Loan Note or the Private Loan Portion Notes, as the case may be, will take place at such location as may be designated by the mutual agreement of the Borrower and DSAA.
(4) Prior to 1:00 p.m. prevailing local time in New York, New York, on the Closing Date, immediately available funds in amounts sufficient to prepay the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount, or the portion thereof which the Borrower has selected to prepay, shall be transferred by electronic funds transfer to DSAA at the Treasury Department account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The funds transfer message must include the following credit information:
(b)
(2) On the Closing Date, the Guaranty will be attached to the Private Loan Note or the Private Loan Portion Notes, as the case may be, the Private Loan will be funded, and the Total Permitted Prepayment Amount, or the portion thereof which the Borrower has selected to prepay, will be prepaid.
(3) The attachment of the Guaranty to the Private Loan Note or the Private Loan Portion Notes, as the case
(4) Prior to 1:00 p.m. prevailing local time in New York, New York, on the Closing Date, immediately available funds in amounts sufficient to prepay at par the Permitted Prepayment Amount, or the portion thereof which the Borrower has selected to prepay, shall be transferred by electronic funds transfer to the Treasury Department account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The funds transfer message must include the following credit information:
(c)
(a) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b) of this section, the principal and interest payment schedule and maturity of the Private Loan must be the same as the payment schedules and maturities of the Eligible FMS Loans or Eligible FMS Advances, as the case may be, which the Borrower has selected to prepay with the proceeds of the Private Loan.
(b) Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, an Eligible Private Lender that proposes to make a Private Loan, the proceeds of which will be used to prepay Eligible FMS Loans or Eligible FMS Advances, as the case may be, having differing payment structures and maturities, may:
(1) Consolidate the differing payment structures of the Eligible FMS Loans or the Eligible FMS Advances, as the case may be, into a single payment structure which complies with the following criteria:
(i) The Private Loan shall have one set of semi-annual payment dates;
(ii) Interest on and principal of the Private Loan shall be payable semi-annually; and
(iii) The amount of principal to be paid each year on account of the Private Loan shall be equal (rounded to the nearest $1,000.00 if desired, except for the final payment) to the aggregate amount of principal that is scheduled to be paid in such year on account of the respective Eligible FMS Loans or Eligible FMS Advances; or
(2) Consolidate the differing payment structures and maturities of the Eligible FMS Loans or the Eligible FMS Advances, as the case may be, into a single payment structure and maturity complying with the following criteria:
(i) The final maturity date of the Private Loan shall be the approximate weighted average of the final maturity dates of the Eligible FMS Loans or the Eligible FMS Advances with respect to which the Borrower has selected to prepay amounts thereof permitted by this part to be prepaid;
(ii) The initial principal payment date of the Private Loan shall occur no later than the earliest scheduled principal payment date of the Eligible FMS Loans or the Eligible FMS Advances with respect to which the Borrower has selected to prepay amounts thereof permitted by this part to be prepaid;
(iii) The Private Loan shall have one set of semi-annual payment dates;
(iv) Interest on the Private Loan shall be payable semi-annually; and
(v) The principal of the Private Loan shall be payable in equal installments
The interest rate on the Private Loan may include compensation for costs at prevailing market rates with the agreement of the Borrower and the Eligible Private Lender selected by the Borrower.
Each Private Loan Note, with the Guaranty attached, shall be fully and freely transferable to any Permitted Guaranty Holder.
The Guaranty shall cease to be effective with respect to the Private Loan or any Private Loan Portion or any Derivative to the extent that the Private Loan or the respective Private Loan Portion or the respective Derivative, as the case may be, is used to provide significant support for a Non-Registered Obligation.
(a) The Guaranty shall cease to be effective with respect to any Guaranteed Loan Amount or any Guaranteed Loan Portion Amount or any Guaranteed-Amount Equivalent to the extent that:
(1) The Guaranteed Amount or the respective Guaranteed Loan Portion Amount or the respective Guaranteed-Amount Equivalent, as the case may be, is separated at any time from the Unguaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Unguaranteed Loan Portion Amount or the respective Unguaranteed-Amount Equivalent, as the case may be, in any way, directly or through the issuance of any Guaranteed-Amount Equity Derivative or any Guaranteed-Amount Debt Derivative; or
(2) Any holder of the Private Loan Note or any Private Loan Portion Note or any Derivative, as the case may be, having a claim to payments on the Private Loan receives more than 90 percent of any payment due to such holder from payments made under the Guaranty at any time during the term of the Private Loan.
(b) Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, if any Guaranteed-Amount Debt Derivative is issued, the Guaranty shall not cease to be effective with respect to any Guaranteed Loan Amount or any Guaranteed Loan Portion Amount or any Guaranteed-Amount Equivalent, as the case may be, if both of the circumstances described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section.
(1) A Borrower shall have delivered to the Secretary of the treasury evidence, in form and substance satisfactory to the Secretary of the Treasury, that the Interest Rate Difference will be substantial.
(i) To be considered, the evidence must meet the following requirements:
(A) The Borrower must show that the Interest Rate Difference is directly attributable to paragraph (a) of this section being applied to the Private Loan, that is, that the Interest Rate Difference will exist even when all other financing terms of the Private Loan, including any collateralization of the Unguaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Unguaranteed Loan Portion Amount or the respective Unguaranteed-Amount Equivalent, as the case may be, are identical;
(B) When calculating the Interest Rate Difference, the Borrower must assume that the Unguaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Unguaranteed Loan Portion Amount or the respective Unguaranteed-Amount Equivalent, as the case may be, will be collateralized by securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, unless the Borrower is legally prohibited from so collateralizing the Unguaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Unguaranteed Loan Portion Amount or the respective Unguaranteed-Amount Equivalent, as the case may be, or the Borrower has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary of the Treasury that the Borrower is unable to so collateralize the Unguaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Unguaranteed Loan Portion Amount or the respective Unguaranteed-Amount Equivalent;
(C) If the Borrower is legally prohibited from collateralizing the Unguaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Loan Guaranteed Portion
(D) If the Borrower delivers evidence to the Secretary of the Treasury respecting the Interest Rate Difference, which evidence assumes either that the Unguaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Unguaranteed Loan Portion Amount or the respective Unguaranteed-Amount Equivalent, as the case may be, will not be collateralized at all or that the Unguaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Unguaranteed Loan Portion Amount or the respective Unguaranteed-Amount Equivalent, as the case may be, will be collateralized, but not by securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, then the Borrower must also deliver to the Secretary of the Treasury the written agreement of the Borrower, which agreement shall be in form and substance satisfactory to the Secretary of the Treasury, that the Borrower will not collateralize the Unguaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Unguaranteed Loan Portion Amount or the respective Unguaranteed-Amount Equivalent, as the case may be, at any time during the term of the Private Loan in any way different from the assumptions used in calculating the Interest Rate Difference; and
(E) The Borrower must deliver to the Secretary of the Treasury the evidence pertaining to the Interest Rate Difference at the time that the Borrower submits to DSAA its plan for prepayment, if any, if no plan of prepayment is submitted, then no later than 10 days prior to the time that the Borrower submits to DSAA its prepayment application.
(ii) If the Secretary of the Treasury determines that the evidence submitted by the Borrower pertaining to the Interest Rate Difference is satisfactory in form and in substance, and that the Interest Rate Difference is substantial, a modified version of the Guaranty (deleting therefrom the provision that the Guaranty shall cease to be effective if any Guaranteed-Amount Debt Derivative is issued) will be attached to the Private Loan Note or the Private Loan Portion Notes, as the case may be.
(2) The Secretary of the Treasury shall have determined, in the sole discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury, that the respective Borrower's loan prepayment at par pursuant to subsection (a) of the Act through the issuance of any Guaranteed-Amount Debt Derivative is necessary to achieve the international economic policy interests of the United States.
(a) The Guaranty that will be attached to the Private Loan Note on the Closing Date shall be in the following form (except that the bracketed words shall be deleted if the conditions specified in § 25.404(b) shall have occurred):
For Value Received, the Defense Security Assistance Agency of the Department of Defense (“DSAA”), hereby guarantees to (Name of Lender) (“Lender”), incorporated under the laws of (U.S. State or other U.S. jurisdiction) or if not so incorporated or organized, then the principal place of doing business is (U.S. location, address, and zip code), under the authority of Section 24 of the Arms Export Control Act, as amended (“Act”), the due and punctual payment of ninety percent (90%) of amounts due: (1) on the promissory note (“Note”) in the principal amount of up to $___ dated ___ issued to the Lender by the Government of (Name of Borrower) (“Borrower”) pursuant to the Loan Agreement between the Lender and the Borrower dated the __th day of ___ (“Agreement”); and (2) the Lender from the Borrower pursuant to the Agreement.
This Guaranty is a guaranty of payment covering all political and credit risks of nonpayment, including any nonpayment arising out of any claim which the Borrower may now or hereafter have against any person, corporation, or other entity (including without limitation, the United States, the Lender, and any supplier of defense items) in connection with any transaction, for any reason whatsoever. This Guaranty shall inure to the
DSAA hereby waives diligence, demand, protest, presentment and any requirement that the Lender exhaust any right or power to take any action against the Borrower and any notice of any kind whatsoever other than the demand for payment required to be given to DSAA hereunder in the event of default on a payment due under the Note.
In the event of failure of the Borrower to make payment, when and as due, of any installment of principal or interest under the Note, the DSAA shall make payment immediately to the Lender upon demand to the DSAA after the Borrower's failure to pay has continued for 10 calendar days. The amount payable under this Guaranty shall be ninety percent (90%) of the amount of the overdue installment of principal and interest, plus ninety percent (90%) of any and all late charges and interest thereon as provided in the Agreement. Upon payment by DSAA to the Lender, the Lender will assign to DSAA, without recourse or warranty, ninety percent (90%) of all of its rights in the Note and the Agreement with respect to such payment.
In the event of a default under the Agreement or the Note by the Borrower and so long as this Guaranty is in effect and the DSAA is not in default hereunder:
(i) The Lender or other Permitted Guaranty Holder shall not accelerate or reschedule payment of the principal or interest on the Note or any other note of the Borrower guaranteed by DSAA except with the written approval of DSAA; and
(ii) The Lender or other Permitted Guaranty Holder shall, if so directed by DSAA, invoke the default provisions of the Agreement.
Subject to the limitations set forth below, the Lender's rights under this Guaranty may be assigned to any “Permitted Guaranty Holder,” that is: (1) An individual domiciled in the United States; (2) a corporation incorporated, chartered or otherwise organized in the United States; or (3) a partnership or other juridical entity doing business in the United States. In the event of such assignment DSAA shall be promptly notified. The Lender will not agree to any material amendment of the Agreement or Note or consent to any material deviation from the provisions thereof without the prior written consent of DSAA.
Permitted Guaranty Holders shall be severally bound by, and shall be severally entitled to, the rights and obligations of the Lender under the Note, the Agreement, and this Guaranty. The Lender shall maintain a current, accurate written record of the names, addresses, amount of financial interest in the Note and Agreement, and date of acquisition of such interest of each Permitted Guaranty Holder and shall furnish DSAA a copy of such record on its demand without charge. No assignment by the Lender or by any Permitted Guaranty Holder shall be effective for purposes of this Guaranty unless and until so recorded by the Lender.
The total amount of this Guaranty shall not at any time exceed ninety percent (90%) of the outstanding principal, unpaid accrued interest and arrearages, if any, under the Agreement and the Note, including any portion of the Note, or any derivative of the Note or any portion of the Note.
This Guaranty shall cease to be effective with respect to the guaranteed amount of the total amount of the Note (the “Guaranteed Loan Amount”) or with respect to the guaranteed amount of any portion of the Note (the “Guaranteed Loan Portion Amount”) [or with respect to the amount of any derivative or derivatives of the Note or any portion of the Note equal, or in the aggregate equal, in principal amount to the total amount of the Note or such portion of the Note, as the case may be, which amount of such derivative or derivatives is equal to the respective Guaranteed Loan Amount or Guaranteed Loan Portion Amount, as the case may be (the “Guaranteed-Amount Equivalent”)] to the extent that (1) the Guaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Guaranteed Loan Portion Amount [or the respective Guaranteed-Amount Equivalent], as the case may be, is at any time separated from the unguaranteed amount of the total amount of the Note or the unguaranteed amount of the respective portion of the Note [or the amount of such derivative or derivatives of the Note which is not the amount which is equal to the Guaranteed Loan Amount or Guaranteed Loan Portion Amount, as the case may be], in any way, (a) directly, or (b) through the issuance of participation shares of, or undivided ownership or other equity interests in, the Note, or any portion of the Note, or any derivative of the Note or any portion of the Note, which have an exclusive or preferred claim to the Guaranteed Loan Amount or the respective Guaranteed Loan Portion Amount [or the respective Guaranteed-Amount Equivalent], as the case may be [or (c) through the issuance of
This Guaranty is fully and freely transferable to any Permitted Guaranty Holder, except that it shall cease to be effective with respect to the Agreement or the Note, or any portion of the Note, or any derivative of the Note or any portion of the Note, to the extent that the Agreement or the Note, or the respective portion of the Note, or the respective derivative of the Note or any portion of the Note, as the case may be, is used to provide significant support for any non-registered obligation.
The full faith and credit of the United States is pledged to the performance of this Guaranty. No claim which the United States may now or hereafter have against the Lender or any Permitted Guaranty Holder for any reason whatsoever shall affect in any way the right of the Lender or any Permitted Guaranty Holder to receive full and prompt payment of any amount otherwise due under this Guaranty. The United States represents and warrants that (a) it has full power, authority and legal right to execute, deliver and perform this Guaranty, (b) this Guaranty has been executed in accordance with and pursuant to the terms and provisions of section 24 of the Act, the provisions of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1988, under the hearing “Foreign Military Sales Debt Reform,” and title 31, part 25, of the Code of Federal Regulations, (c) this Guaranty has been duly executed and delivered by a duly authorized representative of DSAA, and (d) this Guaranty constitutes the valid and legally binding obligations of the United States, enforceable in accordance with the terms hereof.
Any notice, demand, or other communication hereunder shall be deemed to have been given if in writing and actually delivered to the Comptroller, DSAA, the Pentagon, Washington, DC 20301-2800, or the successor, or such other place as may be designated in writing by the Comptroller, DSAA or the successor thereof.
By acceptance of the Note, the Lender agrees to the terms and conditions of this Guaranty.
(b) The obligations of DSAA under the Guaranty are expressly limited to those obligations contained in the form of Guaranty set forth in paragraph (a) of this section. Any provisions of any agreement relating to the Private Loan purporting to create obligations on the part of DSAA which are inconsistent with the terms of the Guaranty or any other provision of this part be unenforceable against DSAA.
Nothing in this rule is intended to authorize any person or entity to engage in any activity not otherwise authorized or permitted for such person or entity under any applicable laws of the United States, any territory or possession of the United States, any State, or the District of Columbia.
22 U.S.C. 262m-7, 31 U.S.C. 321.
This part prescribes procedures for the environmental review of, and comment by Federal agencies and the public on, proposed projects of multilateral development banks (MDBs).
(a) The Office of Multilateral Development Banks of the Department of the Treasury (hereinafter “MDB Office”) will ensure that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Council on Environmental Quality
(b)(1) Members of the public may obtain copies of project listings from the BIC, 2025 Eye Street NW., suite 522, Washington, DC 20006 ((202) 466-8191, not a toll-free call).
(2) If a copy is not available from the BIC, members of the public may arrange to review and/or copy a project listing by contacting the MDB Office which will make a copy available at the Department of the Treasury Library, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC ((202) 622-0990, not a toll-free call). Members of the public are advised that they must make an appointment with the Treasury Library before they visit and that a charge (currently 15 cents per page) is imposed for the use of the library photocopier.
(a)
(2) (i) Members of the public may obtain copies of EIA Summaries from the BIC, 2025 Eye Street, NW., suite 522, Washington, DC 20006 ((202) 466-8191, not a toll-free call).
(ii) If a copy of an EIA Summary is not available from the BIC, members of the public may arrange to review and/or copy an EIA Summary by contacting the MDB Office at (202) 622-0765 (not a toll-free call), which will make a copy available at the Department of the Treasury Library, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washingon, DC. Members of the public are advised that they must make an appointment with the Treasury Library (202) 622-0990) before they visit, and that a charge (currently 15 cents per page) is imposed for the use of the library photocopier. To the extent possible, EIA Summaries will be available for review and copying at least 120 days before scheduled consideration of a project by the MDB Executive Directors.
(b)
(2)
(ii) If a particular MDB does not have a public reading room, members of the public may arrange to review and/or copy an EIA by contacting the MDB Office ((202) 622-0765 (not a toll-free call)), which will obtain a copy through the Office of the United States Executive Director of the concerned MDB and make it available in the Department of the Treasury Library, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC. Members of the public are advised that they must make an appointment with the Treasury Library ((202) 622-0990 not a toll-free call) before they visit, and that a charge (currently 15 cents per page) is imposed for the use of the library photocopier.
(a)
(ii) All written comments will be available for inspection and copying in their entirety in the Department of the Treasury Library, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC ((202) 622-0990). Members of the public are advised that they must make an appointment with the Treasury Library before they visit, and that a charge (currently 15 cents per page) is imposed for the use of the library photocopier.
(2)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(i) A MDB project would have a significant impact on the human environment, and
(ii) The MDB appears to have made an appropriate decision that such project merits environmental analysis, but less than a full-fledged environmental impact assessment as defined by that MDB's own procedures, the Department of the Treasury will obtain, through the United States Executive Director of the concerned MDB, such environmental information from the MDB (
(2) If such environmental information is insufficient to provide an adequate basis for analyzing the environmental impact of the proposed project and alternatives to the proposed project, the Department of the Treasury will instruct the United States Executive Director of the concerned MDB not to vote in favor of the project.
31 U.S.C. 321, 333.
(a) The regulations in this part implement the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 333(c), which authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to assess a civil penalty against any person who has misused the words, titles, abbreviations, initials, symbols, emblems, seals, or badges of the Department of the Treasury or any subdivision thereof in violation of 31 U.S.C. 333(a), in accordance with that section and this part.
(b) The regulations in this part do not apply to the extent that the Secretary or his/her designee has specifically authorized the person to manufacture, produce, sell, possess, or use the words, titles, abbreviations, initials, symbols, emblems, seals, or badges by written contract, agreement, or letter.
(a) The term “assessing official” means:
(1) The head of a bureau or other subdivision of the Department of the Treasury who has been delegated the authority to assess civil penalties under 31 U.S.C. 333(c); or
(2) An officer or employee of a bureau or subdivision at the grade of GS-15 or above to whom such authority has been redelegated by the head of such bureau or subdivision.
(b) The term “broadcast” or “telecast” mean widespread dissemination by electronic transmission or method, whether audio and/or visual.
(c) The term “civil penalty” means:
(1) A civil monetary penalty; and
(2) Any other civil or equitable remedy deemed necessary to rectify the potential for a continued misuse or harm from an activity found to have been in violation of 31 U.S.C. 333 or this part.
(d) The term “date of offense” means the later of—
(1) The date that the misuse occurred;
(2) The date that the misuse had the effect of conveying the false impression that the activity was associated with or approved, endorsed, sponsored or authorized by the Department or any of its subdivisions or officers or employees; or
(3) If the violation is a continuing one, the date on which the misuse of the words, titles, abbreviations, initials, symbols, emblems, seals, or badges protected by this part last occurred.
(e) The term “days” means calendar days, unless otherwise stated.
(f) The term “person” means an individual, partnership, association, corporation, company, business, firm, manufacturer, or any other organization or institution.
(a)
(1) Who uses in connection with, or as a part of, any advertisement, solicitation, business activity, or product, whether alone or with other words, letters, symbols, or emblems;
(i) The words “Department of the Treasury,” “United States Secret Service,” “United States Customs Service,” “Internal Revenue Service,” “Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms,” “Bureau of the Public Debt,” “Bureau of Engraving and Printing,” “Comptroller of the Currency,” “Federal Law
(ii) The titles “Secretary of the Treasury,” “Treasurer of the United States,” “Director of the Secret Service,” “Commissioner of Customs,” “Commissioner of Internal Revenue,” “Director, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms,” “Commissioner of the Public Debt,” “Director of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing,” “Comptroller of the Currency,” “Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center,” “Director of the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network,” “Director of the United States Mint,” or the title of any other officer or employee of the Department of the Treasury or subdivision thereof;
(iii) The abbreviations or initials of any entity or title referred to in paragraph (a)(1)(i) or (a)(1)(ii) of this section, including but not limited to “USSS,” “USCS,” “IRS,” “ATF,” or “BATF,” “BPD,” “FLETC,” “FINCEN” or “FinCEN,”and “SBMO”;
(iv) The words “United States Savings Bond,” including any variation thereof, or the name of any other security, obligation, or financial instrument issued by the Department of the Treasury or any subdivision thereof;
(v) Any symbol, emblem, seal, or badge of an entity referred to in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section (including the design of any envelope, stationery, or identification card used by such an entity); or
(vi) Any colorable imitation of any such words, titles, abbreviations, initials, symbol, emblem, seal, or badge; and
(2) Where such use is in a manner that could reasonably be interpreted or construed as conveying the false impression that such advertisement, solicitation, business activity, or product is in any manner approved, endorsed, sponsored, or authorized by, or associated with the Department of the Treasury or any entity referred to in paragraph (a)(1)(i) of this section, or any officer, or employee thereof.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) An assessing official may commence a civil action to recover or enforce any civil penalty imposed in a Final Notice of Assessment issued pursuant to § 27.7 at any time before the end of the two year period beginning on the date of the Final Notice of Assessment. If judicial review of the Final Notice of Assessment is sought, the two year period begins to run from the date that a final and unappealable court order is issued.
(e)
The assessing official will consider relevant factors when determining whether to assess or impose a civil penalty under this part, and the amount of a civil monetary penalty. Those factors may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) The scope of the misuse;
(b) The purpose and/or nature of the misuse;
(c) The extent of the harm caused by the misuse;
(d) The circumstances of the misuse; and
(e) The benefit intended to be derived from the misuse.
The assessing official shall serve an Initial Notice of Assessment by United States mail or other means upon any person believed to be in violation of § 27.3 and otherwise subject to a civil penalty. The notice shall provide the name and telephone number of an agency officer or employee who can provide information concerning the notice and the provisions of this part, and shall include the following:
(a) A specific reference to the provisions of § 27.3 violated;
(b) A concise statement of the facts that support the conclusion that such a violation occurred;
(c) The amount of the penalty proposed, and/or any other proposed civil or equitable remedy;
(d) A notice informing the person alleged to be in violation of § 27.3 that he/she:
(1) May, within 30 days of the date of the notice, pay the proposed civil monetary penalty and consent to each proposed civil or equitable remedy, thereby waiving the right to make a written response under § 27.6 and to seek judicial review under § 27.8:
(i) By electronic funds transfer (EFT) in accordance with instructions provided in the notice, or
(ii) By means other than EFT only with the written approval of the assessing official;
(2) May make a written response within 30 days of the date of the notice asserting, as appropriate:
(i) Why a civil monetary penalty and/or other civil or equitable remedy should not be imposed;
(ii) Why a civil monetary penalty should be in a lesser amount than proposed; and
(iii) Why the terms of a proposed civil or equitable remedy should be modified;
(3) May be represented by an attorney or other representative, provided that a designation of representative signed by the person alleged to be in violation is received by the assessing official; and
(4) May request, within 20 days of the date of the notice, a copy of or opportunity to review any documents and/or other evidence compiled and relied on by the agency in determining to issue the notice (the assessing official reserves the right to assert privileges available under law and may decline to disclose certain documents and/or other evidence); and
(e) The Initial Notice of Assessment shall also inform the person that:
(1) If no written response is received within the time allowed in § 27.6(b), a Final Notice of Assessment may be issued without a presentation by the person;
(2) If a written response has been made and it is deemed necessary, the assessing official may request, orally or in writing, additional information from the respondent;
(3) A Final Notice of Assessment may be issued in accordance with § 27.7 requiring that the civil monetary penalty be paid and compliance with the terms of any other civil or equitable remedy;
(4) A Final Notice of Assessment is subject to judicial review in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 701
(5) All submissions sent in response to the Initial
Notice of Assessment must be transmitted to the address specified in the notice and include the name, address, and telephone number of the respondent.
(a)(1) A person served with an Initial Notice of Assessment may make a written response explaining why the civil penalty should not be imposed, explaining why a civil monetary penalty should be in a lesser amount than proposed and/or explaining why the terms of a proposed civil or equitable remedy should be modified. The written response must provide:
(i) A reference to and specifically identify the Initial Notice of Assessment involved;
(ii) The full name of the person charged;
(iii) If not a natural person, the name and title of the head of the organization charged; and
(iv) If a representative of the person charged is filing the written response, a copy of the duly executed designation as representative.
(2) The written response must admit or deny each violation of § 27.3 charged
(b)
(2) If a request for documents or other evidence is made pursuant to § 27.5(d)(4), the written response must be received not later than 20 days after the date of the Department's response to the request.
(3)(i) In computing the number of days allowed for filing a written response under this paragraph, the first day counted is the day after the date of the Initial Notice of Assessment. If the last date on which the response is required to be filed by this paragraph is a Saturday, Sunday or Federal holiday, the response will be due on the next weekday after that date.
(ii) If a response is transmitted by United States mail, it will be deemed timely filed if postmarked on or before the due date.
(4) The assessing official may extend the period for making a written response under paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) for good cause shown. Generally, failure to obtain representation in a timely manner will not be considered good cause.
(c)
(d) The assessing official will fully consider the facts and arguments submitted by the respondent in the written response and any other documents filed pursuant to this paragraph in determining whether to issue a Final Notice of Assessment under § 27.7, the appropriate amount of the civil monetary penalty imposed and the terms of any other appropriate civil or equitable remedy.
(a) In making a final determination whether to impose a penalty, the assessing official shall take into consideration all available information in the administrative record on the matter, including all information provided in or with a written response timely filed by the respondent and any additional information provided pursuant to § 27.5(e)(2). The assessing official will determine whether:
(1) The facts warrant a conclusion that no violation has occurred; or
(2) The facts warrant a conclusion that one or more violations have occurred; and
(3) The facts and violations found justify the conclusion that a civil penalty should be imposed.
(b) If the assessing official determines that no violation has occurred, the official shall promptly send a letter indicating that determination to the person served with an Initial Notice of Assessment and to any designated representative of such person.
(c)(1) If it has been determined that a violation has occurred, the assessing official shall issue a Final Notice of Assessment to the person served with an Initial Notice of Assessment and to any designated representative of such person.
(2) The assessing official may, in his/her discretion:
(i) Impose a civil monetary penalty and/or any civil or equitable remedy deemed necessary to rectify the potential for a continued misuse or harm from the violation(s);
(ii) Not impose a civil monetary penalty and/or civil or equitable remedy; or
(iii) Impose a civil monetary penalty and/or civil or equitable remedy and condition payment of the civil monetary penalty on the violator's future compliance with 31 U.S.C. 333, this part and any civil or equitable remedy contained in the Final Notice of Assessment. If a civil monetary penalty is imposed, the assessing official shall determine the appropriate amount of the penalty in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 333(c)(2).
(3) The Final Notice of Assessment shall:
(i) Include:
(A) A specific reference to the provisions of § 27.3 found to have been violated;
(B) A concise statement of the facts warranting a conclusion that a violations has occurred;
(C) An analysis of how the facts and violation(s) justify the conclusion that a civil monetary penalty and/or civil or equitable remedy should be imposed; and
(D) The amount of each civil monetary penalty imposed, a statement as to how the amount of each penalty was determined, and the terms of any civil or equitable remedy deemed necessary to rectify the potential for a continued misuse or harm from the violation(s); and
(ii) Inform the person that:
(A) Payment of a civil monetary penalty imposed by the Final Notice of Assessment must be made within 30 days of the date of the notice, and that any civil or equitable remedy imposed must be complied with as provided in the Final Notice of Assessment;
(B) Payment of a civil monetary penalty imposed by the Final Notice of Assessment shall be by EFT in accordance with instructions provided in the notice, unless the assessing official has given written approval to have payment made by other means;
(C) payment of a civil monetary penalty imposed by the Final Notice of Assessment constitutes consent by the person to comply with the terms of any civil or equitable remedy contained in the notice;
(D) If payment of a civil monetary penalty imposed by the Final Notice of Assessment has been waived on the condition that the person comply with the terms of any civil or equitable remedy contained in the notice or comply in the future with 31 U.S.C. 333 and this part, failure by the person to so comply will make the civil monetary penalty payable on demand;
(E) If a civil monetary penalty is not paid within 30 days of the date of the Final Notice of Assessment (or on demand under paragraph (C)(3)(ii)(D) of this sectiion), or if a civil or equitable remedy is not complied with in accordance with the terms of the notice, a civil action to collect the penalty or enforce compliance may be commenced at any time within two years of the date of the Final Notice of Assessment; and
(F) Any civil monetary penalty and civil or equitable remedy imposed by the Final Notice of Assessment may be subject to judicial review in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 701 et seq.
A final Notice of Assessment issued under this party may be subject to judicial review pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 701 et seq.
20 U.S.C. 1681, 1682, 1683, 1685, 1686, 1687, 1688.
The purpose of these Title IX regulations is to effectuate Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (except sections 904 and 906 of those Amendments) (20 U.S.C. 1681, 1682, 1683, 1685, 1686, 1687, 1688), which is designed to eliminate (with certain exceptions) discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, whether or not such program or activity is offered or sponsored by an educational institution as defined in these Title IX regulations. The effective date of these Title IX regulations shall be September 29, 2000.
As used in these Title IX regulations, the term:
(1) A grant or loan of Federal financial assistance, including funds made available for:
(i) The acquisition, construction, renovation, restoration, or repair of a building or facility or any portion thereof; and
(ii) Scholarships, loans, grants, wages, or other funds extended to any entity for payment to or on behalf of students admitted to that entity, or extended directly to such students for payment to that entity.
(2) A grant of Federal real or personal property or any interest therein, including surplus property, and the proceeds of the sale or transfer of such property, if the Federal share of the fair market value of the property is not, upon such sale or transfer, properly accounted for to the Federal Government.
(3) Provision of the services of Federal personnel.
(4) Sale or lease of Federal property or any interest therein at nominal consideration, or at consideration reduced for the purpose of assisting the recipient or in recognition of public interest to be served thereby, or permission to use Federal property or any interest therein without consideration.
(5) Any other contract, agreement, or arrangement that has as one of its purposes the provision of assistance to any education program or activity, except a contract of insurance or guaranty.
(1) Offers academic study beyond the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree, whether or not leading to a certificate of any higher degree in the liberal arts and sciences;
(2) Awards any degree in a professional field beyond the first professional degree (regardless of whether the first professional degree in such field is awarded by an institution of undergraduate higher education or professional education); or
(3) Awards no degree and offers no further academic study, but operates ordinarily for the purpose of facilitating research by persons who have received the highest graduate degree in any field of study.
(1) An institution offering at least two but less than four years of college-level study beyond the high school level, leading to a diploma or an associate degree, or wholly or principally creditable toward a baccalaureate degree; or
(2) An institution offering academic study leading to a baccalaureate degree; or
(3) An agency or body that certifies credentials or offers degrees, but that may or may not offer academic study.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Evaluate, in terms of the requirements of these Title IX regulations, its current policies and practices and the effects thereof concerning admission of students, treatment of students, and employment of both academic and non-academic personnel working in connection with the recipient's education program or activity;
(2) Modify any of these policies and practices that do not or may not meet the requirements of these Title IX regulations; and
(3) Take appropriate remedial steps to eliminate the effects of any discrimination that resulted or may have resulted from adherence to these policies and practices.
(d)
(a)
(b)
(2) In the case of Federal financial assistance extended to provide personal property, such assurance shall obligate the recipient for the period during which it retains ownership or possession of the property.
(3) In all other cases such assurance shall obligate the recipient for the period during which Federal financial assistance is extended.
(c)
(2) The designated agency official will specify the extent to which such assurances will be required of the applicant's or recipient's subgrantees, contractors, subcontractors, transferees, or successors in interest.
If a recipient sells or otherwise transfers property financed in whole or in part with Federal financial assistance to a transferee that operates any education program or activity, and the Federal share of the fair market value of the property is not upon such sale or transfer properly accounted for to the Federal Government, both the transferor and the transferee shall be deemed to be recipients, subject to the provisions of §§ 28.205 through 28.235(a).
(a)
(b)
(c)
The obligation to comply with these Title IX regulations is not obviated or alleviated because employment opportunities in any occupation or profession are or may be more limited for members of one sex than for members of the other sex.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(2) Each recipient shall make the initial notification required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section within 90 days of September 29, 2000 or of the date these Title IX regulations first apply to such recipient, whichever comes later, which notification shall include publication in:
(i) Newspapers and magazines operated by such recipient or by student, alumnae, or alumni groups for or in connection with such recipient; and
(ii) Memoranda or other written communications distributed to every student and employee of such recipient.
(b)
(2) A recipient shall not use or distribute a publication of the type described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section that suggests, by text or illustration, that such recipient treats applicants, students, or employees differently on the basis of sex except as such treatment is permitted by these Title IX regulations.
(c)
Except as provided in §§ 28.205 through 28.235(a), these Title IX regulations apply to every recipient and to each education program or activity operated by such recipient that receives Federal financial assistance.
(a)
(b)
These Title IX regulations do not apply to an educational institution whose primary purpose is the training of individuals for a military service of the United States or for the merchant marine.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) Admissions to educational institutions prior to June 24, 1973, are not covered by these Title IX regulations.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(1) Admitted students of only one sex as regular students as of June 23, 1972; or
(2) Admitted students of only one sex as regular students as of June 23, 1965, but thereafter admitted, as regular students, students of the sex not admitted prior to June 23, 1965.
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) State the name, address, and Federal Interagency Committee on Education Code of the educational institution submitting such plan, the administratively separate units to which the plan is applicable, and the name, address, and telephone number of the person to whom questions concerning the plan may be addressed. The person who submits the plan shall be the chief administrator or president of the institution, or another individual legally authorized to bind the institution to all actions set forth in the plan.
(2) State whether the educational institution or administratively separate unit admits students of both sexes as regular students and, if so, when it began to do so.
(3) Identify and describe with respect to the educational institution or administratively separate unit any obstacles to admitting students without discrimination on the basis of sex.
(4) Describe in detail the steps necessary to eliminate as soon as practicable each obstacle so identified and indicate the schedule for taking these steps and the individual directly responsible for their implementation.
(5) Include estimates of the number of students, by sex, expected to apply for, be admitted to, and enter each class during the period covered by the plan.
(c)
(d)
(a) This section, which applies to all provisions of these Title IX regulations, addresses statutory amendments to Title IX.
(b) These Title IX regulations shall not apply to or preclude:
(1) Any program or activity of the American Legion undertaken in connection with the organization or operation of any Boys State conference, Boys Nation conference, Girls State conference, or Girls Nation conference;
(2) Any program or activity of a secondary school or educational institution specifically for:
(i) The promotion of any Boys State conference, Boys Nation conference, Girls State conference, or Girls Nation conference; or
(ii) The selection of students to attend any such conference;
(3) Father-son or mother-daughter activities at an educational institution or in an education program or activity, but if such activities are provided for students of one sex, opportunities for reasonably comparable activities shall be provided to students of the other sex;
(4) Any scholarship or other financial assistance awarded by an institution of higher education to an individual because such individual has received such award in a single-sex pageant based upon a combination of factors related to the individual's personal appearance, poise, and talent. The pageant, however, must comply with other nondiscrimination provisions of Federal law.
(c)
(1) All of the operations of any entity described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section, any part of which is extended Federal financial assistance:
(i)(A) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
(B) The entity of such State or local government that distributes such assistance and each such department or agency (and each other State or local government entity) to which the assistance is extended, in the case of assistance to a State or local government;
(ii)(A) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or a public system of higher education; or
(B) A local educational agency (as defined in section 8801 of title 20), system of vocational education, or other school system;
(iii)(A) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private organization, or an entire sole proprietorship—
(
(
(B) The entire plant or other comparable, geographically separate facility to which Federal financial assistance is extended, in the case of any other corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship; or
(iv) Any other entity that is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section.
(2)(i)
(ii) For example, all of the operations of a college, university, or other postsecondary institution, including but not limited to traditional educational operations, faculty and student housing, campus shuttle bus service, campus restaurants, the bookstore, and other commercial activities are part of a “program or activity” subject to these Title IX regulations if the college, university, or other institution receives Federal financial assistance.
(d)(1) Nothing in these Title IX regulations shall be construed to require or prohibit any person, or public or private entity, to provide or pay for any benefit or service, including the use of facilities, related to an abortion. Medical procedures, benefits, services, and the use of facilities, necessary to save the life of a pregnant woman or to address complications related to an abortion are not subject to this section.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit a penalty to be imposed on any person or individual because such person or individual is seeking or has received any benefit or service related to a legal abortion. Accordingly, subject to paragraph (d)(1) of this section, no person shall be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any academic, extracurricular, research, occupational training, employment, or other educational program or activity operated by a recipient that receives Federal financial assistance because such individual has sought or received, or is seeking, a legal abortion, or any benefit or service related to a legal abortion.
(a)
(b)
(i) Give preference to one person over another on the basis of sex, by ranking
(ii) Apply numerical limitations upon the number or proportion of persons of either sex who may be admitted; or
(iii) Otherwise treat one individual differently from another on the basis of sex.
(2) A recipient shall not administer or operate any test or other criterion for admission that has a disproportionately adverse effect on persons on the basis of sex unless the use of such test or criterion is shown to predict validly success in the education program or activity in question and alternative tests or criteria that do not have such a disproportionately adverse effect are shown to be unavailable.
(c)
(1) Shall not apply any rule concerning the actual or potential parental, family, or marital status of a student or applicant that treats persons differently on the basis of sex;
(2) Shall not discriminate against or exclude any person on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom, or establish or follow any rule or practice that so discriminates or excludes;
(3) Subject to § 28.235(d), shall treat disabilities related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom in the same manner and under the same policies as any other temporary disability or physical condition; and
(4) Shall not make pre-admission inquiry as to the marital status of an applicant for admission, including whether such applicant is “Miss” or “Mrs.” A recipient may make pre-admission inquiry as to the sex of an applicant for admission, but only if such inquiry is made equally of such applicants of both sexes and if the results of such inquiry are not used in connection with discrimination prohibited by these Title IX regulations.
A recipient to which §§ 28.300 through 28.310 apply shall not give preference to applicants for admission, on the basis of attendance at any educational institution or other school or entity that admits as students only or predominantly members of one sex, if the giving of such preference has the effect of discriminating on the basis of sex in violation of §§ 28.300 through 28.310.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) Treat one person differently from another in determining whether such person satisfies any requirement or condition for the provision of such aid, benefit, or service;
(2) Provide different aid, benefits, or services or provide aid, benefits, or services in a different manner;
(3) Deny any person any such aid, benefit, or service;
(4) Subject any person to separate or different rules of behavior, sanctions, or other treatment;
(5) Apply any rule concerning the domicile or residence of a student or applicant, including eligibility for in-state fees and tuition;
(6) Aid or perpetuate discrimination against any person by providing significant assistance to any agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of sex in providing any aid, benefit, or service to students or employees;
(7) Otherwise limit any person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity.
(c)
(d)
(2) Such recipient:
(i) Shall develop and implement a procedure designed to assure itself that the operator or sponsor of such other education program or activity takes no action affecting any applicant, student, or employee of such recipient that these Title IX regulations would prohibit such recipient from taking; and
(ii) Shall not facilitate, require, permit, or consider such participation if such action occurs.
(a)
(b)
(2) Housing provided by a recipient to students of one sex, when compared to that provided to students of the other sex, shall be as a whole:
(i) Proportionate in quantity to the number of students of that sex applying for such housing; and
(ii) Comparable in quality and cost to the student.
(c)
(2)(i) A recipient which, through solicitation, listing, approval of housing, or otherwise, assists any agency, organization, or person in making housing available to any of its students, shall
(A) Proportionate in quantity; and
(B) Comparable in quality and cost to the student.
(ii) A recipient may render such assistance to any agency, organization, or person that provides all or part of such housing to students of only one sex.
A recipient may provide separate toilet, locker room, and shower facilities on the basis of sex, but such facilities provided for students of one sex shall be comparable to such facilities provided for students of the other sex.
(a) A recipient shall not provide any course or otherwise carry out any of its education program or activity separately on the basis of sex, or require or refuse participation therein by any of its students on such basis, including health, physical education, industrial, business, vocational, technical, home economics, music, and adult education courses.
(b)(1) With respect to classes and activities in physical education at the elementary school level, the recipient shall comply fully with this section as expeditiously as possible but in no event later than one year from September 29, 2000. With respect to physical education classes and activities at the secondary and post-secondary levels, the recipient shall comply fully with this section as expeditiously as possible but in no event later than three years from September 29, 2000.
(2) This section does not prohibit grouping of students in physical education classes and activities by ability as assessed by objective standards of individual performance developed and applied without regard to sex.
(3) This section does not prohibit separation of students by sex within physical education classes or activities during participation in wrestling, boxing, rugby, ice hockey, football, basketball, and other sports the purpose or major activity of which involves bodily contact.
(4) Where use of a single standard of measuring skill or progress in a physical education class has an adverse effect on members of one sex, the recipient shall use appropriate standards that do not have such effect.
(5) Portions of classes in elementary and secondary schools, or portions of education programs or activities, that deal exclusively with human sexuality may be conducted in separate sessions for boys and girls.
(6) Recipients may make requirements based on vocal range or quality that may result in a chorus or choruses of one or predominantly one sex.
A recipient that is a local educational agency shall not, on the basis of sex, exclude any person from admission to:
(a) Any institution of vocational education operated by such recipient; or
(b) Any other school or educational unit operated by such recipient, unless such recipient otherwise makes available to such person, pursuant to the same policies and criteria of admission, courses, services, and facilities comparable to each course, service, and facility offered in or through such schools.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) On the basis of sex, provide different amounts or types of such assistance, limit eligibility for such assistance that is of any particular type or source, apply different criteria, or otherwise discriminate;
(2) Through solicitation, listing, approval, provision of facilities, or other services, assist any foundation, trust, agency, organization, or person that provides assistance to any of such recipient's students in a manner that discriminates on the basis of sex; or
(3) Apply any rule or assist in application of any rule concerning eligibility for such assistance that treats persons of one sex differently from persons of the other sex with regard to marital or parental status.
(b)
(2) To ensure nondiscriminatory awards of assistance as required in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, recipients shall develop and use procedures under which:
(i) Students are selected for award of financial assistance on the basis of nondiscriminatory criteria and not on the basis of availability of funds restricted to members of a particular sex;
(ii) An appropriate sex-restricted scholarship, fellowship, or other form of financial assistance is allocated to each student selected under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section; and
(iii) No student is denied the award for which he or she was selected under paragraph (b)(2)(i) of this section because of the absence of a scholarship, fellowship, or other form of financial assistance designated for a member of that student's sex.
(c)
(2) A recipient may provide separate athletic scholarships or grants-in-aid for members of each sex as part of separate athletic teams for members of each sex to the extent consistent with this paragraph (c) and § 28.450.
(a)
(1) Shall assure itself that such employment is made available without discrimination on the basis of sex; and
(2) Shall not render such services to any agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of sex in its employment practices.
(b)
Subject to § 28.235(d), in providing a medical, hospital, accident, or life insurance benefit, service, policy, or plan to any of its students, a recipient shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, or provide such benefit, service, policy, or plan in a manner that would violate §§ 28.500 through 28.550 if it were provided to employees of the recipient. This section shall not prohibit a recipient from providing any benefit or service that may be used by a different proportion of students of one sex than of the other, including family planning services. However, any recipient that provides full coverage health service shall provide gynecological care.
(a)
(b)
(2) A recipient may require such a student to obtain the certification of a physician that the student is physically and emotionally able to continue participation as long as such a certification is required of all students for other physical or emotional conditions requiring the attention of a physician.
(3) A recipient that operates a portion of its education program or activity separately for pregnant students, admittance to which is completely voluntary on the part of the student as provided in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, shall ensure that the separate portion is comparable to that offered to non-pregnant students.
(4) Subject to § 28.235(d), a recipient shall treat pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy and recovery therefrom in the same manner and under the same policies as any other temporary disability with respect to any medical or hospital benefit, service, plan, or policy that such recipient administers, operates, offers, or participates in with respect to students admitted to the recipient's educational program or activity.
(5) In the case of a recipient that does not maintain a leave policy for its students, or in the case of a student who does not otherwise qualify for leave under such a policy, a recipient shall treat pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, and recovery therefrom as a justification for a leave of absence for as long a period of time as is deemed medically necessary by the student's physician, at the conclusion of which the student shall be reinstated to the status that she held when the leave began.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(i) Whether the selection of sports and levels of competition effectively accommodate the interests and abilities of members of both sexes;
(ii) The provision of equipment and supplies;
(iii) Scheduling of games and practice time;
(iv) Travel and per diem allowance;
(v) Opportunity to receive coaching and academic tutoring;
(vi) Assignment and compensation of coaches and tutors;
(vii) Provision of locker rooms, practice, and competitive facilities;
(viii) Provision of medical and training facilities and services;
(ix) Provision of housing and dining facilities and services;
(x) Publicity.
(2) For purposes of paragraph (c)(1) of this section, unequal aggregate expenditures for members of each sex or unequal expenditures for male and female teams if a recipient operates or sponsors separate teams will not constitute noncompliance with this section, but the designated agency official may consider the failure to provide necessary funds for teams for one sex in assessing equality of opportunity for members of each sex.
(d)
Nothing in these Title IX regulations shall be interpreted as requiring or prohibiting or abridging in any way the use of particular textbooks or curricular materials.
(a)
(2) A recipient shall make all employment decisions in any education program or activity operated by such recipient in a nondiscriminatory manner and shall not limit, segregate, or classify applicants or employees in any way that could adversely affect any applicant's or employee's employment opportunities or status because of sex.
(3) A recipient shall not enter into any contractual or other relationship which directly or indirectly has the effect of subjecting employees or students to discrimination prohibited by §§ 28.500 through 28.550, including relationships with employment and referral agencies, with labor unions, and with organizations providing or administering fringe benefits to employees of the recipient.
(4) A recipient shall not grant preferences to applicants for employment on the basis of attendance at any educational institution or entity that admits as students only or predominantly members of one sex, if the giving of such preferences has the effect of discriminating on the basis of sex in violation of these Title IX regulations.
(b)
(1) Recruitment, advertising, and the process of application for employment;
(2) Hiring, upgrading, promotion, consideration for and award of tenure, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, application of nepotism policies, right of return from layoff, and rehiring;
(3) Rates of pay or any other form of compensation, and changes in compensation;
(4) Job assignments, classifications, and structure, including position descriptions, lines of progression, and seniority lists;
(5) The terms of any collective bargaining agreement;
(6) Granting and return from leaves of absence, leave for pregnancy, childbirth, false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, leave for persons of either sex to care for children or dependents, or any other leave;
(7) Fringe benefits available by virtue of employment, whether or not administered by the recipient;
(8) Selection and financial support for training, including apprenticeship, professional meetings, conferences, and other related activities, selection for tuition assistance, selection for sabbaticals and leaves of absence to pursue training;
(9) Employer-sponsored activities, including social or recreational programs; and
(10) Any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.
A recipient shall not administer or operate any test or other criterion for any employment opportunity that has a disproportionately adverse effect on persons on the basis of sex unless:
(a) Use of such test or other criterion is shown to predict validly successful performance in the position in question; and
(b) Alternative tests or criteria for such purpose, which do not have such disproportionately adverse effect, are shown to be unavailable.
(a)
(b)
A recipient shall not make or enforce any policy or practice that, on the basis of sex:
(a) Makes distinctions in rates of pay or other compensation;
(b) Results in the payment of wages to employees of one sex at a rate less than that paid to employees of the opposite sex for equal work on jobs the performance of which requires equal skill, effort, and responsibility, and that are performed under similar working conditions.
A recipient shall not:
(a) Classify a job as being for males or for females;
(b) Maintain or establish separate lines of progression, seniority lists, career ladders, or tenure systems based on sex; or
(c) Maintain or establish separate lines of progression, seniority systems, career ladders, or tenure systems for similar jobs, position descriptions, or job requirements that classify persons on the basis of sex, unless sex is a bona fide occupational qualification for the positions in question as set forth in §28.550.
(a)
(b)
(1) Discriminate on the basis of sex with regard to making fringe benefits available to employees or make fringe benefits available to spouses, families, or dependents of employees differently upon the basis of the employee's sex;
(2) Administer, operate, offer, or participate in a fringe benefit plan that does not provide for equal periodic benefits for members of each sex and for equal contributions to the plan by such recipient for members of each sex; or
(3) Administer, operate, offer, or participate in a pension or retirement plan that establishes different optional or compulsory retirement ages based on sex or that otherwise discriminates in benefits on the basis of sex.
(a)
(1) Concerning the potential marital, parental, or family status of an employee or applicant for employment that treats persons differently on the basis of sex; or
(2) Which is based upon whether an employee or applicant for employment is the head of household or principal wage earner in such employee's or applicant's family unit.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
A recipient shall not in any advertising related to employment indicate preference, limitation, specification, or discrimination based on sex unless sex is a bona fide occupational qualification for the particular job in question.
(a)
(b)
A recipient may take action otherwise prohibited by §§28.500 through 28.550 provided it is shown that sex is a bona fide occupational qualification for that action, such that consideration of sex with regard to such action is essential to successful operation of the employment function concerned. A recipient shall not take action pursuant to this section that is based upon alleged comparative employment characteristics or stereotyped characterizations of one or the other sex, or upon preference based on sex of the recipient, employees, students, or other persons, but nothing contained in this section shall prevent a recipient from considering an employee's sex in relation to employment in a locker room or toilet facility used only by members of one sex.
Within 60 days of September 29, 2000, each Federal agency that awards Federal financial assistance shall publish in the
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) If an investigation does not warrant action pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this section the designated agency official (or designee) will so inform the recipient and the complainant, if any, in writing.
(e)
(a)
(1) A reference to the Department of Justice with a recommendation that appropriate proceedings be brought to enforce any rights of the United States under any law of the United States, or any assurance or other contractual undertaking; and
(2) Any applicable proceeding under State or local law.
(b)
(c)
(i) The designated agency official has advised the applicant or recipient of its failure to comply and has determined that compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means;
(ii) There has been an express finding on the record, after opportunity for hearing, of a failure by the applicant or recipient to comply with a requirement imposed by or pursuant to these Title IX regulations; and
(iii) The expiration of 30 days after the Secretary has filed with the committee of the House, and the committee of the Senate having legislative jurisdiction over the program involved, a full written report of the circumstances and the grounds for such action.
(2) Any action to suspend or terminate or to refuse to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance shall be limited to the particular political entity, or part thereof, or other applicant or recipient as to whom such a finding has been made and shall be limited in its effect to the particular program, or part thereof, in which such noncompliance has been so found.
(d)
(i) The designated agency official has determined that compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means;
(ii) The recipient has been notified of its failure to comply and of the action to be taken to effect compliance; and
(iii) The expiration of at least 10 days from the mailing of such notice to the recipient.
(2) During this period of at least 10 days additional efforts shall be made to persuade the recipient to comply with these Title IX regulations and to take such corrective action as may be appropriate.
(a)
(1) Fix a date not less than 20 days after the date of such notice within which the applicant or recipient may request of the designated agency official that the matter be scheduled for hearing; or
(2) Advise the applicant or recipient that the matter in question has been set down for hearing at a stated place and time. The time and place so fixed shall be reasonable and shall be subject to change for cause. The complainant, if any, shall be advised of the time and place of the hearing. An applicant or recipient may waive a hearing and submit written information and argument for the record. The failure of an applicant or recipient to request a hearing for which a date has been set shall be deemed to be a waiver of the right to a hearing under 20 U.S.C. 1682 and § 28.615(c) and consent to the making of a decision on the basis of such information as may be filed as the record.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) Technical rules of evidence shall not apply to hearings conducted pursuant to these Title IX regulations, but rules or principles designed to assure production of the most credible evidence available and to subject testimony to test by cross-examination shall be applied where reasonably necessary by the hearing officer. The hearing officer may exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. All documents and other evidence offered or taken for the record shall be open to examination by the parties and opportunity shall be given to refute facts and arguments advanced on either side of the issues. A transcript shall be made of the oral evidence except to the extent the substance thereof is stipulated for the record. All decisions shall be based upon the hearing record and written findings shall be made.
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(2) Any applicant or recipient adversely affected by an order entered pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section may at any time request the designated agency official to restore fully its eligibility to receive Federal financial assistance. Any such request shall be supported by information showing that the applicant or recipient has met the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section. If the designated agency official determines that those requirements have been satisfied, the official shall restore such eligibility.
(3) If the designated agency official denies any such request, the applicant or recipient may submit a request for a hearing in writing, specifying why it believes such official to have been in error. It shall thereupon be given an expeditious hearing, with a decision on the record, in accordance with rules of procedure issued by the designated
Action taken pursuant to 20 U.S.C. 1682 is subject to judicial review as provided in 20 U.S.C. 1683.
(a)
(b)
Sections 11083 and 11251(a) of Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 730 and 756, as amended by Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681-530 through 538; subpart D also issued under section 11022 of Pub. L. 105-33, 111 Stat. 730 and 756, as amended by Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681-530 through 538.
(a) This part contains the Department's regulations implementing Title XI of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, Public Law 105-33, 111 Stat. 251, enacted August 5, 1997, as amended.
(b) This subpart contains general information to assist in the use of this part including—
(1) Information about related regulations (§ 29.102),
(2) Definitions of terms used in more than one subpart of this part (§ 29.103), and
(3) The Department's general rules and procedures, applicable to the retirement plans for District of Columbia teachers, police and fire fighters, and judges that concern the administration of Federal Benefit Payments (§§ 29.104-29.106).
(c) This part applies to all Federal Benefit Payments made on or after October 1, 1997.
(d) This part does not apply to the program of annuities, other retirement benefits, or medical benefits for members and officers, retired members and officers, and survivors thereof, of the United States Park Police force, the United States Secret Service, or the United States Secret Service Uniformed Division.
(a) This part contains the following subparts:
(1) General Provisions (Subpart A);
(2) Coordination With the District Government (Subpart B); and
(3) Split Benefits (Subpart C).
(4) Claims and Appeals Procedures (Subpart D).
(b) Part 581 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, contains information about garnishment of certain Federal payments to enforce awards of alimony or child support.
(c) Part 831 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, contains information about benefits under the Civil Service Retirement System.
(d) Part 870 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, contains information about benefits under the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program.
(e) Part 890 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, contains information about benefits under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program.
(a) In this part—
(b) In this subpart—
(1) Any document that qualifies as legal process as defined in § 581.103 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations; or
(2) Any court order that Federal or District of Columbia law permits to cause all or any portion of a payment under the Judges Plan, the Police and Firefighters Plan, or the Teachers Plan to be made to a former spouse under chapter 30 of title 1 of the D.C. Code (1997).
Federal Benefit Payments are payable on the first business day of the month following the month in which the benefit accrues. (See § 29.105(b).)
(a)
(b)
(2) Annuity does not accrue on the 31st day of any month except that annuity accrues on the 31st day of the initial month if the employee's annuity commences on the 31st day of a 31-day month.
(3) For accrual purposes the last day of a 28-day month counts as 3 days and the last day of a 29-day month counts as 2 days.
(c)
(i) The service of a participant under the Police and Firefighters Plan who retires on an immediate annuity is increased by the number of days of unused sick leave to the participant's credit under a formal leave system; and
(ii) The service of a participant under the Teachers Plan who retires on an immediate annuity or dies leaving a survivor entitled to an annuity is increased by the number of days of unused sick leave to the participant's credit under a formal leave system.
(2) In general, 8 hours of unused sick leave increases total service by 1 day. In cases where more or less than 8 hours of sick leave would be charged for a day's absence, total service is increased by the number of days in the period between the date of separation and the date that the unused sick leave would have expired had the employee used it (except that holidays falling within the period are treated as work days, and no additional leave credit is earned for that period).
(3) If an employee's tour of duty changes from part time to full time or full time to part time within 180 days before retirement, the credit for unused sick leave is computed as though no change had occurred.
(d)
(2)(i) Under the Teachers Plan, credit is allowed for no more than 6 months of LWOP in each fiscal year.
(ii)(A) For years prior to fiscal year 1976, each fiscal year started on July 1 and ended on the following June 30.
(B) Fiscal year 1976 started on July 1, 1975, and ended on September 30, 1976.
(C) For years starting in fiscal year 1977, each fiscal year starts on October 1 and ends on the following September 30.
For Federal Benefit Payments, representative payees will be authorized to the same extent and under the same circumstances as each plan permits for non-Federal Benefit Payments under the plan. (See
This subpart contains information concerning the relationship between the Department and the District government in the administration of Title XI of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, as amended, and the functions of each in the administration of that Act.
To affect Federal Benefit Payments—
(a) Service must be made upon the Department at the address provided in appendix A to this subpart for—
(1) Legal process under section 659 of title 42, United States Code, and part 581 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations, or
(2) Any request for or notice of appointment of a custodian, guardian, or other fiduciary to receive Federal Benefit Payments as representative payees under § 29.106;
(b) All other process regarding Federal Benefit Payments (including requests for judicial review under § 29.406) must be served upon the United States in accordance with applicable law.
(c) All other process regarding Federal Benefit Payments must be served upon the United States in accordance with applicable law.
1. The mailing address for delivery of documents described in § 29.203(a) by the United States Postal Service is: Office of DC Pensions, Department of the Treasury, Metropolitan Square Building, Room 6250, 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20220.
2. The address for delivery of documents described in § 29.203(a) by process servers, express carriers, or other forms of handcarried delivery is: Office of DC Pensions, Department of the Treasury, Metropolitan Square Building, Room 6250, 655 15th Street (F Street side), NW., Washington, DC.
(a) The purpose of this subpart is to addresses the legal and policy issues that affect the calculation of the Federal and District of Columbia portions of benefits under subtitle A of Title XI of the Balanced Budget Act of 1977, Public Law 105-33, 111 Stat. 251, 712-731, enacted August 5, 1997, as amended.
(1) This subpart states general principles for the calculation of Federal Benefit Payments in cases in which the Department and the District government are both responsible for paying a portion of an employee's total retirement benefits under the Police and Firefighters Plan or the Teachers Plan.
(2) This subpart provides illustrative examples of sample computations to show the application of the general principles to specific problems.
(b)(1) This subpart applies only to benefits under the Police and Firefighters Plan or the Teachers Plan for individuals who have performed service creditable under these programs on or before June 30, 1997.
(2) This subpart addresses only those issues that affect the split of fiscal responsibility for retirement benefits (that is, the calculation of Federal Benefit Payments).
(3) Issues relating to determination and review of eligibility and payments,
(c) This subpart does not apply to benefit calculations under the Judges Plan.
In this subpart (including appendix A of this subpart)—
(1) For the Police and Firefighters Plan, military service as defined in section 4-607 of the D.C. Code (1997) that is creditable as other service under section 4-602 or section 4-610 of the D.C. Code (1997); and
(2) For the Teachers Plan, military service as described in section 31-1230(a)(4) of the D.C. Code (1997).
Only service performed on or before June 30, 1997, is credited toward Federal Benefit Payments.
Service is counted toward Federal Benefit Payments only if all requirements for the service to be creditable are satisfied as of June 30, 1997.
Except as otherwise provided in this subpart, the amount of Federal Benefit Payments is computed based on retirement eligibility as of the separation
Any service performed after June 30, 1997, may never be credited toward Federal Benefit Payments.
If an employee separates for disability retirement after June 30, 1997, and, on the date of separation, the employee—
(a) Satisfies the age and service requirements for optional retirement, the Federal Benefit Payment commences immediately, that is, the Federal Benefit Payment is calculated as though the employee retired under optional retirement rules using only service through June 30, 1997 (See examples 7A and 7B of appendix A of this subpart); or
(b) Does not satisfy the age and service requirements for optional retirement, the Federal Benefit Payment begins when the disability retiree reaches deferred retirement age. (See § 29.343.)
To determine whether service is creditable for the computation of Federal Benefit Payments under this subpart, the controlling factor is whether all requirements for the service to be creditable under the Police and Firefighters Plan or the Teachers Plan were satisfied as of June 30, 1997.
(a) For employees separated for retirement as of June 30, 1997, Federal Benefit Payments include credit for any unused sick leave that is creditable under the applicable plan.
(b) For employees separated for retirement after June 30, 1997, no unused sick leave is creditable toward Federal Benefit Payments.
(a) For employees who entered on duty on or before June 30, 1997, and whose military service was performed prior to that date, credit for military service is included in Federal Benefit Payments under the terms and conditions applicable to each plan.
(b) For employees who enter on duty after June 30, 1997, military service is not creditable toward Federal Benefit Payments, even if performed as of June 30, 1997.
(c) For employees who entered on duty on or before June 30, 1997, but who perform military service after that date, the credit for military service is not included in Federal Benefit Payments.
(a)
(2) No credit is allowed for Federal Benefit Payments under the Teachers Plan for any period of civilian service that was not subject to retirement deductions at the time it was performed if the deposit for the service was not paid in full as of June 30, 1997.
(b)
(a) Periods of civilian service that were subject to retirement deductions but for which the deductions were refunded to the employee are creditable for Federal Benefit Payments if the redeposit for the service was paid in full to the District government as of June 30, 1997.
(b) No credit is allowed for Federal Benefit Payments for any period of civilian service that was subject to retirement deductions but for which the deductions were refunded to the employee if the redeposit for the service
Except for disability retirements after June 30, 1997, and certain death benefits based on deaths after June 30, 1997, in which the calculation is not based upon length of service (see § 29.344); for cases in which some service is creditable on or before June 30, 1997, and some service is creditable after June 30, 1997, Federal Benefit Payments are computed under the rules of the applicable plan as though—
(a) The employee were eligible to retire effective July 1, 1997, under the same conditions as the actual retirement (that is, using the annuity computation formula that applies under the plan in effect on June 29, 1997, and the actual retirement age, including any applicable age reduction, based on the age at actual retirement);
(b) The service that became creditable after June 30, 1997, did not exist; and
(c) The average salary is the average salary at separation.
See examples 7B, 9, and 13 of appendix A of this subpart.
(a) In cases in which the total computed annuity exceeds the statutory maximum:
(1) Federal Benefit Payments may equal total benefits even if the employee had service after June 30, 1997.
(2) If the employee had sufficient service as of June 30, 1997, to qualify for the maximum annuity under the plan, the Federal Benefit Payment is the maximum annuity under the plan. This will be the entire benefit except for any amount in excess of the normal maximum due to unused sick leave, which is the responsibility of the District. (See example 3, of appendix A of this subpart.)
(b) If the employee did not perform sufficient service as of June 30, 1997, to reach the statutory maximum benefit, but has sufficient service at actual retirement to exceed the statutory maximum, the Federal Benefit Payment is the amount earned through June 30, 1997. The non-Federal-Benefit-Payment portion of the total benefit consists of only the amount by which the total benefit payable exceeds the Federal Benefit Payment.
(a) The general rule that Federal Benefit Payments are calculated under the applicable retirement plan as though the employee were eligible for optional retirement and separated on June 30, 1997, does not apply to disability benefits prior to optional retirement age.
(b) In cases involving disability benefits prior to optional retirement age, no Federal Benefit Payment is payable until the retiree reaches the age of eligibility to receive a deferred annuity (age 55 under the Police and Firefighters Plan and age 62 under the Teachers Plan). When the age for deferred annuity is reached, the Federal Benefit Payment is paid using creditable service accrued as of June 30, 1997, and average salary (computed under the rules for the applicable plan) as of the date of separation. (See examples 6 and 7 of appendix A of this subpart.)
(a) The general rule that Federal Benefit Payments are calculated under the applicable retirement plan as though the employee were eligible for optional retirement and separated on June 30, 1997, does not apply to death benefits that are not determined by length of service.
(b) In cases in which the amount of death benefits is not determined by length of service, the amount of Federal Benefit Payments is calculated by multiplying the amount of the total benefit payable by the number of full months of service through June 30, 1997, and then dividing by the number of months of total service at retirement (for elected survivor benefits) or death (for guaranteed-minimum death-in-service survivor benefits). (See example 13 of appendix A of this subpart.)
Cost-of-living increases are applied directly to Federal Benefit Payments, rather than computed on the total benefit and then prorated. (See example 14 of appendix A of this subpart.)
(a) If a retiree designates a base for a survivor annuity that is greater than or equal to the unreduced Federal Benefit Payment, the applicable plan's annuity reduction formula is applied to the unreduced Federal Benefit Payment to determine the reduced Federal Benefit Payment. (See example 10 of appendix A of this subpart.)
(b) If a retiree designates a base for a survivor annuity that is less than the amount of the Federal Benefit Payment, the entire survivor reduction applies to the Federal Benefit Payment to determine the reduced Federal Benefit Payment.
This appendix contains sample calculations of Federal Benefit Payments in a variety of situations.
A. In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan hired before 1980 retires in October 1997. At retirement, he is age 51 with 20 years and 3 days of departmental service plus 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of military service that preceded the departmental service. The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 19 years, 8 months, and 22 days of departmental service and 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of military service performed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 23 years and 1 month of service, all at the 2.5 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 23 years and 4 months of service, all at the 2.5 percent accrual rate.
B. In this example, the individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan was hired earlier than in example 1A and thus performed more service as of both June 30, 1997, and retirement in October 1997. At retirement, he is age 51 with 21 years, 11 months and 29 days of departmental service plus 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of military service that preceded the departmental service. The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 21 years, 8 months, and 18 days of departmental service and 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of military service performed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 25 years and 1 month of service, 1 year and 8 months at the 3.0 percent accrual rate and 23 years and 5 months at the 2.5 percent accrual rate (including 1 month consisting of 18 days of departmental service and 21 days of other service). The total annuity is based on 25 years and 4 months of service, 1 year and 11 months at the 3.0 percent accrual rate and 23 years and 5 months at the 2.5 percent accrual rate (including 1 month consisting of 29 days of departmental service and 21 days of other service).
In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan and hired before 1980 retires in March 1998. At retirement, she is age 48 with 24 years, 8 months, and 6 days of departmental service plus 6 months and 4 days of other service (deposit paid before June 30, 1997) and 11 months and 11 days of unused sick leave. For a police officer (or a non-firefighting division firefighter) such an amount of sick leave would be 1968 hours (246 days, based on a 260-day year, times 8 hours per day). For a firefighting division firefighter, such an amount would be 2069 hours (341 days divided by 360 days per year times 2184 hours per year). The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 23 years, 11 months, and 23 days of departmental service performed as of June 30, 1997, and 6 months and 4 days of other service. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 20 years departmental and 6 months of other service at the 2.5 percent accrual rate and 3 years and 11 months of service at the 3.0 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 20 years and 6 months of service at the 2.5 percent accrual rate and 5 years and 7 months of service at the 3 percent accrual rate.
A. In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan hired before 1980 retires in March 1998. At retirement, he is age 55 with 32 years and 17 days of departmental service. The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 31 years, 3 months, and 17 days of departmental service performed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 20 years of service at the 2.5 percent accrual rate and 11 years and 3 months of service at the 3.0 percent accrual rate. However, the annuity is limited to 80 percent of the basic salary at time of retirement. (This limitation does not apply to the unused sick leave credit.) The annuity computed as of June 30, 1997, equals the full benefit payable; therefore, the Federal Benefit Payment is the total benefit.
B. In this example, the individual in example 3A also has 6 months of unused sick leave at retirement. The sick leave credit is not subject to the 80% limitation and does not become creditable service until the date of separation. For a police officer (or a non-firefighting division firefighter) such an amount of sick leave would be 1040 hours (130 days, based on a 260-day year, times 8 hours per day). For a firefighting division firefighter, such an amount would be 1092 hours (180 days divided by 360 days per year times 2184 hours per year). Six months of unused sick leave increases the annual total benefit by 1.5 percent of the average salary, or in the example by $94 per month. The District is responsible for the portion of the annuity attributable to the unused sick leave because it became creditable at retirement, that is, after June 30, 1997.
In this example, an individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires in February 1998. At retirement, she is age 64 with 27 years of departmental service and 6 years, 7 months, and 28 days of other service (creditable before June 30, 1997). However, only 6 months of leave in a fiscal year without pay may be credited toward retirement under the Teachers Plan. She had 3 months and 18 days of excess leave without pay as of June 30, 1997. Since the excess leave without pay occurred before June 30, 1997, the time attributable to the excess leave without pay is subtracted from the service used in both the Federal Benefit Payment and the total benefit computations. The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 32 years and 8 months of service (32 years, 11 months, and 28 days minus 3 months and 18 days and the partial month dropped); 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 22 years and 8 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 33 years and 4 months of service (33 years, 7 months and 28 days minus 3 months and 18 days and the partial month dropped) 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate and 23 years and 4 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate.
For the Teachers Plan, section 1230(a) of title 31 of the DC Code (1997) allows for 6 months leave without pay in any fiscal year. For the Police and Firefighters Plan, section 610(d) of title 4 of the DC Code (1997) allows for 6 months leave without pay in any calendar year.
A. An individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires in October 1997. At retirement, he is age 61 with 30 years and 3 days of departmental service plus 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of other service that preceded the departmental service for which the deposit was fully paid on or before June 30, 1997. The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 29 years, 8 months, and 22 days of departmental service and 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of service performed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 33 years and 1 month of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 23 years and 1 month of service at the 2 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 33 years and 4 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate and 23 years and 4 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate.
B. In this example, the employee in example 5A did not pay any of the deposit to obtain credit for the 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of other service as of June 30, 1997. Thus, none of the other service is used in the computation of the Federal Benefit Payment. An individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires in October 1997. At retirement, he is age 61 with 30 years and 3 days of departmental service plus 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of other service that preceded the departmental service for which the deposit was paid in full in October 1997 (at retirement). The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on only the 29 years, 8 months, and 22 days of departmental service performed as of June 30, 1997; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 19 years and 8 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 33 years and 4 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate and 23 years and 4 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate.
C. In this example, the employee in examples 5A and B began installment payments on the deposit to obtain credit for the 3 years, 4 months, and 21 days of other service as of June 30, 1997, but did not complete the deposit until October 1997 (at retirement). The other service is not used in the computation of the Federal Benefit Payment because the payment was not completed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the result is the same as in example 5B.
A. In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan hired before 1980 retires based on a disability in the line of duty in October 1997. At retirement, he is age 45 with 18 years, 5 months, and 11 days of departmental service. Since he had performed less than 20 years of service and had not reached the age of eligibility for an optional retirement, the Federal Benefit Payment does not begin at retirement. When the disability annuitant reaches age 55, he satisfies the age and service requirements for deferred retirement. At that time (August 20, 2007), the Federal Benefit Payment begins. It is based on the 18 years, 1 month, and 17 days of departmental service performed as of June 30, 1997, all at the 2.5 percent accrual rate.
B. In this example, an individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires based on a disability in December 1997. At retirement, she is age 49 with 27 years and 4 months of departmental service which includes 3 years, 3 months and 14 days of excess leave without pay (prior to June 30, 1997). Since she does not qualify for optional retirement at separation, the Federal Benefit Payment does not begin at separation. When the disability annuitant reaches age 62, she will satisfy the age and service requirements for deferred retirement. At that time (March 9, 2010), the Federal Benefit Payment begins. The time attributable to the excess leave without pay is subtracted from the service used to compute the Federal Benefit Payment. Since the excess leave without pay occurred before June 30, 1997, the deferred Federal Benefit Payment is based on the 23 years and 6 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 13 and 6 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate.
A. In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan hired before 1980 retires based on a disability in the line of duty in October 1997. At retirement, she is age 55 with 24 years, 5 months, and 11 days of departmental service. Since she was also eligible for optional retirement at the time of separation, the Federal Benefit Payment commences at retirement. It is based on the 24 years, 1 month, and 17 days of departmental service performed as of June 30, 1997. Thus, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on 20 years of service at the 2.5 percent accrual rate and 4 years and 1 month of service at the 3 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on the disability formula and is equal to two-thirds of average pay because that amount is higher than the 63.25 percent payable based on total service.
B. In this example, an individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires based on a disability in December 1997. At retirement, he is age 60 with 27 years and 4 months of departmental service which includes 3 years, 3 months and 14 days of excess leave without pay (prior to June 30, 1997). Since he qualifies for optional retirement at separation, the Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. Since the excess leave without pay occurred before June 30, 1997, and the total annuity is based on actual service (that is, exceeds the guaranteed disability minimum), the time attributable to the excess leave without pay is subtracted from the service used to compute the Federal Benefit Payment and total benefit. The Federal Benefit Payment is based on 23 years and 6 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 13 years and 6 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate. The total annuity payable is based on 24 years of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 14 years of service at the 2 percent accrual rate.
In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan hired before 1980 separated in March 1986 with title to a deferred annuity. In November 1997, he reaches age 55 and becomes eligible for the deferred annuity based on his 15 years, 9 months, and 8 days of departmental service, all at the 2.5 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on the same 15 years, 9 months, and 8 days of service all at the 2.5 percent accrual rate. Since all the service is creditable as of June 30, 1997, the Federal Benefit Payment equals the total annuity.
In this example, an individual covered by the Police and Firefighters Plan hired before 1980 separated in December 1997 with title to a deferred annuity. In November 2007, he will reach age 55 and becomes eligible to receive a deferred annuity. At that time, the Federal
Both of the following examples involve a former teacher who elected a reduced annuity to provide a survivor benefit:
A. In this example, the employee elected full survivor benefits. The Federal Benefit Payment is reduced by 2
B. In this example, the employee elects to provide a partial survivor annuity based on $3600 per year. The Federal Benefit Payment is reduced by $90 per year. The total benefit is reduced by $90 per year.
In this example, an individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires voluntarily in February 1998, under a special program that allows early retirement with at least 20 years of service at age 50 older, or at least 25 years of service at any age. At retirement, she is 6 full months short of age 55. She has 25 years and 5 months of departmental service; 6 years, 2 months, and 19 days of other service (creditable before June 30, 1997); and 2 months and 9 days of unused sick leave. Since she is not eligible for optional retirement and she is eligible to retire voluntarily only because of the District-approved special program, the Federal Benefit Payment is calculated similar to a disability retirement. It does not begin until she becomes eligible for a deferred annuity at age 62. When it commences the Federal Benefit Payment will be based on the service creditable as of June 30, 1997: 30 years and 11 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 20 years and 11 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate and 21 years and 9 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate (including the unused sick leave). Because the Federal Benefit Payment is based on the deferred annuity, rather than the early voluntary retirement, it is not reduced by the age reduction factor used to compute the total benefit.
In this example, an individual covered by the Teachers Plan hired before 1996 retires involuntarily in February 1998. At retirement, she is 6 full months short of age 55. She has 25 years and 5 months of departmental service; 6 years, 2 months, and 19 days of other service (creditable before June 30, 1997); and 2 months and 9 days of unused sick leave. The Federal Benefit Payment begins at retirement. It is based on the 30 years and 11 months of service; 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate, and 20 years and 11 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate. The total annuity is based on 5 years of service at the 1.5 percent accrual rate, 5 years of service at the 1.75 percent accrual rate and 21 years and 9 months of service at the 2 percent accrual rate (including the unused sick leave). Both the Federal Benefit Payment and the total
Regardless of whether death occurs in service or after retirement, if the death benefit is not based on the length of service, the portion of a death benefit that is a Federal Benefit Payment is based on the ratio of the number of months of the deceased employee's service as of June 30, 1997, to the number of months of the deceased employee's total service. This proration will always apply to cases of death after retirement in which the survivor annuity is based on the reduction in the employee's annuity to provide the benefit. It also applies to lump-sum benefits and benefits computed under a guaranteed-minimum or a percentage-of-disability-at-retirement formula.
A. In this example, an individual covered by the Teachers Plan retires in April 1998 with 30 years of service and elects to provide a full survivor annuity. He dies in June 1998. The Federal Benefit Payment is 97
B. In this example, a teacher dies in service on June 30, 1998 after 31 years of departmental service. Since the survivor annuity is based on actual service, the Federal Benefit Payment is based on the 30 years of service as of June 30, 1997. The total benefit is based on the 31 years of total service. No proration is appropriate.
C. In this example, a teacher dies in service on April 1, 1998 after 15 years of departmental service. Since the survivor annuity is based on the guaranteed minimum, the Federal Benefit Payment is a prorated portion of the total benefit. Since the teacher had 171 months of service as of the freeze date and 180 months of service at death, the Federal Benefit Payment equals 171/180ths of the total benefit.
D. In this example, as in the prior example, a teacher dies in service on April 1, 1998 after 15 years of departmental service. However, in this example, the teacher was age 40 on the hire date. The amount of service used in the survivor annuity calculation equals the amount of service that the teacher would have had if the teacher continued covered employment until age 60. Since the survivor annuity is based on projected service, a form of the guaranteed minimum, the Federal Benefit Payment is a prorated portion of the total benefit. Since the teacher had 171 months of service as of the freeze date and 180 months of service at death, the Federal Benefit Payment equals 171/180ths of the total benefit.
Cost of living adjustments are applied directly to the Federal Benefit Payment to determine the new rate of the Federal Benefit Payment after a cost of living adjustment.
A. In this example, the cost of living adjustment is the same for the Federal Benefit Payment and the non-Federal Benefit Payment portion of the total benefit. Effectively, the total cost of living adjustment is proportionally split between the Federal Benefit Payment and the non-Federal Benefit Payment.
B. In this example, a new District plan applies a different cost of living adjustment than is provided for the Federal Benefit Payment. The Federal Benefit Payment will be unaffected by the new District plan. In such a case, the total cost of living adjustment is no longer proportionally split between the Federal Benefit Payment and the non-Federal Benefit Payment.
The Federal Benefit Payment begins to accrue on the annuity commencing date, regardless of whether the employee is added to the annuity roll in time for the regular payment cycle. If the employee is due a retroactive payment of accrued annuity, the portion of the retroactive payment that would have been Federal Benefit Payment (if it were made in the regular payment cycle) is still Federal Benefit Payment. In this example, a teacher retired effective September 11, 1998. She was added to the retirement rolls on the pay date November 1, 1998 (October 1 to October 31 accrual cycle). Her Federal Benefit Payment is $3000 per month and her total benefit payment is $3120 per month. Her initial check is $5200 because it includes a prorated payment for 20 days (September 11 to September 30). The Federal Benefit Payment is $5000 of the initial check ($3000 for the October cycle and $2000 for the September cycle).
(a) This subpart explains—
(1) The procedures that participants and beneficiaries in the Judges Plan, Police and Firefighters Plan, and the Teachers Plan must follow in applying for Federal Benefit Payments;
(2) The procedures for determining an individual's eligibility for a Federal Benefit Payment and the amount and form of an individual's Federal Benefit Payment as required by section 11021 of the Act and section 11-1570 of the D.C. Code;
(3) The appeal rights available under section 11022(a) of the Act to claimants whose claim for Federal Benefit Payments is denied in whole or in part; and
(4) The special rules for processing competing claimant cases.
(b) This subpart does not apply to processing collection of debts due to the United States.
In this subpart—
(1) During the interim administration period under section 11041 of the Act, the District of Columbia government, or
(2) After the Secretary notifies the District that the Trustee has been directed to carry out the duties and responsibilities required under the contract or determines that the Department shall carry out those functions, the Department, the Trustee selected by the Department under section 11035 of the Act, or any other agent of the Department designated to make initial benefit determinations under the Act.
All claimants for Federal Benefit Payments must file applications for
(a)
(b)
(2) A decision to collect a debt is not a denial of a benefit claim under this section.
(c)
(2) A request for reconsideration must be received by the Benefits Administrator within 30 calendar days from the date of the written notice of the initial benefit determination.
(d)
(1) Be in writing;
(2) Provide adequate notice of such denial, setting forth the specific reason for the denial in a manner calculated to be understood by the average participant; and
(3) Provide notice of the right to appeal the Benefit Administrator's decision to the Department, the address to which such an appeal must be submitted, and the time limits applicable to such an appeal.
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) The Department may extend the time limit for filing when the claimant shows that he or she was not notified of the time limit and was not otherwise aware of it, or that he or she was prevented by circumstances beyond his or her control from making the request within the time limit, or for other good and sufficient reason.
(d)
An individual whose claim for a Federal Benefit Payment has been denied (in whole or part) in a final decision by the Department under § 29.405 may, within 180 days of the date of the final decision, file a civil action in the United States District Court for the
(a)
(1) A benefit is payable based on the service of the participant;
(2) Two or more claimants have applied for benefits based on the service of the participant; and
(3) A decision in favor of one claimant will adversely affect another claimant(s).
(b)(1) When a competing claimant files a request for reconsideration under this section, the other competing claimants shall be notified of the request and given an opportunity to submit written substantiation of their claim.
(2) When the Benefits Administrator receives an application from a competing claimant(s) before any payments are made based upon the service of the participant, and an initial determination of benefits in favor of one claimant adversely affects another claimant, all known claimants concerned will be notified in writing of that decision and those adversely affected will be given an opportunity to request reconsideration under the procedures and time limitations set forth in § 29.404(c). The Benefits Administrator must not execute its decision until the time limit for filing a request for reconsideration has expired, or, if a reconsideration decision is made, until the time limit for filing an appeal to the Department has expired or the Department has issued a final decision on a timely appeal, whichever is later.
(3) When the Benefits Administrator does not receive an application from a competing claimant(s) until after another person has begun to receive payments based upon the service of the participant, the payments will continue until the time limit for filing a request for reconsideration has expired, or, if a reconsideration decision is made, until the time limit for filing an appeal to the Department has expired or the Department has issued a final decision on a timely appeal, whichever is later.