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The Code of Federal Regulations is a codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the Executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government. The Code is divided into 50 titles which represent broad areas subject to Federal regulation. Each title is divided into chapters which usually bear the name of the issuing agency. Each chapter is further subdivided into parts covering specific regulatory areas.
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Title 22—
For this volume, Cheryl E. Sirofchuck was Chief Editor. The Code of Federal Regulations publication program is under the direction of Michael L. White, assisted by Ann Worley.
(This book contains parts 1 to 299)
Sec. 4, 63 Stat. 111, as amended; 22 U.S.C. 2658.
The official flag indicative of the office of Secretary of State shall be as follows: On a blue rectangular field a white disk bearing the official coat of arms of the United States adopted by the act of June 20, 1782, in proper colors. In each of the four corners a white five-pointed star with one point upward. The colors and automobile flag to be the same design, adding a white fringe. For the colors a cord and tassel of blue and white to be added. The sizes to be in accordance with military and naval customs.
The official flag indicative of the office of the Deputy Secretary of State shall be as follows: On a white rectangular field a blue disk bearing the official coat of arms of the United States adopted by act of June 20, 1782, in proper colors. In each of the four corners a five-pointed star with one point upward. The colors and automobile flag to be the same design, adding a blue fringe. For the colors a cord and tassel of white in accordance with military and naval customs.
The official flag indicative of the office of the Under Secretaries of State shall be as follows: On a red rectangular field a white disk bearing the official coat of arms of the United States adopted by act of June 20, 1782, in proper colors. In each of the four corners a white five-pointed star with one point upward. The colors and automobile flag to be the same design, adding a white fringe. For the colors a cord and tassel of white and red to be added. The sizes to be in accordance with military and naval customs.
(a) The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Security is authorized to designate certain employees of the Department of State and the Foreign Service, as well as employees of other departments and agencies detailed to and under the supervision and control of the Department of State, as Security Officers, as follows.
(1) Persons so designated shall be authorized to carry firearms when engaged in the performance of the duties prescribed in section (1) of the act of June 28, 1955, 69 Stat. 188, as amended. No person shall be so designated unless he has either qualified in the use of firearms in accordance with standards established by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Security, or in accordance with standards established by the department or agency from which he is detailed.
(2) Persons so designated shall also be authorized, when engaged in the performance of duties prescribed in section (1) of the act of June 28, 1955, 69 Stat. 188, as amended, to arrest without warrant and deliver into custody any person violating the provisions of section 111 or 112 of title 18, United States Code, in their presence or if they have reasonable grounds to believe that the person to be arrested has
(b) When the Under Secretary of State for Management determines that it is necessary, persons designated under paragraph (a) of this section shall be authorized to provide protection to an individual who has been designated by the President to serve as Secretary of State, prior to his appointment, or to a departing Secretary of State. In providing such protection, they are authorized to exercise the authorities described in paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of section. Such protection shall be for the period or periods determined necessary by the Under Secretary of State for Management, except that in the case of a departing Secretary of State, the period of protection under this paragraph shall in no event exceed 30 calendar days from the date of termination of that individual's incumbency as Secretary of State.
(c) When the Under Secretary of State for Management determines that it is necessary, persons designated under paragraph (a) of this section shall be authorized to provide protection to a departing United States Representative to the United Nations. In providing such protection, they are authorized to exercise the authorities described in paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section. Such protection shall be for the period or periods determined necessary by the Under Secretary of State for Management, except that the period of protection under this paragraph shall in no event exceed 30 calendar days from the date of termination of that individual's incumbency as United States Representative to the United Nations.
Section 1116(b)(2) of title 18 of the United States Code, as added by Pub. L. 92-539, An Act for the Protection of Foreign Officials and Official Guests of the United States (86 Stat. 1071), defines the term “foreign official” for purposes of that Act as “any person of a foreign nationality who is duly notified to the United States as an officer or employee of a foreign government or international organization, and who is in the United States on official business, and any member of his family whose presence in the United States is in connection with the presence of such officer or employee.” Section 1116(c)(4) of the same Act defines the term “official guest” for the purposes of that Act as “a citizen or national of a foreign country present in the United States as an official guest of the Government of the United States pursuant to designation as such by the Secretary of State.” It is the purpose of this regulation to specify the officer of the Department of State who shall be responsible for receiving notification of foreign officials under the Act and determining whether persons are “duly notified” to the United States and who shall be responsible for processing official guest designations by the Secretary of State.
(a) Any notification of a foreign official for purposes of section 1116(b)(2) of Title 18 of the United States Code shall be directed by the foreign government or international organization concerned to the Chief of Protocol, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. For persons normally accredited to the United States in diplomatic or consular capacities and also for persons normally accredited to the United Nations and other international organizations and in turn notified to the Department of State, the procedure for placing a person in the statutory category of being “duly notified to the United States” shall be the current procedure for accreditation, with notification in turn when applicable. The Chief of the Office of Protocol will place on the roster of persons “duly notified to the United States” the names of all persons currently accredited and, when applicable, notified in turn, and will maintain the roster as part of the official files of the Department of State adding to and deleting therefrom as changes in accreditations occur.
(b) For those persons not normally accredited, the Chief of Protocol shall determine upon receipt of notification, by letter from the foreign government or international organization concerned, whether any person who is the subject of such a notification has been duly notified under the Act. Any inquiries by law enforcement officers or other persons as to whether a person has been duly notified shall be directed to the Chief of Protocol. The determination of the Chief of Protocol that a person has been duly notified is final.
The Chief of Protocol shall also maintain a roster of persons designated by the Secretary of State as official guests. Any inquiries by law enforcement officers or other persons as to whether a person has been so designated shall be directed to the Chief of Protocol. The designation of a person as an official guest is final. Pursuant to section 2658 of title 22 of the U.S.C., the authority of the Secretary of State to perform the function of designation of official guests is hereby delegated to the Chief of Protocol.
The Chief of Protocol shall maintain as a part of the official files of the Department of State a cumulative roster of all persons who have been duly notified as foreign officials or designated as official guests under this part. The roster will reflect the name, position, nationality, and foreign government or international organization concerned or purpose of visit as an official guest and reflect the date the person was accorded recognition as being “duly notified to the United States” or designated as an official guest and the date, if any, of termination of such status.
Sec. 515(a)(1), 91 Stat. 862, amending 5 U.S.C. 7342 (1976).
These regulations provide basic standards for employees of the Department of State, the United States International Development Cooperation Agency (IDCA), the Agency for International Development (AID), and the International Communication Agency (USICA), their spouses (unless separated) and their dependents to accept and retain gifts and decorations from foreign governments.
(a) Section 515(a)(1) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 1978 (91 Stat. 862-866), approved August 17, 1977,
(b) 5 U.S.C. 7342(g) authorizes each employing agency to prescribe regulations as necessary to carry out the new law.
When used in this part, the following terms have the meanings indicated:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a) An employee is prohibited from requesting or otherwise encouraging the tender of a gift or decoration from a foreign government. An employee is also prohibited from accepting a gift or decoration from a foreign government, except in accordance with these regulations.
(b) An employee may accept and retain a gift of minimal value tendered and received as a souvenir or mark of courtesy, subject, however, to the following restrictions—
(1) Where more than one tangible item is included in a single presentation, the entire presentation shall be considered as one gift, and the aggregate value of all items taken together must not exceed “minimal value”.
(2) The donee is responsible for determining that a gift is of minimal value in the United States at the time of acceptance. However, should any dispute result from a difference of opinion concerning the value of a gift, the employing agency will secure the services of an outside appraiser to establish whether the gift is one of “minimal value”. If, after an appraisal has been made, it is established that the value of the gift in question is $200 or more at retail in the United States, the donee will bear the costs of the appraisal. If, however, the appraised value is established to be less than $200, the employing agency will bear the costs.
(c) An employee may accept a gift of more than minimal value when (1) such gift is in the nature of an educational scholarship or medical treatment, or (2) it appears that to refuse the gift would likely cause offense or embarrassment or otherwise adversely affect the foreign relations of the United States, except that a tangible gift of more than minimal value is deemed to have been accepted on behalf of the United States and, upon acceptance, shall become the property of the United States.
(d) An employee may accept gifts of travel or expenses for travel taking place entirely outside the United States (such as transportation, food, and lodging) of more than minimal value if such acceptance is appropriate, consistent with the interests of the United States, and permitted by the employing agency. Except where the employing agency has specific interests which may be favorably affected by employee travel wholly outside the
(1) There are two circumstances under which employees may accept gifts of travel or expenses:
(i) When the employee is issued official travel orders placing him or her in the position of accepting travel or travel expenses offered by a foreign government which are directly related to the authorized purpose of the travel; or
(ii) When the employee's travel orders specifically anticipate the acceptance of additional travel and travel expenses incident to the authorized travel.
(2) When an employee is traveling under circumstances described in paragraph (d)(1)(i) of this section, that is, without specific instructions authorizing acceptance of additional travel expenses from a foreign government, the employee must file a report with the employing angency under the procedures prescribed in § 3.6.
(e) Since tangible gifts of more than minimal value may not lawfully become the personal property of the donee, all supervisory officials shall, in advising employees of their responsibilities under the regulations, impress upon them their obligation to decline acceptance of such gifts, whenever possible, at the time they are offered, or to return them if they have been sent or delivered without a prior offer. All practical measures, such as periodic briefings, shall be taken to minimize the number of gifts which employees must deposit and which thus become subject to disposal as provided by law and regulation. Employees should not accept gifts of more than minimal value on the assumption that refusal would be likely to “cause offense or embarrassment or otherwise adversely affect the foreign relations of the United States”. In many instances it should be possible, by explanation of the prohibition against an employee's retention of such gifts, to avoid consequences of acceptance, including possible return of the gift to the donor. Refusal of the gift at the inception should typically be regarded as in the interest both of the foreign government donor and the U.S. Government.
(a) The Act effects a significant degree of decentralization of administration relative to the disposal of foreign gifts and decorations which become U.S. Government property. Each agency is now responsible for receiving from its employees deposits of foreign gifts of more than minimal value, as well as of foreign decorations not meeting the statutory criteria for retention by the recipient. The agency is also responsible for disposing of this property by return to the donor, for retaining it in the agency if official use of it is approved, for reporting to the General Services Administration within 30 calendar days after deposit items neither disposed of nor retained, and for assuming custody, proper care and handling of such property pending removal from that custody pursuant to disposal arrangements by the General Services Administration. The Secretary of State, however, is made responsible for providing guidance to other executive agencies in the development of their own regulations to implement the Act, as well as for the annual publication of lists of all gifts of more than minimal value deposited by Federal employees during the preceding year. [See § 3.5(c).] Authority for the discharge of the Secretary's responsibilities is delegated by these regulations to the Chief of Protocol.
(b) The Office of the Chief of Protocol retains primary responsibility for administration of the Act within the Department of State. That Office will, however, serve as the depository only for those foreign gifts and decorations which are turned in by State Department employees. The Director of Personnel Services of the USICA will have responsibility for administration of the Act within that agency and will serve as the depository of foreign gifts and decorations. Employees of the other
(c) Any questions concerning the implementation of these regulations or interpretation of the law should be directed to the following:
(1) For the Department of State, to the Office of Protocol or to the Office of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Management, as appropriate;
(2) For IDCA, to the Office of the General Counsel;
(3) For AID, to the Assistant General Counsel for Employee and Public Affairs; and
(4) For USICA, to the General Counsel.
(a) An employee who has accepted a tangible gift of more than minimal value shall, within 60 days after acceptance, relinquish it to the designated depository office for the employing agency for disposal or, with the approval of that office, deposit it for official use at a designated location in the employing agency or at a specified Foreign Service post. The designated depository offices are:
(1) For the Department of State, the Office of Protocol;
(2) For IDCA, the General Services Division of the Office of Management Planning in AID;
(3) For AID, the General Services Division of the Office of Management Planning; and
(4) For USICA, the Office of Personnel Services.
(b) At the time that an employee deposits gifts of more than minimal value for disposal or for official use pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, or within 30 days after accepting a gift of travel or travel expenses as provided in § 3.4(d) (unless the gift of such travel or travel expenses has been accepted in accordance with specific instructions from the Department or agency), the employee shall file a statement with the designated depository office with the following information:
(1) For each tangible gift reported:
(i) The name and position of the employee;
(ii) A brief description of the gift and the circumstances justifying acceptance;
(iii) The identity of the foreign government and the name and position of the individual who presented the gift;
(iv) The date of acceptance of the gift;
(v) The donee's best estimate in specific dollar terms of the value of the gift in the United States at the time of acceptance; and
(vi) Disposition or current location of the gift. (For State Department employees, forms for this purpose are available in the Office of Protocol.)
(2) For each gift of travel or travel expenses:
(i) The name and position of the employee;
(ii) A brief description of the gift and the circumstances justifying acceptance; and
(iii) The identity of the foregign government and the name and position of the individual who presented the gift.
(c) The information contained in the statements called for in paragraph (b) of this section is needed to comply with the statutory requirement that, not later than Janaury 31 of each year, the Secretary of State publish in the
(a) Decorations tendered in recognition of active field service in time of combat operations or awarded for other outstanding or unusually meritorious performance may be accepted, retained, and worn by an employee, subject to the approval of the employing agency. Without such approval, the decoration is deemed to have been accepted on behalf of the United States and, like tangible gifts of more than minimal value, must be deposited by the employee with the designated depository office for the employing agency within sixty days after acceptance, for retention for official use or for disposal in accordance with § 3.9.
(b) The decision as to whether a decoration has been awarded for outstanding or unusually meritorious performance will be made:
(1) For the Department of State, by the supervising Assistant Secretary of State or comparable official, except that, in the case of a decoration awarded to an Assistant Secretary or other officer of comparable or higher rank, the decision shall be made by the Office of Protocol;
(2) For IDCA, by the Assistant Director for Administration;
(3) For AID, by the Director of Personnel Management; and
(4) For USICA, by the Supervising Associate Director, the General Counsel, or the Director of the Office of Congressional and Public Liaison (for domestic employees), and by the Director of Area Offices (for overseas employees).
(c) To justify an affirmative decision, a statement from the foreign government, preferably in the form of a citation which shows the specific basis for the tender of the award, should be supplied. An employee who has received or been tendered a decoration should forward to the designated depository office of the employing agency a request for review of the case. This request should contain a statement of circumstances of the award and such documentation from the foreign government as has accompanied it. The depository office will obtain the decision of the cognizant office as to whether the award meets the statutory criteria and thus whether the decoration may be retained and worn. Pending receipt of that decision, the decoration should remain in the custody of the recipient.
(a) At the request of an overseas post or an office within the employing agency, a gift or decoration deemed to have been accepted on behalf of the United States may be retained for official use. Such retention should be approved:
(1) For the Department of State, by the Chief of Protocol;
(2) For IDCA, by AID's Director of Management Operations;
(3) For AID, by the Director of Management Operations; and
(4) For USICA, by the Associate Director for Management.
(b) Items approved for official use must be accounted for and safeguarded as Federal property at all times under standard Federal property management procedures. Within 30 days after the official use of a gift has been terminated, the gift or decoration shall be deposited with the designated depository office of the employing agency to be held pending completion of disposal arrangements by the General Services Administration.
(a) Gifts and decorations which have been reported to an employing agency shall either be returned to the donor or kept in safe storage pending receipt of instructions from the General Services Administration for transfer, donation or other disposal under the provisions of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949, 63 Stat. 377, as amended, and the Federal Property Management Regulations (41 CFR part 101-49). The employing agency shall examine each gift or decoration and the circumstances surrounding its donation and assess whether any adverse effect upon the foreign relations of the United States might result from a return of the gift (or decoration) to the donor, which shall be the preferred
(b) No gift or decoration deposited with the General Services Administration for disposal may be sold without the approval of the Secretary of State, upon a determination that the sale will not adversely affect the foreign relations of the United States. When depositing gifts or decorations with the designated depository office of their employing agency, employees may indicate their interest in participating in any subsequent sale of the items by the Government. Before gifts and decorations may be considered for sale by the General Services Administration, however, they must first have been offered for transfer to Federal agencies and for donation to the States. Consequently, employees should understand that there is no assurance that an item will be offered for sale, or, if so offered, that it will be feasible for an employee to participate in the sale. Employees are reminded in this connection that the primary aim of the Act is to discourage employees' acceptance of gifts of more than minimal value.
(a) Each employing agency is responsible under the Act for reporting to the Attorney General cases in which there is reason to believe that one of its employees has violated the Act. The Attorney General in turn may file a civil action in any United States District Court against any Federal employee who has knowingly solicited or accepted a gift from a foreign government in violation of the Act, or who has failed to deposit or report such gift, as an Act required by the Act. In such case, the court may assess a maximum penality of the retail value of a gift improperly solicited or received, plus $5,000.
(b) Supervisory officials at all levels within employing agencies shall be responsible for providing periodic reorientation of all employees under their supervision on the basic features of the Act and these regulations, and for ensuring that those employees observe the requirements for timely reporting and deposit of any gifts of more than minimal value they may have accepted.
(c) Employees are advised of the following actions which may result from failure to comply with the requirements of the Act and these regulations:
(1) Any supervisor who has substantial reason to believe that an employee under his or her supervision has violated the reporting or other compliance provisions of the Act shall report the facts and circumstances in writing to the senior official in charge of administration within the cognizant bureau or office or at the post abroad. If that official upon investigation decides that an employee who is the donee of a gift or is the recipient of travel or travel expenses has, through actions within the employee's control, failed to comply with the procedures established by the Act and these regulations, the case shall be referred to the Attorney General for appropriate action.
(2) In cases of confirmed evidence of a violation, whether or not such violation results in the taking of action by the Attorney General, the senior administrative official referred to in paragraph (c)(1) of this section as responsible for forwarding a violation report to the Attorney General shall institute appropriate disciplinary action against an employee who has failed to (i) Deposit tangible gifts within 60 days after acceptance, (ii) account properly for the acceptance of travel expenses or (iii) comply with the Act's requirements respecting disposal of gifts and decorations retained for official use.
(3) In cases where there is confirmed evidence of a violation, but no evidence that the violation was willful on the part of the employee, the senior administrative official referred to in paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall institute appropriate disciplinary action of a lesser degree than that called for in
A special provision of the Act requires the President to direct every chief of a United States diplomatic mission to inform the host government that it is a general policy of the United States Government to prohibit its employees from receiving gifts of more than minimal value or decorations that have not been tendered “in recognition of active field service in time of combat operations or awarded for other outstanding or unusually meritorious performance.” Accordingly, all Chiefs of Mission shall in January of each year conduct a thorough and explicit program of orientation aimed at appropriate officials of the host government concerning the operation of the Act.
The Act specifically excludes from its application grants and other forms of assistance “to which section 108A of the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 applies”. See 22 U.S.C. 2558 (a) and (b) for the terms and conditions under which Congress consents to the acceptance by a Federal employee of grants and other forms of assistance provided by a foreign government to facilitate the participation of such employee in a cultural exchange.
Sec. 509, 91 Stat. 859 (37 U.S.C. 801 Note); sec. 4, as amended, 63 Stat. 111 (22 U.S.C. 2658).
For purposes of this part—
(a)
(2) Any member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces; or
(3) Any member of the commissioned Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) The Secretary of the Navy, with respect to retired members of the Navy and the Marine Corps, members of the Navy and Marine Corps Reserves, and retired members of the Coast Guard and members of the Coast Guard Reserve when the Coast Guard is operating as a service in the Navy;
(3) The Secretary of the Air Force, with respect to retired members of the Air Force and members of the Air Force Reserve;
(4) The Secretary of Transportation, with respect to retired members of the Coast Guard and members of the Coast
(5) The Secretary of Commerce, with respect to retired members of the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
(6) The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, with respect to retired members of the commissioned Regular Corps of the Public Health Service and members of the commissioned Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service.
(a) The United States Constitution (Article I, section 9, clause 8) prohibits the acceptance of civil employment with a foreign government by an officer of the United States without the consent of Congress. Congress has consented to the acceptance of civil employment (and compensation therefor) by any person described in § 3a.1(b) subject to the approval of the Secretary concerned and the Secretary of State (37 U.S.C. 801, Note). Civil employment with a foreign government may not be accepted without such approval by any person so described.
(b) The Secretary of State has no authority to approve employment with a foreign government by any officer of the United States other than a person described in § 3a.1(a). The acceptance of employment with a foreign government by any other officer of the United States remains subject to the constitutional prohibition described in paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) Any person described in § 3a.1(a) who accepts employment with a foreign government without the approval required by this section or otherwise obtaining the consent of Congress is subject to forfeiture of retired pay to the extent of his or her compensation from the foreign government, according to the Comptroller General of the United States (44 Comp. Gen. 139 (1964)). This forfeiture is in addition to any other penalty which may be imposed under law or regulation.
The Director, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, is authorized to approve or disapprove any request by an applicant for approval under this part to accept civil employment (and compensation therefor) from a foreign government. The Director may delegate this authority within the Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, Department of State.
(a) An applicant must submit a request for approval of foreign government employment to the Secretary concerned, whose approval is also required by law for the applicant's acceptance of civil employment from a foreign government. The request must contain information concerning the applicant's status, the nature of the proposed employment in as much detail as possible, the identity of and relationship to the foreign government concerned, and other matters as may be required by the Secretary concerned.
(b) Requests approved by the Secretary concerned will be referred to the Director, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, for approval. Requests received by the Director, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, directly from an applicant will be initially forwarded to the Secretary concerned, or his designee, for approval of disapproval.
Decisions by the Director, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, under this part shall be based on whether the applicant's proposed employment with a foreign government would adversely affect the foreign relations of the United States, in light of the applicant's official status as a retiree or reservist.
The Director, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, will notify the Secretary concerned when an applicant's proposed foreign government employment is approved. Notification of approval to the applicant will be made by the Secretary concerned or his designee.
(a) The Director, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, will notify the applicant directly when an applicant's proposed foreign employment is disapproved, and will inform the Secretary concerned.
(b) Each notification of disapproval under this section must include a statement of the reasons for the disapproval, with as much specificity as security and foreign policy considerations permit, together with a notice of the applicant's right to seek reconsideration of the disapproval under paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) Within 60 days after receipt of the notice of disapproval, an applicant whose request has been disapproved may submit a request for reconsideration by the Director, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs. A request for reconsideration should provide information relevant to the reasons set forth in the notice of disapproval.
(d) The disapproval of a request by the Director, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, will be final, unless a timely request for reconsideration is received. In the event of a request for reconsideration, the Director, Bureau of Politico-Military Affairs, will make a final decision after reviewing the record of the request. A final decision after reconsideration to approve the applicant's proposed employment with a foreign government will be communicated to the Secretary concerned as provided in § 3a.6. A final decision after reconsideration to disapprove the applicant's proposed employment with a foreign government will be communicated directly to the applicant as provided in paragraph (a) of this section and the Secretary concerned will be informed. The Director's authority to make a final decision after reconsideration may not be redelegated.
In the event that an applicant's foreign government employment approved under this part is to be materially changed, either by a substantial change in duties from those described in the request upon which the original approval was based, or by a change of employer, the applicant must obtain further approval in accordance with this part for such changed employment.
22 U.S.C. 2651a(a)(4).
In accordance with Article 10 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and Article 24 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, diplomatic missions must notify the Office of Protocol immediately upon the arrival, in the United States, of any foreign government officer or employee (including domestics and family members), who are serving at diplomatic missions, consular posts, or miscellaneous foreign government offices. If the employee is already in the United States in some other capacity, the notification should be made upon assumption of duties. This initial notification requirement also includes all U.S. citizens and permanent resident aliens who are employed by foreign missions.
Notification and subsequent changes are made as follows:
(a) Diplomatic and career consular officers and their dependents: Form DSP-110,
(b) All other foreign government employees who are serving at diplomatic missions, consular posts, or miscellaneous foreign government offices and
(c) Honorary consular officers: Form DSP-112,
(d) Missions should use Form DSP-113,
(e) Upon termination of employment of any diplomatic or consular officer, honorary consular officer, embassy or consular employee, or miscellaneous foreign government staff member, a Form DSP-115,
Sec. 4, 63 Stat. 111, as amended, sec. 501, 65 Stat. 290; 22 U.S.C. 2658, 31 U.S.C. 483a, 5 U.S.C. 552, E.O. 10501; 18 FR 7049; 3 CFR, 1949-1953 Comp., page 979.
The sections in this part 5 are issued pursuant to section 3 of the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, effective July 4, 1967.
(a) The following statements of the central and field organization of the Department of State and its Foreign Service posts are hereby prescribed:
(1) The central organization of the Department of State was issued as Public Notice No. 267, 32 FR 8923, June 22, 1967.
(2) The foreign field organization of the Department of State was issued as Public Notice No. 254, 32 FR 3712, March 3, 1967.
(3) The domestic field organization of the Department of State was issued as Public Notice No. 268, 32 FR 8925, June 22, 1967.
(b) As used in the following sections, the term “Department of State” includes all offices within the Department in Washington, its domestic field offices in the United States, all Foreign Service posts throughout the world, and U.S. missions to international organizations unless otherwise specified.
(c) Any person desiring information concerning a matter handled by the Department of State, or any person desiring to make a submittal or request in connection with such a matter, should communicate either orally or in writing with the appropriate office. If the office receiving the communication does not have jurisdiction to handle the matter, the communication, if written, will be forwarded to the proper office, or, if oral, the person will be advised how to proceed. When the submittal or request consists of a formal application for one of the documents, privileges, or other benefits provided for in the laws administered by the Department of State, or in the regulations implementing these laws, the instructions on the form as to preparation and place of submission should be followed. In such cases, the provisions of this part referring to the particular regulation concerned should be consulted.
Rules of procedure regarding the following listed matters may be consulted under the corresponding regulations referenced in § 5.4, or obtained upon application to the offices listed below. Forms pertaining to the following listed matters, and instructions relating thereto may also be obtained at the offices indicated below:
(a) The regulations of the Department of State required to be published under the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act are found in the Code of Federal Regulations and the F
(b) The following are citations to regulations within the scope of this section.
(1) Acceptance of Gifts and Decorations from Foreign Governments. 22 CFR part 3
(2) Employee Responsibility and Conduct. 22 CFR part 10
(3) Appointment of Foreign Service Officers. 22 CFR part 11
(4) Fees for Services in the United States, fees and Charges, Foreign service. 22 CFR part 21
(5) Claims and Stolen Property. 22 CFR part 31
(6) Issuance of Visas. 22 CFR parts 41-42
(7) Nationality and Passports. 22 CFR part 50
(8) International Educational and Cultural Exchanges. 22 CFR part 61
(9) Protection and Welfare of Americans Abroad. 22 CFR part 71
(10) Shipping and Seamen Abroad. 22 CFR part 81
(11) Other Consular Services Abroad. 22 CFR part 91
(12) Economic, Commercial and Civil Air Functions Abroad. 22 CFR part 101
(13) International Traffic in Arms. 22 CFR part 121
(14) Certificates of Authentication. 22 CFR part 131
(15) Civil Rights. 22 CFR part 141
(16) Department of State Procurement. 41 CFR part 6-1
(c) These regulations are supplemented from time to time by amendments appearing initially in the
Sec. 1, 44 Stat. 887, sec. 4, 63 Stat. 111, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 211a, 2658; secs. 104, 360, 66 Stat. 174, 273, 8 U.S.C. 1104, 1503; E.O. 11295, 36 FR 10603; 3 CFR 1966-1970 Comp., page 507; 22 CFR 60-65; E.O. 12532, 50 FR 36861 7.4 also issued under 22 U.S.C. 3926.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) There is hereby established the Board of Appellate Review of the Department of State to consider and determine appeals within the purview of § 7.3. The Board shall take any action it considers appropriate and necessary to the disposition of cases appealed to it.
(b) For administrative purposes, the Board shall be part of the Office of the Legal Adviser. The merits of appeals or decisions of the Board shall not be subject to review by the Legal Adviser or any other Department official, except that the Department may administratively vacate a Certificate of Loss of Nationality on its own initiative at any time, notwithstanding an intervening decision by the Board sustaining the Department's original determination.
The jurisdiction of the Board shall include appeals from decisions in the following cases:
(a) Appeals from administrative determinations of loss of nationality or expatriation under subpart C of part 50 of this chapter.
(b) Appeals from administrative decisions denying, revoking, restricting or invalidating a passport under §§ 51.70 and 51.71 of this chapter.
(c) Appeals from final decisions of contracting officers arising under contracts or grants of the Department of State, not otherwise provided for in the Department of State contract appeal regulations (part 6-60 of title 41).
(d) Appeals from administrative determinations under § 64.1(a) of this chapter, denying U.S. Government assistance to U.S. nationals who do not comply with the Fair Labor Standards in § 61.2 of this chapter.
(e) Appeals from administrative decisions of the Department of State in such other cases and under such terms of reference as the Secretary of State may authorize.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(2) A person who has been subject of an adverse decision under § 51.89, of this Chapter shall be entitled to appeal the decision to the Board upon written request made within 60 days after receipt of notice of such decision.
(3) A national who has been subject of an adverse decision under § 64.1(a) of this chapter shall be entitled to appeal the decision to the Board within 30 days after receipt of notice of such decision.
(4) Time limits for other appeals shall be established by the Board as appropriate.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
The Board shall decide the appeal on the basis of the record of the proceedings. The decision shall be by majority vote in writing and shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law on which it is based. The decision of the Board shall be final, subject to §§ 7.2(b) and 7.10. Copies of the Board's decision shall be forwarded promptly to the parties.
The Board may entertain a motion for reconsideration of a Board's decision, if filed by either party. The motion shall state with particularity the grounds for the motion, including any facts or points of law which the filing party claims the Board has overlooked or misapprehended, and shall be filed within 30 days from the date of receipt of a copy of the decision of the Board by the party filing the motion. Oral argument on the motion shall not be permitted. However, the party in opposition to the motion will be given opportunity to file a memorandum in opposition to the motion within 30 days of the date the Board forwards a copy of the motion to the party in opposition. If the motion to reconsider is granted, the Board shall review the record, and, upon such further reconsideration, shall affirm, modify, or reverse the original decision of the Board in the case.
In computing the period of time for taking any action under this part, the day of the act, event, or notice from which the specified period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period shall be included, unless it falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday, in which event the period shall extend to the end of the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or a legal holiday. The Board for good cause shown may in its discretion enlarge the time prescribed by this part for the taking of any action.
(a) Attorneys at law who are admitted to practice in any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any Territory or possession of the United States, and who are members of the Bar in good standing, may practice before the Board unless disqualified under paragraph (b) of this section or for some other valid reason.
(b) No attorney shall be permitted to appear before the Board as attorney representing an appellant if he or she is subject to the conflict of interest provisions of chapter 11 of title 18 of the United States Code.
22 U.S.C. 2658; sec. 8(a) Federal Advisory Committee Act (Pub. L. 92-463); E.O. 11769; and OMB Circular A-63, Rev.
(a)
(2) These regulations apply to any advisory committee which provides advice to the Department of State or any officer of the Department. However, to the extent that an advisory committee is subject to particular statutory provisions, which are inconsistent with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, these regulations do not apply.
(b)
(2) The Advisory Committee Management Officer in the Management Systems Staff administers the Committee Management Program for the Deputy Under Secretary for Management.
(a) Advisory Committees are to be used for obtaining advice and recommendations on matters for which they were established, and may be utilized only when the information sought is not otherwise efficiently and economically available.
(b) Unless provided otherwise by statute or Presidential directive, advisory committees shall be utilized solely for advisory functions and any decision taken pursuant to the advice or recommendation of an advisory committee is the responsibility of the appropriate Department officer. For the purposes of this provision, “Presidential directive” includes an executive order or executive memorandum.
(c) Meetings of advisory committees will be open to the public unless there is a compelling reason which requires nondisclosure of the subject matter in accordance with public law (5 U.S.C. 552 (b)).
(a) The Federal Advisory Committee Act applies to committees “established” by the Government and to committees “utilized” though not established by the Government.
(1) The President and the Congress, or the Department in consultation with the Office of Management and Budget, may
(2) Though not established by the President or the Department, a group
(b) One requisite for coverage of either type (established or utilized) under the Federal Advisory Committee Act is that the group can be defined as a committee as set forth in the definition of a committee, as contained in § 8.4 of these regulations, and have all or most of the following characteristics:
(1) The purpose, objective or intent is that of providing advice to any officer or organizational component of the Department;
(2) Has regular or periodic meetings;
(3) Has fixed membership (membership may include more than one full time Federal officer or employee but is not comprised wholly of Government personnel);
(4) Has an organizational structure (e.g., officers) and a staff.
(c) Where a group provides some advice to an agency, but the group's advisory function is incidental to and inseparable from other operational functions such as making or implementing decisions, the Federal Advisory Committee Act does not apply.
(d) Where the advisory function of a group is separable from its operational function, the group is subject to the Act to the extent that it operates as an advisory committee.
(a) The Federal Advisory Committee Act defines advisory committee as any committee, board, commission, council, conference, panel, task force, or other similar group, or any subcommittee or other subgroup thereof, which is—
(1) Established by statute or reorganization plan, or
(2) Established or utilized by the President, or
(3) Established or utilized by one or more agencies, in the interest of obtaining advice or recommendations for the President or one or more agencies or officers of the Federal Government, except a committee composed wholly of full-time officers and employees of the Government.
(b) A formal subgroup or subcommittee independently possesses significant requisites of an advisory committee,
(c) An informal subgroup or subcommittee is one that facilitates the activities of its advisory committee. For example, during a particular meeting, the advisory committee may divide itself into subgroups to permit simultaneous discussion of different topics.
(a) A bureau or an office designated or desiring to sponsor an advisory committee will prepare a memorandum to the Advisory Committee Management Officer setting forth the purpose, organization (including subgroups), proposed balanced membership (see § 8.6), and a justification for the need of the particular committee.
(b) The Advisory Committee Management Officer will review the request and will make an action recommendation to the Deputy Under Secretary for Management through the Director of the Management Systems Staff.
(c) If the Deputy Under Secretary for Management approves the request, it will be submitted to the Committee Management Secretariat of the Office of Management and Budget for approval. The OMB Secretariat will usually take action within 15 days.
(d) The Advisory Committee Management Officer will advise the sponsoring bureau or office of the approval for or rejection of the request to establish the advisory committee.
(e) After OMB approval the intent to establish an advisory committee, containing a description of the committee and a statement of why it is in the public interest to create it, will be published in the
(a) The act requires a balanced membership in terms of the points of view represented. Members are selected for their expertise in the committee's functions and should be chosen from different vocations having knowledge in the subject.
(b) It is Department policy that members will be selected without regard to national origin, religion, race, sex, or color.
(c) The committee office will keep the Advisory Committee Management Officer currently advised of a committee's membership including vacancies.
(a) All officers and members of a committee must have a security clearance for the subject matter level of security at which the committee functions.
(b) The responsible committee office will provide the Advisory Committee Management Officer with each member's security clearance level and date of issue.
(c) The substantive office sponsoring an advisory committee is responsible for access to and removal from official premises of classified material in accordance with the Department's security regulations (5 FAM 940 and 973). Any questions arising involving security procedures are to be presented to the Office of Security for guidance and resolution.
(a)
(2) Formal subgroups may be chartered separately or the requisite information set forth in the charter of the parent committee.
(3) Informal subgroups may not require a charter; however, the charter of the parent committee must cover this aspect of its organization.
(4) The Advisory Committee Management Officer will, at the time a charter is filed, furnish a copy of the filed charter to the Library of Congress.
(b)
(c)
(2) The Deputy Under Secretary for Management will make a determination, based on a comprehensive review, whether or not a committee will be continued.
(3) The OMB Secretariat will be advised of the determination and reasons therefore 60 days prior to the charter expiration date of the committee. If the Secretariat concurs, the Advisory Committee Management Officer will publish in the
(4) Each office responsible for an advisory committee it wishes to continue will prepare a new charter and submit it to the Advisory Committee Management Officer before October 1 biennially.
(5) No advisory committee shall meet, advise or make recommendations between the expiration date of its charter and the date its new charter is filed.
(d)
(2) A proposed amendment must be approved prior to any committee activity to which the proposed amendment relates.
(a)
(b)
(2) The designated Department or other U.S. Government officer has the following responsibilities:
(i) Prepares or approves the agenda for all meetings;
(ii) Calls or approves in advance the calling of the meetings;
(iii) Adjourns any meeting whenever he or she determines that adjournment is in the public interest.
(c)
(2) Notice of each such meeting shall be published in the
(3) The responsible committee office will prepare the notice and press release, obtaining clearances as set forth in paragraphs (c)(3) (i) and (ii) of this section, and deliver to the Advisory Committee Management Officer for action:
(i)
(ii)
(4) The Deputy Under Secretary for Management will determine if an advisory committee may hold a closed meeting, after a request for a meeting not open to the public is cleared by the Advisory Committee Management Officer and the Office of the Legal Adviser.
(5) After the clearances set forth in paragraphs (c) (3) and (4) of this section, a notification of meeting may also be provided by the office/bureau to any persons or organizations known to be interested in the activities of the committee.
(6) The office sponsoring the committee is responsible for meeting publishing date requirements. Overall normal processing time prior to a meeting date is 25 days for an open meeting and 47 days for a closed meeting.
(d)
(2) An
(3) A
(e)
(2) Any determination to close all or a part of a meeting must be based upon
(3) When a meeting or portion of a meeting is to be closed to the public, the notice should state the reasons for the closing.
(4) The written request in accordance with paragraph (c)(4) of this section, for a determination by the Deputy Under Secretary for Management that a committee may hold a closed meeting must be submitted at least 47 days before the scheduled date of the meeting unless the Deputy Under Secretary for Management determines that a shorter period of time is necessary.
(f)
(2) The responsible committee office will prepare a public notice and press release and hand-carry them to the Advisory Committee Management Officer as soon as the decision to cancel the meeting is made.
(3) The notice and press release will state the name of the advisory committee, identify the meeting that is cancelled, and state why it is cancelled. The
(g)
(h)
(2) The minutes for an
(3) The minutes for a
(4) The chairperson of each advisory committee shall certify the accuracy of the committee minutes.
(a) There are two categories of reports on advisory committees. One category is concerned with management and the other with advisory activities.
(b) Management reports include:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(c) Advisory activities reports are reports issued by the committee. They are to be submitted, when prepared in final as a committee document or published, on a current basis.
(d) All reports are submitted to the Advisory Committee Management Officer.
(1) The Comprehensive Review is signed by the responsible committee officer and approved by the bureau/office policy making officer. It is submitted in original only.
(2) The Annual Report will be prepared on Standard Forms 248 and 249 in original and one copy. (Instructions for preparation are printed on the back of the forms.)
(3) The Report of Closed Meeting(s) is signed by the committee chairman and submitted in original and 8 copies.
(4) The Advisory activities reports are submitted in 9 copies each, except Presidential advisory committee reports are submitted in 12 copies.
(a) The records of an advisory committee consist of all papers and documents which are prepared for or by and/or made available to the committee, and are maintained by the office responsible for the committee. Such records are
(b) The Advisory Committee Management Officer maintains the Department's official records relating to the management of all committees.
Accurate records will be kept by the responsible committee office of all operating and salary costs of a committee. (See instruction item 17 on SF-248.)
The records of a committee are to be made available upon request in accordance with the Department's regulations promulgated in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (40
Public inquiries concerning the implementation of the Federal Advisory Committee Act and the management of the advisory committees of the Department should be addressed to the Advisory Committee Management Officer, Management Systems Staff, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520.
E.O. 12958 (60 FR 19825, April 20, 1995) as amended; Information Security Oversight Office Directive No. 1, 32 CFR 2001 (68 FR 55168, Sept. 22, 2003).
These regulations, taken together with the Information Security Oversight Office Directive No. 1 dated September 22, 2003, and Volume 5 of the Department's Foreign Affairs Manual, provide the basis for the security classification program of the U.S. Department of State (“the Department”) implementing Executive Order 12958, “Classified National Security Information”, as amended (“the Executive Order”).
The objective of the Department's classification program is to ensure that national security information is protected from unauthorized disclosure, but only to the extent and for such a period as is necessary.
The Executive Order requires that each agency that originates or handles classified information designate a senior agency official to direct and administer its information security program. The Department's senior agency official is the Under Secretary of State for Management. The senior agency official is assisted in carrying out the provisions of the Executive Order and the Department's information security
(a)
(b)
(2)
(3)
(c)
(i) Military plans, weapons systems, or operations;
(ii) Foreign government information;
(iii) Intelligence activities (including special activities), intelligence sources or methods, or cryptology;
(iv) Foreign relations or foreign activities of the United States, including confidential sources;
(v) Scientific, technological, or economic matters relating to the national security; which includes defense against transnational terrorism;
(vi) United States Government programs for safeguarding nuclear materials or facilities;
(vii) Vulnerabilities or capabilities of systems, installations, infrastructures, projects, plans, or protection services relating to the national security, which includes defense against transnational terrorism; or
(viii) Weapons of mass destruction.
(2) In classifying information, the public's interest in access to government information must be balanced against the need to protect national security information.
(3) In no case shall information be classified in order to conceal violations of law, inefficiency, or administrative error, or to prevent embarrassment to a person, organization, or agency, to restrain competition, or to prevent or delay the release of information that does not require protection in the interest of the national security.
(4) A reference to classified documents that does not directly or indirectly disclose classified information may not be classified or used as a basis for classification.
(5) Only information owned by, produced by or for, or under the control of the U.S. Government may be classified.
(6) The unauthorized disclosure of foreign government information is presumed to cause damage to national security.
(d)
(2) An original classification authority may extend the duration of classification, change the level of classification, or reclassify specific information only when the standards and procedures for classifying information under the Executive Order are met.
(3) Information marked for an indefinite duration of classification under predecessor orders, such as “Originating Agency's Determination Required” (OADR) or containing no declassification instructions shall be subject to the declassification provisions of Part 3 of the Order, including the provisions of section 3.3 regarding automatic declassification of records older than 25 years.
(a) Authority for original classification of information as
(b) Authority for original classification of information as
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) Classified information shall be marked pursuant to the standards set forth in section 1.6 of the Executive Order; ISOO implementing directives in 32 CFR 2001, Subpart B; and internal Department guidance in 12 Foreign Affairs Manual (FAM).
(b) Foreign government information shall retain its original classification markings or be marked and classified at a U.S. classification level that provides a degree of protection at least equivalent to that required by the entity that furnished the information. Foreign government information retaining its original classification markings need not be assigned a U.S. classification marking provided the responsible agency determines that the foreign government markings are adequate to meet the purposes served by U.S. classification markings.
(c) Information assigned a level of classification under predecessor executive orders shall be considered as classified at that level of classification.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(1) After review of material in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, mandatory declassification review request, discovery request, subpoena, classification challenge, or other information access or declassification request;
(2) After review as part of the Department's systematic declassification review program;
(3) As a result of the elapse of the time or the occurrence of the event specified at the time of classification;
(4) By operation of the automatic declassification provisions of section 3.3 of the Executive Order with respect to material more than 25 years old.
(b)
(c)
(2) The Department shall maintain a record of Department officials specifically designated as declassification and downgrading authorities.
(d)
(e)
All requests to the Department by a member of the public, a government employee, or an agency to declassify and release information shall result in a prompt declassification review of the
The Information and Privacy Coordinator shall be responsible for conducting a program for systematic declassification review of historically valuable records that were exempted from the automatic declassification provisions of section 3.3 of the Executive Order. The Information and Privacy Coordinator shall prioritize such review on the basis of researcher interest and the likelihood of declassification upon review.
For Department procedures regarding the access to classified information by historical researchers and certain former government personnel, see Sec. 171.24 of this Title.
Specific controls on the use, processing, storage, reproduction, and transmittal of classified information within the Department to provide protection for such information and to prevent access by unauthorized persons are contained in Volume 12 of the Department's Foreign Affairs Manual.
E.O. 11932 (41 FR 32691), E.O. 11652 (37 FR 5209, National Security Council Directive of May 17, 1972 (37 FR 10053).
These regulations implement Executive Order 11932 dated August 4, 1976 (41 FR 32691, August 5, 1976) entitled “Classification of Certain Information and Material Obtained from Advisory Bodies Created to Implement the International Energy Program.”
(a) The United States has entered into the Agreement on an International Energy Program of November 18, 1974, which created the International Energy Agency (IEA). This program is a substantial factor in the conduct of our foreign relations and an important element of our national security. The effectiveness of the Agreement depends significantly upon the provision and exchange of information and material by participants in advisory bodies created by the IEA. Confidentiality is essential to assure the free and open discussion necessary to accomplish the tasks assigned to those bodies.
(b) These regulations establish procedures for the classification, declassification, storage, access, and dissemination of certain information related to the International Energy Program.
These regulations apply to all information and material classified by the United States under the provisions of E.O. 11932, dated August 4, 1976 entitled “Classification of Certain Information and Material Obtained From Advisory Bodies Created To Implement The International Energy Program.”
(a) Section 1 of E.O. 11932, August 4, 1976 directs that information and material obtained pursuant to the International Energy Program and which requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of the national defense or foreign relations of
(b) Information and material, including transcripts, records, and communications, in the possession of the United States Government which has been obtained pursuant to (1) section 252(c)(3), (d)(2) or (e)(3) of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (89 Stat. 871, 42 U.S.C. 6272(c)(3), (d)(2), (e)(3)), or (2) The Voluntary Agreement and Program Relating to the International Energy Program (40 FR 16041, April 8, 1975), or (3) the Voluntary Agreement and Plan of Action to Implement the International Energy Program (41 FR 13998, April 1, 1976), or (4) Any similar Voluntary Agreement and Program entered into under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act shall be reviewed by an officer of the Department of State with classifying authority for the purpose of determining whether such information or material should be classified pursuant to E.O. 11652. If the officer determines that the information or material warrants classification, he shall assign it the appropriate classification. Such information or material may be exempted from the General Declassification Schedule established by section 5 of Executive Order No. 11652 if it was obtained by the United States on the understanding that it be kept in confidence, or if it might otherwise be exempted under section 5(B) of such Order.
(c) In classifying such information or material, officers of the Department of State shall follow the standards in E.O. 11652 and the provisions of 22 CFR 9.5 through 9.8.
The provisions of E.O. 11652, 22 CFR 9.9 through 9.15, and 9a.4(b) shall govern declassification and downgrading of such information or material.
(a) The provisions of 22 CFR 9.15 through 9.19 shall govern the marking of information or material classified under the provisions of these regulations, except that the following stamp shall be used as appropriate:
(b) If the information or material does not qualify for exemption from the General Declassification Schedule, ordinary stamps and marking may be used.
(a) Except as set forth in this section, access to information or material classified under the provisions of these regulations shall be governed by the provisions of 22 CFR 9.20 through 9.25.
(b) Classified information and material which was created by or in connection with an advisory body to the IEA may be made available to participants in such advisory body and their colleagues in accordance with the following subsections.
(c) Such information and material classified “Confidential” may be made available for review to participants in the meeting of the advisory body in which it was developed or discussed. Where participants are acting as representatives of companies or of the IEA Secretariat, such information and material may be made available for review to employees or other representatives of, or counsel for, such companies or Secretariat:
(d) Such information and material classified “Confidential” may be left in the custody of such participants or other persons who may review it for reasonable period of time:
(e) Such information and material classified other than “Confidential” under E.O. 11652 may be made available for review only to participants in the meeting in which it was developed or discussed; it must be reviewed in the presence of an official of the United States Government with an appropriate security clearance granted by the Department, and may not be left in the custody of such participants.
Except as provided in § 9a.7, the physical protection of information or material classified under this regulation shall be governed by the appropriate provisions of 22 CFR 9.45 through 9.49.
22 U.S.C. 2658.
(a) Media correspondents without valid Department of State press building passes shall have access to the Main State building identical to that enjoyed by members of the public.
(b) Media correspondents holding valid Department of State press building passes:
(1) May enter and have access 24 hours a day, during regular working hours, outside regular working hours, on weekends and on holidays, without an appointment, to the reception area of the Diplomatic Lobby, C Street Mezzanine area, press booths (Room 2310), press briefing room (Room 2118), and when in operation, the Office of Press Relations (Room 2109).
(2) May enter and have access without an appointment, on the basement level or on the first and second floors, to the cafeteria, post office, banks, concessionaries, barber shop, dry cleaners and the Foreign Affairs Recreation Association offices for the purposes for which they are established and when they are in operation.
(3) May not escort non-passholders into the Department of State building.
(c) Media correspondents, with or without a Department of State press building pass, may enter areas above the second floor of the Main State building only if the correspondent is invited by a Department employee to attend a specific social or official function in an office located above the second floor. Permission to enter areas above the second floor is strictly limited to direct passage to and from the appointment location of the Department of State employee, or the office or reception room where the function takes place.
(d) Possession of State Department press building pass does not confer access to or other privileges at other Federal buildings. It is not to be construed as official United States Government recognition, approval or accreditation of a correspondent.
In order to obtain a Department of State press building pass, press correspondents employed by United States media organizations must:
(a) Present to the Office of Press Relations, Department of State, a letter from his or her organization stating:
(1) That the applicant is a bona fide, full-time media correspondent based permanently and residing in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area;
(2) That the applicant is employed by the certifying organization;
(3) That the organization and the applicant have regular and substantial assignments in connection with the Department of State as evidence by regular attendance at the daily press briefings.
(b) Submit to the Office of Press Relations, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, a signed application and FORM DSP-97 for a press building pass. Applicants must comply with instructions contained in paragraphs 1 and 6 of FORM DSP-97 regarding fingerprinting and prior arrests. FORM DSP-97 requires the following information:
(1) Name;
(2) Affiliation with news media organizations;
(3) Date of birth;
(4) Place of birth;
(5) Sex;
(6) Citizenship;
(7) Social Security or passport number;
(8) Marital status;
(9) Spouse name;
(10) Office address and telephone number;
(11) Length of employment;
(12) Home address and telephone number; and
(13) Length of residence.
In order to obtain a Department of State press building pass, correspondents employed by foreign media organizations must:
(a) Present to the Office of Press Relations, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520 a letter from his or her organization stating:
(1) That the applicant is a bona fide, full-time media correspondent based permanently and residing in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area:
(2) That the applicant is employed by the certifying organization;
(3) That the organization and the applicant have regular and substantial assignments in connection with the Department of State as evidence by regular attendance at the daily press briefings.
(b) A letter from the Washington, DC Embassy of the nation where the organization is headquartered or from the Embassy of the United States in the nation where the organization is headquartered attesting to the existence of the news organization and the applicant's employment by that organization. The Director of the Office of Press Relations may accept a letter from another source attesting to the existence of such news organizations and the applicant's employment if, in his or her judgment, a substitute letter is warranted.
(c) Submit to the Office of Press Relations, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520 a signed application and FORM DSP-97 for a press building pass. Applicants must comply with instructions contained in paragraphs 1 and 6 of FROM DSP-97 regarding fingerprinting and prior arrests. FORM DSP-97 requires the following information:
(1) Name;
(2) Affiliation with news media organizations;
(3) Date of birth;
(4) Place of birth;
(5) Sex;
(6) Citizenship;
(7) Social Security or passport number;
(8) Marital status;
(9) Spouse name;
(10) Office address and telephone number;
(11) Length of employment;
(12) Home address and telephone number; and
(13) Length of residence.
Department of State press building passes are issued to members of television and radio technical crews who provide technical support on a daily basis for media correspondents assigned to the Department of State.
A media correspondent or technician who meets all the qualifications stated in §§ 9b.2(a)(1) and 9b.2(a)(2) or §§ 9b.3(a) and 9b.3(b), but does not have regular and substantial assignments in connection with the Department of State may make arrangements with the Office of Press Relations for the issuance of a visitor's pass valid for one day.
In consultation with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Office of the Legal Adviser, the Director of the Office of Press Relations of the Department of State, may deny, revoke, or not renew the Department of State press building pass of any media correspondent or technician who:
(a) Does not meet the qualifications stated in §§ 9b.2(a)(1), 9b.2(a)(2) and 9b.2(a)(3) or §§ 9b.3(a)(1), 9b.3(a)(2), 9b.3(a)(3) and 9b.3(b). (Upon denial, revocation, or non-renewal the correspondent or technician may not re-apply for a period of one year unless there are material changes in meeting the qualifications.) or,
(b) Poses a risk of harm to the personal safety of Department of State or other Governmental personnel or to Government property; or
(c) Engages or engaged in conduct which there are reasonable grounds to believe might violate federal or state law or Department of State regulations.
(d) Has been convicted of a felony (or a crime in a foreign country that would be considered a felony if it were committed in the United States).
(e) Fails to claim an approved authorization form for a State Department press building pass after notification by the Office of Press Relations following a period of three (3) months.
(a) If the Director of the Office of Press Relations, Department of State, anticipates, after consultation with the Office of the Legal Adviser, that in applying the standard set forth in § 9b.6 a Department of State press building pass might be denied, revoked or not renewed, the media correspondent or technician will be notified in writing by the Director of the basis for the proposed denial in as much detail as the security of any confidential source of information will permit. This notification will be sent by registered mail.
(b) The notification of the proposed denial, revocation or non-renewal sent to the correspondent will also contain a statement advising the correspondent of his or her right to respond to the proposed denial and to rebut any factual basis supporting the proposed denial.
(c) The correspondent shall be allowed thirty (30) days from the date of the mailing of the proposed denial, revocation or non-renewal notification to respond in writing. The response shall consist of any explanation or rebuttal deemed appropriate by the correspondent and will be signed by the correspondent under oath or affirmation.
(d) If the correspondent is unable to prepare a response within 30 days, an extension for one additional 30-day period will be granted upon receipt of the correspondent's written request for such an extension.
(e) At the time of the filing of the media correspondent's or technician's written response to the notification of the proposed denial, revocation or non-renewal, the correspondent or technician may request, and will be granted, the opportunity to make a personal appearance before the Director of the Office of Press Relations, Department of State, for the purpose of personally supporting his/her eligibility for a press pass and to rebut or explain the factual basis for the proposed denial.
(f)(1) On the basis of the correspondent's or technician's written and personal response and the factual basis for the proposed denial, revocation or non-renewal, the Director of the Office of Press Relations, Department of State, will consult with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Office of the Legal Adviser to determine whether or not further inquiry or investigation concerning the issues raised is necessary.
(2) If a decision is made that no such inquiry is necessary, a final decision will be issued in conformity with paragraph (g) of this section.
(3) If a decision is made that such further inquiry is necessary, the Director of the Office of Press Relations of the Department of State, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Office of the Legal Adviser will conduct such further inquiry as is deemed appropriate. At the Director's discretion the inquiry may consist of:
(i) The securing of documentary evidence:
(ii) Personal interviews:
(iii) An informal hearing:
(iv) Any combination of paragraphs (f)(3)(i) through (f)(3)(iii) of this section.
(g) On the basis of the correspondent's or technician's written and personal response, the factual basis for the proposed denial and the additional inquiry provided for if such inquiry is conducted, the Director of the Office of Press Relations of the Department of State will consult with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security and the Office of the Legal Adviser and expeditiously reach a final decision in accordance with the standard set forth in § 9b.6. If a final adverse decision is reached, the correspondent or technician will be notified of this final decision in writing. This notification will set forth as precisely as possible, and to the extent that security considerations permit, the factual basis for the denial in relation to the standard set forth in § 9b.6. This notification will be sent by registered mail and will be signed by the Director of the Office of Press Relations of the Department of State.
(a) Department of State press building passes for U.S. citizens are issued with three years' validity. Subject to positive completion of an international background check, passes for non-U.S. citizens are issued with one year's validity and may be renewed for three years. Notwithstanding its initial validity, any press building pass that has not been used for a twelve-month period, as recorded by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security's turnstyle entry devices, will become invalid at the end of that twelve-month period.
(b) For any valid passes issued before October 1, 1995, notification shall be sent by the Department of State to the holder of the pass that the pass has become invalid by reason of lack of use for 12-month period. However, failure of the holder for any reason to receive such a notification shall not affect the invalidity of the pass. Anyone whose pass has become invalid may apply for a new pass in accordance with §§ 9b.2 through 9b.5.
22 U.S.C. 3926, 3941.
(a)
(2)
(3)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(B) Should the total number of eligible candidates substantially exceed the projected hiring needs of the Foreign Service, the Board of Examiners may establish and publicly announce a higher written examination score than the passing level as the basis for selection to take the oral examination.
(C) The Board of Examiners may authorize special consideration to be given in the selection of candidates, from among those eligible, for the purpose of meeting language requirements, Affirmative Action goals, or for other purposes which the Board with the concurrence of the prospective hiring agencies may from time to time approve and publicly announce.
(D) The nature and applicability of all criteria utilized to select eligible candidates to take the oral examination will be developed by the Board of Examiners in consultation with the prospective hiring agencies and publicly announced in advance of each examination by the Board.
(E) Candidates who are selected to take the oral examination will be notified of the period of time after the date of the written examination, as determined by the Board of Examiners, within which the oral examination must be conducted. That period will normally be 1 year, but it may be extended or shortened in special circumstances by the Board. The candidacy of anyone whose candidacy has not been extended by the Board, and who has not again passed the written examination in the meantime, will be terminated 2 years after the end of the month in which the written examination was held. Time spent outside the United States and its territories, for reasons acceptable to the Board of Examiners, will not be counted against this 2-year period. The candidacy of anyone for whom the 2-year period is extended by the Board because of being abroad will be terminated automatically if the candidate fails to appear for the oral examination within 3 months after first returning to the United States. If a candidate fails to appear for the oral examination on an agreed date within the period of eligibility without an excuse acceptable to the Board, the candidacy will automatically terminate.
(ii)
(iii)
(B) Employees of the Department of State in classes FS-3 and GS-13 and above are eligible for the Mid-Level Career Candidate Program and should apply under that program if they wish to be considered for conversion to Foreign Service officer status (see § 11.10).
(iv)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(d)
(e)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(f)
(g)
(ii) Career Candidate appointments shall be made before the candidate's 60th birthday. Appointments by the United States Information Agency shall be made before the candidate's 58th birthday. The maximum age for appointment under this program is based on the requirement that all career candidates shall be able to: (A) Complete at least two full tours of duty, exclusive of orientation and training, (B) complete the requisite eligibility period for tenure consideration, and (C) complete the requisite eligiblity period to receive retirement benefits, prior to reaching the mandatory retirement age of 65 prescribed by the Act.
(iii) A candidate may be certified as eligible for direct appointment to classes FS-5 or FS-4 if the Board of Examiners determines in accordance with published criteria that, in addition to meeting the requirements for class FS-6, the candidate has additional special experience and skills for which there is a need in the Foreign Service.
(iv) Recommended candidates who meet the requirements of this section will be certified for appointment by the Board, in accordance with the needs of the foreign affairs agencies, in the order of their standing on their respective registers.
(2)
(3)
(ii) Qualified minority candidates who apply and qualify under the Comprehensive Minority Recruitment and Training Program (COMRAT) of the United States Information Agency may be placed on a separate register and offered appointment from that register in accordance with the Affirmative Action Program established by that agency.
(iii) Mustang and Upward Mobility candidates who are career employees of the Department of State or the United States Information Agency will be certified by the Board of Examiners for direct appointment on an individual basis after satisfactorily completing all aspects of the examination process.
(4)
(5)
(h)
(2)
(i)
The Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service has established the following rules regarding the written examination:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
The Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service has established the following rules regarding the oral examination:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) The examination will be conducted in the light of all available information concerning the candidate and will be designed to determine the candidate's: (i) Competence to perform the work of a Foreign Service officer at home and abroad; (ii) potential for growth in the Service; and (iii) suitability to serve as a representative of the United States abroad. Panels examining candidates for the Department of State will be chaired by a Foreign Service officer of the Department. Panels examining candidates for the U.S. Information Agency will be chaired by a Foreign Service officer of that Agency. Determinations of duly constituted panels of deputy examiners are final, unless modified by specific action of the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service.
(3) Grading: Candidates appearing for the oral examination will be graded
(4) An investigation shall be conducted of candidates who have been graded “recommended” by the oral examining panel to determine loyalty to the Government of the United States and attachment to the principles of the Constitution.
The Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service has established the following rules regarding the medical examination of candidates.
(a) A candidate graded “recommended” on the oral examination will be eligible for the physical examination.
(b) The medical examination is designed to determine the candidate's physical fitness to perform the duties of a Foreign Service officer on a worldwide basis and to determine the presence of any physical, nervous, or mental disease or defect of such a nature as to make it unlikely that the candidate would become a satisfactory officer. The Executive Director of the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service, with the concurrence of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Medical Services, may make such exceptions to these physical requirements as are in the interest of the Service. All such exceptions shall be reported to the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service at its next meeting.
(c) The medical examination will be conducted by medical officers of the Armed Forces, the Public Health Service, the Department, accredited colleges and universities, or, with the approval of the Board of Examiners, by private physicians.
(d) The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Medical Services will determine, on the basis of the report of the physician(s) who conducted the medical examination, whether the candidate has met the standards set forth in paragraph (b) of this section.
(a) Candidates will not be certified as eligible for appointment as Foreign Service officers of class 8 unless they are at least 21 years of age, is a citizen of the United States, and, if married, married to a citizen of the United States. A candidate may be certified as eligible for direct appointment to class 7 if, in addition to meeting these specifications, the candidate also has additional qualifications of experience, education, and age which the Board of Examiners for the Foreign Service currently defines as demonstrating ability and special skills for which there is a need in the Foreign Service. Recommended candidates who meet these requirements will be certified for appointment, in accordance with the needs of the Service, in the order of their standing on their respective registers.
(b) Separate registers for Department of State candidates will be maintained for the administrative, consular, commercial/economic, and political functional specialties. Successful candidates for the U.S. Information Agency will have their names placed on a separate rank-order register and appointments will be made according to the needs of the Agency. Postponement of entrance on duty for required active military service, or required alternative service, civilian Government service abroad (to a maximum of 2 years of such civilian service), or Peace Corps volunteer service, will be authorized. A candidate may be certified for appointment to class 7 or 8 without first having passed an examination in a foreign language, but the appointment will be subject to the condition that the newly appointed officer may not receive more than one promotion unless,
After the results of the medical examination and background investigation are received, the candidate's entire file will be reviewed by a Final Review Panel, consisting of two or more deputy examiners. Candidates who have been graded “recommended” by oral examining panels, who have passed their medical examination, and who, on the basis of investigation have been found to be loyal to the Government of the United States and personally suitable to represent it abroad, will have their names placed on a rank-order register for the functional specialty for which they have been qualified. Their standing on the register will be determined by the Final Review Panel after taking into account the grade assigned by the oral examining panel and any information developed subsequent to the oral examination concerning the applicant. The candidacy of anyone who is determined by the Final Review Panel to be unqualified for appointment shall be terminated and the candidate so informed.
(a) Candidates who have qualified but have not been appointed because of lack of vacancies will be dropped from the rank-order register 30 months after the date of the written examination:
(b) The Chairman of the Board of Examiners may extend the eligibility period when such extension is, in his judgment, justified in the interests of the Service. The Chairman shall report the approved extensions to the Board of Examiners.
The travel and other personal expenses of candidates incurred in connection with the written and oral examinations will not be borne by the Government, except that the Department may issue round-trip invitational travel orders to bring candidates to Washington at Government expense when it is determined that it is necessary in ascertaining a candidate's qualifications and adaptability for appointment.
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(ii)
(iii)
(b)
(2)
(ii) Candidates from outside the Department who at the time of application lack 3 years of service in a position of responsibility as defined in the preceding paragraph may, however, be considered if they are found to possess a combination of educational background, employment, experience, and skills needed by the Foreign Service at the mid-level.
(3)
(4)
(c)
(2)
(d)
(2)
(e)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(ii)
(12)
(a)
(2) Section 306 of the Act provides that, before receiving a career appointment in the Foreign Service, an individual shall first serve under a limited appointment for a trial period of service as a career candidate.
(3) This section governs the appointment by the Department of State of Foreign Service specialist career candidates to classes FS-1 and below. Specialist candidates comprise all candidates for career appointment in all occupational categories other than generalists (that is, administrative, consular, economic, political, and program direction), who are governed by the regulations respecting Foreign Service officer career candidates. The appointment of all Senior Foreign Service career candidates regardless of occupational category is governed by § 11.30 (to be supplied). Regulations governing trial service and tenuring of specialist candidates are found in Volume 3 (Personnel), Foreign Affairs Manual, section 580.
(4) Veterans' preference shall apply to the selection and appointment of Foreign Service specialist career candidates.
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(c)
(a)
(2) Successful applicants under the Senior Career Candidate Program will be appointed to Career Candidate status for a period not to exceed 5 years. Such limited Career Candidate appointments may not be renewed or extended beyond 5 years.
(3) Under section 306 of the Act, Senior Career Candidates may be found qualified to become career members of the Senior Foreign Service. Those who are not found to be so qualified prior to the expiration of their limited appointments will be separated from the Career Candidate Program no later than the expiration date of their appointments. Separated candidates who originally were employees of a Federal department or agency, and who were appointed to the Senior Foreign Service with the consent of the head of that department or agency, will be entitled to reemployment rights in that department or agency in accordance with section 310 of the Act and section 3597 of title 5, United States Code.
(4) The following regulations shall be utilized in conjunction with section 593, Volume 3, Foreign Affairs Manual (“Senior Foreign Service Officer Career Candidate Program”). (Also see Foreign Affairs Manual Circulars No. 8 [applicable to the Department of State only] and No. 9 [applicable to the Departments of State, Agriculture, and Commerce, the Agency for International Development, and the United States Information Agency], dated March 6, 1981.)
(b)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(B) Applicants from outside the Federal Government, and Federal employees who at the time of application lack the 15 years of professional work experience or the 5 years of service in a position of responsibility as defined in the preceding paragraph, may, however, be considered if they are found to possess a combination of educational background, professional work experience, and skills needed by the Foreign Service at the Senior Level in employment categories which normally are not staffed by promotion of Mid-Level career officers.
(C) Non-career members of the Senior Foreign Service of a Federal Government department or agency also may apply for the Senior Career Candidate Program if they meet the eligibility requirements for the program.
(iv)
(2)
(3)
(ii) The complete file will be reviewed by a Qualifications Evaluation Panel of the Board of Examiners to determine whether the applicant meets the statutory and other eligibility requirements, to assess the applicant's skills under the certification of need issued by the prospective employing agency, and to recommend whether the applicant should be examined for possible appointment as a Senior Career Candidate. If the Qualifications Evaluation Panel decides that the applicant is not eligible for examination, the prospective employing agency shall be informed by the Board of the reasons for that decision.
(4)
(5)
(ii)
(B) The oral examination will be conducted under written criteria, established in consultation with the prospective employing agency and publicly announced by the Board of Examiners. The examination will seek to determine the ability of the applicant to meet the objective of section 101 of the Act, which provides for a Senior Foreign Service “characterized by strong policy formulation capabilities, outstanding executive leadership qualities, and highly developed functional, foreign language, and area expertise.”
(iii)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(ii) The Final Review Panel shall consist of a chairperson who shall be a Deputy Examiner who is a career Senior Foreign Service officer of the prospective employing agency, and at least two other Deputy Examiners of the Board of Examiners. Of the Deputy Examiners serving on the Final Review Panel, the majority shall be career Senior Foreign Service officers of the prospective employing agency; and at least one shall be a career Senior Foreign Service officer of one of the other foreign affairs agencies operating under the Act.
(10)
(c)
(2) Prior to the expiration of their limited non-career senior appointments, if they meet all the eligibility requirements set forth in § 11.30(b)(1), such individuals may elect to compete for career candidate status in the Senior Foreign Service by qualifying at that time for and taking the examinations required of career candidates. If appointed as career candidates, the length of service under their previous limited non-career appointments may be counted under the procedures of the employing agency as part of the trial period of service prescribed before a career candidate can receive a career appointment. The total period of limited appointment (non-career and career candidate) of such individuals may not exceed 5 years in duration.
(3) Nothing in this section will limit the right of an individual who has previously served as a limited non-career senior appointee from subsequently applying for consideration as a new applicant and being appointed as a Senior Career Candidate after a limited non-career appointment has expired.
(d)
The Department of State will take no cognizance of a complaint against an employee by an alleged creditor, so far as the complainant is concerned, beyond acknowledging receipt of his communication.
Persons claiming to be creditors or collectors of debts or claims will be denied access to employees for the purpose of presenting or collecting claims during the hours set apart for the transaction of public business or while the employees concerned are on duty.
Sec. 302, 60 Stat. 1001; 22 U.S.C. 842.
Any consular officer who collects, or knowingly allows to be collected, for any services any other or greater fees than are allowed by law for such services, shall, besides his or her liability to refund the same, be liable to pay to the person by whom or in whose behalf the same are paid, treble the amount of the unlawful charge so collected, as a penalty. The refund and penalty may be recovered with costs, in any proper form of action, by such person for his or her own use. The amount of such overcharge and penalty may at the discretion of the Secretary of the Treasury be ordered withheld from the compensation of such officer for payment to the person entitled to the same (22 U.S.C. 1189).
The foregoing relates to improper collection and personal withholding of funds by consular officers. For procedure where a collection, having been erroneously made, has been returned by the officer to the Treasury in good faith, making a subsequent accounting adjustment necessary, see § 22.4,
Every consular officer who shall receive money, property, or effects belonging to a citizen of the United States and shall not within a reasonable time after demand made upon him or her by the Secretary of State or by such citizen, his or her executor, administrator, or legal representative, account for and pay over all moneys, property, and effects, less his or her lawful fees, due to such citizen, shall be deemed guilty of embezzlement, and shall be punishable by imprisonment for not more than five years, and by a fine of not more than $2,000 (22 U.S.C. 1198). Penalties of imprisonment and fine are also prescribed for embezzlement in connection with the acceptance, without execution of a prescribed form of bond, of appointment from any
Whenever any consular officer willfully neglects or omits to perform seasonably any duty imposed upon him or her by law, or by any order or instruction made or given in pursuance of law, or is guilty of any willful malfeasance or abuse of power, or of any corrupt conduct in his or her office, he or she shall be liable to all persons injured by any such neglect, or omission, malfeasance, abuse, or corrupt conduct, for all damages, occasioned thereby; and for all such damages, he or she and his or her sureties upon his or her official bond shall be responsible thereon to the full amount of the penalty thereof to be sued in the name of the United States for the use of the person injured. Such suit, however, shall in no case prejudice, but shall be held in entire subordination to the interests, claims, and demands of the United States, as against any officer, under such bond, for every willful act of malfeasance or corrupt conduct in his or her office. If any consul neglects or omits to perform seasonably the duties imposed upon him or her by the laws regulating the shipment and discharge of seamen, or is guilty of any malversation or abuse of power, he or she shall be liable to any injured person for all damage occasioned thereby; and for all malversation and corrupt conduct in office, he or she shall be punishable by imprisonment for not more than five years and not less than one, and by a fine of not more than $10,000 and not less than $1,000 (22 U.S.C. 1199).
If any consul of vice consul falsely and knowingly certifies that property belonging to foreigners is property belonging to citizens of the United States, he or she shall be punishable by imprisonment for not more than three years, and by a fine of not more than $10,000 (22 U.S.C. 1200).
Sec. 4 of the Act of May 26, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 111; 22 U.S.C. 2658); Pub. L. 94-141 (89 Stat. 765); 22 U.S.C. 1037; sec. 10 of E.O. 11636 (36 FR 24901).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Complaints against separation of an officer or employee allegedly contrary to law or regulation or predicated upon alleged inaccuracy (including inaccuracy resulting from omission or any relevant and material document), error, or falsely prejudicial character of any part of the grievant's official personnel record;
(2) Other alleged violation, misinterpretation, or misapplication of applicable law, regulation, or published policy affecting the terms and conditions of the grievant's employment or career status;
(3) Allegedly wrongful disciplinary action against an employee constituting a reprimand or suspension from official duties;
(4) Dissatisfaction with any matter subject to the control of the agency with respect to the grievant's physical working environment;
(5) Alleged inaccuracy, error, or falsely prejudicial material in the grievant's official personnel file;
(6) Action alleged to be in the nature of reprisal or other interference with freedom of action in connection with an employee's participation under these grievance procedures;
(7) When the grievant is a former officer who was involuntarily retired pursuant to sections 633 and 634 of the Act within 6 years prior to December 1, 1975, “grievance” shall mean a complaint that such involuntary retirement violated applicable law or regulation effective at the time of the retirement or that the involuntary retirement was predicated directly upon material contained in the grievant's official personnel file alleged to be erroneous or falsely prejudicial in character; and
(8) When the grievant is a former officer or employee or a surviving spouse or dependent family member of a former officer or employee, “grievance” shall mean a complaint that an allowance or other financial benefit has been denied arbitrarily, capriciously or contrary to applicable law or regulation.
(d) Grievance does not include the following:
(1) Complaints against individual assignment or transfers of Foreign Service officers or employees, which are ordered in accordance with law and regulation (see also paragraph (c)(2) of this section);
(2) Judgments of Selection Boards rendered pursuant to section 623 of the Act, or of equivalent bodies, in ranking Foreign Service officers and employees for promotion on the basis of merit, or judgments in examinations prescribed by the Board of Examiners pursuant to section 516 or 517 of the Act (see also paragraph (c)(2) of this section);
(3) Termination of time-limited appointments pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 929 and 1008, and the pertinent regulations prescribed by the employing agency (see also paragraph (c)(2) of this section);
(4) Any complaints or appeals for which a specific statutory appeals procedure exists (see appendix A for examples).
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a)
(b)
(2) Supervisors and other responsible officers should encourage employees to discuss complaints with them and should respond in a timely manner to resolve the complaints.
(3) An employee initially should discuss a complaint with the employee's current supervisor or with the responsible officer who has immediate jurisdiction over the complaint to give that person an opportunity to resolve the matter, before further steps are taken under these procedures.
(c)
(d)
(2) The grievant has the right to a representative of the grievant's own choosing at every stage of the proceedings. The grievant and repre- sentative(s) who are under the control, supervision, or responsibility of the Foreign Affairs agencies shall be granted reasonable periods of administrative leave to prepare, to be present, and to present the grievance.
(3) Any witness under the control, supervision, or responsibility of a Foreign Affairs agency shall be granted reasonable periods of administrative leave to appear and testify at any such proceeding.
(4) The Foreign Service Grievance Board established hereunder shall have authority to ensure that no copy of the determination of the agency head or designee to reject a Grievance Board recommendation, no notation of the failure of the Grievance Board to find for the grievant, and no notation that a proceeding is pending or has been held, shall be entered in the personnel records of the grievant (unless by order of the Grievance Board as a remedy for the grievance) or those of any other officer or employee connected the grievance. The Foreign Affairs agencies shall maintain grievance records under appropriate safeguards to preserve confidentiality (§ 16.9).
(a)
(b)
(2) The agency shall, subject to applicable law, promptly furnish the grievant any agency record which the grievant requests to substantiate the grievance and which the agency or the Grievance Board determines is relevant and material to the proceeding. When deemed appropriate by the agency or the Board, a grievant may be supplied with only a summary of extract of classified material. If a request by a grievant for a document is denied prior to or during the agency's consideration of a grievance, such denial may be raised by the grievant as an integral part of the grievance before the Board.
(3) These regulations do not require disclosure of any official agency record to the Grievance Board or a grievant where the head of agency or deputy determines in writing that such disclosure whould adversely affect the foreign policy or national security of the United States.
(a) A grievance concerning a continuing practice or condition may be presented at any time if its adverse effect is presently continuing. Documents contained in official employee personnel files, for example, shall be deemed to constitute a continuing condition.
(b) Subject to paragraph (a) of this section, a grievance under these regulations is forever barred, and the Grievance Board shall not consider or resolve the grievance, unless the grievance is presented within a period of 3 years after the occurrence or occurrences giving rise to the grievance, except that if the grievance arose earlier than 2 years prior to the effective date of these regulations, the grievance shall be so barred, and no considered and resolved, unless it is presented within a period of 2 years after the effective date of these regulations, There shall be excluded from the computation of any such period any time during which the grievant was unaware of the grounds which are the basis of the grievance and could not have discovered such grounds if the grievant had exercised, as determined by the Grievance Board, reasonable diligence.
(c) A grievance shall be deemed presented to the responsible official (§ 16.7(b)), transmitted to post or bureau (§ 16.7(c)) submitted for agency review (§ 16.8) or filed with the Grievance Board § 16.11(a):
(1) On the date of its dispatch by telegram, registered or certified mail, or receipted mail, in a diplomatic pouch;
(2) On the date of its arrival at the appropriate office, if delivered by any other means.
(a) A grievant may not file a grievance under these procedures if the grievant has formally requested, prior to filing a grievance, that the matter or matters which are the basis of the grievance be considered or resolved and relief be provided, under another provision of law, regulation, or executive order, and the matter has been carried to final decision thereunder on its merits or is still under consideration.
(b) If a grievant is not prohibited from filing a grievance under these regulations by paragraph (a) of this section, the grievant may file under these regulations notwithstanding the fact that such grievance may be eligible for consideration, resolution, and relief under a regulation or executive order other than under these regulations, but such election of remedies shall be final upon the acceptance of jurisdiction by the Board.
The agencies shall use their best endeavors to expedite security clearances whenever necessary to ensure a fair and prompt investigation and hearing.
(a)
(2) During the pendency of agency procedures under this section, the grievant may request a suspension of the proposed action of the character of separation or termination of the grievant, disciplinary action against the grievant, or recovery from the grievant of alleged overpayment of salary, expenses or allowances, which is related to the grievance. The request must be
(b)
(2) The responsible officer, whenever possible, shall use independent judgment in deciding whether the grievance is meritorious and what the resolution of it should be. Within 15 days from receipt of the written grievance, the responsible officer shall provide the grievant with a written response, which shall include a statement of any proposed resolution of the grievance.
(3) If the response denies in whole or in part the remedial action requested, such response shall notify the grievant of the time within which to appeal the decision, and identity of the senior official, or designee, to whom the appeal should be addressed. In those cases in which the senior official, or designee, is the responsible officer to whom the grievance was initially presented or has participated in the decision process and has formally approved the written response of the responsible officer, the grievant shall be so notified and advised that the grievance may be submitted directly to the agency for review under § 16.8.
(c)
(2) Within 15 days from receipt of the grievance that official shall provide the grievant with a written decision, including any proposed resolution of the grievance. If the decision denies in whole or in part the remedial action requested, the communication shall notify the grievant of the time within which to submit the grievance for agency review and the identity of the appropriate agency official to whom the grievance should be addressed.
(a)
(2)
(3)
(ii) The responsible official shall review the grievance on the basis of available documentary evidence, and, in that official's discretion, interview persons having knowledge of the facts. The agency review shall be completed and its decision dispatched within 90 days from the date of the initial written presentation of the grievance. The grievant shall be informed in writing of the findings of the responsible official and any proposed resolution of the grievance. The communication shall also include the time within which the grievant may file a grievance with the Grievance Board and the appropriate procedure to be followed in this respect.
All official records concerning agency consideration of grievances, except those appropriate to implementation of decisions favorable to grievants, shall be kept separate from the official personnel record of the grievant and any other individuals connected with the grievance, and shall not be accessible to agency personnel other than the grievant, the grievant's representative, and those responsible for consideration of grievances.
(a)
(b) The Grievance Board shall consist of not less than 5 members nor more than 15 members (including a chairperson) who shall be independent, distinguished citizens of the United States, well known for their integrity, who are not active officers, employees, or consultants of the Foreign Affairs agencies (except consultants who served as public members of the Interim Grievance Board previously established under section 660, Volume 3, Foreign Affairs Manual) but may be retired officers or employees. On its initial establishment, the Board shall consist of 15 members including chairperson.
(c) The Board may act by or through panels or individual members designated by the chairperson, except that hearings within the continental United States shall be held by panels of at least three members unless the parties agree otherwise. Reference in these regulations to the Grievance Board shall be considered to be reference to a panel or member of the Grievance Board where appropriate. All members of the Grievance Board shall act as impartial individuals in considering grievances.
(d) The members of the Grievance Board, including the chairperson, shall be appointed by the Secretary of State after being designated by the written agreement of the Foreign Affairs agencies and the employee organization.
(e) The Board chairperson and other members shall be appointed for terms of 2 years, subject to renewal upon the agreement of the Foreign Affairs agencies and the employee organization; except that the terms of 7 of the initially appointed members shall expire at the end of one year.
(f) Any vacancies shall be filled by the Secretary of State upon the nomination by the Board following the
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(2) Each party shall be entitled to examine and cross-examine witnesses at the hearing or by deposition, and to serve interrogatories answered by the other party unless the Board finds such interrogatory irrelevant or immaterial. Upon request of the Board, or upon a request of the grievant deemed relevant and material by the Board, and agency shall promptly make available at the hearing or by deposition any witness under its control, supervision or responsibility, except that if the Board determines that the presence of such witness at the hearing is required for just resolution of the grievance, then the witness shall be made available at the hearing, with necessary costs and travel expenses provided by the agency.
(3) During any hearings held by the Board, any oral or documentary evidence may be received but the Board shall exclude any irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence normally excluded in hearings conducted under the Administrative Procedures Act (5 U.S.C. 556).
(4) A verbatim transcript shall be made of any hearing and shall be part of the record of proceedings.
(a) Upon completion of the hearing or the compilation of such record as the Board may find appropriate in the absence of a hearing, the board shall expeditiously decide the grievance on the basis of the record of proceedings. In each case the decision of the Board shall be in writing, shall include findings of fact, and shall include the reasons for the Board's decision.
(b) If the Grievance Board finds that the grievance is meritorious, the Board shall have the authority within the limitations of the authority of the head of the agency, to direct the agency:
(1) To correct any official personnel record relating to the grievant which the Board finds to be inaccurate, erroneous, or falsely prejudicial;
(2) To reverse and administrative decision denying the grievant compensation including related within-class salary increases pursuant to section 625 of the Act or any other perquisite of employment authorized by law or regulation when the Board finds that such denial was arbitrary, capricious, or contrary to law or regulation;
(3) To retain in service and employee whose termination would be in consequence of the matter by which the employee is aggrieved;
(4) To reinstate with back pay, under applicable law and regulations, an employee where it is clearly established that the separation or suspension without pay of the employee was unjustified or unwarranted;
(5) To order an extension of the time of an employee's eligibility for promotion to a higher class where the employee suffered career impairment in consequence of the matter by which the employee is aggrieved;
(6) To order that an employee be provided with facilities relating to the physical working environment which
(c) Such orders of the Board shall be final, subject to judicial review as provided for in section 694 of the Act, except that reinstatement of former officers who have filed grievances under § 16.1(c)(7) shall be presented as Board recommendations, the decision on which shall be subject to the sole discretion of the agency head or designee, who shall take into account the needs of the Service in deciding on such recommendations, and shall not be subjected to judicial review under section 694 of the Act. The reason(s) for the agency head's (or designee's) decision will be conveyed in writing to the Board and the grievant.
(d) If the Board finds that the grievance is meritorious and that remedial action should be taken that directly relates to promotion or assignment of the grievant, or to other remedial action, including additional step increases, not provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, or if the Board finds that the evidence before it warrants disciplinary action against any officer or employee, it shall make an appropriate recommendation to the head of the agency, and forward to the head of the agency the record of the Board's proceedings, including the transcript of the hearing, if any. The head of the agency (or designee, who shall not have direct responsibility for administrative management) shall make a written decision to the parties and to the Board on the Board's recommendation within 30 days from receipt of the recommendation. A recommendation of the Board may be rejected in part or in whole if the action recommended would be contrary to law, would adversely affect the foreign policy or security of the United States, or would substantially impair the efficiency of the Service. If the decision rejects the Board's recommendation in part or in whole, the decision shall state specifically any and all reasons for such action. Pending the decision, there shall be no ex parte communications concerning the grievance between the agency head, or designee, and any person involved in the grievance proceeding.
A grievant whose grievance is found not to be meritorious by the Board may obtain reconsideration by the Board only upon presenting newly discovered or previously unavailable material evidence not previously considered by the Board and then only upon approval of the Board.
Any aggrieved party may obtain judicial review of these regulations, and revisions thereto, and final actions of the agency head (or designee) or the Grievance Board hereunder, in the District Courts of the United States, in accordance with the standards set forth in chapter 7 of title 5 of the United States Code. Section 706 of title 5 shall apply without limitation or exception.
22 U.S.C. 4047(d); 22 U.S.C. 4071(b); 5 U.S.C. 8470(b); 5 CFR 845.301-07.
This part establishes procedures for notifying individuals of their rights if they have received an overpayment from the Foreign Service Retirement and Disability Fund under Chapter 8 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980, as amended, including their right to contest the determination that there has been an overpayment and the right to request a waiver of recovery of the
(a)
(b)
(c) When it has been determined that the recipient of an overpayment is ineligible for waiver, the individual is nevertheless entitled to an adjustment in the recovery schedule if he or she shows that it would cause him or her financial hardship to make payment at the rate scheduled.
A recipient of an overpayment is without fault if he or she performed no act of commission or omission that resulted in the overpayment. The fact that the Department of State or other agency may have been at fault in initiating an overpayment will not necessarily relieve the individual from liability.
(a)
(1) Whether payment resulted from the individual's incorrect but not necessarily fraudulent statement, which he/she should have known to be incorrect;
(2) Whether payment resulted from the individual's failure to disclose material facts in his/her possession which he/she should have known to be material; or
(3) Whether he/she accepted a payment which he/she knew or should have known to be erroneous.
(b)
(a)
(1) It would cause financial hardship to the person from whom it is sought;
(2) The recipient of the overpayment can show (regardless of his or her financial circumstances) that due to the notice that such payment would be made or because of the incorrect payment either he/she has relinquished a valuable right or changed positions for the worse; or
(3) Recovery could be unconscionable under the circumstances.
(b) [Reserved]
(a) Waiver of overpayment will not be allowed in any case prior to receipt and evaluation of a completed Statement of Financial Status, duly sworn by the recipient of the overpayment.
(b) Financial hardship may be deemed to exist in, but not limited to, those situations where the recipient from whom collection is sought needs substantially all of his or her current income and liquid assets to meet current ordinary and necessary living expenses and liabilities.
(1)
(i) The individual's financial ability to pay at the time collection is scheduled to be made.
(ii) Income to other family member(s), if such member's ordinary and
(c)
An individual's ordinary and necessary living expenses include rent, mortgage payments, utilities, maintenance, food, clothing, insurance (life, health and accident), taxes, installment payments, medical expenses, support expenses when the individual is legally responsible, and other miscellaneous expenses which the individual can establish as being ordinary and necessary.
(a) Waiver of an overpayment cannot be granted when:
(1) The overpayment was obtained by fraud; or
(2) The overpayment was made to an estate.
(b) [Reserved]
(a)
(b)
(a)
(1) The amount of the overpayment;
(2) The cause of the overpayment;
(3) The intention of the Department to seek repayment of the overpayment,
(4) The date by which payment should be made to avoid the imposition of interest, penalties, and administrative costs;
(5) The applicable standards for the imposing of interest, penalties, and administrative costs;
(6) The department's willingness to discuss alternative payment arrangements and how the individual may offer to enter into a written agreement to repay the amount of the overpayment under terms acceptable to the Department; and
(7) The name, address and telephone number of a contact person within the Bureau of Resource Management. The written notice also shall inform the individual of their right to contest the overpayment, their right to request a waiver of recovery of the overpayment, and the procedures to follow in case of such contest or request for waiver of recovery. The notification shall allow at least 30 days from its date within which the individual may contest in writing the overpayment or request a waiver of recovery, including with their submission all evidence and arguments in support of their position.
(b)
(c)
(d)
18 U.S.C. 207, as amended, 92 Stat. 1864.
This part contains rules governing disciplinary action against a former officer or employee of the Department of State, including the Foreign Service, because of a violation of the post employment conflict of interest prohibitions. Such disciplinary action may include prohibition from practice before the Department of State and any component thereof as defined in this part.
For the purpose of this part—
(a) The term
(b) The term
(c) The term
The Director General 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.
The roster of all persons prohibited from practice before the Department shall be available to public inspection at the Office of Director General. Other records may be disclosed upon specific request, in accordance with appropriate disclosure regulations of the Department.
(a) 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
(b) Former officers and employees of the Department wanting to know whether a proposed course of conduct would be in conformity with the Act or the interpretive regulations thereunder may contact the Assistant Legal Adviser for Management to request an advisory opinion.
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C 207(j), if the Director General finds, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, that a former officer or employee of the Department has violated 18 U.S.C. 207(a), (b) or (c), the Director General in his/her discretion may prohibit that person from engaging in practice before the Department for a period not to exceed five years, or may take other appropriate disciplinary action.
(a) If an officer or employee of the Department has reason to believe that a former officer or employee of the Department has violated any provision of this part, 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 Director General. If any other person has information of such violations, he/she may make a report thereof to the Director General or to any officer or employee of the Department.
(b) The Director General shall coordinate proceedings under this part with the Department of Justice in cases where it initiates criminal prosecution.
Whenever the Director General determines that there is sufficient 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 institute an administrative disciplinary proceeding. The proceeding may be for that person's suspension from practice before the Department or for some lesser penalty. The proceeding shall be instituted by a complaint which names the respondent and is signed by the Director General and filed in his/her 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/she has been accorded the opportunity to provide his/her position on the matter.
A complaint shall plainly and concisely describe the allegations which constitute the basis for the proceeding. A complaint shall be deemed sufficient if it fairly informs the respondent of the charges against him/her so that the respondent is able to prepare a defense. Written notification shall be given of the place and of the time within which the respondent shall file his/her answer, which time shall not be less than 15 days from the date of service of the complaint. Notice shall be given that a decision by default may be rendered against the respondent in the event he/she fails to file an answer.
(a)
(b)
(c) Whenever the filing of a paper is required or permitted in connection with a proceeding, and the place of filing is not specified by this subpart or by rule or order of the hearing examiner, the paper shall be filed with the Director General, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. All papers shall be filed in duplicate.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Motions and requests, including requests to intervene, may be filed with the Director General.
A respondent or proposed respondent may appear in person or he/she may be represented by counsel or other representative. The Director General may be represented by an attorney or other employee of the Department.
(a) After an answer is filed, if the Director General decides to continue the administrative disciplinary proceedings, he/she shall appoint a hearing examiner to conduct those proceedings under this part.
(b)
(1) Take evidence under appropriate formalities;
(2) Make rulings upon motions and requests;
(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.
Hearings shall be stenographically recorded and transcribed and the testimony of witnesses shall be taken under oath or affirmation. Hearings will be closed unless an open hearing is requested by the respondent, except that if classified information or protected information of third parties is likely to be adduced at the hearing, it will remain closed. If either party to the proceeding fails to appear at the hearing, after due notice thereof has been sent to him/her, he/she shall be deemed to have waived the right to a hearing and the hearing examiner may make a decision against the absent party by default.
The rules of evidence prevailing in courts of law and equity are not controlling in hearings under this part.
Depositions for use at a hearing may, with the consent of the parties in writing or the written approval of the hearing examiner, be taken by either the Director General or the respondent or their duly authorized representatives. Depositions may be taken upon oral or written interrogatories. There shall be at least 10 days written notice to the other party. The requirement of a 10-day written notice may be waived by the parties in writing. 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. Expenses in the reporting of depositions shall be borne by the party at whose instance the deposition is taken.
Except in cases where the respondent has failed to answer the complaint or where a party has failed to appear at the hearing, the hearing examiner, 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 hearing examiner shall make the initial decision. 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 other appropriate disciplinary action, or an order of dismissal of the complaint. The hearing examiner shall file the decision with the Director General and shall transmit a copy thereof to the respondent or his/her attorney of record. A party adversely affected by the decision shall be given notice of his or her right to appeal to the Board of Appellate Review (part 7 of this chapter) within 30 days from the date of the hearing examiner's decision.
Within 30 days from the date of the hearing examiner's decision, either party may appeal to the Board of Appellate Review. The appeal shall be taken by filing notice of appeal, in triplicate, with the Board of Appellate Review, which shall state with particularity exceptions to the decision of the hearing examiner and reasons for such exceptions. If an appeal is by the Director General, 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 triplicate, with the Board of Appellate Review. If the reply brief is filed by the Director General, he/she shall transmit a copy of it to the respondent. The Director General shall transmit the entire case record to the Board of Appellate Review within 30 days after an appeal has been taken.
The Board of Appellate Review shall decide the appeal on the basis of the record. The decision of the Board shall be final, and not subject to further administrative review. Copies of the Board's decision shall be forwarded promptly to the parties by the Board.
Upon the issuance of a final order suspending a former officer or employee from practice before the Department, the Director General 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
Secs. 206 and 801 of Foreign Service Act of 1980 (94 Stat. 2079, 2102); Sec. 4 of Act of May 26, 1949 (22 U.S.C. 2658).
Chapter 8 of the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-465, 94 Stat. 2102) (hereafter “the Act”), and any Executive order issued under authority of section 827 of the Act.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) An adopted child;
(2) A stepchild or recognized natural child who received more than one-half support from the participant; and
(3) A child who lived with and for whom a petition of adoption was filed by a participant, and who is adopted by the surviving spouse of the participant after the latter's death. “Child” also means an unmarried student under the age of 22 years. For this purpose, a child whose twenty-second birthday occurs before July 1 or after August 31 of a calendar year, and while a student, is deemed to have become 22 years of age on the first day of July after the birthday.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(1) In the Armed Forces of the United States;
(2) In the Regular or Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service after June 30, 1960; or
(3) As commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or predecessor organization after June 30, 1961.
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
The following persons are participants in the System:
(a) Members of the Service serving under a career appointment or as a career candidate under section 306 of the Act (1) in the Senior Foreign Service, or (2) assigned to a salary class in the Foreign Service Schedule;
(b) Any person not otherwise entitled to be a participant who has served as chief of mission or an ambassador at large for an aggregate period of 20 years or more, exclusive of extra service credit for service at unhealthful posts, and who has paid into the Fund a special contribution for each year of service;
(c) Any individual who was appointed as a Binational Center Grantee and who completed, prior to February 15, 1981, at least 5 years of satisfactory service as a grantee, as determined by the Director of Personnel of USICA, or under any other appointment under the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended, who has paid into the Fund a special contribution for such service.
(d) Any person converted to the competitive service pursuant to section 2104 of the Act who elects to participate in the System pursuant to section 2106(b)(1) or (2) shall remain a participant so long as he/she is employed in an agency which is authorized to utilize the Foreign Service personnel system.
For purposes of determining the pro rata share of annuity, survivor annuity or lump-sum payable to a former spouse, the following shall be considered creditable service—
(a) The entire period of a principal's approved leave without pay during full-time service with an organization composed primarily of Government employees irrespective of whether the
(b) The entire period of Government service for which a principal received a refund of retirement contributions which he/she has not repaid unless the former spouse received under § 19.13 a portion of the (lump-sum) refund or unless a spousal agreement or court order provided that no portion of the refund be paid to the former spouse; and
(c) All creditable service including service in excess of 35 years.
If a participant or former participant becomes divorced on or after February 15, 1981, he/she shall notify the Department (PER/ER/RET) of the divorce on or prior to its effective date. The notice shall include the effective date of the divorce, the full name, mailing address, and date of birth of the former spouse and the date of the member's marriage to that person, and enclose a certified copy of the divorce decree. If there is a court order or spousal agreement concerning payment or nonpayment of Foreign Service benefits to the former spouse, the original or a certified copy of the order or agreement shall also be forwarded to PER/ER/RET. In the absence of a court order or spousal agreement providing otherwise, the Department will pay a pro rata share of the member's benefits to the former spouse. (A former spouse of a former participant who separated from the Service on or before February 15, 1981 is not eligible for a pension under § 19.9,
A former spouse is obligated to notify the Department of the following on a timely basis:
(a) A divorce from a participant or former participant when the former spouse is notified by the court of the divorce before the participant is notified;
(b) Any change in address; and
(c) Any remarriage.
(a) The calculation of the pro rata share of benefits for a former spouse, and the determination of whether a person qualifies as a “former spouse” depends on the length of the marriage. The latter, under the definition in the Act and when the principal has received extra service credit for an assignment to an unhealthful post, depends upon whether a spouse has resided with the principal at the unhealthful post. In order to determine residency for this purpose, whenever a married participant is assigned to an unhealthful post for which he/she
(b) Whenever a participant retires or becomes divorced, or whenever a former participant becomes divorced
(c) In the event of a disagreement between a principal and his/her spouse or former spouse concerning residency at an unhealthful post, or the submission of a report or statement by a principal showing a period of nonresidence at a post by a spouse which is not signed by the spouse, the determination of residence will be made by PER/ER/RET and based on records in the Department of payments for travel and allowances plus any other evidence that can be adduced. In the absence of any evidence to the contrary, the assumption will be made that the spouse resided at the post.
(a) A court may—
(1) Fix the amount of any pension to a former spouse under § 19.9, or order that none be paid;
(2) Fix the amount of any regular survivor annuity to a former spouse under paragraphs (a) and (b) of § 19.11, or order that none be paid;
(3) Order provision of an additional survivor annuity for a spouse or former spouse under § 19.10-5;
(4) Fix the amount of any benefit under § 19.10-6 based on recall service payable to a former spouse to whom the annuitant was married during any portion of the recall service, or order that none be paid;
(5) Fix the amount of any lump-sum payable to a former spouse under § 19.13 or order that none be paid;
(6) Order, to the extent consistent with any obligation stated in § 19.8 between a participant and a former spouse, and pursuant to any court decree of divorce, legal separation or annulment or any court ordered or approved property settlement agreement incident to any court decree of divorce, legal separation, or annulment, that any payment from the Fund which would otherwise be made to a former participant based on his/her service shall be paid (in whole or in part) by the Secretary of State to a previous spouse or child of such participant. No apportionment under this paragraph may be made of a payment authorized to be paid to a survivor of a participant or annuitant.
(b) An order by a court that does not meet the definition of “court” in § 19.2(f) is not valid for purposes of this section even though a divorce decree issued by such court may be a basis for pro rata share payments to a former spouse as described in these regulations.
(a) To be valid for purposes of this section, a court order must be found to be “qualified” by PER/ER/RET acting for the Secretary of State. A qualifying court order must—
(1) Be consistent with the terms of the Act and applicable regulations;
(2) Not direct payment of an amount in excess of the maximum amount authorized to be paid by the relevant regulation;
(3) Direct that payments be made to an eligible beneficiary from a principal's Foreign Service retirement benefit or survivor benefit. If a court directs or implies that a principal, rather than the Secretary of State or the Government, make the payments, the order will not be considered qualified unless the principal does not object during the 30-day notice period provided under § 19.6-6;
(4) Define the amount to be paid to a beneficiary in way so that it can be readily calculated from information in the normal files of the Department;
(5) Not make payment contingent upon events other than those on which other payments from the Fund are based such as age, marital status and school attendance; and
(6) Not be in conflict with any previously issued court order which remains valid.
(b) No apportionment of annuity to a beneficiary under § 19.6-1(a) (1) or (6) shall exceed the net annuity of the principal. The net annuity is computed by excluding from the gross annuity the amounts which are:
(1) Owed by the individual to the United States;
(2) Deducted for health benefits premiums pursuant to section 8906 of Title 5, United States Code;
(3) Deducted for life insurance premiums under the Government Life Insurance Program;
(4) Owed due to overpayment of annuity;
(5) Properly withheld for Federal income tax purposes, if amounts withheld are not greater than they would be if the individual claimed all dependents to which he/she was entitled.
(a) To receive payment from the Fund pursuant to a court award, the beneficiary must submit an application in writing to the Chief of the Retirement Division (PER/ER/RET), Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. The application must be typed or printed, signed by the beneficiary, and include—
(1) The full name, date of birth, current address and current marital status of the beneficiary;
(2) Full name and date of birth of the participant or former participant and his/her date of birth or other identifying information;
(3) Relationship to the beneficiary, and if a spouse or former spouse, date of marriage to and/or divorce from the participant;
(4) A statement that the court order has not been amended, superseded, or set aside;
(b) When payments are subject to termination upon the occurrence of a condition subsequent, such as marriage, remarriage or termination of schooling, or death of the principal, no payment will be made until the beneficiary submits a statement to PER/ER/RET that—
(1) The condition has not occured;
(2) He/she will notify the Department (PER/ER/RET) within 15 calendar days of the occurrence of the condition subsequent; and
(3) He/she will be personally liable for any overpayment to him/her resulting from the occurrence of the condition subsequent. PER/ER/RET may require periodic recertification of these statements.
(a) A court order directing or barring payment of a pension to a former spouse under § 19.9 may not be given effect by the Department if it is issued more than 12 months after the divorce becomes final. A court order adjusting the amount of a regular or additional survivor annuity to a former spouse under § 19.11-2 or § 19.10-5 may not be given effect by the Department if it is issued after the death of the principal.
(b) A court order issued within 12 months after a divorce becomes final directing payment of a pension to a former spouse in an amount other than provided in § 19.9 may be made retroactively effective to the first of the month in which the divorce becomes final if so specified by the court. In such event, the Department will adjust any future payments that may become due to an annuitant and a former spouse by increasing one and correspondingly reducing the other in order to give effect to the order of the court. However, if future payments to one party are not due, as for example if a court orders that no payments be made to a former spouse, or that 100 percent of an annuity be paid as pension to a former spouse, the Department will not give retroactive effect to a court order by collecting overpayments from one party in order to pay them to the other party and will not make overpayments from the Fund.
(c) A court order under this chapter involving any payment other than a pension to a former spouse under § 19.9 may not be given retroactive effect and shall not be effective until it is determined to be a qualifying order under § 19.6-5.
(a) Upon receipt of an application for payment under § 19.6-3, PER/ER/RET will determine whether—
(1) The application is complete;
(2) The applicant is an eligible beneficiary under this chapter; and
(3) The court order is a qualifying order. If the application is completed, the beneficiary is eligible and the court order appears on its face to be a qualifying order, PER/ER/RET will provide the notification required by § 19.6-6, otherwise, it will notify the applicant of any deficiency or requirement for additional information, and if the order is determined to be non-qualifying, the basis for such determination.
(b) Upon receipt of a certified copy of a final decree of divorce, PER/ER/RET will determine whether—
(1) It is a valid decree. Any decree recognized as valid by the parties will be considered valid for this purpose. In addition, any non-recognized decree will be considered valid for this purpose unless:
(i)(A) Neither party was domiciled within the court's jurisdiction, and
(B) The party denying recognition did not participate in the proceedings, or
(ii) The party denying recognition was not afforded notice of the proceedings (actual or constructive);
(2) A related court order has been submitted by either party; and
(3) A pro rata share payment is or may become due the former spouse. If a divorce decree is deemed valid under this paragraph, a pro rata share payment is due a former spouse unless PER/ER/RET is in receipt of a court order which it has deemed qualified under paragraph (a) of this section, or a valid spousal agrement providing otherwise. If it determines that a pro rata share payment is due, it will provide the notification required by § 19.6-6, otherwise, unless action is being taken pursuant to a related court order, it will notify both parties to the divorce the reason a pro rata share payment is not payable.
(a)
(1) a court order which it deems qualified that requires payment to the beneficiary; or
(2) A final decree of divorce which it deems valid together with a request for a pro rata share payment—PER/ER/RET will send a copy of the document to the principal and a notice stating: (i) That PER/ER/RET deems the order qualified or the divorce decree valid, (ii) that payments will be made from the principal's account to the beneficiary and the effective date of such payments, (iii) the effect of such payments on the principal's retirement benefit. In the case of any court order with retroactive or immediate effect, and in the case of pro rata share payments, the amounts will be withheld from future payments to the principal but will not be paid to the beneficiary for 30 days from the notice date in order to give the principal an opportunity to contest the court order or the validity of the divorce.
(b)
(a) When a response has not been received by PER/ER/RET from a principal within the 30-day period under § 19.6-6a, payment will be made in accordance with the notification. When a response is received, the Chief, PER/ER/RET will consider the response. If it is shown that a court order is not qualifying or that a divorce is not valid under terms of the Act and these regulations, payment proposed in the notification will not be made. In such a case, PER/ER/RET will advise both parties of the basis for its decision and the alternative action, if any, that it proposes to take.
(b) If a principal responding to a notification under § 19.6-6a objects to the payment or other action proposed by the Department in the notification based on the validity of the court order or divorce decree, and the record contains support for the objection, PER/ER/RET will grant the principal 30 days to initiate formal legal action to determine the validity of the objection, will continue to delay payment to the former spouse or other beneficiary during this period, and will notify the beneficiary of this action. If evidence is submitted that formal legal action has been started within the 30-day period, the amount of any proposed payment to a former spouse or other beneficiary will continue to be withheld from any payments due the principal, but no payment will be made to the former spouse or other beneficiary until a judicial decision is rendered or agreement reached between the parties.
If a court order is not a qualifying court order because it directs or implies that payment to the beneficiary is to be made by the principal rather than the Secretary of State, the principal may make an allotment to the beneficiary from his/her annuity. An annuitant may also make an allotment from his/her annuity to a previous spouse in the absence of a court order.
(a) Retirement benefits are subject to apportionment by court order under § 19.6-1(a)(6) only while the principal is living. Payment of apportioned amounts will be made only to a previous spouse and/or the children of the principal. Such payments will not be made to any of the following:
(1) Heirs or legatees of the previous spouse;
(2) Creditors of either the principal or the previous spouse; or
(3) Assignees of either the principal or the previous spouse.
(b) The amount of any court ordered payment may not be less than one dollar and, in the absence of compelling circumstances, shall be in whole dollars.
(c) In honoring and complying with a court order, the Department shall not be required to disrupt the scheduled method of accruing retirement benefits or the normal timing for making such payments, despite the existence of any special schedule relating to a previous spouse or other beneficiary.
(d) In cases where the court order apportions a percentage of the retirement benefits, PER/ER/RET will initially determine the amount of proper payment. That amount will only be increased by future cost-of-living increases unless the court directs otherwise.
(a) The Department shall not be liable for any payment made from retirement benefits pursuant to a court order if such payment is made in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
(b) In the event that the Secretary is served with more than one court order with respect to the same retirement benefits, the benefits shall be available to satisfy the court orders on a first-come, first-served basis.
(c) A previous spouse or other beneficiary may request that an amount be withheld from the retirement benefits of a principal or survivor of a principal which is less than the amount stipulated in a court order, or otherwise scheduled to be paid to the beneficiary under this chapter. This lower amount will be deemed a complete fulfillment
A spousal agreement may be used by both parties to establish an agreed-upon level of benefits to a spouse or a former spouse and to relieve the participant of responsibility for providing a higher level of benefits.
(a) A spousal agreement between a participant and a spouse may waive or fix the level of a regular survivor annuity under § 19.11-3. If an agreement is filed, it will assure the spouse that the agreed-upon level of survivor annuity will be paid, irrespective of a future divorce provided the survivor meets the definition of “former spouse” in § 19.2(k). If an agreement is not filed, the participant's annuity will be reduced under § 19.10-2 to provide the maximum regular survivor annuity for the spouse, but in the event of a future divorce if the spouse meets the definition of “former spouse,” that person will be entitled only to a pro rata share of the survivor annuity. An agreement under this paragraph may be filed with PER/ER/RET at any time prior to retirement (commencement of the principal's annuity).
(b) A spousal agreement between an annuitant and a spouse filed with PER/ER/RET before commencement of a supplemental annuity for recall service may waive a supplemental survivor annuity that would otherwise be provided for a spouse under § 19.10-6.
(c) A spousal agreement between a participant or former participant and a spouse may be filed with PER/ER/RET at any time in accordance with § 19.10-5 and provide for an additional survivor annuity for the spouse.
(d) A spousal agreement filed under paragraph (a), (b), or (c) remains valid and binding in the event of divorce if the spouse qualifies as a former spouse.
(a) A spousal agreement between a participant or former participant and a former spouse may waive, reduce or increase the following benefits for a former spouse;
(1) A pension under § 19.9;
(2) A regular survivor annuity under § 19.11-2;
(3) A supplemental survivor annuity under § 19.10-6;
(4) A lump sum payment for regular or recall service under § 19.13.
(b) A spousal agreement between a participant or former participant and a former spouse may be filed with PER/ER/RET at any time in accordance with § 19.10-5 to provide an additional survivor annuity for the former spouse.
(a) A spousal agreement is any legal agreement between the parties accepted by PER/ER/RET as meeting the requirements of this section. If in accordance with the regulations, PER/ER/RET will accept as a valid spousal agreement a property settlement agreed to by the parties and approved by a court regardless of the date of the agreement.
(b) A spousal agreement must either be authenticated by a court or notarized.
(a) A spousal agreement may not provide for any payment from the Fund in excess of the amount otherwise authorized to be paid, or at a time not authorized by these regulations, or to a person other than a spouse or former spouse.
(b) A spousal agreement must be filed with the Department, Attention PER/ER/RET, and accepted by that office as in conformance with the Act and these regulations prior to the times specified in §§ 19.7-2 and 19.7-3. That office will provide advice to the parties on the validity of any proposed agreement and on proper format.
(c) A spousal agreement may apply only to payments from the Fund for periods after receipt of a valid agreement by the Department.
(d) Paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of §§ 19.6-9 and 19.6-10 apply to spousal agreements and payments made pursuant to spousal agreements to the same extent that they apply to court orders and court ordered payments.
(a) A spousal agreement may be revised or voided by agreement of the parties (by filing a new agreement under this section) at any time prior to the last day for filing an agreement determined in accordance with § 19.7-2 or § 19.7-3, except spousal agreements for additional survivor annuities are irrevocable. After the last day for filing a particular agreement, such agreement is irrevocable.
(b) A valid spousal agreement entered into subsequent to the issuance of a court order affecting the same parties will override the court order, and shall govern payments from the Fund.
(c) A spousal agreement may not override a previous spousal agreement involving the same principal but a different spouse or former spouse without agreement of such spouse or former spouse.
Participants and former participants are obligated by the Act and these regulations to provide the following benefits to others and must accept the necessary reductions in their own retirement benefits to meet these obligations:
(a) A pension to a former spouse pursuant to § 19.9;
(b) A court ordered apportionment of annuity to a previous spouse or child under § 19.6-1 (a)(6) (the benefit to a child referred to here is paid during the annuitant's lifetime as distinguished from the automatic survivorship annuity to a child described in § 19.11-7);
(c) A regular survivor annuity to a former spouse who has not remarried prior to age 60, and to a spouse to whom married when annuity commences, pursuant to §§ 19.11-2 and 19.11-3;
(d) An additional survivor annuity for a spouse or former spouse under § 19.10-5 when elected by the participant or ordered by a court;
(e) Lump-sum payments to a former spouse pursuant to § 19.13;
(f) Benefits ordered by a court under § 19.6 or specified in a spousal agreement under § 19.7.
(a) Unless otherwise expressly provided by a spousal agreement under § 19.7 or a court order under § 19.6, a person who, after February 15, 1981, becomes a former spouse of a participant (or former participant who separated from the Service after February 15, 1981) and who has not remarried prior to becoming 60 years of age, becomes entitled to a monthly pension benefit effective on a date determined under § 19.9-2 in an amount determined under § 19.9-3.
(b) A former spouse shall not be qualified for a pension under this subsection if, before the commencement of that pension, the former spouse remarries before becoming 60 years of age.
(c) A pension benefit under this section is treated the same as a survivor annuity for purposes of § 19.11-5(b): a former spouse who elects to receive a pension under this section must waive simultaneous receipt of any survivor annuity.
(a) The pension of a former spouse under this subsection commences on the latter of the day the principal becomes entitled to a Foreign Service annuity or on the first day of the month in which the divorce becomes final. (Suspension or reduction of a Foreign Service annuity because or reemployment does not affect the commencement of a pension to a former spouse.) In the case of any former spouse of a disability annuitant, the pension of such former spouse shall commence on the latter of:
(1) The date the principal would qualify for an annuity (other than a disability annuity) on the basis of his/her creditable service;
(2) The date the disability annuity begins; or
(3) The first of the month in which the divorce becomes final.
(b) The pension of a former spouse and the right thereto terminate on:
(1) The last day of the month before the former spouse dies or remarries before 60 years of age; or
(2) The date the annuity of the former participant terminates unless the termination results from recall, reappointment or reinstatement in the Foreign Service or reemployment in Government service.
(a) A pension to a former spouse is paid monthly on the same date that annuity is paid to the principal.
(b) No spousal agreement or court order may provide for a pension or any combination of pensions to former spouses of any one principal which exceeds the net annuity of the principal as defined in § 19.6-2(b).
(c) A pension to a former spouse not fixed by a spousal agreement or court order shall equal the former spouse's pro rata share of 50 percent of the annuity to which the principal is entitled on the date the divorce becomes final, or, if not then entitled to an annuity, 50 percent of the annuity to which the principal first becomes entitled following that date. A pension to a former spouse of a disability annuitant shall be calculated on the basis of an annuity for which the participant would qualify if not disabled. A pension to a former spouse will be increased by the same percentage of each cost-of-living adjustment received by the principal.
(d) The Department will initiate payment of a pension to a former spouse after complying with the notification and other procedures described in § 19.6.
(e) If a pension can not be paid because a former spouse is missing, the principal may file an affidavit with PER/ER/RET that he/she does not know the whereabouts of the former spouse. In such an event, the principal and the Department will follow the procedures in § 19.11-4 in an effort to locate the former spouse. The annuity of the principal will be reduced by the amount of the pension to the former spouse even though the latter is not being paid. If the former spouse has not been located during the 12-month period following the date the principal files an affidavit under this section, the annuity of the principal will be recomputed effective from its commencing date (or on the date following the last month a pension payment was made to the former spouse) and paid without reduction of the amount of pension to the former spouse. If the former spouse subsequently is located, pension payments to him/her will be initiated at that time at the rate that would have been payable had they been paid continuously from the original effective date. The Department shall not be liable to make any pension payments to the former spouse for the missing period if the procedures under this section were faithfully complied with nor will the Department be responsible for recovering any payments made to the
Any pension payable to a former spouse under this section or pursuant to any spousal agreement or court order shall be deducted from the annuity of the principal. (See § 19.6-4 concerning retroactive adjustments.) If the annuity of such a principal in any month is discontinued or reduced so that the net amount payable is less than the pension to the former spouse or spouses of the principal because of recall, reappointment or reinstatment in the Foreign Service or reemployment in the Government service, the principal's salary, rather than annuity, shall be reduced by the amount of the pension payment(s). Such salary reductions shall be deposited in the Treasury to the credit of the Fund. If a pension to a former spouse is discontinued for any reason except a suspension pending a determination of entitlement, the annuity of the principal shall be recomputed effective as of the date of discontinuance of the pension, and paid as if the pension to the former spouse had never been deducted.
If a participant retires and does not provide a survivor annuity to a spouse, former spouse or designated beneficiary, the participant receives a “full” annuity. A full annuity means an annuity computed without any survivorship reduction. Example: Average salary $20,000 and maximum of 35 years of service.
(a) At commencement of annuity, a participant or former participant may provide a regular survivor annuity for any eligible former spouse and, within the limits of paragraph (b) of this section, a regular survivor annuity to any spouse to whom he/she is then married as described in §§ 19.11-2 and 19.11-3, respectively. A regular survivor annuity for a spouse or former spouse equals 55 percent of the portion of the retiree's annuity (up to the full amount) designated as the base for the survivor annuity. To provide the survivor annuity, the participant must accept a reduction in his/her full annuity equal to 2
Participant's full annuity as computed in § 19.10-1: $14,000.
Maximum regular survivor annuity is 55 percent of full annuity: $7,700.
The base for the maximum regular survivor annuity for a spouse would then be 25 percent of $14,000, or $3,500.
Combined base: $14,000.
Participant's full annuity reduced as follows:
2
Plus 10 percent of the amount over $3,600 ($14,000-3,600) $10,400: $1,040.
Total reduction in participant's full annuity: $1,130.
Participant's reduced annuity: $12,870.
Survivor annuity for former spouse: 55 percent of $10,500 or $5,775.
Survivor annuity for spouse: 55 percent of $3,500 or $1,925.
Joint election of base for regular survivor annuity of 90 percent of the maximum, or 90 percent of $14,000: $12,600.
Participant's full annuity reduced as follows:
2
Plus 10 percent of the amount over $3,600 ($12,600-3,600) $9,000: $900.
Total reduction in participant's full annuity: $990.
Participant's reduced annuity: $13,010.
In this example, if divorce occurs subsequent to retirement and a court orders a 75 percent share for the former spouse, the base for the survivor annuity for the former spouse would be 75 percent of $14,000: $10,500.
The participant's full annuity would then be reduced by $780 in accordance with the above formula for this survivor benefit, and the reduced annuity would be $14,000-780: $13,220.
If the former spouse qualifies for a pension as described in § 19.9 based on a pro rata share of 75 percent, the pension would equal 50 percent of the participant's reduced annuity times 75 percent (50%×$13,220×75%): 4,957.50.
The participant's reduced annuity would then be further reduced by this pension ($13,220-$4,957.50) to provide an annuity to the former participant of $8,262.50.
If this annuitant later remarried, the maximum base for the regular survivor annuity for the new spouse would be the amount designated at retirement, $12,600, less the amount committed to the former spouse, $10,500: $12,600-10,500 or $2,100.
The survivor annuity for this spouse: 55 percent of $2,100 or $1,555.
The election of this benefit for the new spouse would be made individually by the annuitant since a marriage after retirement does not give a spouse a right to participate in the election.
If the election is made to provide a regular survivor annuity to the new spouse, all of the above calculations would be recomputed effective the first day of the month beginning one year after the date of the remarriage, as follows:
Base for survivor annuity for former spouse: 75% of $14,000 or $10,500.
Survivor annuity for former spouse: 55% of $10,500 or $5,775.
Base for survivor annuity for spouse: 15% of $14,000 or $2,100.
Survivor annuity for spouse: 55% of $2,100 or $1,555.
The combined base for the survivor benefits is $10,500 plus $2,100 or $12,600. The annuity reduction on this combined base as computed above is $990.
The participant's annuity after reduction for survivor benefit would be $14,000-$990 or $13,010.
The pension for the former spouse would be 50%×$13,010×75% or $4,878.75.
The participant's annuity would be further reduced by this amount: $13,010-$4,878.75 to provide an annuity after this recalculation of $8,131.25.
(b) The maximum regular survivor annuity or combination of regular survivor annuities that may be provided under this section is limited to 55% of the principal's full annuity computed at retirement. If an annuitant is recalled to active duty in the Foreign Service, he/she may provide additional regular survivor annuities under § 19.10-6. The maximum regular survivor annuity or combination of regular survivor annuities that an annuitant who was married at retirement may elect or provide, pursuant to a court order or otherwise, after retirement in the event of his/her divorce or remarriage, is limited to the amount provided at the time of initial retirement or reversion to retired status following recall service.
If an annuitant who was unmarried at the time of retirement, marries, he/she may within one year after such marriage irrevocably elect to receive a reduced annuity and to provide, subject to any obligation to provide a survivor annuity for a former spouse, a survivor annuity for the new spouse. If such an election is made, the principal's annuity shall be reduced in accordance with § 19.10-2 effective on the first day of the first month which begins at least one year after the date of the marriage. The reduction is computed on the commencing rate of the principal's annuity.
(a) If the marriage of an annuitant who received a reduced annuity at retirement under § 19.10-2 to provide a survivor annuity for a spouse is dissolved by divorce or by death of the spouse, the retiree's annuity shall be recomputed, if necessary, as of the first of the month following the death or divorce. If the marriage was dissolved by death, the annuity shall be recomputed and paid at its full amount. If the marriage is dissolved by divorce, procedures in § 19.11-2(b) shall be followed.
(b) In the event an annuitant affected by this paragraph remarries, the annuitant may elect within one year of remarriage to provide a survivor annuity for the new spouse equal in amount to the survivor benefit formerly in effect for the previous spouse less any amount committed for a former spouse. The annuity of a retiree making such an election shall be reduced effective on the first day of the first month which begins at least one year after the remarriage to the amount that would have been payable had there been no
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2) Monthly payments may be reduced or eliminated by direct payment to M/COMP/FO by any participant or former participant under terms mutually agreed upon by the participant and PER/ER/RET. Minimum monthly payments will be based upon actuarial tables prescribed from time to time by the Director General of the Foreign Service (M/DGP) with the advice of the Secretary of Treasury. Such tables will be calculated so that the present value of all payments equal the present value of the survivor annuity. If new tables are prescribed, they would be applicable to additional survivor annuities provided by spousal agreements that become effective on or after the effective date of the new tables. Additional survivor annuities will be increased by regular cost-of-living adjustments from their commencing dates only when so specified at the option of the participant or former participant in a spousal agreement. Monthly payments will be higher if cost-of-living adjustments are provided.
(3) In the event of the disqualification of a beneficiary for an additional survivor annuity because of death, remarriage prior to age 60 or divorce from the principal and failure to meet the definition of “former spouse,” or in the event of an authorized reduction or cancellation of an election for an additional survivor annuity, the monthly payment for such discontinued or reduced additional survivor annuity will be discontinued or reduced, as appropriate, effective at the beginning of the first month following termination or reduction of the benefit. Except as otherwise specified in paragraph (b) of this section, any amount paid for such discontinued or reduced benefit by a participant or former participant in excess of the minimum monthly payments described above shall be refunded to the participant or former participant with interest calculated at the annual rate used in the last evaluation of the System or at such higher rate as may be authorized by M/COMP/FO as will not cause a loss to the Fund. The following table illustrates the minimum monthly payments schedule in effect February 15, 1981.
(4) Reduction from annuity to a principal to pay for an additional survivor annuity will be in the nature of an allotment and will not affect computations of cost-of-living adjustments to the principal.
(a)
(1) If the recall service lasts less than one year, a refund of retirement contributions made during the recall period will be refunded under § 19.13 and the former annuity will be resumed at the previous rate adjusted by any cost-of-living increases that became effective during recall service.
(2) If the recall service lasts between one and five years, the annuitant will be entitled to elect benefits under paragraph (a)(1) of this section or receive both the former annuity adjusted by cost-of-living increases and a supplemental annuity computed under § 19.10 on the basis of service credit and average salary earned during the recall period, irrespective of the number of years of service credit previously earned.
(3) If the recall service lasts five years or more, the annuitant will be entitled to recomputation of the annuity as if there had been no previous retirement, or elect benefits under paragraph (a) (1) or (2) of this section.
(4) An annuitant may receive credit in any computation under paragraph (a) (2) or (3) of this section for any Federal service performed subsequent to the separation upon which the original annuity was computed provided a special contribution is made for such service under section 805 of the Act.
(5) An annuitant entitled to a supplemental annuity under paragraph (a)(3) of this section or a recomputated annuity under paragraph (a)(4) of this section is obligated, in the absence of a court order or spousal agreement to the contrary, to have those annuities reduced to provide the benefits described in § 19.8 to any spouse or former spouse to whom married during any portion of the recall service. An annuitant must accept a reduction of 10 percent of his/her supplemental annuity in order to provide a supplemental survivor annuity to a spouse or former spouse. The maximum supplemental survivor annuity equals 55 percent of the supplemental annuity. If, upon reversion to retired status, an annuitant has a former spouse entitled to a pro rata share or some other share of the supplemental survivor annuity, but no spouse, the appropriate share of the supplemental annuity shall be reduced by 10 percent to provide such former spouse a share of the maximum supplemental survivor annuity.
(b)
(2) In the event an annuitant dies during recall service and is survived by a former spouse to whom not married during any period of the recall service, such former spouse will not be entitled to any benefits based on the recall service.
If a participant or former participant dies in active service or after retirement, regular survivor annuities are payable under terms of this section to an eligible surviving spouse, former spouse or child. Also, if all rights to annuity and survivor annuity terminate prior to exhaustion of the participant's lump-sum credit, a lump-sum payment is made pursuant to § 19.13. In addition to the above, an additional survivor annuity, and a supplemental survivor annuity may be payable to an eligible survivor under §§ 19.10-5 and 19.10-6, respectively. If any participant or former participant makes an election, files a spousal agreement or becomes subject to a court order to provide a regular survivor annuity for a spouse or former spouse and does not subsequently become entitled to leave a survivor annuity under these regulations (because of separation from the Service and withdrawal of contributions, death after separation but before commencement of a deferred annuity, or for any other reason), none will be paid and such election, spousal agreement or court order to provide such survivor annuity will have no force or effect.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2) Any former participant in receipt of an annuity who has a former spouse on February 15, 1981 and who has not committed his/her entire annuity as a base for a regular survivor annuity for a spouse or any other former spouse, may, prior to December 31, 1982, designate any portion of the uncommitted base as the base for a regular survivor annuity for such former spouse.
(3) The annuity of a former participant making an election under this paragraph shall be reduced under § 19.10-2(a) effective February 15, 1981, or from its commencing date if later.
(4) An election under this paragraph shall be made by filing a spousal agreement with PER/ER/RET under § 19.7. A spousal agreement to provide a regular survivor annuity under this paragraph for a former spouse may be revoked or amended after its acceptance by PER/ER/RET as in accordance with the Act and these regulations, only by agreement of the parties up to the last day allowed by this paragraph for filing such an agreement. Thereafter, it is irrevocable. If a participant dies in service after having filed a valid election under this section, a survivor annuity will be paid to an eligible former suriving spouse in accordance with the terms of the election.
(a) In the absence of a joint election or a spousal agreement to the contrary, a participant or former participant who is separated from active service on or after February 15, 1981 who is married at the commencement of his/her annuity shall provide a regular survivor annuity for a spouse under § 19.10-2 equal to the maximum amount that remains available under limitations stated in paragraph (b) of that section after allowing for any commitment of a regular survivor annuity for a former spouse who has not remarried prior to age 60 and who is alive on the date the former participant becomes eligible for an annuity.
(b) A regular survivor annuity is also payable to a surviving spouse for whom a principal elected an annuity under § 19.10-3, § 19.10-4, or § 19.11-2(c) following a marriage after comencement of his/her annuity.
(c) The amount of a regular survivor annuity equals 55 percent of the base designated for the benefit at the time the principal's annuity commenced, adjusted by the total percentage of cost-of-living increases the principal was receiving at death.
(d) A survivor annuity is payable to a surviving spouse only if that person was married to the principal at the time of his/her death or if the spouse became a former spouse under the definition in § 19.2(k).
If a participant or former participant has a spouse or former spouse whose whereabouts are unknown, such participant may elect to reduce or eliminate the share of a regular survivor annuity provided for that person under § 19.11-2 or § 19.11-3 by filing an affidavit with PER/ER/RET stating that his/her spouse or former spouse is missing and giving full name, last known address, date last heard from, circumstances of the disappearance and a description of the effort that has been made to locate the individual. Thereafter, the participant shall take such additional steps to locate the missing person as may be directed by PER/ER/RET. That Office shall also attempt to locate the missing person by sending a letter to the individual's last known address given in the Department's files, to the address given on the affidavit, and, if a Social Security number is known, to the Social Security Administration for forwarding. The election and affidavit may be filed at any time before commencement of annuity. It must remain on file with PER/ER/RET for at least one year before being given irrevocable effect by the Department. If the annuity to the former participant becomes effective prior to the expiration of this one year period, the annuity shall be computed and paid without reference to the election filed under this section. Following this one-year period, or at the commencement of annuity, if later, if the missing person has not been located, the affidavit may be reaffirmed by the participant, after which an election by the participant to reduce or eliminate the share of regular survivor annuity for the missing person shall be given irrevocable effect by the Department. If the annuity to the former participant has commenced, it shall be recomputed and paid retroactively to give effect to any election made under this section.
(a) An annuity payable from the Fund to a surviving spouse or former spouse begins on the day after the participant or annuitant dies and stops on the last day of the month before the survivor's (1) marriage before age 60, or (2) death. If a survivor annuity is terminated because of remarriage, the annuity is restored at the same rate effective on the date such remarriage is terminated, provided any lump-sum paid upon termination of the annuity is returned to the Fund. The termination of a surviving spouse annuity due to remarriage does not apply to a survivor annuitant who is a surviving spouse of a participant who died in service or retired before October 1, 1976, unless elected following a marriage after retirement under circumstances described in § 19.10-3 or § 19.10-4.
(b) A surviving spouse or former spouse shall not become entitled to a survivor annuity or to the restoration of a survivor annuity payable from the Fund unless the survivor elects to receive it instead of any other survivor annuity to which entitled under this or any other retirement system for Government employees. (For this purpose, neither the Social Security system nor the military retirement system is considered a retirement system for Government employees.) This restriction does not apply to a survivor annuitant who is a surviving spouse of a participant who died in service or retired before October 1, 1976, unless the survivor annuity was elected under circumstances described in § 19.10-3 or § 19.10-4.
(c) A child's annuity begins on the day after the participant dies, or if a child is not then qualified, on the first day of the month in which the child becomes eligible. A child's annuity shall terminate on the last day of the month
(d) Regular and supplemental survivor annuities to a spouse or former spouse of an annuitant described in §§ 19.11-2, 19.11-3 and 19.10-6(b) are increased from their effective date by the cumulative percentage of cost-of-living increases the annuitant was receiving under section 826 of the Act at death. All annuities payable to survivors on the date a cost-of-living adjustment becomes effective are increased by that percentage except (1) the first increase to a surviving spouse of a participant who dies in service shall be pro rated and (2) additional survivor annuities under § 19.10-5 when the spousal agreement authorizing the annuity makes no provision for cost-of-living increases.
(e) The annuity of survivors becomes effective as specified in this section but is not paid until the survivor submits Form JF-38, Application for Death Benefits, supported by such proof as may be required, for example, death, marriage, and/or divorce certificates. In the event that such is not submitted during an otherwise eligible beneficiary's lifetime, no annuity is due or payable to the beneficiary's estate.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) If a participant who has at least 18 months of civilian service credit under the System dies in service, or if an annuitant who was a former participant dies, annuities are payable to a surviving child or children, as defined in § 19.2(e) as follows:
(1)
(i) $900
(ii) $2,700 divided by the number of children—adjusted under paragraph (b).
(2)
(i) $1,080
(ii) $3,240 divided by the number of children—adjusted under paragraph (b) of this section.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
An annuitant who is reemployed by a Federal Government agency may not receive a combination of salary and annuity which exceeds his/her Foreign Service salary at the time of retirement. Refer to § 19.9-4.
“Lump-sum credit” is the compulsory and special contributions to a participant's or former participant's credit in the Fund for his/her first 35 years of service plus interest thereon computed from the midpoint of each service period and compounded at four percent annually to the date of separation or December 31, 1976, whichever is earlier, and after such date, for a participant who separates from the Service after completing at least one year of civilian service and before completing 5
A former spouse of a participant or annuitant is entitled to a prorata share of 50 percent of any lump-sum payment authorized to be paid to a former participant under this section who separated from the Service on or after February 15, 1981, unless otherwise directed in a court order or a spousal agreement.
If a participant or former participant dies and no claim for annuity is payable, the lump-sum credit is paid to surviving beneficiaries.
An individual entitled to be paid an annuity may, for personal reasons, decline to accept all or any part of the annuity. However, a principal may not waive the portion of his/her annuity authorized to be paid to a former spouse under § 19.7 or § 19.9 or to a beneficiary under § 19.6. An annuity waiver shall be in writing and sent to the Department (PER/ER/RET). A waiver may be revoked in writing at any time. Payment of the annuity waived may not be made for the period during which the waiver was in effect.
22 U.S.C. 3901
As used in this part, unless otherwise specified, the following have the meaning indicated:
Benefits under this part are paid from the Fund maintained by the Secretary of the Treasury pursuant to section 802 of the Act but are not authorized to be paid except to the extent provided therefor. Appropriations for such Fund are authorized by section 821(a) of the Act.
To be eligible for retirement or survivor benefits under this part, a former spouse must—
(a) Have been a former spouse on February 14, 1981;
(b) After becoming a former spouse, not have remarried before attaining age 55;
(c) In the case of any retirement benefit under § 20.5; elect this benefit instead of any survivor annuity for which the former spouse may simultaneously be eligible under this or another retirement system for Government employees; and
(d) Submit an application to the Department of State by June 22, 1990, in accordance with § 20.9 unless that date is extended as authorized by that section. The deadline for submission of an application for survivor benefits under § 20.5 will be deemed to have been met if the former spouse submits an application for retirement benefits within the deadline.
(a)
(2) A former spouse of a disability annuitant is entitled to a share of benefits to which the annuitant would qualify under paragraph (a) of this section, he or she not been disabled based on the actual age and service of the annuitant.
(b)
(1) 50 percent of the benefits described in § 20.4(a) if the former spouse was married to the participant throughout the latter's creditable service; or
(2) A pro rata share of 50 percent of such benefits if the former spouse was not married to the participant throughout such creditable service.
(c)
(d)
(i) The day the principal becomes entitled to benefits described in § 20.4(a); or
(ii) December 22, 1987.
(2) Entitlement to retirement benefits under this section for a former spouse of a disability annuitant shall commence on the latter of—
(i) The date the principal would qualify for benefits (other than a disability annuity) described in § 20.4(a) on the basis of the principal's actual age and service;
(ii) The date the disability annuity begins; or
(iii) December 22, 1987.
(3) Entitlement to retirement benefits under this section shall terminate or be suspended on the earlier of—
(i) Last day of the month before the former spouse dies or remarries before attaining age 55;
(ii) Date benefits of the principal terminate or are suspended because of death, recall, reemployment, recovery from disability or for any other reason.
(4) Entitlement to benefits under this section shall be resumed for a former spouse, following their suspension, or the date they are resumed for the principal.
(a)
(1) 55 percent of the full annuity to which the principal was entitled on the commencement or recomputation date of the annuity in the case of a principal who dies while in receipt of a Foreign Service annuity computed under section 806, 808, 823, 824, or 855 of the Act of 5 U.S.C. 8415;
(2) 55 percent of the annuity to which the principal was entitled at death in the case of a principal who dies while in receipt of a Foreign Service annuity computed under 5 U.S.C. 8452;
(3) 55 percent of the full annuity to which the principal would have been entitled if he or she retired (or returned to retirement status) on the date of death computed—depending on the provision that would be used to compute an annuity for a surviving spouse of the principal—under section 806(a), 823, 824, or 855(b) of the Act of 5 U.S.C. 8415 and using the actual service of the principal, in the case of a principal who dies while in active service, including service on recall or reemployment while annuity is suspended or reduced; or,
(4) 55 percent of the full annuity computed under 5 U.S.C. 8413(b) that the principal could have elected to receive commencing on the date of death or, if later, commencing on the date the principal would have attained the minimum retirement age described in 5 U.S.C. 8412(h), in the case of a principal while entitled to a deferred annuity under 5 U.S.C. 8413(b), but before commencement of that annuity. A survivor annuity under this paragraph may not commence before the date the principal would have attained the minimum retirement age.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Shall commence on the latter of—
(i) The date the principal dies;
(ii) December 22, 1987; and
(2) Shall terminate on the last day of the month before the former spouse dies or remarries before attaining age 55.
(a)
(b)
(2) A survivor annuity payable to a former spouse under § 20.5-1(A) shall be increased from its commencing date pursuant to paragraph (c)(2) of section 826 of the Act or 8462 of Title 5, U.S. Code, by all COLA received by the principal at death, irrespective of the date of death and in instances where death occurred prior to December 22, 1987, by all COLA that would have been paid to a survivor annuitant from the date of death until December 22, 1987.
(3) The first increase to which a former spouse becomes entitled whose annuity is computed under § 20.5(a)(2) shall be prorated pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 8462(c)(4).
(4) The first increase to which a former spouse becomes entitled whose annuity is computed under § 20.5(a)(3) or
(5) Shall be prorated pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of section 826 of the Act or 8462 or title 5, U.S. Code.
A former spouse entitled to an annuity under this part may decide to decline all or any part of the annuity for personal reasons. An annuity waiver shall be in writing and sent to the Retirement Division (PER/ER/RET), Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. A waiver may be revoked in writing at any time. Payment of the annuity waived prior to receipt by the Retirement Division of the renovation may not be made.
Payment to a former spouse under this part shall not impair, reduce, or otherwise affect benefits paid under the Act to the principal or other persons.
(a)
(b)
It shall also give the dates of marriage and divorce or annulment that establish eligibility and fully identify the Foreign Service employee or former employee in question and state the agency of current or last employment.
(c)
5 U.S.C. 301; 22 U.S.C. 2658.
(a) The Department of State may indemnify an employee for any verdict, judgment, or other monetary award which is rendered against such employee, provided that the conduct giving rise to the verdict, judgment, or award was taken within the scope of employment and that such indemnification is in the interest of the United States, as determined as a matter of discretion by the Under Secretary for Management or his or her designee.
(b) The Department of State may settle or compromise a personal damages claim against an employee by the payment of available funds at any time, provided the alleged conduct giving rise to the personal damages claim was taken within the scope of employment and that such settlement or compromise is in the interest of the United States, as determined as a matter of discretion by the Under Secretary for Management or his or her designee.
(c) The Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Personnel (“Director General”) shall be the designee of the Under Secretary for Management with respect to determinations under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section in cases which involve:
(1) Foreign courts or foreign administrative bodies and
(2) Requests of less than five thousand dollars.
(d) Absent exceptional circumstances as determined by the Under Secretary for Management or his or her designee, the Department will not entertain a request either to agree to indemnify or to settle a personal damages claim before entry of an adverse verdict, judgment, or award.
(e) When an employee in the United States becomes aware that an action has been filed against the employee in his or her personal capacity as a result of conduct taken within the scope of his or her employment, the employee shall immediately notify the Department through the Executive Director of the Office of the Legal Adviser that such an action is pending. Employees overseas shall notify their Administrative Counselor who shall then notify the Assistant Legal Adviser for Special Functional Problems. Employees may be authorized to receive legal representation by the Department of Justice in accordance with 28 CFR 50.15.
(f) The employee may thereafter request indemnification to satisfy a verdict, judgment, or award entered against the employee. The employee shall submit a written request, with appropriate documentation including copies of the verdict, judgment, award, or settlement proposal if on appeal, to the Legal Adviser. Except as provided in paragraph (g) of this section, the Legal Adviser and the Director General shall then, in coordination with the Bureau of Finance and Management Policy, forward the request with their recommendation to the Under Secretary for Management for decision. The Legal Adviser may seek the views of the Department of Justice, as appropriate, in preparing this recommendation.
(g) Cases in which the Director General is the designee under paragraph (c) of this section may be forwarded by the Assistant Legal Adviser for Special Functional Problems, along with the views of the employee and the bureau or post as appropriate, to the Director General for decision.
(h) Personal services contractors of the Department are considered employees for purposes of the policy set forth in this part.
(i) Any payment under this part either to indemnify a Department of State employee or to settle a personal damages claim shall be contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.
(j) In addition to the indemnification provisions contained in the regulations in this part, the Department will also follow any specific policies or regulations adopted with respect to damages awarded against Department health care personnel for malpractice claims within the scope of 22 U.S.C. 2702.
8 U.S.C. 1153 note, 1351, 1351 note; 10 U.S.C. 2602(c); 22 U.S.C. 214, 2504(a), 4201, 4206, 4215, 4219; 31 U.S.C. 9701; Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681
The following table sets forth the U.S. Department of State's Schedule of Fees for Consular Services:
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
Officers of the Foreign Service shall charge for official services performed abroad at the rates prescribed in this schedule, in coin of the United States or at its representative value in exchange (22 U.S.C. 1202). For definition of representative value in exchange, see § 23.4 of this chapter. No fees named in this schedule shall be charged or collected for the official services to American vessels and seamen (22 U.S.C. 1186). The term “American vessels” is defined to exclude, for the purposes of this schedule, undocumented American vessels and the fees prescribed herein shall be charged and collected for such undocumented vessels. However, the fees prescribed herein shall not be charged or collected for American public vessels, which includes any vessel owned or operated by a U.S. Government department or agency and engaged exclusively in official business on a non-commercial basis. This schedule of fees shall be kept posted in a conspicuous place in each Foreign Service consular office, subject to the examination by all persons interested therein (22 U.S.C. 1197).
Remittances to Foreign Service posts from persons in the United States in payment of offical fees and charges or for the purpose of establishing deposits in advance of rendition of services shall be in a form acceptable to the post, drawn payable to the American Embassy (name of city), American Consulate General (name of city) or American Consulate (name of city), as the case may be. This will permit cashing of negotiable instruments for deposit in the Treasury when not negotiated locally. See § 23.2 of this chapter.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) Fees which have been collected for deposit in the Treasury are refundable:
(1) As specifically authorized by law (See 22 U.S.C. 214a concerning passport fees erroneously charged persons excused from payment and 46 U.S.C. 8 concerning fees improperly imposed on vessels and seamen);
(2) When the principal officer at the consular post where the fee was collected (or the officer in charge of the consular section at a combined diplomatic/consular post) finds upon review of the facts that the collection was erroneous under applicable law; and
(3) Where determination is made by the Department of State with a view to payment of a refund in the United States in cases which it is impracticable to have the facts reviewed and refund effected by and at the direction of the responsible consular office. See § 13.1 of this chapter concerning refunds of fees improperly exacted by consular officers who have neglected to return the same.
(b) Refunds of $5.00 or less will not be paid to the remitter unless a claim is specifically filed at the time of payment for the excess amount. An automatic refund on overpayments due to misinformation or mistakes on the part of the Department of State will be made.
No fees other than those prescribed in the Schedule of Fees, § 22.1, or by or pursuant to an act of Congress, shall be charged or collected by officers of the Foreign Service for official services performed abroad (22 U.S.C. 1201). All fees received by any officer of the Foreign Service for services rendered in connection with the duties of office or as a consular officer shall be accounted for and paid into the Treasury of the United States (22 U.S.C. 99 and 812). For receipt, registry, and numbering provisions, see § 22.5(b). Collections for transportation and other expenses necessary for performance of services or for Interested Party toll telephone calls shall be refunded to post allotment accounts and made available for meeting such expenses.
22 U.S.C. 2651a.
Except as otherwise specified in this title, remittances of moneys shall be drawn payable to the Department of State and sent to the Department for action and deposit. (See §§ 21.2, 22.2, and 51.40 of this chapter.)
The Office of Finance—Cashier Unit, the Authentication Office, the Passport Office or Passport Agency, American Embassy, American Legation, American consular office, or other office or unit of the Department of State authorized and required to deposit funds in the Treasury of the United States, is hereby authorized to endorse, or to have endorsed, to the order of the
(a)
(b)
Representative value in exchange for the collection of a fee means foreign currency equivalent to the prescribed United States dollar fee at the current rate of exchange at the time and place of payment of the fee. “Current rate” of exchange for this purpose means the bank selling rate at which the foreign bank will sell the number of United States dollars required to liquidate the obligation to the United States for the Foreign Service fee.
Claims for settlement by the Department of State or by the General Accounting Office shall be submitted to the Department in duplicate over the handwritten signature, together with the post office address of the claimant, and with appropriate recommendations of the officer of the Foreign Service, for items such as:
(a) Refunds of amounts representing payroll deductions such as for any retirement and disability fund;
(b) Amounts due deceased, incompetent, or insolvent persons including payees or bona fide holders of unpaid Government checks;
(c) Amounts claimed from the Government when questions of fact affect either the amount payable or the terms of payment, when for any reason settlement cannot or should not be affected at the Foreign Service office; and
(d) Amounts of checks, owned by living payees or bona fide holders, which have been covered into outstanding liabilities. The Foreign Service post or the Department of State shall be consulted before preparing the claim to ascertain whether any special form is required to be used. Claims for unpaid compensation of deceased alien employees shall be forwarded to the respective Foreign Service post.
22 U.S.C. 1977.
These rules clarify procedures for the administration of Section 7 of the Fishermen's Protective Act of 1967. Section 7 of the Act establishes a Fishermen's Guaranty Fund to reimburse owners and charterers of United States commercial fishing vessels for certain losses and costs caused by the seizure and detention of their vessels by foreign countries under certain claims to jurisdiction not recognized by the United States.
For the purpose of this part, the following terms mean:
Any owner or charterer of a U.S. fishing vessel is eligible to apply for an agreement with the Secretary providing for a guarantee in accordance with section 7 of the Act.
(a)
(1) Own or charter a U.S. fishing vessel; and
(2) Submit with his application the fee specified in § 33.6 below.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) Unless there is clear and convincing credible evidence that the seizure did not meet the requirements of
(1) A covered vessel is seized by a foreign country under conditions specified in the Act and the guaranty agreement; and
(2) The incident occurred during the period the guaranty agreement was in force for the vessel involved.
(b) Payments will be made to the owner for:
(1) All actual costs (except those covered by section 3 of the Act or reimbursable from some other source) incurred by the owner during the seizure or detention period as a direct result thereof, including:
(i) Damage to, or destruction of, the vessel or its equipment; or
(ii) Loss or confiscation of the vessel or its equipment; and
(iii) Dockage fees or utilities;
(2) The market value of fish or shellfish caught before seizure of the vessel and confiscated or spoiled during the period of detention; and
(3) Up to 50 percent of the vessel's gross income lost as a direct result of the seizure and detention.
(c) The exceptions are that no payment will be made from the Fund for a seizure which is:
(1) Covered by any other provision of law (for example, fines, license fees, registration fees, or other direct charges payable under section 3 of the Act);
(2) Made by a country at war with the United States;
(3) In accordance with any applicable convention or treaty, if that treaty or convention was made with the advice and consent of the Senate and was in force and effect for the United States and the seizing country at the time of the seizure;
(4) Which occurs before the guaranty agreement's effective date or after its termination;
(5) For which other sources of alternative reimbursement have not first been fully pursued (for example, the insurance coverage required by the agreement and valid claims under any law);
(6) For which material requirements of the guaranty agreement, the Act, or the program regulations have not been fully fulfilled; or
(7) In the view of the Department of State occurred because the seized vessel was undermining or diminishing the effectiveness of international conservation and management measures recognized by the United States, or otherwise contributing to stock conservation problems pending the establishment of such measures.
(a)
(b)
(1) The captain's sworn statement about the exact location and activity of the vessel when seized;
(2) Certified copies of charges, hearings, and findings by the government seizing the vessel;
(3) A detailed computation of all actual costs directly resulting from the seizure and detention, supported by receipts, affidavits, or other documentation acceptable to the Office Director, Office of Marine Conservation, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs;
(4) A detailed computation of lost income claimed, including:
(i) The date and time seized and released;
(ii) The number of miles and running time from the point of seizure to the point of detention;
(iii) The total fishing time lost (explain in detail if lost fishing time claimed is any greater than the elapsed time from seizure to the time required after release to return to the point of seizure);
(iv) The tonnage of catch on board at the time of seizure;
(v) The vessel's average catch-per-day's fishing for the three calendar years preceding the seizure;
(vi) The vessel's average downtime between fishing trips for the three calendar years preceding the seizure; and
(vii) The price-per-pound for the catch on the first day the vessel returns to port after the seizure and detention unless there is a pre-negotiated price-per-pound with a processor, in which case the pre-negotiated price must be documented; and
(5) Documentation for confiscated, damaged, destroyed, or stolen equipment, including:
(i) The date and cost of acquisition supported by invoices or other acceptable proof of ownership; and
(ii) An estimate from a commercial source of the replacement or repair cost.
(c)
(a)
(1) Compensation for confiscation of vessels, where no buy-back has occurred, will be based on market value which will be determined by averaging estimates of market value obtained from as many vessel surveyors or brokers as the Secretary deems practicable;
(2) Compensation for capital equipment other than vessel, will be based on depreciated replacement cost;
(3) Compensation for expendable items and crew's belongings will be 50 percent of their replacement costs; and
(4) Compensation for confiscated catch will be for full value, based on the price-per-pound.
(b)
(c)
(1) Compensation for confiscation of vessels, where no buy-back has occurred, will be based on market value which will be determined by averaging estimates of market value obtained from as many vessel surveyors or brokers as the Secretary deems practicable;
(2) Compensation for capital equipment other than a vessel, will be based on depreciated replacement cost;
(3) Compensation for expendable items and crew's belongings will be 50 percent of their replacement cost; and
(4) Compensation for confiscated catch will be for full value, based on the price-per-pound.
(d)
(e) [Reserved]
(f)
The Office Director, Office of Marine Conservation, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, will pay the claimant the amount calculated under § 33.9. Payment will be made as promptly as practicable, but may be delayed pending the appropriation of sufficient funds, should fee collections not be adequate to sustain the operation of the Fund. The Director shall notify the claimant of the amount approved for payment as promptly as practicable and the same shall thereafter constitute a valid, but non-interest bearing obligation of the Government. Delays in payments are not a direct consequence of seizure and detention and cannot therefore be construed as increasing the compensable period for lost fishing time. If there is a question about distribution of the proceeds of the claim, the Director may request proof of interest from all parties, and will settle this issue.
The Office Director, Office of Marine Conservation, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs will have the right to inspect claimants' books and records as a precondition to approving claims. All claims must contain written authorization of the guaranteed party for any international, federal, state, or local governmental Agencies to provide the Office Director, Office of Marine Conservation, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs any data or information pertinent to a claim.
Persons who willfully make any false or misleading statement or representation to obtain compensation from the Fund are subject to criminal prosecution under 22 U.S.C. 1980(g). This provides penalties up to $25,000 or imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Any evidence of criminal conduct will be promptly forwarded to the United States Department of Justice for action. Additionally, misrepresentation, concealment, or fraud, or acts intentionally designed to result in seizure, may void the guaranty agreement.
31 U.S.C. 3701-3719; 5 U.S.C. 5514; 31 C.F.R. part 285; 31 CFR parts 900-904; 5 CFR 550 subpart K.
These regulations prescribe the procedures to be used by the United States Department of State (STATE) in the collection of debts owed to STATE and to the United States.
(a) Except as set forth in this part or otherwise provided by law, STATE will conduct administrative actions to collect debts (including offset, compromise, suspension, termination, disclosure and referral) in accordance
(b) This part is not applicable to STATE claims against another Federal agency, any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or any public international organization.
(a) Debts arising from the audit of transportation accounts pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3726 shall be determined, collected, compromised, terminated, or settled in accordance with the regulations published at 41 CFR part 102-118.
(b) Debts arising out of acquisition contracts subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) shall be determined, collected, compromised, terminated, or settled in accordance with those regulations (see 48 CFR part 32).
(c) Debts based in whole or in part on conduct in violation of the antitrust laws, or in regard to which there is an indication of fraud, presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation on the part of the debtor or any other party having an interest in the claim, shall be referred to the Department of Justice for compromise, suspension, or termination of collection action.
(d) Tax debts are excluded from the coverage of this regulation.
For purposes of the section:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(a) Nothing contained in this regulation is intended to require STATE to duplicate administrative proceedings required by contract or other laws or regulations.
(b) Nothing in this regulation is intended to preclude utilization of informal administrative actions or remedies which may be available.
(c) Nothing contained in this regulation is intended to deter STATE from demanding the return of specific property or from demanding the return of the property or the payment of its value.
(d) The failure of STATE to comply with any provision in this regulation shall not serve as defense to the debt.
Except as otherwise provided by statute, contract or excluded in accordance with the FCCS, STATE will assess:
(a) Interest on delinquent debts in accordance with 31 CFR 901.9.
(b) Penalties at the rate of 6 percent a year or such other rate as authorized by law on any portion of a debt that is delinquent for more than 90 days.
(c) Administrative costs to cover the costs of processing and calculating delinquent debts.
(d) Late payment charges under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall be computed from the date of delinquency.
(e) When a debt is paid in partial or installment payments, amounts received shall be applied first to outstanding penalty and administrative cost charges, second to accrued interest, and then to outstanding principal.
(f) STATE shall consider waiver of interest, penalties and/or administrative costs in accordance with the FCCS, 31 CFR 901.9(g).
Whenever feasible, and except as required otherwise by law, debts owed to the United States, together with interest, penalties, and administrative costs as required by this regulation, should be collected in one lump sum. This is true whether the debt is being collected under administrative offset, including salary offset, or by another method, including voluntary payment. However, if the debtor is financially unable to pay the indebtedness in one lump sum, payment may be accepted in regular installments. If STATE agrees to accept payment in installments, it may require a legally enforceable written agreement from the debtor that specifies all of the terms of the arrangement and which contains a provision accelerating the debt in the event the debtor defaults. The size and frequency of the payments should bear a reasonable relation to the size of the debt and ability of the debtor to pay. If possible, the installment payments should be sufficient in size and frequency to liquidate the Government's claim within 3 years.
(a) STATE shall promptly hand deliver or send by first-class mail to the debtor at the debtor's most current address in the records of STATE at least one written notice. Written demand under this subpart may be preceded by other appropriate actions under this part and or the FCCS, including but not limited to actions taken under the procedures applicable to administrative offset, including salary offset.
(b) The written notice shall inform the debtor of:
(1) The basis of the debt;
(2) The amount of the debt;
(3) The date by which payment should be made to avoid the imposition of interest, penalties and administrative costs, and the enforced collection actions described in paragraph (b)(7) of this section;
(4) The applicable standards for imposing of interest, penalties and administrative costs to delinquent debts;
(5) STATE's readiness to discuss alternative payment arrangements and how the debtor may offer to enter into a written agreement to repay the debt under terms acceptable to STATE;
(6) The name, address and telephone number of a contact person or office within STATE;
(7) STATE's intention to enforce collection by taking one or more of the following actions if the debtor fails to pay or otherwise resolve the debt:
(i) Offset from Federal payments otherwise due to the debtor, including income tax refunds, salary, certain benefit payments, retirement, vendor payments, travel reimbursement and advances, and other Federal payments due from STATE, other Federal agencies, or through centralized disbursing from the Department of the Treasury;
(ii) Referral to private collection agency
(iii) Report to credit bureaus
(iv) Administrative Wage Garnishment
(v) Litigation by the Department of Justice
(vi) Referral to the Financial Management Service of the Department of the Treasury for collection
(vii) Liquidation of collateral
(viii) Other actions as permitted by the FCCS and applicable law;
(8) The debtor's right to inspect and copy records related to the debt;
(9) The debtor's right to an internal review of STATE's determination that the debtor owes a debt or the amount of the debt;
(10) The debtor's right, if any, to request waiver of collection of certain debts, as applicable (see § 34.18);
(11) Requirement that the debtor advise STATE of any bankruptcy proceeding of the debtor; and
(12) Provision for refund of amounts collected if later decision finds that the amount of the debt is not owed or is waived.
(c)
(a) For all collection methods for debts owed to STATE, the debtor may request a review within State of the existence or the amount of the debt. For offset of current Federal salary under 5 U.S.C. 5514 for certain debts, debtors may also request an outside hearing. See subpart C of this part. This subpart rather than subpart C applies to collections by salary offset for debts arising under 5 U.S.C. 5705 (travel advances), 5 U.S.C. 4108 (training expenses), and other statutes specifically providing for collection by salary offset.
(b) A debtor requesting an internal review shall do so in writing to the contact office by the payment due date stated within the initial notice sent under 34.8(b) or other applicable provision. The debtor's written request shall state the basis for the dispute and include any relevant documentation in support.
(1) STATE will provide for an internal review of the debt by an appropriate official. The review may include examination of documents, internal discussions with relevant officials and discussion by letter or orally with the debtor, at STATE's discretion. An oral hearing may be provided when the matter cannot be decided on the documentary record because it involves issues of credibility or veracity. Unless otherwise required by law, such oral hearing shall not be a formal evidentiary hearing. If an oral hearing is appropriate, the time and location of the hearing shall be established by STATE. An oral hearing may be conducted, at the debtor's option, either in-person or by telephone conference. All travel expenses incurred by the debtor in connection with an in-person hearing will be borne by the debtor. All telephonic charges incurred during the hearing will be the responsibility of STATE. During the period of review, STATE may suspend collection activity, including the accrual of interest and penalties, on any disputed portion of the debt if STATE determines that suspension is in the Department's best interest or would serve equity and good conscience.
(2) If after review STATE either sustains or amends its determination, it shall notify the debtor of its intent to collect the sustained or amended debt. If previously suspended, collection actions will be re-instituted unless payment of the sustained or amended amount is received or the debtor has
Upon completion of notice and provision of all due process rights as listed in 34.8(b) of this section and upon final determination of the existence and amount of a debt, unless other acceptable payment arrangements have been made or procedures under a specific statute apply, STATE shall collect the debt by one or more of the following methods:
(a)
(2) Such payments include but are not limited to vendor payments, salary, retirement, lump sum payments due upon Federal employment separation, travel reimbursements, tax refunds, loans or other assistance. For offset of Federal salary payments under 5 U.S.C. 5514 for certain types of debt see subpart C of this part.
(3) Administrative offset under this subsection does not apply to debts specified in the FCCS, 31 CFR 901.3(a)(2).
(4) Before administrative offset is instituted by another Federal agency or the FMS, STATE shall certify in writing to that entity that the debt is past due and legally enforceable and that STATE has complied with all applicable due process and other requirements as described in this part and other Federal law and regulations.
(5) Administrative offset of anticipated or future benefit payments under the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund will be requested by STATE pursuant to 5 CFR 831.1801-1808.
(6)
(i) The offset is in the nature of a recoupment,
(ii) Offset is executed pursuant to procedures set out in the Contracts Disputes Act,
(iii) Previous notice and opportunity for review have been given, or
(iv) There is insufficient time before payment would be made to the debtor/payee to allow prior notice and an opportunity for review. In such case, STATE shall give the debtor notice and an opportunity for review as soon as practicable and shall promptly refund any money ultimately found not to have been owed to the Government.
(7) Unless otherwise provided by law, administrative offset of payments under the authority of 31 U.S.C. 3716 to collect a debt may not be conducted more than 10 years after the Government's right to collect the debt first accrued, unless facts material to the Government's right to collect the debt were not known and could not reasonably have been known by the official charged with the responsibility to discover and collect such debts. This limitation does not apply to debts reduced to a judgment.
(b)
(c)
(d) Liquidation of Collateral, if applicable, in accordance with the FCCS, 31 CFR 901.7.
(e) Suspension or revocation of eligibility for loans and loan guaranties, licenses, permits, or privileges in accordance with the FCCS, 31 CFR 901.6.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a) This subpart sets forth STATE's procedures for the collection of a Federal employee's current pay by salary offset to satisfy certain debts owed to the United States.
(b) This subpart applies to:
(1) Current employees of STATE and other agencies who owe debts to STATE;
(2) Current employees of STATE who owe debts to other agencies.
(c) This subpart does not apply to
(1) Offset of a separating employee's final payments or Foreign Service annuity payments which are covered under administrative offset (See § 34.10(a)),
(2) Debts or claims arising under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 1
(3) 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 4 pay periods or less.
(4) Any routine intra-agency adjustment of pay that is made to correct an overpayment of pay attributable to clerical or administrative errors or delays in processing pay documents, if the overpayment occurred within the 4 pay periods preceding the adjustment and, at the time of such adjustment, or as soon thereafter as practical, the individual is provided written notice of the nature and the amount of the adjustment and point of contact for contesting such adjustment.
(5) Any adjustment to collect a debt amounting to $50 or less, if, at the time of such adjustment, or as soon thereafter as practical, the individual is provided written notice of the nature and the amount of the adjustment and a point of contact for contesting such adjustment.
(d) These regulations do not preclude an employee from requesting waiver of the debt, if waiver is available under subpart D of this part or by other regulation or statute.
(e) Nothing in these regulations precludes the compromise, suspension or termination of collection actions where appropriate under subpart D of this part or other regulations or statutes.
(a) When STATE is owed a debt by an employee of another agency, the other agency shall not initiate the requested offset until STATE provides the agency with a written certification that the debtor owes STATE a debt (including the amount and basis of the debt and the due date of payment) and that STATE has complied with these regulations.
(b) When another agency is owed the debt, STATE may use salary offset against one of its employees who is indebted to another agency, if requested to do so by that agency. Such request must be accompanied by a certification that the person owes the debt (including the amount and basis of the debt and the due date of payment) and that the agency has complied with its regulations as required by 5 U.S.C. 5514 and 5 CFR part 550, subpart K.
Except as provided in § 34.16, salary offset deductions will not be made unless STATE first provides the employee with a written notice that he/she owes a debt to the Federal Government at least 30 calendar days before salary offset is to be initiated. When STATE is the creditor agency, this notice of intent to offset an employee's salary shall be hand-delivered or sent by first class mail to the last known address that is available to the Department and will state:
(a) That STATE has reviewed the records relating to the debt and has determined that the debt is owed, its origin and nature, and the amount due;
(b) The intention of STATE to collect the debt by means of deduction from the employee's current pay until the debt and any and all accumulated interest, penalties and administrative costs are paid in full;
(c) The amount, frequency, approximate beginning date, and duration of the intended deductions;
(d) The requirement to assess and collect interest, penalties, and administrative costs in accordance with § 34.6, unless waived in accordance with § 34.6(f);
(e) The employee's right to inspect and copy any STATE records relating to the debt, or, if the employee or their representative cannot personally inspect the records, to request and receive a copy of such records;
(f) The opportunity to voluntarily repay the debt or to enter into a written agreement (under terms agreeable to STATE) to establish a schedule for repayment of the debt in lieu of offset;
(g)
(2) For all other debts, an internal review or an outside hearing conducted by an official not under the supervision or control of STATE may be requested with respect to the existence of the debt, the amount of the debt, or the repayment schedule (
(h) That the timely filing of a request for an outside hearing or internal review within 30 calendar days after the date of the notice of intent to offset will stay the commencement of collection proceedings;
(i) The method and time period for requesting an internal review or outside hearing;
(j) That a final decision on the internal review or outside hearing (if one is requested) will be issued at the earliest practical date, but not later than 60 days after the filing of the request, unless the employee requests and the outside hearing official grants a delay in the proceedings;
(k) That any knowingly false or frivolous statements, representation, or evidence may subject the employee to disciplinary procedures (5 U.S.C. Chapter 75, 5 CFR part 752 or other applicable statutes or regulations); penalties (31 U.S.C. 3729-3731 or other applicable statutes or regulations); or criminal penalties (18 U.S.C. 286, 287, 1001, and 1002 or other applicable statutes or regulations);
(l) Any other rights and remedies available to the employee under statutes or regulations governing the program for which the collection is being made;
(m) That the amounts paid on the debt which are later waived or found not owed to the United States will be promptly refunded to the employee, unless there are applicable contractual or statutory provisions to the contrary; and
(n) The name and address of the STATE official to whom communications should be directed.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, an employee must file a request that is received by STATE not later than 30 calendar days from the date of STATE's notice described in § 34.13 if an employee wants an outside hearing pursuant to § 34.13(g)(2) concerning:
(1) The existence or amount of the debt; or
(2) STATE's proposed offset schedule.
(b) The request must be signed by the employee and should identify and explain with reasonable specificity and brevity the facts, evidence and witnesses which the employee believes support his or her position. If the employee objects to the percentage of disposable pay to be deducted from each check, the request should state the objection and the reasons for it.
(c) The employee must also specify whether an oral or paper hearing is requested. If an oral hearing is desired, the request should explain why the matter cannot be resolved by review of the documentary evidence alone.
(d) If the employee files a request for an outside hearing later than the required 30 calendar days as described in paragraph (a) of this section, STATE may accept the request if the employee can show that the delay was because of circumstances beyond his or her control or because of failure to receive notice of the filing deadline (unless the employee has actual notice of the filing deadline).
(e) An employee waives the right to an outside hearing and will have his or her pay offset if the employee fails to file a petition for a hearing as prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section.
(a) If an employee timely files a request for an outside hearing under § 34.13(g)(2), pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5514(a)(2), STATE shall select the time, date, and location of the hearing.
(b) Outside hearings shall be conducted by a hearing official not under the supervision or control of STATE.
(c)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(i) A statement of the facts presented to support the origin, nature, and amount of the debt;
(ii) The hearing official's findings, analysis, and conclusions; and
(iii) The terms of any repayment schedules, or the date salary offset will commence, if applicable.
(6)
(d) A hearing official's decision is considered to be an official certification regarding the existence and amount of the debt for purposes of executing salary offset under 5 U.S.C. 5514 only. It does not supersede the finding by STATE that a debt is owed and does not affect the Government's ability to recoup the indebtedness through alternative collection methods under § 34.10.
Unless otherwise provided by statute or contract, the following procedures apply to salary offset:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2)
(ii) Installment payments of less than $25 per pay period will be accepted only in the most unusual circumstances.
(iii) Installment deductions will be made over a period of not greater than the anticipated period of employment.
So long as there are no statutory or contractual provisions to the contrary, no employee payment (of all or a portion of a debt) collected under this subpart will be interpreted as a waiver of any rights that the employee may have under 5 U.S.C. 5514.
(a) Waivers of indebtedness may be granted only as provided for certain types of debt by specific statutes and according to the standards set out under those statutes.
(b)
(i) Waiver may not be granted if there exists in connection with the claim an indication of fraud, misrepresentation, fault, or lack of good faith on the part of the employee or any other person having an interest in obtaining a waiver.
(ii) Fault is considered to exist if in light of the circumstances the employee knew or should have known through the exercise of due diligence that an error existed but failed to take corrective action. What an employee should have known is evaluated under a reasonable person standard. Employees are, however, expected to have a general understanding of the Federal pay system applicable to them.
(iii) An employee with notice that a payment may be erroneous is expected to make provisions for eventual repayment. Financial hardship is not a basis for granting a waiver for an employee who was on notice of an erroneous payment.
(iv) If the deciding official finds no indication of fraud, misrepresentation, fault, or lack of good faith on the part of the employee or any other person having an interest in obtaining a waiver of the claim, the employee is not automatically entitled to a waiver. Before a waiver can be granted, the deciding official must also determine that collection of the claim against an employee would be against equity and good conscience and not in the best interests of the United States. Factors to consider when determining if collection of a claim against an employee would be against equity and good conscience and not in the best interests of the United States include, but are not limited to:
(A) Whether collection of the claim would cause serious financial hardship to the employee from whom collection is sought.
(B) Whether, because of the erroneous payment, the employee either has relinquished a valuable right or changed positions for the worse, regardless of the employee's financial circumstances.
(C) The time elapsed between the erroneous payment and discovery of the error and notification of the employee;
(D) Whether failure to make restitution would result in unfair gain to the employee;
(E) Whether recovery of the claim would be unconscionable under the circumstances.
(2)
(i) Factors to be considered when determining if recovery of an advance payment would be against equity and good conscience or against the public interest include, but are not limited to:
(A) Death of the employee;
(B) Retirement of the employee for disability;
(C) Inability of the employee to return to duty because of disability (supported by an acceptable medical certificate); and
(D) Whether failure to repay would result in unfair gain to the employee.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3)
(i) Factors to be considered when determining if recovery of an advance payment would be against equity and good conscience or against the public interest include, but are not limited to:
(A) Death of the employee;
(B) Retirement of the employee for disability;
(C) Inability of the employee to return to duty because of disability (supported by an acceptable medical certificate); and
(D) Whether failure to repay would result in unfair gain to the employee.
(ii) [Reserved]
(4)
(i) Factors to be considered when determining if recovery of an advance payment would be against equity and good conscience or against the public interest include, but are not limited to:
(A) Death of the employee;
(B) Retirement of the employee for disability;
(C) Inability of the employee to return to duty because of disability (supported by an acceptable medical certificate); and
(D) Whether failure to repay would result in unfair gain to the employee.
(ii) [Reserved]
(5)
(i) Factors to be considered when determining if recovery of a debt arising out of employee training expenses would be against equity and good conscience or against the public interest include, but are not limited to:
(A) Death of the employee;
(B) Retirement of the employee for disability;
(C) Inability of the employee to return to duty because of disability (supported by an acceptable medical certificate); and
(D) Whether failure to repay would result in unfair gain to the employee.
(ii) [Reserved]
(6)
(i) Fault is considered to exist if in light of the circumstances the employee knew or should have known through the exercise of due diligence
(ii) Factors to be considered when determining whether recovery of unpaid deduction resulting from under-withholding would be against equity and good conscience include, but are not limited to:
(A) Whether collection of the claim would cause serious financial hardship to the individual from whom collection is sought.
(B) The time elapsed between the failure to properly withhold and discovery of the failure and notification of the individual;
(C) Whether failure to make restitution would result in unfair gain to the individual;
(D) Whether recovery of the claim would be unconscionable under the circumstances.
(7)
(8) As otherwise provided by law.
(c) Waiver of indebtedness is an equitable remedy and as such must be based on an assessment of the facts involved in the individual case under consideration.
(d) The burden is on the employee to demonstrate that the applicable waiver standard has been met.
(e)
(f) While a waiver request is pending, STATE may suspend collection, including the accrual of interest and penalties, on the debt if STATE determines that suspension is in the Department's best interest or would serve equity and good conscience.
STATE may attempt to effect compromise in accordance with the standards set forth in the FCCS, 31 CFR part 902.
The suspension of collection action shall be made in accordance with the standards set forth in the FCCS, 31 CFR 903.1-903.2
The termination of collection action shall be made in accordance with the standards set forth in the FCCS, 31 CFR 903.1 and 903.3-903.4.
Once a debt has been closed out for accounting purposes and collection has been terminated, the debt is discharged. STATE must report discharged debt as income to the debtor to the Internal Revenue Service per 26 U.S.C. 6050P and 26 CFR 1.6050P-1.
A debtor should notify STATE at the contact office provided in the original notice of the debt, if the debtor has filed for bankruptcy. STATE will require documentation from the applicable court indicating the date of filing and type of bankruptcy. Pursuant to the laws of bankruptcy, STATE will suspend debt collection upon such filing unless the automatic stay is no longer in effect or has been lifted. In general, collection of a debt discharged in bankruptcy shall be terminated unless otherwise provided for by bankruptcy law.
(a) STATE will refund promptly to the appropriate individual amounts offset under this regulation when:
(1) A debt is waived or otherwise found not owing the United States (unless expressly prohibited by statute or regulation); or
(2) STATE is directed by an administrative or judicial order to make a refund.
(b) Refunds do not bear interest unless required or permitted by law or contract.
31 U.S.C. 3801-3812.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) Made to the authority for property, services, or money (including money representing grants, loans, insurance, or benefits);
(2) Made to a recipient of property, services, or money from the authority or to a party to a contract with the authority—
(i) For property or services if the United States—
(A) Provided such property or services;
(B) Provided any portion of the funds for the purchase of such property or services; or
(C) Will reimburse such recipient or party for the purchase of such property or services; or
(ii) For the payment of money (including money representing grants, loans, insurance or benefits) if the United States—
(A) Provided any portion of the money requested or demanded; or
(B) Will reimburse such recipient or party for any portion of the money paid on such request or demand; or
(3) Made to the authority which has the effect of decreasing an obligation to pay or account for property, services or money.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(1) Has actual knowledge that the claim or statement is false, fictitious, or fraudulent;
(2) Acts in deliberate ignorance of the truth or falsity of the claim or statement; or
(3) Acts in reckless disregard of the truth or falsity of the claim or statement.
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(1) Not subject to supervision by, or required to report to, the investigating official;
(2) Not employed in the organizational unit of the authority in which the investigating official is employed; and
(3) 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 under the General Schedule.
(s)
(1) With respect to a claim or to obtain the approval or payment of a claim (including relating to eligibility to make a claim); or
(2) With respect to (including relating to eligibility for)—
(i) A contract with, or a bid or proposal for a contract with; or
(ii) 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 for any portion of the money or property under such contract or for such grant, loan, or benefit.
(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 the 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.
(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 the 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 the authority, recipient, or party.
(4) Each claim for property, services, or money is subject to a civil penalty 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 mateial fact that the person making the statment has a duty to include in such statement; and
(ii) Contains or is accompanied by an express certification or affirmation of the truthfulness and accuracy of the contents of the statement, 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 statement.
(2) Each written representation, certification, or affirmation constitutes a separate statement.
(3) A statement shall be considered made to the 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 the authority.
(c) No proof of specific intent to defraud is required to establish liability under this section.
(d) 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.
(e) In any case in which it is determined that more than one person is liable for making a claim under this section 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, in the case of a subpoena to be served outside the jurisdiction of the United States, the basis
(2) The investigating official may designate a person to act on his or her behalf to receive the documents sought; and
(3) The person receiving such subpoena shall be required to tender to the investigating official or the person designated to receive the documents a certification that the documents sought have been produced, or that such documents are not available and the reasons therefore, or that such documents, suitably identified, have been withheld based upon the assertion of an identified privilege.
(b) If the investigating official concludes that an action under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act may be warranted, the investigating official shall submit a report containing the findings and conclusions of such investigation to the reviewing official.
(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude or limit an investigating official's discretion to refer allegations directly to the Department of Justice for suit under the False Claims Act or other civil relief, or to preclude or limit such official's discretion to defer or postpone a report or referral to the reviewing official to avoid interference with a criminal investigation or prosecution.
(d) Nothing in this section modifies any responsibility of an investigating official to report violations of criminal law to the Attorney General.
(a) If, based on the report of the investigating official under § 35.4(b), the reviewing official determines that there is adequate evidence to believe that a person is liable under § 35.3 of this part, the reviewing official shall transmit to the Attorney General a written notice of the reviewing official's intention to issue a complaint under § 35.7.
(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 of property, services, or other benefits requested or demanded in violation of § 35.3;
(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.
(a) The reviewing official may issue a complaint under § 35.7 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)(1); and
(2) In the case of allegations of liability under § 35.3(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 § 35.3(a) does not exceed $150,000.
(b) For 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's 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.
(a) On or after the date the Department of Justice approves the issuance of a complaint in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3803(b)(1), the reviewing official
(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 a representative; and
(4) 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, as provided in § 35.10.
(c) At the same time the reviewing official serves the complaint, he or she shall serve the defendant with a copy of these regulations.
(a) Service of a complaint must be made by certified or registered mail or by delivery in any manner authorized by Rule 4(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Service is complete upon receipt.
(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 serving the complaint by delivery;
(2) A United States Postal Service return receipt card acknowledging receipt;
(3) Written acknowledgment of receipt by the defendant or his or her representative; or
(4) In case of service abroad authenticated in accordance with the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extra Judicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters.
(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 the name, address and telephone number of the person authorized by the defendant to act as defendant's representative, if any.
(c) If the defendant is unable to file an answer meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section within the time provided, the defendant may, before the expiration of 30 days from service of the complaint, file with the reviewing official a general answer denying liability and requesting a hearing, and a request for an extension of time within which to file an answer meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section. The reviewing official shall file promptly with the ALJ the complaint, the general answer denying liability, and the request for an extension of time as provided in § 35.10. For good cause shown, the ALJ may grant the defendant up to 30 additional days within which to file an answer meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
(a) If the defendant does not file an answer within the time prescribed in § 35.9(a), the reviewing official may refer the complaint to the ALJ.
(b) Upon the referral of the complaint, the ALJ shall promptly serve on defendant in the manner prescribed in § 35.8, a notice that an initial decision will be issued under this section.
(c) If the defendant fails to answer, the ALJ shall assume the facts alleged in the complaint to be true, and, if such facts established liability under § 35.3, 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 was issued.
(e) If, before such an initial decision becomes final, the defendant files a motion with the ALJ seeking to reopen on the grounds that extraordinary circumstances prevented the defendant from filing an answer, the initial decision shall be stayed pending the ALJ's decision on the 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 in paragraph (c) of this section, if such a decision has been issued, 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 § 35.38.
(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 whether extraordinary circumstances excuse the defendant's failure to file a timely answer based solely on the record before the ALJ.
(k) If the authority head decides that extraordinary circumstances excused the defendant's failure to file a timely answer, the authority head shall remand the case to the ALJ with instructions to grant the defendant an opportunity to answer.
(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 in the manner prescribed by § 35.8. At the same time, the ALJ shall send a copy of such notice to the representative for the Authority.
(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 name, address, and telephone number of the representative 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 employed anywhere in the authority, including in the offices of either the investigating official or the reviewing official.
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 herself or himself 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 objects shall be deemed waived
(d) Such affidavit shall state specific facts that support the party's belief that personal bias or other reason for disqualification exists and the time and circumstances of the party's discovery of such facts. It shall be accompanied by a certificate of the representative of record that it is made in good faith.
(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 paragraph (f) of this section.
(f) If the ALJ—
(1) Determines that a reviewing official is disqualified, the ALJ shall dismiss the complaint without prejudice;
(2) Disqualifies himself or herself, the case shall be reassigned promptly to another ALJ; or
(3) Denies a motion to disqualify, the authority head may determine the mater 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 a representative;
(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 oreal arguments at the hearing as permitted by the ALJ; and
(h) Submit written briefs 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 to be served within the United States requiring the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at depositions or at hearings. Subpoenas to be served outside the jurisdiction of the United States shall state on their face the authority therefore;
(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 find treaties and other international agreements or federal statutes or regulations invalid.
(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 and admissions of fact or as to the contents 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 materials that relate to the allegations set out in the complaint and upon which the findings and conclusions of the investigating official under § 35.4(b) are based, unless such materials are subject to a privilege under federal law or classified pursuant to Executive Order. 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 obtain 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 § 35.5 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 § 35.9.
(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 purpose of this section and §§ 35.22 and 35.23, the term “documents” includes information, documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, papers, and other data and 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) Motions for discovery. (1) A party seeking discovery may file a motion with the ALJ. Such a motion shall be accompanied by a copy of the requested discovery, or in the case of depositions, a summary of the scope of the proposed deposition.
(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 § 35.24.
(3) The ALJ may grant a motion for discovery only if he 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 or classified 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 § 35.24.
(e) Depositions. (1) If a motion for deposition is granted, the ALJ shall issue a subpoena for the deponent, which may require the deponent to produce documents. The subpoena shall specify the time and place at which the deposition will be held.
(2) The party seeking to depose shall serve the subpoena in the manner prescribed in § 35.8.
(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 § 35.33(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 for the failure or 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 day 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 produce.
(e) The party seeking the subpoena shall serve it in the manner prescribed in § 35.8. A subpoena on a party or upon an individual under the control of a party may be served within the United States 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, classified material, 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, a designation of the paper (e.g., motion to quash subpoena), and shall be in English or accompanied by an English translation.
(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 established 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.
(c) Where a document has been served or issued by mail, or by airmail abroad, 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 upon consent of the parties or following a hearing on the motion, but may overrule or deny such motion without awaiting a response.
(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 severity and 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 § 35.3 and, if so, the appropriate amount of any such civil penalty or assessment considering any aggravating or mitigating factors.
(b) The authority shall prove defendant's liability and any aggravating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.
(c) The defendant shall prove 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 assessments, the ALJ and the authority head, upon appeal, 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, ordinarily double damages and a significant civil penalty 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 (
(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, including particularly the impact on the intended beneficiaries of such programs;
(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 within the United States 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
(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 § 35.22(a).
(c) The ALJ shall exercise reasonable control over the mode and order of interrogating witnesses and presenting evidence in order to make—
(1) The interrogation and presentation effective for the ascertainment of the truth;
(2) To avoid needless consumption of time; and
(3) To 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 permitted by the ALJ, cross-examination on matters outside the scope of direct examination shall be conducted in the manner of direct examination and may proceed by leading questions only if the witness is a hostile witness, an adverse party, or a witness identified with an adverse party.
(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, e.g., to exclude unreliable evidence.
(c) The ALJ shall exclude irrelevant and immaterial 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 classified or otherwise privileged under Federal law.
(f) Evidence concerning offers or 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 § 35.24.
(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 § 35.24.
The ALJ may require the parties to file post-hearing briefs. In any event, any party may file a post-hearing brief.
(a) The ALJ shall issue an initial decision based only on the record, which shall contain findings of fact, conclusions 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 § 35.3; and
(2) If the person is liable for penalties or 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 § 35.31.
(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 the ALJ or a notice of appeal with the authority head. If the ALJ fails to meet the deadline contained in this paragraph, he or she shall notify the parties of the reason for the delay and shall set a new deadline.
(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 within the United States, 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) If the ALJ denies a motion for reconsideration of the initial decision, the initial decision shall constitute the final decision of the authority head and shall be final and binding on the parties 30 days after the ALJ denies the motion, unless the initial decision is timely appealed to the authority head in accordance with § 35.39.
(g) If the ALJ issues a revised initial decision, that 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, unless it is timely appealed to the authority head in accordance with § 35.39.
(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 § 35.38 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
(4) The authority head may extend the initial 30-day period for an additional 30 days if the defendant files with the authority head a request for an extension within the initial 30-day period and shows good cause.
(c) If the defendant files a timely notice of appeal with the authority head and the time for filing motions for reconsideration under § 35.38 has expired, the ALJ shall forward the 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 Government 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 no 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 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 that additional evidence not presented at such hearing is material and that there were reasonable grounds for the failure to present such evidence at such 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, determined by the ALJ in any initial decision.
(k) The authority head shall promptly serve each party to the appeal with a copy of the decision of the authority head and a statement describing the right of the defendant to seek judicial review.
(l) Unless a petition for 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 § 35.3 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. 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 § 35.42 or § 35.43, or any amount agreed upon in a compromise or settlement under § 35.46, may be collected by
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 § 35.42 or during the pendency of any action to collect penalties and assessments under § 35.43.
(d) The Attorney General has exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this part during the pendency of any review under § 35.42 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 the Attorney General, as appropriate. The reviewing official may recommend settlement terms to the authority head, or the Attorney General, as appropriate.
(f) Any compromise or settlement must be in writing.
(a) The notice of hearing with respect to a claim or statement must be served in the manner specified in § 35.8 within six years after the date on which such claim or statement is made.
(b) If the defendant fails to file a timely answer, service of notice under § 35.10(b) shall be deemed a notice of hearing for purposes of this section.
(c) The statute of limitations may be extended by agreement of the parties.
8 U.S.C. 1104.
Nomenclature changes to part 40 appear at 71 FR 34520 and 34521, June 15, 2006.
The following definitions supplement definitions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). As used in the regulations in parts 40, 41, 42, 43 and 45 of this subchapter, the term:
(a) (1)
(i) The date of issuance of a visa to the principal alien;
(ii) The date of adjustment of status in the United States of the principal alien; or
(iii) The date on which the principal alien personally appears and registers before a consular officer abroad to confer alternate foreign state chargeability or immigrant status upon a spouse or child.
(2) An “accompanying” relative may not precede the principal alien to the United States.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(1) Is the beneficiary of an approved petition granting immediate relative or preference status;
(2) Has satisfied the consular officer as to entitlement to special immigrant status under INA 101(a)(27) (A) or (B);
(3) Has been selected by the annual selection system to apply under INA 203(c); or
(4) Is an alien described in § 40.51(c).
(j)
(k)
(l)
(1) For a nonimmigrant visa applicant, submitting for formal adjudication by a consular officer of a completed Form DS-156, with any required supporting documents and the requisite processing fee or evidence of the prior payment of the processing fee when such documents are received and accepted for adjudication by the consular officer.
(2) For an immigrant visa applicant, personally appearing before a consular officer and verifying by oath or affirmation the statements contained on the Form DS-230 and in all supporting documents, having previously submitted all forms and documents required in advance of the appearance and paid the visa application processing fee.
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(a)
(b)
An immigrant or nonimmigrant seeking to enter an area which is under U.S. administration but which is not within the “United States”, as defined in INA 101(a)(38), is not required by the INA to be documented with a visa unless the authority contained in INA 215 has been invoked.
Upon receipt of a request for information from a visa file or record for use in court proceedings, as contemplated in INA 222(f), the consular officer must, prior to the release of the information, submit the request together with a full report to the Department.
(a)
(b)
(c )
A visa can be refused only upon a ground specifically set out in the law or implementing regulations. The term “reason to believe”, as used in INA 221(g), shall be considered to require a determination based upon facts or circumstances which would lead a reasonable person to conclude that the applicant is ineligible to receive a visa as provided in the INA and as implemented by the regulations. Consideration shall be given to any evidence submitted indicating that the ground for a prior refusal of a visa may no longer exist. The burden of proof is upon the applicant to establish eligibility to receive a visa under INA 212 or any other provision of law or regulation.
Subparts B through L describe classes of inadmissible aliens who are ineligible to receive visas and who shall be ineligible for admission into the United States, except as otherwise provided in the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(2)
(A) Prior to the alien's fifteenth birthday, or
(B) Between the alien's fifteenth and eighteenth birthdays unless such alien was tried and convicted as an adult for a felony involving violence as defined in section 1(1) and section 16 of Title 18 of the United States Code.
(ii) An alien tried and convicted as an adult for a violent felony offense, as so defined, committed after having attained the age of fifteen years, will be subject to the provisions of INA 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) regardless of whether at the time of conviction juvenile courts existed within the convicting jurisdiction.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(b)
(2)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(1) The alien is coming to the United States solely, principally, or incidentally to engage in prostitution, or has engaged in prostitution, or the alien directly or indirectly procures or attempts to procure, or procured or attempted to procure or to import prostitutes or persons for the purposes of prostitution, or receives or received, in whole or in part, the proceeds of prostitution; and
(2) The alien has performed one of the activities listed in § 40.24(a)(1) within the last ten years.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a)
(b)
(1) There are not sufficient workers in the United States who are able, willing, qualified, (or equally qualified in the case of aliens who are members of the teaching profession or who have exceptional ability in the sciences or the arts) and available at the time of application for a visa and at the place to which the alien is destined to perform such skilled or unskilled labor, and
(2) The employment of such alien will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of the workers in the United States similarly employed.
(c)
INA 212(a)(5)(B) applies only to immigrant aliens described in INA 203(b) (2) or (3).
(a) Subject to paragraph (b) of this section, a consular officer must not issue a visa to any alien seeking admission to the United States for the purpose of performing services in a health care occupation, other than as a physician, unless, in addition to meeting all other requirements of law and regulation, the alien provides to the officer a certification issued by the Commission On Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or another credentialing service that has been approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security for such purpose, which certificate complies with the provisions of sections 212(a)(5)(C) and 212(r) of the Act, 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(5)(C) and 8 U.S.C. 1182(r), respectively, and the regulations found at 8 CFR 212.15.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to an alien:
(1) Seeking to enter the United States in order to perform services in a non-clinical health care occupation as described in 8 CFR 212.15(b)(1); or
(2) Who is the immigrant or nonimmigrant spouse or child of a foreign health care worker and who is seeking to accompany or follow to join as a derivative applicant the principal alien to whom this section applies; or
(3) Who is applying for an immigrant or a nonimmigrant visa for any purpose other than for the purpose of seeking entry into the United States in order to perform health care services as described in 8 CFR 212.15.
INA 212(a)(6)(A)(i) does not apply at the time of visa issuance.
An alien who without reasonable cause failed to attend, or to remain in attendance at, a hearing initiated on or after April 1, 1997, under INA 240 to determine inadmissibility or deportability shall be ineligible for a visa under INA 212(a)(6)(B) for five years following the alien's subsequent departure or removal from the United States.
(a)
(b)
(c)
INA 212(a)(6)(D) is not applicable at the time of visa application.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
An alien ineligible under the provisions of INA 212(a)(6)(G) shall not be issued a visa unless the alien has complied with the time limitation set forth therein.
An alien who, under the provisions of INA 222(g), has voided a nonimmigrant visa by remaining in the United States beyond the period of authorized stay is ineligible for a new nonimmigrant visa unless the alien complies with the requirements in 22 CFR 41.101 (b) or (c) regarding the place of application.
INA 212(a)(7)(A) is not applicable at the time of visa application. (For waiver of documentary requirements for immigrants see 22 CFR 42.1 and 42.2.)
A passport which is valid indefinitely for the return of the bearer to the country whose government issued such passport shall be deemed to have the required minimum period of validity as specified in INA 212(a)(7)(B).
An alien will be ineligible to receive an immigrant visa under INA 212(a)(8)(A) if the alien is ineligible for citizenship, including as provided in INA 314 or 315.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
An alien described in INA 212(a)(9)(C)(i) is permanently ineligible for a visa unless the Secretary of Homeland Security consents to the alien's application for readmission not less than 10 years following the alien's last departure from the United States. Such application for readmission shall be made prior to the alien's reembarkation at a place outside the United States.
An immigrant alien shall be ineligible under INA 212(a)(9)(A) only if the alien is coming to the United States to practice polygamy.
INA 212(a)(9)(B) is not applicable at the time of visa application.
An alien who would otherwise be ineligible under INA 212(a)(9)(C)(i) shall not be ineligible under such paragraph if the U.S. citizen child in question is physically located in a foreign state which is party to the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction.
(a) Subject to paragraph (b) of this section, an alien is ineligible for a visa if the alien has voted in violation of any Federal, State, or local constitutional provision, statute, ordinance, or regulation.
(b) Such alien shall not be considered to be ineligible under paragraph (a) of this section if each natural parent of the alien (or, in the case of an adopted alien, each adoptive parent of the alien) is or was a citizen (whether by birth or naturalization), the alien permanently resided in the United States prior to attaining the age of 16, and the alien reasonably believed at the time of such violation that he or she was a citizen.
An alien who is a former citizen of the United States, who on or after September 30, 1996, has officially renounced United States citizenship and who has been determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security to have renounced citizenship to avoid United States taxation, is ineligible for a visa under INA 212(a)(10)(E).
(a)
(1) The applicant fails to furnish information as required by law or regulations;
(2) The application contains a false or incorrect statement other than one
(3) The application is not supported by the documents required by law or regulations;
(4) The applicant refuses to be fingerprinted as required by regulations;
(5) The necessary fee is not paid for the issuance of the visa or, in the case of an immigrant visa, for the application therefor;
(6) In the case of an immigrant visa application, the alien fails to swear to, or affirm, the application before the consular officer; or
(7) The application otherwise fails to meet specific requirements of law or regulations for reasons for which the alien is responsible.
(b)
An alien who was admitted into the United States as an exchange visitor, or who acquired such status after admission, and who is within the purview of INA 212(e) as amended by the Act of April 7, 1970, (84 Stat. 116) and by the Act of October 12, 1976, (90 Stat. 2301), is not eligible to apply for or receive an immigrant visa or a nonimmigrant visa under INA 101(a)(15) (H), (K), or (L), notwithstanding the approval of a petition on the alien's behalf, unless:
(a) It has been established that the alien has resided and has been physically present in the country of the alien's nationality or last residence for an aggregate of at least 2 years following the termination of the alien's exchange visitor status as required by INA 212(e), or
(b) The foreign residence requirement of INA 212(e) has been waived by the Secretary of Homeland Security in the alien's behalf.
An alien entitled to nonimmigrant classification under INA 101(a)(15) (A), (E), or (G) who is applying for an immigrant visa and who intends to continue the activities required for such nonimmigrant classification in the United States is not eligible to receive an immigrant visa until the alien executes a written waiver of all rights, privileges, exemptions and immunities which would accrue by reason of such occupational status.
An alien shall be ineligible to receive a visa under INA 203(c) if the alien does not have a high school education or its equivalent, as defined in 22 CFR 42.33(a)(2), or does not have, within the five years preceding the date of application for such visa, at least two years of work experience in an occupation which requires at least two years of training or experience.
(a)
(b)
(c)
8 U.S.C. 1104; Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681-795 through 2681-801; 8 U.S.C. 1185 note (section 7209 of Pub. L. 108-458).
Nomenclature changes to part 41 appear at 71 FR 34521 and 34522, June 15, 2006.
Nonimmigrants in the following categories are exempt from the passport and visa requirements of INA 212(a)(7)(B)(i)(I), (i)(II):
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Pursuant to the authority of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security under INA 212(d)(4), the passport and/or visa requirements of INA 212(a)(7)(B)(i)(I), (i)(II) are waived as specified below for the following categories of nonimmigrants:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) Is proceeding to the United States as an agricultural worker; or
(2) Is the beneficiary of a valid, unexpired, indefinite certification granted by the Department of Labor for employment in the Virgin Islands of the United States and is proceeding thereto for employment, or is the spouse or child of such an alien accompanying or following to join the alien.
(f)
(2) A national of the British Virgin Islands and resident therein requires a passport but does not require a visa to apply for entry into the United States if such applicant:
(i) Is proceeding by aircraft directly from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands;
(ii) Is traveling to some other part of the United States solely for the purpose of business or pleasure as described in INA 101(a)(15)(B);
(iii) Satisfies the examining U.S. Immigration officer at that port of entry that he or she is admissible in all respects other than the absence of a visa; and
(iv) Presents a current Certificate of Good Conduct issued by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Department indicating that he or she has no criminal record.
(g)
(2) A visa and a passport are not required of a Mexican national who is entering solely for the purpose of applying for a Mexican passport or other official Mexican document at a Mexican consular office on the United States side of the border.
(3) A visa is not required of a Mexican national employed as a crew member on an aircraft belonging to a Mexican company authorized to engage in commercial transportation into the United States.
(4) A visa is not required of a Mexican national bearing a Mexican diplomatic or official passport who is a military or civilian official of the Federal Government of Mexico entering the United States for a stay of up to 6 months for any purpose other than on assignment as a permanent employee
(h)
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Except as provided in paragraphs (a) through (i) and (k) through (m) of this section, all aliens are required to present a valid, unexpired visa and passport upon arrival in the United States. An alien may apply for a waiver of the visa and passport requirement if, either prior to the alien's embarkation abroad or upon arrival at a port of entry, the responsible district director of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in charge of the port of entry concludes that the alien is unable to present the required documents because of an unforeseen emergency. The DHS district director may grant a waiver of the visa or passport requirement pursuant to INA 212(d)(4)(A), without the prior concurrence of the Department of State, if the district director concludes that the alien's claim of emergency circumstances is legitimate and that approval of the waiver would be appropriate under all of the attendant facts and circumstances.
(k)
(l)
(2) An alien denied admission under the Visa Waiver Program by virtue of a ground of inadmissibility described in INA section 212(a) that is discovered at the time of the alien's application for admission at a port of entry or through use of an automated electronic database may apply for a visa as the only means of challenging such a determination. A consular officer must accept and adjudicate any such application if the alien otherwise fulfills all of the application requirements contained in Part 41, § 41.2(l)(1).
(m)
Under the authority of INA 212(d)(4), the documentary requirements of INA 212(a)(7)(B)(i)(I), (i)(II) may be waived for any alien in whose case the consular officer serving the port or place of embarkation is satisfied after consultation with, and concurrence by, the appropriate immigration officer, that the case falls within any of the following categories:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) Who is a landed immigrant in Canada;
(2) Whose port and date of expected arrival in the United States are known; and
(3) Who is proceeding to the United States under emergent circumstances which preclude the timely procurement of a passport or Canadian certificate of identity.
(g)
(a)
(b)
(2) In a borderline case in which an alien appears to be otherwise entitled to receive a visa under INA 101(a)(15)(B) or (F) but the consular officer concludes that the maintenance of the alien's status or the departure of the alien from the United States as required is not fully assured, a visa may nevertheless be issued upon the posting of a bond with the Secretary of Homeland Security under terms and conditions prescribed by the consular officer.
A visa issued to a nonimmigrant alien within one of the classes described in this section shall bear an appropriate visa symbol to show the classification of the alien. The symbol shall be inserted in the space provided on the visa. The following visa symbols shall be used:
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(i) Are relatives of the principal alien or spouse by blood, marriage, or adoption;
(ii) Are not members of some other household;
(iii) Will reside regularly in the household of the principal alien;
(iv) Are recognized as dependents by the sending Government as demonstrated by eligibility for rights and benefits, such as the issuance of a diplomatic or official passport and travel and other allowances, which would be granted to the spouse and children of the principal alien; and
(v) Are individually authorized by the Department.
(4)
(b)
(1) Described in INA 101(a)(15)(A)(i) and (ii); or
(2) Described in INA 101(a)(15)(G)(i), (ii), (iii), and (iv); or
(3) NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, or NATO-6 may present a passport which is valid only for a sufficient period to enable the alien to apply for admission at a port of entry prior to its expiration.
(c)
(d)
(2) Only the provisions of INA 212(a) cited below apply to the indicated classes of nonimmigrant visa applicants:
(i) Class A-1: INA 212(a) (3)(A), (3)(B), and (3)(C);
(ii) Class A-2: INA 212(a) (3)(A), (3)(B), and (3)(C);
(iii) Classes C-2 and C-3: INA 212(a) (3)(A), (3)(B), (3)(C), and (7)(B);
(iv) Classes G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4: INA 212(a) (3)(A), (3)(B), and (3)(C);
(v) Classes NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, and NATO-6: INA 212(a) (3)(A), (3)(B), and (3)(C);
(3) An alien within class A-3 or G-5 is subject to all grounds of refusal specified in INA 212 which are applicable to nonimmigrants in general.
(a)
(i) Has been accredited by a foreign government recognized de jure by the United States;
(ii) Intends to engage solely in official activities for that foreign government while in the United States; and
(iii) Has been accepted by the President, the Secretary of State, or a consular officer acting on behalf of the Secretary of State.
(2) A member of the immediate family of a principal alien is classifiable A-1 or A-2 under INA 101(a)(15)(A) (i) or (ii) if the principal alien is so classified.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(2)
(3)
(i)
An accredited official of a foreign government intending to proceed in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on official business for that government is entitled to the benefits of INA 212(d)(8) if that government grants similar privileges to officials of the United States, and is classifiable C-3 under the provisions of INA 101(a)(15)(C). Members of the immediate family, attendants, servants, or personal employees of such an official receive the same classification as the principal alien.
(a)
(1) Any public international organization which has been designated by the President by Executive Order as entitled to enjoy the privileges, exemptions, and immunities provided for in the International Organizations Immunities Act (59 Stat. 669, 22 U.S.C. 288); and
(2) For the purpose of special immigrant status under INA 101(a)(27)(I), INTELSAT or any successor or separated entity thereof.
(b)
(2) An alien applying for a visa under the provisions of INA 101(a)(15)(G) may not be refused solely on the grounds that the applicant is not a national of the country whose government the applicant represents.
(3) An alien seeking to enter the United States as a foreign government representative to an international organization, who is also proceeding to the United States on official business as a foreign government official within the meaning of INA 101(a)(15)(A), shall be issued a visa under that section, if otherwise qualified.
(4) An alien not classifiable under INA 101(a)(15)(A) but entitled to classification under INA 101(a)(15)(G) shall be classified under the latter section, even if also eligible for another nonimmigrant classification.
(c)
(2) Aliens who had had G-4 status as officers and employees of INTELSAT but became officers or employees of a successor or separated entity of INTELSAT after at least six months of such employment, but prior to and in anticipation of privatization and subsequent to March 17, 2000, will also continue to be classifiable under INA 101(a)(15)(G)(iv) for so long as that employment continues.
(3) Family members of officers and employees described in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section who qualify as “immediate family” under § 41.21(a)(3) and who are accompanying or following to join the principal are also classifiable under INA 1010(a)(15)(G)(iv) for so long as the principal is so classified.
(4) Attendants, servants, and personal employees of officers and employees described in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section are not eligible for classification under INA 101(a)(15)(G)(v), given that the officers and employees described in paragraphs
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(2)
(3)
(b)
(c)
(i) Heads of states and their alternates;
(ii) Members of a reigning royal family;
(iii) Governors-general, governors, high commissioners, and similar high administrative or executive officers of a territorial unit, and their alternates;
(iv) Cabinet ministers and their assistants holding executive or administrative positions not inferior to that of the head of a departmental division, and their alternates;
(v) Presiding officers of chambers of national legislative bodies;
(vi) Justices of the highest national court of a foreign country;
(vii) Ambassadors, public ministers, other officers of the diplomatic service and consular officers of career;
(viii) Military officers holding a rank not inferior to that of a brigadier general in the United States Army or Air Force and Naval officers holding a rank not inferior to that of a rear admiral in the United States Navy;
(ix) Military, naval, air and other attaché and assistant attaché assigned to a foreign diplomatic mission;
(x) Officers of foreign-government delegations to international organizations so designated by Executive Order;
(xi) Officers of foreign-government delegations to, and officers of, international bodies of an official nature, other than international organizations so designated by Executive Order;
(xii) Officers of a diplomatic mission of a temporary character proceeding to or through the United States in the performance of their official duties;
(xiii) Officers of foreign-government delegations proceeding to or from a specific international conference of an official nature;
(xiv) Members of the immediate family of a principal alien who is within one of the classes described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) to (c)(1)(xi) inclusive, of this section;
(xv) Members of the immediate family accompanying or following to join the principal alien who is within one of the classes described in paragraphs (c)(1)(xii) and (c)(1)(xiii) of this section;
(xvi) Diplomatic couriers proceeding to or through the United States in the performance of their official duties.
(2) Aliens Classifiable G-4, who are otherwise qualified, are eligible to receive a diplomatic visa if accompanying these officers:
(i) The Secretary General of the United Nations;
(ii) An Under Secretary General of the United Nations;
(iii) An Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations;
(iv) The Administrator or the Deputy Administrator of the United Nations Development Program;
(v) An Assistant Administrator of the United Nations Development Program;
(vi) The Executive Director of the:
(A) United Nation's Children's Fund;
(B) United Nations Institute for Training and Research;
(C) United Nations Industrial Development Organization;
(vii) The Executive Secretary of the:
(A) United Nations Economic Commission for Africa;
(B) United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East;
(C) United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America;
(D) United Nations Economic Commission for Europe;
(viii) The Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development;
(ix) The Director General of the Latin American Institute for Economic and Social Planning;
(x) The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees;
(xi) The United Nations Commissioner for Technical Cooperation;
(xii) The Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East;
(xiii) The spouse or child of any nonimmigrant alien listed in paragraphs (c)(2)(i) through (c)(2)(xii) of this section.
(3) Other individual aliens or classes of aliens are eligible to receive diplomatic visas upon authorization of the Department, the Chief of a U.S. Diplomatic Mission, the Deputy Chief of Mission, the Counselor for Consular Affairs or the principal officer of a consular post not under the jurisdiction of a diplomatic mission.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(i) Aliens within a class described in § 41.26(c)(2) who are ineligible to receive a diplomatic visa because they are not in possession of a diplomatic passport or its equivalent;
(ii) Aliens classifiable under INA 101(a)(15)(A);
(iii) Aliens, other than those described in § 41.26(c)(3) who are classifiable under INA 101(a)(15)(G), except those classifiable under INA 101(a)(15)(G)(iii) unless the government of which the alien is an accredited representative is recognized
(iv) Aliens classifiable under INA 101(a)(15)(C) as nonimmigrants described in INA 212(d)(8);
(v) Members and members-elect of national legislative bodies;
(vi) Justices of the lesser national and the highest state courts of a foreign country;
(vii) Officers and employees of national legislative bodies proceeding to or through the United States in the performance of their official duties;
(viii) Clerical and custodial employees attached to foreign-government delegations to, and employees of, international bodies of an official nature, other than international organizations so designated by Executive Order, proceeding to or through the United States in the performance of their official duties;
(ix) Clerical and custodial employees attached to a diplomatic mission of a temporary character proceeding to or through the United States in the performance of their official duties;
(x) Clerical and custodial employees attached to foreign-government delegations proceeding to or from a specific international conference of an official nature;
(xi) Officers and employees of foreign governments recognized
(xii) Members of the immediate family, attendants, servants and personal employees of, when accompanying or following to join, a principal alien who is within one of the classes referred to or described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(xi) inclusive of this section;
(xiii) Attendants, servants and personal employees accompanying or following to join a principal alien who is within one of the classes referred to or described in paragraphs (c)(1)(i) through (c)(1)(xiii) inclusive of § 41.26(c)(2).
(2) Other individual aliens or classes of aliens are eligible to receive official visas upon the authorization of the Department, the Chief of a U.S. Diplomatic Mission, the Deputy Chief of Mission, the Counselor for Consular Affairs, or the principal officer of a consular post not under the jurisdiction of a diplomatic mission.
(a)
(1) The alien intends to leave the United States at the end of the temporary stay (consular officers are authorized, if departure of the alien as required by law does not seem fully assured, to require the posting of a bond with the Secretary of Homeland Security in a sufficient sum to ensure that at the end of the temporary visit, or upon failure to maintain temporary visitor status, or any status subsequently acquired under INA 248, the alien will depart from the United States);
(2) The alien has permission to enter a foreign country at the end of the temporary stay; and
(3) Adequate financial arrangements have been made to enable the alien to carry out the purpose of the visit to and departure from the United States.
(b)
(2) The term
(a)
(i) Is a citizen and resident of Mexico;
(ii) Seeks to enter the United States as a temporary visitor for business or pleasure as defined in INA 101(a)(15)(B) for periods of stay not exceeding six months;
(iii) Is otherwise eligible for a B-1 or a B-2 temporary visitor visa.
(2)
(i) Evidence of Mexican citizenship and residence;
(ii) The applicant's digitized photographic image taken at the time of the application; and
(iii) A valid Mexican Federal passport.
(iv) A digitized impression of the prints of the alien's index fingers taken at the time of the application.
(3)
(4)
(i) Post symbol;
(ii) Number of the card;
(iii) Date of issuance;
(iv) Indicia “B-1/B-2 Visa and Border Crossing Card”;
(v) Name, date of birth, and sex of the person to whom issued; and
(vi) Date of expiration.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) A BCC issued at any time by a consular officer in Mexico under any provisions of this section contained in the 22 CFR, parts 1 to 299, edition revised as of April 1, 1998, is void if a consular or immigration officer determines that the alien has violated the conditions of the alien's admission into the United States, including the period of stay authorized by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(3) A consular or immigration officer shall immediately take possession of a card determined to be void under paragraphs (d) (1) or (2) of this section and physically cancel it under standard security conditions. If the document voided in paragraphs (d) (1) or (2) is in the form of a stamp in a passport the officer shall write or stamp “canceled” across the face of the document.
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) A BCC issued at any time by a consular officer in Canada under any provisions of this section contained in the 22 CFR, parts 1 to 299, edition revised as of April 1, 1998, is void if a consular or immigration officer finds that the alien has violated the conditions of the alien's admission into the United States, including the period of stay authorized by the Secretary of Homeland Security.
(3) A consular or immigration officer shall immediately take possession of a card determined to be void under paragraphs (c) (1) or (2) of this section and physically cancel it under standard security conditions. If the document voided under paragraphs (c) (1) or (2) is in the form of a stamp in a passport the officer shall write or stamp “canceled” across the face of the document.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(i) Will be in the United States solely to carry on trade of a substantial nature, which is international in scope, either on the alien's behalf or as an employee of a foreign person or organization engaged in trade, principally between the United States and the foreign state of which the alien is a national, (consideration being given to any conditions in the country of which the alien is a national which may affect the alien's ability to carry on such substantial trade); and
(ii) Intends to depart from the United States upon the termination of E-1 status.
(2)
(i) A person having the nationality of the treaty country, who is maintaining the status of treaty trader if in the United States or, if not in the United States, would be classifiable as a treaty trader; or
(ii) An organization at least 50% owned by persons having the nationality of the treaty country who are maintaining nonimmigrant treaty trader status if residing in the United States or, if not residing in the United States, who would be classifiable as treaty traders.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(i) An executive position provides the employee great authority to determine policy of and direction for the enterprise.
(ii) A position primarily of supervisory character grants the employee supervisory responsibility for a significant proportion of an enterprise's operations and does not generally involve the direct supervision of low-level employees.
(12)
(i) The essential nature of the alien's skills to the employing firm is determined by assessing the degree of proven expertise of the alien in the area of operations involved, the uniqueness of the specific skill or aptitude, the length of experience and/or training with the firm, the period of training or other experience necessary to perform effectively the projected duties, and
(ii) Whether the special qualifications are essential will be assessed in light of all circumstances at the time of each visa application on a case-by-case basis. A skill that is unique at one point may become commonplace at a later date. Skills required to start up an enterprise may no longer be essential after initial operations are complete and are running smoothly. Some skills are essential only in the short-term for the training of locally hired employees. Long-term essentiality might, however, be established in connection with continuous activities in such areas as product improvement, quality control, or the provision of a service not generally available in the United States.
(13)
(i) There is in progress a strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute in the occupational classification at the place or intended place of employment; and
(ii) The alien has failed to establish that the alien's entry will not affect adversely the settlement of the strike or lockout or the employment of any person who is involved in the strike or lockout.
(b)
(i) Has invested or is actively in the process of investing a substantial amount of capital in bona fide enterprise in the United States, as distinct from a relatively small amount of capital in a marginal enterprise solely for the purpose of earning a living; and
(ii) Is seeking entry solely to develop and direct the enterprise; and
(iii) Intends to depart from the United States upon the termination of E'2 status.
(2)
(i) A person having the nationality of the treaty country, who is maintaining the status of treaty investor if in the United States or, if not in the United States, who would be classifiable as a treaty investor; or
(ii) An organization at least 50% owned by persons having the nationality of the treaty country who are maintaining nonimmigrant treaty investor status if residing in the United States or, if not residing in the United States, who would be classifiable as treaty investors.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(i)(A) Substantial in the proportional sense,
(B) Sufficient to ensure the treaty investor's financial commitment to the successful operation of the enterprise; and
(C) Of a magnitude to support the likelihood that the treaty investor will successfully develop and direct the enterprise.
(ii) Whether an amount of capital is substantial in the proportionality sense is understood in terms of an inverted sliding scale;
(10)
(11)
(12)
(i) An executive position provides the employee great authority to determine policy of and direction for the enterprise.
(ii) A position primarily of supervisory character grants the employee supervisory responsibility for a significant proportion of an enterprise's operations and does not generally involve the direct supervision of low-level employees.
(13)
(i) The essential nature of the alien's skills to the employing firm is determined by assessing the degree of proven expertise of the alien in the area of
(ii) Whether the special qualifications are essential will be assessed in light of all circumstances at the time of each visa application on a case-by-case basis. A skill that is unique at one point may become commonplace at a later date. Skills required to start up an enterprise may no longer be essential after initial operations are complete and are running smoothly. Some skills are essential only in the short-term for the training of locally hired employees. Long-term essentiality might, however, be established in connection with continuous activities in such areas as product improvement, quality control, or the provision of a service not generally available in the United States.
(14)
(i) There is in progress a strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute in the occupational classification at the place or intended place of employment; and
(ii) The alien has failed to establish that the alien's entry will not affect adversely the settlement of the strike or lockout or the employment of any person who is involved in the strike or lockout.
(c)
(i) Possesses the nationality of the country statutorily designated for treaty aliens in specialty occupation status;
(ii) Satisfies the requirements of INA 214(i)(1) and the corresponding regulations defining specialty occupation promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security;
(iii) Presents to a consular officer a copy of the Labor Condition Application signed by the employer and approved by the Department of Labor, and meeting the attestation requirements of INA Section 212(t)(1);
(iv) Presents to a consular officer evidence of the alien's academic or other qualifying credentials as required under INA 214(i)(1), and a job offer letter or other documentation from the employer establishing that upon entry into the United States the applicant will be engaged in qualifying work in a specialty occupation, as defined in paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section, and that the alien will be paid the actual or prevailing wage referred to in INA 212(t)(1);
(v) Has a visa number allocated under INA 214(g)(11)(B); and,
(vi) Intends to depart upon the termination of E-3 status.
(2)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien qualifies under that section; and either
(2) With respect to the principal alien, the consular officer has received official evidence of the approval by DHS, or by the Department of Labor in the case of temporary agricultural workers, of a petition to accord such classification or of the extension by DHS of the period of authorized entry in such classification; or
(3) The consular officer is satisfied the alien is the spouse or child of an alien so classified and is accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a)
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien qualifies under that section; and either
(2) In the case of an individual petition, the consular officer has received official evidence of the approval by DHS of a petition to accord such classification or of the extension by DHS of the period of authorized stay in such classification; or
(3) In the case of a blanket petition, the alien has presented to the consular officer official evidence of the approval by DHS of a blanket petition
(i) listing only those intracompany relationships and positions found to qualify under INA 101(a)(15)(L) or
(ii) to accord such classification to qualified aliens who are being transferred to qualifying positions identified in such blanket petition; or
(4) The consular officer is satisfied the alien is the spouse or child of an alien so classified and is accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
(b)
(c)
(2) The period of validity of a visa issued on the basis of paragraph (a) to this section is not limited to the period of validity indicated in the blanket petition, notification, or confirmation required in paragraphs (a)(2)(iii) or (iv) of this section.
(d)
(e)
(1) There is in progress a strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute in the occupational classification at the place or intended place of employment; and
(2) The alien has failed to establish that the alien's entry will not affect adversely the settlement of the strike or lockout or the employment of any person who is involved in the strike or lockout.
(f)
(1) The alien has been continuously employed by the same employer, an affiliate or a subsidiary thereof, for 1 year within the 3 years immediately preceding the application for the L visa;
(2) The alien was occupying a qualifying position throughout that year; or
(3) The alien is destined to a qualifying position identified in the petition and in an organization listed in the petition.
(g)
(a)
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien qualifies under the provisions of that section; and either
(2) With respect to the principal alien, the consular officer has received official evidence of the approval by DHS of a petition to accord such classification or of the extension by DHS of the period of authorized stay in such classification; or
(3) The consular officer is satisfied the alien is the spouse or child of an alien so classified and is accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien qualifies under the provisions of that section; and either
(2) With respect to the principal alien, the consular officer has received official evidence of the approval by DHS of a petition to accord such classification or of the extension by DHS of the period of authorized stay in such classification; or
(3) The consular officer is satisfied the alien is the spouse or child of an alien so classified and is accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(i) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien qualifies under the provisions of that section, and
(ii) The consular officer has received official evidence of the approval by DHS of a petition or the extension by DHS of the period of authorized stay in such classification.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b)
(i) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien qualifies under the provisions of that section;
(ii) The consular officer has received a certification letter prepared by a program administration charged by the Department of State in consultation with the Department of Justice with the operation of the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program (IPPCTP) which establishes at a minimum:
(A) The name of the alien's employer in the United States, and, if applicable, in Ireland or Northern Ireland;
(B) If the alien is participating in the IPPCTP as an unemployed alien, that the employment in the United States is in an occupation designated by the employment and training administration of the alien's place of residence as being most beneficial to the local economy;
(C) That the program administrator has accepted the alien into the program;
(D) That the alien has been physically resident in Northern Ireland or in the counties of Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Sligo, and Donegal in the Republic of Ireland and the length of time immediately prior to the issuance of the letter that the alien has
(E) The alien's date and place of birth;
(F) If the alien is participating in the IPPCTP as an already employed participant, the length of time immediately prior to the issuance of the letter that the alien has been employed by an employer in the alien's place of physical residence;
(iii) If applicable, the consular officer is satisfied the alien is the spouse or child of an alien classified under INA section 101(a)(15)(Q)(ii), and is accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
(2)
(a)
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien qualifies under the provisions of that section; and
(2) The alien, for the 2 years immediately preceding the time of application for admission, has been a member of a religious denomination having a bona fide nonprofit, religious organization in the United States; and
(3) The alien seeks to enter the United States solely for the purpose of
(i) Carrying on the vocation of a minister of that religious denomination, or
(ii) At the request of the organization, working in a professional capacity in a religious vocation or occupation for that organization, or
(iii) At the request of the organization, working in a religious vocation or occupation for the organization, or for a bona fide organization which is affiliated with the religious denomination described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986; and
(4) The alien is seeking to enter the United States for a period not to exceed 5 years to perform the activities described in paragraph (3) of this section; or
(5) The alien is the spouse or child of an alien so classified and is accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a)
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien qualifies under the provisions of that section; and
(2) In the case of citizens of Mexico, the consular officer has received from DHS an approved petition according classification as a NAFTA Professional to the alien or official confirmation of such petition approval, or DHS confirmation of the alien's authorized stay in such classification; or
(3) In the case of citizens of Canada, the alien shall have presented to the consular officer sufficient evidence of an offer of employment in the United States requiring employment of a person in a professional capacity consistent with NAFTA Chapter 16 Annex 1603 Appendix 1603.D.1 and sufficient evidence that the alien possesses the credentials of that profession as listed in said appendix; or
(4) The alien is the spouse or child of an alien so classified and is accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) There is in progress a strike or lockout in the course of a labor dispute in the occupational classification at the place or intended place of employment; and
(2) The alien has failed to establish that the alien's entry will not affect adversely the settlement of the strike or lockout or the employment of any person who is involved in the strike or lockout.
(a)
(2)
(b)
(i) The alien has been accepted for attendance for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study, or, for students classified under INA 101(a)(15) (F)(iii) and (M)(iii) Border Commuter Students, full or part-time course of study, in an academic institution approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security for foreign students under INA 101(a)(15)(F)(i) or a nonacademic institution approved under 101(a)(15)(M)(i). The alien has presented a SEVIS Form I-20, Form I-20A-B/I-20ID. Certificate of Eligibility For Nonimmigrant Student Status—For Academic and Language Students, or Form I-20M-N/I-20ID, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status—For Vocational Students, properly completed and signed by the alien and a designated official as prescribed in regulations found at 8 CFR 214.2(F) and 214.2(M);
(ii) The alien possesses sufficient funds to cover expenses while in the United States or can satisfy the consular officer that other arrangements have been made to meet those expenses;
(iii) The alien, unless coming to participate exclusively in an English language training program, has sufficient knowledge of the English language to undertake the chosen course of study or training. If the alien's knowledge of English is inadequate, the consular officer may nevertheless find the alien so classifiable if the accepting institution offers English language training, and has accepted the alien expressly for a full course of study (or part-time course of study for Border Commuter Students) in a language with which the alien is familiar, or will enroll the alien in a combination of courses and English instruction which will constitute a full course of study if required; and
(iv) The alien intends, and will be able, to depart upon termination of student status.
(2) An alien otherwise qualified for classification as a student, who intends to study the English language exclusively, may be classified as a student under INA 101(a) (15) (F) (i) even though no credits are given by the accepting institution for such study. The accepting institution, however, must offer a full course of study in the English language and must accept the alien expressly for such study.
(3) The alien spouse and minor children of an alien who has been or will be issued a visa under INA 101(a) (15) (F) (i) or 101(a) (15) (M) (i) may receive nonimmigrant visas under INA 101(a) (15) (F) (ii) or 101(a) (15) (M) (ii) if the consular officer is satisfied that they will be accompanying or following to join the principal alien; that sufficient funds are available to cover their expenses in the United States; and, that they intend to leave the United States upon the termination of the status of the principal alien.
(c)
(d)
(a)
(1) Has been accepted to participate, and intends to participate, in an exchange visitor program designated by the Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs, Department of State, as evidenced by the presentation of a properly executed Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status;
(2) Has sufficient funds to cover expenses or has made other arrangements to provide for expenses;
(3) Has sufficient knowledge of the English language to undertake the program for which selected, or, except for an alien coming to participate in a graduate medical education or training program, the sponsoring organization is aware of the language deficiency and has nevertheless indicated willingness to accept the alien; and
(4) Meets the requirements of INA 212(j) if coming to participate in a graduate medical education or training program.
(5)
(b)
(c)
(i) The alien's participation in one or more exchange programs was wholly or partially financed, directly or indirectly, by the U.S. Government or by the government of the alien's last legal permanent residence; or
(ii) At the time of the issuance of an exchange visitor visa and admission to the United States, or, if not required to obtain a nonimmigrant visa, at the time of admission as an exchange visitor, or at the time of acquisition of such status after admission, the alien is a national and resident or, if not a national, a legal permanent resident (or has status equivalent thereto) of a country which the Secretary of State has designated, through publication by public notice in the
(iii) The alien acquires exchange visitor status in order to receive graduate medical education or training in the United States.
(2) For the purposes of this paragraph the terms
(3) The country in which 2 years' residence and physical presence will satisfy the requirements of INA 212(e) in the case of an alien determined to be subject to such requirements is the country of which the alien is a national and resident, or, if not a national, a legal permanent resident (or has status equivalent thereto).
(4) If an alien is subject to the 2-year foreign residence requirement of INA 212(e), the spouse or child of that alien, accompanying or following to join the alien, is also subject to that requirement if admitted to the United States pursuant to INA 101(a) (15) (J) or if status is acquired pursuant to that section after admission.
(d)
(a)
(1) No person admitted under Section 101(a) (15)(J) or acquiring such status after admission:
(i) Whose participation in the program for which he came to the United States was financed in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by an agency of the United States Government or by the government of the country of his nationality or of his last legal permanent residence;
(ii) Who at the time of admission or acquisition of status under 101(a)(15)(J) was a national or legal permanent resident of a country which the Secretary of State, pursuant to regulations prescribed by him, had designated as clearly requiring the services of persons engaged in the field of specialized knowledge or skill in which the alien was engaged [See the most recent “Revised Exchange Visitor Skills List”, at
(iii) Who came to the United States or acquired such status in order to receive graduate medical education or training, shall be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa, or for permanent residence, or for a nonimmigrant visa under section 101(a)(15)(H) or section 101(a)(15)(L) until is established that such person has resided and been physically present in the country of his nationality or his last legal permanent residence for an aggregate of at least two years following departure from the United States.
(2) Upon the favorable recommendation of the Secretary of State, pursuant to the request of an interested United States Government agency (or in the case of an alien who is a graduate of a foreign medical school pursuing a program in graduate medical education or training, pursuant to the request of a State Department of Public Health, or its equivalent), or of the Secretary of Homeland Security after the latter has determined that departure from the United States would impose exceptional hardship upon the alien's spouse or child (if such spouse or child is a citizen of the United States or a legal permanent resident alien), or that the alien cannot return to the country of his nationality or last legal permanent residence because he would be subject to persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion, the Secretary of Homeland Security may waive the requirement of such two-year foreign residence abroad in the case of any alien whose admission to the United States is found by the Secretary of Homeland Security to be in the public interest except that in the case of a waiver requested by a State Department of Public Health, or its equivalent, the waiver shall be subject to the requirements of section 214(l) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184).
(3) Except in the case of an alien who is a graduate of a foreign medical school pursuing a program in graduate medical education or training, the Secretary of Homeland Security, upon the favorable recommendation of the Secretary of State, may also waive such two-year foreign residence requirement in any case in which the foreign country of the alien's nationality or last
(b)
(2)(i) If the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary of DHS) determines that compliance with the two-year home-country residence and physical presence requirement would impose exceptional hardship upon the spouse or child of the exchange visitor, or would subject the exchange visitor to persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion, the Secretary of DHS shall transmit a copy of his determination together with a summary of the details of the expected hardship or persecution, to the Waiver Review Division, in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs.
(ii) With respect to those cases in which the Secretary of DHS has determined that compliance with the two-year home-country residence and physical presence requirement would impose exceptional hardship upon the spouse or child of the exchange visitor, the Waiver Review Division shall review the program, policy, and foreign relations aspects of the case, make a recommendation, and forward it to the appropriate office at DHS. If it deems it appropriate, the Waiver Review Division may request the views of each of the exchange visitors' sponsors concerning the waiver application. Except as set forth in paragraph (g)(4) of this section, the recommendation of the Waiver Review Division shall constitute the recommendation of the Department of State.
(iii) With respect to those cases in which the Secretary of DHS has determined that compliance with the two-year home-country residence and physical presence requirement would subject the exchange visitor to persecution on account of race, religion, or political opinion, the Waiver Review Division shall review the program, policy, and foreign relations aspects of the case, including consultation if deemed appropriate with the Bureau of Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs of the United States Department of State, make a recommendation, and forward such recommendation to the Secretary of DHS. Except as set forth in paragraph (g)(4) of this section, the recommendation of the Waiver Review Division shall constitute the recommendation of the Department of State and such recommendation shall be forwarded to DHS.
(c)
(2) A United States Government agency requesting a waiver shall submit its request in writing and fully explain why the grant of such waiver request would be in the public interest and the detrimental effect that would result to the program or activity of interest to the requesting agency if the exchange visitor is unable to continue his or her involvement with the program or activity.
(3) A request by a United States Government agency shall be signed by the
(4) A request by a United States Government agency, excepting the Department of Veterans Affairs, on behalf of an exchange visitor who is a foreign medical graduate who entered the United States to pursue graduate medical education or training, and who is willing to provide primary care or specialty medicine in a designated primary care Health Professional shortage Area, or a Medically Underserved Area, or psychiatric care in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area, shall, in additional to the requirement set forth in paragraphs (c)(2) and (3) of this section, include:
(i) A copy of the employment contract between the foreign medical graduate and the health care facility at which he or she will be employed. Such contract shall specify a term of employment of not less than three years and that the foreign medical graduate is to be employed by the facility for the purpose of providing not less than 40 hours per week of primary medical care,
(ii) A statement, signed and dated by the head of the health care facility at which the foreign medical graduate will be employed, that the facility is located in an area designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as a Medically Underserved Area or Primary Medical Care Health Professional Shortage Area or Mental Health Professional Shortage Area and provides medical care to both Medicaid or Medicare eligible patients and indigent uninsured patients. The statement shall also list the primary care Health Professional Shortage Area, Mental Health Professional Shortage Area, or Medically Underserved Area/Population identifier number of the designation (assigned by the Secretary of Health and Human Services), and shall include the FIPS county code and census tract or block numbering area number (assigned by the Bureau of the Census) or the 9-digit zipcode of the area where the facility is located.
(iii) A statement, signed and dated by the foreign medical graduate exchange visitor that shall read as follows:
I, __________ (name of exchange visitor) hereby declare and certify, under penalty of the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 1001, that I do not now have pending nor am I submitting during the pendency of this request, another request to any United States Government department or agency or any State Department of Public Health, or equivalent, other than __________ (insert name of United States Government Agency requesting waiver) to act on my behalf in any matter relating to a waiver of my two-year home-country physical presence requirement.
(iv) Evidence that unsuccessful efforts have been made to recruit an American physician for the position to be filled.
(5) Except as set forth in paragraph (g)(4) of this section, the recommendation of the Waiver Review Division shall constitute the recommendation of the Department of State and such recommendation shall be forwarded to the Secretary of DHS.
(d)
(2) The Waiver Review Division shall review the program, policy, and foreign relations aspects of the case and forward its recommendation to the Secretary of DHS. Except as set forth in § 41.63(g)(4), infra, the recommendation of the Waiver Review Division shall constitute the recommendation of the Department of State.
(3) An exchange visitor who is a graduate of a foreign medical school and who is pursuing a program in graduate medical education or training in the United States is prohibited under section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act from applying for a waiver solely on the basis of no objection from his or her country of nationality or last legal permanent residence. However, an alien who is a graduate of a foreign medical school pursuing a program in graduate medical education or training may obtain a waiver of such two-year foreign residence requirements if said alien meets the requirements of section 214(l) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1184) and paragraphs (a)(2) and (e) of this section.
(e)
(2) With respect to such waiver under Public Law 104-416, if such alien is contractually obligated to return to his or her home country upon completion of the graduate medical education or training, the Secretary of State is to be furnished with a statement in writing that the country to which such alien is required to return has no objection to such waiver. The no objection statement shall be furnished to the Secretary of State in the manner and form set forth in paragraph (d) of this section and, additionally, shall bear a notation that it is being furnished pursuant to Public Law 103-416.
(3) The State Department of Public Health, or equivalent agency, shall include in the waiver application the following:
(i) A completed DS-3035. Copies of these forms may be obtained from the Visa Office or online at
(ii) A letter from the Director of the designated State Department of Public Health, or its equivalent, which identifies the foreign medical graduate by name, country of nationality or country of last legal permanent residence, and date of birth, and states that it is in the public interest that a waiver of the two-year home residence requirement be granted;
(iii) An employment contract between the foreign medical graduate and the health care facility named in the waiver application, to include the name and address of the health care facility, and the specific geographical area or areas in which the foreign medical graduate will practice medicine. The employment contract shall include a statement by the foreign medical graduate that he or she agrees to meet the requirements set forth in section 214(l) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The term of the employment contract shall be at least three years and the geographical areas of employment shall only be in areas, within the respective state, designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as having a shortage of health care professionals, unless the waiver request is for an alien who will practice medicine in a facility that serves patients who reside in one or more geographic areas so designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services without regard to whether such facility is located within such a designated geographic area. For the latter situation, which will be referred to as “non-designated requests”, the contract should also state that the term of the employment contract shall be at least three years
(iv) Evidence establishing that the geographic area or areas in the state in which the foreign medical graduate will practice medicine or where patients who will be served by the foreign medical graduates reside, are areas which have been designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as having a shortage of health care professionals. For purposes of this paragraph, the geographic area or areas must be designated by the Department of Health and Human Services as a Health Professional Shortage Area (“HPSA”) or as a Medically Underserved Area/Medically Underserved Population (“MUA/MUP”).
(v) Copies of all forms IAP 66 or DS-2019 issued to the foreign medical graduate seeking the waiver;
(vi) A copy of the foreign medical graduate's
(vii) If the foreign medical graduate is otherwise contractually required to return to his or her home country at the conclusion of the graduate medical education or training, a copy of the statement of no objection from the foreign medical graduate's country of nationality or last residence; and,
(viii) Because of the numerical limitations on the approval of waivers under Public Law 103-416,
(4) The Waiver Review Division shall review the program, policy, and foreign relations aspects of the case and forward its recommendation to the Secretary of DHS. Except as set forth in paragraph (g)(4) of this section, the recommendation of the Waiver Review Division shall constitute the recommendation of the Department of State.
(f)
(g)
(i) The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of Consular Affairs;
(ii) The Director of Office of Public Affairs for the Bureau of Consular Affairs;
(iii) The Legislative Management Officer for Consular Affairs, Bureau of Legislative Affairs;
(iv) The Director of the Office of Exchange Coordination and Designation in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; and
(v) The Director of the Office of Policy and Evaluation in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
(2) A person who has had substantial prior involvement in a particular case referred to the Board may not be appointed to, or serve on, the Board for that particular case unless the Bureau of Consular Affairs determines that the individual's inclusion on the Board is otherwise necessary or practicably unavoidable.
(3) The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Consular Affairs, or his or her designee, shall serve as Board Chairman. No designee under this paragraph (g)(3) shall serve for more than 2 years.
(4) Cases will be referred to the Board at the discretion of the Chief, Waiver Review Division, of the Visa Office. The Chief, Waiver Review Division, or his or her designee may, at the Chairman's discretion, appear and present facts related to the case but shall not participate in Board deliberations.
(5) The Chairman of the Board shall be responsible for convening the Board and distributing all necessary information to its members. Upon being convened, the Board shall review the case file and weigh the request against the
(6) The Bureau of Consular Affairs shall appoint, on a case-by-case basis, from among the attorneys in the State Department's Office of Legal Advisor one attorney to serve as legal advisor to the Board.
(7) At the conclusion of its review of the case, the Board shall make a written recommendation either to grant or to deny the waiver application. The written recommendation of a majority of the Board shall constitute the recommendation of the Board. Such recommendation shall be promptly transmitted by the Chairman to the Chief, Waiver Review Division.
(8) At the conclusion of its review of the case, the Board shall make a written recommendation either to grant or to deny the waiver application. The written recommendation of a majority of the Board shall constitute the recommendation of the Board. Such recommendation shall be promptly transmitted by the Chairman to the Chief, Waiver Review Division.
(a)
(1) Intends to pass in immediate and continuous transit through the United States;
(2) Is in possession of a common carrier ticket or other evidence of transportation arrangements to the alien's destination;
(3) Is in possession of sufficient funds to carry out the purpose of the transit journey, or has sufficient funds otherwise available for that purpose; and
(4) Has permission to enter some country other than the United States following the transit through the United States, unless the alien submits satisfactory evidence that such advance permission is not required.
(b)
(a) Fiancé(e). An alien is classifiable as a nonimmigrant fiancé(e) under INA 101(a)(15)(K)(i) if:
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien is qualified under that provision and the consular officer has received a petition filed by a U.S. citizen to confer nonimmigrant status as a fiancé(e) on the alien, which has been approved by the DHS under INA 214(d), or a notification of such approval from that Service;
(2) The consular officer has received from the alien the alien's sworn statement of ability and intent to conclude a valid marriage with the petitioner within 90 days of arrival in the United States; and
(3) The alien has met all other qualifications in order to receive a nonimmigrant visa, including the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.
(b) Spouse. An alien is classifiable as a nonimmigrant spouse under INA 101(a)(15)(K)(ii) when all of the following requirements are met:
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien is qualified under that provision and the consular officer has received a petition approved by the DHS pursuant to INA 214(p)(1), that was filed by the U.S. citizen spouse of the alien in the United States.
(2) If the alien's marriage to the U.S. citizen was contracted outside of the United States, the alien is applying in the country in which the marriage took place, or if there is no consular post in that country, then at a consular post designated by the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services to accept immigrant visa applications for nationals of that country.
(3) If the marriage was contracted in the United States, the alien is applying in a country as provided in part 42, § 42.61 of this chapter.
(4) The alien otherwise has met all applicable requirements in order to receive a nonimmigrant visa, including the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.
(c) Child. An alien is classifiable under INA 101(a)(15)(K)(iii) if:
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien is the child of an alien classified under INA 101(a)(15)(K)(i) or (ii) and is accompanying or following to join the principal alien; and
(2) The alien otherwise has met all other applicable requirements in order to receive a nonimmigrant visa, including the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.
(d) Eligibility as an immigrant required. The consular officer, insofar as is practicable, must determine the eligibility of an alien to receive a nonimmigrant visa under paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this section as if the alien were an applicant for an immigrant visa, except that the alien must be exempt from the vaccination requirement of INA 212(a)(1) and the labor certification requirement of INA 212(a)(5).
(a)
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien qualifies under the provisions of that section; and
(2)(i) The consular officer has received verification from the Department of State, Visa Office, that:
(A) in the case of INA 101(a)(15)(S)(i) the DHS has certified that the alien is accorded such classification, or
(B) in the case of INA 101(a)(15)(S)(ii) the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs on behalf of the Secretary of State and the DHS have certified that the alien is accorded such classification;
(ii) and the alien is granted an INA 212(d)(1) waiver of any INA 212(a) ground of ineligibility known at the time of verification.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien has the required relationship to an alien who has been granted status by the Secretary for Homeland Security under INA 101(a)(15)(T)(i);
(2) The consular officer is satisfied that the alien is otherwise admissible under the immigration laws of the United States; and
(3) The consular officer has received an DHS-approved I-914, Supplement A, evidencing that the alien is the spouse, child, or parent of an alien who has been granted status under INA 101(a)(15)(T)(i).
(b)
(a) Definition of “remains pending”. For the purposes of this section, a visa application “remains pending” if the applicant has applied for an immigrant visa in accordance with the definition in part 40, § 40.1(l)(2) and the visa has neither been issued, nor refused for any reason under applicable law and regulation.
(b) Entitlement to classification. A consular officer may classify an alien as a nonimmigrant under INA 101(a)(15)(V) if:
(1) The consular officer has received notification from the Department of State or the Department of Justice that a petition to accord status to the alien as a spouse or child pursuant to INA 203(a)(2)(A) was filed on or before December 21, 2000; or
(2) The alien is eligible to derive benefits pursuant to INA 203(d) as a child of an alien described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section and such alien has qualified for V classification; and
(3) It has been three years or more since the filing date of the petition described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section and applicable to paragraph (b)(2) of this section and either:
(i) The petition has not been approved; or
(ii) If it has been approved, either no immigrant visa number is immediately available or the alien's application for adjustment of status or the alien's application for a visa remains pending.
(c) Eligibility as an immigrant required. The consular officer, insofar as practicable, must determine the eligibility of an alien described in paragraph (b) of this section to receive a nonimmigrant visa under INA 101(a)(15)(V), other than an alien who previously has been granted V status in the United States by DHS, as if the alien were an applicant for an immigrant visa, except that the alien is exempt from the vaccination requirement of INA 212(a)(1), the labor certification requirement of INA 212(a)(5) and the unlawful presence ineligibility of INA 212(a)(9)(B).
(d) Place of application. Notwithstanding the requirements of § 41.101, in determining the place of application for an alien seeking a visa pursuant to INA 101(a)(15)(V) the requirements of part 42, §§ 42.61(a) and (b)(1) of this chapter will apply.
(a)
(i) The alien is physically present in the United States and is entitled to apply for issuance or reissuance of a visa under the provisions of § 41.111(b); or
(ii) A consular office having jurisdiction over the area in which the alien is physically present but not resident has agreed, as a matter of discretion or at the direction of the Department, to accept the alien's application; or
(iii) The alien is subject to INA 222(g) and must apply as set forth in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section.
(2) The Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Visa Services is authorized to designate the geographical area for which each consular office possesses jurisdiction to process nonimmigrant visa applications.
(b)
(c)
(2) Any other individual or group whose circumstances are determined to be extraordinary, in accordance with paragraph (d)(1) of this section, by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services upon the favorable recommendation of an immigration or consular officer, shall make application in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section.
(3) An alien who has, or immediately prior to the alien's last entry into the United States had, a residence in a country other than the country of the alien's nationality shall apply at a consular office with jurisdiction in or for the country of residence.
(4) An alien who is a national and resident of a country in which there is no United States consular office shall apply at a consular office designated by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Visa Services to accept immigrant visa applications from persons of that nationality.
(5) An alien who possesses more than one nationality and who has, or immediately prior to the alien's last entry into the United States had, a residence in one of the countries of the alien's nationality shall apply at a consular office in the country of such residence.
(d)
(2) Nationality—For purposes of paragraph (b) of this section, a stateless person shall be considered to be a national of the country which issued the alien's travel document.
(e)
(f)
(a)
(1) The proper nonimmigrant classification, if any, of the alien; and
(2) The alien's eligibility to receive a visa.
(b)
(1) Is a child under 14 years of age;
(2) Is a person over 79 years of age;
(3) Is within a class of nonimmigrants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6 and who is seeking a visa in such classification;
(4) Is an applicant for a diplomatic or official visa as described in §§ 41.26 or 41.27 of this chapter, respectively;
(5) Is an applicant who within 12 months of the expiration of the applicant's previously issued visa is seeking re-issuance of a nonimmigrant biometric visa in the same classification at the consular post of the applicant's usual residence, and for whom the consular officer has no indication of visa ineligibility or of noncompliance with U.S. immigration laws and regulations; or
(6) Is an alien for whom a waiver of personal appearance is warranted in the national interest or because of unusual circumstances.
(c)
(d)
(1) Any NIV applicant who is not a national or resident of the country in which he or she is applying, unless the applicant is eligible for a waiver of the interview under paragraphs (b)(3) or (b)(4) of this section.
(2) Any NIV applicant who was previously refused a visa, is listed in CLASS, or who otherwise requires a Security Advisory Opinion, unless:
(i) The visa was refused temporarily and the refusal was subsequently overcome;
(ii) The alien was found inadmissible, but the inadmissibility was waived; or
(iii) The applicant is eligible for a waiver of the interview under paragraphs (b)(3) or (b)(4) of this section.
(3) Any NIV applicant who is from a country designated by the Secretary of State as a state sponsor of terrorism, regardless of age, or in a group designated by the Secretary of State under section 222(h)(2)(F) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, unless the applicant is eligible for a waiver under paragraphs (b)(3) or (b)(4) of this section.
(e)
(a)
(2)
(3)
(ii) When personal appearance is waived under § 41.102(a)(7), the consular officer may also waive the filing of a visa application in cases of hardship, emergency, or national interest.
(iii) Even if personal appearance is waived pursuant to any other subparagraph of § 41.102(a), the requirement for filing an application may not be waived.
(b)
(ii) If the filing of a visa application is waived by the consular officer, the officer shall prepare a Form DS-156 on behalf of the applicant, using the data available in the passport or other documents which have been submitted.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(b) [Reserved]
Consular officers must ensure that Form DS-156, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, is properly and promptly processed in accordance with the applicable regulations and instructions.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) The consular officer shall waive the nonimmigrant visa application and issuance fees for an alien who will be engaging in charitable activities for a charitable organization upon the written request of the charitable organization claiming that it will find the fees a financial burden, if the consular officer is satisfied that:
(i) The organization seeking relief from the fees is, if based in the United States, tax-exempt as a charitable organization under the provisions of section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3)); if a foreign organization based outside the United States in a country having laws according recognition to charitable institutions, that it establishes that it is recognized as a charitable institution by that government; and if a foreign organization based in a country without such laws, that it is engaged in activities substantially similar to those underlying section 501(c)(3), and
(ii) The charitable activities in which the alien will engage are specified and will be a part of, or will be related to and in support of, the organization's provision of services, including but not limited to health care, food and housing, job training, and similar direct services and assistance to the poor and needy, and
(iii) The request includes the location of the proposed activities, the number and identifying data of each of the alien(s) who will be applying for visas, and
(iv) The proposed duration of the alien(s)'s temporary stay in the United States is reasonably consistent with the charitable purpose for which the alien(s) seek to enter the United States.
(3) Foreign national employees of the U. S. Government who are travelling to the United States on official business in connection with that employment.
(d)
(e)(1)
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (e)(1) of this section, a consular officer shall collect or insure the collection of a processing fee for a machine-readable combined border crossing card and nonimmigrant visa in an amount determined by the Secretary and set forth in 22 CFR 22.1 to be sufficient only to cover the cost for manufacturing the combined card and visa if:
(i) The alien is a Mexican citizen under the age of 15;
(ii) The alien is applying in Mexico; and
(iii) The alien has at least one parent or guardian who has a visa or is applying for a machine-readable combined border crossing card and visa.
(a)
(1) The alien is an applicant for a K nonimmigrant visa as a fiance(e) of a U.S. citizen or as the child of such an applicant; or,
(2) The alien is seeking admission for medical treatment and the consular officer considers a medical examination advisable; or,
(3) The consular officer has reason to believe that a medical examination might disclose that the alien is medically ineligible to receive a visa.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) A consular officer attached to a U.S. diplomatic mission, if authorized to do so by the Chief of Mission; or
(2) A consular officer assigned to a consular office under the jurisdiction of a diplomatic mission, if so authorized by the Department or the Chief, Deputy Chief, or Counselor for Consular Affairs of that mission, or, if assigned to a consular post not under the jurisdiction of a diplomatic mission, by the principal officer of that post.
(b)
(1) Qualified aliens who are currently maintaining status and are properly classifiable in the A, C-2, C-3, G or NATO category and intend to reenter the United States in that status after a temporary absence abroad and who also present evidence that:
(i) They have been lawfully admitted in that status or have, after admission, had their classification changed to that status; and
(ii) Their period of authorized stay in the United States in that status has not expired; and
(2) Other qualified aliens who:
(i) Are currently maintaining status in the E, H, I, L, O, or P nonimmigrant category;
(ii) Intend to reenter the United States in that status after a temporary absence abroad; and
(iii) Who also present evidence that:
(A) They were previously issued visas at a consular office abroad and admitted to the United States in the status which they are currently maintaining; and
(B) Their period of authorized admission in that status has not expired.
(a)
(b)
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (b)(1) of this section, United States nonimmigrant visas shall have a maximum validity period of 10 years.
(3) An unexpired visa is valid for application for admission even if the passport in which the visa is stamped has expired, provided the alien is also in possession of a valid passport issued by the authorities of the country of which the alien is a national.
(c)
(1) A period of validity that is less than that prescribed on a basis of reciprocity,
(2) A number of applications for admission within the period of the validity of the visa that is less than that prescribed on a basis of reciprocity,
(3) Application for admission at a specified port or at specified ports of entry, or
(4) Use on and after a given date subsequent to the date of issuance.
(d)
(i) The validity of an expired nonimmigrant visa issued under INA 101(a)(15) may be considered to be automatically extended to the date of application for readmission; and
(ii) In cases where the original nonimmigrant classification of an alien has been changed by DHS to another nonimmigrant classification, the validity of an expired or unexpired nonimmigrant visa may be considered to be automatically extended to the date of application for readmission, and the visa may be converted as necessary to that changed classification.
(2) The provisions in paragraph (d)(1) of this section are applicable only in the case of a nonimmigrant alien who:
(i) Is in possession of a Form I-94, Arrival-Departure Record, endorsed by DHS to show an unexpired period of initial admission or extension of stay, or, in the case of a qualified F or J student or exchange visitor or the accompanying spouse or child of such an alien, is in possession of a current Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, or Form IAP-66, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status, issued by the school the student has been authorized to attend by DHS, or by the sponsor of the exchange program in which the alien has been authorized to participate by DHS, and endorsed by the issuing school official or program sponsor to indicate the period of initial admission or extension of stay authorized by DHS;
(ii) Is applying for readmission after an absence not exceeding 30 days solely in contiguous territory, or, in the case of a student or exchange visitor or accompanying spouse or child meeting the stipulations of paragraph (d)(2)(i) of this section, after an absence not exceeding 30 days in contiguous territory or adjacent islands other than Cuba;
(iii) Has maintained and intends to resume nonimmigrant status;
(iv) Is applying for readmission within the authorized period of initial admission or extension of stay;
(v) Is in possession of a valid passport;
(vi) Does not require authorization for admission under INA 212(d)(3); and
(vii) Has not applied for a new visa while abroad.
(3) The provisions in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this section shall not apply to the nationals of countries identified as supporting terrorism in the Department's annual report to Congress entitled Patterns of Global Terrorism.
(a)
(b)
(1) The alien's passport was issued by a government with which the United States does not have formal diplomatic relations, unless the Department has specifically authorized the placing of the visa in such passport;
(2) The alien's passport does not provide sufficient space for the visa;
(3) The passport requirement has been waived; or
(4) In other cases as authorized by the Department.
(c)
(1) Full name of the applicant;
(2) Visa type/class;
(3) Location of the visa issuing office;
(4) Passport number;
(5) Sex;
(6) Date of birth;
(7) Nationality;
(8) Number of applications for admission or the letter “M” for multiple entries;
(9) Date of issuance;
(10) Date of expiration;
(11) Visa control number.
(d)
(2) If the visa is being issued upon the basis of a petition approved by the Secretary of Homeland Security, the number of the petition, if any, the period for which the alien's admission has been authorized, and the name of the petitioner shall be reflected in the annotation field on the visa.
(3) In the case of an alien who derives status from a principal alien, the name and position of the principal alien shall be reflected in the annotation field of the visa.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i) Nonimmigrant visa issuances must be reviewed, in accordance with guidance by the Secretary of State, by consular supervisors, or a designated alternate, to ensure compliance with applicable laws and procedures. Visa
(a)
(b)
(2) If an alien, who has not yet filed a visa application, seeks advice from a consular officer, who knows or has reason to believe that the alien is ineligible to receive a visa on grounds which cannot be overcome by the presentation of additional evidence, the officer shall so inform the alien. The consular officer shall inform the applicant of the provision of law or regulations upon which a refusal of a visa, if applied for, would be based (subject to the exception in paragraph (b)(1) of this section). If practicable, the consular officer should request the alien to execute a nonimmigrant visa application in order to make a formal refusal. If the individual fails to execute a visa application in these circumstances, the consular officer shall treat the matter as if a visa had been refused and create a record of the presumed ineligibility which shall be filed in the consular office.
(c) Nonimmigrant refusals must be reviewed, in accordance with guidance by the Secretary of State, by consular supervisors, or a designated alternate, to ensure compliance with laws and procedures. If the ground(s) of ineligibility upon which the visa was refused cannot be overcome by the presentation of additional evidence, the refusal must be reviewed without delay; that is, on the day of the refusal or as soon as it is administratively possible. If the ground(s) of ineligibility may be overcome by the presentation of additional evidence, and the applicant has indicated the intention to submit such evidence, a review of the refusal may be deferred for not more than 120 days. If the reviewing officer disagrees with the decision and he or she has a consular commission and title, the reviewing officer can assume responsibility and readjudicate the case. If the reviewing officer does not have a consular commission and title, he or she must consult with the adjudicating officer, or with the Visa Office, to resolve any disagreement.
(d)
(a)
(1) The officer finds that the alien was not, or has ceased to be, entitled to the nonimmigrant classification under INA 101(a)(15) specified in the visa or that the alien was at the time the visa was issued, or has since become, ineligible under INA 212(a) to receive a visa, or was issued a visa in contravention of INA 222(g)
(2) The visa has been physically removed from the passport in which it was issued prior to the alien's embarkation upon a continuous voyage to the United States; or
(3) For any of the reasons specified in paragraph (h) of this section if the visa has not been revoked by an immigration officer as authorized in that paragraph.
(4) The visa has been issued in a combined Mexican or Canadian B-1/B-2 visa and border crossing identification card and the officer makes the determination specified in § 41.32(c) with respect to the alien's Mexican citizenship and/or residence or the determination specified in § 41.33(b) with respect to the alien's status as a permanent resident of Canada.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(2) In view of the provisions of § 41.107(d) providing for the refund of fees when a visa has not been used as a result of action by the U.S. Government, a fee shall not be charged in connection with a reinstated visa.
(h)
(1) The alien obtains an immigrant visa or an adjustment of status to that of permanent resident;
(2) The alien is ordered excluded from the United States pursuant to INA 235(c) or 236;
(3) The alien is notified pursuant to INA 235(b) by an immigration officer at a port of entry that the alien appears to be inadmissible to the United States and the alien requests and is granted permission to withdraw the application for admission;
(4) A final order of deportation or a final order granting voluntary departure with an alternate order of deportation is entered against the alien pursuant to DHS regulations;
(5) The alien has been permitted by DHS to depart voluntarily from the United States pursuant to DHS regulations;
(6) A waiver of ineligibility pursuant to INA 212(d)(3)(A) on the basis of which the visa was issued to the alien is revoked by DHS;
(7) The visa is presented in connection with an application for admission to the United States by a person other than the alien to whom it was issued; or
(8) The visa has been physically removed from the passport in which it was issued.
(9) The visa has been issued in a combined Mexican or Canadian B-1/B-2 visa and border crossing identification card and the officer makes the determination specified in § 41.32(c) with respect to the alien's Mexican citizenship and/or residence or the determination specified in § 41.33(b) with respect to the alien's status as a permanent resident of Canada.
8 U.S.C. 1104 and 1182; Pub. L. 105-277; Pub. L. 108-449; 112 Stat. 2681-795 through 2681-801; The Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (done at the Hague, May 29, 1993), S. Treaty Doc. 105-51 (1998), 1870 U.N.T.S. 167 (Reg. No. 31922 (1993)); The Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 14901-14954, Pub. L. 106-279.
Nomenclature changes to part 42 appear at 71 FR 34522, June 15, 2006.
An immigrant within any of the following categories is not required to obtain an immigrant visa:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
An immigrant within any of the following categories is not required to present a passport in applying for an immigrant visa:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(2) An alien unable to obtain a passport and not within any of the foregoing categories, in whose case the passport requirement imposed by § 42.64(b) or by DHS regulations has been waived by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of State as evidenced by a specific instruction from the Department.
A visa issued to an immigrant alien within one of the classes described below shall bear an appropriate visa symbol to show the classification of the alien.
(a)
(1) INA 201(b);
(2) INA 101(a)(27) (A) or (B);
(3) Section 112 of Public Law 101-649;
(4) Section 124 of Public Law 101-649;
(5) Section 132 of Public Law 101-649;
(6) Section 134 of Public Law 101-649; or
(7) Section 584(b)(1) as contained in section 101(e) of Public Law 100-202.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) The alien had the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of departure from the United States;
(2) The alien departed from the United States with the intention of returning and has not abandoned this intention; and
(3) The alien is returning to the United States from a temporary visit abroad and, if the stay abroad was protracted, this was caused by reasons beyond the alien's control and for which the alien was not responsible.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(a) For purposes of this section, the definitions in 22 CFR 96.2 apply.
(b) On or after the Convention effective date, as defined in 22 CFR 96.17, a child habitually resident in a Convention country who is adopted by a United States citizen deemed to be habitually resident in the United States in accordance with applicable DHS regulations must qualify for visa status under the provisions of INA section 101(b)(1)(G) as provided in this section. Such a child shall not be accorded status under INA section 101(b)(1)(F),
(c) The provisions of this section govern the operations of consular officers in processing cases involving children for whom classification is sought under INA section 101(b)(1)(G), unless the Secretary of State has personally waived any requirement of the IAA or these regulations in a particular case in the interests of justice or to prevent grave physical harm to the child, to the extent consistent with the Convention.
(d) An alien child shall be classifiable under INA section 101(b)(1)(G) only if, before the child is adopted or legal custody for the purpose of adoption is granted, a petition for the child has been received and provisionally approved by a DHS officer or, where authorized by DHS, by a consular officer, and a visa application for the child has been received and annotated in accordance with paragraph (h) of this section by a consular officer. No alien child shall be issued a visa pursuant to INA section 101(b)(1)(G) unless the petition and visa application are finally approved.
(e) If a petition for a child under INA section 101(b)(1)(G) is properly filed with a consular officer, the consular officer will review the petition for the purpose of determining whether it can be provisionally approved in accordance with applicable DHS requirements. If a properly completed application for waiver of inadmissibility is received by a consular officer at the same time that a petition for a child under INA section 101(b)(1)(G) is received, provisional approval cannot take place unless the waiver is approved, and therefore the consular officer, pursuant to 8 CFR 204.313(i)(3) and 8 CFR 212.7, will forward the petition and the waiver application to DHS for decisions as to approval of the waiver and provisional approval of the petition. If a petition for a child under INA section 101(b)(1)(G) is received by a DHS officer, the consular officer will conduct any reviews, determinations or investigations requested by DHS with regard to the petition and classification determination in accordance with applicable DHS procedures.
(f) A petition shall be provisionally approved by the consular officer if, in accordance with applicable DHS requirements, it appears that the child will be classifiable under INA section 101(b)(1)(G) and that the proposed adoption or grant of legal custody will be in compliance with the Convention. If the consular officer knows or has reason to believe the petition is not provisionally approvable, the consular officer shall forward it to DHS pursuant to 8 CFR 204.313(i)(3).
(g) After a petition has been provisionally approved, a completed visa application form, any supporting documents required pursuant to § 42.63 and § 42.65, and any required fees must be submitted to the consular officer in accordance with § 42.61 for a provisional review of visa eligibility. The requirements in § 42.62, § 42.64, § 42.66 and § 42.67 shall also be satisfied to the extent practicable.
(h) A consular officer shall provisionally determine visa eligibility based on a review of the visa application, submitted supporting documents, and the provisionally approved petition. In so doing, the consular officer shall follow all procedures required to adjudicate the visa to the extent possible in light of the degree of compliance with §§ 42.62 through 42.67. If it appears, based on the available information, that the child would not be ineligible under INA section 212 or other applicable law to receive a visa, the consular officer shall so annotate the visa application. If evidence of an ineligibility is discovered during the review of the visa application, and the ineligibility was not waived in conjunction with provisional approval of the petition, the prospective adoptive parents shall be informed of the ineligibility and given an opportunity to establish that it will be overcome. If the visa application cannot be annotated as described above, the consular officer shall deny the visa in accordance with § 42.81, regardless of whether the application has yet been executed in accordance with § 42.67(a); provided however that, in cases in which a waiver may be available under the INA and the consular officer determines that the visa application appears otherwise approvable, the consular officer shall inform the prospective adoptive parents of the procedure for applying to DHS for a waiver. If in addition the consular officer comes to know or have reason to believe that the petition is not clearly approvable as provided in 8 CFR 204.313(i)(3), the consular officer shall forward the petition to DHS pursuant to that section.
(i) If the petition has been provisionally approved and the visa application has been annotated in accordance with subparagraph (h), the consular officer shall notify the country of origin that the steps required by Article 5 of the Convention have been taken.
(j) After the consular officer has received appropriate notification from the country of origin that the adoption or grant of legal custody has occurred and any remaining requirements established by DHS or §§ 42.61 through 42.67 have been fulfilled, the consular officer, if satisfied that the requirements of the IAA and the Convention have been met with respect to the adoption or grant of legal custody, shall affix to the adoption decree or grant of legal custody a certificate so indicating. This certificate shall constitute the certification required by IAA section 301(a) and INA section 204(d)(2). For purposes of determining whether to issue a certificate, the fact that a consular officer notified the country of origin pursuant to paragraph (i) of this section that the steps required by Article 5 of the Convention had been taken and the fact that the country of origin has provided appropriate notification that the adoption or grant of legal custody has occurred shall together constitute prima facie evidence of compliance with the Convention and the IAA.
(k) If the consular officer is unable to issue the certificate described in paragraph (j) of this section, the consular officer shall notify the country of origin of the consular officer's decision.
(l) After the consular officer determines whether to issue the certificate described in paragraph (j) of this section, the consular officer shall finally adjudicate the petition and visa application in accordance with standard procedures.
(m) If the consular officer is unable to give final approval to the visa application or the petition, then the consular officer shall forward the petition to DHS, pursuant to § 42.43 or 8 CFR 204.313(i)(3), as applicable, for appropriate action in accordance with applicable DHS procedures, and/or refuse the visa application in accordance with § 42.81. The consular officer shall notify the country of origin that the visa has been refused.
(a)
(b)
Aliens subject to the worldwide level specified in section 201(d) for employment-based immigrants in a fiscal year shall be allotted visas as indicated below.
(a)
(2)
(b)
(2)
(c)
(2)
(d)
(A) The consular officer has received a petition approved by DHS to accord such classification, or an official notification of such approval; and
(B) The consular officer is satisfied from the evidence presented that the alien qualifies under that section; or
(C) The consular officer is satisfied the alien is the spouse or child of a religious worker so classified and is accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
(ii)
(2)
(B) An alien may qualify as a special immigrant under INA 101(a)(27)(D) on the basis of employment abroad with more than one agency of the U.S. Government provided the total amount of
(C) Pursuant to INA 203(d), and whether or not named in the petition, the spouse or child of an alien classified under INA 203(b)(4), if not entitled to an immigrant status and the immediate issuance of a visa, is entitled to a derivative status corresponding to the classification and priority date of the beneficiary of the petition.
(ii)
(
(
(
(
(B) An alien desiring to benefit from this provision must seek such status not later than January 1, 2002.
(C) For purposes of § 42.32(d)(2)(ii)(A), the term
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(3)
(ii)
(4)
(5)
(ii)
(6)
(7)
(ii)
(8)
(ii)
(9)
(A) The consular officer has received a petition approved by the DHS to accord such classification, or official notification of such an approval, and the consular officer is satisfied from the evidence presented that the alien is entitled to that classification; or
(B) The alien is the spouse or child of an alien so classified in paragraph (d)(9)(i) of this section and is accompanying or following to join the principal alien.
(ii)
(iii)
(e)
(2)
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(b)
(1)
(i) The petitioner's full name;
(ii) The petitioner's date and place of birth (including city and country, province or other political subdivision of the country);
(iii) The petitioner's gender;
(iv) The country of which the petitioner claims to be a native, if other than the country of birth;
(v) The name[s], date[s] and place[s] of birth and gender of the petitioner's spouse and child[ren], if any, (including legally adopted and step-children), regardless of whether or not they are living with the petitioner or intend to accompany or follow to join the petitioner should the petitioner immigrate to the United States pursuant to INA 203(c), but excluding a spouse or a child[ren] who is already a U.S. citizen or U.S. lawful permanent resident;
(vi) A current mailing address for the petitioner;
(vii) The location of the consular office nearest to the petitioner's current residence or, if in the United States, nearest to the petitioner's last foreign residence prior to entry into the United States;
(2)
(i) A digital image of the applicant from either a digital camera source or a scanned photograph via scanner. If scanned, the original photographic print must have been 2″ by 2″ (50mm × 50mm). Scanner hardware and digital image resolution requirements will be further specified in the public notice described in paragraph (b)(3) of this section.
(ii) The image must be in the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) File Interchange Format (JFIF) format.
(iii) The image must be in color.
(iv) The person being photographed must be directly facing the camera with the head neither tilted up, down, or to the side. The head must cover about 50% of the area of the photograph.
(v) The photograph must be taken with the person in front of a neutral, light-colored background. Photos taken with very dark or patterned, busy backgrounds will not be accepted.
(vi) The person's face must be in focus.
(vii) The person in the photograph must not wear sunglasses or other paraphernalia that detracts from the face.
(viii) A photograph with the person wearing a head covering or a hat is only acceptable if the covering or hat
(3)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i) Age;
(ii) Country of birth;
(iii) Marital status;
(iv) Sex;
(v) Level of education; and
(vi) Occupation and level of occupational qualification.
(2) The Department will not maintain the names of visa recipients in connection with this information and the information will be compiled and maintained in such form that the identity of visa recipients cannot be determined therefrom.
(i)
Consular officers are authorized to grant to an alien the immediate relative or preference status accorded in a petition approved in the alien's behalf upon receipt of the approved petition or official notification of its approval. The status shall be granted for the period authorized by law or regulation. The approval of a petition does not relieve the alien of the burden of establishing to the satisfaction of the consular officer that the alien is eligible in all respects to receive a visa.
(a)
(b)
(2) The consular officer shall terminate action in a petition case subject to the provisions of INA 203(g) in accordance with the provisions of § 42.83.
(a)
(1) Not to exceed 27 percent of the world-wide total made available under INA 203 (a), (b) and (c) in any of the first three quarters of any fiscal year; and
(2) Not to exceed, in any month of a fiscal year, 10% of the world-wide total made available under INA 203 (a), (b) and (c) plus any balance remaining from authorizations for preceding months in the same fiscal year.
(b)
(c)
(1) An immigrant having an immigrant visa is excluded from the United States and deported;
(2) An immigrant does not apply for admission to the United States before the expiration of the validity of the visa;
(3) An alien having a preference immigrant visa is found not to be a preference immigrant; or
(4) An immigrant visa is revoked pursuant to § 42.82.
(a)
(b)
(1) Is the beneficiary of an approved petition according immediate relative or preference status;
(2) Has satisfied the consular officer that the alien is entitled to special immigrant status under INA(101)(a)(27) (A) or (B);
(3) Is entitled to status as a Vietnam Amerasian under section 584(b)(1) of section 101(e) of Public Law 100-202 as amended by Public Law 101-167 and re-amended by Public Law 101-513; or
(4) Beginning in FY-95, is entitled to status as a diversity immigrant under INA 203(c).
(c)
(2) A separate record shall be made of family members entitled to derivative immigrant status whenever the consular officer determines that a spouse or child is chargeable to a different foreign state or other numerical limitation than the principal alien. The provisions of INA 202(b) are to be applied as appropriate when either the spouse or parent is reached on the waiting list.
(3) A separate record shall be made of a spouse or child entitled to derivative immigrant status whenever the consular officer determines that the principal alien intends to precede the family.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) In the chronological order of the priority dates of all applicants within each of the immigrant classifications specified in INA 203 (a) and (b); and
(2) In the random order established by the Secretary of State for each region for the fiscal year for applicants entitled to status under INA 203(c).
(b) [Reserved]
(a) Consular officers shall report periodically, as the Department may direct, the number and priority dates of all applicants subject to the numerical limitations prescribed in INA 201, 202, and 203 whose immigrant visa applications have been recorded in accordance with § 42.52(c).
(b)
(a)
(b)
(2) Any approved petition granting immediate relative or preference status should be included among the documents when a case is transferred from one post to another.
(3) In no case may a visa number be transferred from one post to another. A visa number which cannot be used as a result of the transfer must be returned to the Department immediately.
(a)
(b)
(1) The proper immigrant classification, if any, of the visa applicant, and
(2) The applicant's eligibility to receive a visa.
(a)
(2)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2)
(3)
(4) A
(5)
(d)
(2) If the consular officer determines that a supporting document, as described in paragraph (b) of this section, is in fact unobtainable, although the catalogue of available documents shows it is available, the officer shall affix to the visa application a signed statement describing in detail the reasons for considering the record or document unobtainable and for accepting the particular secondary evidence attached to the visa.
(e)
(f)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(2)
(b)
(c)(1)
(2)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c) [Reserved]
(d)
(a)
(1) A symbol as specified in § 42.11 shall be used to indicate the classification of the immigrant.
(2) An immigrant visa issued to an alien subject to numerical limitations shall bear a number allocated by the Department. The foreign state or dependent area limitation to which the alien is chargeable shall be entered in the space provided.
(3) No entry need be made in the space provided for foreign state or other applicable area limitation on visas issued to aliens in the classifications set forth in § 42.12(a)(1)-(7), but such visas may be numbered if a post voluntarily uses a consecutive post numbering system.
(4) The date of issuance and the date of expiration of the visa shall be inserted in the proper places on the visa and show the day, month, and year in that order, with the name of the month spelled out, as in “24 December 1986.”
(5) In the event the passport requirement has been waived under § 42.2, a notation shall be inserted in the space provided for the passport number, setting forth the authority (section and paragraph) under which the passport was waived.
(6) A signed photograph shall be attached in the space provided on Form OF-55B by the use of a legend machine, unless specific authorization has been granted by the Department to use the impression seal.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(i) That the original visa has been lost, mutilated or has expired, or
(ii) The alien will be unable to use it during the period of its validity;
(2) Provided:
(i) The alien pays anew the application processing fees prescribed in the Schedule of Fees; and
(ii) The consular officer ascertains whether the original issuing office knows of any reason why a new visa should not be issued.
(b)
(i) The alien is unable to use the visa during the period of its validity due to reasons beyond the alien's control;
(ii) The visa is issued during the same fiscal year in which the original visa was issued, or in the following year, in the case of an immediate relative only, if the original number had been reported as recaptured;
(iii) The number has not been returned to the Department as a “recaptured visa number” in the case of a preference or diversity immigrant;
(iv) The alien pays anew the application and processing fees prescribed in the Schedule of Fees; and
(v) The consular officer ascertains whether the original issuing office knows of any reason why a new visa should not be issued.
(2) In issuing a visa under this paragraph (b), the consular officer shall insert the word “REPLACE” on Form OF-155B, Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration, before the word “IMMIGRANT” in the title of the visa.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(1) The consular officer knows, or after investigation is satisfied, that the visa was procured by fraud, a willfully false or misleading representation, the willful concealment of a material fact, or other unlawful means;
(2) The consular officer obtains information establishing that the alien was otherwise ineligible to receive the particular visa at the time it was issued; or
(3) The consular officer obtains information establishing that, subsequent to the issuance of the visa, a ground of ineligibility has arisen in the alien's case.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(2) In view of the provisions of § 42.71(b) providing for the refund of fees when the visa has not been used as a result of action by the U.S. Government, no fees shall be collected in connection with the application for or issuance of such a reinstated visa.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Secs. 104, 215, 66 Stat. 174, 190; 8 U.S.C. 1104, 1185.
For the purposes of this part:
(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) No alien shall depart, or attempt to depart, from the United States if his departure would be prejudicial to the interests of the United States under the provisions of § 46.3. Any departure-control officer who knows or has reason to believe that the case of an alien in the United States comes within the provisions of § 46.3 shall temporarily prevent the departure of such alien from the United States and shall serve him with a written temporary order directing him not to depart, or attempt to depart, from the United States until notified of the revocation of the order.
(b) The written order temporarily preventing an alien, other than an enemy alien, from departing from the United States shall become final 15 days after the date of service thereof upon the alien, unless prior thereto the alien requests a hearing as hereinafter provided. At such time as the alien is served with an order temporarily preventing his departure from the United States, he shall be notified in writing concerning the provisions of this paragraph, and shall be advised of his right to request a hearing if entitled thereto under § 46.4. In the case of an enemy alien, the written order preventing departure shall become final on the date of its service upon the alien.
(c) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States may be required, in the discretion of the departure-control officer, to be examined under oath and to submit for official inspection all documents, articles, and other property in his possession which are being removed from the United States upon, or in connection with, the alien's departure. The departure-control officer may permit such other persons, including officials of the Department of State and interpreters, to participate in such examination or inspection and may exclude from presence at such examination or inspection any person whose presence would not further the objectives of such examination or inspection. The departure-control officer shall temporarily prevent the departure of any alien who refuses to submit to such examination or inspection, and may, if necessary to cause the alien to submit to such examination or inspection, take possession of the alien's passport or other travel document or issue a subpoena requiring the alien to submit to such examination or inspection.
The departure from the United States of any alien within one or more of the following categories shall be deemed prejudicial to the interest of the United States:
(a) Any alien who is in possession of, and who is believed likely to disclose to unauthorized persons, information concerning the plans, preparations, equipment, or establishments for the national defense and security of the United States.
(b) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States to engage in, or who is likely to engage in, activities of any kind designed to obstruct, impede, retard, delay or counteract the effectiveness of the national defense of the United States or the measures adopted by the United States or the United Nations for the defense of any other country.
(c) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States to engage in, or who is likely to engage in, activities which would obstruct, impede, retard, delay, or counteract the effectiveness of any plans made or action taken by any country cooperating with the United States in measures adopted to promote the peace, defense, or safety of the United States or such other country.
(d) Any alien who seeks to depart from the United States for the purpose of organizing, directing, or participating in any rebellion, insurrection, or violent uprising in or against the
(e) Any alien who is subject to registration for training and service in the Armed Forces of the United States and who fails to present a Registration Certificate (SSS Form No. 2) showing that he has complied with his obligation to register under the Universal Military Training and Service Act, as amended.
(f) Any alien who is a fugitive from justice on account of an offense punishable in the United States.
(g) Any alien who is needed in the United States as a witness in, or as a party to, any criminal case under investigation or pending in a court in the United States:
(h) Any alien who is needed in the United States in connection with any investigation or proceeding being, or soon to be, conducted by any official executive, legislative, or judicial agency in the United States or by any governmental committee, board, bureau, commission, or body in the United States, whether national, state, or local.
(i) Any alien whose technical or scientific training and knowledge might be utilized by an enemy or a potential enemy of the United States to undermine and defeat the military and defensive operations of the United States or of any nation cooperating with the United States in the interests of collective security.
(j) Any alien, where doubt exists whether such alien is departing or seeking to depart from the United States voluntarily except an alien who is departing or seeking to depart subject to an order issued in extradition, exclusion, or deportation proceedings.
(k) Any alien whose case does not fall within any of the categories described in paragraphs (a) to (j), inclusive, of this section, but which involves circumstances of a similar character rendering the alien's departure prejudicial to the interests of the United States.
(a) Any alien, other than an enemy alien, whose departure has been temporarily prevented under the provisions of § 46.2 may, within 15 days of the service upon him of the written order temporarily preventing his departure, request a hearing before a special inquiry officer. The alien's request for a hearing shall be made in writing and shall be addressed to the district director having administrative jurisdiction over the alien's place of residence. If the alien's request for a hearing is timely made, the district director shall schedule a hearing before a special inquiry officer, and notice of such hearing shall be given to the alien. The notice of hearing shall, as specifically as security considerations permit, inform the alien of the nature of the case against him, shall fix the time and place of the hearing, and shall inform the alien of his right to be represented, at no expense to the Government, by counsel of his own choosing.
(b) Every alien for whom a hearing has been scheduled under paragraph (a) of this section shall be entitled (1) to appear in person before the special inquiry officer, (2) to be represented by counsel of his own
(c) Any special inquiry officer who is assigned to conduct the hearing provided for in this section shall have the authority to: (1) Administer oaths and affirmations, (2) present and receive evidence, (3) interrogate, examine, and cross-examine under oath or affirmation both the alien and witnesses, (4) rule upon all objections to the introduction of evidence or motions made during the course of the hearing, (5) take or cause depositions to be taken, (6) issue subpoenas, and (7) take any further action consistent with applicable provisions of law, executive orders, proclamations, and regulations.
(a) The hearing before the special inquiry officer shall be conducted in accordance with the following procedure:
(1) The special inquiry officer shall advise the alien of the rights and privileges accorded him under the provisions of § 46.4.
(2) The special inquiry officer shall enter of record (i) a copy of the order served upon the alien temporarily preventing his departure from the United States, and (ii) a copy of the notice of hearing furnished the alien.
(3) The alien shall be interrogated by the special inquiry officer as to the matters considered pertinent to the proceeding, with opportunity reserved to the alien to testify thereafter in his own behalf, if he so chooses.
(4) The special inquiry officer shall present on behalf of the Government such evidence, including the testimony of witnesses and the certificates or written statements of Government officials or other persons, as may be necessary and available. In the event such certificates or statements are received in evidence, the alien may request and, in the discretion of the special inquiry officer, be given an opportunity to interrogate such officials or persons, by deposition or otherwise, at a time and place and in a manner fixed by the special inquiry officer:
(5) The alien may present such additional evidence, including the testimony of witnesses, as is pertinent and available.
(b) A complete verbatim transcript of the hearing, except statements made off the record, shall be recorded. The alien shall be entitled, upon request, to the loan of a copy of the transcript, without cost, subject to reasonable conditions governing its use.
(c) Following the completion of the hearing, the special inquiry officer shall make and render a recommended decision in the case, which shall be governed by and based upon the evidence presented at the hearing and any evidence of a confidential or security nature which the Government may have in its possession. The decision of the special inquiry officer shall recommend (1) that the temporary order preventing the departure of the alien from the United States be made final, or (2) that the temporary order preventing the departure of the alien from the United States be revoked. This recommended decision of the special inquiry officer shall be made in writing and shall set forth the officer's reasons for such decision. The alien concerned shall at his request be furnished a copy of the recommended decision of the special inquiry officer, and shall be allowed a reasonable time, not to exceed 10 days, in which to submit representations with respect thereto in writing.
(d) As soon as practicable after the completion of the hearing and the rendering of a decision by the special inquiry officer, the district director shall forward the entire record of the case, including the recommended decision of the special inquiry officer and any written representations submitted by the alien, to the regional commissioner having jurisdiction over his district. After reviewing the record, the regional commissioner shall render a decision in the case, which shall be based upon the evidence in the record and on any evidence or information of a confidential or security nature which he deems pertinent. Whenever any decision is based in whole or in part on confidential or security information not included in the record, the decision shall state that such information was considered. A copy of the regional commissioner's decision shall be furnished the alien, or his attorney or representative. No administrative appeal shall lie from the regional commissioner's decision.
(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the Administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs referred to in section 104(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, or such other officers of the Department of State as he may designate, after consultation with the Commissioner, or such other officers of the Immigration and Naturalization Service as he may designate, may at any time permit the departure of an individual alien or of a group of aliens from the United States if he determines that such action would be in the national interest. If the Administrator specifically requests the Commissioner to prevent the departure of a particular alien or of a group of aliens, the Commissioner shall not permit the departure of such alien or aliens until he has consulted with the Administrator.
(f) In any case arising under §§ 46.1 to 46.7, the Administrator shall, at his request, be kept advised, in as much detail as he may indicate is necessary, of the facts and of any action taken or proposed.
(a) In addition to the restrictions and prohibitions imposed by the provisions of this part upon the departure of aliens from the United States, any alien who seeks to depart from the Canal Zone, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or an outlying possession of the United States shall comply with such other restrictions and prohibitions as may be imposed by regulations prescribed, with the concurrence of the Administrator of the Bureau of Security and Consular Affairs and the Commissioner, by the Governor of the Canal Zone, the High Commissioner of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or by the governor of an outlying possession of the United States, respectively. No alien shall be prevented from departing from such zone, territory, or possession without first being accorded a hearing as provided in §§ 46.4 and 46.5.
(b) The Governor of the Canal Zone, the High Commissioner of the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, or the governor of any outlying possession of the United States shall have the authority to designate any employee or class of employees of the United States as hearing officers for the purpose of conducting the hearing referred to in paragraph (a) of this section. The hearing officer so designated shall exercise the same powers, duties, and functions as are conferred upon special inquiry officers under the provisions of this part. The chief executive officer of such zone, territory, or possession shall, in lieu of the regional commissioner, review the recommended decision of the hearing officer, and shall render a decision in any case referred to him, basing it on evidence in the record and on any evidence or information of a confidential or a security nature which he deems pertinent.
In the absence of appropriate instructions from the Administrator of the
22 U.S.C. 2651a; 8 U.S.C. 1104, 1502, 1503 and 1504.
The following definitions shall be applicable to this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
The Department shall determine claims to United States nationality when made by persons abroad on the basis of an application for registration, for a passport, or for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the
(a) A person abroad who claims U.S. nationality, or a representative on his behalf, may apply at a consular post for registration to establish his claim to U.S. nationality or to make his residence in the particular consular area a matter of record.
(b) The applicant shall execute the registration form prescribed by the Department and shall submit the supporting evidence required by subpart C of part 51 of this chapter. A diplomatic or consular officer or a designated nationality examiner shall determine the period of time for which the registration will be valid.
A claim to U.S. nationality in connection with an application for passport shall be determined by posts abroad in accordance with the regulations contained in part 51 of this chapter.
Upon application by the parent(s) or the child's legal guardian, a consular officer or designated nationality examiner may accept and adjudicate the application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America for a child born in their consular district. In specific instances, the Department may authorize consular officers and other designated employees to adjudicate the application for a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a child born outside his/her consular district. Under the supervision of a consular officer, designated nationality examiners shall accept, adjudicate, disapprove and provisionally approve applications for the Consular Report of Birth Abroad. The applicant shall be required to submit proof of the child's birth, identity and citizenship meeting the evidence requirements of subpart C of part 51 of this subchapter and shall include:
(a)
(b)
In the time of war or national emergency, passport agents may be designated to complete consular reports of birth for children born at military facilities which are not under the jurisdiction of a consular office. An officer of the Armed Forces having authority to administer oaths may take applications for registration under this section.
(a) Upon application and the submission of satisfactory proof of birth, identity and nationality, and at the time of the reporting of the birth, the consular officer may issue to the parent or legal guardian, when approved and upon payment of a prescribed fee, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America.
(b) Amended and replacement Consular Reports of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America may be issued by the Department of State's Passport Office upon written request and payment of the required fee.
(c) When it reports a birth under § 50.6, the Department shall furnish the Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America to the parent or legal guardian upon application and payment of required fees.
(d) A consular report of birth, or a certification thereof, may be canceled if it appears that such document was illegally, fraudulently, or erroneously obtained, or was created through illegality or fraud. The cancellation under this paragraph of such a document purporting to show the citizenship status of the person to whom it was issued shall affect only the document and not the citizenship status of the person in whose name the document was issued. A person for or to whom such document has been issued or made shall be given at such person's last known address, written notice of the cancellation of such document, together with the specific reasons for the cancellation and the procedures for review available under the provisions in 22 CFR 51.81 through 51.89.
At any time subsequent to the issuance of a Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America, when requested and upon payment of the required fee, the Department of State's Passport Office may issue to the citizen, the citizen's parent or legal guardian a certificate entitled “Certification of Report of Birth Abroad of a United States Citizen.”
When authorized by the Department, consular offices or designated nationality examiners may issue a card of identity for travel to the United States to nationals of the United States being deported from a foreign country, to nationals/citizens of the United States involved in a common disaster abroad, or to a returning national of the United States to whom passport services have been denied or withdrawn under the provisions of this part or parts 51 or 53 of this subchapter.
(a) Any person who acquired the nationality of the United States at birth and who is involved in any judicial or administrative proceedings in a foreign state and needs to establish his U.S. nationality may apply for a certificate of nationality in the form prescribed by the Department.
(b) An applicant for a certificate of nationality must submit evidence of his nationality and documentary evidence establishing that he is involved in judicial or administrative proceedings in which proof of his U.S. nationality is required.
(a) A person applying abroad for a certificate of identity under section 360(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act shall complete the application form prescribed by the Department and submit evidence to support his claim to U.S. nationality.
(b) When a diplomatic or consular officer denies an application for a certificate of identity under this section, the applicant may submit a written appeal to the Secretary, stating the pertinent facts, the grounds upon which U.S. nationality is claimed and his reasons for
(a)
(2) In addition, the person shall submit to the Department a statement reciting the person's identity and acquisition or derivation of U.S. nationality, the facts pertaining to the performance of any act which would otherwise have been expatriative, and his desire to retain his U.S. nationality.
(a)
(2) The applicant shall submit documentary evidence to establish her eligibility to take the oath of allegiance. If the diplomatic or consular officer or the Department determines, when the application is submitted to the Department for decision, that the applicant is ineligible for resumption of citizenship because of section 313 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the oath shall not be administered.
(b)
(2) The applicant shall submit documentary evidence to establish her eligibility to take the oath of allegiance. If the diplomatic or consular officer or the Department determines, when the application is submitted to the Department, that the applicant is ineligible for resumption of citizenship under section 313 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the oath shall not be administered.
(c)
(d)
(2) The applicant shall submit documentary evidence to establish eligibility to take the oath of allegiance, which includes proof of birth abroad to a U.S. citizen parent between May 24, 1934 and December 24, 1952. If the diplomatic, consular, INS, or passport officer determines that the applicant is ineligible to regain citizenship under section 313 INA, the oath shall not be administered.
(a)
(b) Whenever a person admits that he or she had the intent to relinquish citizenship by the voluntary and intentional performance of one of the acts specified in Section 349(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and the person consents to the execution of an affidavit to that effect, the diplomatic or consular officer shall attach such affidavit to the certificate of loss of nationality.
(c) Whenever a diplomatic or consular officer has reason to believe that a person, while in a foreign country, has lost his U.S. nationality under any provision of chapter 3 of title III of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, or under any provision of chapter IV of the Nationality Act of 1940, as amended, he shall prepare a certificate of loss of nationality containing the facts upon which such belief is based and shall forward the certificate to the Department.
(d) If the diplomatic or consular officer determines that any document containing information relevant to the statements in the certificate of loss of nationality should not be attached to the certificate, the person may summarize the pertinent information in the appropriate section of the certificate and send the documents together with the certificate to the Department.
(e) If the certificate of loss of nationality is approved by the Department, a copy shall be forwarded to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of Justice. The diplomatic or consular office in which the certificate was prepared shall then forward a copy of the certificate to the person to whom it relates or his representative.
(a) A person desiring to renounce U.S. nationality under section 349(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act shall appear before a diplomatic or consular officer of the United States in the manner and form prescribed by the Department. The renunciant must include on the form he signs a statement that he absolutely and entirely renounces his U.S. nationality together with all rights and privileges and all duties of allegiance and fidelity thereunto pertaining.
(b) The diplomatic or consular officer shall forward to the Department for approval the oath of renunciation together with a certificate of loss of nationality as provided by section 358 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. If the officer's report is approved by the Department, copies of the certificate shall be forwarded to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, Department of Justice, and to the person to whom it relates or his representative.
When an approved certificate of loss of nationality or certificate of expatriation is forwarded to the person to whom it relates or his or her representative, such person or representative shall be informed of the right to appeal the Department's determination to the Board of Appellate Review (part 7 of this chapter) within one year after approval of the certificate of loss of nationality or the certificate of expatriation.
8 U.S.C. 1504; 18 U.S.C. 1621; 22 U.S.C. 211a, 212, 213, 213n (Pub. L. 106-113 Div. B, Sec. 1000(a)(7) [Div. A, Title II, Sec. 236], 113 Stat. 1536, 1501A-430); 214, 214a, 217a, 218, 2651a, 2671(d)(3), 2705, 2714, 2721, & 3926; 26 U.S.C. 6039E; 31 U.S.C. 9701; 42 U.S.C. 652(k) [Div. B, Title V of Pub. L. 103-317, 108 Stat. 1760]; E.O. 11295, Aug. 6, 1966, FR 10603, 3 CFR, 1966-1970 Comp., p. 570; Sec. 1 of Pub. L. 109-210, 120 Stat. 319; Sec. 2 of Pub. L. 109-167, 119 Stat. 3578; Sec. 5 of Pub. L. 109-472, 120 Stat. 3554; Pub. L. 108-447, Div. B, Title IV, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2809; Pub. L. 108-458, 118 Stat. 3638, 3823 (Dec. 17, 2004).
The following definitions are applicable to this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(a) A passport may be issued only to a U.S. national.
(b) Unless authorized by the Department, no person may bear more than one valid passport of the same type.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(2) A regular passport or passport card issued to an applicant under 16 years of age is valid for five years from date of issue unless the Department limits the validity period to a shorter period.
(3) A regular passport for which payment of the fee has been excused is valid for a period of five years from the date issued unless limited by the Department to a shorter period.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) The Department has sent or personally delivered a written notice to the bearer stating that the passport has been revoked; or
(2) The passport has been reported as lost or stolen to the Department, a U.S. passport agency or a diplomatic or consular post abroad and the Department has recorded the reported loss or theft; or
(3) The passport is cancelled by the Department (physically, electronically, or otherwise) upon issuance of a new passport of the same type to the bearer; or
(4) The Department has sent a written notice to the bearer that the passport has been invalidated because the Department has not received the applicable fees; or
(5) The passport has been materially changed in physical appearance or composition, or contains a damaged, defective or otherwise nonfunctioning chip, or includes unauthorized changes, obliterations, entries or photographs, or has observable wear or tear that renders it unfit for use as a travel document, and the Department either takes possession of the passport or sends a written notice to the bearer.
(a) A passport authorizing officer may adjudicate applications and authorize the issuance of passports.
(b) A passport authorizing officer will examine the passport application and all documents, photographs and statements submitted in support of the application in accordance with guidance issued by the Department.
(a)
(b)
(a) A passport at all times remains the property of the United States and must be returned to the U.S. Government upon demand.
(b) Law enforcement authorities who take possession of a passport for use in an investigation or prosecution must return the passport to the Department on completion of the investigation and/or prosecution.
(a) When applying for a new passport, an applicant must submit for cancellation any currently valid passport of the same type.
(b) If an applicant is unable to produce a passport under paragraph (a) of this section, he or she must submit a signed statement in the form prescribed by the Department setting forth the circumstances regarding the disposition of the passport.
(c) The Department may deny or limit a passport if the applicant has failed to provide a sufficient and credible explanation for lost, stolen, altered or mutilated passport(s) previously issued to the applicant, after being given a reasonable opportunity to do so.
Except for the convenience of the U.S. Government, no passport may be amended.
A passport issuing office may issue a replacement passport without payment of applicable fees for the reasons specified in § 51.54.
(a) An application for a passport, a replacement passport, extra visa pages, or other passport related service must be completed using the forms the Department prescribes.
(b) The passport applicant must truthfully answer all questions and must state every material matter of fact pertaining to his or her eligibility for a passport. All information and evidence submitted in connection with an application is considered part of the application. A person providing false information as part of a passport application, whether contemporaneously with the form or at any other time, is subject to prosecution under applicable Federal criminal statutes.
(a)
(b)
(i) The most recently issued previous passport was issued when the applicant was 16 years of age or older;
(ii) The application is made not more than 15 years following the issue date of the previous passport, except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section; and
(iii) The most recently issued previous passport of the same type is submitted with the new application.
(2) The applicant must also provide photographs as prescribed by the Department and pay the applicable fees
(c)
(i) The most recently issued previous passport was issued when the applicant was 16 years of age or older;
(ii) The application is made not more than 15 years following the issue date of the previous passport, except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section; and
(iii) The most recently issued previous passport of the same type is submitted with the new application.
(2) The applicant must also provide photographs as prescribed by the Department and pay the applicable fees prescribed in the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (22 CFR 22.1).
(d) Nothing in this Part shall prohibit or limit the Department from authorizing an overseas post to accept a passport application or applications from persons outside the country or outside the person's country of residence in circumstances which prevent provision of these services to the person where they are located or in other unusual circumstances as determined by the Department.
(e) A senior passport authorizing officer may authorize acceptance of an application by mail where the application is made more than 15 years following the issue date of the previous passport as appropriate and in accordance with guidance issued by the Department.
(a)
(1) A passport authorizing officer;
(2) A consular officer, or a U.S. citizen consular agent abroad;
(3) A diplomatic officer specifically authorized by the Department to accept passport applications; and
(4) Such U.S. citizen Department of State employees and contractors as the Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs may designate for the purpose of administering oaths and affirmations for passport applications.
(b)
(1) An employee of the clerk of any Federal court;
(2) An employee of the clerk of any state court of record;
(3) A postal employee at a United States post office that has been selected to accept passport applications;
(4) An employee of the Department of Defense at a military installation that has been authorized to accept passport applications;
(5) An employee of a federal agency that has been selected to accept passport applications; and
(6) Any other person specifically designated by the Department.
(c)
(1) Is a U.S. citizen or a U.S. non-citizen national;
(2) Is 18 years of age or older;
(3) Is a permanent employee, excluding ad hoc, contractual, and volunteer employees; and
(4) Does not have a record of either:
(i) A Federal or State felony conviction; or
(ii) A misdemeanor conviction for crimes involving moral turpitude or breach of trust, including but not limited to embezzlement, identity theft, misappropriation, document fraud, drug offenses, or dishonesty in carrying out a responsibility involving public trust.
(d)
(e)
(1) Certifying the identity of each applicant. Passport acceptance agents must certify that they have personally witnessed the applicant signing his or her application, and that the applicant has:
(i) Personally appeared;
(ii) Presented proper identification, as documented on the application;
(iii) Submitted photographs that are a true likeness; and
(iv) Taken the oath administered by the acceptance agent.
(2) Safeguarding passport application information under the Privacy
Act of 1974. Passport acceptance agents described in § 51.22(b) must not retain copies of executed applications, nor release passport application information to anyone other than the applicant and the Department.
(3) Avoiding conflict of interest. Passport acceptance agents described in § 51.22(b) must not participate in any relationship that could be perceived as a conflict of interest, including but not limited to providing commercial services related to the passport process.
(f)
States must maintain a current listing of all passport acceptance agents designated under § 51.22(b) working at its facility. This list must be updated at least annually and a copy provided to the officer specified by the Department at the appropriate passport issuing office.
(1) The current listing of all designated passport acceptance agents must include the passport acceptance agents':
(i) Names; and
(ii) Signatures.
(2) Any addition to or deletion from the current listing of designated passport acceptance agents is subject to prior approval by the Department.
(a) The applicant has the burden of establishing his or her identity.
(b) The applicant must establish his or her identity by the submission of a previous passport, other state, local, or federal government officially issued identification with photograph, or other identifying evidence which may include an affidavit of an identifying witness.
(c) The Department may require such additional evidence of identity as it deems necessary.
(a) An identifying witness must execute an affidavit in the form prescribed by the Department before the person who accepts the passport application.
(b) A person who has received or expects to receive a fee for his or her services in connection with executing the application or obtaining the passport may not serve as an identifying witness.
(a) The passport shall be issued in the full name of the applicant, generally the name recorded in the evidence of nationality and identity.
(b) The applicant must explain any material discrepancies between the name on the application and the name recorded in the evidence of nationality and identity. The name provided by the applicant on the application may be used if the applicant submits the documentary evidence prescribed by the Department.
(c) A name change will be recognized for purposes of issuing a passport if the name change occurs in one of the following ways.
(1)
Acceptable types of court orders and decrees include but are not limited to:
(i) A name change order;
(ii) A divorce decree specifically declaring the return to a former name;
(2) Certificate of naturalization issued in a new name.
(3)
(4)
(5)
The applicant must submit with his or her application photographs as prescribed by the Department that are a good likeness of and satisfactorily identify the applicant.
A legal guardian or other person with the legal capacity to act on behalf of a person declared incompetent may execute a passport application on the incompetent person's behalf.
(a)
(2) Execution of passport application by both parents or by each legal guardian. Except as specifically provided in this section, both parents or each of the minor's legal guardians, if any, whether applying for a passport for the first time or for a renewal, must execute the application on behalf of a minor under age 16 and provide documentary evidence of parentage or legal guardianship showing the minor's name, date and place of birth, and the names of the parent or parents or legal guardian.
(3) Execution of passport application by one parent or legal guardian. A passport application may be executed on behalf of a minor under age 16 by only one parent or legal guardian if such person provides:
(i) A notarized written statement or affidavit from the non-applying parent or legal guardian, if applicable, consenting to the issuance of the passport, or
(ii) Documentary evidence that such person is the sole parent or has sole custody of the minor. Such evidence includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(A) A birth certificate providing the minor's name, date and place of birth and the name of only the applying parent;
(B) A Consular Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America or a Certification of Report of Birth of a United States Citizen providing the minor's name, date and place of birth and the name of only the applying parent;
(C) A copy of the death certificate for the non-applying parent or legal guardian;
(D) An adoption decree showing the name of only the applying parent;
(E) An order of a court of competent jurisdiction granting sole legal custody to the applying parent or legal guardian containing no travel restrictions inconsistent with issuance of the passport; or, specifically authorizing the applying parent or legal guardian to obtain a passport for the minor, regardless of custodial arrangements; or specifically authorizing the travel of the minor with the applying parent or legal guardian;
(F) An order of a court of competent jurisdiction terminating the parental rights of the non-applying parent or declaring the non-applying parent or legal guardian to be incompetent.
(G) An order of a court of competent jurisdiction providing for joint legal custody or requiring the permission of both parents or the court for important decisions will be interpreted as requiring the permission of both parents or the court, as appropriate. Notwithstanding the existence of any such court
(4) Execution of passport application by a person acting in loco parentis.
(i) A person may apply in loco parentis on behalf of a minor under age 16 by submitting a notarized written statement or a notarized affidavit from both parents or each legal guardian, if any, specifically authorizing the application.
(ii) If only one parent or legal guardian provides the notarized written statement or notarized affidavit, the applicant must provide documentary evidence that an application may be made by one parent or legal guardian, consistent with § 51.28(a)(3).
(5) Exigent or special family circumstances. A passport may be issued when only one parent, legal guardian or person acting in loco parentis executes the application, in cases of exigent or special family circumstances.
(i) “Exigent circumstances” are defined as time-sensitive circumstances in which the inability of the minor to obtain a passport would jeopardize the health and safety or welfare of the minor or would result in the minor being separated from the rest of his or her traveling party. “Time sensitive” generally means that there is not enough time before the minor's emergency travel to obtain either the required consent of both parents/legal guardians or documentation reflecting a sole parent's/legal guardian's custody rights.
(ii) “Special family circumstances” are defined as circumstances in which the minor's family situation makes it exceptionally difficult for one or both of the parents to execute the passport application; and/or compelling humanitarian circumstances where the minor's lack of a passport would jeopardize the health, safety, or welfare of the minor; or, pursuant to guidance issued by the Department, circumstances in which return of a minor to the jurisdiction of his or her home state or habitual residence is necessary to permit a court of competent jurisdiction to adjudicate or enforce a custody determination. A passport issued due to such special family circumstances may be limited for direct return to the United States in accordance with § 51.60(e).
(iii) A parent, legal guardian, or person acting in loco parentis who is applying for a passport for a minor under age 16 under this paragraph must submit a written statement with the application describing the exigent or special family circumstances he or she believes should be taken into consideration in applying an exception.
(iv) Determinations under § 51.28(a)(5) must be made by a senior passport authorizing officer pursuant to guidance issued by the Department.
(6) Nothing contained in this section shall prohibit any Department official adjudicating a passport application filed on behalf of a minor from requiring an applicant to submit other documentary evidence deemed necessary to establish the applying adult's entitlement to obtain a passport on behalf of a minor under the age of 16 in accordance with the provisions of this regulation.
(b)
(2) The passport authorizing officer may at any time require a minor 16 years of age and above to submit the notarized consent of a parent, a legal guardian, or a person in loco parentis to the issuance of the passport.
(c)
(2) An order from a court of competent jurisdiction providing for joint legal custody or requiring the permission of both parents or the court for important decisions will be interpreted
(3) The Department will consider a court of competent jurisdiction to be a U.S. state or federal court or a foreign court located in the minor's home state or place of habitual residence.
(4) The Department may require that conflicts regarding custody orders, whether domestic or foreign, be settled by the appropriate court before a passport may be issued.
(5)
The applicant has the burden of proving that he or she is a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national.
The applicant must provide documentary evidence that he or she is a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(i) A certificate of naturalization.
(ii) A certificate of citizenship.
(iii) A Consular Report of Birth Abroad.
(2) An applicant without one of these documents must produce supporting documents as required by the Department, showing acquisition of U.S. citizenship under the relevant provisions of law.
An applicant who claims to have resumed or retained U.S. citizenship must submit with the application a certificate of naturalization or evidence that he or she took the steps necessary to resume or retain U.S. citizenship in accordance with the applicable provision of law.
The Department may require an applicant to provide any evidence that it deems necessary to establish that he or she is a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national, including evidence in addition to the evidence specified in 22 CFR 51.42 through 51.44.
The Department will generally return to the applicant evidence submitted in connection with an application for a passport. The Department may, however, retain evidence when it deems it necessary for anti-fraud or law enforcement or other similar purposes.
Passport fees must be paid in U.S. currency or in other forms of payments permitted by the Department.
The Department collects the following passport fees in the amounts prescribed in the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services (22 CFR 22.1):
(a) An application fee, which must be paid at the time of application, except as provided in § 51.52, and is not refundable, except as provided in § 51.53.
(b) An execution fee, except as provided in § 51.52, when the applicant is required to execute the application in person before a person authorized to administer oaths for passport purposes. The execution fee is collected at the time of application and is not refundable (see § 51.55). When execution services are provided by an official of a State or local government or of the United States Postal Service (USPS), the State or local government or USPS may retain the fee if authorized to do so by the Department.
(c) A fee for expedited passport processing, if applicable (see § 51.56).
(d) A surcharge in the amount of twenty dollars ($20) on the filing of each application for a passport in order to cover the costs of meeting the increased demand for passports as a result of actions taken to comply with section 7209(b) of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (8 U.S.C. 1165 note). The surcharge will be recovered by the Department of State from within the passport fee reflected in the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services.
(e) An “enhanced border security” surcharge on the filing of each application for a regular passport in an amount set administratively by the Department and published in the Schedule of Fees for Consular Services.
(f) Any other fee that the Department is authorized or required by law to charge for passport services.
(g) The foregoing fees are applicable regardless of the validity period of the passport.
(a) A person who is exempt from the payment of passport fees under this section may obtain a passport book only for no charge. A passport card will not be issued for no charge to the individuals exempt from the payment of passport fees under this section.
(b) The following persons are exempt from payment of passport fees except for the passport execution fee, unless their applications are executed before a federal official, in which case they are also exempt from payment of the passport execution fee:
(1) An officer or employee of the United States traveling on official business and the members of his or her immediate family. The applicant must submit evidence of the official purpose of the travel and, if applicable, authorization for the members of his or her immediate family to accompany or reside with him or her abroad.
(2) An American seaman who requires a passport in connection with his or her duties aboard a United States flag vessel.
(3) A widow, widower, child, parent, brother or sister of a deceased member of the United States Armed Forces proceeding abroad to visit the grave of
(4) Other persons whom the Department determines should be exempt from payment of passport fees for compelling circumstances, pursuant to guidance issued by the Department; or
(5) Other categories of persons exempted by law.
(a) The Department will refund the passport application fee and the security surcharge to any person exempt from payment of passport fees under 22 CFR 51.52 from whom the fee was erroneously collected.
(b) The Department will refund an expedited passport processing fee if the Department fails to provide expedited passport processing as provided in 22 CFR 51.56.
(c) For procedures on refunds of $5.00 or less, see 22 CFR 22.6(b).
A passport issuing office may issue a replacement passport for the following reasons without payment of applicable fees:
(a) To correct an error or rectify a mistake of the Department;
(b) When the bearer has changed his or her name or other personal identifier listed on the data page of the passport, and applies for a replacement passport within one year of the date of the passport's original issuance.
(c) When the bearer of an emergency full fee passport issued for a limited validity period applies for a full validity passport within one year of the date of the passport's original issuance.
(d) When a passport is retained by U.S. law enforcement or judiciary for evidentiary purposes and the bearer is still eligible to have a passport.
(e) When a passport is issued to replace a passport with a failed electronic chip for the balance of the original validity period.
The fee for the execution of a passport application is not refundable.
(a) Within the United States, an applicant for passport service (including issuance, replacement or the addition of visa pages) may request expedited processing. The Department may decline to accept the request.
(b) Expedited passport processing shall mean completing processing within the number of business days published on the Department's website, consistent with the purposes of expedited processing, commencing when the application reaches a Passport Agency or, if the application is already with a Passport Agency commencing when the request for expedited processing is approved. The processing will be considered completed when the passport is ready to be picked up by the applicant or is mailed to the applicant, or a letter of passport denial is transmitted to the applicant.
(c) A fee is charged for expedited passport processing (see 22 CFR 51.51(c)). The fee does not cover any costs of mailing above the normal level of service regularly provided by the Department. The cost of expedited mailing must be paid by the applicant.
(d) The Department will not charge the fee for expedited passport processing if the Department's error, mistake or delay caused the need for expedited processing.
(a) The Department may not issue a passport, except a passport for direct return to the United States, in any case in which the Department determines or is informed by competent authority that:
(1) The applicant is in default on a loan received from the United States under 22 U.S.C. 2671(b)(2)(B) for the repatriation of the applicant and, where applicable, the applicant's spouse, minor child(ren), and/or other immediate family members, from a foreign country (see 22 U.S.C. 2671(d)); or
(2) The applicant has been certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services as notified by a state agency
(b) The Department may refuse to issue a passport in any case in which the Department determines or is informed by competent authority that:
(1) The applicant is the subject of an outstanding Federal warrant of arrest for a felony, including a warrant issued under the Federal Fugitive Felon Act (18 U.S.C. 1073); or
(2) The applicant is subject to a criminal court order, condition of probation, or condition of parole, any of which forbids departure from the United States and the violation of which could result in the issuance of a Federal warrant of arrest, including a warrant issued under the Federal Fugitive Felon Act; or
(3) The applicant is subject to a U.S. court order committing him or her to a mental institution; or
(4) The applicant has been legally declared incompetent by a court of competent jurisdiction in the United States; or
(5) The applicant is the subject of a request for extradition or provisional request for extradition which has been presented to the government of a foreign country; or
(6) The applicant is the subject of a subpoena received from the United States pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1783, in a matter involving Federal prosecution for, or grand jury investigation of, a felony; or
(7) The applicant is a minor and the passport may be denied under 22 CFR 51.28; or
(8) The applicant is subject to an order of restraint or apprehension issued by an appropriate officer of the United States Armed Forces pursuant to chapter 47 of title 10 of the United States Code; or
(9) The applicant is the subject of an outstanding state or local warrant of arrest for a felony; or
(10) The applicant is the subject of a request for extradition or provisional arrest submitted to the United States by a foreign country.
(c) The Department may refuse to issue a passport in any case in which:
(1) The applicant has not repaid a loan received from the United States under 22 U.S.C. 2670(j) for emergency medical attention, dietary supplements, and other emergency assistance, including, if applicable, assistance provided to his or her child(ren), spouse, and/or other immediate family members in a foreign country; or
(2) The applicant has not repaid a loan received from the United States under 22 U.S.C. 2671(b)(2)(B) or 22 U.S.C. 2671(b)(2)(A) for the repatriation or evacuation of the applicant and, if applicable, the applicant's child(ren), spouse, and/or other immediate family members from a foreign country to the United States; or
(3) The applicant has previously been denied a passport under this section or 22 CFR 51.61, or the Department has revoked the applicant's passport or issued a limited passport for direct return to the United States under 22 CFR 51.62, and the applicant has not shown that there has been a change in circumstances since the denial, revocation or issuance of a limited passport that warrants issuance of a passport; or
(4) The Secretary determines that the applicant's activities abroad are causing or are likely to cause serious damage to the national security or the foreign policy of the United States.
(d) The Department may refuse to issue a passport in a case in which the Department is informed by an appropriate foreign government authority or international organization that the applicant is the subject of a warrant of arrest for a felony.
(e) The Department may refuse to issue a passport, except a passport for direct return to the United States, in any case in which the Department determines or is informed by a competent authority that the applicant is a minor who has been abducted, wrongfully removed or retained in violation of a court order or decree and return to his or her home state or habitual residence is necessary to permit a court of competent jurisdiction to determine custody matters.
(a) A passport may not be issued in any case in which the Department determines or is informed by competent authority that the applicant is subject
(1) The Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801
(2) Any Federal law involving controlled substances as defined in section 802 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 801
(3) The Bank Secrecy Act (31 U.S.C. 5311
(4) Any state law involving the manufacture, distribution, or possession of a controlled substance.
(b) A passport may be refused in any case in which the Department determines or is informed by competent authority that the applicant is subject to imprisonment or supervised release as the result of a misdemeanor conviction of a Federal or state drug offense if the individual used a U.S. passport or otherwise crossed an international border in committing the offense, other than a first conviction for possession of a controlled substance, including a misdemeanor conviction arising under:
(1) The Federal statutes described in § 51.61(a); or
(2) Any State law involving the manufacture, distribution, or possession of a controlled substance.
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, the Department may issue a passport when the competent authority confirms, or the Department otherwise finds, that emergency circumstances or humanitarian reasons exist.
(a) The Department may revoke or limit a passport when
(1) The bearer of the passport may be denied a passport under 22 CFR 51.60 or 51.61; or 51.28; or any other provision contained in this part; or,
(2) The passport has been obtained illegally, fraudulently or erroneously; was created through illegality or fraud practiced upon the Department; or has been fraudulently altered or misused;
(b) The Department may revoke a passport when the Department has determined that the bearer of the passport is not a U.S. national, or the Department is on notice that the bearer's certificate of citizenship or certificate of naturalization has been canceled.
(a) The Secretary may restrict the use of a passport for travel to or use in a country or area which the Secretary has determined is:
(1) A country with which the United States is at war; or
(2) A country or area where armed hostilities are in progress; or
(3) A country or area in which there is imminent danger to the public health or physical safety of United States travelers.
(b) Any determination made and restriction imposed under paragraph (a) of this section, or any extension or revocation of the restriction, shall be published in the
(c) A passport may not be designated as valid only for travel to Israel.
(a) A U.S. national may apply to the Department for a special validation of his or passport to permit its use for travel to, or use in, a restricted country or area. The application must be accompanied by evidence that the applicant falls within one of the categories in paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) The Department may grant a special validation if it determines that the validation is in the national interest of the United States.
(c) A special validation may be determined to be in the national interest if:
(1) The applicant is a professional reporter or journalist, the purpose of whose trip is to obtain, and make available to the public, information about the restricted area; or
(2) The applicant is a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross or the American Red Cross traveling pursuant to an officially-sponsored Red Cross mission; or
(3) The applicant's trip is justified by compelling humanitarian considerations; or
(4) The applicant's request is otherwise in the national interest.
(a) The Department will notify in writing any person whose application for issuance of a passport has been denied, or whose passport has been revoked. The notification will set forth the specific reasons for the denial or revocation, and, if applicable, the procedures for review available under 22 CFR 51.70 through 51.74.
(b) An application for a passport will be denied or treated as abandoned if an applicant fails to meet his or her burden of proof under 22 CFR 51.23(a) and 51.40 or otherwise does not provide documentation sufficient to establish entitlement to passport issuance within ninety days of notification by the Department that additional information from the applicant is required. Thereafter, if an applicant wishes to pursue a claim of entitlement to passport issuance, he or she must submit a new application and supporting documents, photographs, and statements in support of the application, along with applicable application and execution fees.
The bearer of a passport that is revoked must surrender it to the Department or its authorized representative upon demand.
(a) A person whose passport has been denied or revoked under 22 CFR 51.60(b)(1) through (10), 51.60(c), 51.60(d), 51.61(b), 51.62(a)(1) where the basis for the adverse action would entitle the applicant to a hearing under this section, or § 51.62(a)(2) may request a hearing to the Department to review the basis for the denial or revocation within 60 days of receipt of the notice of the denial or revocation.
(b) The provisions of §§ 51.70 through 51.74 do not apply to any action of the Department taken on an individual basis in denying, restricting, revoking, or invalidating a passport or in any other way adversely affecting the ability of a person to receive or use a passport for reasons excluded from § 51.70(a) including:
(1) Non-nationality;
(2) Refusal under the provisions of 51.60(a);
(3) Refusal to grant a discretionary exception under emergency or humanitarian relief provisions of § 51.61(c);
(4) Refusal to grant a discretionary exception from geographical limitations of general applicability.
(c) If a timely request for a hearing is made, the Department will hold it within 60 days of the date the Department receives the request, unless the person requesting the hearing asks for a later date and the Department and the hearing officer agree.
(d) The Department will give the person requesting the hearing not less than 10 business days' written notice of the date and place of the hearing.
(a) The Department will name a hearing officer, who will make findings of fact and submit recommendations based on the record of the hearing as defined in § 51.72 to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services in the Bureau of Consular Affairs.
(b) The person requesting the hearing may appear in person, or with or by his designated attorney. The attorney must be admitted to practice in any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, any territory or possession of the United States, or be admitted to practice before the courts of the country in which the hearing is to be held.
(c) The person requesting the hearing may testify, offer evidence in his or her own behalf, present witnesses, and make arguments at the hearing. The person requesting the hearing is responsible for all costs associated with the presentation of his or her case. The
(d) Formal rules of evidence will not apply, but the hearing officer may impose reasonable restrictions on relevancy, materiality, and competency of evidence presented. Testimony will be under oath or by affirmation under penalty of perjury. The hearing officer may not consider any information that is not also made available to the person requesting the hearing and made a part of the record of the proceeding.
(e) If any witness is unable to appear in person, the hearing officer may, in his or her discretion, accept an affidavit from or order a deposition of the witness, the cost for which will be the responsibility of the requesting party.
A qualified reporter will make a complete verbatim transcript of the hearing. The person requesting the hearing and/or his or her attorney may review and purchase a copy of the transcript. The hearing transcript and the documents received by the hearing officer will constitute the record of the hearing.
Only the person requesting the hearing, his or her attorney, the hearing officer, official reporters, and employees of the Department directly concerned with the presentation of the case for the Department may be present at the hearing. Witnesses may be present only while actually giving testimony or as otherwise directed by the hearing officer.
After reviewing the record of the hearing and the findings of fact and recommendations of the hearing officer, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Passport Services will decide whether to uphold the denial or revocation of the passport. The Department will promptly notify the person requesting the hearing in writing of the decision. If the decision is to uphold the denial or revocation, the notice will contain the reason(s) for the decision. The decision is final and is not subject to further administrative review.
Sec. 4, 63 Stat. 111, as amended; 22 U.S.C. 2658.
Foreign Service officers are forbidden to celebrate marriages.
(a) Whenver a consular officer is requested to authenticate the signature of local authorities on a document of marriage when he was not a witness to the marriage, he shall include in the body of his certificate of authentication the qualifying statement, “For the contents of the annexed document, the Consulate (General) assumes no responsibility.”
(b) A consular officer shall include the same statement in certificates of authentication accompanying decrees of divorce.
Although a consular officer may have knowledge respecting the laws of marriage, he shall not issue any official certificate with respect to such laws.
8 U.S.C. 1185; 8 U.S.C. 1185 note (section 7209 of Pub. L. 108-458); E.O. 13323, 69 FR 241 (Dec. 30, 2003).
(a) It is unlawful for a citizen of the United States, unless excepted under 22 CFR 53.2, to enter or depart, or attempt to enter or depart, the United States, without a valid U.S. passport.
(b) For purposes of this part “United States” means “United States” as defined in section 215(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (8 U.S.C. 1185(c)).
A U.S. citizen is not required to bear a valid U.S. passport to enter or depart the United States:
(a) When traveling directly between parts of the United States as defined in § 50.1 of this chapter; or
(b) When entering from or departing to a foreign port or place within the Western Hemisphere, excluding Cuba, by land or by sea; or
(c) When traveling as a member of the Armed Forces of the United States on active duty; or
(d) When traveling as a U.S. citizen seaman, carrying a Merchant Marine Document (MMD or Z-card) in conjunction with maritime business. The MMD is not sufficient to establish citizenship for purposes of issuance of a United States passport under 22 CFR part 51; or
(e) When traveling as a participant in the NEXUS Air program with a valid NEXUS Air membership card. United States citizens who are traveling as participants in the NEXUS Air program, may present, in lieu of a passport, a valid NEXUS Air membership card when using a NEXUS Air kiosk prior to entering the United States. The NEXUS Air card is not sufficient to establish citizenship for purposes of issuance of a U.S. passport under 22 CFR part 51; or
(f) When the U.S. citizen bears another document, or combination of documents, that the Secretary of Homeland Security has determined under Section 7209(b) of Pub. L. 108-458 (8 U.S.C. 1185 note) to be sufficient to denote identity and citizenship; or
(g) When the U.S. citizen is employed directly or indirectly on the construction, operation, or maintenance of works undertaken in accordance with the treaty concluded on February 3, 1944, between the United States and Mexico regarding the functions of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), TS 994, 9 Bevans 1166, 59 Stat. 1219, or other related agreements provided that the U.S. citizen bears an official identification card issued by the IBWC; or
(h) When the Department of State waives, pursuant to EO 13323 of December 30, 2003, Sec 2, the requirement with respect to the U.S. citizen because there is an unforeseen emergency; or
(i) When the Department of State waives, pursuant to EO 13323 of December 30, 2003, Sec 2, the requirement with respect to the U.S. citizen for humanitarian or national interest reasons.
The appropriate officer at the port of entry shall report to the Department of State any citizen of the United States who attempts to enter the United States contrary to the provisions of this part, so that the Department of State may apply the waiver provisions of § 53.2(h) and § 53.2(i) to such citizen, if appropriate.
Nothing in this part shall be construed to prevent a citizen from using a valid U.S. passport in a case in which that passport is not required by this part 53, provided such travel is not otherwise prohibited.
5 U.S.C. 301; 19 U.S.C. 2051, 2052; 22 U.S.C. 1431
Nomenclature changes to part 61 appear at 64 FR 54539, Oct. 7, 1999.
The Department of State administers the “Beirut Agreement of 1948”, a multinational treaty formally known as the Agreement for Facilitating the International Circulation of Visual and Auditory Material of an Educational, Scientific and Cultural Character. This Agreement facilitates the free flow of educational, scientific and cultural audio-visual materials between nations by providing favorable import treatment through the elimination or reduction of import duties, licenses, taxes, or restrictions. The United States and other participating governments facilitate this favorable import treatment through the issuance or authentication of a certificate that the audio-visual material for which favorable treatment is sought conforms with criteria set forth in the Agreement.
(a) The Department shall certify or authenticate audio-visual materials submitted for review as educational, scientific and cultural in character and in compliance with the standards set forth in Article I of the Beirut Agreement when: (1) Their primary purpose or effect is to instruct or inform through the development of a subject or aspect of a subject, or when their content is such as to maintain, increase or diffuse knowledge, and augment international understanding and goodwill; and
(2) The materials are representative, authentic, and accurate; and
(3) The technical quality is such that it does not interfere with the use made of the material.
(b) The Department will not certify or authenticate any audio-visual material submitted for review which:
(1) Does not primarily instruct or inform through the development of a subject or aspect of a subject and its content is not such as to maintain, increase or diffuse knowledge.
(2) Contains widespread and gross misstatements of fact.
(3) Is not technically sound.
(4) Has as its primary purpose or effect to amuse or entertain.
(5) Has as its primary purpose or effect to inform concerning timely current events (newsreels, newscasts, or other forms of “spot” news).
(6) Stimulates the use of a special process or product, advertises a particular organization or individual, raises funds, or makes unsubstantiated claims of exclusivity.
(c) In its administration of this section, the Department shall not fail to qualify audio-visual material because:
(1) It advocates a particular position or viewpoint, whether or not it presents or acknowledges opposing viewpoints;
(2) It might lend itself to misinterpretation, or to misrepresentation of the United States or other countries, or their people or institutions;
(3) It is not representative, authentic, or accurate or does not represent the current state of factual knowledge of a subject or aspect of a subject unless the material contains widespread and gross misstatements of fact;
(4) It does not augment international understanding and goodwill, unless its primary purpose or effect is not to instruct or inform through the development of a subject or an aspect of a subject and its content is not such as to maintain, increase, or diffuse knowledge; or
(5) In the opinion of the Department the material is propaganda.
(d) The Department may certify or authenticate materials which have not been produced at the time of application upon an affirmative determination that:
(1) The materials will be issued serially,
(2) Representative samples of the serial material have been provided at the time of application,
(3) Future titles and release dates have been provided to the Department at the time of application,
(4) The applicant has affirmed that:
(i) Future released materials in the series will conform to the substantive criteria for certification delineated at paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section;
(ii) Such materials will be similar to the representative samples provided to the Department on application; and
(iii) The applicant will provide the Department with copies of the items themselves or descriptive materials for post-certification review.
(e) If the Department determines through a post-certification review that the materials do not comply with the substantive criteria for certification delineated at paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section, the applicant will no longer be eligible for serial certifications. Ineligibility for serial certifications will not affect an applicant's eligibility for certification of materials reviewed prior to production.
(a) Applicants seeking certification of U.S. produced audio-visual materials shall submit to the Department a completed Application Form for each subject or series for which certification is sought. Collateral instructional material, if any, and a copy or example of the material must accompany the Application Form.
(b) Upon an affirmative determination by the Department that the submitted materials satisfy the Certification and Authentication Criteria set forth in § 502.3 of this part, a Certificate shall be issued. A copy of such Certificate must accompany each export shipment of the certified material.
(a) Applicants seeking Department authentication of foreign produced audio-visual materials shall submit to the Department a
(b) Upon an affirmative determination by the Department that the submitted materials satisfy the Certification and Authentication Criteria set forth in § 502.3 of this part, an Importation Document shall be issued. A copy of such Importation Document must be presented to United States Customs at the port of entry.
(a) The Department may, in its discretion, solicit the opinion of subject
(b) As necessary, the Department may determine eligibility of material for certification or authentication based in part on the opinions obtained from subject matter specialists and the Committee on Attestation.
(a) An applicant may request a formal review of any adverse ruling rendered by the Attestation Officer. Such request for review must be made in writing and received no more than 30 days from the date of the Attestation Officer's decision.
(b) The request for review must set forth all arguments which the applicant wishes to advance in support of his or her position and any data upon which such argument is based. A copy of the material for which certification or authentication has been denied must accompany the request for review. The request for review should be addressed as follows: Attestation Program Review Board ECA/GCV—Attestation Officer, Department of State, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547.
(c) The Review Board shall render the applicant a written decision, reversing or affirming the ruling of the Attestation Officer, within 30 days from receipt of the request for review. Such decision shall constitute final administrative action.
(a) Nothing in this part shall preclude examination of imported materials pursuant to the Customs laws and regulations of the United States as codified at 19 U.S.C. 1305 and 19 CFR 10.121, or the application of the laws and regulations governing the importation or prohibition against importation of certain materials including seditious or salacious materials as set forth at 19 U.S.C. 1305.
(b) Department authentications of a foreign certificate for entry under HTS Item No. 9817.00.4000 will be reflected by the issuance of an Importation Document. A copy of each Importation Document issued by the Department will be simultaneously furnished the United States Customs Service.
(c) Customs User Fee: Articles delivered by mail, which are eligible for duty-free entry under the regulations in this part are, additionally, not subjected to the standard Customs User Fee normally imposed by the United States Customs Service, provided there has been a timely filing with the appropriate United States Customs Service office of the documentation required by the regulations in this part.
General information and application forms may be obtained by writing to the Attestation Office as follows: ECA/GCV—Attestation Officer, Department of State, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547; or calling (202) 475-0221.
8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(J), 1182, 1184, 1258; 22 U.S.C. 1431-1442, 2451-2460; Pub. L. 105-277, Div. G, 112 Stat. 2681-761
Nomenclature changes to part 62 appear at 64 FR 54539, Oct. 7, 1999, and 67 FR 17612, 17613, Apr. 11, 2002.
(a) The regulations set forth in this part implement the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961 (the “Act”), as amended, Public Law 87-256, 22 U.S.C. 2451,
(b) The Secretary of State of the Department of State facilitates activities specified in the Act, in part, by designating public and private entities to act as sponsors of the Exchange Visitor Program. Sponsors may act independently or with the assistance of third parties. The purpose of the Program is to provide foreign nationals with opportunities to participate in educational and cultural programs in the United States and return home to share their experiences, and to encourage Americans to participate in educational and cultural programs in other countries. Exchange visitors enter the United States on a J visa. The regulations set forth in this subpart are applicable to all sponsors.
(1) An individual who is a citizen of the United States or one of its territories or possessions, or who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence, within the meaning of section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act; or
(2) A general or limited partnership created or organized under the laws of the United States, or of any state, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States, of which a majority of the partners are citizens of the United States; or
(3) A for-profit corporation, association, or other legal entity created or organized under the laws of the United States, or of any state, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States, which:
(i) Has its principal place of business in the United States, and
(ii) Has its shares or voting interests publicly traded on a U.S. stock exchange; or, if its shares or voting interests are not publicly traded on a U.S. stock exchange, it shall nevertheless be deemed to be a citizen of the United States if a majority of its officers, Board of Directors, and its shareholders or holders of voting interests are citizens of the United States; or
(4) A non-profit corporation, association, or other legal entity created or organized under the laws of the United States, or any state, the District of Columbia, or territory or possession of the United States; and
(i) Which is qualified with the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization pursuant to § 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
(ii) Which has its principal place of business in the United States; and
(iii) In which a majority of its officers and a majority of its Board of Directors or other like body vested with its management are citizens of the United States; or
(5) An accredited college, university, or other post-secondary educational institution created or organized under the laws of the United States, or of any state, including a county, municipality, or other political subdivision thereof, the District of Columbia, or of a territory or possession of the United States; or
(6) An agency of the United States, or of any state or local government, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States.
(1) Financed by an international organization with funds contributed by either the United States or the exchange visitor's government for use in financing international educational and cultural exchanges, or
(2) Financed by an organization or institution with funds made available by either the United States or the exchange visitor's government for the purpose of furthering international educational and cultural exchange.
(1) Secondary school students shall satisfy the attendance and course requirements of the state in which the school is located;
(2) College and university students shall register for and complete a full course of study, as defined by the accredited educational institution in which the student is registered, unless exempted in accordance with § 62.23(e).
(1) Is currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States or
(2) Graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to his/her exchange visitor program begin date, and who enters the United States to participate in a structured and guided work-based internship program in his/her specific academic field.
(1) A degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in his/her occupational field acquired outside the United States, or
(2) Five years of work experience outside the United States in his/her occupational field, and who enters the United States to participate in a structured and guided work-based training program in his/her specific occupational field.
(a) Entities eligible to apply for designation as a sponsor of an exchange visitor program are:
(1) United States local, state and federal government agencies;
(2) International agencies or organizations of which the United States is a member and which have an office in the United States; or
(3) Reputable organizations which are “citizens of the United States,” as that term is defined in § 62.2.
(b) To be eligible for designation as a sponsor, an entity is required to:
(1) Demonstrate, to the Department of State's satisfaction, its ability to comply and remain in continual compliance with all provisions of part 62; and
(2) Meet at all times its financial obligations and responsibilities attendant to successful sponsorship of its exchange program.
Sponsors may select foreign nationals to participate in their exchange visitor programs. Participation by foreign nationals in an exchange visitor program is limited to individuals who shall be engaged in the following activities in the United States:
(a)
(1) Studying in the United States:
(i) Pursuing a full course of study at a secondary accredited educational institution;
(ii) Pursuing a full course of study leading to or culminating in the award of a U.S. degree from a post-secondary accredited educational institution; or
(iii) Engaged full-time in a prescribed course of study of up to 24 months duration conducted by:
(A) A post-secondary accredited educational institution; or
(B) An institute approved by or acceptable to the post-secondary accredited educational institution where the student is to be enrolled upon completion of the non-degree program;
(2) Engaged in academic training as permitted in § 62.23(f); or
(3) Engaged in English language training at:
(i) A post-secondary accredited educational institution, or
(ii) An institute approved by or acceptable to the post-secondary accredited educational institution where the college or university student is to be enrolled upon completion of the language training.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(a) Any entity meeting the eligibility requirements set forth in § 62.3 may apply to the Department of State for designation as a sponsor. Such application shall be made on Form DS-3036 (“Exchange Visitor Program Application”) and filed with the Department of State's Exchange Visitor Program Services.
(b) The application shall set forth, in detail, the applicant's proposed exchange program activity and shall demonstrate its prospective ability to comply with Exchange Visitor Program regulations.
(c) The application shall be signed by the chief executive officer of the applicant and must also provide:
(1) Evidence of legal status as a corporation, partnership, or other legal entity (e.g., charter, proof of incorporation, partnership agreement, as applicable) and current certificate of good standing;
(2) Evidence of financial responsibility as set forth at § 62.9(e);
(3) Evidence of accreditation if the applicant is a post-secondary educational institution;
(4) Evidence of licensure, if required by local, state, or federal law, to carry out the activity for which it is be designated;
(5) Certification by the applicant (using the language set forth in appendix A) that it and its responsible officer and alternate responsible officers are citizens of the United States as defined at § 62.2; and
(6) Certification signed by the chief executive officer of the applicant that the responsible officer will be provided sufficient staff and resources to fulfill his/her duties and obligations on behalf of the sponsor.
(d) The Department of State may request any additional information and documentation which it deems necessary to evaluate the application.
(a) Upon a favorable determination that the proposed exchange program meets all statutory and regulatory requirements, the Department of State may, in its sole discretion, designate an entity meeting the eligibility requirements set forth in § 62.3 as an exchange visitor program sponsor.
(b) Designation shall confer upon the sponsor authority to engage in one or more activities specified in § 62.4. A sponsor shall not engage in activities not specifically authorized in its written designation.
(c) Designations are effective for a period of five years. In its discretion, the Department of State may designate programs, including experimental programs, for less than five years.
(d) Designations are not transferable or assignable.
(a) Upon expiration of a given designation term, a sponsor may seek redesignation for another five-year term.
(b) To apply for redesignation, a sponsor shall advise the Exchange Visitor Program Services by letter or by so indicating on the annual report.
(c) Request for redesignation shall be evaluated according to the criteria set forth at § 62.6(a) taking into account the sponsor's annual reports and other documents reflecting its record as an exchange visitor program sponsor.
(d) A sponsor seeking redesignation should notify the Department of State, as set forth in (b) of this section, no less than four months prior to the expiration date of its designation. A sponsor seeking redesignation may continue to operate its program(s) until such time as the Department of State notifies it of a decision to amend or terminate its designation.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Offer or make available to exchange visitors a variety or appropriate cross-cultural activities. The extent and types of the cross-cultural activities shall be determined by the needs and interests of the particular category of exchange visitor. Sponsors will be responsible to determine the appropriate type and number of cross-cultural programs for their exchange visitors. The Department of State encourages sponsors to give their exchange visitors the broadest exposure to American society, culture and institutions; and
(2) Encourage exchange visitors to voluntarily participate in activities which are for the purpose of sharing the language, culture, or history of their home country with Americans, provided such activities do not delay the completion of the exchange visitors' programs.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Provide accurate and complete information, to the extent lawfully permitted, to the Department of State regarding their exchange visitor programs and exchange visitors;
(2) Provide only accurate information to the public when advertising their exchange visitor programs or responding to public inquiries;
(3) Provide informational materials to prospective exchange visitors which clearly explain the activities, costs, conditions, and restrictions of the program;
(4) Not use program numbers on any advertising materials or publications intended for general circulation; and
(5) Not represent that any program is endorsed, sponsored, or supported by the Department of State or the United States Government, except for United States Government sponsors or exchange visitor programs financed directly by the United States Government to promote international educational exchanges. However, sponsors may represent that they are designated
(e)
(2) The Department of State may require non-government sponsors to provide evidence satisfactory to the Department of State that funds necessary to fulfill all obligations and responsibilities attendant to sponsorship of exchange visitors are readily available and in the sponsor's control, including such supplementary or explanatory financial information as the Department of State may deem appropriate such as, for example, audited financial statements.
(3) The Department of State may require any non-government sponsor to secure a payment bond in favor of the Department of State guaranteeing all financial obligations arising from the sponsorship of exchange visitors.
(f)
(1) Adequate staffing and sufficient support services to administer their exchange visitor programs; and
(2) That their employees, officers, agents, and third parties involved in the administration of their exchange visitor programs are adequately qualified, appropriately trained, and comply with the Exchange Visitor Program regulations.
(g)
(2) The responsible officer and alternate responsible officers shall be employees or officers of the sponsor. The Department of State may, however, in its discretion, authorize the appointment of an individual who is not an employee or officer to serve as an alternate responsible officer, when approved by the sponsor.
(3) The Department of State may limit the number of alternate responsible officers appointed by the sponsor.
Sponsors are responsible for the effective administration of their exchange visitor programs. These responsibilities include:
(a)
(1) The program is suitable to the exchange visitor's background, needs, and experience; and
(2) The exchange visitor possesses sufficient proficiency in the English language to participate in his or her program.
(b)
(1) The purpose of the Exchange Visitor Program;
(2) Home-country physical presence requirement;
(3) Travel and entry into the United States;
(4) Housing;
(5) Fees payable to the sponsor;
(6) Other costs that the exchange visitor will likely incur (e.g., living expenses) while in the United States;
(7) Health care and insurance; and
(8) Other information which will assist exchange visitors to prepare for their stay in the United States.
(c)
(1) Life and customs in the United States;
(2) Local community resources (e.g., public transportation, medical centers, schools, libraries, recreation centers, and banks), to the extent possible;
(3) Available health care, emergency assistance, and insurance coverage;
(4) A description of the program in which the exchange visitor is participating;
(5) Rules that the exchange visitors are required to follow under the sponsor's program;
(6) Address of the sponsor and the name and telephone number of the responsible officer; and
(7) Address and telephone number of the Exchange Visitor Program Services of the Department of State and a copy of the Exchange Visitor Program brochure outlining the regulations relevant to the exchange visitors.
(d)
(e)
(1) Ensure that the activity in which the exchange visitor is engaged is consistent with the category and activity listed on the exchange visitor's Form DS-2019;
(2) Monitor the progress and welfare of the exchange visitor to the extent appropriate for the category; and
(3) Require the exchange visitor to keep the sponsor apprised of his or her address and telephone number, and maintain such information.
(f)
(g)
(h)
Responsible officers shall train and supervise alternate responsible officers. Responsible officers and alternate responsible officers shall:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Forms DS-2019 shall be used only for authorized purposes. To maintain adequate control of Forms DS-2019, responsible officers or alternate responsible officers shall:
(a)
(b)
(1) Is eligible, qualified, and accepted for the program in which he or she will be participating;
(2) Possesses adequate financial resources to complete his or her program; and
(3) Possesses adequate financial resources to support any accompanying dependents.
(c)
(1) Facilitate the entry of a new participant of the exchange visitor program;
(2) Extend the stay of an exchange visitor;
(3) Facilitate program transfer;
(4) Replace a lost or stolen Form DS-2019;
(5) Facilitate entry of an exchange visitor's alien spouse or minor unmarried children into the United States separately;
(6) Facilitate re-entry of an exchange visitor who is traveling outside the United States during the program;
(7) Facilitate a change of category when permitted by the Department of State; and
(8) Update information when significant changes take place in regard to the exchange visitor's program, such as a substantial change in funding or in the location where the program will take place.
(d)
(2) Prohibit transfer of any blank Form DS-2019 to another sponsor or other person unless authorized in writing (by letter or facsimile) by the Department of State to do so;
(3) Notify the Department of State promptly by telephone (confirmed promptly in writing) or facsimile of the document number of any completed Form DS-2019 that is presumed lost or stolen or any blank Form DS-2019 lost or stolen; and
(4) Forward the completed Form DS-2019 only to an exchange visitor, either directly or via an employee, officer, or agent of the sponsor, or to an individual designated by the exchange visitor.
(e)
(2) Destroy damaged and unusable Form DS-2019 on the sponsor's premises after making a record of such forms (e.g. forms with errors or forms damaged by a printer); and
(3) Request exchange visitors and prospective exchange visitors to return any unused Form DS-2019 sent to them and make a record of Forms DS-2019 which are returned to the sponsor and destroy them on the sponsor's premises.
(a)
(1) Change of its address, telephone, or facsimile number;
(2) Change in the composition of the sponsoring organization which affects its citizenship as defined by § 62.2;
(3) Change of the responsible officer or alternate responsible officers;
(4) A major change of ownership or control of the sponsor's organization;
(5) Change in financial circumstances which may render the sponsor unable to comply with its obligations as set forth in § 512.9(e);
(6) Loss of licensure or accreditation;
(7) Loss or theft of Forms DS-2019 as specified at § 62.12(d)(3);
(8) Litigation related to the sponsor's exchange visitor program, when the sponsor is a party; and
(9) Termination of its exchange visitor program.
(b)
(c)
(1) The exchange visitor has withdrawn from or completed a program thirty (30) or more days prior to the ending date on his or her Form DS-2019; or
(2) The exchange visitor has been terminated from his or her program.
(a) Sponsors shall require each exchange visitor to have insurance in effect which covers the exchange visitor for sickness or accident during the period of time that an exchange visitor participates in the sponsor's exchange visitor program. Minimum coverage shall provide:
(1) Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness;
(2) Repatriation of remains in the amount of $7,500;
(3) Expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the exchange visitor to his or her home country in the amount of $10,000; and
(4) A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
(b) An insurance policy secured to fulfill the requirements of this section:
(1) May require a waiting period for pre-existing conditions which is reasonable as determined by current industry standards;
(2) May include provision for co-insurance under the terms of which the exchange visitor may be required to pay up to 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness; and
(3) Shall not unreasonably exclude coverage for perils inherent to the activities of the exchange program in which the exchange visitor participates.
(c) Any policy, plan, or contract secured to fill the above requirements must, at a minimum, be:
(1) Underwritten by an insurance corporation having an A.M. Best rating of “A-” or above, an Insurance Solvency International, Ltd. (ISI) rating of “A-i” or above, a Standard & Poor's Claims-paying Ability rating of “A-” or above, a Weiss Research, Inc. rating of B+ or above, or such other rating as the Department of State may from time to time specify; or
(2) Backed by the full faith and credit of the government of the exchange visitor's home country; or
(3) Part of a health benefits program offered on a group basis to employees or enrolled students by a designated sponsor; or
(4) Offered through or underwritten by a federally qualified Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or eligible Competitive Medical Plan (CMP) as determined by the Health Care Financing Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
(d) Federal, state or local government agencies, state colleges and universities, and public community colleges may, if permitted by law, self-insure any or all of the above-required insurance coverage.
(e) At the request of a non-governmental sponsor of an exchange visitor program, and upon a showing that such sponsor has funds readily available and under its control sufficient to meet the requirements of this section, the Department of State may permit the sponsor to self-insure or to accept full financial responsibility for such requirements.
(f) The Department of State, in its sole discretion, may condition its approval of self-insurance or the acceptance of full financial responsibility by the non-governmental sponsor by requiring such sponsor to secure a payment bond in favor of the Department of State guaranteeing the sponsor's obligations hereunder.
(g) An accompanying spouse or dependent of an exchange visitor is required to be covered by insurance in the amounts set forth in paragraph (a) of this section. Sponsors shall inform exchange visitors of this requirement, in writing, in advance of the exchange visitor's arrival in the United States.
(h) An exchange visitor who willfully fails to maintain the insurance coverage set forth above while a participant in an exchange visitor program or who makes a material misrepresentation to the sponsor concerning such coverage shall be deemed to be in violation of these regulations and shall be subject to termination as a participant.
(i) A sponsor shall terminate an exchange visitor's participation in its program if the sponsor determines that the exchange visitor or any accompanying spouse or dependent willfully fails to remain in compliance with this section.
Sponsors shall submit an annual report to the Department of State. An illustrative form of such report may be found at Appendix D to this part. Such report shall be filed on an academic or calendar year basis, as directed by the Department of State, and shall contain the following:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) The total number of blank Forms DS-2019 received from the Department of State during the reporting year;
(2) The total number of Forms DS-2019 voided or destroyed by the sponsor during the reporting year and the document numbers of such forms;
(3) The total number of Forms DS-2019 issued to potential exchange visitors that were returned to the sponsor or not used for entry into the United States; and
(4) The total number and document identification number sequence of all blank Forms DS-2019 in the possession of the sponsor on the date of the report.
(f)
(g)
(a) An exchange visitor may receive compensation from the sponsor or the sponsor's appropriate designee for employment when such activities are part of the exchange visitor's program.
(b) An exchange visitor who engages in unauthorized employment shall be deemed to be in violation of his or her program status and is subject to termination as a participant in an exchange visitor program.
(c) The acceptance of employment by an accompanying spouse or minor child of an exchange visitor is governed by Immigration and Naturalization Service regulations.
(a)
(b)
(1) For filing an application for program designation and/or redesignation (Form DS-3036)—$1,748.
(2) For filing an application for extension beyond the maximum duration, change of category, reinstatement, reinstatement-update SEVIS status, ECFMG-sponsorship authorization, and permission to issue—$246.
(a)
(1) Alien physicians in graduate medical education or training, who are governed by regulations set forth at § 62.27; and
(2) Short-term scholars, who are governed by regulations set forth at § 62.21.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) The participant must not be a candidate for a tenure track position;
(2) The participant has not been physically present in the United States as a nonimmigrant pursuant to the provisions of 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(J) for all or part of the twelve-month period immediately proceeding the date of program commencement set forth on his or her Form DS-2019, unless:
(i) The participant is transferring to the sponsor's program pursuant to provisions set forth in § 62.42;
(ii) The participant's presence in the United States was of less than six months duration; or
(iii) The participant's presence in the United States was pursuant to a short-term scholar exchange activity as authorized by § 62.21; and
(3) The participant is not subject to the prohibition against repeat participation set forth at § 62.20(i)(2).
(e)
(f)
(g)
(1)
(i) Be directly related to the objectives of the exchange visitor's program;
(ii) Be incidental to the exchange visitor's primary program activities;
(iii) Not delay the completion date of the exchange visitor's program; and
(iv) Be documented in SEVIS.
(2)
(A) A letter from the offeror setting forth the terms and conditions of the offer to lecture or consult, including the duration, number of hours, field or subject, amount of compensation, and description of such activity; and
(B) A letter from the exchange visitor's department head or supervisor recommending such activity and explaining how the activity would enhance the exchange visitor's program.
(ii) The responsible officer must review the letters required in paragraph (g)(2)(i) of this section and make a written determination whether such activity is warranted, will not interrupt the exchange visitor's original objective, and satisfies the criteria set forth in paragraph (g)(1) of this section.
(h)
(i)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(i) The participant for whom an extension is requested is engaged in a research project under the direct sponsorship of a Federally Funded National Research and Development Center (“FFNRDC”) or a U.S. Federal Laboratory;
(ii) The FFNRDC or U.S. Federal Laboratory requesting the extension on behalf of the participant has determined, through peer review, that the participant's continued involvement in the project is beneficial to its successful conclusion; and
(iii) The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has determined in his/her discretion that the extension may be approved;
(iv) The extension request is for not more than five years.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(a)
(1) Are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States or
(2) Graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program begin date may enter the United States to obtain work-based learning to build on their academic experience by developing practical skills. Regulations dealing with training opportunities for certain foreign students who are studying at post-secondary accredited educational institutions in the United States are located at § 62.23 (“College and University Students”). Regulations governing alien physicians in graduate medical education or training are located at § 62.27 (“Alien Physicians”).
(b)
(ii) Exchange Visitor Program training and internship programs must not be used as substitutes for ordinary employment or work purposes; nor may they be used under any circumstances to displace American workers. The requirements in these regulations for trainees are designed to distinguish between
(2) In addition, a specific objective of the new internship program is to provide foreign nationals who are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree- or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution or graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program begin date a period of work-based learning to allow them to develop practical skills that will enhance their future careers. Bridging the gap between formal education and practical work experience
(c)
(2) Sponsors must provide training and internship programs only in the occupational category or categories for which the Department has designated them as sponsors. The Department will designate training and internship programs in any of the following occupational categories:
(i) Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing;
(ii) Arts and Culture;
(iii) Aviation;
(iv) Construction and Building Trades;
(v) Education, Social Sciences, Library Science, Counseling and Social Services;
(vi) Health Related Occupations;
(vii) Hospitality and Tourism;
(viii) Information Media and Communications;
(iv) Management, Business, Commerce and Finance;
(x) Public Administration and Law; and
(xi) The Sciences, Engineering, Architecture, Mathematics, and Industrial Occupations.
(d)
(2) Sponsors of training programs must verify that all potential trainees are foreign nationals who have either a degree or professional certificate from a foreign post-secondary academic institution and at least one year of prior related work experience in their occupational field acquired outside the United States or five years of work experience outside the United States in their occupational field.
(3) Sponsors of internship programs must verify that all potential interns are foreign nationals who are currently enrolled in and pursuing studies at a degree-or certificate-granting post-secondary academic institution outside the United States or graduated from such an institution no more than 12 months prior to their exchange visitor program begin date.
(e)
(1) They do not issue Forms DS-2019 to potential participants in training and internship programs until they secure placements for trainees or interns and complete and secure requisite signatures on Form DS-7002, Training/Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP or Forms DS-7002);
(2) Trainees and interns have sufficient finances to support themselves for their entire stay in the United States, including housing and living expenses; and
(3) The training and internship programs expose participants to American techniques, methodologies, and expertise and expand upon the participants' existing knowledge and skills. Programs must not duplicate the participants' prior work experience or training received elsewhere.
(f)
(i) Ensure that trainees and interns are appropriately selected, placed, oriented, supervised, and evaluated;
(ii) Be available to trainees and interns (and host organizations, as appropriate) to assist as facilitators, counselors, and information resources;
(iii) Ensure that training and internship programs provide a balance between the trainees' and interns' learning opportunities and their contributions to the organizations in which they are placed;
(iv) Ensure that the training and internship programs are full-time (minimum of 32 hours a week); and
(v) Ensure that any host organizations and third parties involved in the recruitment, selection, screening, placement, orientation, evaluation for, or the provision of training and internship programs are sufficiently educated on the goals, objectives, and regulations of the Exchange Visitor Program and adhere to all regulations set forth in this Part as well as all additional terms and conditions governing Exchange Visitor Program administration that the Department may from time to time impose.
(2) Sponsors must ensure that they or any host organization acting on the sponsor's behalf:
(i) Have sufficient resources, plant, equipment, and trained personnel available to provide the specified training and internship program;
(ii) Provide continuous on-site supervision and mentoring of trainees and interns by experienced and knowledgeable staff;
(iii) Ensure that trainees and interns obtain skills, knowledge, and competencies through structured and guided activities such as classroom training, seminars, rotation through several departments, on-the-job training, attendance at conferences, and similar learning activities, as appropriate in specific circumstances;
(iv) Conduct periodic evaluations of trainees and interns, as set forth in § 62.22(l);
(v) Do not displace full-or part-time or temporary or permanent American workers or serve to fill a labor need and ensure that the positions that trainees and interns fill exist solely to assist trainees and interns in achieving the objectives of their participation in training and internship programs; and
(vi) Certify that training and internship programs in the field of agriculture meet all the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act, as amended (29 U.S.C. 201
(3) Sponsors or any third parties acting on their behalf must conduct a thorough screening of potential trainees or interns, including a documented interview in-person, by videoconference, or by web camera.
(4) Sponsors must retain all documents referred to in § 62.22(f) for at least three years following the completion of all training and internship programs. Documents and any requisite signatures may be retained in either hard copy or electronic format.
(g)
(2)
(3)
(i) The Dun & Bradstreet identification number (unless the host organization is an academic institution, government entity, or family farm);
(ii) Employer Identification Number (EIN) used for tax purposes;
(iii) Verification of telephone number, address, and professional activities via advertising, brochures, Web site, and/or feedback from prior participants; and
(iv) Verification of Workman's Compensation Insurance Policy.
(4)
(h)
(1) Host organizations sign a completed Form DS-7002 to verify that all placements are appropriate and consistent with the objectives of the trainees or interns as outlined in their program applications and as set forth in their T/IPPs. All parties involved in internship programs should recognize that interns are seeking entry-level training and experience. Accordingly, all placements must be tailored to the skills and experience level of the individual intern;
(i) Host organizations notify sponsors promptly of any concerns about, changes in, or deviations from T/IPPs during training and internship programs and contact sponsors immediately in the event of any emergency involving trainees or interns;
(ii) Host organizations abide by all Federal, State, and Local occupational health and safety laws; and
(iii) Host organizations abide by all program rules and regulations set forth by the sponsor, including the completion of all mandatory program evaluations.
(2) [Reserved]
(i)
(2) To further distinguish between bona fide training for trainees or work-based learning for interns, which are permitted, and ordinary employment or unskilled labor which are not, all T/IPPs must
(i) State the specific goals and objectives of the training and internship program (for each phase or component, if applicable);
(ii) Detail the knowledge, skills, or techniques to be imparted to the trainee or intern (for each phase or component, if applicable); and
(iii) Describe the methods of performance evaluation and the supervision for each phase or component, if applicable.
(3) A T/IPP for trainees must be divided into specific and various phases or components, and for each phase or component must
(i) Describe the methodology of training and
(ii) Provide a chronology or syllabus.
(4) A T/IPP for interns must:
(i) Describe the role of the intern in the organization and, if applicable, identify various departments or functional areas in which the intern will work and
(ii) Identify the specific tasks and activities the intern will complete.
(j)
(1) Place trainees or interns in unskilled or casual labor positions, in positions that require or involve child care or elder care, or in clinical or any other kind of work that involves patient care or contact, including any work that would require trainees or interns to provide therapy, medication, or other clinical or medical care (e.g., sports or physical therapy, psychological counseling, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, social work, speech therapy, or early childhood education);
(2) Place trainees or interns in positions, occupations, or businesses that could bring the Exchange Visitor Program or the Department into notoriety or disrepute; or
(3) Engage or otherwise cooperate or contract with a Staffing/Employment Agency to recruit, screen, orient, place, evaluate, or train trainees or interns, or in any other way involve such agencies in an Exchange Visitor Program training and internship program.
(4) Designated sponsors must ensure that the duties of trainees or interns as outlined in the T/IPPs will not involve more than 20 per cent clerical work, and that all tasks assigned to trainees or interns are necessary for the completion of training and internship program assignments.
(5) Sponsors must also ensure that all “Hospitality and Tourism” training and internship programs of six months or longer contain at least three departmental or functional rotations.
(6) Place interns in the field of aviation.
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(i) Is, at the time of making said application, a Federal Aviation Administration certificated pilot school pursuant to title 14 CFR part 141; and
(ii) At the time of making said application is accredited as an flight training program by an accrediting agency which is listed in the current edition of the U.S. Department of Education's “Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies and Associations,” or is accredited as a flight training program by a member of the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation; or
(iii) At the time of making said application has formally commenced the accreditation process with an accrediting agency which is listed in the current edition of the U.S. Department of Education's “Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies and Associations,” or with a member of the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation. If the application for designation is approved, such designation will be for up to 12 months duration, with continued designation thereafter conditioned upon completion of the accreditation process.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 62.22(k), the maximum period of participation for exchange visitors in designated flight training programs must not exceed 24 months total. Any request for extension of time in excess of that authorized under this subsection must be made in accordance with § 62.43.
(3) For purposes of meeting the evaluation requirements set forth in § 62.22(m), sponsors and/or third parties conducting the training may utilize the same training records as are required by the Federal Aviation Administration to be maintained pursuant to 14 CFR 141.101.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) They or their program are financed directly or indirectly by:
(i) The United States Government;
(ii) The government of the student's home country; or
(iii) An international organization of which the United States is a member by treaty or statute;
(2) The programs are carried out pursuant to an agreement between the United States Government and a foreign government;
(3) The program are carried out pursuant to written agreement between:
(i) American and foreign educational institutions;
(ii) An American educational institution and a foreign government; or
(iii) A state or local government in the United States and a foreign government; or
(4) The exchange visitors are supported substantially by funding from any source other than personal or family funds.
(d)
(e)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(f)
(2) A student may be authorized to participate in academic training programs for wages or other remuneration:
(i) During his or her studies; or
(ii) Commencing not later than thirty (30) days after completion of his or her studies, if the criteria, time limitations, procedures, and evaluations listed below in paragraphs (f) (3) to (6) are satisfied:
(3)
(ii) The student is participating in academic training that is directly related to his or her major field of study at the post-secondary accredited educational institution listed on his or her Form DS-2019;
(iii) The student is in good academic standing with the post-secondary accredited educational institution; and
(iv) The student receives written approval in advance from the responsible officer for the duration and type of academic training.
(4)
(i) Is approved by the academic dean or advisor and approved by the responsible officer;
(ii) For undergraduate and pre-doctoral training, does not exceed eighteen (18) months, inclusive of any prior academic training in the United States, or the period of full course of study in the United States, whichever is less; except, additional time for academic training is allowed to the extent necessary for the exchange visitor to satisfy the mandatory requirements of his or her degree program in the United States;
(iii) For post-doctoral training, does not exceed a total of thirty-six (36) months, inclusive of any prior academic training in the United States as an exchange visitor, or the period of the full course of study in the United States, whichever is less. A new Form DS-2019 shall be issued for each eighteen (18) month period.
(5)
(i) The exchange visitor shall present to the responsible officer a letter of recommendation from the student's academic dean or advisor setting forth:
(A) The goals and objectives of the specific training program;
(B) A description of the training program, including its location, the name and address of the training supervisor, number of hours per week, and dates of the training;
(C) How the training relates to the student's major field of study; and
(D) Why it is an integral or critical part of the academic program of the exchange visitor student.
(ii) The responsible officer shall:
(A) Determine if and to what extent the student has previously participated in academic training as an exchange visitor student, in order to ensure the student does not exceed the period permitted in paragraph (f) of this section;
(B) Review the letter required in paragraph (f)(5)(i) of this section; and
(C) Make a written determination of whether the academic training currently being requested is warranted and the criteria and time limitations set forth in paragraph (f) (3) and (4) of this section are satisfied.
(6)
(g)
(1) The student employment:
(i) Is pursuant to the terms of a scholarship, fellowship, or assistantship;
(ii) Occurs on the premises of the post-secondary accredited educational institution the visitor is authorized to attend; or
(iii) Occurs off-campus when necessary because of serious, urgent, and unforeseen economic circumstances which have arisen since acquiring exchange visitor status.
(2) Exchange visitor students may engage in employment as provided in paragraph (g)(1) of this section if the:
(i) Student is in good academic standing at the post-secondary accredited educational institution;
(ii) Student continues to engage in a full course of study, except for official school breaks and the student's annual vacation;
(iii) Employment totals no more than 20 hours per week, except during official school breaks and the student's annual vacation; and
(iv) The responsible officer has approved the specific employment in advance and in writing. Such approval may be valid up to twelve months, but is automatically withdrawn if the student's program is terminated.
(h)
(i) Studying at the post-secondary accredited educational institution listed on their Form DS-2019 and are:
(A) Pursuing a full course of study as set forth in paragraph (e) of this section, and
(B) Maintaining satisfactory advancement towards the completion of their academic program; or
(ii) Participating in an authorized academic training program as permitted in paragraph (f) of this section.
(2)
(i) Studying at the post-secondary accredited educational institution listed on their Form DS-2019 and are:
(A) Participating full-time in a prescribed course of study; and
(B) Maintaining satisfactory advancement towards the completion of their academic program; or
(ii) Participating in an authorized academic training program as permitted in paragraph (f) of this section.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Meets the qualifications for teaching in primary or secondary schools in his or her country of nationality or last legal residence;
(2) Satisfies the standards of the U.S. state in which he or she will teach;
(3) Is of good reputation and character;
(4) Seeks to come to the United States for the purpose of full-time teaching at a primary or secondary accredited educational institution in the United States; and
(5) Has a minimum of three years of teaching or related professional experience.
(d)
(1) Evaluating the qualifications of the foreign applicants to determine whether the criteria set forth in paragraph (c) of this section are satisfied; and
(2) Securing references from colleagues and current or former employers, attesting to the teachers' good reputation, character and teaching skills.
(e)
(f)
(1) Information on the length and location(s) of his or her exchange visitor program;
(2) A summary of the significant components of the program, including a written statement of the teaching requirements and related professional obligations; and
(3) A written statement which clearly states the compensation, if any, to be paid to the teacher and any other financial arrangements in regards to the exchange visitor program.
(g)
(h)
(a)
(b)
(1) With tax-exempt status as conferred by the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
(2) Which are United States citizens as such terms are defined in § 62.2.
(c)
(1) Require all participants to be enrolled and participating in a full course of study at an accredited educational institution;
(2) Allow entry of participants for not less than one academic semester (or quarter equivalency) nor more than two academic semesters (or quarter equivalency) duration; and
(3) Be conducted on a U.S. academic calendar year basis, except for students from countries whose academic year is opposite that of the United States. Exchange students may begin in the second semester of a U.S. academic year if specifically permitted to do so, in writing, by the school in which the exchange visitor is enrolled. Both the host family and school must be notified prior to the exchange student's arrival in the United States that the placement is for either an academic semester or year, or calendar year program.
(d)
(1) Are adequately trained and supervised and that any such person in direct personal contact with exchange students has been vetted through a criminal background check ;
(2) Make no student placement beyond 120 miles of the home of a local organizational representative authorized to act on the sponsor's behalf in both routine and emergency matters arising from an exchange student's participation in the exchange visitor program;
(3) Ensure that no organizational representative act as both host family and area supervisor for any exchange student participant;
(4) Maintain, at minimum, a monthly schedule of personal contact with the student and host family, and ensure that the school has contact information for the local organizational representative and the program sponsor's main office; and
(5) Adhere to all regulatory provisions set forth in this Part and all additional terms and conditions governing program administration that the Department may from time to time impose.
(e)
(1) Are secondary school students in their home country who have not completed more than eleven years of primary and secondary study, exclusive of kindergarten; or are at least 15 years of age but not more than 18 years and six months of age as of the program start date;
(2) Demonstrate maturity, good character, and scholastic aptitude; and
(3) Have not previously participated in an academic year or semester secondary school student exchange program in the United States or attended school in the United States in either F-1 or J-1 visa status.
(f)
(i) Be secured from the school principal or other authorized school administrator of the school or school system that the exchange student participant will attend; and
(ii) Include written arrangements concerning the payment of tuition or waiver thereof if applicable.
(2) Under no circumstance may a sponsor facilitate the entry into the United States of an exchange student for whom a written school placement has not been secured.
(3) Sponsors must maintain copies of all written acceptances and make such documents available for Department of State inspection upon request.
(4) Sponsors must provide the school with a translated “written English language summary” of the exchange student's complete academic course work prior to commencement of school, in addition to any additional documents the school may require. Sponsors must inform the prospective host school of any student who has completed secondary school in his/her home country.
(5) Sponsors may not facilitate the enrollment of more than five exchange students in one school unless the school itself has requested, in writing, the placement of more than five students.
(6) Upon issuance of Form DS-2019 to a prospective participant, the sponsor accepts full responsibility for placing the student, except in cases of voluntary student withdraw or visa denial.
(g)
(1) A summary of all operating procedures, rules, and regulations governing student participation in the exchange visitor program along with a detailed summary of travel arrangements;
(2) Age and language appropriate information on how to identify and report sexual abuse or exploitation;
(3) A detailed profile of the host family in which the exchange student is placed. The profile must state whether the host family is either a permanent placement or a temporary arrival family;
(4) A detailed profile of the school and community in which the exchange student is placed; and
(5) An identification card, which lists the exchange student's name, United States host family placement address and telephone number, and a telephone number which affords immediate contact with both the program sponsor, the program sponsor's organizational representative, and Department of State in case of emergency. Such cards may be provided in advance of home country departure or immediately upon entry into the United States.
(h)
(1) Authorized by the local school district in which the student is enrolled; and
(2) Authorized by the State authority responsible for determination of athletic eligibility, if applicable.
(i)
(j)
(1) Provide potential host families with a detailed summary of the exchange visitor program and the parameters of their participation, duties, and obligations;
(2) Utilize a standard application form that must be signed and dated by all potential host family applicants which provides a detailed summary and profile of the host family, the physical
(3) Conduct an in-person interview with all family members residing in the home;
(4) Ensure that the host family is capable of providing a comfortable and nurturing home environment;
(5) Ensure that the host family has a good reputation and character by securing two personal references for each host family from the school or community, attesting to the host family's good reputation and character;
(6) Ensure that the host family has adequate financial resources to undertake hosting obligations;
(7) Verify that each member of the host family household eighteen years of age and older has undergone a criminal background check; and
(8) Maintain a record of all documentation, including but not limited to application forms, background checks, evaluations, and interviews, for all selected host families for a period of three years.
(k)
(1) Inform all host families of the philosophy, rules, and regulations governing the sponsor's exchange visitor program;
(2) Provide all selected host families with a copy of Department of State-promulgated Exchange Visitor Program regulations; and
(3) Advise all selected host families of strategies for cross-cultural interaction and conduct workshops which will familiarize the host family with cultural differences and practices.
(l)
(i) Facilitate the entry into the United States for an exchange student for whom a host family placement has not been secured;
(ii) Place more than one exchange student with a host family without the express prior written consent of the Department of State. Under no circumstance may more than two exchange students may be placed with one host family.
(2) Sponsors must advise both the exchange student and host family, in writing, of the respective family compositions and backgrounds of each, whether the host family placement is a permanent or temporary placement, and facilitate and encourage the exchange of correspondence between the two prior to the student's departure from the home country.
(3) In the event of unforeseen circumstances which necessitate a change of host family placement, the sponsor must document the reason(s) necessitating such change and provide the Department of State with an annual statistical summary reflecting the number and reason(s) for such change in host family placement in the program's annual report.
(m)
(1) Sponsors must immediately report to the Department any incident or allegation involving the actual or alleged sexual exploitation or abuse of an exchange student participant. Sponsors must also report such allegations as required by local or state statute or regulation. Failure to report such incidents to the Department and, as required by state law or regulation, to local law enforcement authorities shall be grounds for the summary suspension and termination of the sponsor's Exchange Visitor Program designation.
(2) A summation of all situations which resulted in the placement of exchange student participants with more than one host family or school placement; and
(3) Provide a report of all final academic year and semester program participant placements by August 31 for the upcoming academic year or January 15 for the Spring semester and calendar year. The report must provide at a minimum, the exchange visitor student's full name, Form DS-2019 number (SEVIS ID #), host family placement (current U.S. address), and school (site of activity) address.
(a)
(1) Research scholars and professors, who are governed by regulations set forth at § 62.20;
(2) Short-term scholars, who are governed by regulations set forth at § 62.21; and
(3) Alien physicians in graduate medical education or training, who are governed by regulations set forth in § 62.27.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Is an expert in a field of specialized knowledge or skill;
(2) Seeks to travel to the United States for the purpose of observing, consulting, or demonstrating his or her special knowledge or skills; and
(3) Does not fill a permanent or long-term position of employment while in the United States.
(e)
(1) Evaluation of the qualifications of foreign nationals to determine whether they meet the definition of specialist as set forth in § 62.4(g); and
(2) Screening foreign nationals to ensure that the requirements of § 62.10(a) are satisfied.
(f)
(1) Information on the length and location(s) of his or her exchange visitor program;
(2) A summary of the significant components of the program; and
(3) A written statement which clearly states the stipend, if any, to be paid to the specialist.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a)
(b)
(1) Have adequate prior education and training to participate satisfactorily in the program for which they are coming to the United States;
(2) Be able to adapt to the educational and cultural environment in which they will be receiving their education or training;
(3) Have the background, needs, and experiences suitable to the program as required in § 62.10(a)(1);
(4) Have competency in oral and written English;
(5) Have passed either Parts I and II of the National Board of Medical Examiners Examination, the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination in the Medical Sciences, the United States Medical Licensing Examination, Step I and Step II, or the Visa Qualifying Examination (VQE) prepared by the National Board of Medical Examiners, administered by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates. [NB—Graduates of a school of medicine accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education are exempted by law from the requirement of passing either Parts I and II of the National Board of Medical Examiners Examination or the Visa Qualifying Examination (VQE)]; and
(6) Provide a statement of need from the government of the country of their nationality or last legal permanent residence. Such statement must provide written assurance, satisfactory to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, that there is a need in that country for persons with the skills the alien physician seeks to acquire and shall be submitted to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates by the participant's government. The statement of need must bear the seal of the concerned government and be signed by a duly designated official of the government. The text of such statement of need shall read as follows:
Name of applicant for Visa: ___. There currently exists in (Country) a need for qualified medical practitioners in the speciality of ___. (Name of applicant for Visa) has filed a written assurance with the government of this country that he/she will return to this country upon completion of training in the United States and intends to enter the practice of medicine in the specialty for which training is being sought. Stamp (or Seal and signature) of issuing official of named country.
(7) Submit an agreement or contract from a U.S. accredited medical school, an affiliated hospital, or a scientific institution to provide the accredited graduate medical education. The agreement or contract must be signed by both the alien physician and the official responsible for the training.
(c)
(i) The responsible officer or duly designated alternate of the exchange visitor program involved signs and appends to the Form DS-2019 a certification which states “this certifies that the program in which (name of physician) is to be engaged is solely for the purpose of observation, consultation, teaching, or research and that no element of patient care is involved” or
(ii) The dean of the involved accredited United States medical school or his or her designee certifies to the following five points and such certification is appended to the Form DS-2019 issued to the perspective exchange visitor alien physician:
(A) The program in which (name of physician) will participate is predominantly involved with observation, consultation, teaching, or research.
(B) Any incidental patient contact involving the alien physician will be under the direct supervision of a physician who is a U.S. citizen or resident alien and who is licensed to practice medicine in the State of ___.
(C) The alien physician will not be given final responsibility for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.
(D) Any activities of the alien physician will conform fully with the State licensing requirements and regulations for medical and health care professionals in the State in which the alien physician is pursuing the program.
(E) Any experience gained in this program will not be creditable towards any clinical requirements for medical specialty board certification.
(2) The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates may also issue Form DS-2019 to alien physicians who are coming to the United States to participate in a program of observation, consultation, teaching, or research provided the required letter of certification as outlined in this paragraph is appended to the Form DS-2019.
(d)
This certifies that the program in which (name of physician) is to be engaged does not include any clinical activities involving direct patient care.
(e)
(2) Duration of participation is limited to seven years unless the alien physician has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State that the country to which the alien physician will return at the end of additional specialty education or training has an exceptional need for an individual with such additional qualification.
(3) Subject to the limitations set forth above, duration of participation may, for good cause shown, be extended beyond the period of actual training or education to include the time necessary to take an examination required for certification by a specialty board.
(4) The Secretary of State may include within the duration of participation a period of supervised medical practice in the United States if such practice is an eligibility requirement for certification by a specialty board.
(i) Alien physicians shall be permitted to undertake graduate medical education or training in a specialty or subspecialty program whose board requirements are not published in the Director of Medical Specialists if the Board requirements are certified to the Secretary of State and to the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates by the Executive Secretary of the cognizant component board of the American Board of Medical Specialties.
(ii) The Secretary of State may, for good cause shown, grant an extension
(5) The alien physician must furnish the Attorney General each year with an affidavit (Form I-644) that attests the alien physician:
(i) Is in good standing in the program of graduate medical education or training in which the alien physician is participating; and
(ii) Will return to the country of his nationality or last legal permanent resident upon completion of the education or training for which he came to the United States.
(f)
(g)
(2) Alien physicians coming to the United States for the purpose of observation, consultation, teaching, or research are not automatically subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement of section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, but may be subject to this requirement if they are governmentally financed or pursuing a field of study set forth on their countries' Exchange Visitor Skills List. Such alien physicians are eligible for consideration of waivers under section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended, on the basis of “No Objection” statements submitted by their governments in their behalf through diplomatic channels to the Secretary of State of the Department of State.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Selected by the Department of State;
(2) Engaged in consultation, observation, research, training, or demonstration of special skills; and
(3) A recognized or potential leader in a field of specialized knowledge or skill.
(d)
(1) Information on the length and location(s) of his or her exchange visitor program; and
(2) A summary of the significant components of the program.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Selected by a U.S. federal, state, and local government agency;
(2) Engaged in consultation, observation, training, or demonstration of special skills; and
(3) An influential or distinguished person.
(e)
(1) Information on the length and location(s) of his or her exchange visitor program;
(2) A summary of the significant components of the program; and
(3) A written statement which clearly states the stipend, if any, to be paid to the government visitor.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(a)
(b)
(1) Are at least 18 years of age;
(2) Are
(c)
(1) Conduct an in-person interview; and
(2) Secure references from a participant's employer or teacher regarding his or her suitability for participation in a camp counselor exchange.
(d)
(1) Duties and responsibilities relating to their service as a camp counselor;
(2) Contractual obligations relating to their acceptance of a camp counselor position; and
(3) Financial compensation for their service as a camp counselor.
(e)
(1) Accredited;
(2) A member in good standing of the American Camping Association;
(3) Officially affiliated with a nationally recognized non-profit organization; or
(4) Have been inspected, evaluated, and approved by the sponsor.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(1) Comply with all provisions set forth in subpart A of this part;
(2) Not facilitate the entry of any participant for a program of more than four months duration; and
(3) Under no circumstance facilitate the entry into the United States of a participant for whom a camp placement has not been pre-arranged.
(i)
(j) In order to ensure that as many different individuals as possible are recruited for participation in camp counselor programs, sponsors shall limit the number of participants who have previously participated more than once in any camp counselor exchange to not more than ten percent of the total number of participants that the sponsor placed in the immediately preceding year.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Limit the participation of foreign nationals in such programs to not more than one year;
(2) Limit the number of hours an EduCare au pair participant is obligated to provide child care services to not more than 10 hours per day or more than 30 hours per week and limit the number of hours all other au pair participants are obligated to provide child care services to not more than 10 hours per day or more than 45 hours per week;
(3) Require that EduCare au pair participants register and attend classes offered by an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution for not less than twelve semester hours of academic credit or its equivalent and that all other au pair participants register and attend classes offered by an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution for not less than six semester hours of academic credit or its equivalent;
(4) Require that all officers, employees, agents, and volunteers acting on their behalf are adequately trained and supervised;
(5) Require that the au pair participant is placed with a host family within one hour's driving time of the home of the local organizational representative authorized to act on the sponsor's behalf in both routine and emergency matters arising from the au pair's participation in their exchange program;
(6) Require that each local organizational representative maintain a record of all personal monthly contacts (or more frequently as required) with each au pair and host family for which he or she is responsible and issues or problems discussed;
(7) Require that all local organizational representatives contact au pair participants and host families twice monthly for the first two months following a placement other than the initial placement for which the au pair entered the United States.
(8) Require that local organizational representatives not devoting their full time and attention to their program obligations are responsible for no more than fifteen au pairs and host families; and
(9) Require that each local organizational representative is provided adequate support services by a regional organizational representative.
(d)
(1) Are between the ages of 18 and 26;
(2) Are a secondary school graduate, or equivalent;
(3) Are proficient in spoken English;
(4) Are capable of fully participating in the program as evidenced by the satisfactory completion of a physical;
(5) Have been personally interviewed, in English, by an organizational representative who shall prepare a report of the interview which shall be provided to the host family; and
(6) Have successfully passed a background investigation that includes verification of school, three, non-family related personal and employment references, a criminal background check or its recognized equivalent and a personality profile. Such personality profile will be based upon a psychometric test designed to measure differences in characteristics among applicants against those characteristics considered most important to successfully participate in the au pair program.
(e)
(1) Place an au pair with a family unless the family has specifically agreed that a parent or other responsible adult will remain in the home for the first three days following the au pair's arrival;
(2) Place an au pair with a family having a child aged less than three months unless a parent or other responsible adult is present in the home;
(3) Place an au pair with a host family having children under the age of two, unless the au pair has at least 200 hours of documented infant child care experience. An au pair participating in the EduCare program shall not be placed with a family having pre-school children in the home unless alternative full-time arrangements for the supervision of such pre-school children are in place;
(4) Place an au pair with a host family having a special needs child, as so identified by the host family, unless the au pair has specifically identified his or her prior experience, skills, or training in the care of special needs children and the host family has reviewed and acknowledged in writing the au pair's prior experience, skills, or training so identified;
(5) Place an au pair with a host family unless a written agreement between the au pair and the host family detailing the au pair's obligation to provide child care has been signed by both the au pair and the host family prior to the au pair's departure from his or her home country. Such agreement shall clearly state whether the au pair is an EduCare program participant or not. Such agreement shall limit the obligation to provide child care services to not more than 10 hours per day or more than 45 hours per week unless the au pair is an EduCare participant. Such agreement shall limit the obligation of an EduCare participant to provide child care service to not more than 10 hours per day or more than 30 hours per week.
(6) Place the au pair with a family who cannot provide the au pair with a suitable private bedroom; and
(7) Place an au pair with a host family unless the host family has interviewed the au pair by telephone prior to the au pair's departure from his or her home country.
(f)
(1) A copy of all operating procedures, rules, and regulations, including a grievance process, which govern the au pair's participation in the exchange program;
(2) A detailed profile of the family and community in which the au pair will be placed;
(3) A detailed profile of the educational institutions in the community where the au pair will be placed, including the financial cost of attendance at these institutions;
(4) A detailed summary of travel arrangements; and
(5) A copy of the Department of State's written statement and brochure regarding the au pair program.
(g)
(1) Prior to placement with the host family, the au pair participant shall receive not less than eight hours of child safety instruction no less than 4 of which shall be infant-related; and
(2) Prior to placement with the American host family, the au pair participant shall receive not less than twenty-four hours of child development instruction of which no less than 4 shall be devoted to specific training for children under the age of two.
(h)
(1) Require that the host parents are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents;
(2) Require that host parents are fluent in spoken English;
(3) Require that all adult family members resident in the home have been personally interviewed by an organizational representative;
(4) Require that host parents and other adults living full-time in the household have successfully passed a background investigation including employment and personal character references;
(5) Require that the host family have adequate financial resources to undertake all hosting obligations;
(6) Provide a written detailed summary of the exchange program and the parameters of their and the au pair's
(7) Provide the host family with the prospective au pair participant's complete application, including all references.
(i)
(1) Inform all host families of the philosophy, rules, and regulations governing the sponsor's exchange program and provide all families with a copy of the Department of State's written statement and brochure regarding the au pair program;
(2) Provide all selected host families with a complete copy of Department of State-promulgated Exchange Visitor Program regulations, including the supplemental information thereto;
(3) Advise all selected host families of their obligation to attend at least one family day conference to be sponsored by the au pair organization during the course of the placement year. Host family attendance at such a gathering is a condition of program participation and failure to attend will be grounds for possible termination of their continued or future program participation; and
(4) Require that the organization's local counselor responsible for the au pair placement contacts the host family and au pair within forth-eight hours of the au pair's arrival and meets, in person, with the host family and au pair within two weeks of the au pair's arrival at the host family home.
(j)
(1) Are compensated at a weekly rate based upon 45 hours of child care services per week and paid in conformance with the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act as interpreted and implemented by the United States Department of Labor. EduCare participants shall be compensated at a weekly rate that is 75% of the weekly rate paid to non-EduCare participants;
(2) Do not provide more than 10 hours of child care per day, or more than 45 hours of child care in any one week. EduCare participants may not provide more than 10 hours of child care per day or more than 30 hours of child care in any one week;
(3) Receive a minimum of one and one half days off per week in addition to one complete weekend off each month; and
(4) Receive two weeks of paid vacation.
(k)
(1) Require that during their initial period of program participation, all EduCare au pair participants complete not less than 12 semester hours (or their equivalent) of academic credit in formal educational settings at accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions and that all other au pair participants complete not less than six semester hours (or their equivalent) of academic credit in formal educational settings at accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions. As a condition of program participation, host family participants must agree to facilitate the enrollment and attendance of au pairs in accredited U.S. post secondary institutions and to pay the cost of such academic course work in an amount not to exceed $1,000 for EduCare au pair participants and in an amount not to exceed $500 for all other au pair participants.
(2) Require that during any extension of program participation, all participants (
(i) For a nine or 12-month extension, all au pair participants and host families shall have the same obligation for coursework and payment therefore as is required during the initial period of program participation.
(ii) For a six-month extension, EduCare au pair participants must complete not less than six semester hours (or their equivalent) of academic credit in formal educational settings at accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions. As a condition of participation, host family participants must agree to facilitate the enrollment and attendance of au pairs at accredited U.S. post secondary institutions and to pay the cost of such academic coursework in an amount not to exceed $500. All other au pair participants must complete not less than three semester hours (or their equivalent) of academic credit in formal educational settings at accredited U.S. post-secondary institutions. As a
(l)
(1) Require monthly personal contact by the local counselor with each au pair and host family for which the counselor is responsible. Counselors shall maintain a record of this contact;
(2) Require quarterly contact by the regional counselor with each au pair and host family for which the counselor is responsible. Counselors shall maintain a record of this contact;
(3) Require that all local and regional counselors are appraised of their obligation to report unusual or serious situations or incidents involving either the au pair or host family; and
(4) Promptly report to the Department of State any incidents involving or alleging a crime of moral turpitude or violence.
(m)
(1) A summation of the results of an annual survey of all host family and au pair participants regarding satisfaction with the program, its strengths and weaknesses;
(2) A summation of all complaints regarding host family or au pair participation in the program, specifying the nature of the complaint, its resolution, and whether any unresolved complaints are outstanding;
(3) A summation of all situations which resulted in the placement of au pair participant with more than one host family;
(4) A report by a certified public accountant, conducted pursuant to a format designated by the Department of State, attesting to the sponsor's compliance with the procedures and reporting requirements set forth in this subpart;
(5) A report detailing the name of the au pair, his or her host family placement, location, and the names of the local and regional organizational representatives; and
(6) A complete set of all promotional materials, brochures, or pamphlets distributed to either host family or au pair participants.
(n)
(1) Comply with the au pair placement requirements set forth in paragraph (e) of this section;
(2) Satisfy the selection requirements for each individual au pair as set forth in paragraph (d) of this section; and
(3) Enforce and monitor host family's compliance with the stipend and hours requirements set forth in paragraph (j) of this section.
(o)
(1) Au pair's name, SEVIS identification number, date of birth, the length of the extension period being requested;
(2) Verification that the au pair completed the educational requirements of the initial program; and
(3) Payment of the required non-refundable fee (see 22 CFR 62.90) via Pay.gov.
(p)
(a)
(b)
(1) Conduct an in-person interview;
(2) Ensure that the participant is a bona fide post-secondary school student in his or her home country; and
(3) Ensure that not more than ten percent of selected program participants have previously participated in a summer work travel program.
(c)
(1) The name and location of their employer, if prior employment has been arranged; and
(2) Any contractual obligations related to their acceptance of paid employment in the United States, if prior employment has been arranged.
(d)
(1) Ensure that the participant has sufficient financial resources to support him or herself during his or her search for employment;
(2) Provide the participant with pre-departure information that explains how to seek employment and how to secure lodging in the United States;
(3) Prepare and provide to program participants a roster of bona fide job listings equal to or greater than the number of participants for whom pre-arranged employment has not been secured; and,
(4) Undertake reasonable efforts to secure suitable employment for any participant who has not found suitable employment within one week of commencing his or her job search.
(e)
(f)
(1) All participants with a telephone number which allows 24-hour immediate contact with the sponsor; and
(2) Appropriate assistance to program participants on an as-needed emergency basis.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a) A sponsor shall terminate an exchange visitor's participation in its program when the exchange visitor:
(1) Fails to pursue the activities for which he or she was admitted to the United States;
(2) Is unable to continue, unless otherwise exempted pursuant to these regulations;
(3) Violates the Exchange Visitor Program regulations and/or the sponsor's rules governing the program, if, in the sponsor's opinion, termination is warranted;
(4) Willfully fails to maintain the insurance coverage required under § 62.14 of these regulations; or
(b) An exchange visitor's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program is subject to termination when he or she engages in unauthorized employment. Upon establishing such violation, the Department of State shall terminate the exchange visitor's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program.
(a) The Department of State may, in its discretion, permit an exchange visitor to change his or her category of exchange participation. Any change in category must be clearly consistent with and closely related to the participant's original exchange objective and necessary due to unusual or exceptional circumstances.
(b) A request for change of category along with supporting justification must be submitted to the Department of State by the participant's sponsor. Upon Department of State approval the sponsor shall issue to the exchange visitor a duly executed Form DS-2019 reflecting such change of category and provide a notification copy of such form to the Department of State.
(c) Requests for change of category from research scholar to student will be evaluated recognizing the fact that, in some cases, research skills can be substantially enhanced by doctoral study.
(d) An exchange visitor who applies for a change of category pursuant to these regulations is considered to be maintaining lawful status during the pendency of the application.
(e) An exchange visitor who applies for a change of category and who subsequently receives notice from the Department of State that the request has been denied is considered to be maintaining lawful status for an additional period of thirty days from the day of such notice, during which time the exchange visitor is expected to depart the country, or for a period of thirty days from expiration of the exchange visitors' Form DS-2019, whichever is later.
(a) Program sponsors may, pursuant to the provisions set forth in this section, permit an exchange visitor to transfer from one designated program to another designated program.
(b) The responsible officer of the program to which the exchange visitor is transferring:
(1) Shall verify the exchange visitor's visa status and program eligibility;
(2) Execute the Form DS-2019; and
(3) Secure the written release of the current sponsor.
(c) Upon return of the completed Form DS-2019, the responsible officer of the program to which the exchange visitor has transferred shall provide:
(1) The exchange visitor his or her copy of the Form DS-2019; and
(2) A notification copy of such form to the Department of State.
(a) Responsible officers may extend an exchange visitor's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program up to the limit of the permissible period of participation authorized for his or her specific program category.
(b) A responsible officer extending the program of an exchange visitor shall issue to the exchange visitor a duly executed Form DS-2019 reflecting such extension and provide a notification copy of such form to the Department of State.
(c) The responsible officer seeking a program extension on behalf of an exchange visitor in excess of that authorized for his or her specific category of participation shall:
(1) Adequately document the reasons which justify such extension; and
(2) Secure the prior written approval of the Department of State for such extension.
(d) In addition to individual requests, the Department of State shall entertain requests for groups of similarly situated exchange visitors.
(a)
(b)
(2) You may only correct the exchange visitor's record with respect to a technical or minor infraction of the regulations in this part if the exchange visitor is pursuing or intending to pursue the exchange visitor's original program objective.
(3) You may not correct the exchange visitor's records with respect to a technical or minor infraction of the regulations in this part if the exchange visitor has willfully failed to maintain insurance coverage during the period for which the record is being corrected; if the exchange visitor has engaged in unauthorized employment during that period, as defined in paragraph (a) of this section, of if the exchange visitor was involuntarily suspended or terminated from his or her program during the period.
(4) If the exchange visitor has failed to maintain valid program status because of a substantive violation of the regulations in this part, you must apply to us for reinstatement.
(c)
(1) Failure to extend the Form DS-2019 in a timely manner (
(2) Failure on the part of the exchange visitor to conclude a transfer of program prior to the end date on the current Form DS-2019 due to administrative delay or oversight, inadvertence or neglect on your part or on the part of the exchange visitor;
(3) Failure to receive your prior approval and/or an amended Form DS-2019 before accepting an honorarium or other type of payment for engaging in
(4) You correct the record
(i) Forms DS-2019 should be:
(A) Issued to show continued authorized stay without interruption;
(B) Marked in the “purpose” box with the appropriate purpose (
(C) Dated as of the date the Form was actually executed; and,
(D) Submitted to the Department of State in the same way as any other notification.
(ii) Letters or other authorization documents should be:
(A) Issued according to the regulations in this part appropriate to the category and the activity;
(B) Marked or annotated to show “correct the record,”
(C) Dated as of the date the letter or document was actually executed; and,
(D) Attached to the exchange visitor's Form DS-2019 and/or retained in the sponsor's file as required by the regulations in this part for that particular type of letter or document.
(d)
(1) Regardless of the reason, has the exchange visitor failed to maintain valid program status for more than 120 calendar days after the end date on the current Form DS-2019?
(2) Has the exchange visitor, by his or her actions, failed to maintain, at all relevant times, his or her original program objective?
(3) Has the exchange visitor willfully failed to comply with our insurance coverage requirements (§ 62.14)?
(4) Has the exchange visitor engaged in unauthorized employment, as that term is defined in paragraph (a) of this section?
(5) Has the exchange visitor category been involuntarily suspended or terminated from his or her program?
(6) Has an exchange visitor in the student category failed to maintain a full course of study (as defined in § 62.2) without prior consultation with you and the exchange visitor's academic advisor?
(7) Has the exchange visitor failed to pay the fee mandated by Public Law 104-208 (the “CIPRIS” fee)?
(8) If the answer to any of the above questions is “yes,” then the infraction is not a technical or minor one and you are not authorized to reinstate the exchange visitor to valid program status.
(e)
(1) Failure to maintain valid program status for more than 120 days after the end date on the current Form DS-2019;
(2) If a student, failure to maintain a full course of study (as defined in § 62.2) without prior consultation with you and the exchange visitor's academic advisor.
(f)
(1) Knowingly or willfully failed to obtain or maintain the required health insurance (§ 62.14) at all times while in the United States;
(2) Engaged in unauthorized employment, as that term is defined in paragraph (a) of this section;
(3) Been suspended or terminated from the most recent exchange visitor program;
(4) Failed to maintain valid program status for more than 270 calendar days;
(5) Received a favorable recommendation from the Department of State on an application for waiver of section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act [8 U.S.C. 1182(e)]; or,
(6) Failed to pay the fee mandated by Public Law 104-208 (the “CIPRIS” fee.)
(g)
(h)
(i) All copies of the exchange visitor's Forms DS-2019 issued to date;
(ii) A new, completed Form DS-2019, showing in Block 3 the date of the period for which reinstatement is sought,
(iii) A copy of the receipt showing that the Public Law 104-208 fee has been paid; and,
(iv) A written statement (and documentary information supporting such statement):
(A) Declaring that the exchange visitor is pursuing or was at all times intending to pursue the original exchange visitor program activity for which the exchange visitor was admitted to the United States; and,
(B) Showing that the exchange visitor failed to maintain valid program status due to circumstances beyond the control of the exchange visitor, or from administrative delay or oversight, inadvertence, or excusable neglect on your part or the exchange visitor's part; or,
(C) Showing that it would be an unusual hardship to the exchange visitor if we do not grant the reinstatement to valid program status.
(2) If you determine that the violation of the regulations is a substantive one, and that the exchange visitor has failed to maintain valid program status for more than 120 days, then you must apply to us for reinstatement of the exchange visitor to valid program status. Your application must include:
(i) Copies of all the exchange visitor's Forms DS-2019 issued to date;
(ii) A new, completed Form DS-2019, showing in Block 3 the date for which reinstatement is sought,
(iii) A copy of the receipt showing that the Pub. L. 104-208 fee has been paid; and,
(iv) A written statement (together with documentary evidence supporting such statement):
(A) Declaring that the exchange visitor is pursuing or was at all times intending to pursue the exchange visitor program activity for which the exchange visitor was admitted to the United States; and,
(B) Showing that the exchange visitor failed to maintain valid program status due to circumstances beyond the control of the exchange visitor, or from administrative delay or oversight, inadvertence, or excusable neglect on your part or the exchange visitor's part; and,
(C) Showing that it would be an unusual hardship to the exchange visitor if we do not grant the reinstatement to valid program status.
(i)
(2) If we approve your request for reinstatement, we will notify you:
(i) By stamping Box 6 on the new Form DS-2019 to show that reinstatement was granted, effective as of the date on which the application for reinstatement was received by the Exchange Visitor Program Services office; and
(ii) By returning the new Form DS-2019 for the exchange visitor.
(j)
(k)
(a)
(1) Violated one or more provisions of this Part;
(2) Evidenced a pattern of failure to comply with one or more provisions of this Part;
(3) Committed an act of omission or commission, which has or could have the effect of endangering the health, safety, or welfare of an exchange visitor; or
(4) Otherwise conducted its program in such a way as to undermine the foreign policy objectives of the United States, compromise the national security interests of the United States, or bring the Department or the Exchange Visitor Program into notoriety or disrepute.
(b)
(i) A written reprimand to the sponsor, with a warning that repeated or persistent violations of the regulations in this Part may result in suspension or revocation of the sponsor's Exchange Visitor Program designation, or other sanctions as set forth herein;
(ii) A declaration placing the exchange visitor sponsor's program on probation, for a period of time determined by the Department in its discretion, signifying a pattern of violation of regulations such that further violations could lead to suspension or revocation of the sponsor's Exchange Visitor Program designation, or other sanctions as set forth herein;
(iii) A corrective action plan designed to cure the sponsor's violations; or
(iv) Up to a 15 percent (15%) reduction in the authorized number of exchange visitors in the sponsor's program or in the geographic area of its recruitment or activity. If the sponsor continues to violate the regulations in this Part, the Department may impose subsequent additional reductions, in ten-percent (10%) increments, in the authorized number of exchange visitors in the sponsor's program or in the geographic area of its recruitment or activity.
(2) Within ten (10) days after service of the written notice to the sponsor imposing any of the sanctions set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the sponsor may submit to the Office a statement in opposition to or mitigation of the sanction. Such statement may not exceed 20 pages in length, double-spaced and, if appropriate, may include additional documentary material. Sponsors shall include with all documentary material an index of the documents and a summary of the relevance of each document presented. Upon review and consideration of such submission, the Office may, in its discretion, modify, withdraw, or confirm such sanction. All materials the sponsor submits will become a part of the sponsor's file with the Office.
(3) The decision of the Office is the final Department decision with regard to lesser sanctions in paragraphs (b)(1)(i) through (iv) of this section.
(c)
(2)(i) Within five (5) days after service of such notice, the sponsor may submit to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs (Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, or PDAS) a statement in opposition to the Office's decision. Such statement may not exceed 20 pages in length, double-spaced and, if appropriate, may include additional documentary material. A sponsor shall include with all documentary material an index of the documents and a summary of the relevance of each document presented. The submission of a statement in opposition to the Office's decision will not serve to stay the effective date of the suspension.
(ii) Within five (5) days after receipt of, and upon consideration of, such opposition, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary shall confirm, modify, or withdraw the suspension by serving the sponsor with a written decision. Such decision must specify the grounds therefore, and advise the sponsor of the procedures for requesting review of the decision.
(iii) All materials the sponsor submits will become a part of the sponsor's file with the Office.
(3) The procedures for review of the decision of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary are set forth in paragraphs (d)(3) and (4), (g), and (h) of this section, except that the submission of a request for review will not serve to stay the suspension.
(d)
(2)(i) Within ten (10) days after service of such written notice of intent to revoke designation, the sponsor may submit to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary a statement in opposition to or mitigation of the proposed sanction, which may include a request for a meeting.
(ii) The submission of such statement will serve to stay the effective date of the proposed sanction pending the decision of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary.
(iii) The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary shall provide a copy of the statement in opposition to or mitigation of the proposed sanction to the Office. The Office shall submit a statement in response, and shall provide the sponsor with a copy thereof.
(iv) A statement in opposition to or mitigation of the proposed sanction, or statement in response thereto, may not exceed 25 pages in length, double-spaced and, if appropriate, may include additional documentary material. Any additional documentary material may include an index of the documents and a summary of the relevance of each document presented.
(v) Upon consideration of such statements, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary shall modify, withdraw, or confirm the proposed sanction by serving the sponsor with a written decision. Such decision shall specify the grounds therefor, identify its effective date, advise the sponsor of its right to request a review, and identify the procedures for requesting such review.
(vi) All materials the sponsor submits will become a part of the sponsor's file with the Office.
(3) Within ten (10) days after service of such written notice of the decision
(4) Within ten (10) days after receipt of such request for review, the Department shall designate a panel of three Review Officers pursuant to paragraph (g) of this section, and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary shall forward to each panel member all notices, statements, and decisions submitted or provided pursuant to the preceding paragraphs of paragraph (d) of this section. Thereafter, the review will be conducted pursuant to paragraphs (g) and (h) of this section.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(1) Upon its designation, the panel of Review Officers shall promptly notify the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and the sponsor in writing of the identity of the Review Officers and the address to which all communications with the Review Officers shall be directed.
(2) Within fifteen (15) days after service of such notice, the sponsor may submit to the Review Officers four (4) copies of a statement identifying the grounds on which the sponsor asserts that the decision of the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary should be reversed or modified. Any such statement may not exceed 25 pages in length, double-spaced; and any attachments thereto shall not exceed 50 pages. A sponsor shall include with all attachments an index of the documents and a summary of the relevance of each document presented. The Review Officers shall transmit one (1) copy of any such statement to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, who shall, within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such statement, submit four (4) copies of a statement in response. Any such statement may not exceed 25 pages in length, double-spaced; and any attachments thereto shall not exceed 50 pages. The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary shall include with all attachments an index of the documents and a summary of the relevance of each document presented. The Review Officers shall transmit one (1) copy of any such statement to the sponsor. No other submissions may be made unless specifically authorized by the Review Officers.
(3) If the Review Officers determine, in their sole discretion, that a meeting for the purpose of clarification of the written submissions should be held, they shall schedule a meeting to be
(4) Following the conclusion of the meeting, or the submission of the last written submission if no meeting is held, the Review Officers shall promptly review the submissions of the sponsor and the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, and shall issue a signed written decision within thirty (30) days, stating the basis for their decision. A copy of the decision will be delivered to the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and the sponsor.
(5) If the Review Officers decide to affirm or modify the sanction, a copy of their decision shall also be delivered to the Department of Homeland Security and to the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the Department of State. The Office, at its discretion, may further distribute the decision.
(6) Unless otherwise indicated, the sanction, if affirmed or modified, is effective as of the date of the Review Officers' written decision, except in the case of suspension of program designation, which is effective as of the date specified pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section.
(i)
(j)
(2)
Designation will be terminated upon the occurrence of any of the circumstances set forth in this section.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) With respect to a for-profit corporation, a major change in ownership or control is deemed to have occurred when one third (33.33%) or more of its stock is sold or otherwise transferred within a 12-month period;
(2) With respect to a not-for-profit corporation, a major change of control is deemed to have occurred when 51 percent (51%) or more of the board of trustees or other like body, vested with its management, is replaced within a 12-month period.
(f)
(g)
The Department may terminate a sponsor's program designation by revocation for cause as specified in § 62.50. Such sponsor may not apply for a new designation for five (5) years following the effective date of the revocation.
The Department may, in its sole discretion, determine that a class of designated programs compromises the national security of the United States or no longer furthers the public diplomacy mission of the Department of State. Upon such a determination, the Office shall:
(a) Give all sponsors of such class of designated programs not less than thirty (30) days' written notice of the revocation of Exchange Visitor Program designations for such programs, specifying therein the grounds and effective date for such revocations; or
(b) Give any sponsor of such class of designated programs not less than thirty (30) days' written notice of its denial of the sponsor's application for redesignation, specifying therein the grounds for such denial and effective date of such denial. Revocation of designation or denial of redesignation on the above-specified grounds for a class of designated programs is the final decision of the Department.
Upon termination or revocation of its program designation, a sponsor must:
(a) Fulfill its responsibilities to all exchange visitors who are in the United States at the time of the termination or revocation; and
(b) Notify exchange visitors who have not entered the United States that the program has been terminated or revoked, unless a transfer to another designated program can be obtained.
(a)
(1) Create a SEVIS record for any program participant seeking visa issuance or for whom an extension, transfer, change of category, or reinstatement request is sought;
(2) Create a SEVIS record to replace a previously issued but lost or stolen copy of a participant's Form IAP-66 or Form DS-2019;
(3) Create a SEVIS record if an amendment or change is made in the start or end date of a program participant's program;
(4) Create a SEVIS record for a program participant's accompanying spouse and all accompanying dependent children if a SEVIS record has been created for the participant;
(5) Utilize SEVIS to up-date information on any participant, spouse, or dependent child for whom a SEVIS record has been created; and
(6) No later than August 1, 2003, create a separate SEVIS record for each participant, accompanying spouse and dependent child that will continue to have Exchange Visitor Program participant status after August 1, 2003.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) SEVIS generated Forms DS-2019 shall only be completed, printed and signed by a responsible officer and/or alternate responsible officer(s) who are physically present in the United States or a U.S. territory at the time of the Form's production.
(b) Responsible officers and alternate responsible officers shall secure their SEVIS logon IDs and passwords at all times.
(1) At no time and under no circumstances are SEVIS logon IDs and passwords to be shared with anyone, either on a transitory or permanent basis.
(2) Sponsors for whom the responsible officer or alternate responsible officers have been found to have willfully or negligently violated the requirements of this section will be subject to sanctions as set forth in § 62.50(a)(2).
(a) Sponsors shall appoint a responsible officer and may appoint up to ten (10) alternate responsible officers to adequately administer their exchange visitor program to fulfill the duties set forth in § 62.11.
(1) The Department may limit the number of alternate responsible officers appointed by the sponsor at its discretion.
(2) The Department reserves the right to withdraw the appointment of a responsible or alternate responsible officer at its discretion.
(b) [Reserved]
(a) Students meeting the definition listed in § 62.4(a)(1)(ii) and (iii) may, if approved by the academic dean or advisor and approved by the responsible officer or alternate responsible officer,
(b) The responsible officer or alternate responsible shall update the exchange visitor's SEVIS record to reflect the details of any academic training pursuant to § 62.23(f)(5)(i). An update of the SEVIS record constitutes compliance with § 62.23(f)(5)(ii).
(a) Students meeting the definition listed in § 62.4(a)(1)(ii) and (iii) may engage in student employment pursuant to § 62.23(g).
(b) The responsible officer or alternate responsible officer shall update the exchange visitor's SEVIS record to reflect the details of such employment pursuant to § 62.23(g)(1). An update of the SEVIS record constitutes compliance with § 62.23(g)(2)(iv).
(a) A sponsor may extend an exchange visitor's participation in the Exchange Visitor Program up to the limit of the permissible period of participation authorized for the specified program category by entering a new end program date and an optional comment—all other information collected on a DS-2019 will be automatically completed by SEVIS.
(1) A sponsor extending the program of an exchange visitor who is not currently listed in the SEVIS database is required to create a record for the exchange participant (and the accompanying spouse and any dependents as a “continuing exchange visitor”. In creating the exchange visitor's SEVIS record, the sponsor shall issue the exchange visitor (and the accompanying spouse and any dependent children) a duly executed Form DS-2019 reflecting such extension.
(2) When creating a SEVIS record for a “continuing exchange visitor,” the initial program start date and Form number taken from the non-SEVIS Form IAP-66 or DS-2019 issued to begin new program must be entered in the exchange visitor's SEVIS record.
(b) A responsible officer or alternate responsible officer seeking an extension of program status on behalf of an exchange visitor in excess of the duration of program participation authorized for the specific category shall:
(1) Submit an electronic request to the Department through the real-time interactive mode in SEVIS.
(2) Create a record for the exchange participant (and the accompanying spouse and any dependent children) as a “continuing exchange visitor” listing the initial program start date and Form number taken from the non-SEVIS Form IAP-66 or DS-2019 issued to begin new program.
(3) Submit written supporting documentation and the required non-reimbursable fee to the Department within 30 calendar days of the SEVIS submission date.
(a) Program sponsors may, pursuant to the provisions set forth in § 62.42, permit an exchange visitor to transfer from one designated program to another designated program. Transfers will not extend the maximum duration of participation for the category in which the exchange visitor is currently participating.
(b) Current sponsor and transfer sponsor shall communicate appropriately to ensure an uninterrupted transfer, continuous status of the exchange visitor and proper change of address reporting and shall utilize the provisions of this section to effect such transfer.
(1) SEVIS-to-SEVIS transfer. When both the transfer and current sponsors are enrolled in SEVIS, a transfer is enacted as follows:
(i) The nonimmigrant shall notify the current sponsor of the intention to transfer.
(ii) Upon verification of the current status and eligibility to transfer by the transfer sponsor, the current sponsor shall update the exchange visitor's record by processing a “transfer out” in SEVIS. The current sponsor must enter the name and program number of the transfer sponsor and the effective date of transfer. The “transfer out” process gives the transfer sponsor access to the SEVIS record of the exchange visitor (and accompanying spouse and any dependent children).
(iii) The transfer sponsor shall initiate a “transfer in,” issue a Form DS-
(iv) The exchange visitor shall report to the transfer sponsor in a manner and at a time specified by the transfer sponsor, and shall provide updated U.S. address information.
(v) The transfer sponsor shall validate the exchange visitor's participation in its program within 30 calendar days of the effective date of transfer and update the exchange visitor's current U.S. address.
(2) Non-SEVIS to SEVIS transfer: When the transfer sponsor is enrolled in SEVIS but the current sponsor is not, the transfer is enacted as follows:
(i) The nonimmigrant shall notify the current sponsor of the intention to transfer.
(ii) Upon verification of current status and eligibility to transfer, the transfer sponsor shall create a Form DS-2019 to enact a transfer and will send the Form to the current sponsor to acquire the written release of the exchange visitor by obtaining a signature in Section 8.
(iii) Upon receipt of the Form DS-2019 with signature, the transfer sponsor shall record the effective date of transfer; the date, name and title of person who signed the release; the name and program number of the current sponsor. The transfer sponsor shall print a Form DS-2019 for the exchange visitor, and advise the exchange visitor of the effective date of transfer.
(iv) The exchange visitor shall report to the transfer sponsor in a manner and at a time specified by the transfer sponsor and shall provide updated U.S. address information.
(v) The transfer sponsor shall validate the exchange visitor's participation in its program within 30 calendar days of the effective date of transfer and update the exchange visitor's current U.S. address.
(3) SEVIS to Non-SEVIS transfer. When the transfer sponsor is not enrolled in SEVIS and the current sponsor is a SEVIS-enrolled sponsor, a transfer is enacted as follows:
(i) The exchange visitor shall notify the current sponsor of the intention to transfer.
(ii) Upon verification of current status and eligibility to transfer, the transfer sponsor shall create a non-SEVIS Form DS-2019 and submit it to the transfer sponsor for the release of the exchange visitor by acquiring a signature in Section 8 of the Form.
(iii) The transfer is required to update the exchange visitor's SEVIS record by recording the effective date of transfer; name and program number of the transfer sponsor; and, name of the responsible officer/alternate responsible officer of the transfer (non-SEVIS) sponsor requesting the transfer as noted on the four-color, four-page paper Form DS-2019.
(4) The transfer sponsor will provide the exchange visitor with the pink copy of the Form DS-2019 and submit the yellow copy of the form to the Department.
(a) Reinstatements will continue to be handled in accordance with the procedures established in § 62.45. A SEVIS reinstatement is processed as follows:
(1) The responsible officer must submit an electronic request for reinstatement to the Department through SEVIS.
(2) The responsible officer must print a copy of the reinstatement request (draft copy of the Form DS-2019) from the SEVIS system.
(3) The responsible officer must submit the official request along with the required supporting documentation justifying the reinstatement and the required, non-reimbursable fee (refer to § 62.90-Fee) to the Department within 30 calendar days of the SEVIS submission date.
(4) The Department will review the request. If approved, the Department will enter the approval in SEVIS, thereby opening the file so that the responsible officer may print a Form DS-2019. How is the sponsor going to know they received an answer to their request? The Department's approval is required before a Form DS-2019 can be printed. What happens if the request is denied?
(b) An exchange visitor (and the accompanying spouse and any dependent children) who failed to submit a change of current U.S. address as required
(c) An exchange visitor (and accompanying spouse and any dependent children) who is ineligible for reinstatement or whose request for reinstatement has been denied is no longer an Exchange Visitor Program participant. He or she cannot remain in the United States unless another lawful immigration status is obtained.
An exchange visitor who willfully or negligently fails to comply with the requirements established in Public Law 104-208, as amended, shall be terminated from the Exchange Visitor Program by the sponsor.
(a) The Department of State shall impose sanctions against a sponsor that has:
(1) Willfully or negligently failed to comply with the reporting requirements established in Public Law 104-208, as amended; or,
(2) Produced SEVIS Forms DS-2019 outside the United States or a United States territory; or,
(3) Whose authorized representatives fail to secure their SEVIS logon ID and password.
(b) [Reserved]
In accordance with the requirement at § 514.5(c)(6), the text of the certifications shall read as follows:
1. Responsible Officers and Alternate Responsible Officers
I hereby certify that I am the responsible officer (or alternate responsible officer, specify) for exchange visitor program number ____, and that I am a United States citizen or permanent resident. I understand that the Department of State may request supporting documentation as to my citizenship or permanent residence at any time and that I must supply such documentation when and as requested. (Name of organization) agrees that my inability to substantiate the representation of citizenship or permanent residence made in this certification will result in the immediate withdrawal of its designation and the immediate return of or accounting for all Forms IAP-66 transferred to it.
This ______ day of ______, 19__. Subscribed and sworn to before me this ______ day of ______, 19__.
2.
I hereby certify that I am the chief executive officer of (Name of Organization) with the title of (specify); that I am authorized to sign this certification and bind (Name of Organization). I further certify that (Name of Organization) is a citizen of the United States as that term is defined at 22 CFR § 514.2. (Name of Organization) agrees that inability to substantiate the representation of citizenship made in this certification will result in the immediate withdrawal of its designation and the immediate return of or accounting for all Forms IAP-66 transferred to it.
This ______ day of ______, 19__. Subscribed and sworn to before me this ______ day of ______, 19__.
If additional space is needed in supplying answers to any questions, please use continuation sheets on plain white paper.
1-3. Names and addresses of organization and telephone numbers.
4. Select type of application.
5. Select appropriate categories (see 22 CFR prior to filling out this data).
6-7. Complete information on program sponsor.
8-11. Complete information on program.
IF TRAINING PROGRAM, identify appropriate fields: 01—Arts & Culture; 02—Information Media and Communications; 03—Education; 04—Business and Commercial; 05—Banking and Financial; 06—Aviation; 07—Science, Mechanical and Industrial; 08—Construction and Building Trades; 09—Agricultural; 10—Public Administration; 11—Training, Other
If your organization is making reapplication as an exchange visitor program, or applying for redesignation under 22 CFR __, please certify to the following:
I hereby certify that as an officer of the organization making application for an exchange program under 22 CFR __ or 22 CFR __ that the following documents which have been submitted to the Department of State, Exchange Visitor Program Services, remain in effect and not altered in any way:
(1) Legal status as a corporation such as Articles of Incorporation and By Laws. Provide dates and state of both:____
(2) Accreditation. Provide date, type of accreditation, and State of accreditation:___
(3) Evidence of Licensure. Provide date, type of license, and state of licensure:___.
(4) Authorization of governing body authorizing application. Please provide date of such authorization and authorizing body:______.
(5) Activities in which the organization has been engaged have not changed since application dated:___.
(6) Citizenship. Provide the date of compliance with citizenship requirements:____. If citizenship compliance is not current, please complete the following:
Organization: I hereby certify that I am an officer of ____ with the title of ____; that I am authorized by the (Board of Directors, Trustees, etc.) to sign this certification and bind ___; and that a true copy certified by the (Board of Directors, Trustees, etc.) of such authorization is attached. I further certify that ___ is a citizen of the United States as that term is defined at 22 CFR 514.1.
Responsible Officer or Alternate Responsible Officer: I hereby certify that I am the responsible officer (or alternate responsible officer) for ___, and that I am a citizen of the United States (or a person lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence. ____ agrees that my inability to substantiate my citizenship or status as a permanent resident will result in the immediate withdrawal of its designation and immediate return of or accounting for all IAP-66 forms transferred to it.
I understand that false certification may subject me to criminal prosecution under 18 U.S.C. 1001, which reads: “Whoever, in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency of the United States knowingly and willfully falsifies, conceals or covers up by any trick, scheme or device a material fact or makes any false writing or document knowing the same to contain any false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or entry, shall be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.”
Please return form to:
Public reporting burden for this collection of information (Paperwork Reduction Project: OMB No. 3116-0011) is estimated to average __ minutes/hours per response, including time for reviewing instructions, researching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Department of State Clearance Officer, M/ASP, Department of State, 301 4th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20547; and to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget, Washington, DC 20503.
Please amend the Department of State records for Exchange-Visitor
1. Change the name of the Program Sponsor
2. Change the address of the Program Sponsor
To:
3. ( ) Change the telephone number from ____ to ____
( ) Change the fax number from ____ to ____
4. ( ) Change the name of the Responsible Officer of the above program from ____ to ____
5. a. Delete the following Alternate Responsible Officer:
5. b. Add the following Alternate Responsible Officer:
6. ( ) Send ___ (indicate number) IAP-66 forms. (PLEASE ALLOW FOUR TO SIX WEEKS FOR RESPONSE AND REMEMBER TO SUBMIT THE ANNUAL REPORT)
7. ( ) Send ___ copies of this form.
8. ( ) Send ___ copies of
9. ( ) Cancel the above named Exchange Visitor Program.
Exchange Visitor Program No. ___ Reporting Period ___ Provide Range of Forms IAP-66 Documents Covered by this Report (___-___).
On a separate sheet, please provide a brief narrative report on program activity, difficulties encountered and their resolution, program transfers, anticipated growth and the proposed new activity, cross-cultural activities, as well as the reciprocal component of the program.
I, The Responsible Officer of the program indicated above, certify that we have complied with the insurance requirement (22 CFR 514.14). I also certify that the information contained in this report is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.
For purposes of 22 CFR 514.22(c)(1), the following are considered to be “unskilled occupations”:
Sec. 4, 63 Stat. 111, as amended, 75 Stat. 527-538; 22 U.S.C. 2658, 2451 note; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1977; Executive Order 12048 of March 27, 1978.
Nomenclature changes to part 63 appear at 64 FR 54540, Oct. 7, 1999.
For the purpose of this part the following terms shall have the meaning here given:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a)
(b)
(c)
A citizen or national of a foreign country who has been awarded a grant to observe, consult with colleagues, demonstrate special skills, or engage in specialized programs, may be entitled to any or all of the following benefits when authorized by the Agency.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
A citizen or national of a foreign country who has been awarded a grant to lecture, teach, and engage in research may be entitled to any or all of the following benefits when authorized by the Agency:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
A citizen or national of a foreign country who has been awarded a grant to study may be entitled to any or all of the following benefits when authorized by the Agency:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) A travel allowance in lieu of per diem while traveling to and from the United States may be established by the Secretary of State, within limitations prescribed by law.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
An employee of the United States Government who has been assigned for service abroad to consult, lecture, teach, engage in research, or demonstrate special skills, may be entitled to any or all of the following benefits when authorized by the Agency.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
A citizen or resident of the United States who has been awarded a grant to consult, lecture, teach, engage in research, demonstrate special skills, or engage in specialized programs may be entitled to any or all of the following benefits when authorized by the Agency.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
A citizen of the United States who has been awarded a grant to study may be entitled to any or all of the following benefits when authorized by the Agency.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
The following provisions shall apply to the foregoing regulations:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
Sec. 108A (Pub. L. 94-350, 90 Stat. 823) added to the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act, as amended, 75 Stat. 527-28, 22 U.S.C. 2451
Nomenclature changes to part 64 appear at 64 FR 54540, Oct. 7, 1999.
This part sets forth the procedures for the application for approval of a cultural exchange program of a foreign government, so that Federal employees may participate in such program; the grant and termination of such approval; and related procedures.
For the purpose of this part:
(a)
(b) A
(c) A program of the
(d) The “purpose stated in section 101 of the Act” is “to enable the Government of the United States to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of the other countries by means of educational and cultural exchange; to strengthen the ties which unite us with other nations by demonstrating the educational and cultural interests, developments, and achievements of the people of the United States and other nations, and the contributions being made toward a peaceful and more fruitful life for people throughout the world; to promote international cooperation for educational and cultural advancement; and thus to assist in the development of friendly, sympathetic, and peaceful relations between the United States and the other countries of the world.”
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
A foreign government intending to provide grants or other assistance to facilitate the participation of Federal employees in a program of cultural exchange shall submit to the Department of State an application for approval of the program through its embassy, mission, or office at Washington, D.C. If there is no embassy, mission, or office at Washington, D.C., of the foreign government the application may be submitted by the home office or headquarters of the foreign government. The application shall be addressed to the Secretary of State.
The foreign government shall provide information in the application showing that its program meets the criteria set forth in § 516.5, and shall include in such application the following:
(a) Name and description of the program and the provisions of legislation or regulation authorizing the program;
(b) Number of annual U.S. citizen participants expected, including the number of U.S. Federal employees;
(c) Average duration of stay abroad;
(d) Department of State of the foreign government responsible for the program;
(e) Name and address of contact in the United States with whom communication may be made with respect to the program; in the absence of such a contact in the United States, the name and address of a contact in the home office or headquarters of the foreign government.
To obtain approval of its program of cultural exchanges, a foreign government is required to show that:
(a) The cultural exchange program is of the type described in section 102(a)(2)(i) of the Act;
(b) The cultural exchange program is conducted for a purpose comparable to the purpose stated in section 101 of the Act; and
(c) A grant under such program will not provide assistance with respect to any expenses incurred by or for any member of the family or household of such Federal employee.
The Department of State may request the foreign government to supply additional information.
The Secretary of State shall review the application and if satisfied that the criteria of § 516.5 are met shall inform the foreign government of the approval of its program.
Any Federal employee receiving any offer of a grant or other assistance under a cultural exchange program approved by the Secretary of State shall advise the employee's agency of such offer and shall not accept such offer unless the employee's agency states that it has no objection to such acceptance. In the case of the Department, an employee shall advise the DAEO who may, after consultation with appropriate officials of the Department, furnish a “no objection” statement.
If at any time it appears to the Secretary of State that the purpose of a program which has been approved has been changed so that it no longer meets the criteria of § 516.5 or that the program is being misused, the Secretary of State may terminate such approval, or suspend such approval pending the supplying of additional information. However, a termination or suspension shall not affect a grant which has been made under a previously approved program.
A grant made under an approved program shall not constitute a gift for purposes of 22 CFR 10.735-203 and section 7342 of title 5, United States Code.
52 Stat. 1034, as amended; 20 U.S.C. 221, E.O. 7964, 3 FR 2105; 3 CFR, 1943-1958, Comp.; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1977.
Nomenclature changes to part 65 appear at 64 FR 54540, Oct. 7, 1999.
Subject to the provisions and requirements of this part, appropriate administrative regulations shall be drafted by each executive department or agency of the Government which maintains and administers educational institutions and schools coming within the scope of the legislation. Such regulations shall carefully observe the limitations imposed by the Act of June 24, 1938, and shall in each case include:
(a) A list of the institutions and courses in the department or agency concerned in which instruction is available under the terms of the legislation.
(b) A statement of the maximum number of students of the other American republics who may be accommodated in each such institution or course at any one time.
(c) A statement of the qualifications to be required of students of the other American republics for admission, including examinations, if any, to be passed.
(d) Provisions to safeguard information that may be vital to the national defense or other interests of the United States.
Applications for citizens of the other American republics to receive the instruction contemplated by the Act of June 24, 1938, shall be made formally through diplomatic channels to the Secretary of State of the Department of State by the foreign governments concerned.
The Secretary of State of the Department of State shall refer the applications to the proper department or agency of the Government for advice as to what reply should be made to the application.
In order to enable the Secretary of State of the Department of State to reply to inquiries received from the governments of the other American republics, the Department of State shall be promptly supplied with copies of the regulations drafted by the other departments and agencies of the Government and of subsequent amendments thereto.
Upon receipt of a reply from another department or agency of the Government, as contemplated by § 517.3, in which it is recommended that an application be granted, the Secretary of State of the Department of State shall notify the government of the American republic concerned, through diplomatic channels, that permission to receive the instruction requested in the application is granted, provided the applicant complies with the terms of this part and with the terms of the administrative regulations of the department or agency concerned.
22 U.S.C. 4411
Nomenclature changes to part 66 appear at 64 FR 54540, Oct. 7, 1999.
These regulations amend the Code of Federal Regulations to conform with Pub. L. 99-93. Pub. L. 99-93 amended the National Endowment for Democracy Act (22 U.S.C. 4411, et. seq.) to require the National Endowment for Democracy (hereinafter “NED”) to comply fully with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) (hereinafter “FOIA”), notwithstanding that NED is not an agency or establishment of the United States Government. NED will make information about its operation, organization, procedures and records available to the public in accordance with the provisions of FOIA.
See 22 CFR part 527 for a description of the organization of NED and substantive rules of general applicability formulated and adopted by NED.
(a) All forms and instructions pertaining to procedures under FOIA may be obtained from the FOIA officer of the National Endowment for Democracy, 1101 15th St., NW; Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20005-5000.
(b) Grant guidelines may be obtained from the Program Office of NED to the
(c) General information may be obtained from the Public Affairs Office of NED at the address shown in paragraph (a) of this section.
NED is not an adjudicatory organization and therefore does not issue final opinions and orders made in the adjudication of cases. NED will, however, in accordance with the rules in this section and § 526.7, make available for public inspection and copying those statements of policy and interpretation that have been adopted by NED and are not published in the
(a)
(b)
Except with respect to the records made available under § 526.4, NED will, upon request that reasonably describes records in accordance with the requirements of this section, and subject to the exemptions listed in 5 U.S.C. 552(b), make such records promptly available to any person.
(a) Requests for records—How made and addressed. (1) Requesters seeking access to NED records under FOIA should direct all requests in writing to: Freedom of Information Act Officer, National Endowment for Democracy, 1101 15th St., NW; Suite 700, Washington, D.C. 20005-5000.
(2) Appeals of denials of initial requests must be addressed to NED in the same manner or to the Department of State pursuant to the procedures set forth at part 171 of this Title, with the addition of the word “APPEAL” preceding the address on the envelope. Appeals addressed directly to the Department of State will not be deemed to have been received by NED for purposes of the time period set forth in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(A)(1) until actually received by NED. The Department of State shall forward any appeal received by it to NED within 2 working days from the actual day of receipt by the Department of State.
(3) The request letter should contain all available data concerning the desired records, including a description of the material, dates, titles, authors, and other information that may help identify the records. The first paragraph of a request letter should state whether it is an initial request or an appeal.
(b)
(2) When a request for records has been denied in whole or in part, the requester may, within 30 days of the date of receipt by the requester of the adverse determination from NED, appeal the denial to the President of NED or his designee, who will make a determination whether to grant or deny such appeal within 20 working days of receipt thereof. All appeals should be addressed in compliance with paragraph (a) of this section. If on appeal, the denial of the request for records is upheld, in whole or in part, NED shall notify the requester in writing of such determination, the reasons therefor, the officials responsible for such determination, the right of the requester to judicial review, and that the final determination by NED whether to deny a request for records in whole or in part shall be submitted to the Secretary of State of Department of State for review.
(3) If the requester elects not to appeal to the President of NED or his designee within the appeal period specified above, NED's initial determination will become the final NED determination upon expiration of said appeal period or receipt by NED of notice from the requester that he does not elect to appeal, whichever is earlier. If the requester chooses to appeal NED's initial determination within NED, the decision on appeal will become NED's final determination.
(4)(i) Once NED's determination to deny a request in whole or in part becomes final, NED shall submit a report to the Secretary of State of Department of State explaining the reasons for such denial no later than 5 working days thereafter.
(ii) The Secretary of State of Department of State shall review NED's final determination within 20 working days. If the Secretary of State of Department of State or his designee approves NED's denial in whole or in part, Department of State shall inform the requester and NED in writing of such determination, the reasons therefor, the officials responsible for such determination, and the right of the requester to judicial review of NED's determination. In the event of such a determination, Department of State shall assume full responsibility, including financial responsibility, for defending NED in any litigation relating to such request.
(iii) If the Secretary of State of Department of State or his designee disapproves NED's denial in whole or in part, Department of State shall promptly notify NED and thereafter NED shall promptly comply with the request for the pertinent records.
(iv) Because review by the Secretary of State of Department of State may resolve any dispute over access to NED records in the requester's favor, the requester is encouraged (but not required) to wait for the determination on review by the Secretary of State of Department of State before seeking judicial review of NED's final determination.
(5) In unusual circumstances as defined in 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6)(B), the time limit provisions noted in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section may be extended by written notice to the requester setting forth the reasons for such extension and the date on which a determination can be expected. Such extensions of the time limits may not exceed 10 working days in the aggregate.
(6) Any person making a request for records pursuant to § 526.5 may consider administrative remedies exhausted if NED fails to comply within the applicable time limit provisions of this section. When no determination can be dispatched within the applicable time limits set forth in this section, NED shall nevertheless continue to process the request. On the expiration of the time limit, NED shall inform the requester of the reason for the delay, of the date on which a determination may be expected to be dispatched, and of the requester's right to treat the delay as a denial and of the requester's right to appeal. NED may ask the requester to forego appeal until a determination is made. A copy of any such notice of delay will be sent to the Secretary of State of Department of State or to his designee no later than 2 working days after it has been sent to the requester. A court may retain jurisdiction and
(c)
(1) All of the terms defined in FOIA apply;
(2) A
(3) The term
(4) The term
(5) The term
(6) The term
(7) The term
(8) The term
(9) The term
(10) The term
(d)
(e)
(1) Manual searches for records—$8.00 per hour for clerical personnel; $15.00 per hour for supervisory personnel;
(2) Computer searches for records—In any case where a computer search is possible and the most efficient means by which to conduct a search, NED will charge the cost of operating the central processing unit for that portion of operating time that is directly attributable to searching for records responsive to a FOIA request and the operator-programmer salary apportionable to the search. The charge for the cost of the operator-programmer time shall be based on the salary of the operator-programmer plus 16 percent;
(3) Review of records—Requesters who seek documents for commercial use shall be charged for the time NED spends reviewing records to determine whether such records are exempt from mandatory disclosure. These charges shall be assessed only for the initial review;
(4) Duplication of records—(i) making photocopies—15¢ per page; (ii) for copies prepared by computer, such as tapes or printouts, NED shall charge the actual cost, including operator time, of production of the tape or printout; (iii) for other methods of reproduction or duplication, NED shall charge the actual direct costs of producing the document(s);
(5) Other charges—(i) there shall be no fee for a signed statement of non-availability of a record; (ii) NED will not incur expenses arising out of sending records by special methods such as express mail;
(6) Restrictions on assessing fees—With the exception of requesters seeking documents for a commercial use, section (a)(4)(A)(iv) of the Freedom of Information Act, as amended, requires NED to provide the first 100 pages of duplication and the first two hours of search time without charge. NED shall not charge fees to any requester, including commercial use requesters, if the cost of collecting a fee would be equal to or greater than the fee itself. NED will not begin to assess fees until it has first provided the above-referenced free search and reproduction. The elements to be considered in determining the “cost of collecting a fee” are the administrative costs to NED of receiving and recording a requester's remittance and processing the fee for deposit in NED's account. For purposes of these restrictions on assessment of fees, the word “pages” refers to paper copies of a standard size, which will normally be 8
(f)
(1) Commercial use requesters—when NED receives a request for documents for commercial use, it shall assess charges that recover the full direct costs of searching for, reviewing for release, and duplicating the records sought. Commercial use requesters are entitled to neither two hours of free search time nor 100 free pages of reproduction of documents. NED shall recover the cost of searching for and reviewing records even if there is ultimately no disclosure of records. Requesters must reasonably describe the records sought;
(2) Educational and non-commercial scientific institution requesters—NED shall provide documents to educational and non-commercial scientific institution requesters for the cost of reproduction alone, excluding charges for the first 100 pages of duplication. To be eligible for inclusion in this category, requesters must show that the request is being made as authorized by and under the auspices of a qualifying institution and that the records are not sought for a commercial use, but are sought in furtherance of scholarly (if the request is from an educational institution) or scientific (if the request is from a non-commercial scientific institution) research. Requesters must reasonably describe the records sought;
(3) Requesters who are representatives of the news media—NED shall provide documents to requesters who are representatives of the news media for the cost of reproduction alone, excluding charges for the first 100 pages. To be eligible for inclusion in this category, a requester must meet the criteria in subsection (c)(10) above, and the request must not be made for a commercial use. A request for records supporting the news-dissemination function of the requester shall not be considered to be a request that is for a commercial use. Requesters must reasonably describe the records sought;
(4) All other requesters—NED shall charge requesters who do not fit into any of the above categories those fees that recover the full reasonable direct costs of searching for and reproducing records that are responsive to the request, except that the first 100 pages of reproduction and the first two hours of search time shall be furnished without charge. Requesters must reasonably describe the records sought.
(g)
(2) Charges for unsuccessful searches—If NED estimates that search charges are likely to exceed $25.00, it shall notify the requester of the estimated amount of fees unless the requester has indicated in advance a willingness to pay fees as high as those anticipated. Such notice shall offer the requester the opportunity to confer with agency personnel with the object of reformulating the request to meet the requester's needs at a lower cost. Dispatch of such a notice of request shall suspend the running of the period for response by NED until a reply is received from the requester.
(3) Aggregating requests—Except for requests that are for a commercial use, NED shall not charge for the first two hours of search time or for the first 100 pages of reproduction. However, a requester may not file multiple requests at the same time, each seeking portions of a document or documents, solely in order to avoid payment of fees. When NED reasonably believes that a requester or a group of requesters acting in concert are attempting to divide a request into a series of requests for the purpose of evading the assessment of fees, NED shall aggregate any such requests and charge accordingly. One element to be considered in determining whether a belief would be reasonable is the time period in which the requests have been made. Before aggregating requests from more than one requester, NED must have a concrete basis on which to conclude that the requesters are acting in concert and are acting specifically to avoid payment of fees. In no case shall
(4) Advance payments—NED shall not require payment for fees before work has commenced or continued on a request unless:
(i) NED estimates or determines that allowable charges that a requester may be required to pay are likely to exceed $250.00. In this event, NED shall notify the requester of the likely cost and may require an advance payment of an amount up to the full amount of estimated charges; or
(ii) A requester has previously failed to pay a fee charged within 30 days of the date of billing.
(iii) When NED acts under paragraphs (g)(4)(i) or (ii) above, the administrative time limits prescribed in subsection (a)(6) of the FOIA will begin only after NED has received fee payments described above.
(5) Form of payment—Remittances shall be in the form of a personal check or bank draft drawn on any bank in the United States, a postal money order, or cash. Remittances shall be made payable to the order of: National Endowment for Democracy. NED will assume no responsibility for cash lost in the mail.
(h)
(1) Whether the subject of the request for documents concerns the operations or activities of the government. For purposes of determining whether this factor is met:
(i) Records generated by a non-government entity are less likely to respond to a request for documents concerning the operations or activities of the government;
(ii) Records that are sought for their intrinsic informational content apart from their informative value with respect to specific activities or operations of government are less likely to meet this factor.
(2) Whether the information requested is likely to contribute to an understanding of government operations or activities. For purposes of determining whether the request meets this factor:
(i) NED will consider the extent to which the information requested already exists in the public domain;
(ii) NED will consider the extent to which the value of the information relates to an understanding of government operations or activities as opposed to the extent to which the information relates to other subjects.
(3) Whether the information requested will contribute to public understanding of government operations or activities. For purposes of determining whether the request meets this factor:
(i) NED will consider whether the disclosure will contribute to a public understanding as opposed to a primarily personal understanding of the requester;
(ii) NED will consider the identity of the requester to determine whether such requester is in a position to contribute to public understanding through disclosure of the information. Requesters shall describe their qualifications to satisfy this consideration;
(iii) NED will consider the expertise of the requester and the extent to which the expertise will enable the requester to extract, synthesize and convey the information to the public. Requesters shall describe their qualifications to satisfy this consideration;
(4) Whether the contribution to public understanding will be significant. In determining whether this factor has been met:
(i) NED will consider whether the public's understanding of the subject
(ii) NED will compare the likely level of public understanding of the subject matter of the request before and after disclosure.
(5) After NED is satisfied that factors (h)(1) through (4) have been met, it will consider whether the requested disclosure is primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.
(i) For purposes of this subsection,
(ii) NED shall consider the magnitude of the requester's commercial interest. In making a determination under this factor, NED shall consider the role that the disclosed information plays with respect to the requester's commercial interests and the extent to which the disclosed information serves the range of commercial interests of the requester.
(iii) NED shall weigh the magnitude of the identified commercial interest of the requester against the public interest in disclosure in order to determine whether the disclosure is primarily in the commercial interest of the requester. If the magnitude of the public interest in disclosure is greater than the magnitude of the requester's commercial interest, NED shall grant a full or partial fee waiver.
(6) In determining whether to grant a full or partial fee waiver, NED shall, to the extent possible, identify the portion of the information sought by the requester that satisfies the standard governing fee waivers set forth in FOIA, as amended, 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)(iii), and in paragraphs (h)(1) through (6) of this section, and grant a fee waiver with respect to those documents. Fees for reproduction of documents that do not satisfy these standards shall be assessed as provided in paragraphs (c) through (g) of this section.
(i) Except as provided in paragraph (h)(5)(i) of this section, a requester may appeal a determination of the fees to be charged or waived under these regulations as he or she would appeal an initial determination of documents to be disclosed under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.
NED reserves the right to withhold records and information that are exempt from disclosure under FOIA.
FOIA does not authorize withholding of information or limit the availability of NED records to the public except as specifically stated in this part. Nor is authority granted to withhold information from Congress.
On or before March 1 of each calendar year, NED shall submit a reporting covering the preceding calendar year to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate for referral to the appropriate committees of the Congress. The report shall include those items specified at 5 U.S.C. 552(d).
22 U.S.C. 4411
(a) The National Endowment for Democracy (hereinafter “NED”) was created in 1983 to stregthen democratic values and institutions around the world through nongovernmental efforts. Incorporated in the District of Columbia and governed by a bipartisan Board of Directors, NED is tax-exempt, nonprofit, private corporation as defined in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Through its worldwide grant program, NED seeks to enlist the energies and talents of private citizens and groups to work with partners abroad who wish to build for themselves a democratic future.
(b) Since its establishment in 1983, NED has received an annual appropriation approved by the United States Congress as part of the United States Information Agency budget. Appropriations for NED are authorized in the National Endowment for Democracy Act (the “Act”), 22 U.S.C. 4411
(c) The activities supported by NED are guided by the six purposes set forth in NED's Articles of Incorporation and the National Endowment for Democracy Act. These six purposes are:
(1) To encourage free and democratic institutions throughout the world through private-sector initiatives, including activities which promote the individual rights and freedoms (including internationally recognized human rights) which are essential to the functioning of democratic institutions;
(2) To facilitate exchanges between U.S. private sector groups (especially the two major American political parties, labor and business) and democratic groups abroad;
(3) To promote U.S. nongovernmental participation (especially through the two major American political parties, labor, and business) in democratic training programs and democratic institution-building abroad;
(4) To strengthen democratic electoral processes abroad through timely measures in cooperation with indigenous democratic forces;
(5) To support the participation of the two major American political parties, labor, business, and other U.S. private-sector groups in fostering cooperation with those abroad dedicated to the cultural values, institutions, and organizations of democratic pluralism; and
(6) To encourage the establishment and growth of democratic development in a manner consistent both with the broad concerns of United States national interests and with the specific requirements of the democratic groups in other countries which are aided by NED-supported programs.
(a) NED is governed by a bipartisan board of Directors of not fewer than thirteen and not more than twenty-five members reflecting the diversity of American society. The officers of the corporation are Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board, who shall be members of the Board, a President, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as the Board of Directors
(b) All major policy and funding decisions are made by the Board of Directors. The primary statement of NED's operating philosophy, general principles and priorities is contained in the National Endowment for Democracy's
(c) As a grantmaking organization, NED does not carry out programs directly. All grants made by the corporation shall be by a two-thirds vote of those voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board may from time to time adopt, upon a two-thirds vote of those voting at a meeting at which a quorum is present, procedures to address emergency funding requests between meetings of the Board. In addition, “[a]ny Board member who is an officer or director of an organization seeking to receive grants from the Corporation must abstain from consideration of and any vote on such grant” (Article VI, Section 6). Copies of the bylaws are available from NED's offices.
(a) NED's operations and staff are managed by a President selected by the Board of Directors. The President is the chief executive officer of the corporation and manages the business of the corporation under the policy direction of the Board of Directors. The President directs a staff whose functions are divided among the Office of the President, a Program Section and a Finance Office.
(b) The Office of the President provides policy direction and is responsible for day-to-day management of the organization, including personnel management, liaison with the Board of Directors and preparation of meetings of the Board and Board committees. The President's office also provides information concerning NED's activities to the press and public. The Program Section, under the direction of the Director of Program, is responsible for the review and preparation of proposals submitted to the Endowment and for the monitoring and evaluation of all programs funded by NED.
(c) The Finance Office, under the direction of the Comptroller, is responsible, with the President and the Board of Directors, for financial management of NED's affairs, including both administrative financial management and grant management. The Director of Program and the Comptroller report to the NED President.
(a) In accordance with the
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(b) As a grantmaking organization, NED has certain responsibilities that govern its relationship with all potential and actual grantees. Briefly, these are:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6) As a recipient of congressionally appropriated funds, NED has a special responsibility to:
(i) Operate openly,
(ii) Provide relevant information on programs and operations to the public, and
(iii) Ensure that funds are spent wisely, efficiently, and in accordance with all relevant regulations.
(c) Institutes representing business, labor, and the major political parties carry out programs which are central to NED's purposes. As a result of their unique relationship to NED, institute programs are an integral part of NED's priorities and the institutes themselves are “core” grantees. As such, the institutes, while subject to all the normal procedures governing NED's relationships with grantees, will be treated differently in the following respects:
(1) The institutes will have the mandate to carry out programs funded by NED in their respective sectors of business, labor and political parties.
(2) As an integral part of the process of budgeting and setting program priorities, the NED Board will target a certain amount of its annual resources for institute programs in their respective fields of activity.
(3) Unlike its practice for the majority of its grantees, NED will fund significant administrative costs for each of the core grantees.
(4) Institute staff will assume responsibility for program development and preparation of proposals for the Board in each field of activity for which it has a special mandate.
(5) NED will expect its core grantees to perform their monitoring/evaluation function described in programmatic monitoring under
(6) As stated above, in awarding grants the Board is guided by established grant selection critieria. In addition to evaluating how a program fits within NED's overall priorities, the Board considers factors such as the urgency of a program, its relevance to specific needs and conditions in a particular country, and the democratic commitment and experience of the applicant. NED is especially interested in
(d)
(1) Proposes a program that will make a concrete contribution to assisting foreign individuals or groups who are working for democratic ends and who need NED's assistance.
(2) Proposes a program, project or activity which is consistent with current NED program priorities and contributes to overall program balance and effectiveness.
(3) Proposes an activity that meets an especially urgent need.
(4) Does not overlap with what others are doing well.
(5) Proposes a program that will encourage an intellectual climate which is favorable to the growth of democratic institutions.
(6) Proposes a program that is not only culturally or intellectually appealing, but will affect the education and the awareness of minorities and/or the less privileged members of a society.
(7) Originates from an organization within a particular country representing the group whose needs are to be addressed.
(8) Appears to be well thought out, avoiding imprudent activities and possibilities for negative repercussions.
(9) Takes into consideration not only what objectively could be significant to a certain society, but how the cultural traditions and values of that society will react to the project.
(10) Incorporates an analysis of the problem of democracy in the area in question and the method by which the proposed program will have a constructive impact on the problem.
(11) Proposes a program that will enhance our understanding of what really helps in aiding democracy.
(12) Creatively enlists supports for foreign democratic organizations.
(13) Encourages democratic solutions and peaceful resolution of conflict in situations otherwise fraught with violence.
(14) Proposes a program, project or activity that is clearly relevant to NED program objectives and not better funded by other government or private organizations. (Proposing organizations will be be referred to other funding organizations where substantial overlap exists.)
(15) Proposes a program or strategy that is appropriate to the circumstances in the country concerned.
(16) Proposes a program that can be expected to have a multiplier effect, hence having an impact broader than that of the specific project itself; or establishes a model that could be readily replicated in other countries or institutions.
(17) Proposes appropriate, qualified staff who have a demonstrated ability to administer programs capably so as to accomplish stated goals and objectives.
(18) Proposes an appropriate ratio of administrative to program funds.
(19) Is responsive to NED suggestions with regard to program revisions.
(20) Proposes a realistic budget that is consistent with NED perceptions of project value and is performed within a stated and realistic time frame; and
(21) Proposes a program that has, as one of its principal aspects, a major impact on the role of women and/or minorities.
(e) The following guidelines also apply to all projects funded by NED.
(1) The proposing organization must be able to show that it is a responsible, credible organization or group that has a serious and demonstrable commitment to democratic values. (Various factors may be considered in this regard: recognized democratic orientation; established professional reputation; proven ability to perform; existence of organization charter, board of directors, regular audits, etc.);
(2) The proposing organization must be willing to comply with all provisions of the National Endowment for Democracy Act as well as all provisions of current and subsequent agreements between the USIA and NED;
(3) The proposing organization must agree not to use grant funds for the
(4) The proposing organization must agree that no NED funds will be used for lobbying or propaganda that is directed at influencing public policy decisions of the government of the United States or of any state or locality thereof;
(5) The proposing organization must agree that there shall be no expenditure of NED funds for the purpose of supporting physical violence by individuals, groups or governments;
(6) The proposing organization may not employ any person engaged in intelligence activity on behalf of the United States government or any other government;
(7) NED will not normally reimburse grantees for expenses incurred prior to the signing of a grant agreement with NED;
(8) Each grant made by NED will be an independent action implying no future commitment on NED's part to a project or program;
(9) NED may, from time to time, fund feasibility studies. Applications for grants in this category should include, but not be limited to, the following: Scope, method and objective of the study; Calendar; Proposed administration of the study; and Detailed budget. The funding of a feasibility study by NED does not imply support for any project growing out of the study. It does, however, imply interest by NED in the area under study and a willingness to entertain a project proposal growing out of the study; and
(10) The proposing organization may not use NED funds to finance the campaigns of candidates for public office.
(f) All proposals received by NED are reviewed by the staff in order to determine their congruence with NED's purposes as stated in the organization's Articles of Incorporation and the NED Act.
(g) Grant applications must contain the following information:
(1) A one-page summary of the proposed program;
(2) Organizational background and biographical information on staff and directors in the U.S. and abroad;
(3) A complete project description, including a statement of objectives, a project calendar, and a description of anticipated results;
(4) A statement describing how the project relates to NED's purposes;
(5) A description of the methods to be used to evaluate the project in relation to its objectives;
(6) A detailed budget, including an explanation of any counterpart support anticipated by the applicant, whether monetary or in-kind, domestic or foreign; and
(7) The names and addresses of all other funding organizations to which the proposal has been submitted or will be submitted.
(h) After an award determination has been made by the Board, NED enters into a grant agreement with the recipient. That agreement is made in accordance with NED policy, the terms of NED's grant agreement with USIA, and the terms of the Act, and the terms of NED's standard grant agreement as they apply to the specific project in question. The NED Board of Directors approved a revised Statement of General Procedures and Guidelines on September 12, 1986. The statement, outlined above, is available from the NED office.
(i) NED Staff welcomes preliminary letters of inquiry prior to submission of a formal proposal. Letters of inquiry and formal proposals should be submitted to: Director of Program, National Endowment for Democracy 1101 15th Street, NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20005-5000.
Sec. 4, 63 Stat. 111, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2658, 2670); Pub. L. 95-45 (91 Stat. 221).
Officers of the Foreign Service shall perform such duties in connection with the protection of American nationals abroad as may be imposed upon them by rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of State.
Diplomatic representatives and consular officers shall not request the presence of a naval force in a foreign port unless a public emergency so necessitates. The request may be addressed to the officers in command of the naval force, in which event responsibility of action rests with them, or it may be addressed to the Department of State. In either case, the request should contain detailed reasons for its submission.
Where treaty provisions, local laws, or established usage permit, a consular officer should protect the interests of American citizens claiming foreign estates and inheritances.
In the absence of special provisions by treaty the devolution and transfer of real property are covered by the law of the place where the property is situated. When real property is left by the decedent within the country where death occurs, or where the decedent was domiciled at the time of death, the consular officer, or diplomatic officer, if there be no consular officer, should if feasible informally observe the proceedings and report to the diplomatic mission or the Department any apparent irregularity or unnecessary delay in settling the estate.
Except in a public emergency, no officer of the Foreign Service shall accept private property for storage or safekeeping in the office or for transmission to some other destination, unless it is property belonging to the estate of a deceased American citizen, or property over which the officer has jurisdiction as a result of a catastrophe at sea. In public emergencies, officers may accept private property for storage and safekeeping or for transmission to another destination, provided the owner signs a statement to the effect that the property is being accepted for deposit at his request, at his own risk, and with full knowledge that neither the Government of the United States nor any of its officers assumes responsibility therefor.
Officers of the Foreign Service shall extend every possible aid and assistance within their power to distressed American citizens within their districts, but they shall not expend the funds nor pledge the credit of the Government of the United States for this purpose, except in the case of American seamen, or except as authorized by the Department of State.
Whenever a great catastrophe occurs abroad, either on land or on sea, the officer within whose district the catastrophe takes place or into whose district the survivors are brought shall report immediately by telegraph the names of any American citizens who have been killed or injured and the names of American citizens known to be safe.
Officers and employees of the Foreign Service may cooperate fully with the American Red Cross within their respective districts and subject to the limitations prescribed in § 102.806 (22 CFR, 1947 Supp.). They shall, however, avoid taking an active part in the solicitation of memberships or the collection of funds.
The chief of the mission concerned may exercise his discretion in the matter of procuring the presentation of American citizens at the court of the country to which he is accredited.
(a)
(1) Adequate treatment cannot or will not be provided by prison authorities or the host government;
(2) All reasonable attempts to obtain private resources (prisoner's family, friends, etc.) have failed, or such resources do not exist;
(3) There are medical indications that the emergency medical assistance is necessary to prevent, or attempt to prevent, the death of the prisoners, or failure to provide the serviced will cause permanent disablement.
(b)
(1) Medical examination, when required;
(2) Emergency treatment;
(3) Non-elective surgery;
(4) Medications and related medical supplies and equipment required on a routine basis to sustain life;
(5) Preventive or protective medications and medical supplies and equipment (vaccinations, inoculations, etc.) required to combat epidemic conditions (general or intramural);
(6) Childbirth attendance, including necessary medical care of newborn children; and
(7) Within the consular district, transportation for the U.S. national and attendant(s) designated by incarcerating officials between the place of incarceration and the place(s) of treatment.
(c)
(1) Make every effort to contact the ill or injured prisoner as soon as possible;
(2) Take steps to obtain a professional medical diagnosis and prognosis of the ill or injured prisoner;
(3) Determine as accurately as possible the estimated costs of recommended treatment or surgery;
(4) Obtain the names and addreses of family or friends who might serve as a source of private funds for medical services, and attempt to obtain the necessary funds;
(5) Request the prisoner to execute a promissory note, since funds expended by the Department to cover medical services normally are on a reimbursable basis; and
(6) Submit the above information, along with recommendations and evaluations, to the Department for approval and authorization.
(d)
(1) Symptoms determine eligibility for emergency medical treatment; or
(2) An immediate medical examination is warranted in order to verify the alleged abuse of a U.S. national prisoner by arresting or confining authorities; or
(3) Immediate emergency medical treatment or surgery is necessary to prevent death or permanent disablement, and there is insufficient time to explore private funds or obtain Department approval; and
(4) A promissory note already has been executed by the prisoner, or if the circumstances warrant, by the consular officer without recourse.
(a)
(1) The prisoner is to be or has been held in excess of one day in a holding jail or other facility;
(2) Incarcerating officials do not provide the prisoner food, and food is not available from any other sources, including private funding from family or friends; and
(3) If the funds exceed an amount to be established by the Department, the prisoner signs a promissory note for funds expended, since the assistance is on a normally reimbursable basis.
(b)
(1) Contact the prisoner in accordance with existing procedures;
(2) Determine the normal cost of basic diet and best method of effecting payment;
(3) Attempt to secure funds from private sources such as family or friends;
(4) Because funds expended by the Department to cover the short-term full diet program normally are on a reimbursable basis, have the prisoner execute a promissory note; and
(5) Contact the Department, providing the above information, for approval and authorization.
(c)
(a)
(1) An evaluation by a priviate physician, prison doctor, or other host country medical authority reveals that the prison diet does not meet the minimum requriements to sustain adequate health; or
(2) If the evaluation in paragraph (a)(1) of this section is not available, an evaluation by either a regional medical officer or Departmental medical officer reveals that the prison diet does not provide the minimum requirements to sustain adequate health.
(b)
(2) As soon as the consular officer believes that dietary supplements are being misused, the consular officer
22 U.S.C. 2715, 2715b, 2715c, 4196, 4197, 4198, 4199.
For purposes of this part:
(a)
(b)
(1) An executor designated by will intended to operate in the country where the death occurred or in the country where the deceased was residing at the time of death to take possession and dispose of the decedent's personal estate;
(2) An administrator appointed by a court of law in intestate proceedings in the country where the death occurred or in the country where the deceased was residing at the time of death to take possession and dispose of the decedent's personal estate;
(3) The next of kin, if authorized in the country where the death occurred or in the country where the deceased was residing at the time of death to take possession and dispose of the decedent's personal estate; or
(4) An authorized agent of the individuals described in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2) and (b)(3) of this section.
(c)
When a consular officer learns that a United States citizen or non-citizen national has died in the officer's consular district, the officer must—
(a) Report the death to the Department; and
(b) The officer must also try to notify, or assist the Secretary of State in
If a consular office learns that a United States citizen or non-citizen national employee or dependent of an employee of a member of the United States Armed Forces, or a United States citizen or non-citizen national employee of another department or agency or a dependent of such an employee, or a Peace Corps volunteer as defined in 22 U.S.C. 1504(a) or dependent of a Peace Corps volunteer has died while in the officer's consular district while the employee or volunteer is on assignment abroad, the officer should notify the Department. The consular officer should not attempt to notify the next of kin (or legal guardian) and legal representative of the death, but rather should assist, as needed, the appropriate military, other department of agency or Peace Corps authorities in making notifications of death with respect to such individual.
The consular officer should make best efforts to notify the next of kin (or legal guardian), if any, and the legal representative (if any, and if different from the next of kin), of the death of a United States citizen or non-citizen national by telephone as soon as possible, and then should follow up with a written notification of death.
(a)
(b)
(1) A recipient of continuing payments other than salary from the Federal Government; or
(2) An officer or employee of the Federal Government (other than a member of the United States Armed Services); or
(3) A Selective Service registrant of inductable age.
(c)
(d)
(e) The Department may revoke a CROD if it determines in its sole discretion that the CROD was issued in error.
(a)
(b)
(2)
(3)
(i) Whether the death is believed to have occurred within a geographic area where no sovereign government exercises jurisdiction;
(ii) Whether the government exercising jurisdiction over the place where the death is believed to have occurred lacks laws or procedures for making findings of presumptive death;
(iii) Whether the government exercising jurisdiction over the place where the death is believed to have occurred requires a waiting period exceeding five years before findings of presumptive death may be made;
(iv) Whether the person who is believed to have died was seen to be in imminent peril by credible witnesses;
(v) Whether the person who is believed to have died is reliably known to have been in a place which experienced a natural disaster, or catastrophic event, that was capable of causing death;
(vi) Whether the person believed to have died was listed on the certified manifest of, and was confirmed to have boarded, an aircraft, or vessel, which was destroyed and, despite diligent search by competent authorities, some or all of the remains were not recovered or could not be identified;
(vii) Whether there is evidence of fraud, deception, or malicious intent.
(c) Consular reports of presumptive death should be processed and issued in accordance with § 72.5.
(d) The Department may revoke a report of presumptive death if it determines in its sole discretion that the report was issued in error.
(a) A consular officer has no authority to create Department or personal financial obligations in connection with the disposition of the remains of a United States citizen or non-citizen national who dies abroad. Responsibility for the disposition of the remains and all related costs (including but not limited to costs of embalming or cremation, burial expenses, cost of a burial plot or receptacle for ashes, markers, and grave upkeep), rests with the legal representative of the deceased. In the absence of a legal representative (including when the next of kin is not a legal representative), the consular officer should ask the next of kin to provide funds and instructions for disposition of remains. If the consular officer cannot locate a legal representative or next of kin, the consular officer may ask friends or other interested parties to provide the funds and instructions.
(b) Arrangements for the disposition of remains must be consistent with the law and regulations of the host country and any relevant United States laws and regulations. Local law may, for example, require an autopsy, forbid cremation, require burial within a certain period of time, or specify who has the legal authority to make arrangements for the disposition of remains.
(c) If funds are not available for the disposition of the remains within the period provided by local law for the interment or preservation of dead bodies, the remains must be disposed of by the local authorities in accordance with local law or regulations.
(a) A consular officer should act as provisional conservator of the personal estate of a United States citizen or non-citizen national who dies abroad in accordance with, and subject to, the provisions of §§ 72.9 through 72.27. The consular officer may act as provisional conservator only with respect to the portion of the personal estate located within the consular officer's district.
(b) A consular officer may act as provisional conservator only to the extent that doing so is:
(1) Authorized by treaty provisions;
(2) Not prohibited by the laws or authorities of the country where the personal estate is located; or
(3) Permitted by established usage in that country.
(a) A consular officer should not act as provisional conservator if the consular officer knows that a legal representative is present in the foreign country.
(b) If the consular officer learns that a legal representative is present after the consular officer has taken possession and/or disposed of the personal estate but prior to transmission of the proceeds and effects to the Secretary of State pursuant to § 72.25, the consular officer should follow the procedures specified in § 72.22.
(a) If a will that is intended to operate in the foreign country is discovered and the legal representative named in the will qualifies promptly and takes charge of the personal estate in the foreign country, the consular officer should assume no responsibility for the estate, and should not take possession, inventory and dispose of the personal property and effects or in any way serve as agent for the legal representative.
(b) If the legal representative does not qualify promptly and if the laws of the country where the personal estate is located permit, however, the consular officer should take appropriate protective measures such as—
(1) Requesting local authorities to provide protection for the property under local procedures; and/or
(2) Placing the consular officer's seal on the personal property of the decedent, such seal to be broken or removed only at the request of the legal representative.
(c) If prolonged delays are encountered by the local or domiciliary legal representative in qualifying and/or making arrangements to take charge of the personal estate, the consular officer should consult the Department concerning whether the will should be offered for probate.
The consular officer immediately should forward any will that is intended to operate in the United States and that is among the effects taken into possession to the person or persons designated as executor(s). When the executor(s) cannot be located, the consular officer should send the will to the appropriate court in the State of the decedent's domicile. Until the consular officer knows that a legal representative is present in the foreign country and has qualified or made arrangements to take charge of the personal estate, the consular officer should act as provisional conservator in accordance with § 72.8.
(a) A consular officer is not authorized to withdraw or otherwise dispose of bank accounts and other assets deposited in financial institutions left by a deceased United States citizen or non-citizen national in a foreign country. Such deposits or other assets are not considered part of the personal estate of a decedent.
(b) The consular officer should report the existence of bank accounts and other assets deposited in financial institutions of which the officer becomes aware to the legal representative, if any. The consular officer should inform
(c) A consular officer must not under any circumstances withdraw funds left by a deceased United States citizen or non-citizen national in a bank or financial institution in a foreign country without express approval and specific instructions from the Department.
(a) A consular officer normally should take physical possession of articles such as the following:
(1) Convertibles assets, such as currency, unused transportation tickets, negotiable evidence of debts due and payable in the consular district, and any other instruments that are negotiable by the consular officer;
(2) Luggage;
(3) Wearing apparel;
(4) Jewelry, heirlooms, and articles generally by sentimental value (such as family photographs);
(5) Non-negotiable instruments, which include any document or instrument not negotiable by the consular officer because it requires either the signatures of the decedent or action by, or endorsement of, the decedent's legal representative. Nonnegotiable instruments include, but are not limited to, transportation tickets not redeemable by the consular officer, traveler's checks, promissory notes, stocks, bonds or similar instruments, bank books, and books showing deposits in building and loan associations, and
(6) Personal documents and papers.
(b) All articles taken into physical possession by a consular officer should be kept in a locked storage area on post premises. If access to storage facilities on the post premises cannot be adequately restricted, the consular officer may explore the possibility of renting a safe deposit box if there are funds available in the estate or from other sources (such as the next of kin).
(a) When a consular officer take articles of a decedent's personal property from a foreign official or other persons for the explicit purpose of immediate release to the legal representative such acton is not a taking of physical possession by the officer. Before releasing the property, the consular officer must require the legal representative to provide a release on the form prescribed by the Department discharging the consular officer of any responsibility for the articles transferred.
(b) A consular officer is not normally expected to take physical possession of items of personal property such as:
(1) Items of personal property found in residences and places of storage such as furniture, household effects and furnishings, works of art, and book and wine collections, unless such items are of such nature and quantity that they can readily be taken into physical possession with the rest of the personal effects;
(2) Motor vehicles, airplanes or watercraft;
(3) Toiletries, such as toothpaste or razors;
(4) Perishable items.
(c) The consular officer should in his or her discretion take appropriate steps permitted under the laws of the country where the personal property is located to safeguard property in the personal estate that is not taken into the officer's physical possession including such actions as:
(1) Placing the consular officer's seal on the premises or on the property (whichever is appropriate);
(2) Placing such property in safe storage such as a bonded warehouse, if the personal estate contains sufficient funds to cover the costs of such safekeeping; and/or
(3) If property that normally would be sealed by the consular officer is not immediately accessible, requesting local authorities to seal the premises or the property or otherwise ensure that the property remains intact until consular seals can be placed thereon, the property can be placed in safe storage, or the legal representative can assume responsibility for the property.
(d) the consular officer may decide in his or her discretion to discard toiletries and perishable items.
(a) A consular officer should not take physical possession of the personal estate of a deceased United States citizen or non-citizen national in his or her consular district when the consular officer determines in his or her discretion that it would be impractical to do so.
(b) In such cases, the consular officer must take action that he or she determines in his or her discretion would be appropriate to protect t the personal estate such as:
(1) Requesting the persons, officials or organizations having custody of the personal estate to ship the property to the consular officer, if the personal estate contains sufficient funds to cover the costs of such shipment; or
(2) Requesting local authorities to safeguard the property until a legal representative can take physical possession.
(a) After taking physical possession of the personal estate of a deceased United States citizen or non-citizen national, the consular officer should promptly inventory the personal effects.
(b) If the personal estate taken into physical possession includes apparently valuable items, the consular officer may, in his or her discretion, seek a professional appraisal for such items, but only to the extent that there are funds available in the estate or from other sources (such as the next of kin) to cover the cost of appraisal.
(c) The consular officer must also prepare a list of articles not taken into physical possession, with an indication of any measures taken by the consular office to safeguard such items for submission with the inventory of effects.
The consular officer may have to account directly to the parties in interest and to the courts of law in estate matters. Consequently, the officer must keep an account of receipts and expenditures for the personal estate of the deceased, and must prepare a final statement of account when turning over the estate to the legal representative, a claimant, or the Department.
The consular officer may pay debts of the decedent which the consular officer believes in his or her discretion are legitimately owed in the country in which the death occurred, or in the country in which the decedent was residing at the time of death, including expenses incident to the disposition of the remains and the personal effects, out of the convertible assets of the personal estate taken into possession by the consular officer.
(a) A consular officer is not authorized to accept appointment from any foreign state or from a court in the United States and/or to act as administrator or to assist (except as provided in §§ 72.8 to 72.30) in administration of the personal estate of a United States citizen or non-citizen national who has died, or was residing at the time of death, in his or her consular district, unless the Department has expressly authorized the appointment. The Department will authorize such an appointment only in exceptional circumstances and will require the consular officer to execute bond consistent with 22 U.S.C. 4198 and 4199.
(b) The Department will not authorize a consular officer to serve as an administrator unless:
(1) Exercise of such responsibilities is:
(i) Authorized by treaty provisions or permitted by the laws or authorities of the country where the United States citizen or national died or was domiciled at the time of death; or
(ii) Permitted by established usage in that country; and
(2) The decedent does not have a legal representative in the consular district.
A consular officer may not act as an attorney or agent for the estate of a deceased United States citizen or non-citizen national overseas or employ counsel at the expense of the United States Government in taking possession and disposing of the personal estate of a United States citizen or non-citizen national who dies abroad, unless specifically authorized in writing by the Department. If the legal representative or other interested person wishes to obtain legal counsel, the consular officer may furnish a list of attorneys.
A consular officer is not authorized to assume any financial responsibility or to incur any expense on behalf of the United States Government in collecting and disposing of the personal estate of a United States citizen or national who dies abroad. A consular officer may incur expenses on behalf of the estate only to the extent that there are funds available in the estate or from other sources (such as the next of kin).
(a) If a person or entity claiming to be a legal representative comes forward at any time prior to transmission of the decedent's personal estate to the Secretary of State under 22 CFR 72.25, the consular officer may release the personal estate in his or her custody to the legal representative provided that:
(1) The legal representative presents satisfactory evidence of the legal representative's right to receive the estate;
(2) The legal representative pays any fees prescribed for consular services provided in connection with the disposition of remains or protection of the estate (see 22 CFR 22.1);
(3) The legal representative executes a release in the form prescribed by the Department; and
(4) The Department approves the release of the personal estate.
(b) Satisfactory evidence of the right to receive the estate may include:
(1) In the case of an executor, a certified copy of letters testamentary or other evidence of legal capacity to act as executor;
(2) In the case of an administrator, a certified copy of letters of administration or other evidence of legal capacity to act as administrator;
(3) In the case of the agent of an executor or administrator, a power of attorney or other document evidencing agency (in addition to evidence of the executor's or administrator's legal capacity to act).
If the United States citizen or non-citizen national who has died abroad did not leave a will that applies locally, and the personal estate in the consular district consists only of clothing and other personal effects that the consular officer concludes in his or her discretion is worth less than $2000 and/or cash of a value equal to or less than $2000, the consular officer may decide in his or her discretion to accept an affidavit from the decedent's next of kin as satisfactory evidence of the next of kin's right to take possession of the personal estate. The Department must approve any release based on an affidavit of next of kin where the consular officer concludes that the personal estate effects are worth more than $2000 and/or the cash involved is of a value more than $2000 and generally will consider approving such releases only in cases where state law prohibits the appointment of executors or administrators for estates that are valued at less than a specified amount and the law of the foreign country where the personal property is located would not prohibit such a release.
Neither the consular officer nor the Department of State has the authority or responsibility to mediate or determine the validity or order of contending claims to the personal estate of a deceased United States citizen or non-citizen national. If rival claimants, executors or administrators demand the personal estate in the consular officer's possession, the officer should not release the estate to any
(a) If no claimant with a legal right to the personal estate comes forward, or if conflicting claims are not resolved, within one year of the date of death, the consular officer should sell or dispose of the personal estate (except for financial instruments, jewelry, heirlooms, and other articles of obvious sentimental value) in the same manner as United States Government-owned foreign excess property under Title IV of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 511
(b) The consular officer should send to the custody of the Department the proceeds of any sale, together with all financial instruments (including bonds, shares of stock and notes of indebtedness), jewelry, heirlooms and other articles of obvious sentimental value, to be held in trust for the legal claimant(s).
(c) After receipt of a personal estate, the Department may seek payment of all outstanding debts to the estate as they become due, may receive any balances due on such estate, may endorse all checks, bills of exchange, promissory notes, and other instruments of indebtedness payable to the estate for the benefit thereof, and may take such other action as is reasonably necessary for the conservation of the estate.
(a) If no claimant with a legal right to the personal estate comes forward within the period of five fiscal years beginning on October 1 after the consular officer took possession of the personal estate, title to the personal estate shall be conveyed to the United States, the property in the estate shall be under the custody of the Department, and the Department may dispose of the estate under as if it were surplus United States Government-owned property under title II of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 4811
(b) The net cash estate shall be transferred to the miscellaneous receipts account of the Treasury of the United States.
(a) A consular officer should not ship, or assist in the shipping, of any archeological, ethnological, or cultural property, as defined in 19 U.S.C. 2601, that the consular officer is aware is part of the personal estate of a United States citizen or non-citizen national to the United States in order to avoid conflict with laws prohibiting or conditioning such export.
(b) A consular officer may refuse to ship, or assist in the shipping, of any property that is part of the personal estate of a United States citizen or non-citizen national if the consular officer has reason to believe that possession or shipment of the property would be illegal.
(a) The legal representative of the estate of a decreased United States citizen or national may submit a claim to the Secretary of State for any personal property of the estate with respect to which a consular officer acted as provisional conservator, and that was lost, stolen, or destroyed while in the custody of officers or employees of the Department of State. Any such claim should be submitted to the Office of Legal Adviser, Department of State, in the manner prescribed by 28 CFR part
(b) Any compensation paid to the estate shall be in lieu of the personal liability of officers or employees of the Department to the estate.
(c) The Department nonetheless may hold an officer or employee of the Department liability to the Department to the extent of any compensation provided to the estate. The liability of the officer or employee shall be determined pursuant to the Department's procedures for determining accountability for United States government property.
(a) If a consular officer becomes aware that the estate of a deceased United States citizen or national includes an interest in real property located within the consular officer's district that will not pass to any person or entity under the applicable local laws of intestate succession or testamentary disposition, and if local law provides that title may be conveyed to the Government of the United States, the consular officer should notify the Department.
(b) If the Department decides that it wishes to retain the property for its use, the Department will instruct the consular officer to take steps necessary to provide for title to the property to be conveyed to the Government of the United States.
(c) If title to the real estate is conveyed to the Government of the Unites States and the property is of use to the Department of State, the Department may treat such property as if it were an unconditional gift accepted on behalf of the Department of State under section 25 of the State Department Basic Authorities Act (22 U.S.C. 2697) and section 9(a)(3) of the Foreign Service Buildings Act of 1926 (22 U.S.C. 300(a)(3)).
(d) If the Department of State does not wish to retain such real property the Department may treat it as foreign excess property under title IV of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 511
United States state law regarding advance directives, deaths and estates include provisions regarding a person's right to direct disposition of remains. Host country law may or may not accept such directions, particularly if the surviving spouse/next-of-kin disagree with the wishes of the testator/affiant.
(a) Fees for consular death and estates services are prescribed in the Schedule of Fees, 22 CFR 22.1.
(b) The personal estates of all officers and employees of the United States who die abroad while on official duty, including military and civilian personnel of the Department of Defense and the United States Coast Guard are exempt from the assessment of any fees proscribed by the Schedule of Fees.
8 U.S.C. 1288, Public Law 101-649, 104 Stat. 4878.
The Secretary of State has determined that, in the following countries, longshore work by crewmembers aboard United States vessels is prohibited by law, regulation, or in practice, with respect to the particular activities noted:
(a) Cargo loading and discharge.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exception: Opening and closing of hatches.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches,
(2) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(3) Loading and discharge of cargo on board the ship if local labor is paid as if had done the work.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions: activities on board ship.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions: activities on board ship.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) When shore labor cannot be obtained at rates prescribed by collective bargaining agreements,
(2) Operation of cargo-related equipment and opening and closing of hatches in small ports where there is insufficient shore labor, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Longshore activities on the pier.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment integral to the vessel when there is a shortage of port workers able to operate the equipment and with the permission of the port authority, and
(2) Opening and closing of hatches.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches,
(3) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(4) Loading and discharge of cargo of less than 10 tons.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exception: Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Cargo handling,
(b) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(c) Watchmen,
(d) Handling of mooring lines on the pier, and
(e) Other longshore activities on the pier.
(f) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions: Longshore activities on board ship.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches,
(2) Mooring and line handling on board ship, and
(3) Loading and discharge of supplies for the crew's own needs, spare parts for small repairs and other non-commercial longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of specialized self-loading/unloading log carriers on the Pacific Coast,
(2) Operation of self-loading/unloading equipment and line handling by the crews of bulk vessels calling at private terminals,
(3) Opening and closing of hatches,
(4) Cleaning of holds and tanks,
(5) Loading of ship's stores,
(6) Operation of onboard rented equipment,
(7) Ballasting and deballasting, and
(8) Rigging of ship's gear.
(c) Exceptions in connection with bulk cargo at Great Lakes ports only:
(1) Handling of mooring lines on the pier when the vessel is made fast or let go,
(2) Moving the vessel to place it under shoreside loading and unloading equipment,
(3) Moving the vessel in position to unload the vessel onto specific cargo piles, hoppers or conveyor belt systems, and
(4) Operation of cargo related equipment integral to the vessel.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) Longshore activities on shore.
(b) Transfer of cargo to or from ship.
(a) Longshore activities on shore.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions: When local workers are unable or unavailable to provide longshore services.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment, and
(2) Opening and closing of hatches.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exception: Operation of cargo-related equipment, when authorized by the Port Authority.
(a) Longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Local longshore workers get paid if crewmembers operate loading and unloading equipment.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear,
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment integral to the ship except to load and discharge cargo,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches,
(3) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(4) Handling of mooring lines on the ship.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment belonging to the vessel,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches,
(3) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(4) Special operations requiring special expertise, provided that local port workers are paid.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches,
(3) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(4) Longshore activities for LASH vessels.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches,
(3) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(4) Operation of computerized off-loading equipment when local expertise is not available.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Loading and discharge of the ship's own material and provisions if done by the ship's own equipment or by the owner of the merchandise using his own personnel,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches,
(3) Rigging of ship's gear,
(4) Operation of cargo-related equipment to shift cargo internally,
(5) Handling operations connected with shipbuilding and refitting, and
(6) Offloading fish by the crew or personnel for the shipowner.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exception: All longshore activities if local workers are paid as if they had done the work.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear,
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exception: All longshore activities if local workers are paid as if they had done the work.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Operation of shore-based equipment to load/unload a vessel.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment aboard ship,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches,
(3) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(4) Other activities with the prior approval of the port authority.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment aboard ship except to load or discharge cargo,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Operation of equipment on the pier.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches,
(2) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(3) Longshore activities in smaller harbors where there are no local port workers.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exception: Operation of shipboard equipment that local port workers cannot operate.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) With the permission of the port administrator, when no local port workers with requisite skills are available, and
(2) In the event of an emergency.
(a) All longshore activities on pier or on land at port.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions, other than for loading or discharging cargoes to and from the pier:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions: Cargo loading, discharge, and transfer upon presentation of the following information:
(1) Documentation listing the vessel's mechanical apparatus for cargo handling,
(2) A list of crewmembers who will perform the longshore activities,
(3) An insurance policy guaranteeing recovery for damages to persons or property in relation to the longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of unusual hatches,
(2) Rigging of unusual ship's gear, and
(3) Longshore activities on foreign government vessels or ships engaged on a community development or humanitarian project.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches,
(2) Rigging of ship's gear,
(3) In an emergency declared by the port authority, and
(4) Direct transfer of cargo from one ship to another.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions, when done in relation to ship safety, ship operation, or supervisory work to ensure that stevedoring is done correctly:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Longshore activities on shore.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions: activities on board the vessel.
(a) Longshore activities on shore.
(a) Longshore activities on shore.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) Longshore activities on the pier.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches,
(3) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(4) Loading and discharge of hazardous materials.
(a) All longshore activities on shore.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Loading and discharge of cargo.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions, other than for normal cargo handling activities:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exception: Preparation of cargo handling equipment to be operated by local port workers.
(a) Loading and discharge of merchandise,
(b) Rigging of ship from dockside, and
(c) Other longshore activities not onboard vessel.
(d) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of onboard cargo related equipment, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear onboard the ship, in coordination with local port workers.
(a) Loading and discharge of cargo.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Longshore activities on shore.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions, with the authorization of the Harbor Master,
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exception: Regular crew activities on board ship, including operation of cargo-related equipment, opening and closing of hatches, and rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of ship's gear,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities that take longer than 28 days of arriving in territorial waters.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exception: Opening and closing of hatches and rigging of ship's gear if local workers are paid as if they had done the work.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of ship's gear,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches,
(3) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(4) Instructing local employees on equipment.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Assisting in the operation of cargo related equipment if required,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Longshore activities on shore, and
(b) Handling of mooring lines.
(c) Exception: Operation of equipment which pier workers are not capable of operating.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of sophisticated cargo-related equipment on container vessels,
(2) First opening and last closing of hatches and holds, and
(3) Cleaning of holds.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, if not related to cargo handling,
(2) Rigging of ship's gear, if not related to cargo handling,
(3) Longshore activities for hazardous or polluting cargoes, and
(4) Longshore activities on government vessels.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Military operations,
(2) Operations in an emergency, when under the supervision of the maritime authorities,
(3) Security or inspection operations,
(4) Loading and discharge of supplies for the vessel and its crew,
(5) Loading and discharge of fuel and petroleum products at special terminals,
(6) Loading and discharge of chemical products if required for safety reasons,
(7) Placing of trailers and similar material in parking areas when done before loading or after discharge,
(8) Cleaning of the vessel,
(9) Loading, discharge, and disposal of merchandise in other boats, and
(10) Opening and closing hatches.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of specialized shipboard equipment, and
(2) Loading and discharge of cargo requiring special operations.
(a) All longshore activities performed with local port equipment.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Loading, discharge and handling of general cargo.
(b) Exceptions: activities on board the ship.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions: activities on board the ship.
(a) All longshore activities on shore.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches,
(2) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(3) Cargo handling when necessary to ensure the safety or stability of the vessel.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ships gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) Longshore activities on shore, and
(b) Operation of cargo related equipment to load and discharge cargo.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(a) All longshore activities on shore.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches operated automatically, and
(2) Raising and lowering of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Longshore activities on shore.
(a) Loading and discharge of cargo.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment on board the ship,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ships gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities on shore.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exception: Operation of specialized equipment that local port workers cannot operate.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Longshore activities on shore.
(a) All longshore activities on shore.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of on-board cranes requiring expert operation or at the master's request,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(3) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Longshore activities on shore, at the discretion of the companies leasing and operating port facilities.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Operation of cargo-related equipment,
(2) Opening and closing of hatches,
(3) Rigging of ship's gear, and
(4) Loading and discharge of cargo with on-board equipment when the port of call does not have the necessary equipment.
(a) All longshore activities.
(b) Exceptions:
(1) Opening and closing of hatches, and
(2) Rigging of ship's gear.
(a) Longshore activities on shore.
Sec. 4, 63 Stat. 111, as amended; 22 U.S.C. 2658.
In replying to inquiries received from exporters, travelers, or other interested parties, concerning tariff acts or customs regulations, consular officers shall refrain from giving, or appearing to give, decisions pertaining to matters upon which hey are not competent to pass.
Upon the receipt of a request therefor from a collector of customs or appraising officer of the Government of the United States, a consular officer shall procure and forward samples of merchandise being imported or offered for importation into the United States from his particular district.
Consular officers shall render all proper assistance to Customs and Tariff Commission representatives abroad to aid them in the performance of their official duties.
(a) Upon request of interested shippers or masters of vessels at ports in the consular district other than the place where the consular office is situated, consular officers shall designate one or more reputable individuals residing in each such port, as authorized persons to witness the signatures of the masters of vessels of not over 500 net tons when affixed to declarations covering shipments of alcoholic liquors destined to the United States, and to issue certificates therefor as contemplated by section 7 of the Anti-Smuggling Act of 1935 (49 Stat. 520; 19 U.S.C. 1707). Any person so designated by a consular officer to issue such certificates shall state in each of his certificates that he has no interest in the shipment described therein. Having delivered the original document to the master, he shall forward the duplicate to the consular office for retention.
(b) Consular officers shall, with respect to declarations of masters of vessels of not over 500 net tons in instances in which the port of shipment is the same place as, or conveniently near to, the location of the consular office, supply their certifications directly as contemplated by the said section of the Anti-Smuggling Act. They shall retain, over the interval prescribed in the applicable records retirement schedule, a copy of each document so certified by them. They shall similarly retain the copies of the certifications supplied by authorized persons in outlying ports of the consular district, as set forth in the preceding subsection.
(c) This section, read together with § 4.13, title 19, of the Code of Federal Regulations, comprises the joint regulations contemplated for issuance by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury under section 7 of the Anti-Smuggling Act of 1935.
22 U.S.C. 2658, unless otherwise noted.
(a) In the United States the term
(b) The term
(c) The term
(d) For purposes of this part, except §§ 92.36 through 92.42 relating to the authentication of documents, the term
The notarial authority of a designated employee shall expire upon termination of the employee's assignment to such duty and may also be terminated at any time by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Overseas Citizen Services.
The overseas notarial function of notarizing officers of the Department of State is similar to the function of a notary public in the United States. See § 22.5(b) of this chapter concerning the giving of receipts for fees collected and the maintenance of a register serving the same purposes as the record which notaries are usually expected or required to keep of their official acts.
Where consular districts have been established, the geographic limits of the district determine the area in which notarial acts can be performed by the notarizing officer. See § 92.41 (b) regarding authentication of the seals and signatures of foreign officials outside the consular district.
(a) All notarizing officers are required, when application is made to them within the geographic limits of their consular district, to administer to and take from any person any oath, affirmation, affidavit, or deposition, and to perform any notarial act which
(b) These acts may be performed for any person regardless of nationality so long as the document in connection with which the notarial service is required is for use within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government of the United States or within the jurisdiction of one of the States or Territories of the United States. (However, see also § 92.6.) Within the Federal jurisdiction of the United States, these acts, when certified under the hand and seal of office of the notarizing officer are valid and of like force and effect as if performed by any duly authorized and competent person within the United States. Documents bearing the seal and signature of a secretary of embassy or legation, consular officer (including consul general, vice consul or consular agent) are admissible in evidence within the Federal jurisdiction without proof of any such seal or signature being genuine or of the official character of the notarizing officer.
(c) Every notarizing officer may perform notarial acts for use in countries occupied by the United States or under its administrative jurisdiction, provided the officer has reason to believe that the notarial act will be recognized in the country where it is intended to be used. These acts may be performed for United States citizens and for nationals of the occupied or administered countries, who reside outside such countries, except in areas where another government is protecting the interests of the occupied or administered country.
(d) Chiefs of mission, that is, ambassadors and ministers, have no authority under Federal law to perform notarial acts except in connection with the authentication of extradition papers (see § 92.40).
(e) Consular agents have authority to perform notarial services but acting consular agents do not.
The acceptability with the jurisdiction of a State or Territory of the United States of a certificate of a notarial act performed by a notarizing officer depends upon the laws of the State or Territory.
Although such services are not mandatory, notarizing officers may, as a courtesy, perform notarial acts for use in countries with which the United States has formal diplomatic and consular relations. Generally the applicant for such service will be a United States citizen or a national of the country in which the notarized document will be used. The notarizing officer's compliance with a request for a notarial service of this type should be based on the reasonableness of the request and the absence of any apparent irregularity. When a notarizing officer finds it advisable to do so, the officer may question the applicant to such extent as may be necessary to be assured of the reasonableness of the request and the absence of irregularity.
(a) That his notarial certificate may reasonably be expected to satisfy the legal requirements of the country in
(b) That the notarial service is legally necessary and cannot be obtained otherwise than through a United States notarizing officer without loss or serious inconvenience to the applicant; and
(c) That the notarial certifcate will be used solely for a well-defined purpose, as represented by the applicant for the service. (See also § 92.4(c) regarding notarial services for use in countries occupied by the United States or under its administrative jurisdiction.)
(a) As a rule notarial acts should be performed at the consular office. Where required by the circumstances of a particular case and subject to the reasonableness of the request notarial acts may be performed elsewhere within the limits of the consulate subject to the assessment of the applicable fees under subheading “Services Rendered Outside of Office” of the Tariff of Fees (§ 22.1(a) of this chapter), as well as to payment by the interested party of the officer's expenses in going to the place where the service is performed and returning to his office (§ 22.1(b) of this chapter).
(b) As indicated in §§ 92.4, 92.5, and 92.6, the authority of secretaries of embassy or legation as well as consular officers to perform notarial acts is generally recognized. However, the function is essentially consular, and notarial powers are in practice exercised by diplomatic officers only in the absence of a consular officer or U.S. citizen State Department employee designated to perform notarial functions as provided in § 92.1(d). Performance of notarial acts by an officer assigned in dual diplomatic and consular capacity shall be performed in his/her consular capacity, except in special circumstances.
A notarizing officer should comply with all proper requests for the performance of notarial services within the limitations prescribed in this part. (See particularly §§ 92.3 to 92.7). Moreover, as a representative of the United States Government, the notarizing officer, when acting in a notarial capacity, should take great care to prevent the use of his official seal in furthering any unlawful or clearly improper purpose. (See § 92.9 regarding refusal to perform notarial services in certain cases.)
(a) A notarizing officer should refuse requests for notarial services, the performance of which is not authorized by treaty provisions or permitted by the laws or authorities of the country in which he is stationed. (See § 92.4(a).) Also, a notarizing officer should refuse to perform notarial acts for use in transactions which may from time to time be prohibited by law or by regulations of the United States Government such, for example, as regulations based on the “Trading With the Enemy Act of 1917,” as amended.
(b) A notarizing officer is also authorized to refuse to perform a notarial act if he had reasonable grounds for believing that the document in connection with which his notarial act is requested will be used for a purpose patently unlawful, improper or inimical to the best interests of the United States. Requests for notarial services should be refused only after the most careful deliberation.
If the notarizing officer has reason to believe that material statements in a document presented for notarization are false, and if no basis exists for refusing the notarial service in accordance with § 92.9, he may consider the advisability of informing the applicant
(a)
(b)
A notarizing officer must execute a written certificate attesting to the performance of a notarial act. This certificate may be inserted on or appended to the notarized document (see § 92.17 regarding the fastening of sheets). The certificate evidences the performance of the notarial act. Failure to execute this certificate renders the notarial act legally ineffective. Each notarial act should be evidenced by a separate certificate; two or more distinct notarial acts should not be attested to by one certificate.
The form of a notarial certificate depends on the nature of the notarial act it attests. (See §§ 92.18 to 92.48 for discussions of the various forms of notarial certificates.) Rules pertaining to venue, and signing and sealing, are common to all notarial certificates.
(a) The term
(1) Name of the country (or dominion, Territory, colony, island, as appropriate);
(2) Name of province or major administrative region (if none, this may be omitted);
(3) Name of local community (city, town, or village);
(4) Name of the Foreign Service post.
(b) When a notarial act is performed, and the notarial certificate executed, at a locality in a consular district other than the locality in which the Foreign Service office is situated, the venue should mention only the name of the country (or dominion, territory, colony, island, as appropriate), and the name of the consular district.
(c) The venue used at a Foreign Service post which has not been officially designated as an embassy, legation, consulate general, consulate, or consular agency should bear the notation “American Consular Service” in place of the post name.
The notarizing officer should sign a notarial certificate on the lower right-hand side. The name and full official title of the notarizing officer should by typed, stamped with a rubber stamp, or printed in ink on two separate lines immediately below his signature. When the notarizing officer is assigned to a Foreign Service post in both a diplomatic and consular capacity, he should use his consular title in the notarial certificate. (See § 92.7.)
The notarizing officer should seal a notarial certificate with the impression seal of the post on the lower left-hand side of the certificate. A notarial certificate executed at a Foreign Service post which has not been officially designated as an embassy, legation, consulate general, consulate, or consular agency should be sealed with an impression seal bearing the legend “American Consular Service” and the name of the locality.
When the instrument or document to which a notarial act relates consists of more than one sheet, or when the notarial certificate will be attached and not written on the document itself, the notarizing officer should bring all the sheets comprising the document together under his official seal.
(a)
(b)
The usual formula for administering an oath is as follows: The officer administering the oath requests the person taking the oath to raise his right hand while the officer repeats the following words: “You do solemnly swear that the statements set forth in this paper which you have here signed before me are true. So help you God.” Whereupon the person taking the oath answers, “I do.”
In administering an affirmation the procedure followed is generally the same as in the case of an oath, but the formula is varied by the use of the following words: “You do solemnly, sincerely, and truly affirm and declare that . . ., and this you do under the pains and penalties of perjury.”
The written statement attesting to the administration of an oath or affirmation is known as a jurat. The jurat must be signed and sealed by the notarizing officer (see §§ 92.15 and 92.16 on signing and sealing notarial certificates).
An affidavit is a written declaration under oath made before some person who has authority to administer oaths, without notice to any adverse party that may exist. One test of the sufficiency of an affidavit is whether it is so clear and certain that it will sustain an indictment for perjury, if found to be false. An affidavit differs from a deposition in that it is taken ex parte and without notice, while a deposition is taken after notice has been furnished to the opposite party, who is given an opportunity to cross-examine the witness.
The notarizing officer taking an affidavit should:
(a) Satisfy himself, as far as possible, that his notarial act will be acceptable under the laws of the jurisdiction where the affidavit is to be used (see § 92.5);
(b) Require the personal appearance of the affiant at the time the affidavit is taken;
(c) Require satisfactory identification of the affiant; and
(d) Administer the oath to the affiant before the affiant signs the affidavit.
Affidavits are usually drawn by competent attorneys or are set out in established forms. The form and substantive requirements of an affidavit depend principally upon the purpose for which it is made and the statutes of the jurisdiction where it is intended to be used. When a notarizing officer finds it necessary in the discharge of his official duties to prepare an affidavit, or when he assists a private person in preparing an affidavit (see § 92.11(b)), he should, where possible, consult the pertinent statutory provisions.
Generally an affidavit taken for use in a pending cause must be entitled in that cause so that it will show to what proceedings it is intended to apply, and may support an indictment for perjury in case it proves to be false. If there is no suit pending at the time the affidavit is taken or if the affidavit is not to be used in any cause in court, no title need be given.
The venue must always be given and should precede the body of the affidavit. (See § 92.14 regarding venue on notarial certificates generally.)
(a)
(1) Material facts within the personal knowledge of the affiant should be alleged directly and positively. Facts are not to be inferred where the affiant has it in his power to state them positively and fully.
(2) If the matters stated in the affiant's affidavit rest upon information derived from others rather than on facts within his personal knowledge, he should aver that such matters are true to the best of his knowledge and belief.
(3) If the allegations made on information and belief are material, the sources of information and grounds of belief should be set out and a good reason given why a positive statement could not be made.
(4) If the conclusions of the affiant are drawn from the contents of documents, such contents should be set out or exhibited, so that the authority to whom the affidavit is presented may determine whether the affiant's deductions are well founded.
(b)
The signature of the affiant is indispensable. The affiant should always sign the affidavit in the presence of the notarizing officer.
Affidavits made before notarizing officers must be sworn to or affirmed (see § 92.23(d)).
An acknowledgment is a proceeding by which a person who has executed an instrument goes before a competent officer or court and declares it to be his act and deed to entitle it to be recorded or to be received in evidence without further proof of execution. An acknowledgment is almost never made under oath and should not be confused with an oath (see § 92.18(a) for definition of oath). Moreover, an acknowledgment is not the same as an attestation, the latter being the act of witnessing the execution of an instrument and then signing it as a witness. Instruments requiring acknowledgment generally are those relating to land, such as deeds, mortgages, leases, contracts for the sale of land, and so on.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
The proper place for the certificate of acknowledgment is after the signature of the parties to the instrument. If the instrument is a printed form, the certificate will almost invariably be a part of the form. When Form FS-88 is used or when the certificate must be prepared on a sheet separate from the instrument, it should be fastened to the instrument as the last sheet. The method of fastening notarial certificates is prescribed in § 92.17.
A notarizing officer having taken an acknowledgment of an instrument and made a certificate of that fact cannot afterwards amend or change his certificate for the purpose of correcting a mistake. This can be done only by the parties reacknowledging the instrument. However, typographical errors may be corrected by striking out the erroneous characters and inserting the correct ones above. Such changes should be initiated by the parties who executed the instrument and by the notarizing officer.
An authentication is a certification of the genuineness of the official character,
(a) The consular officer must compare the foreign official's seal and signature on the document he is asked to authenticate with a specimen of the same official's seal and signature on file either in the Foreign Service office or in a foreign public office to which he has access. If no specimen is available to the consular officer, he should require that each signature and seal be authenticated by some higher official or officials of the foreign government until there appears on the document a seal and signature which he can compare with a specimen available to him. However, this procedure of having a document authenticated by a series of foreign officials should be followed only where unusual circumstances, or the laws or regulations of the foreign country require it.
(b) Where the State law requires the consular officer's certificate of authentication to show that the foreign official is empowered to perform a particular act, such as administering an oath or taking an acknowledgment, the consular officer must verify the fact that the foreign official is so empowered.
(c) When the consular officer has satisfactorily identified the foreign seal and signature (and, where required, has verified the authority of the foreign official to perform a particular act), he may then execute a certificate of authentication, either placing this certificate on the document itself if space is available, or appending it to the document on a separate sheet (see § 92.17 on the fastening of notarial certificates).
The form of a certificate of authentication depends on the statutory requirements of the jurisdiction where the authenticated document will be used (see § 92.39 regarding the provisions of Federal law). Before authenticating a document for use in a State or Territory of the United States, a consular officer should consult the pertinent law digest to ascertain what specific requirements must be met, or he should be guided by any special information he may receive from the attorney or other person requesting the document with regard to the applicable statutory requirements. (See § 92.41(e) regarding material which should not be in the certificate of authentication.) If no provisions relating to authentications can be found in a particular State
(a) A copy of a foreign public document intended to be used as evidence within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government of the United States must be authenticated in accordance with the provisions of section 1 of the act of June 25, 1948, as amended (sec. 1, 62 Stat. 948, sec. 92(b), 63 Stat. 103; 28 U.S.C. 1741). This provision of Federal law provides that a copy of any foreign document of record, or on file in a public office of a foreign country or political subdivision thereof, if certified, by the lawful custodian thereof, may be admitted in evidence when authenticated by a certificate of a United States consular officer resident in the foreign country, under the seal of his office.
(b) The consular officer's certificate should indicate that the copy has been certified by the lawful custodian.
(c) In the absence of a consular officer of the United States as an officer resident in the State of the Vatican City, a copy of any document of record or on file in a public office of said State of the Vatican City, certified by the lawful custodian of such document may be authenticated by a consular officer of the United States resident in Rome, Italy (22 U.S.C. 1204).
Foreign extradition papers are authenticated by chiefs of mission.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
In certifying documents of the kind described in title 28, section 1742, of the United States Code, diplomatic and consular officers of the United States will conform to the Federal procedures for authenticating foreign public documents (§ 92.39), unless otherwise instructed in a specific case.
The fees for administering an oath or affirmation and making a certificate thereof, for the taking of an acknowledgment of the execution of a document and executing a certificate thereof, for certifying to the correctness of a copy of or an extract from a document, official or private, for authenticating a foreign document, or for the noting of a bill of exchange, certifying to protest, etc., are as prescribed under the caption Documentary services in the Schedule of Fees (§ 22.1 of this chapter), unless the service is performed under a “no fee” item of the same caption of the Schedule. If an oath or affirmation is administered concurrently to several persons and only one consular certificate (jurat) is executed, only one fee is collectible. If more than one person joins in making an acknowledgment but only one certificate is executed, only one fee shall be charged.
A deposition is the testimony of a witness taken in writing under oath or affirmation, before some designated or appointed person or officer, in answer to interrogatories, oral or written. (For the distinction between a deposition and an affidavit see § 92.22.)
Generally depositions may be taken and used in all civil actions or suits. In criminal cases in the United States, a deposition cannot be used, unless a statute has been enacted which permits a defendant in a criminal case to have a deposition taken in his own behalf, or unless the defendant consents to the taking of a deposition by the State for use by the prosecution. (For exception in connection with the proving of foreign documents for use in criminal actions, see § 92.65.)
Rule 28(b) of the Rules of Civil Procedure for the District Courts of the United States provides that depositions may be taken in foreign countries by any of the following four methods:
(a) Pursuant to any applicable treaty or convention, or
(b) Pursuant to a letter of request (whether or not captioned a letter rogatory), or
(c) On notice before a person authorized to administer oaths in the place in which the examination is held, either by the law thereof or by the law of the United States. Notarizing officials as defined by 22 CFR 92.1 are so authorized by the law of the United States, or
(d) Before a person commissioned by the court, and a person so commissioned shall have the power by virtue of the commission to administer any necessary oath and take testimony.
A
A
In its broader sense in international practice, the term
(a)
(b)
(c)
In taking a deposition on notice or executing a commission to take depositions, a notarizing officer should conform to any statutory enactments on the subject in the jurisdiction in which the depositions will be used. He should also comply with any special instructions which accompany the request for a deposition on notice or a commission. Unless otherwise directed by statutory enactments or special instructions, the officer should proceed as follows in taking depositions:
(a) Request the witnesses, whose testimony is needed, to appear before him; or, at the request of any party to the action or proceeding, request designated persons to supply him or the requesting party with needed records or documents in their possession, or copies thereof;
(b) When necessary, act as interpreter or translater, or see that arrangements are made for some qualified person to act in this capacity;
(c) Before the testimony is taken, administer oaths (or affirmations in lieu thereof) to the interpreter or translator (if there is one), to the stenographer taking down the testimony, and to each witness;
(d) Have the witnesses examined in accordance with the procedure described in §§ 92.57 to 92.60;
(e) Either record, or have recorded in his presence and under his direction, the testimony of the witnesses;
(f) Take the testimony, or have it taken, stenographically in question-and-answer form and transcribed (see § 92.58) unless the parties to the action agree otherwise (rules 30(c) and 31(b), Rules of Civil Procedure for the District Courts of the United States);
(g) Be actually present throughout the examination of the witnesses, but recess the examination for reasonable periods of time and for sufficient reasons;
(h) Mark or cause to be marked, by identifying exhibit numbers or letters, all documents identified by a witness or counsel and submitted for the record.
When a witness is examined on the basis of oral interrogatories, the counsel for the party requesting the deposition has the right to conduct a direct examination of the witness without interruption except in the form of objection by opposing counsel. The opposing counsel has the same right on cross-examination. Cross-examination may be followed by redirect and recross-examinations until the interrogation is complete. The notarizing officer taking the deposition should endeavor to restrain counsel from indulging in lengthy colloquies, digressions, or asides, and from attempts to intimidate or mislead the witness. The notarizing officer has no authority to sustain or overrule objections but should have them recorded as provided in § 92.59. Instead of taking part in the oral examination of a witness, the parties notified of the taking of a deposition may transmit written interrogatories to the notarizing officer. The notarizing officer should then question the witness on the basis of the written interrogatories and should record the answers verbatim. (Rules 30 (c) and 31
Written interrogatories are usually divided into three parts:
(a) The direct interrogatories or interrogatories in chief;
(b) The cross-interrogatories; and
(c) The redirect interrogatories.
All objections made at the time of the examination to the qualifications of the officer taking the deposition, or to the manner of taking it, or to the evidence presented, or to the conduct of any party, and any other objection to the proceedings must be noted in the deposition. Evidence objected to will be taken subject to the objections. (Rules 30 (c) and 31 (b), Rules of Civil Procedure for the District Courts of the United States.)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
After the examination of a witness is completed, the stenographic record of the examination must be fully transcribed and the transcription attached securely to any document or documents to which the testimony in the record pertains. (See § 92.63 regarding the arrangement of papers.) The transcribed deposition must then be submitted to the witness for examination and read to or by him, unless such examination and reading are waived by the witness and by the parties to the action. Any changes in form or substance desired by the witness should be entered upon the deposition by the notarizing officer with a statement of the reasons given by the witness for making the changes. The witness should then sign the transcript of his deposition and should initial in the margin each correction made at his request. However, the signature and initials of the witness may be omitted if the parties to the action by stipulation waive the signing or if the witness is ill, refuses to sign, or cannot be found. If the deposition is not signed by the witness, the notarizing officer should sign it and should state on the record the reason for his action,
The notarizing officer should prepare a caption for every deposition; should certify on the deposition that the witness was duly sworn by him and that the deposition is a true record of the testimony given by the witness; and should sign and seal the certification in the manner prescribed in §§ 92.15 and 92.16. (Rules 30 (f) (1) and 31 (b), Rules of Civil Procedures for the District Courts of the United States.)
Unless special instructions to the contrary are received, the various papers comprising the completed record of the depositions should usually be arranged in the following order from bottom to top:
(a) Commission to take depositions (or notice of taking depositions), with interrogatories, exhibits, and other supporting documents fastened thereto.
(b) Statement of fees charged, if one is prepared on a separate sheet.
(c) Record of the responses of the various witnesses, including any exhibits the witnesses may submit.
(d) Closing certificate.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) Section 1 of the act of June 25, 1948 (sec. 1, 62 Stat. 835; 18 U.S.C. 3493) provides that every person whose testimony is taken should be cautioned and sworn to testify the whole truth and should be carefully examined. The testimony should be reduced to writing or typewriting by the consular officer, or by some person under his personal supervision, or by the witness himself in the presence of the consular officer, and by no other person. After it has been reduced to writing or typewriting, the testimony must be signed by the witness. Every foreign document with respect to which testimony is taken must be annexed to such testimony and must be signed by each witness who appears for the purpose of establishing the genuineness of such document.
(3) When counsel for all of the parties attend the examination of any witness whose testimony will be taken on written interrogatories, they may consent that oral interrogatories, in addition to those accompanying the commission, be put to the witness. The consular officer taking the testimony
(4) Section 1 of the act of June 25, 1948 (sec. 1, 62 Stat. 835; 18 U.S.C. 3494) provides that the consular officer, who executes any commission authorized under the same section, as amended (sec. 1, 62 Stat. 834, sec. 53, 63 Stat. 96; 18 U.S.C. 3492) and who is satisfied, upon all the testimony taken, that a foreign document is genuine, should certify such document to be genuine under the seal of his office. This certification must include a statement that the officer is not subject to disqualification under the provisions of section 1 of the act of June 25, 1948, as amended (sec. 1, 62 Stat. 834, sec. 53, 63 Stat. 96; 18 U.S.C. 3492). For purposes of assessment of fees, the issuance of this certificate shall be regarded as a part of the consular service of executing the commission, and no separate fee shall be charged for the certificate.
(5) The consular officer should then forward such foreign documents, together with the record of all testimony taken and the commission which has been executed, to the Department of State for transmission to the clerk of the court from which the commission issued. (Section 1, 62 Stat. 835; 18 U.S.C. 3494.) (See § 92.64 regarding the filing of depositions generally.)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) If the executed letters rogatory are returned to the diplomatic mission from the Foreign Office in an envelope bearing the seals of the foreign judicial authority who took the testimony, that sealed envelope should not be opened at the mission. The responsible officer should place a certificate on the envelope showing the date it was received at his office and indicating that
(3) Charges should be made for executing either of the certificates mentioned in paragraphs (c) (1) and (2) of this section, as prescribed by item 67 of the Tariff of Fees, Foreign Service of the United States of America (§ 22.1 of this chapter), unless the service is classifiable in a no-fee category under the exemption for Federal agencies and corporations (item 83 of the same Tariff).
(4) The sealed letters rogatory should be transmitted by appropriate means to the court in which the action is pending. See title 28, section 1781, of the United States Code concerning the manner of making return to a court of the United States (Federal court).
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
The U.S. District Court for the ___________ (e.g. Northern, Southern) District of __________ (State) __________ (City) _________, (State)
(d)
(1) The transmittal of a letter rogatory or request directly from a foreign or international tribunal to the tribunal, officer, or agency in the United States to whom it is addressed and its return in the same manner; or
(2) The transmittal of a letter rogatory or request directly from a tribunal in the United States to the foreign or international tribunal, officer, or agency to whom it is addressed and its return in the same manner.
The fees for the taking of evidence by officers of the Foreign Service are as prescribed by the Tariff or Fees, Foreign Service of the United States of America (§ 22.1 of this chapter), under the caption “Services Relating to the Taking of Evidence,” unless the service is performed for official use, which comes under the caption “Exemption for Federal Agencies and Corporations” of the same Tariff. See § 22.6 of this chapter concerning the requirement for advance deposit of estimated fees. When the party on whose behalf the evidence is sought or his local representative is not present to effect direct payment of such incidental costs as postage or travel of witnesses, the advance deposit required by the officer shall be in an amount estimated as sufficient to cover these in addition to the fees proper. The same rule shall apply
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Arrangements for the payment of fees should be made directly with the court in the United States by the party in the foreign country at whose request the depositions are taken, either through his legal representative in the United States or through the appropriate diplomatic or consular officer of his country in the United States. (See § 92.67 regarding the execution of letters rogatory in the United States.)
(a)
(b)
(2)
(3)
(c)
(2)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(1) By whom the document is presented for recording;
(2) On whose behalf the service is requested;
(3) Date and hour of presentation for recording;
(4) How the authenticity of the document was proved (where appropriate); and
(5) The name of the person by whom recorded (in his proper signature) and the name of the consular officer with whom compared (in his proper signature).
(c)
(d)
Officers of the Foreign Service are not authorized to translate documents or to certify to the correctness of translations. (However, see § 92.56 with regard to interpreting and translating services which may be performed in connection with depositions.) They are authorized to administer to a translator an oath as to the correctness of a translation; to take an acknowledgment of the preparation of a translation; and to authenticate the seal and signature of a local official affixed to a translation. Separate fees should be charged for each of these services, as indicated under the caption “Notarial Services and Authentications” of the Tariff of Fees, Foreign Service of the United States of America (§ 22.1 of this chapter).
(a)
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Individuals who inquire as to means of obtaining copies of or extracts from American birth, death, marriage, or divorce records may be advised generally to direct their inquires to the Vital Statistics Office at the place where the record is kept, which is usually in the capital city of the State or Territory. Legal directories and other published works of references at the post may be of assistance in providing exact addresses, information about fees, etc. An inquirer who is not an American citizen may write directly to the diplomatic or appropriate consular representative of his own country for any needed assistance in obtaining a desired document.
(a)
(b)
(2)
(3)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
Legal process means a writ, warrant, mandate, or other process issuing from a court of justice. The term includes subpoenas, citations, and complaints.
The service of process and legal papers is not normally a Foreign Service function. Except when directed by the Department of State, officers of the Foreign Service are prohibited from serving process or legal papers or appointing other persons to do.
When directed by the Department of State, officers of the Foreign Service will serve a subpoena issued by a court of the United States on a national or resident of the United States who is in a foreign country unless such action is prohibited by the law of the foreign country.
Officers of the Foreign Service are required to serve orders to show cause issued in contempt proceedings on a person who has failed or neglected to appear in answer to a subpoena served in accordance with the provisions of § 92.86. (Section 1, 62 Stat. 949; 28 U.S.C. 1784.)
With regard to the serving of subpoenas and orders to show cause referred to in §§ 92.86 and 92.87, section 1 of the act of June 25, 1948 (sec. 1, 62 Stat. 819, 28 U.S.C. 1783), provides that the subpoena shall designate the time and place for appearance before the court of the United States, and shall issue to any consular officer of the United States in the foreign country. The consular officer is required to make personal service of the subpoena
No charge should be made for serving a subpoena or order to show cause issuing out of Federal court under the procedures set forth in §§ 92.86 and 92.87. The taking of the affidavit of the officer effecting the service, or the performance of any other notarial act which may be involved in making the return, should be without charge, under the caption “Exemption for Federal Agencies and Corporations” of the Tariff of Fees, Foreign Service of the United States of America (§ 22.1 of this chapter).
Officers of the Foreign Service shall deliver, or assist in delivering, to designated persons, documents relating to proceedings in the cancellation of certificates of naturalization when such documents are forwarded by duly authorized officials of the Federal courts. The responsibility for furnishing detailed instructions on the procedure to be followed in delivering such documents rests with the court or with the United States attorney concerned, and officers should follow such instructions carefully.
Officers of the Foreign Service have no authority to serve upon persons in their consular districts legal process such as subpoenas or citations in connection with Congressional investigations. All requests for such service should be referred to the Department of State.
It may be found that a State statue purporting to regulate the service of process in foreign countries is so drawn as to mention service by an American consular officer or a person appointed by him, without mention of or provision for alternate methods of service. State laws of this description do not operate in derogation of the laws of the foreign jurisdiction wherein it may be sought to effect service of legal process, and such State laws do not serve to impose upon American consular officers duties or obligations which they are unauthorized to accept under Federal law, or require them to perform acts contrary to Federal regulations (see § 92.85).
An officer of the Foreign Service may administer an oath to a person making an affidavit to the effect that legal process has ben served. When an affidavit stating that legal process has been served is executed before a foreign notary or other official, an officer of the Foreign Service may authenticate the official character of the person administering the oath. The fee for administering an oath to a person making an affidavit or for an authentication, as the case may be, is as prescribed under the caption “Notarial Services and Authentications” in the Tariff of Fees, Foreign Service of the United States of America (§ 22.1 of this chapter), unless the case is of such nature as to fall under the caption, “Exemption for Federal Agencies and Corporations” of the same Tariff.
Officers should make prompt and courteous replies to all inquiries regarding the service of legal process or documents of like nature, and should render such assistance as they properly
Officers of the Foreign Service may at times be called upon to assist in arranging for the transportation to the United States of persons in foreign countries whose testimony is desired by the Attorney General in a case pending in a Federal court. Requests that the travel of such persons be facilitated originate in the Department of Justice, and special instructions in each case are transmitted to the appropriate Foreign Service post by the Department of State.
22 U.S.C. 2658; 28 U.S.C. 1608(a).
(a) The Director of the Office of Special Consular Services in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State (“The Managing Director for Overseas Citizen Service”), shall perform the duties of the Secretary of State under section 1608(a)(4) of title 28, United States Code.
(b) When the clerk of the court concerned sends documents under section 1608(a)(4), of title 28, United States Code, the Managing Director for Overseas Citizen Service shall promptly ascertain if the documents include the required copies of the notice of suit and of the summons and complaint (or default judgment), and any required translations. If not, he shall promptly advise the clerk of the missing items.
(c) Upon receiving the required copies of documents and any required translations, the Managing Director for Overseas Citizen Service shall promptly cause one copy of each such document and translation (“the documents”) to be delivered—
(1) To the Embassy of the United States in the foreign state concerned, and the Embassy shall promptly deliver them to the foreign ministry or other appropriate authority of the foreign state, or
(2) If the foreign state so requests or if otherwise appropriate, to the embassy of the foreign state in the District of Columbia, or
(3) If paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section are unavailable, through an existing diplomatic channel, such as to the embassy of another country authorized to represent the interests of the foreign state concerned in the United States.
(d) The documents, when delivered under paragraph (c) of this section, shall be accompanied by a diplomatic note of transmittal, requesting that the documents be forwarded to the appropriate authority of the foreign state or political subdivision upon which service is being made. The note shall state that, under United States law, questions of jurisdiction and of state immunity must be addressed to the court and not to the Department of
(e) If the documents are delivered under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the Embassy of the United States shall promptly transmit by diplomatic pouch, to the Managing Director for Overseas Citizen Service, a certified copy of the diplomatic note of transmittal. If the documents are delivered under paragraph (c) (2) or (3) of this section, the Managing Director for Overseas Citizen Service shall prepare a certified copy of the diplomatic note of transmittal. In each case, the certification shall state the date and place the documents were delivered. The Managing Director for Overseas Citizen Service shall then promptly send the certified copy to the clerk of the court concerned.
(a) A Notice of Suit prescribed in section 1608(a) of title 28, United States Code, shall be prepared in the form that appears in the Annex to this section.
(b) In preparing a Notice of Suit, a party shall in every instance supply the information specified in items 1 through 5 of the form appearing in the Annex to this section. A party shall also supply information specified in item 6, if notice of a default judgment is being served.
(c) In supplying the information specified in item 5, a party shall in simplified language summarize the nature and purpose of the proceeding (including principal allegations and claimed bases of liability), the reasons why the foreign state or political subdivision has been named as a party in the proceeding, and the nature and amount of relief sought. The purpose of item 5 is to enable foreign officials unfamiliar with American legal documents to ascertain the above information.
(d) A party may attach additional pages to the Notice of Suit to complete information under any item.
(e) A party shall attach, as part of the Notice of Suit, a copy of the Foreign State Immunities Act of 1976 (Pub. L. 94-583; 90 Stat. 2891).
1. Title of legal proceeding; full name of court; case or docket number.
2. Name of foreign state (or political subdivision) concerned:
3. Identity of the other Parties:
4. Nature of documents served (e.g., Summons and Complaint; Default Judgment):
5. Nature and purpose of the proceedings; why the foreign state (or political subdivision) has been named; relief requested:
6. Date of default judgment (if any):
7. A response to a “Summons” and “Complaint” is required to be submitted to the court, not later than 60 days after these documents are received. The response may present jurisdictional defenses (including defenses relating to state immunity).
8. The failure to submit a timely response with the court can result in a Default Judgment and a request for execution to satisfy the judgment. If a default judgment has been entered, a procedure may be available to vacate or open that judgment.
9. Questions relating to state immunities and to the jurisdiction of United States courts over foreign states are governed by the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976, which appears in sections 1330, 1391(f), 1441(d), and 1602 through 1611, of Title 28, United States Code (Pub. L. 94-583; 90 Stat. 2891).
Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction; the federal “International Child Abduction Remedies Act,” Pub. L. 100-300.
For purposes of this part—
(a)
(b)
(c)
The Office of Children's Issues in the Bureau of Consular Affairs is designated as the U.S. Central Authority to discharge the duties which are imposed by the Convention and the International Child Abduction Remedies Act upon such authorities.
The U.S. Central Authority shall cooperate with the Central Authorities of other countries party to the Convention and promote cooperation by appropriate U.S. state authorities to secure the prompt location and return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in any Contracting State, to ensure that rights of custody and access under the laws of one Contracting State are effectively respected in the other Contracting States, and to achieve the other objects of the Convention. In performing its functions, the U.S. Central Authority may receive from, or transmit to, any department, agency, or instrumentality of the federal government, or of any state or foreign government, information necessary to locate a child or for the purpose of otherwise implementing the Convention with respect to a child.
(a) The U.S. Central Authority is prohibited from acting as an agent or attorney or in any fiduciary capacity in legal proceedings arising under the Convention. The U.S. Central Authority is not responsible for the costs of any legal representation or legal proceedings nor for any transportation expenses of the child or applicant. However, the U.S. Central Authority may not impose any fee in relation to the administrative processing of applications submitted under the Convention.
(b) The U.S. Central Authority shall not be a repository of foreign or U.S. laws.
Any person, institution, or other body may apply to the U.S. Central Authority for assistance in locating a child, securing access to a child, or obtaining the return of a child that has been removed or retained in breach of custody rights. The application shall be made in the form prescribed by the U.S. Central Authority and shall contain such information as the U.S. Central Authority deems necessary for the purposes of locating the child and otherwise implementing the Convention. The application and any accompanying documents should be submitted in duplicate in English or with English translations. If intended for use in a foreign country, two additional copies should be provided in the language of the foreign country.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children shall act under the direction of the U.S. Central Authority and shall perform the following operational functions with respect to all Hague Convention applications seeking the return of children wrongfully removed to or retained in the United States or seeking access to children in the United States:
(a) Receive all applications on behalf of the U.S. Central Authority;
(b) Confirm the child's location or, where necessary, seek to ascertain its location;
(c) Seek to ascertain the child's welfare through inquiry to the appropriate
(d) Seek through appropriate authorities (such as state social service agencies or state attorneys general or prosecuting attorneys), where appropriate, to achieve a voluntary agreement for suitable visitation rights by the applicant or for return of the child;
(e) Assist applicants in securing information useful for choosing or obtaining legal representation, for example, by providing a directory of lawyer referral services, or pro bono listing published by legal professional organizations, or the name and address of the state attorney general or prosecuting attorney who has expressed a willingness to represent parents in this type of case and who is employed under state law to intervene on the applicant's behalf;
(f) Upon request, seek from foreign Central Authorities information relating to the social background of the child;
(g) Upon request, seek from foreign Central Authorities information regarding the laws of the country of the child's habitual residence;
(h) Upon request, seek from foreign Central Authorities a statement as to the wrongfulness of the taking of the child under the laws of the country of the child's habitual residence;
(i) Upon request, seek a report on the status of court action when no decision has been reached by the end of six weeks;
(j) Consult with appropriate agencies (such as state social service departments, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, state attorneys general) about possible arrangements for temporary foster care and/or return travel for the child from the United States;
(k) Monitor all cases in which assistance has been sought and maintain records on the procedures followed in each case and its disposition;
(l) Perform such additional functions as set out in the “Cooperative Agreement Adjustment Notice” between the Department of State, Department of Justice, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Upon receipt of an application requesting access to a child or return of a child abducted from the United States and taken to another country party to the Convention, the U.S. Central Authority shall—
(a) Review and forward the application to the Central Authority of the country where the child is believed located or provide the applicant with the necessary form, instructions, and the name and address of the appropriate Central Authority for transmittal of the application directly by the applicant;
(b) Upon request, transmit to the foreign Central Authority requests for a report on the status of any court action when no decision has been reached by the end of six weeks;
(c) Upon request, facilitate efforts to obtain from appropriate U.S. state authorities and transmit to the foreign Central Authority information regarding the laws of the child's state of habitual residence;
(d) Upon request, facilitate efforts to obtain from appropriate U.S. state authorities and transmit to the foreign Central Authority a statement as to the wrongfulness of the taking of the child under the laws of the child's state of habitual residence;
(e) Upon request, facilitate efforts to obtain from appropriate U.S. state authorities and transmit to the foreign Central Authority information relating to the social background of the child;
(f) Upon request, be available to facilitate possible arrangements for temporary foster care and/or travel for the child from the foreign country to the United States;
(g) Monitor all cases in which assistance has been sought; and
(h) Perform such additional functions as the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs may from time to time direct.
The U.S. Central Authority shall nominate federal employees and may, from time to time, nominate private citizens to serve on an interagency coordinating group to monitor the operation of the Convention and to provide advice on its implementation. This group shall meet from time to time at the request of the U.S. Central Authority.
18 U.S.C. 3181
(a)
(b)
(1) Any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, is intentionally inflicted on a person for such purposes as obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions.
(2) In order to constitute torture, an act must be specifically intended to inflict severe physical or mental pain or suffering and that mental pain or suffering refers to prolonged mental harm caused by or resulting from:
(i) The intentional infliction or threatened infliction of severe physical pain or suffering;
(ii) The administration or application, or threatened administration or application, of mind altering substances or other procedures calculated to disrupt profoundly the senses or the personality;
(iii) The threat of imminent death; or
(iv) The threat that another person will imminently be subjected to death, severe physical pain or suffering, or the administration or application of mind altering substances or other procedures calculated to disrupt profoundly the senses or personality.
(3) Noncompliance with applicable legal procedural standards does not per se constitute torture.
(4) This definition of torture applies only to acts directed against persons in the offender's custody or physical control.
(5) The term “acquiescence” as used in this definition requires that the public official, prior to the activity constituting torture, have awareness of such activity and thereafter breach his or her legal responsibility to intervene to prevent such activity.
(6) The term “lawful sanctions” as used in this definition includes judicially imposed sanctions and other enforcement actions authorized by law, provided that such sanctions or actions were not adopted in order to defeat the object and purpose of the Convention to prohibit torture.
(7) Torture is an extreme form of cruel and inhuman treatment and does not include lesser forms of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
(c)
(d)
(a) Article 3 of the Convention imposes on the parties certain obligations with respect to extradition. That Article provides as follows:
(1) No State party shall expel, return (“refouler”) or extradite a person to another State where there are substantial grounds for believing that he would be in danger of being subjected to torture.
(2) For the purpose of determining whether there are such grounds, the competent authorities shall take into account all relevant considerations including, where applicable, the existence in the State concerned of a consistent pattern of gross, flagrant or mass violations of human rights.
(b) Pursuant to sections 3184 and 3186 of Title 18 of the United States Criminal Code, the Secretary is the U.S. official responsible for determining whether to surrender a fugitive to a foreign country by means of extradition. In order to implement the obligation assumed by the United States pursuant to Article 3 of the Convention, the Department considers the question of whether a person facing extradition from the U.S. “is more likely than not” to be tortured in the State requesting extradition when appropriate in making this determination.
(a) Decisions on extradition are presented to the Secretary only after a fugitive has been found extraditable by a United States judicial officer. In each case where allegations relating to torture are made or the issue is otherwise brought to the Department's attention, appropriate policy and legal offices review and analyze information relevant to the case in preparing a recommendation to the Secretary as to whether or not to sign the surrender warrant.
(b) Based on the resulting analysis of relevant information, the Secretary may decide to surrender the fugitive to the requesting State, to deny surrender of the fugitive, or to surrender the fugitive subject to conditions.
Decisions of the Secretary concerning surrender of fugitives for extradition are matters of executive discretion not subject to judicial review. Furthermore, pursuant to section 2242(d) of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998, P.L. 105-277, notwithstanding any other provision of law, no court shall have jurisdiction to review these regulations, and nothing in section 2242 shall be construed as providing any court jurisdiction to consider or review claims raised under the Convention or section 2242, or any other determination made with respect to the application of the policy set forth in section 2242(a), except as part of the review of a final order of removal pursuant to section 242 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1252), which is not applicable to extradition proceedings.
The Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (done at the Hague, May 29, 1993), S. Treaty Doc. 105-51 (1998), 1870 U.N.T.S. 167 (Reg. No. 31922 (1993)); The
This part provides for the accreditation and approval of agencies and persons pursuant to the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (Pub. L. 106-279, 42 U.S.C. 14901-14954). Subpart B of this part establishes the procedures for the selection and designation of accrediting entities to perform the accreditation and approval functions. Subparts C through H establish the general procedures and standards for accreditation and approval of agencies and persons (including renewal of accreditation or approval). Subparts I through M address the oversight of accredited or approved agencies and persons. Subpart N establishes special rules relating to small agencies that wish to seek temporary accreditation.
As used in this part, the term:
(1) Identifying a child for adoption and arranging an adoption;
(2) Securing the necessary consent to termination of parental rights and to adoption;
(3) Performing a background study on a child or a home study on a prospective adoptive parent(s), and reporting on such a study;
(4) Making non-judicial determinations of the best interests of a child and the appropriateness of an adoptive placement for the child;
(5) Monitoring a case after a child has been placed with prospective adoptive parent(s) until final adoption; or
(6) When necessary because of a disruption before final adoption, assuming custody and providing (including facilitating the provision of) child care or any other social service pending an alternative placement.
(1) Completed by an accredited agency or temporarily accredited agency; or
(2) Approved by an accredited agency or temporarily accredited agency.
(a) The Secretary, in the Secretary's discretion, will designate one or more entities that meet the criteria set forth in § 96.5 to perform the accreditation (including temporary accreditation) and/or approval functions. Each accrediting entity's designation will be set forth in an agreement between the Secretary and the accrediting entity. The agreement will govern the accrediting entity's operations. The agreements will be published in the
(b) The Secretary's designation may authorize an accrediting entity to accredit (including temporarily accredit) agencies, to approve persons, or to both accredit agencies and approve persons. The designation may also limit the accrediting entity's geographic jurisdiction or impose other limits on the entity's jurisdiction.
(c) A public entity may only be designated to accredit agencies and approve persons that are located in the public entity's State.
An accrediting entity must qualify as either:
(a) An organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
(b) A public entity (other than a Federal entity), including, but not limited to, any State or local government or governmental unit or any political subdivision, agency, or instrumentality thereof, that is responsible for licensing adoption agencies in a State and that has expertise in developing and administering standards for entities providing child welfare services.
An entity that seeks to be designated as an accrediting entity must demonstrate to the Secretary:
(a) That it has a governing structure, the human and financial resources, and systems of control adequate to ensure its reliability;
(b) That it is capable of performing the accreditation or approval functions or both on a timely basis and of administering any renewal cycle authorized under § 96.60;
(c) That it can monitor the performance of agencies it has accredited or temporarily accredited and persons it has approved (including their use of any supervised providers) to ensure their continued compliance with the Convention, the IAA, and the regulations implementing the IAA;
(d) That it has the capacity to take appropriate adverse actions against agencies it has accredited or temporarily accredited and persons it has approved;
(e) That it can perform the required data collection, reporting, and other similar functions;
(f) Except in the case of a public entity, that it operates independently of any agency or person that provides adoption services, and of any membership organization that includes agencies or persons that provide adoption services;
(g) That it has the capacity to conduct its accreditation, temporary accreditation, and approval functions fairly and impartially;
(h) That it can comply with any conflict-of-interest prohibitions set by the Secretary in its agreement;
(i) That it prohibits conflicts of interest with agencies or persons or with any membership organization that includes agencies or persons that provide adoption services; and
(j) That it prohibits its employees or other individuals acting as site evaluators, including, but not limited to, volunteer site evaluators, from becoming employees or supervised providers of an agency or person for at least one year after they have evaluated such agency or person for accreditation, temporary accreditation, or approval.
(a) An accrediting entity may be authorized by the Secretary to perform some or all of the following functions:
(1) Determining whether agencies are eligible for accreditation and/or temporary accreditation;
(2) Determining whether persons are eligible for approval;
(3) Overseeing accredited agencies, temporarily accredited agencies, and/or approved persons by monitoring their compliance with applicable requirements;
(4) Investigating and responding to complaints about accredited agencies, temporarily accredited agencies, and approved persons (including their use of supervised providers);
(5) Taking adverse action against an accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, or approved person, and/or referring an accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, or approved person for possible action by the Secretary;
(6) Determining whether accredited agencies and approved persons are eligible for renewal of their accreditation or approval on a cycle consistent with § 96.60;
(7) Collecting data from accredited agencies, temporarily accredited agencies, and approved persons, maintaining records, and reporting information to the Secretary, State courts, and other entities; and
(8) Assisting the Secretary in taking appropriate action to help an agency or person in transferring its Convention cases and adoption records.
(b) The Secretary may require the accrediting entity:
(1) To utilize the Complaint Registry as provided in subpart J of this part; and
(2) To fund a portion of the costs of operating the Complaint Registry with fees collected by the accrediting entity pursuant to the schedule of fees approved by the Secretary as provided in § 96.8.
(c) An accrediting entity must perform all responsibilities in accordance with the Convention, the IAA, the regulations implementing the IAA, and its agreement with the Secretary.
(a) An accrediting entity may charge fees for accreditation or approval services under this part only in accordance with a schedule of fees approved by the Secretary. Before approving a schedule of fees proposed by an accrediting entity, or subsequent proposed changes to an approved schedule, the Secretary will require the accrediting entity to demonstrate:
(1) That its proposed schedule of fees reflects appropriate consideration of the relative size and geographic location and volume of Convention cases of the agencies or persons it expects to serve;
(2) That the total fees the accrediting entity expects to collect under the schedule of fees will not exceed the full costs of accreditation or approval under this part (including, but not limited to, costs for completing the accreditation or approval process, complaint review and investigation, routine oversight and enforcement, and other data collection and reporting activities).
(b) The schedule of fees must:
(1) Establish separate non-refundable fees for Convention accreditation and Convention approval;
(2) Include in each fee for full Convention accreditation or approval the costs of all activities associated with the accreditation or approval cycle, including but not limited to, costs for completing the accreditation or approval process, complaint review and investigation, routine oversight and enforcement, and other data collection and reporting activities, except that separate fees based on actual costs incurred may be charged for the travel and maintenance of evaluators; and
(3) If the accrediting entity provides temporary accreditation services, include fees as required by § 96.111 for agencies seeking temporary accreditation under subpart N of this part.
(c) An accrediting entity must make its approved schedule of fees available to the public, including prospective applicants for accreditation or approval, upon request. At the time of application, the accrediting entity must specify the fees to be charged to the applicant in a contract between the parties and must provide notice to the applicant that no portion of the fee will be refunded if the applicant fails to become accredited or approved.
(d) Nothing in this section shall be construed to provide a private right of action to challenge any fee charged by an accrediting entity pursuant to a schedule of fees approved by the Secretary.
An accrediting entity must perform its functions pursuant to a written agreement with the Secretary that will be published in the
(a) The responsibilities and duties of the accrediting entity;
(b) The method by which the costs of delivering the accreditation, temporary accreditation, or approval services may be recovered through the collection of fees from those seeking accreditation, temporary accreditation, or approval, and how the entity's schedule of fees will be approved;
(c) How the accrediting entity will address complaints about accredited agencies, temporarily accredited agencies, and approved persons (including their use of supervised providers) and complaints about the accrediting entity itself;
(d) Data collection requirements;
(e) Matters of communication and accountability between both the accrediting entity and the applicant(s) and between the accrediting entity and the Secretary; and
(f) Other matters upon which the parties have agreed.
(a) The Secretary will suspend or cancel the designation of an accrediting entity if the Secretary concludes that it is substantially out of compliance with the Convention, the IAA, the regulations implementing the IAA, other applicable laws, or the agreement with the Secretary. Complaints regarding the performance of the accrediting entity may be submitted to the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. The Secretary will consider complaints in determining whether an accrediting entity's designation should be suspended or canceled.
(b) The Secretary will notify an accrediting entity in writing of any deficiencies in the accrediting entity's performance that could lead to the suspension or cancellation of its designation, and will provide the accrediting entity with an opportunity to demonstrate that suspension or cancellation is unwarranted, in accordance with procedures established in the agreement entered into pursuant to § 96.9.
(c) An accrediting entity may be considered substantially out of compliance under circumstances that include, but are not limited to:
(1) Failing to act in a timely manner when presented with evidence that an accredited agency or approved person is substantially out of compliance with the standards in subpart F of this part or a temporarily accredited agency is substantially out of compliance with the standards in § 96.104;
(2) Accrediting or approving significant numbers of agencies or persons whose performance results in intervention of the Secretary for the purpose of suspension, cancellation, or debarment;
(3) Failing to perform its responsibilities fairly and objectively;
(4) Violating prohibitions on conflicts of interest;
(5) Failing to meet its reporting requirements;
(6) Failing to protect information or documents that it receives in the course of performing its responsibilities; and
(7) Failing to monitor frequently and carefully the compliance of accredited agencies, temporarily accredited agencies, and approved persons with the home study requirements of the Convention, section 203(b)(1)(A)(ii) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14923(b)(1)(A)(ii)), and § 96.47.
(d) An accrediting entity that is subject to a final action of suspension or cancellation may petition the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or the United States district court in the judicial district in which the accrediting entity is located to set aside the action as provided in section 204(d) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14924(d)).
(a) Once the Convention has entered into force for the United States, except as provided in section 505(b) of the IAA (relating to transitional cases), an agency or person may not offer, provide, or facilitate the provision of any adoption service in the United States in connection with a Convention adoption unless it is:
(1) An accredited agency, a temporarily accredited agency, or an approved person;
(2) A supervised provider; or
(3) An exempted provider, if the exempted provider's home study or child background study will be reviewed and approved by an accredited agency or temporarily accredited agency pursuant to § 96.47(c) or 96.53(b).
(b) A public domestic authority may also offer, provide, or facilitate the provision of any such adoption service.
(c) Neither conferral nor maintenance of accreditation, temporary accreditation, or approval, nor status as an exempted or supervised provider, nor status as a public domestic authority shall be construed to imply, warrant, or establish that, in any specific case, an adoption service has been provided consistently with the Convention, the IAA, or the regulations implementing the IAA. Conferral and maintenance of accreditation, temporary
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) To permit an attorney to provide both legal services and adoption services in an adoption case where doing so is prohibited by State law; or
(2) To require any attorney who is providing one or more adoption services as part of his or her employment by a public domestic authority to be accredited or approved or operate as a supervised provider.
(d)
(a) Accreditation, temporary accreditation, and approval under this part require that, in each Convention adoption case, an accredited agency, a temporarily accredited agency, or an approved person will be identified and act as the primary provider. If one accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, or approved person is providing all adoption services by itself, it must act as the primary provider. If just one accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, or approved person is involved in providing adoption services, the sole accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, or approved person must act as the primary provider. If adoption services in the Convention case are being provided by more than one accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, or approved person, the agency or person that has child placement responsibility, as evidenced by the following, must act as the primary provider throughout the case:
(1) Entering into placement contracts with prospective adoptive parent(s) to provide child referral and placement;
(2) Accepting custody from a birth parent or other legal custodian in a Convention country for the purpose of placement for adoption;
(3) Assuming responsibility for liaison with a Convention country's Central Authority or its designees with regard to arranging an adoption; or
(4) Receiving from or sending to a Convention country information about a child that is under consideration for adoption, unless acting as a local service provider that conveys such information to parent(s) on behalf of the primary provider.
(b) Pursuant to § 96.44, in the case of accredited agencies or approved persons, and § 96.104(g), in the case of temporarily accredited agencies, the primary provider may only use the following to provide adoption services in the United States:
(1) A supervised provider, including an accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, or approved person;
(2) An exempted provider, if the exempted provider's home study or child background study will be reviewed and approved by an accredited agency or temporarily accredited agency pursuant to § 96.47(c) or § 96.53(b); or
(3) A public domestic authority.
(c) Pursuant to § 96.44 of subpart F, in the case of accredited agencies or approved persons, and § 96.104(g) of subpart N, in the case of temporarily accredited agencies, the primary provider may only use the following to provide adoption services in a Convention country:
(1) A Central Authority, competent authority, or a public foreign authority;
(2) A foreign supervised provider, including a provider accredited by the Convention country; or
(3) A foreign provider (agency, person, or other non-governmental entity) who
(i) Has secured or is securing the necessary consent to termination of parental rights and to adoption, if the primary provider verifies consent pursuant to § 96.46(c); or
(ii) Has prepared or is preparing a background study on a child in a case involving immigration to the United States (incoming case) or a home study on prospective adoptive parent(s) in a case involving emigration from the United States (outgoing case), and a report on the results of such a study, if the primary provider verifies the study and report pursuant to § 96.46(c).
(d) The primary provider is not required to provide supervision or to assume responsibility for:
(1) Public domestic authorities; or
(2) Central Authorities, competent authorities, and public foreign authorities.
(e) The primary provider must adhere to the standards contained in § 96.45 (Using supervised providers in the United States) when using supervised providers in the United States and the applicable standards contained in § 96.46 (Using providers in Convention countries) when using providers outside the United States.
The following examples illustrate the rules of §§ 96.12 to 96.14:
Identifying a child for adoption and arranging an adoption. Agency X identifies children eligible for adoption in the
Child welfare services exemption. Doctor X evaluates the medical records and a video of Child Y. The evaluation will be used in a Convention adoption as part of the placement of Child Y and is the only service that Doctor X provides in the United States with regard to Child Y's adoption. Doctor X (not employed with an accredited agency or approved person) does not need to be approved or supervised because she is not providing an adoption service as defined in § 96.2.
Home study exemption. Social Worker X, in the United States, (not employed with an accredited agency or approved person) interviews Prospective Adoptive Parent Y, obtains a criminal background study, and checks the references of Prospective Adoptive Parent Y, then composes a report and submits the report to an accredited agency for use in a Convention adoption. Social Worker X does not provide any other services to Prospective Adoptive Parent Y. Social Worker X qualifies as an exempted provider and therefore need not be approved or operate as supervised provider. In contrast, Social Worker Z, in the United States, (not employed with an accredited agency or approved person) prepares a home study report for Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) W, and in addition re-enters the house after Child V has been placed with Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) W to assess how V and W are adjusting to life as a family. This assessment is post-placement monitoring, which is an adoption service. Therefore, Social Worker Z would need to become approved before providing this assessment for this Convention adoption or else operate as a supervised provider. If an agency or person provides an adoption service in addition to a home study or child background study, the agency or person needs to become accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised before providing that adoption service.
Child background study exemption. An employee of Agency X interviews Child Y in the United States and compiles a report concerning Child Y's social and developmental history for use in a Convention adoption. Agency X provides no other adoption services on behalf of Child Y. Agency X does not need to be accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised. Agency X is only conducting and creating a child background study, and therefore is an exempted provider. In contrast, an employee of Agency Z interviews Child W in the United States and creates a child background study for use in a Convention adoption. Agency Z subsequently identifies prospective adoptive parent(s) and arranges a new adoption when Child W's previous adoption becomes disrupted. Agency Z needs to be accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised before providing this service. If an agency or person provides an adoption service in addition to a child background study or home study, the agency or person needs to be accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised before providing the additional service.
Home study and child welfare services exemptions. Agency X interviews Prospective Adoptive Parent Y, obtains a criminal background check, checks the references of Prospective Adoptive Parent Y, then composes a home study and submits it to an accredited agency for use in a Convention adoption in the United States. Parent Y later joins a post-adoption support group for adoptive parents sponsored by Agency X. If Agency X performs no other adoption services, Agency X does not need to be accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised. If an agency or person provides a home study or child background study as well as other services in the United States that do not require accreditation, temporary accreditation, approval, or supervision, and no other adoption services, the agency or person is an exempted provider.
Exempted provider. Agency X interviews Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) Y, obtains a criminal background check, checks the references of Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) Y, and then composes a home study and submits the report to an accredited agency. In addition, Agency X interviews Child Z and compiles a report concerning Child Z's social and developmental history. All of Agency X's work is done in the United States. Both reports will be used in a Convention adoption. If Agency X performs no other adoption services, Agency X does not need to be accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised. If an agency or person provides a home study and child background study as well as other services that do not require accreditation, temporary accreditation, approval or supervision, and no other adoption services, the agency or person is an exempted provider.
Legal services exemption. Attorney X (not employed with an accredited agency or approved person) provides advice and counsel to Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) Y on filling out DHS paperwork required for a Convention adoption. Among other papers, Attorney X prepares an affidavit of consent to termination of parental rights and to adoption of Child W to be signed by the birth mother in the United States. Attorney X must be approved or supervised because securing consent to termination of parental rights is an adoption service. In contrast, Attorney Z (not employed with an accredited agency or approved person) assists Adoptive Parent(s) T to complete an adoption in the State in which they reside, after they have been granted an adoption in Child V's Convention country of origin. Attorney Z is exempt from approval or supervision because she is providing legal services, but no adoption services.
Post-placement monitoring. A court in a Convention country has granted custody of Child W to Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) Y pending the completion of W's adoption. Agency X interviews both Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) Y and Child W in their home in the United States. Agency X gathers information on the adjustment of Child W as a member of the family and inquires into the social and educational progress of Child W. Agency X must be accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised. Agency X's activities constitute post-placement monitoring, which is an adoption service. In contrast, if Person Z provided counseling for Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) Y and/or Child W, but provided no adoption services in the United States to the family, Person Z would not need to be approved or supervised. Post-placement counseling is different than post-placement monitoring because it does not relate to evaluating the adoption placement. Post-placement counseling is not an adoption service and does not trigger the accreditation/approval requirements of the IAA and this part.
Post-adoption services. Convention Country H requires that post-adoption reports be completed and sent to its Central Authority every year until adopted children reach the age of 18. Agency X provides support groups and a newsletter for U.S. parents that have adopted children from Country H and encourages parents to complete their post-adoption reports annually. Agency X does not need to be accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised because it is providing only post-adoption services. Post-adoption services are not included in the definition of adoption services, and therefore, do not trigger accreditation/approval requirements of the IAA and this part.
Assuming custody and providing services after a disruption. Agency X provides counseling for Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) Y and for Child W pending the completion of Child W's Convention adoption. The adoption is eventually disrupted. Agency X helps recruit and identify new prospective adoptive parent(s) for Child W, but it is Agency P that assumes custody of Child W and places him in foster care until an alternative adoptive placement can be found. Agency X is not required to be accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised because it is not providing an adoption service in the United States as defined in § 96.2. Agency P, on the other hand, is providing an adoption service and would have to be accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised.
Making non-judicial determinations of best interest of child and appropriateness of adoptive placement of child. Agency X receives information about and a videotape of Child W from the institution where Child W lives in a Convention country. Based on the age, sex, and health problems of Child W, Agency X matches Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) Y with Child W. Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) Y receive a referral from Agency X and agree to accept the referral and proceed with the adoption of Child W. Agency X determines that Prospective Adoptive Parent(s) Y are a good placement for Child W and notifies the competent authority in W's country of origin that it has found a match for Child W and will start preparing adoption paperwork. All of Agency X's services are provided in the United States. Agency X is performing an adoption service and must be accredited, temporarily accredited, approved, or supervised.
Securing necessary consent to termination of parental rights and to adoption. Facilitator Y is accredited by Convention Country Z. He has contacts at several orphanages in Convention Country Z and helps Agency X match children eligible for adoption with prospective adoptive parent(s) in the United States. Facilitator Y works with the institution that is the legal guardian of Child W in order to get the documents showing the institution's legal consent to the adoption of Child W. Agency X is the only U.S. agency providing adoption services in the case. Agency X must be accredited, temporarily accredited, or approved and must either treat Facilitator Y as a foreign supervised provider in accordance with § 96.46(a) and (b) or verify the consents Facilitator Y secured, in accordance with § 96.46(c).
Public domestic authorities are not required to become accredited to be able to provide adoption services in
The Secretary will publish a document in the
(a) Agencies are eligible to apply for “accreditation” or “temporary accreditation.” Persons are eligible to apply for “approval.” Temporary accreditation is governed by the provisions in subpart N of this part. Unless otherwise provided in subpart N, the provisions of this subpart do not apply to agencies seeking temporary accreditation. Applications for full accreditation rather than temporary accreditation will be processed in accordance with § 96.20 and § 96.21.
(b) An agency or person seeking to be accredited or approved as of the time the Convention enters into force for the United States, and to be included on the initial list of accredited agencies and approved persons that the Secretary will deposit with the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law, must follow the special provision contained in § 96.19.
(c) If an agency or person is reapplying for accreditation or approval following cancellation of its accreditation or approval by an accrediting entity or refusal by an accrediting entity to renew its accreditation or approval, it must comply with the procedures in § 96.78.
(d) If an agency or person that has been accredited or approved is seeking renewal, it must comply with the procedures in § 96.63.
(a) The Secretary will establish and announce, by public notice in the
(b) The accrediting entity must use its best efforts to provide a reasonable opportunity for an agency or person that applies by the transitional application deadline to complete the accreditation or approval process by the deadline for initial accreditation or approval. Only those agencies and persons that are accredited or approved by the deadline for initial accreditation or approval will be included on the initial list of accredited agencies and approved persons that the Secretary will deposit with the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
(c) The accrediting entity may, in its discretion, permit an agency or person that fails to submit an application by the transitional application deadline to attempt to complete the accreditation or approval process in time to be included on the initial list; however, such an agency or person is not assured an opportunity to complete the accreditation or approval process in time to be included on the initial list. The accrediting entity must give priority to applicants that filed by the transitional
(a) Agencies or persons seeking accreditation or approval for the first time may submit an application at any time, with the required fee(s), to an accrediting entity with jurisdiction to evaluate the application. If an agency or person seeks to be accredited or approved by the deadline for initial accreditation or approval, an agency or person must comply with the procedures in § 96.19.
(b) The accrediting entity must establish and follow uniform application procedures and must make information about those procedures available to agencies and persons that are considering whether to apply for accreditation or approval. An accrediting entity must evaluate the applicant for accreditation or approval in a timely fashion.
(a) An agency that seeks to become accredited must apply to an accrediting entity that is designated to provide accreditation services and that has jurisdiction over its application. A person that seeks to become approved must apply to an accrediting entity that is designated to provide approval services and that has jurisdiction over its application. The agency or person may apply to only one accrediting entity at a time.
(b)(1) If the agency or person is applying for accreditation or approval pursuant to this part for the first time, it may apply to any accrediting entity with jurisdiction over its application. However, the agency or person must apply to the same accrediting entity that handled its prior application when it next applies for accreditation or approval, if the agency or person:
(i) Has been denied accreditation or approval;
(ii) Has withdrawn its application in anticipation of denial;
(iii) Has had its accreditation or approval cancelled by an accrediting entity or the Secretary;
(iv) Has been temporarily debarred by the Secretary; or
(v) Has been refused renewal of its accreditation or approval by an accrediting entity.
(2) If the prior accrediting entity is no longer providing accreditation or approval services, the agency or person may apply to any accrediting entity with jurisdiction over its application.
The provisions in this subpart govern the evaluation of agencies and persons for accreditation or approval. Temporary accreditation is governed by the provisions in subpart N of this part. Unless otherwise provided in subpart N, the provisions of this subpart do not apply to agencies seeking temporary accreditation.
(a) The accrediting entity must designate at least two evaluators to evaluate an agency or person for accreditation or approval. The accrediting entity's evaluators must have expertise in intercountry adoption, standards evaluation, or experience with the management or oversight of child welfare organizations and must also meet any additional qualifications required by the Secretary in the agreement with the accrediting entity.
(b) To evaluate the agency's or person's eligibility for accreditation or approval, the accrediting entity must:
(1) Review the agency's or person's written application and supporting documentation;
(2) Verify the information provided by the agency or person by examining underlying documentation;
(3) Consider any complaints received by the accrediting entity pursuant to subpart J of this part; and
(4) Conduct site visit(s).
(c) The site visit(s) may include, but need not be limited to, interviews with birth parents, adoptive parent(s), prospective adoptive parent(s), and adult adoptee(s) served by the agency or person, interviews with the agency's or person's employees, and interviews with other individuals knowledgeable about the agency's or person's provision of adoption services. It may also include a review of on-site documents. The accrediting entity must, to the extent practicable, advise the agency or person in advance of the type of documents it wishes to review during the site visit. The accrediting entity must require at least one of the evaluators to participate in each site visit. The accrediting entity must determine the number of evaluators that participate in a site visit in light of factors such as:
(1) The agency's or person's size;
(2) The number of adoption cases it handles;
(3) The number of sites the accrediting entity decides to visit; and
(4) The number of individuals working at each site.
(d) Before deciding whether to accredit an agency or approve a person, the accrediting entity may, in its discretion, advise the agency or person of any deficiencies that may hinder or prevent its accreditation or approval and defer a decision to allow the agency or person to correct the deficiencies.
(a) The agency or person must give the accrediting entity access to information and documents, including adoption case files and proprietary information, that it requires or requests to evaluate an agency or person for accreditation or approval and to perform its oversight, enforcement, renewal, data collection, and other functions. The agency or person must also cooperate with the accrediting entity by making employees available for interviews upon request.
(b) Accrediting entity review of adoption case files pursuant to paragraph (a) shall be limited to Convention adoption case files, except that, in the case of first-time applicants for accreditation or approval, the accrediting entity may review adoption case files related to non-Convention cases for purposes of assessing the agency's or person's capacity to comply with record-keeping and data-management standards in subpart F of this part. The accrediting entity shall permit the agency or person to redact names and other information that identifies birth parent(s), prospective adoptive parent(s), and adoptee(s) from such non-Convention adoption case files prior to their inspection by the accrediting entity.
(c) If an agency or person fails to provide requested documents or information, or to make employees available as requested, the accrediting entity may deny accreditation or approval or, in the case of an accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, or approved person, take appropriate adverse action against the agency or person solely on that basis.
(a) The accrediting entity must protect from unauthorized use and disclosure all documents and information about the agency or person it receives including, but not limited to, documents and proprietary information about the agency's or person's finances, management, and professional practices received in connection with the performance of its accreditation or approval, oversight, enforcement, renewal, data collection, or other functions under its agreement with the Secretary and this part.
(b) The documents and information received may not be disclosed to the public and may be used only for the purpose of performing the accrediting entity's accreditation or approval functions and related tasks under its agreement with Secretary and this part, or to provide information to the Secretary, the Complaint Registry, or an appropriate Federal, State, or local authority, including, but not limited to, a
(1) Otherwise authorized by the agency or person in writing;
(2) Otherwise required under Federal or State laws; or
(3) Required pursuant to subpart M of this part.
(c) Unless the names and other information that identifies the birth parent(s), prospective adoptive parent(s), and adoptee(s) are requested by the accrediting entity for an articulated reason, the agency or person may withhold from the accrediting entity such information and substitute individually assigned codes in the documents it provides. The accrediting entity must have appropriate safeguards to protect from unauthorized use and disclosure of any information in its files that identifies birth parent(s), prospective adoptive parent(s), and adoptee(s). The accrediting entity must ensure that its officers, employees, contractors, and evaluators who have access to information or documents provided by the agency or person have signed a non-disclosure agreement reflecting the requirements of § 96.26(a) and (b). The accrediting entity must maintain an accurate record of the agency's or person's application, the supporting documentation, and the basis for its decision.
(a) The accrediting entity may not grant an agency accreditation or a person approval, or permit an agency's or person's accreditation or approval to be maintained, unless the agency or person demonstrates to the satisfaction of the accrediting entity that it is in substantial compliance with the standards in subpart F of this part.
(b) When the agency or person makes its initial application for accreditation or approval under the standards contained in subpart F of this part, the accrediting entity may measure the capacity of the agency or person to achieve substantial compliance with these standards where relevant evidence of its actual performance is not yet available. Once the agency or person has been accredited or approved pursuant to this part, the accrediting entity must, for the purposes of monitoring, renewal, enforcement, and reapplication after adverse action, consider the agency's or person's actual performance in deciding whether the agency or person is in substantial compliance with the standards contained in subpart F of this part, unless the accrediting entity determines that it is still necessary to measure capacity because adequate evidence of actual performance is not available.
(c) The standards contained in subpart F of this part apply during all the stages of accreditation and approval, including, but not limited to, when the accrediting entity is evaluating an applicant for accreditation or approval, when it is determining whether to renew an agency's or person's accreditation or approval, when it is monitoring the performance of an accredited agency or approved person, and when it is taking adverse action against an accredited agency or approved person. Except as provided in § 96.25 and paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section, the accrediting entity may only use the standards contained in subpart F of this part when determining whether an agency or person may be granted or permitted to maintain Convention accreditation or approval.
(d) The Secretary will ensure that each accrediting entity performs its accreditation and approval functions using only a method approved by the Secretary that is substantially the same as the method approved for use by each other accrediting entity. Each such method will include: an assigned value for each standard (or element of a standard); a method of rating an agency's or person's compliance with each applicable standard; and a method of evaluating whether an agency's or person's overall compliance with all applicable standards establishes that the agency or person is in substantial compliance with the standards and can be accredited, temporarily accredited, or approved. The Secretary will ensure that the value assigned to each standard reflects the relative importance of that standard to compliance with the Convention and the IAA and is consistent with the value assigned to the
(e) If an agency or person has previously been denied accreditation or approval, has withdrawn its application in anticipation of denial, has had its temporary accreditation withdrawn, or is reapplying for accreditation or approval after cancellation, refusal to renew, or temporary debarment, the accrediting entity may take the reasons underlying such actions into account when evaluating the agency or person for accreditation or approval, and may deny accreditation or approval on the basis of the previous action.
(f) If an agency or person that has an ownership or control interest in the applicant, as that term is defined in section 1124 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320a-3), has been debarred pursuant to § 96.85, the accrediting entity may take into account the reasons underlying the debarment when evaluating the agency or person for accreditation or approval, and may deny accreditation or approval or refuse to renew accreditation or approval on the basis of the debarment.
(g) The standards contained in subpart F of this part do not eliminate the need for an agency or person to comply fully with the laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. An agency or person must provide adoption services in Convention cases consistent with the laws of any State in which it operates and with the Convention and the IAA. Persons that are approved to provide adoption services may only provide such services in States that do not prohibit persons from providing adoption services. Nothing in the application of subparts E and F should be construed to require a State to allow persons to provide adoption services if State law does not permit them to do so.
The provisions in this subpart provide the standards for accrediting agencies and approving persons. Temporary accreditation is governed by the provisions in subpart N of this part. Unless otherwise provided in subpart N of this part, the provisions in this subpart do not apply to agencies seeking temporary accreditation.
(a) The agency or person is properly licensed or otherwise authorized by State law to provide adoption services in at least one State.
(b) The agency or person follows applicable State licensing and regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions in which it provides adoption services.
(c) If it provides adoption services in a State in which it is not itself licensed or authorized to provide such services, the agency or person does so only:
(1) Through agencies or persons that are licensed or authorized by State law to provide adoption services in that State and that are exempted providers or acting as supervised providers; or
(2) Through public domestic authorities.
(d) In the case of a person, the individual or for-profit entity is not prohibited by State law from providing adoption services in any State where it is providing adoption services, and does not provide adoption services in Convention countries that prohibit individuals or for-profit entities from providing adoption services.
(a) The agency qualifies for nonprofit tax treatment under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or for nonprofit status under the laws of any State.
(b) The person is an individual or is a for-profit entity organized as a corporation, company, association, firm, partnership, society, or joint stock
(a) The agency or person has (or, in the case of an individual, is) a chief executive officer or equivalent official who is qualified by education, adoption service experience, and management credentials to ensure effective use of resources and coordinated delivery of the services provided by the agency or person, and has authority and responsibility for management and oversight of the staff and any supervised providers in carrying out the adoption-related functions of the organization.
(b) The agency or person has a board of directors or a similar governing body that establishes and approves its mission, policies, budget, and programs; provides leadership to secure the resources needed to support its programs; includes one or more individuals with experience in adoption, including but not limited to, adoptees, birth parents, prospective adoptive parent(s), and adoptive parents; and appoints and oversees the performance of its chief executive officer or equivalent official. This standard does not apply where the person is an individual practitioner.
(c) The agency or person keeps permanent records of the meetings and deliberations of its governing body and of its major decisions affecting the delivery of adoption services.
(d) The agency or person has in place procedures and standards, pursuant to § 96.45 and § 96.46, for the selection, monitoring, and oversight of supervised providers.
(e) The agency or person discloses to the accrediting entity the following information:
(1) Any other names by which the agency or person is or has been known, under either its current or any former form of organization, and the addresses and phone numbers used when such names were used;
(2) The name, address, and phone number of each current director, manager, and employee of the agency or person, and, for any such individual who previously served as a director, manager, or employee of another provider of adoption services, the name, address, and phone number of such other provider; and
(3) The name, address, and phone number of any entity it uses or intends to use as a supervised provider.
(a) The agency or person operates under a budget approved by its governing body, if applicable, for management of its funds. The budget discloses all remuneration (including perquisites) paid to the agency's or person's board of directors, managers, employees, and supervised providers.
(b) The agency's or person's finances are subject to annual internal review and oversight and are subject to independent audits every four years. The agency or person submits copies of internal financial review reports for inspection by the accrediting entity each year.
(c) The agency or person submits copies of each audit, as well as any accompanying management letter or qualified opinion letter, for inspection by the accrediting entity.
(d) The agency or person meets the financial reporting requirements of Federal and State laws and regulations.
(e) The agency's or person's balance sheets show that it operates on a sound financial basis and maintains on average sufficient cash reserves, assets, or other financial resources to meet its operating expenses for two months, taking into account its projected volume of cases and its size, scope, and financial commitments. The agency or person has a plan to transfer its Convention cases if it ceases to provide or is no longer permitted to provide adoption services in Convention cases. The plan includes provisions for an organized closure and reimbursement to clients of funds paid for services not yet rendered.
(f) If it accepts charitable donations, the agency or person has safeguards in place to ensure that such donations do not influence child placement decisions in any way.
(g) The agency or person assesses the risks it assumes, including by reviewing information on the availability of insurance coverage for Convention-related activities. The agency or person uses the assessment to meet the requirements in paragraph (h) of this section and as the basis for determining the type and amount of professional, general, directors' and officers', errors and omissions, and other liability insurance to carry.
(h) The agency or person maintains professional liability insurance in amounts reasonably related to its exposure to risk, but in no case in an amount less than $1,000,000 in the aggregate.
(i) The agency's or person's chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and other officers or employees with direct responsibility for financial transactions or financial management of the agency or person are bonded.
(a) The agency or person does not compensate any individual who provides intercountry adoption services with an incentive fee or contingent fee for each child located or placed for adoption.
(b) The agency or person compensates its directors, officers, employees, and supervised providers who provide intercountry adoption services only for services actually rendered and only on a fee-for-service, hourly wage, or salary basis rather than a contingent fee basis.
(c) The agency or person does not make any payments, promise payment, or give other consideration to any individual directly or indirectly involved in provision of adoption services in a particular case, except for salaries or fees for services actually rendered and reimbursement for costs incurred. This does not prohibit an agency or person from providing in-kind or other donations not intended to influence or affect a particular adoption.
(d) The fees, wages, or salaries paid to the directors, officers, employees, and supervised providers of the agency or person are not unreasonably high in relation to the services actually rendered, taking into account the country in which the adoption services are provided and norms for compensation within the intercountry adoption community in that country, to the extent that such norms are known to the accrediting entity; the location, number, and qualifications of staff; workload requirements; budget; and size of the agency or person.
(e) Any other compensation paid to the agency's or person's directors or members of its governing body is not unreasonably high in relation to the services rendered, taking into account the same factors listed in paragraph (d) of this section and its for-profit or nonprofit status.
(f) The agency or person identifies all vendors to whom clients are referred for non-adoption services and discloses to the accrediting entity any corporate or financial arrangements and any family relationships with such vendors.
(a) The agency or person provides adoption services ethically and in accordance with the Convention's principles of:
(1) Ensuring that intercountry adoptions take place in the best interests of children; and
(2) Preventing the abduction, exploitation, sale, or trafficking of children.
(b) In order to permit the accrediting entity to evaluate the suitability of an agency or person for accreditation or approval, the agency or person discloses to the accrediting entity the following information related to the agency or person, under its current or any former name:
(1) Any instances in which the agency or person has lost the right to provide adoption services in any State or country, including the basis for such action(s);
(2) Any instances in which the agency or person was debarred or otherwise denied the authority to provide adoption services in any State or country, including the basis and disposition of such action(s);
(3) Any licensing suspensions for cause or other negative sanctions by oversight bodies against the agency or
(4) For the prior ten-year period, any disciplinary action(s) against the agency or person by a licensing or accrediting body, including the basis and disposition of such action(s);
(5) For the prior ten-year period, any written complaint(s) related to the provision of adoption-related services, including the basis and disposition of such complaints, against the agency or person filed with any State or Federal or foreign regulatory body and of which the agency or person was notified;
(6) For the prior ten-year period, any known past or pending investigation(s) (by Federal authorities or by public domestic authorities), criminal charge(s), child abuse charge(s), or lawsuit(s) against the agency or person, related to the provision of child welfare or adoption-related services, and the basis and disposition of such action(s).
(7) Any instances where the agency or person has been found guilty of any crime under Federal, State, or foreign law or has been found to have committed any civil or administrative violation involving financial irregularities under Federal, State, or foreign law;
(8) For the prior five-year period, any instances where the agency or person has filed for bankruptcy; and
(9) Descriptions of any businesses or activities that are inconsistent with the principles of the Convention and that have been or are currently carried out by the agency or person, affiliate organizations, or by any organization in which the agency or person has an ownership or controlling interest.
(c) In order to permit the accrediting entity to evaluate the suitability of an agency or person for accreditation or approval, the agency or person (for its current or any former names) discloses to the accrediting entity the following information about its individual directors, officers, and employees:
(1) For the prior ten-year period, any conduct by any such individual related to the provision of adoption-related services that was subject to external disciplinary proceeding(s);
(2) Any convictions or current investigations of any such individual who is in a senior management position for acts involving financial irregularities;
(3) The results of a State criminal background check and a child abuse clearance for any such individual in the United States in a senior management position or who works directly with parent(s) and/or children (unless such checks have been included in the State licensing process); and
(4) A completed FBI Form FD-258 for each such individual in the United States in a senior management position or who works directly with parent(s) and/or children, which the agency or person must keep on file in case future allegations warrant submission of the form for a Federal criminal background check of any such individual.
(5) Descriptions of any businesses or activities that are inconsistent with the principles of the Convention and that are known to have been or are currently carried out by current individual directors, officers, or employees of the agency or person.
(d) In order to permit the accrediting entity to evaluate the suitability of a person who is an individual practitioner for approval, the individual:
(1) Provides the results of a State criminal background check and a child abuse clearance to the accrediting entity;
(2) Completes and retains a FBI Form FD-258 on file in case future allegations warrant submission of the form for a Federal criminal background check;
(3) If a lawyer, for every jurisdiction in which he or she has ever been admitted to the Bar, provides a certificate of good standing or an explanation of why he or she is not in good standing, accompanied by any relevant documentation and immediately reports to the accrediting entity any disciplinary action considered by a State bar association, regardless of whether the action relates to intercountry adoption; and
(4) If a social worker, for every jurisdiction in which he or she has been licensed, provides a certificate of good standing or an explanation of why he or she is not in good standing, accompanied by any relevant documentation.
(e) In order to permit the accrediting entity to monitor the suitability of an
(a) The agency or person prohibits its employees and agents from giving money or other consideration, directly or indirectly, to a child's parent(s), other individual(s), or an entity as payment for the child or as an inducement to release the child. If permitted or required by the child's country of origin, an agency or person may remit reasonable payments for activities related to the adoption proceedings, pre-birth and birth medical costs, the care of the child, the care of the birth mother while pregnant and immediately following birth of the child, or the provision of child welfare and child protection services generally. Permitted or required contributions shall not be remitted as payment for the child or as an inducement to release the child.
(b) The agency or person has written policies and procedures in place reflecting the prohibitions in paragraph (a) of this section and reinforces them in its employee training programs.
(a) The agency or person only uses employees with appropriate qualifications and credentials to perform, in connection with a Convention adoption, adoption-related social service functions that require the application of clinical skills and judgment (home studies, child background studies, counseling, parent preparation, post-placement, and other similar services).
(b) The agency's or person's employees meet any State licensing or regulatory requirements for the services they are providing.
(c) The agency's or person's executive director, the supervisor overseeing a case, or the social service employee providing adoption-related social services that require the application of clinical skills and judgment (home studies, child background studies, counseling, parent preparation, post-placement, and other similar services) has experience in the professional delivery of intercountry adoption services.
(d)
(1) A master's degree from an accredited program of social work;
(2) A master's degree (or doctorate) in a related human service field, including, but not limited to, psychology, psychiatry, psychiatric nursing, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, or pastoral counseling; or
(3) In the case of a social work supervisor who is or was an incumbent at the time the Convention enters into force for the United States, the supervisor has significant skills and experience in intercountry adoption and has regular access for consultation purposes to an individual with the qualifications listed in paragraph (d)(1) or paragraph (d)(2) of this section.
(e)
(1) A master's degree from an accredited program of social work or in another human service field; or
(2) A bachelor's degree from an accredited program of social work; or a combination of a bachelor's degree in any field and prior experience in family and children's services, adoption, or intercountry adoption; and
(3) Are supervised by an employee of the agency or person who meets the requirements for supervisors in paragraph (d) of this section.
(f)
(1) Are authorized or licensed to complete a home study under the laws of the States in which they practice;
(2) Meet the INA requirements for home study preparers in 8 CFR 204.3(b); and
(3) Are supervised by an employee of the agency or person who meets the requirements in paragraph (d) of this section.
(g)
(1) Are authorized or licensed to complete a child background study under the laws of the States in which they practice; and
(2) Are supervised by an employee of the agency or person who meets the requirements in paragraph (d) of this section.
(a) The agency or person provides newly hired employees who have adoption-related responsibilities involving the application of clinical skills and judgment (home studies, child background studies, counseling services, parent preparation, post-placement and other similar services) with a comprehensive orientation to intercountry adoption that includes training on:
(1) The requirements of the Convention, the IAA, the regulations implementing the IAA, and other applicable Federal regulations;
(2) The INA regulations applicable to the immigration of children adopted from a Convention country;
(3) The adoption laws of any Convention country where the agency or person provides adoption services;
(4) Relevant State laws;
(5) Ethical considerations in intercountry adoption and prohibitions on child-buying;
(6) The agency's or person's goals, ethical and professional guidelines, organizational lines of accountability, policies, and procedures; and
(7) The cultural diversity of the population(s) served by the agency or person.
(b) In addition to the orientation training required under paragraph (a) of this section, the agency or person provides initial training to newly hired or current employees whose responsibilities include providing adoption-related social services that involve the application of clinical skills and judgment (home studies, child background studies, counseling services, parent preparation, post-placement and other similar services) that addresses:
(1) The factors in the countries of origin that lead to children needing adoptive families;
(2) Feelings of separation, grief, and loss experienced by the child with respect to the family of origin;
(3) Attachment and post-traumatic stress disorders;
(4) Psychological issues facing children who have experienced abuse or neglect and/or whose parents' rights have been terminated because of abuse or neglect;
(5) The impact of institutionalization on child development;
(6) Outcomes for children placed for adoption internationally and the benefits of permanent family placements over other forms of government care;
(7) The most frequent medical and psychological problems experienced by children from the countries of origin served by the agency or person;
(8) The process of developing emotional ties to an adoptive family;
(9) Acculturation and assimilation issues, including those arising from factors such as race, ethnicity, religion, and culture and the impact of having been adopted internationally; and
(10) Child, adolescent, and adult development as affected by adoption.
(c) The agency or person ensures that employees who provide adoption-related social services that involve the application of clinical skills and judgment (home studies, child background studies, counseling services, parent preparation, post-placement and other similar services) also receive, in addition to the orientation and initial training described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, no less than thirty hours of training every two years, or more if required by State law, on current and emerging adoption practice issues through participation in seminars, conferences, documented distance learning courses, and other similar programs. Continuing education hours required under State law may count toward the thirty hours of training as long as the training is related to current and emerging adoption practice issues.
(d) The agency or person exempts newly hired and current employees from elements of the orientation and initial training required in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section only where the employee has demonstrated experience with intercountry adoption and knowledge of the Convention and the IAA.
(a) The agency or person fully discloses in writing to the general public upon request and to prospective client(s) upon initial contact:
(1) Its adoption service policies and practices, including general eligibility criteria and fees;
(2) The supervised providers with whom the prospective client(s) can expect to work in the United States and in the child's country of origin and the usual costs associated with their services; and
(3) A sample written adoption services contract substantially like the one that the prospective client(s) will be expected to sign should they proceed.
(b) The agency or person discloses to client(s) and prospective client(s) that the following information is available upon request and makes such information available when requested:
(1) The number of its adoption placements per year for the prior three calendar years, and the number and percentage of those placements that remain intact, are disrupted, or have been dissolved as of the time the information is provided;
(2) The number of parents who apply to adopt on a yearly basis, based on data for the prior three calendar years; and
(3) The number of children eligible for adoption and awaiting an adoptive placement referral via the agency or person.
(c) The agency or person does not give preferential treatment to its board members, contributors, volunteers, employees, agents, consultants, or independent contractors with respect to the placement of children for adoption and has a written policy to this effect.
(d) The agency or person requires a client to sign a waiver of liability as part of the adoption service contract only where that waiver complies with applicable State law. Any waiver required is limited and specific, based on risks that have been discussed and explained to the client in the adoption services contract.
(e) The agency or person cooperates with reviews, inspections, and audits by the accrediting entity or the Secretary.
(f) The agency or person uses the internet in the placement of individual children eligible for adoption only where:
(1) Such use is not prohibited by applicable State or Federal law or by the laws of the child's country of origin;
(2) Such use is subject to controls to avoid misuse and links to any sites that reflect practices that involve the sale, abduction, exploitation, or trafficking of children;
(3) Such use, if it includes photographs, is designed to identify children either who are currently waiting for adoption or who have already been adopted or placed for adoption (and who are clearly so identified); and
(4) Such use does not serve as a substitute for the direct provision of adoption services, including services to the child, the prospective adoptive parent(s), and/or the birth parent(s).
(a) The agency or person provides to all applicants, prior to application, a written schedule of expected total fees and estimated expenses and an explanation of the conditions under which fees or expenses may be charged, waived, reduced, or refunded and of when and how the fees and expenses must be paid.
(b) Before providing any adoption service to prospective adoptive parent(s), the agency or person itemizes and discloses in writing the following information for each separate category of fees and estimated expenses that the prospective adoptive parent(s) will be charged in connection with a Convention adoption:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(c) If the following fees and estimated expenses were not disclosed as part of the categories identified in paragraph (b) of this section, the agency or person itemizes and discloses in writing any:
(1)
(2)
(d) The agency or person also specifies in its adoption services contract when and how funds advanced to cover fees or expenses will be refunded if adoption services are not provided.
(e) When the agency or person uses part of its fees to provide special services, such as cultural programs for adoptee(s), scholarships or other services, it discloses this policy to the prospective adoptive parent(s) in advance of providing any adoption services and gives the prospective adoptive parent(s) a general description of the programs supported by such funds.
(f) The agency or person has mechanisms in place for transferring funds to
(g) The agency or person does not customarily charge additional fees and expenses beyond those disclosed in the adoption services contract and has a written policy to this effect. In the event that unforeseen additional fees and expenses are incurred in the Convention country, the agency or person charges such additional fees and expenses only under the following conditions:
(1) It discloses the fees and expenses in writing to the prospective adoptive parent(s);
(2) It obtains the specific consent of the prospective adoptive parent(s) prior to expending any funds in excess of $1000 for which the agency or person will hold the prospective adoptive parent(s) responsible or gives the prospective adoptive parent(s) the opportunity to waive the notice and consent requirement in advance. If the prospective adoptive parent(s) has the opportunity to waive the notice and consent requirement in advance, this policy is reflected in the written policies and procedures of the agency or person; and
(3) It provides written receipts to the prospective adoptive parent(s) for fees and expenses paid directly by the agency or person in the Convention country and retains copies of such receipts.
(h) The agency or person returns any funds to which the prospective adoptive parent(s) may be entitled within sixty days of the completion of the delivery of services.
(a) The agency or person has written complaint policies and procedures that incorporate the standards in paragraphs (b) through (h) of this section and provides a copy of such policies and procedures, including contact information for the Complaint Registry, to client(s) at the time the adoption services contract is signed.
(b) The agency or person permits any birth parent, prospective adoptive parent or adoptive parent, or adoptee to lodge directly with the agency or person signed and dated complaints about any of the services or activities of the agency or person (including its use of supervised providers) that he or she believes raise an issue of compliance with the Convention, the IAA, or the regulations implementing the IAA, and advises such individuals of the additional procedures available to them if they are dissatisfied with the agency's or person's response to their complaint.
(c) The agency or person responds in writing to complaints received pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section within thirty days of receipt, and provides expedited review of such complaints that are time-sensitive or that involve allegations of fraud.
(d) The agency or person maintains a written record of each complaint received pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section and the steps taken to investigate and respond to it and makes this record available to the accrediting entity or the Secretary upon request.
(e) The agency or person does not take any action to discourage a client or prospective client from, or retaliate against a client or prospective client for: making a complaint; expressing a grievance; providing information in writing or interviews to an accrediting entity on the agency's or person's performance; or questioning the conduct of or expressing an opinion about the performance of an agency or person.
(f) The agency or person provides to the accrediting entity and the Secretary, on a semi-annual basis, a summary of all complaints received pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section during the preceding six months (including the number of complaints received and how each complaint was resolved) and an assessment of any discernible patterns in complaints received against the agency or person pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, along with information about what systemic changes, if any, were made or are planned by the agency or person in response to such patterns.
(g) The agency or person provides any information about complaints received pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section as may be requested by the accrediting entity or the Secretary.
(h) The agency or person has a quality improvement program appropriate to its size and circumstances through which it makes systematic efforts to improve its adoption services as needed. The agency or person uses quality improvement methods such as reviewing complaint data, using client satisfaction surveys, or comparing the agency's or person's practices and performance against the data contained in the Secretary's annual reports to Congress on intercountry adoptions.
(a) The agency or person retains or archives adoption records in a safe, secure, and retrievable manner for the period of time required by applicable State law.
(b) The agency or person makes readily available to the adoptee and the adoptive parent(s) upon request all non-identifying information in its custody about the adoptee's health history or background.
(c) The agency or person ensures that personal data gathered or transmitted in connection with an adoption is used only for the purposes for which the information was gathered and safeguards sensitive individual information.
(d) The agency or person has a plan that is consistent with the provisions of this section, the plan required under § 96.33, and applicable State law for transferring custody of adoption records that are subject to retention or archival requirements to an appropriate custodian, and ensuring the accessibility of those adoption records, in the event that the agency or person ceases to provide or is no longer permitted to provide adoption services under the Convention.
(e) The agency or person notifies the accrediting entity and the Secretary in writing within thirty days of the time it ceases to provide or is no longer permitted to provide adoption services and provides information about the transfer of its adoption records.
(a) When acting as the primary provider, the agency or person maintains all the data required in this section in a format approved by the accrediting entity and provides it to the accrediting entity on an annual basis.
(b) When acting as the primary provider, the agency or person routinely generates and maintains reports as follows:
(1) For cases involving children immigrating to the United States, information and reports on the total number of intercountry adoptions undertaken by the agency or person each year in both Convention and non-Convention cases and, for each case:
(i) The Convention country or other country from which the child emigrated;
(ii) The State to which the child immigrated;
(iii) The State, Convention country, or other country in which the adoption was finalized;
(iv) The age of the child; and
(v) The date of the child's placement for adoption.
(2) For cases involving children emigrating from the United States, information and reports on the total number of intercountry adoptions undertaken by the agency or person each year in both Convention and non-Convention cases and, for each case:
(i) The State from which the child emigrated;
(ii) The Convention country or other country to which the child immigrated;
(iii) The State, Convention country, or other country in which the adoption was finalized;
(iv) The age of the child; and
(v) The date of the child's placement for adoption.
(3) For each disrupted placement involving a Convention adoption, information and reports about the disruption, including information on:
(i) The Convention country from which the child emigrated;
(ii) The State to which the child immigrated;
(iii) The age of the child;
(iv) The date of the child's placement for adoption;
(v) The reason(s) for and resolution(s) of the disruption of the placement for adoption, including information on the child's re-placement for adoption and final legal adoption;
(vi) The names of the agencies or persons that handled the placement for adoption; and
(vii) The plans for the child.
(4) Wherever possible, for each dissolution of a Convention adoption, information and reports on the dissolution, including information on:
(i) The Convention country from which the child emigrated;
(ii) The State to which the child immigrated;
(iii) The age of the child;
(iv) The date of the child's placement for adoption;
(v) The reason(s) for and resolution(s) of the dissolution of the adoption, to the extent known by the agency or person;
(vi) The names of the agencies or persons that handled the placement for adoption; and
(vii) The plans for the child.
(5) Information on the shortest, longest, and average length of time it takes to complete a Convention adoption, set forth by the child's country of origin, calculated from the time the child is matched with the prospective adoptive parent(s) until the time the adoption is finalized by a court, excluding any period for appeal;
(6) Information on the range of adoption fees, including the lowest, highest, average, and the median of such fees, set forth by the child's country of origin, charged by the agency or person for Convention adoptions involving children immigrating to the United States in connection with their adoption.
(c) If the agency or person provides adoption services in cases not subject to the Convention that involve a child emigrating from the United States for the purpose of adoption or after an adoption has been finalized, it provides such information as required by the Secretary directly to the Secretary and demonstrates to the accrediting entity that it has provided this information.
(d) The agency or person provides any of the information described in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section to the accrediting entity or the Secretary within thirty days of request.
(a) When required by § 96.14(a), the agency or person acts as primary provider and adheres to the provisions in § 96.14(b) through (e). When acting as the primary provider, the agency or person develops and implements a service plan for providing all adoption services and provides all such services, either directly or through arrangements with supervised providers, exempted providers, public domestic authorities, competent authorities, Central Authorities, public foreign authorities, or, to the extent permitted by § 96.14(c), other foreign providers (agencies, persons, or other non-governmental entities).
(b) The agency or person has an organizational structure, financial and personnel resources, and policies and procedures in place that demonstrate that the agency or person is capable of acting as a primary provider in any Convention adoption case and, when acting as the primary provider, provides appropriate supervision to supervised providers and verifies the work of other foreign providers in accordance with §§ 96.45 and 96.46.
(a) The agency or person, when acting as the primary provider and using supervised providers in the United States to provide adoption services, ensures that each such supervised provider:
(1) Is in compliance with applicable State licensing and regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions in which it provides adoption services;
(2) Does not engage in practices inconsistent with the Convention's principles of furthering the best interests of the child and preventing the sale, abduction, exploitation, or trafficking of children; and
(3) Before entering into an agreement with the primary provider for the provision of adoption services, discloses to
(b) The agency or person, when acting as the primary provider and using supervised providers in the United States to provide adoption services, ensures that each such supervised provider operates under a written agreement with the primary provider that:
(1) Identifies clearly the adoption service(s) to be provided by the supervised provider and requires that the service(s) be provided in accordance with the applicable service standard(s) for accreditation and approval (for example: home study (§ 96.47); parent training (§ 96.48); child background studies and consent (§ 96.53));
(2) Requires the supervised provider to comply with the following standards regardless of the type of adoption services it is providing: § 96.36 (prohibition on child-buying), § 96.34 (compensation), § 96.38 (employee training), § 96.39(d) (waivers of liability), and § 96.41(b) through (e) (complaints);
(3) Identifies specifically the lines of authority between the primary provider and the supervised provider, the employee of the primary provider who will be responsible for supervision, and the employee of the supervised provider who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the written agreement;
(4) States clearly the compensation arrangement for the services to be provided and the fees and expenses to be charged by the supervised provider;
(5) Specifies whether the supervised provider's fees and expenses will be billed to and paid by the client(s) directly or billed to the client through the primary provider;
(6) Provides that, if billing the client(s) directly for its service, the supervised provider will give the client(s) an itemized bill of all fees and expenses to be paid, with a written explanation of how and when such fees and expenses will be refunded if the service is not completed, and will return any funds collected to which the client(s) may be entitled within sixty days of the completion of the delivery of services;
(7) Requires the supervised provider to meet the same personnel qualifications as accredited agencies and approved persons, as provided for in § 96.37, except that, for purposes of §§ 96.37(e)(3), (f)(3), and (g)(2), the work of the employee must be supervised by an employee of an accredited agency or approved person;
(8) Requires the supervised provider to limit the use of and safeguard personal data gathered or transmitted in connection with an adoption, as provided for in § 96.42;
(9) Requires the supervised provider to respond within a reasonable period of time to any request for information from the primary provider, the Secretary, or the accrediting entity that issued the primary provider's accreditation or approval;
(10) Requires the supervised provider to provide the primary provider on a timely basis any data that is necessary to comply with the primary provider's reporting requirements;
(11) Requires the supervised provider to disclose promptly to the primary provider any changes in the suitability information required by § 96.35;
(12) Permits suspension or termination of the agreement on reasonable notice if the primary provider has grounds to believe that the supervised provider is not in compliance with the agreement or the requirements of this section.
(a) The agency or person, when acting as the primary provider and using foreign supervised providers to provide adoption services in Convention countries, ensures that each such foreign supervised provider:
(1) Is in compliance with the laws of the Convention country in which it operates;
(2) Does not engage in practices inconsistent with the Convention's principles of furthering the best interests of the child and preventing the sale, abduction, exploitation, or trafficking of children;
(3) Before entering into an agreement with the primary provider for the provision of adoption services, discloses to the primary provider the suitability information listed in § 96.35, taking into account the authorities in the Convention country that are analogous to the authorities identified in that section;
(4) Does not have a pattern of licensing suspensions or other sanctions and has not lost the right to provide adoption services in any jurisdiction for reasons germane to the Convention; and
(5) Is accredited in the Convention country in which it operates, if such accreditation is required by the laws of that Convention country to perform the adoption services it is providing.
(b) The agency or person, when acting as the primary provider and using foreign supervised providers to provide adoption services in Convention countries, ensures that each such foreign supervised provider operates under a written agreement with the primary provider that:
(1) Identifies clearly the adoption service(s) to be provided by the foreign supervised provider;
(2) Requires the foreign supervised provider, if responsible for obtaining medical or social information on the child, to comply with the standards in § 96.49(d) through (j);
(3) Requires the foreign supervised provider to adhere to the standard in § 96.36(a) prohibiting child buying; and has written policies and procedures in place reflecting the prohibitions in § 96.36(a) and reinforces them in training programs for its employees and agents;
(4) Requires the foreign supervised provider to compensate its directors, officers, and employees who provide intercountry adoption services on a fee-for-service, hourly wage, or salary basis, rather than based on whether a child is placed for adoption, located for an adoptive placement, or on a similar contingent fee basis;
(5) Identifies specifically the lines of authority between the primary provider and the foreign supervised provider, the employee of the primary provider who will be responsible for supervision, and the employee of the supervised provider who will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the written agreement;
(6) States clearly the compensation arrangement for the services to be provided and the fees and expenses to be charged by the foreign supervised provider;
(7) Specifies whether the foreign supervised provider's fees and expenses will be billed to and paid by the client(s) directly or billed to the client through the primary provider;
(8) Provides that, if billing the client(s) directly for its service, the foreign supervised provider will give the client(s) an itemized bill of all fees and expenses to be paid, with a written explanation of how and when such fees and expenses will be refunded if the service is not completed, and will return any funds collected to which the client(s) may be entitled within sixty days of the completion of the delivery of services;
(9) Requires the foreign supervised provider to respond within a reasonable period of time to any request for information from the primary provider, the Secretary, or the accrediting entity that issued the primary provider's accreditation or approval;
(10) Requires the foreign supervised provider to provide the primary provider on a timely basis any data that is necessary to comply with the primary provider's reporting requirements;
(11) Requires the foreign supervised provider to disclose promptly to the primary provider any changes in the suitability information required by § 96.35; and
(12) Permits suspension or termination of the agreement on reasonable notice if the primary provider has grounds to believe that the foreign supervised provider is not in compliance with the agreement or the requirements of this section.
(c) The agency or person, when acting as the primary provider and, in accordance with § 96.14, using foreign providers that are not under its supervision, verifies, through review of the relevant documentation and other appropriate steps, that:
(1) Any necessary consent to termination of parental rights or to adoption obtained by the foreign provider was obtained in accordance with applicable foreign law and Article 4 of the Convention;
(2) Any background study and report on a child in a case involving immigration to the United States (an incoming case) performed by the foreign provider
(3) Any home study and report on prospective adoptive parent(s) in a case involving emigration from the United States (an outgoing case) performed by the foreign provider was performed in accordance with applicable foreign law and Article 15 of the Convention.
(a) The agency or person ensures that a home study on the prospective adoptive parent(s) (which for purposes of this section includes the initial report and any supplemental statement submitted to DHS) is completed that includes the following:
(1) Information about the prospective adoptive parent(s)' identity, eligibility and suitability to adopt, background, family and medical history, social environment, reasons for adoption, ability to undertake an intercountry adoption, and the characteristics of the children for whom the prospective adoptive parent(s) would be qualified to care (specifying in particular whether they are willing and able to care for a child with special needs);
(2) A determination whether the prospective adoptive parent(s) are eligible and suited to adopt;
(3) A statement describing the counseling and training provided to the prospective adoptive parent(s);
(4) The results of a criminal background check on the prospective adoptive parent(s) and any other individual for whom a check is required by 8 CFR 204.3(e);
(5) A full and complete statement of all facts relevant to the eligibility and suitability of the prospective adoptive parent(s) to adopt a child under any specific requirements identified to the Secretary by the Central Authority of the child's country of origin; and
(6) A statement in each copy of the home study that it is a true and accurate copy of the home study that was provided to the prospective adoptive parent(s) or DHS.
(b) The agency or person ensures that the home study is performed in accordance with 8 CFR 204.3(e), and any applicable State law.
(c) Where the home study is not performed in the first instance by an accredited agency or temporarily accredited agency, the agency or person ensures that the home study is reviewed and approved in writing by an accredited agency or temporarily accredited agency. The written approval must include a determination that the home study:
(1) Includes all of the information required by paragraph (a) of this section and is performed in accordance with 8 CFR 204.3(e), and applicable State law; and
(2) Was performed by an individual who meets the requirements in § 96.37(f), or, if the individual is an exempted provider, ensures that the individual meets the requirements for home study providers established by 8 CFR 204.3(b).
(d) The agency or person takes all appropriate measures to ensure the timely transmission of the same home study that was provided to the prospective adoptive parent(s) or to DHS to the Central Authority of the child's country of origin (or to an alternative authority designated by that Central Authority).
(a) The agency or person provides prospective adoptive parent(s) with at least ten hours (independent of the home study) of preparation and training, as described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, designed to promote a successful intercountry adoption. The agency or person provides such training before the prospective adoptive parent(s) travel to adopt the child or the child is placed with the prospective adoptive parent(s) for adoption.
(b) The training provided by the agency or person addresses the following topics:
(1) The intercountry adoption process, the general characteristics and needs of children awaiting adoption,
(2) The effects on children of malnutrition, relevant environmental toxins, maternal substance abuse, and of any other known genetic, health, emotional, and developmental risk factors associated with children from the expected country of origin;
(3) Information about the impact on a child of leaving familiar ties and surroundings, as appropriate to the expected age of the child;
(4) Data on institutionalized children and the impact of institutionalization on children, including the effect on children of the length of time spent in an institution and of the type of care provided in the expected country of origin;
(5) Information on attachment disorders and other emotional problems that institutionalized or traumatized children and children with a history of multiple caregivers may experience, before and after their adoption;
(6) Information on the laws and adoption processes of the expected country of origin, including foreseeable delays and impediments to finalization of an adoption;
(7) Information on the long-term implications for a family that has become multicultural through intercountry adoption; and
(8) An explanation of any reporting requirements associated with Convention adoptions, including any post-placement or post-adoption reports required by the expected country of origin.
(c) The agency or person also provides the prospective adoptive parent(s) with training that allows them to be as fully prepared as possible for the adoption of a particular child. This includes counseling on:
(1) The child's history and cultural, racial, religious, ethnic, and linguistic background;
(2) The known health risks in the specific region or country where the child resides; and
(3) Any other medical, social, background, birth history, educational data, developmental history, or any other data known about the particular child.
(d) The agency or person provides such training through appropriate methods, including:
(1) Collaboration among agencies or persons to share resources to meet the training needs of prospective adoptive parents;
(2) Group seminars offered by the agency or person or other agencies or training entities;
(3) Individual counseling sessions;
(4) Video, computer-assisted, or distance learning methods using standardized curricula; or
(5) In cases where training cannot otherwise be provided, an extended home study process, with a system for evaluating the thoroughness with which the topics have been covered.
(e) The agency or person provides additional in-person, individualized counseling and preparation, as needed, to meet the needs of the prospective adoptive parent(s) in light of the particular child to be adopted and his or her special needs, and any other training or counseling needed in light of the child background study or the home study.
(f) The agency or person provides the prospective adoptive parent(s) with information about print, internet, and other resources available for continuing to acquire information about common behavioral, medical, and other issues; connecting with parent support groups, adoption clinics and experts; and seeking appropriate help when needed.
(g) The agency or person exempts prospective adoptive parent(s) from all or part of the training and preparation that would normally be required for a specific adoption only when the agency or person determines that the prospective adoptive parent(s) have received adequate prior training or have prior experience as parent(s) of children adopted from abroad.
(h) The agency or person records the nature and extent of the training and preparation provided to the prospective adoptive parent(s) in the adoption record.
(a) The agency or person provides a copy of the child's medical records (including, to the fullest extent practicable, a correct and complete English-language translation of such records) to the prospective adoptive parent(s) as early as possible, but no later than two weeks before either the adoption or placement for adoption, or the date on which the prospective adoptive parent(s) travel to the Convention country to complete all procedures in such country relating to the adoption or placement for adoption, whichever is earlier.
(b) Where any medical record provided pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section is a summary or compilation of other medical records, the agency or person includes those underlying medical records in the medical records provided pursuant to paragraph (a) if they are available.
(c) The agency or person provides the prospective adoptive parent(s) with any untranslated medical reports or videotapes or other reports and provides an opportunity for the client(s) to arrange for their own translation of the records, including a translation into a language other than English, if needed.
(d) The agency or person itself uses reasonable efforts, or requires its supervised provider in the child's country of origin who is responsible for obtaining medical information about the child on behalf of the agency or person to use reasonable efforts, to obtain available information, including in particular:
(1) The date that the Convention country or other child welfare authority assumed custody of the child and the child's condition at that time;
(2) History of any significant illnesses, hospitalizations, special needs, and changes in the child's condition since the Convention country or other child welfare authority assumed custody of the child;
(3) Growth data, including prenatal and birth history, and developmental status over time and current developmental data at the time of the child's referral for adoption; and
(4) Specific information on the known health risks in the specific region or country where the child resides.
(e) If the agency or person provides medical information, other than the information provided by public foreign authorities, to the prospective adoptive parent(s) from an examination by a physician or from an observation of the child by someone who is not a physician, the agency or person uses reasonable efforts to include the following:
(1) The name and credentials of the physician who performed the examination or the individual who observed the child;
(2) The date of the examination or observation; how the report's information was retained and verified; and if anyone directly responsible for the child's care has reviewed the report;
(3) If the medical information includes references, descriptions, or observations made by any individual other than the physician who performed the examination or the individual who performed the observation, the identity of that individual, the individual's training, and information on what data and perceptions the individual used to draw his or her conclusions;
(4) A review of hospitalizations, significant illnesses, and other significant medical events, and the reasons for them;
(5) Information about the full range of any tests performed on the child, including tests addressing known risk factors in the child's country of origin; and
(6) Current health information.
(f) The agency or person itself uses reasonable efforts, or requires its supervised provider in the child's country of origin who is responsible for obtaining social information about the child on behalf of the agency or person to use reasonable efforts, to obtain available information, including in particular:
(1) Information about the child's birth family and prenatal history and cultural, racial, religious, ethnic, and linguistic background;
(2) Information about all of the child's past and current placements prior to adoption, including, but not limited to any social work or court reports on the child and any information
(3) Information about any birth siblings whose existence is known to the agency or person, or its supervised provider, including information about such siblings' whereabouts.
(g) Where any of the information listed in paragraphs (d) and (f) of this section cannot be obtained, the agency or person documents in the adoption record the efforts made to obtain the information and why it was not obtainable. The agency or person continues to use reasonable efforts to secure those medical or social records that could not be obtained up until the adoption is finalized.
(h) Where available, the agency or person provides information for contacting the examining physician or the individual who made the observations to any physician engaged by the prospective adoptive parent(s), upon request.
(i) The agency or person ensures that videotapes and photographs of the child are identified by the date on which the videotape or photograph was recorded or taken and that they were made in compliance with the laws in the country where recorded or taken.
(j) The agency or person does not withhold from or misrepresent to the prospective adoptive parent(s) any available medical, social, or other pertinent information concerning the child.
(k) The agency or person does not withdraw a referral until the prospective adoptive parent(s) have had two weeks (unless extenuating circumstances involving the child's best interests require a more expedited decision) to consider the needs of the child and their ability to meet those needs, and to obtain physician review of medical information and other descriptive information, including videotapes of the child if available.
(a) The agency or person takes all appropriate measures to ensure that the transfer of the child takes place in secure and appropriate circumstances, with properly trained and qualified escorts, if used, and, if possible, in the company of the prospective adoptive parent(s).
(b) In the post-placement phase, the agency or person monitors and supervises the child's placement to ensure that the placement remains in the best interests of the child, and ensures that at least the number of home visits required by State law or by the child's country of origin are performed, whichever is greater.
(c) When a placement for adoption is in crisis in the post-placement phase, the agency or person makes an effort to provide or arrange for counseling by an individual with appropriate skills to assist the family in dealing with the problems that have arisen.
(d) If counseling does not succeed in resolving the crisis and the placement is disrupted, the agency or person assuming custody of the child assumes responsibility for making another placement of the child.
(e) The agency or person acts promptly and in accord with any applicable legal requirements to remove the child when the placement may no longer be in the child's best interests, to provide temporary care, to find an eventual adoptive placement for the child, and, in consultation with the Secretary, to inform the Central Authority of the child's country of origin about any new prospective adoptive parent(s).
(1) In all cases where removal of a child from a placement is considered, the agency or person considers the child's views when appropriate in light of the child's age and maturity and, when required by State law, obtains the consent of the child prior to removal.
(2) The agency or person does not return from the United States a child placed for adoption in the United States unless the Central Authority of the country of origin and the Secretary have approved the return in writing.
(f) The agency or person includes in the adoption services contract with the prospective adoptive parent(s) a plan describing the agency's or person's responsibilities if a placement for adoption is disrupted. This plan addresses:
(1) Who will have legal and financial responsibility for transfer of custody in
(2) If the disruption takes place after the child has arrived in the United States, under what circumstances the child will, as a last resort, be returned to the child's country of origin, if that is determined to be in the child's best interests;
(3) How the child's wishes, age, length of time in the United States, and other pertinent factors will be taken into account; and
(4) How the Central Authority of the child's country of origin and the Secretary will be notified.
(g) The agency or person provides post-placement reports until final adoption of a child to the Convention country when required by the Convention country. Where such reports are required, the agency or person:
(1) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) in the adoption services contract of the requirement prior to the referral of the child for adoption;
(2) Informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) that they will be required to provide all necessary information for the report(s); and
(3) Discloses who will prepare the reports and the fees that will be charged.
(h) The agency or person takes steps to:
(1) Ensure that an order declaring the adoption as final is sought by the prospective adoptive parent(s), and entered in compliance with section 301(c) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14931(c)); and
(2) Notify the Secretary of the finalization of the adoption within thirty days of the entry of the order.
(a) The agency or person takes all appropriate measures to ensure that the transfer of the child takes place in secure and appropriate circumstances, with properly trained and qualified escorts, if used, and, if possible, in the company of the adoptive parent(s).
(b) The agency or person informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) in the adoption services contract whether the agency or person will or will not provide any post-adoption services. The agency or person also informs the prospective adoptive parent(s) in the adoption services contract whether it will provide services if an adoption is dissolved, and, if it indicates it will, it provides a plan describing the agency's or person's responsibilities.
(c) When post-adoption reports are required by the child's country of origin, the agency or person includes a requirement for such reports in the adoption services contract and makes good-faith efforts to encourage adoptive parent(s) to provide such reports.
(d) The agency or person does not return from the United States an adopted child whose adoption has been dissolved unless the Central Authority of the country of origin and the Secretary have approved the return in writing.
(a) The agency or person keeps the Central Authority of the Convention country and the Secretary informed as necessary about the adoption process and the measures taken to complete it, as well as about the progress of the placement if a probationary period is required.
(b) The agency or person takes all appropriate measures, consistent with the procedures of the U.S. Central Authority and of the Convention country, to:
(1) Transmit on a timely basis the home study to the Central Authority or other competent authority of the child's country of origin;
(2) Obtain the child background study, proof that the necessary consents to the child's adoption have been obtained, and the necessary determination that the prospective placement is in the child's best interests, from the Central Authority or other competent authority in the child's country of origin;
(3) Provide confirmation that the prospective adoptive parent(s) agree to the adoption to the Central Authority or other competent authority in the child's country of origin; and
(4) Transmit the determination that the child is or will be authorized to enter and reside permanently in the United States to the Central Authority
(c) The agency or person takes all necessary and appropriate measures, consistent with the procedures of the Convention country, to obtain permission for the child to leave his or her country of origin and to enter and reside permanently in the United States.
(d) Where the transfer of the child does not take place, the agency or person returns the home study on the prospective adoptive parent(s) and/or the child background study to the authorities that forwarded them.
(e) The agency or person takes all necessary and appropriate measures to perform any tasks in a Convention adoption case that the Secretary identifies are required to comply with the Convention, the IAA, or any regulations implementing the IAA.
(a) The agency or person takes all appropriate measures to ensure that a child background study is performed that includes information about the child's identity, adoptability, background, social environment, family history, medical history (including that of the child's family), and any special needs of the child. The child background study must include the following:
(1) Information that demonstrates that consents were obtained in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section;
(2) Information that demonstrates consideration of the child's wishes and opinions in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section and;
(3) Information that confirms that the child background study was prepared either by an exempted provider or by an individual who meets the requirements set forth in § 96.37(g).
(b) Where the child background study is not prepared in the first instance by an accredited agency or temporarily accredited agency, the agency or person ensures that the child background study is reviewed and approved in writing by an accredited agency or temporarily accredited agency. The written approval must include a determination that the background study includes all the information required by paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) The agency or person takes all appropriate measures to ensure that consents have been obtained as follows:
(1) The persons, institutions, and authorities whose consent is necessary for adoption have been counseled as necessary and duly informed of the effects of their consent, in particular, whether or not an adoption will result in the termination of the legal relationship between the child and his or her family of origin;
(2) All such persons, institutions, and authorities have given their consents;
(3) The consents have been expressed or evidenced in writing in the required legal form, have been given freely, were not induced by payments or compensation of any kind, and have not been withdrawn;
(4) The consent of the mother, where required, was executed after the birth of the child;
(5) The child, as appropriate in light of his or her age and maturity, has been counseled and duly informed of the effects of the adoption and of his or her consent to the adoption; and
(6) The child's consent, where required, has been given freely, in the required legal form, and expressed or evidenced in writing and not induced by payment or compensation of any kind.
(d) If the child is twelve years of age or older, or as otherwise provided by State law, the agency or person gives due consideration to the child's wishes or opinions before determining that an intercountry placement is in the child's best interests.
(e) The agency or person prior to the child's adoption takes all appropriate measures to transmit to the Central Authority or other competent authority or accredited bodies of the Convention country the child background study, proof that the necessary consents have been obtained, and the reasons for its determination that the placement is in the child's best interests. In doing so, the agency or person, as required by Article 16(2) of the Convention, does not reveal the identity of
(a) Except in the case of adoption by relatives or in the case in which the birth parent(s) have identified specific prospective adoptive parent(s) or in other special circumstances accepted by the State court with jurisdiction over the case, the agency or person makes reasonable efforts to find a timely adoptive placement for the child in the United States by:
(1) Disseminating information on the child and his or her availability for adoption through print, media, and internet resources designed to communicate with potential prospective adoptive parent(s) in the United States;
(2) Listing information about the child on a national or State adoption exchange or registry for at least sixty calendar days after the birth of the child;
(3) Responding to inquiries about adoption of the child; and
(4) Providing a copy of the child background study to potential U.S. prospective adoptive parent(s).
(b) The agency or person demonstrates to the satisfaction of the State court with jurisdiction over the adoption that sufficient reasonable efforts (including no efforts, when in the best interests of the child) to find a timely and qualified adoptive placement for the child in the United States were made.
(c) In placing the child for adoption, the agency or person:
(1) To the extent consistent with State law, gives significant weight to the placement preferences expressed by the birth parent(s) in all voluntary placements;
(2) To the extent consistent with State law, makes diligent efforts to place siblings together for adoption and, where placement together is not possible, to arrange for contact between separated siblings, unless it is in the best interests of one of the siblings that such efforts or contact not take place; and
(3) Complies with all applicable requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act.
(d) The agency or person complies with any State law requirements pertaining to the provision and payment of independent legal counsel for birth parents. If State law requires full disclosure to the birth parent(s) that the child is to be adopted by parent(s) who reside outside the United States, the agency or person provides such disclosure.
(e) The agency or person takes all appropriate measures to give due consideration to the child's upbringing and to his or her ethnic, religious, and cultural background.
(f) When particular prospective adoptive parent(s) in a Convention country have been identified, the agency or person takes all appropriate measures to determine whether the envisaged placement is in the best interests of the child, on the basis of the child background study and the home study on the prospective adoptive parent(s).
(g) The agency or person thoroughly prepares the child for the transition to the Convention country, using age-appropriate services that address the child's likely feelings of separation, grief, and loss and difficulties in making any cultural, religious, racial, ethnic, or linguistic adjustment.
(h) The agency or person takes all appropriate measures to ensure that the transfer of the child takes place in secure and appropriate circumstances, with properly trained and qualified escorts, if used, and, if possible, in the company of the adoptive parent(s) or the prospective adoptive parent(s);
(i) Before the placement for adoption proceeds, the agency or person identifies the entity in the receiving country that will provide post-placement supervision and reports, if required by State law, and ensures that the child's adoption record contains the information necessary for contacting that entity.
(j) The agency or person ensures that the child's adoption record includes the order granting the adoption or legal custody for the purpose of adoption in the Convention country.
(k) The agency or person consults with the Secretary before arranging for the return to the United States of any
(a) The agency or person keeps the Central Authority of the Convention country and the Secretary informed as necessary about the adoption process and the measures taken to complete it, as well as about the progress of the placement if a probationary period is required.
(b) The agency or person ensures that:
(1) Copies of all documents from the State court proceedings, including the order granting the adoption or legal custody, are provided to the Secretary;
(2) Any additional information on the adoption is transmitted to the Secretary promptly upon request; and
(3) It otherwise facilitates, as requested, the Secretary's ability to provide the certification that the child has been adopted or that custody has been granted for the purpose of adoption, in accordance with the Convention and the IAA.
(c) Where the transfer of the child does not take place, the agency or person returns the home study on the prospective adoptive parent(s) and/or the child background study to the authorities that forwarded them.
(d) The agency or person provides to the State court with jurisdiction over the adoption:
(1) Proof that consents have been given as required in § 96.53(c);
(2) An English copy or certified English translation of the home study on the prospective adoptive parent(s) in the Convention country, and the determination by the agency or person that the placement with the prospective adoptive parent(s) is in the child's best interests;
(3) Evidence that the prospective adoptive parent(s) in the Convention country agree to the adoption;
(4) Evidence that the child will be authorized to enter and reside permanently in the Convention country or on the same basis as that of the prospective adoptive parent(s); and
(5) Evidence that the Central Authority of the Convention country has agreed to the adoption, if such consent is necessary under its laws for the adoption to become final.
(e) The agency or person makes the showing required by § 96.54(b) to the State court with jurisdiction over the adoption.
(f) The agency or person takes all necessary and appropriate measures to perform any tasks in a Convention adoption case that the Secretary identifies are required to comply with the Convention, the IAA, or any regulations implementing the IAA.
The provisions in this subpart establish the procedures for when the accrediting entity issues decisions on applications for accreditation or approval. Temporary accreditation is governed by the provisions in subpart N of this part. Unless otherwise provided in subpart N of this part, the provisions in this subpart do not apply to agencies seeking temporary accreditation.
(a) The accrediting entity must notify agencies and persons that applied by the transitional application deadline of its accreditation and approval decisions on a uniform notification date to be established by the Secretary. On that date, the accrediting entity must inform each applicant and the Secretary in writing whether the agency's or person's application has been granted or denied or remains pending. The accrediting entity may not provide any information about its accreditation or approval decisions to any agency or person or to the public until the uniform notification date. If the Secretary requests information on the interim or final status of an applicant prior to the uniform notification date, the accrediting entity must provide such information to the Secretary.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions in paragraph (a) of this section, the accrediting entity may, in its discretion, communicate with agencies and persons that applied by the transitional application date about the status of their pending applications for the sole purpose of affording them an opportunity to correct deficiencies that may hinder or prevent accreditation or approval.
(c) The accrediting entity must routinely inform applicants that applied after the transitional application date in writing of its accreditation and approval decisions, as those decisions are finalized, but may not do so earlier than the uniform notification date referenced in paragraph (a) of this section. The accrediting entity must routinely provide this information to the Secretary in writing.
(a) There is no administrative or judicial review of an accrediting entity's decision to deny an application for accreditation or approval. As provided in § 96.79, a decision to deny for these purposes includes:
(1) A denial of the agency's or person's initial application for accreditation or approval;
(2) A denial of an application made after cancellation or refusal to renew by the accrediting entity; and
(3) A denial of an application made after cancellation or debarment by the Secretary.
(b) The agency or person may petition the accrediting entity for reconsideration of a denial. The accrediting entity must establish internal review procedures that provide an opportunity for an agency or person to petition for reconsideration of the denial.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the accrediting entity will accredit or approve an agency or person for a period of four years. The accreditation or approval period will commence either on the date the Convention enters into force for the United States (if the agency or person is accredited or approved before that date) or on the date that the agency or person is granted accreditation or approval.
(b) In order to stagger the renewal requests from agencies and persons that applied for accreditation or approval by the transitional application deadline, to prevent renewal requests from coming due at the same time, the accrediting entity may accredit or approve some agencies and persons that applied by the transitional application date for a period of between three and five years for their first accreditation or approval cycle. The accrediting entity must establish criteria, to be approved by the Secretary, for choosing which agencies and persons it will accredit or approve for a period of other than four years.
The provisions in this subpart establish the procedures for renewal of an agency's accreditation or a person's approval. Temporary accreditation may not be renewed, and the provisions in this subpart do not apply to temporarily accredited agencies.
(a) The accrediting entity must advise accredited agencies and approved persons that it monitors of the date by which they should seek renewal of their accreditation or approval so that the renewal process can reasonably be completed prior to the expiration of the agency's or person's current accreditation or approval. If the accredited agency or approved person does not wish to renew its accreditation or approval, it must immediately notify the accrediting entity and take all necessary steps to complete its Convention cases and to transfer its pending Convention cases and adoption records to other accredited agencies, approved persons, or a State archive, as appropriate, under the oversight of the accrediting entity, before its accreditation or approval expires.
(b) The accredited agency or approved person may seek renewal from a different accrediting entity than the one that handled its prior application. If it changes accrediting entities, the accredited agency or approved person must so notify the accrediting entity that handled its prior application by the date on which the agency or person must (pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section) seek renewal of its status. The accredited agency or approved person must follow the new accrediting entity's instructions when submitting a request for renewal and preparing documents and other information for the new accrediting entity to review in connection with the renewal request.
(c) The accrediting entity must process the request for renewal in a timely fashion. Before deciding whether to renew the accreditation or approval of an agency or person, the accrediting entity may, in its discretion, advise the agency or person of any deficiencies that may hinder or prevent its renewal and defer a decision to allow the agency or person to correct the deficiencies. The accrediting entity must notify the accredited agency, approved person, and the Secretary in writing when it renews or refuses to renew an agency's or person's accreditation or approval.
(d) Sections 96.24, 96.25, and 96.26, which relate to evaluation procedures and to requests for and use of information, and § 96.27, which relates to the substantive criteria for evaluating applicants for accreditation or approval, other than § 96.27(e), will govern determinations about whether to renew accreditation or approval. In lieu of § 96.27(e), if the agency or person has been suspended by an accrediting entity or the Secretary during its most current accreditation or approval cycle, the accrediting entity may take the reasons underlying the suspension into account when determining whether to renew accreditation or approval and may refuse to renew accreditation or approval based on the prior suspension.
The provisions in this subpart establish the procedures for routine oversight of accredited agencies and approved persons. Temporary accreditation is governed by the provisions of subpart N of this part. Unless otherwise provided in subpart N of this part, the provisions in this subpart do not apply to temporarily accredited agencies.
(a) The accrediting entity must monitor agencies it has accredited and persons it has approved at least annually to ensure that they are in substantial compliance with the standards in subpart F of this part, as determined using a method approved by the Secretary in accordance with § 96.27(d). The accrediting entity must investigate complaints about accredited agencies and approved persons, as provided in subpart J of this part.
(b) An accrediting entity may, on its own initiative, conduct site visits to inspect an agency's or person's premises or programs, with or without advance notice, for purposes of random verification of its continued compliance or to investigate a complaint. The accrediting entity may consider any information about the agency or person that becomes available to it about the compliance of the agency or person. The provisions of §§ 96.25 and 96.26 govern requests for and use of information.
(c) The accrediting entity must require accredited agencies or approved persons to attest annually that they have remained in substantial compliance and to provide supporting documentation to indicate such ongoing compliance with the standards in subpart F of this part.
The provisions in this subpart establish the procedures that the accrediting entity will use for processing complaints against accredited agencies and approved persons (including complaints concerning their use of supervised providers) that raise an issue of compliance with the Convention, the IAA, or the regulations implementing the IAA, as determined by the accrediting entity or the Secretary, and that are therefore relevant to the oversight functions of the accrediting entity or the Secretary. Temporary accreditation is governed by the provisions of subpart N of this part; as provided in § 96.103, procedures for processing complaints on temporarily accredited agencies must comply with this subpart.
(a) Complaints described in § 96.68 will be subject to review by the accrediting entity pursuant to §§ 96.71 and 96.72, when submitted as provided in this section and § 96.70.
(b) Complaints against accredited agencies and approved persons by parties to specific Convention adoption cases and relating to that case must first be submitted by the complainant in writing to the primary provider and to the agency or person providing adoption services, if a U.S. provider different from the primary provider. If the complaint cannot be resolved through the complaint processes of the primary provider or the agency or person providing the services (if different), or if the complaint was resolved by an agreement to take action but the primary provider or the agency or person providing the service (if different) failed to take such action within thirty days of agreeing to do so, the complaint may then be filed with the Complaint Registry in accordance with § 96.70.
(c) An individual who is not party to a specific Convention adoption case but who has information about an accredited agency or approved person may provide that information by filing it in the form of a complaint with the Complaint Registry in accordance with § 96.70.
(d) A Federal, State, or local government official or a foreign Central Authority may file a complaint with the Complaint Registry in accordance with § 96.70, or may raise the matter in writing directly with the accrediting entity, who will record the complaint in the Complaint Registry, or with the Secretary, who will record the complaint in the Complaint Registry, if appropriate, and refer it to the accrediting entity for review pursuant to § 96.71 or take such other action as the Secretary deems appropriate.
(a) The Secretary will establish a Complaint Registry to support the accrediting entities in fulfilling their oversight responsibilities, including the responsibilities of recording, screening, referring, and otherwise taking action on complaints received, and to support the Secretary in the Secretary's oversight responsibilities as the Secretary deems appropriate. The Secretary may provide for the Complaint Registry to be funded in whole or in part from fees collected by the Secretary pursuant to section 403(b) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14943(b)) or by the accrediting entities.
(b) The Complaint Registry will:
(1) Receive and maintain records of complaints about accredited agencies, temporarily accredited agencies, and approved persons (including complaints concerning their use of supervised providers) and make such complaints available to the appropriate accrediting entity and the Secretary;
(2) Receive and maintain information regarding action taken to resolve each complaint by the accrediting entity or the Secretary;
(3) Track compliance with any deadlines applicable to the resolution of complaints;
(4) Generate reports designed to show possible patterns of complaints; and
(5) Perform such other functions as the Secretary may determine.
(c) Forms and information necessary to submit complaints to the Complaint Registry electronically or by such other means as the Secretary may determine will be accessible through the Department's website to persons who wish to file complaints. Such forms will be designed to ensure that each complaint complies with the requirements of § 96.69.
(d) Accrediting entities will have access to, and the capacity to enter data into, the Complaint Registry as the Secretary deems appropriate.
(e) Nothing in this part shall be construed to limit the Secretary's authority to take such action as the Secretary deems appropriate with respect to complaints.
(a) The accrediting entity must establish written procedures, including deadlines, for recording, investigating, and acting upon complaints it receives pursuant to §§ 96.69 and 96.70(b)(1). The procedures must be consistent with this section and be approved by the Secretary. The accrediting entity must make written information about its complaint procedures available upon request.
(b) If the accrediting entity determines that a complaint implicates the Convention, the IAA, or the regulations implementing the IAA:
(1) The accrediting entity must verify that the complainant has already attempted to resolve the complaint as described in § 96.69(b) and, if not, may refer the complaint to the agency or person, or to the primary provider, for attempted resolution through its internal complaint procedures;
(2) The accrediting entity may conduct whatever investigative activity (including site visits) it considers necessary to determine whether any relevant accredited agency or approved person may maintain accreditation or approval as provided in § 96.27. The provisions of §§ 96.25 and 96.26 govern requests for and use of information. The accrediting entity must give priority to complaints submitted pursuant to § 96.69(d);
(3) If the accrediting entity determines that the agency or person may not maintain accreditation or approval, it must take adverse action pursuant to subpart K of this part.
(c) When the accrediting entity has completed its complaint review process, it must provide written notification of the outcome of its investigation, and any actions taken, to the complainant, or to any other entity that referred the information.
(d) The accrediting entity will enter information about the outcomes of its investigations and its actions on complaints into the Complaint Registry as provided in its agreement with the Secretary.
(e) The accrediting entity may not take any action to discourage an individual from, or retaliate against an individual for, making a complaint, expressing a grievance, questioning the conduct of, or expressing an opinion about the performance of an accredited agency, an approved person, or the accrediting entity.
(a) An accrediting entity must report promptly to the Secretary any substantiated complaint that:
(1) Reveals that an accredited agency or approved person has engaged in a pattern of serious, willful, grossly negligent, or repeated failures to comply with the standards in subpart F of this part; or
(2) Indicates that continued accreditation or approval would not be in the best interests of the children and families concerned.
(b) An accrediting entity must, after consultation with the Secretary, refer, as appropriate, to a State licensing authority, the Attorney General, or other law enforcement authorities any substantiated complaints that involve conduct that is:
(1) Subject to the civil or criminal penalties imposed by section 404 of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14944);
(2) In violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101
(3) Otherwise in violation of Federal, State, or local law.
(c) When an accrediting entity makes a report pursuant to paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section, it must indicate whether it is recommending that the Secretary take action to debar the agency or person, either temporarily or permanently.
The provisions in this subpart establish the procedures governing adverse action by an accrediting entity against accredited agencies and approved persons. Temporary accreditation is governed by the provisions in subpart N of this part. Unless otherwise provided in subpart N of this part, the provisions of this subpart do not apply to temporarily accredited agencies.
The accrediting entity must take adverse action when it determines that an accredited agency or approved person may not maintain accreditation or approval as provided in § 96.27. The accrediting entity is authorized to take any of the following actions against an accredited agency or approved person whose compliance the entity oversees. Each of these actions by an accrediting entity is considered an adverse action for purposes of the IAA and the regulations in this part:
(a) Suspending accreditation or approval;
(b) Canceling accreditation or approval;
(c) Refusing to renew accreditation or approval;
(d) Requiring an accredited agency or approved person to take a specific corrective action to bring itself into compliance; and
(e) Imposing other sanctions including, but not limited to, requiring an accredited agency or approved person to cease providing adoption services in a particular case or in a specific Convention country.
(a) The accrediting entity must decide which adverse action to take based on the seriousness and type of violation and on the extent to which the accredited agency or approved person has corrected or failed to correct deficiencies of which it has been previously informed. The accrediting entity must notify an accredited agency or approved person in writing of its decision to take an adverse action against the agency or person. The accrediting entity's written notice must identify the deficiencies prompting imposition of the adverse action.
(b) Before taking adverse action, the accrediting entity may, in its discretion, advise an accredited agency or approved person in writing of any deficiencies in its performance that may warrant an adverse action and provide it with an opportunity to demonstrate that an adverse action would be unwarranted before the adverse action is imposed. If the accrediting entity takes the adverse action without such prior notice, it must provide a similar opportunity to demonstrate that the adverse action was unwarranted after the adverse action is imposed, and may withdraw the adverse action based on the information provided.
(c) The provisions in §§ 96.25 and 96.26 govern requests for and use of information.
(a) If the accrediting entity takes an adverse action against an agency or person, the action will take effect immediately unless the accrediting entity agrees to a later effective date.
(b) If the accrediting entity suspends or cancels the accreditation or approval of an agency or person, the agency or person must immediately, or by any later effective date set by the accrediting entity, cease to provide adoption services in all Convention cases. In the case of suspension, it must consult with the accrediting entity about whether to transfer its Convention adoption cases and adoption records. In the case of cancellation, it
(c) If the accrediting entity refuses to renew the accreditation or approval of an agency or person, the agency or person must cease to provide adoption services in all Convention cases upon expiration of its existing accreditation or approval. It must take all necessary steps to complete its Convention cases before its accreditation or approval expires. It must also execute the plans required by §§ 96.33(e) and 96.42(d) under the oversight of the accrediting entity, and transfer its pending Convention cases and adoption records to other accredited agencies, approved persons, or a State archive, as appropriate. When the agency or person is unable to transfer such Convention cases or adoption records in accordance with the plans or as otherwise agreed by the accrediting entity, the accrediting entity will so advise the Secretary who, with the assistance of the accrediting entity, will coordinate efforts to identify other accredited agencies or approved persons to assume responsibility for the cases and to transfer the records to other accredited agencies or approved persons, or to public domestic authorities, as appropriate.
(d) The accrediting entity must notify the Secretary, in accordance with procedures established in its agreement with the Secretary, when it takes an adverse action that changes the accreditation or approval status of an agency or person. The accrediting entity must also notify the relevant State licensing authority as provided in the agreement.
(a) The accrediting entity must maintain internal petition procedures, approved by the Secretary, to give accredited agencies and approved persons an opportunity to terminate adverse actions on the grounds that the deficiencies necessitating the adverse action have been corrected. The accrediting entity must inform the agency or person of these procedures when it informs them of the adverse action pursuant to § 96.76(a). An accrediting entity is not required to maintain procedures to terminate adverse actions on any other grounds, or to maintain procedures to review its adverse actions, and must obtain the consent of the Secretary if it wishes to make such procedures available.
(b) An accrediting entity may terminate an adverse action it has taken only if the agency or person demonstrates to the satisfaction of the accrediting entity that the deficiencies that led to the adverse action have been corrected. The accrediting entity must notify an agency or person in writing of its decision on the petition to terminate the adverse action.
(c) If the accrediting entity described in paragraph (b) of this section is no longer providing accreditation or approval services, the agency or person may petition any accrediting entity with jurisdiction over its application.
(d) If the accrediting entity cancels or refuses to renew an agency's or person's accreditation or approval, and does not terminate the adverse action pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section, the agency or person may reapply for accreditation or approval. Before doing so, the agency or person must request and obtain permission to make a new application from the accrediting entity that cancelled or refused to renew its accreditation or approval or, if such entity is no longer designated as an accrediting entity, from any alternate accrediting entity designated by the Secretary to give such permission. The accrediting entity may grant such permission only if the agency or
(e) If the accrediting entity grants the agency or person permission to reapply, the agency or person may file an application with that accrediting entity in accordance with subpart D of this part.
(f) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent an accrediting entity from withdrawing an adverse action if it concludes that the action was based on a mistake of fact or was otherwise in error. Upon taking such action, the accrediting entity will take appropriate steps to notify the Secretary and the Secretary will take appropriate steps to notify the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
(a) Except to the extent provided by the procedures in § 96.78, an adverse action by an accrediting entity shall not be subject to administrative review.
(b) Section 202(c)(3) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14922(c)(3)) provides for judicial review in Federal court of adverse actions by an accrediting entity, regardless of whether the entity is described in § 96.5(a) or (b). When any petition brought under section 202(c)(3) raises as an issue whether the deficiencies necessitating the adverse action have been corrected, the procedures maintained by the accrediting entity pursuant to § 96.78 must first be exhausted. Adverse actions are only those actions listed in § 96.75. There is no judicial review of an accrediting entity's decision to deny accreditation or approval, including:
(1) A denial of an initial application;
(2) A denial of an application made after cancellation or refusal to renew by the accrediting entity; and
(3) A denial of an application made after cancellation or debarment by the Secretary.
(c) In accordance with section 202(c)(3) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14922(c)(3)), an accredited agency or approved person that is the subject of an adverse action by an accrediting entity may petition the United States district court in the judicial district in which the agency is located or the person resides to set aside the adverse action imposed by the accrediting entity. The United States district court shall review the adverse action in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 706. When an accredited agency or approved person petitions a United States district court to review the adverse action of an accrediting entity, the accrediting entity will be considered an agency as defined in 5 U.S.C. 701 for the purpose of judicial review of the adverse action.
The provisions in this subpart establish the procedures governing adverse action by the Secretary against accredited agencies and approved persons. Temporary accreditation is governed by the provisions in subpart N of this part. Unless otherwise provided in subpart N of this part, the provisions in this subpart do not apply to temporarily accredited agencies.
(a) There is no administrative review by the Secretary of an accrediting entity's decision to deny accreditation or approval, nor of any decision by an accrediting entity to take an adverse action.
(b) When informed by an accrediting entity that an agency has been accredited or a person has been approved, the Secretary will take appropriate steps to ensure that relevant information about the accredited agency or approved person is provided to the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law. When informed by an accrediting entity that it has taken an adverse action that impacts an agency's or person's accreditation or approval status, the Secretary will take appropriate steps to inform the Permanent Bureau of the
(a) The Secretary must suspend or cancel the accreditation or approval granted by an accrediting entity when the Secretary finds, in the Secretary's discretion, that the agency or person is substantially out of compliance with the standards in subpart F of this part and that the accrediting entity has failed or refused, after consultation with the Secretary, to take action.
(b) The Secretary may suspend or cancel the accreditation or approval granted by an accrediting entity if the Secretary finds that such action:
(1) Will protect the interests of children;
(2) Will further U.S. foreign policy or national security interests; or
(3) Will protect the ability of U.S. citizens to adopt children under the Convention.
(c) If the Secretary suspends or cancels the accreditation or approval of an agency or person, the Secretary will take appropriate steps to notify both the accrediting entity and the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
(a) An agency or person may petition the Secretary for relief from the Secretary's suspension or cancellation of its accreditation or approval on the grounds that the deficiencies necessitating the suspension or cancellation have been corrected. If the Secretary is satisfied that the deficiencies that led to the suspension or cancellation have been corrected, the Secretary shall, in the case of a suspension, terminate the suspension or, in the case of a cancellation, notify the agency or person that it may reapply for accreditation or approval to the same accrediting entity that handled its prior application for accreditation or approval. If that accrediting entity is no longer providing accreditation or approval services, the agency or person may reapply to any accrediting entity with jurisdiction over its application. If the Secretary terminates a suspension or permits an agency or person to reapply for accreditation or approval, the Secretary will so notify the appropriate accrediting entity. If the Secretary terminates a suspension, the Secretary will also take appropriate steps to notify the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law of the reinstatement.
(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Secretary from withdrawing a cancellation or suspension if the Secretary concludes that the action was based on a mistake of fact or was otherwise in error. Upon taking such action, the Secretary will take appropriate steps to notify the accrediting entity and the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
(a) The Secretary may temporarily or permanently debar an agency from accreditation or a person from approval on the Secretary's own initiative, at the request of DHS, or at the request of an accrediting entity. A debarment of an accredited agency or approved person will automatically result in the cancellation of accreditation or approval by the Secretary, and the accrediting entity shall deny any pending request for renewal of accreditation or approval.
(b) The Secretary may issue a debarment order only if the Secretary, in the Secretary's discretion, determines that:
(1) There is substantial evidence that the agency or person is out of compliance with the standards in subpart F of this part; and
(2) There has been a pattern of serious, willful, or grossly negligent failures to comply, or other aggravating circumstances indicating that continued accreditation or approval would not be in the best interests of the children and families concerned. For purposes of this paragraph:
(i) “The children and families concerned” include any children and any families whose interests have been or may be affected by the agency's or person's actions;
(ii) A failure to comply with § 96.47 (home study requirements) shall constitute a “serious failure to comply” unless it is shown by clear and convincing evidence that such noncompliance had neither the purpose nor the effect of determining the outcome of a decision or proceeding by a court or other competent authority in the United States or the child's country of origin; and
(iii) Repeated serious, willful, or grossly negligent failures to comply with § 96.47 (home study requirements) by an agency or person after consultation between the Secretary and the accrediting entity with respect to previous noncompliance by such agency or person shall constitute a pattern of serious, willful, or grossly negligent failures to comply.
(a) In the case of a temporary debarment order, the order will take effect on the date specified in the order and will specify a date, not earlier than three years later, on or after which the agency or person may petition the Secretary for withdrawal of the temporary debarment. If the Secretary withdraws the temporary debarment, the agency or person may then reapply for accreditation or approval to the same accrediting entity that handled its prior application for accreditation or approval. If that accrediting entity is no longer providing accreditation or approval services, the agency or person may apply to any accrediting entity with jurisdiction over its application.
(b) In the case of a permanent debarment order, the order will take effect on the date specified in the order. The agency or person will not be permitted to apply again to an accrediting entity for accreditation or approval, or to the Secretary for termination of the debarment.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the Secretary from withdrawing a debarment if the Secretary concludes that the action was based on a mistake of fact or was otherwise in error. Upon taking such action, the Secretary will take appropriate steps to notify the accrediting entity and the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
If the Secretary suspends or cancels the accreditation or approval of an agency or person, or debars an agency or person, the agency or person must cease to provide adoption services in all Convention cases. In the case of suspension, it must consult with the accrediting entity about whether to transfer its Convention adoption cases and adoption records. In the case of cancellation or debarment, it must execute the plans required by §§ 96.33(e) and 96.42(d) under the oversight of the accrediting entity, and transfer its Convention adoption cases and adoption records to other accredited agencies, approved persons, or a State archive, as appropriate. When the agency or person is unable to transfer such Convention cases or adoption records in accordance with the plans or as otherwise agreed by the accrediting entity, the accrediting entity will so advise the Secretary who, with the assistance of the accrediting entity, will coordinate efforts to identify other accredited agencies or approved persons to assume responsibility for the cases, and to transfer the records to other accredited agencies or approved persons, or to public domestic authorities, as appropriate.
(a) Except to the extent provided by the procedures in § 96.84, an adverse action by the Secretary shall not be subject to administrative review.
(b) Section 204(d) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14924(d)) provides for judicial review of final actions by the Secretary. When any petition brought under section 204(d) raises as an issue whether the deficiencies necessitating a suspension or cancellation of accreditation or approval have been corrected, procedures maintained by the Secretary pursuant to § 96.84(a) must first be exhausted. A suspension or cancellation
(c) In accordance with section 204(d) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14924(d)), an agency or person that has been suspended, cancelled, or temporarily or permanently debarred by the Secretary may petition the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, or the United States district court in the judicial district in which the person resides or the agency is located, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 706, to set aside the action.
The provisions in this subpart govern the dissemination and reporting of information on accredited agencies and approved persons by accrediting entities. Temporary accreditation is governed by the provisions of subpart N of this part and, as provided for in § 96.110, reports on temporarily accredited agencies must comply with this subpart.
(a) Once the Convention has entered into force for the United States, the accrediting entity must maintain and make available to the public on a quarterly basis the following information:
(1) The name, address, and contact information for each agency and person it has accredited or approved;
(2) The names of agencies and persons to which it has denied accreditation or approval that have not subsequently been accredited or approved;
(3) The names of agencies and persons that have been subject to withdrawal of temporary accreditation, suspension, cancellation, refusal to renew accreditation or approval, or debarment by the accrediting entity or the Secretary; and
(4) Other information specifically authorized in writing by the accredited agency or approved person to be disclosed to the public.
(b) Once the Convention has entered into force for the United States, each accrediting entity must make the following information available to individual members of the public upon specific request:
(1) Confirmation of whether or not a specific agency or person has a pending application for accreditation or approval, and, if so, the date of the application and whether it is under active consideration or whether a decision on the application has been deferred; and
(2) If an agency or person has been subject to a withdrawal of temporary accreditation, suspension, cancellation, refusal to renew accreditation or approval, or debarment, a brief statement of the reasons for the action.
Once the Convention has entered into force for the United States, each accrediting entity must maintain a written record documenting each complaint received and the steps taken in response to it. This information may be disclosed to the public as follows:
(a) The accrediting entity must verify, upon inquiry from a member of the public, whether there have been any substantiated complaints against an accredited agency or approved person, and if so, provide information about the status and nature of any such complaints.
(b) The accrediting entity must have procedures for disclosing information about complaints that are substantiated.
(a) The accrediting entity must make annual reports to the Secretary on the information it collects from accredited agencies and approved persons pursuant to § 96.43. The accrediting entity must make semi-annual reports to the Secretary that summarize for the preceding six-month period the following information:
(1) The accreditation and approval status of applicants, accredited agencies, and approved persons;
(2) Any instances where it has denied accreditation or approval;
(3) Any adverse actions taken against an accredited agency or approved person and any withdrawals of temporary accreditation;
(4) All substantiated complaints against accredited agencies and approved persons and the impact of such complaints on their accreditation or approval status;
(5) The number, nature, and outcome of complaint investigations carried out by the accrediting entity as well as the shortest, longest, average, and median length of time expended to complete complaint investigations; and
(6) Any discernible patterns in complaints received about specific agencies or persons, as well as any discernible patterns of complaints in the aggregate.
(b) The accrediting entity must report to the Secretary within thirty days of the time it learns that an accredited agency or approved person:
(1) Has ceased to provide adoption services; or
(2) Has transferred its Convention cases and adoption records.
(c) In addition to the reporting requirements contained in § 96.72, an accrediting entity must immediately notify the Secretary in writing:
(1) When it accredits an agency or approves a person;
(2) When it renews the accreditation or approval of an agency or person; or
(3) When it takes an adverse action against an accredited agency or approved person that impacts its accreditation or approval status or withdraws an agency's temporary accreditation.
(a) The provisions in this subpart govern only temporary accreditation. The provisions in subpart F of this part cover full accreditation of agencies and approval of persons.
(b) Agencies that meet the eligibility requirements established in this subpart may apply for temporary accreditation that will run for a one-or two-year period following the Convention's entry into force for the United States. Persons may not be temporarily approved. Temporary accreditation is only available to agencies that apply by the transitional application deadline and who complete the temporary accreditation process by the deadline for initial accreditation or approval in accordance with § 96.19.
(a) An accrediting entity may not temporarily accredit an agency unless the agency demonstrates to the satisfaction of the accrediting entity that:
(1) It has provided adoption services in fewer than 100 intercountry adoption cases in the calendar year preceding the year in which the transitional application deadline falls. For purposes of this subpart, the number of cases includes all intercountry adoption cases that were handled by, or under the responsibility of, the agency, regardless of whether they involved countries party to the Convention;
(2) It qualifies for nonprofit tax treatment under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or for nonprofit status under the law of any State;
(3) It is properly licensed under State law to provide adoption services in at least one State. It is, and for the last three years prior to the transitional application deadline has been, providing intercountry adoption services;
(4) It has the capacity to maintain and provide to the accrediting entity and the Secretary, within thirty days of request, all of the information relevant to the Secretary's reporting requirements under section 104 of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14914); and
(5) It has not been involved in any improper conduct related to the provision of intercountry adoption or other services, as evidenced in part by the following:
(i) The agency has maintained its State license without suspension or cancellation for misconduct during the
(ii) The agency has not been subject to a finding of fault or liability in any administrative or judicial action in the three years preceding the transitional application deadline; and
(iii) The agency has not been the subject of any criminal findings of fraud or financial misconduct in the three years preceding the transitional application deadline.
(b) An accrediting entity may not temporarily accredit an agency unless the agency also demonstrates to the satisfaction of the accrediting entity that it has a comprehensive plan for applying for and achieving full accreditation before the agency's temporary accreditation expires, and is taking steps to execute that plan.
(a) An agency seeking temporary accreditation must submit an application to an accrediting entity with jurisdiction over its application, with the required fee(s), by the transitional application deadline established pursuant to § 96.19 of this part. Applications for temporary accreditation that are filed after the temporary application deadline will not be considered.
(b) An agency may not seek temporary accreditation and full accreditation at the same time. The agency's application must clearly state whether it is seeking temporary accreditation or full accreditation. An eligible agency's option of applying for temporary accreditation will be deemed to have been waived if the agency also submits a separate application for full accreditation prior to the transitional application deadline. The agency may apply to only one accrediting entity at a time.
(c) The accrediting entity must establish and follow uniform application procedures and must make information about these procedures available to agencies that are considering whether to apply for temporary accreditation. The accrediting entity must evaluate the applicant for temporary accreditation in a timely fashion. The accrediting entity must use its best efforts to provide a reasonable opportunity for an agency that applies for temporary accreditation by the transitional application deadline to complete the temporary accreditation process by the deadline for initial accreditation or approval. If an agency seeks temporary accreditation under this subpart, it will be included on the initial list deposited by the Secretary with the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law only if it is granted temporary accreditation by the deadline for initial accreditation or approval established pursuant to § 96.19(a).
(a) One-year temporary accreditation. An agency that has provided adoption services in 50-99 intercountry adoptions in the calendar year preceding the year in which the transitional application date falls may apply for a one-year period of temporary accreditation. The one-year period will commence on the date that the Convention enters into force for the United States.
(b) Two-year temporary accreditation. An agency that has provided adoption services in fewer than 50 intercountry adoptions in the calendar year preceding the year in which the transitional application date falls may apply for a two-year period of temporary accreditation. The two-year period will commence on the date that the Convention enters into force for the United States.
(a) The accrediting entity may, in its discretion, permit an agency that has applied for temporary accreditation to convert its application to an application for full accreditation, subject to submission of any additional required documentation, information, and fee(s). The accrediting entity may grant a request for conversion if the accrediting entity has determined that the applicant is not in fact eligible for temporary accreditation based on the number of adoption cases it has handled; if the agency has concluded that it can complete the full accreditation process sooner than expected; or for
(b) If an application is converted after the transitional application deadline, it will be treated as an application filed after the transitional application deadline, and the agency may not necessarily be provided an opportunity to complete the accreditation process in time to be included on the initial list of accredited agencies and approved persons that the Secretary will deposit with the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
(a) To evaluate an agency for temporary accreditation, the accrediting entity must:
(1) Review the agency's written application and supporting documentation; and
(2) Verify the information provided by the agency, as appropriate. The accrediting entity may also request additional documentation and information from the agency in support of the application as it deems necessary.
(b) The accrediting entity may also decide, in its discretion, that it must conduct a site visit to determine whether to approve the application for temporary accreditation. The site visit may include interviews with birth parents, adoptive parent(s), prospective adoptive parent(s), and adult adoptee(s) served by the agency, interviews with the agency's employees, and interviews with other individual(s) knowledgeable about its provision of adoption services. It may also include a review of on-site documents. The accrediting entity must, to the extent possible, advise the agency in advance of documents it wishes to review during the site visit. The provisions of §§ 96.25 and 96.26 will govern requests for and use of information.
(c) Before deciding whether to grant temporary accreditation to the agency, the accrediting entity may, in its discretion, advise the agency of any deficiencies that may hinder or prevent its temporary accreditation and defer a decision to allow the agency to correct the deficiencies.
(d) The accrediting entity may only use the criteria contained in § 96.96 when determining whether an agency is eligible for temporary accreditation.
(e) The eligibility criteria contained in § 96.96 and the standards contained in § 96.104 do not eliminate the need for an agency to comply fully with the laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates. An agency must provide adoption services in Convention cases consistent with the laws of any State in which it operates and with the Convention and the IAA.
(a) The accrediting entity must notify agencies of its temporary accreditation decisions on the uniform notification date to be established by the Secretary pursuant to § 96.58(a). On that date, the accrediting entity must inform each applicant and the Secretary in writing whether the agency has been granted temporary accreditation. The accrediting entity may not provide any information about its temporary accreditation decisions to any agency or to the public until the uniform notification date. If the Secretary requests information on the interim or final status of an agency prior to the uniform notification date, the accrediting entity must provide such information to the Secretary.
(b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this section, the accrediting entity may, in its discretion, communicate with agencies about the status of their pending applications for temporary accreditation for the sole purpose of affording them an opportunity to correct deficiencies that may hinder their temporary accreditation. When informed by an accrediting entity that an agency has been temporarily accredited, the Secretary will take appropriate steps to ensure that relevant information about a temporarily accredited agency is provided to the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
There is no administrative or judicial review of an accrediting entity's decision to deny temporary accreditation.
(a) The accrediting entity must oversee an agency that it has temporarily accredited by monitoring whether the agency is in substantial compliance with the standards contained in § 96.104 and through the process of assessing the agency's application for full accreditation when it is filed. The accrediting entity must also investigate any complaints or other information that becomes available to it about an agency it has temporarily accredited. Complaints against a temporarily accredited agency must be handled in accordance with subpart J of this part. For purposes of subpart J of this part, the temporarily accredited agency will be treated as if it were a fully accredited agency, except that:
(1) The relevant standards will be those contained in § 96.104 rather than those contained in subpart F of this part; and
(2) Enforcement action against the agency will be taken in accordance with § 96.105 and § 96.107 rather than in accordance with subpart K of this part.
(b) The accrediting entity may determine, in its discretion, that it must conduct a site visit to investigate a complaint or other information or otherwise monitor the agency.
(c) The accrediting entity may consider any information that becomes available to it about the compliance of the agency. The provisions of §§ 96.25 and 96.26 govern requests for and use of information.
The accrediting entity may not maintain an agency's temporary accreditation unless the agency demonstrates to the satisfaction of the accrediting entity that it is in substantial compliance with the following standards:
(a) The agency follows applicable licensing and regulatory requirements in all jurisdictions in which it provides adoption services;
(b) It does not engage in any improper conduct related to the provision of intercountry adoption services, as evidenced in part by the following:
(1) It maintains its State license without suspension or cancellation for misconduct;
(2) It is not subject to a finding of fault or liability in any administrative or judicial action; and
(3) It is not the subject of any criminal findings of fraud or financial misconduct;
(c) It adheres to the standards in § 96.36 prohibiting child buying;
(d) It adheres to the standards for responding to complaints in accordance with § 96.41;
(e) It adheres to the standards on adoption records and information relating to Convention cases in accordance with § 96.42;
(f) It adheres to the standards on providing data to the accrediting entity in accordance with § 96.43;
(g) When acting as the primary provider in a Convention adoption it complies with the standards in §§ 96.44 and 96.45 when using supervised providers in the United States and it complies with the standards in §§ 96.44 and 96.46 when using supervised providers or, to the extent permitted by § 96.14(c), other foreign providers in a Convention country;
(h) When performing or approving a home study in an incoming Convention case, it complies with the standards in § 96.47;
(i) When performing or approving a child background study or obtaining consents in an outgoing Convention case, it complies with the standards in § 96.53;
(j) When performing Convention functions in incoming or outgoing cases, it complies with the standards in § 96.52 or § 96.55;
(k) It has a plan to transfer its Convention cases and adoption records if it ceases to provide or is no longer permitted to provide adoption services in Convention cases. The plan includes provisions for an organized closure and reimbursement to clients of funds paid for services not yet rendered;
(l) It is making continual progress toward completing the process of obtaining full accreditation by the time its temporary accreditation expires; and
(m) It takes all necessary and appropriate measures to perform any tasks
(a) If the accrediting entity determines that an agency it has temporarily accredited is substantially out of compliance with the standards in § 96.104, it may, in its discretion, withdraw the agency's temporary accreditation.
(b) The accrediting entity must notify the agency in writing of any decision to withdraw the agency's temporary accreditation. The written notice must identify the deficiencies necessitating the withdrawal. Before withdrawing the agency's temporary accreditation, the accrediting entity may, in its discretion, advise a temporarily accredited agency in writing of any deficiencies in its performance that may warrant withdrawal and provide it with an opportunity to demonstrate that withdrawal would be unwarranted before withdrawal occurs. If the accrediting entity withdraws the agency's temporary accreditation without such prior notice, it must provide a similar opportunity to demonstrate that the withdrawal was unwarranted after the withdrawal occurs, and may reinstate the agency's temporary accreditation based on the information provided.
(c) The provisions of §§ 96.25 and 96.26 govern requests for and use of information.
(d) The accrediting entity must notify the Secretary, in accordance with procedures established in its agreement with the Secretary, when it withdraws or reinstates an agency's temporary accreditation. The accrediting entity must also notify the relevant State licensing authority as provided in the agreement.
(a) A decision by an accrediting entity to withdraw an agency's temporary accreditation shall not be subject to administrative review.
(b) Withdrawal of temporary accreditation is analogous to cancellation of accreditation and is therefore an adverse action pursuant to § 96.75. In accordance with section 202(c)(3) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14922(c)(3)), a temporarily accredited agency that is the subject of an adverse action by an accrediting entity may petition the United States district court in the judicial district in which the agency is located to set aside the adverse action imposed by the accrediting entity. The United States district court shall review the adverse action in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 706. When a temporarily accredited agency petitions a United States district court to review the adverse action of an accrediting entity, the accrediting entity will be considered an agency as defined in 5 U.S.C. 701 for the purpose of judicial review of the adverse action.
(a) The Secretary may, in the Secretary's discretion, withdraw an agency's temporary accreditation if the Secretary finds that the agency is substantially out of compliance with the standards in § 96.104 and the accrediting entity has failed or refused, after consultation with the Secretary, to take appropriate enforcement action.
(b) The Secretary may also withdraw an agency's temporary accreditation if the Secretary finds that such action;
(1) Will protect the interests of children;
(2) Will further U.S. foreign policy or national security interests; or
(3) Will protect the ability of U.S. citizens to adopt children under the Convention.
(c) If the Secretary withdraws an agency's temporary accreditation, the Secretary will notify the accrediting entity.
(a) There is no administrative review of a decision by the Secretary to withdraw an agency's temporary accreditation.
(b) Section 204(d) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14924(d)) provides for judicial review of final actions by the Secretary. Withdrawal of temporary accreditation, which is analogous to cancellation of accreditation, is a final action subject to judicial review.
(c) An agency whose temporary accreditation has been withdrawn by the Secretary may petition the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, or the United States district court in the judicial district in which the agency is located, to set aside the action pursuant to section 204(d) of the IAA (42 U.S.C. 14924(d)).
(a) If an agency's temporary accreditation is withdrawn, it must cease to provide adoption services in all Convention cases and must execute the plan required by § 96.104(k) under the oversight of the accrediting entity, and transfer its Convention adoption cases and adoption records to an accredited agency, approved person, or a State archive, as appropriate.
(b) Where the agency is unable to transfer such Convention cases or adoption records in accordance with the plan or as otherwise agreed by the accrediting entity, the accrediting entity will so advise the Secretary who, with the assistance of the accrediting entity, will coordinate efforts to identify other accredited agencies or approved persons to assume responsibility for the cases, and to transfer the records to other accredited agencies or approved persons, or to public domestic authorities, as appropriate.
(c) When an agency's temporary accreditation is withdrawn or reinstated, the Secretary will, where appropriate, take steps to inform the Permanent Bureau of the Hague Conference on Private International Law.
(d) An agency whose temporary accreditation has been withdrawn may continue to seek full accreditation or may withdraw its pending application and apply for full accreditation at a later time. Its application for full accreditation must be made to the same accrediting entity that granted its application for temporary accreditation. If that entity is no longer providing accreditation services, it may apply to any accrediting entity with jurisdiction over its application.
(e) If an agency continues to pursue its application for full accreditation or subsequently applies for full accreditation, the accrediting entity may take the circumstances of the withdrawal of its temporary accreditation into account when evaluating the agency for full accreditation.
The accrediting entity must disseminate and report information about agencies it has temporarily accredited as if they were fully accredited agencies, in accordance with subpart M of this part.
(a) Any fees charged by an accrediting entity for temporary accreditation will include a non-refundable fee for temporary accreditation set forth in a schedule of fees approved by the Secretary as provided in § 96.8(a). Such fees may not exceed the costs of temporary accreditation and must include the costs of all activities associated with the temporary accreditation cycle (including, but not limited to, costs for completing the temporary accreditation process, complaint review and investigation, routine oversight and enforcement, and other data collection and reporting activities). The temporary accreditation fee may not include the costs of site visit(s). The schedule of fees may provide, however, that, in the event that a site visit is required to determine whether to approve an application for temporary accreditation, to investigate a complaint or other information, or otherwise to monitor the agency, the accrediting entity may assess additional fees for actual costs incurred for travel and
(b) An accrediting entity must make its schedule of fees available to the public, including prospective applicants for temporary accreditation, upon request. At the time of application, the accrediting entity must specify the fees to be charged in a contract between the parties and must provide notice to the applicant that no portion of the fee will be refunded if the applicant fails to become temporarily accredited.
Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (done at The Hague, May 29, 1993), S. Treaty Doc. 105-51 (1998); 1870 U.N.T.S. 167 (Reg. No. 31922 (1993)); Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 14901-14954.
As used in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f) Terms defined in 22 CFR 96.2 have the meaning given to them therein.
(a) Once the Convention has entered into force for the United States, any party to an outgoing Convention adoption or custody proceeding may apply to the Secretary for a Hague Adoption Certificate or a Hague Custody Declaration. Any other interested person may also make such application, but such application will not be processed unless such applicant demonstrates that a Hague Adoption Certificate or Hague Custody Declaration is needed to obtain a legal benefit or for purposes of a legal proceeding, as determined by the Secretary in the Secretary's discretion.
(b) Applicants for a Hague Adoption Certificate or Hague Custody Declaration shall submit to the Secretary:
(1) A completed application form in such form as the Secretary may prescribe, with any required fee;
(2) An official copy of the order of the adoption court finding that the child is eligible for adoption and that the adoption or proposed adoption is in the child's best interests and granting the adoption or custody for purposes of adoption;
(3) An official copy of the adoption court's findings (either in the order granting the adoption or custody for purposes of adoption or separately) verifying, in substance, that each of the requirements of § 97.3 has been complied with or, if the adoption court has not verified compliance with a particular requirement in § 97.3, authenticated documentation showing that such requirement nevertheless has been met and a written explanation of why the adoption court's verification of compliance with the requirement cannot be submitted; and
(4) Such additional documentation and information as the Secretary may request at the Secretary's discretion.
(c) If the applicant fails to submit all of the documentation and information required pursuant to paragraph (b)(4) of this section within 120 days of the Secretary's request, the Secretary may consider the application abandoned.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Information on the prospective adoptive parent(s)' identity, eligibility, and suitability to adopt, background, family and medical history, social environment, reasons for adoption, ability to undertake an intercountry adoption, and the characteristics of the children for whom they would be qualified to care;
(2) Confirmation that a competent authority has determined that the prospective adoptive parent(s) are eligible and suited to adopt and has ensured that the prospective adoptive parent(s) have been counseled as necessary; and
(3) The results of a criminal background check.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(1) Ensure that the prospective adoptive parent(s) agree to the adoption;
(2) Agree, together with a foreign authorized entity, that the adoption may proceed;
(3) Take all appropriate measures to ensure that the transfer of the child takes place in secure and appropriate circumstances and, if possible, in the company of the adoptive parent(s) or the prospective adoptive parent(s), and arrange to obtain permission for the child to leave the United States; and
(4) Arrange to keep a foreign authorized entity informed about the adoption process and the measures taken to complete it, as well as about the progress of the placement if a probationary period is required; to return the home study and the child background study to the authorities that forwarded them if the transfer of the child does not take place; and to be consulted in the event a new placement or alternative long-term care for the child is required.
(j)
(k)
(a) Once the Convention has entered into force for the United States, the Secretary shall issue a Hague Adoption Certificate or a Hague Custody Declaration if the Secretary, in the Secretary's discretion, is satisfied that the adoption or grant of custody was made in compliance with the Convention and the IAA.
(b) If compliance with the Convention can be certified but it is not possible to certify compliance with the IAA, the Secretary personally may authorize issuance of an appropriately modified Hague Adoption Certificate or Hague Custody Declaration, in the interests of justice or to prevent grave physical harm to the child.
(a) Once the Convention has entered into force for the United States, any person may request the Secretary to certify that a Convention adoption in
(b) Persons seeking such a certification must submit the following documentation:
(1) A copy of the certificate issued by a consular officer pursuant to 22 CFR 42.24(j) certifying that the granting of custody of the child has occurred in compliance with the Convention;
(2) An official copy of the adoption court's order granting the final adoption; and
(3) Such additional documentation and information as the Secretary may request at the Secretary's discretion.
(c) If a person seeking the certification described in paragraph (a) of this section fails to submit all the documentation and information required pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section within 120 days of the Secretary's request, the Department may consider the request abandoned.
(d) The Secretary may issue the certification if the Secretary, in the Secretary's discretion, is satisfied that the adoption was made in compliance with the Convention. The Secretary may decline to issue a certification, including to a party to the adoption, in the Secretary's discretion. A certification will not be issued to a non-party requestor unless the requestor demonstrates that the certification is needed to obtain a legal benefit or for purposes of a legal proceeding, as determined by the Secretary in the Secretary's discretion.
(e) A State court's final adoption decree, when based upon the certificate issued by a consular officer pursuant to 22 CFR 42.24(j), certifying that the grant of custody of the child has occurred in compliance with the Convention, or upon its determination that the requirements of Article 17 of the Convention have been met constitutes the certification of the adoption under Article 23 of the Convention.
Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (done at The Hague, May 29, 1993), S. Treaty Doc. 105-51 (1998); 1870 U.N.T.S. 167 (Reg. No. 31922 (1993)); Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 14901-14954.
As used in this part:
(a) Convention means the Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, done at The Hague on May 29, 1993.
(b) Convention record means any item, collection, or grouping of information contained in an electronic or physical document, an electronic collection of data (including the information contained in the Case Registry), a photograph, an audio or video tape, or any other information storage medium of any type whatever that contains information about a specific past, current, or prospective adoption covered by the Convention (regardless of whether the adoption was made final) that has been generated or received by the Secretary or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Convention record includes a record, generated or received by the Secretary or DHS, about a specific adoption case involving two Convention countries other than the United States in connection with which the Secretary or DHS performs a Central Authority function.
(c) Such other terms as are defined in 22 CFR 96.2 shall have the meaning given to them therein.
Once the Convention has entered into force for the United States, the Secretary and DHS will preserve, or require the preservation of, Convention records for a period of not less than 75 years. For Convention records involving a child who is immigrating to the United States and Convention records involving a child who is emigrating from the United States, the 75-year period shall start on the date that the Secretary or DHS generates or receives
The Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (done at The Hague, May 29, 1993), S. Treaty Doc. 105-51 (1998); 1870 U.N.T.S. 167 (Reg. No. 31922 (1993)); The Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, 42 U.S.C. 14901-14954.
As used in this part, the term:
(a)
(b) Such other terms as are defined in 22 CFR 96.2 shall have the meaning given to them therein.
(a) Once the Convention has entered into force for the United States, an agency (including an accredited agency and temporarily accredited agency), person (including an approved person), public domestic authority, or other adoption service provider providing adoption services in a case involving the emigration of a child from the United States must report information to the Secretary in accordance with this section if it is identified as the reporting provider in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) In a Convention case in which an accredited agency, temporarily accredited agency, or approved person is providing adoption services, the primary provider is the reporting provider. In any other Convention case, or in a non-Convention case, the reporting provider is the agency, person, public domestic authority, or other adoption service provider that is providing adoption services in the case, if it is the only provider of adoption services. If there is more than one provider of adoption services in a non-Convention case, the reporting provider is the one that has child placement responsibility, as evidenced by the following factors:
(1) Entering into placement contracts with prospective adoptive parent(s) to provide child referral and placement;
(2) Accepting custody from a birthparent or other legal guardian for the purpose of placement for adoption;
(3) Assuming responsibility for liaison with a foreign government or its designees with regard to arranging an adoption; or
(4) Receiving information from, or sending information to a foreign country about a child that is under consideration for adoption.
(c) A reporting provider, as identified in paragraph (b) of this section, must report the following identifying information to the Secretary for each outgoing case within 30 days of learning that the case involves emigration of a child from the United States to a foreign country:
(1) Name, date of birth of child, and place of birth of child;
(2) The U.S. State from which the child is emigrating;
(3) The country to which the child is immigrating;
(4) The U.S. State where the final adoption is taking place, or the U.S. State where legal custody for the purpose of adoption is being granted and the country where the final adoption is taking place; and
(5) Its name, address, phone number, and other contact information.
(d) A reporting provider, as identified in paragraph (b) of this section, must report any changes to information previously provided as well as the following milestone information to the
(1) Date case determined to involve emigration from the United States (generally the time the child is matched with adoptive parents);
(2) Date of U.S. final adoption or date on which custody for the purpose of adoption was granted in United States;
(3) Date of foreign final adoption if custody for purpose of adoption was granted in the United States, to the extent practicable; and
(4) Any additional information when requested by the Secretary in a particular case.
Sec. 302, 60 Stat. 1001; 22 U.S.C. 842.
Officers of the Foreign Service shall protect the rights and interests of the United States in its international agricultural, commercial, and financial relations. In pursuance of this duty, they shall:
(a) Guard against the infringement of rights of American citizens in matters relating to commerce and navigation which are based on custom, international law, or treaty.
(b) Observe, report on, and, whenever possible, endeavor to remove discriminations against American agricultural, commercial, and industrial interests in other countries.
(c) Protect the national commercial reputation of the United States.
Officers of the Foreign Service shall further the agricultural and commercial interests of the United States:
(a) By carefully studying and reporting on the potentialities of their districts as a market for American products or as a competitor of American products in international trade.
(b) By investigating and submitting World Trade Directory Reports on the general standing and distributing capacity of foreign firms within their districts.
(c) By preparing and submitting upon request trade lists of commercial firms within their districts.
(d) By keeping constantly on the alert for and submitting immediate reports on concrete trade opportunities.
(e) By endeavoring to create, within the scope of the duties to which they are assigned, a demand for American products within their districts.
(f) By facilitating and reporting on proposed visits of alien businessmen to the United States.
(g) By taking appropriate steps to facilitate the promotion of such import trade into the United States as the economic interests of the United States may require.
Officers of the Foreign Service shall perform the following-enumerated services for American citizens and business organizations in connection with the conduct of foreign trade subject to such rules and limitations thereon as may be prescribed by the Secretary of State:
(a) Answering trade inquiries.
(b) Lending direct assistance to American citizens and business firms.
(c) Encouraging the establishment of, and supporting, American chambers of commerce.
(d) Preparing themselves for and, upon instructions, performing trade conference work when in the United States on leave, or otherwise.
Officers of the Foreign Service shall prepare and submit reports in connection with their duties of protecting and promoting American agricultural commercial interests and for the purpose of providing general information on economic developments within their respective districts for the Departments of State, Agriculture, and Commerce, and for other governmental departments and agencies, in accordance with such rules and regulations as the Secretary of State may prescribe.
Sec. 302, 60 Stat. 1001; 22 U.S.C. 842.
(a)
(b)
Representatives of the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Civil Aeronautics Administration and the United States
Always in the case of a scheduled United States air carrier and whenever necessary in the case of a non-scheduled carrier or private plane, a local Foreign Service post should dispatch a member of its staff to the scene of the accident in order to insure that proper protection is afforded United States citizens and property involved in the accident and that any evidence as to the cause of the accident is preserved until the arrival of United States Government investigating personnel. (For steps to be taken when the aircraft was carrying a courier or diplomatic pouches, see § 102.14(b).) In the absence of an airline representative, the Foreign Service representative should lend the competent local authorities all possible assistance compatible with the provisions of § 102.11 in caring for the survivors, identifying and disposing of the remains of victims, salvaging and protecting property and preserving wreckage pending an investigation. If an airline representative is already at the scene of the accident or if one arrives shortly thereafter, the Foreign Service representative should assist him in the discharge of his recognized responsibilities in connection with passengers and cargo. However, the Foreign Service representative is also obligated to assist investigating personnel of the United States Government by preserving evidence as to the cause of the accident. Any attempt on the part of the airline representative to exceed his recognized sphere of activity should be called to the attention of the airline involved and the competent local authorities.
(a) The Department of State has no funds from which expenses attendant upon an accident to United States aircraft can be paid. In emergencies involving scheduled carriers and in the absence of airline representatives, or other authority, the Foreign Service post should request a deposit from the airline (through the Department if desired) with specific authorization to incur whatever financial obligations the airline is willing to assume for the hiring of guards (in case local police protection is considered inadequate), the provision of accommodations, medical care, and onward transportation for survivors and for other expenses resulting from the accident. In accidents involving a private plane or non-scheduled carrier, the Foreign Service post is not in a position to expend any funds without prior authorization from the Department. In such cases, and in extreme cases involving scheduled carriers, when airline and investigation personnel may be delayed in reaching the scene, the Foreign Service representative, as the representative of all segments of the United States Government in the area, should endeavor to protect and promote the interests of the Government, the airline, and the individual citizen by any means available to him that are consistent with these regulations, and should request funds and instructions as required from the Department.
(b) The local Foreign Service post is not authorized to expend any funds for guarding the wreckage to preserve evidence as to the cause of the accident unless the Civil Aeronautics Board or the Civil Aeronautics Administration authorizes in advance the expenditure of such funds on a reimbursable basis. In the absence of such advance authorization, the Foreign Service post can arrange only for such protection as local authorities are willing to furnish gratuitously.
(c) Voluntary services and personal services in excess of those authorized by law may be accepted and utilized in the case of an aircraft accident since the law which normally prohibits such acceptance (31 U.S.C. 665) does not
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
In so far as local law permits, the Foreign Service representative should see that arrangements are made (by the airline representative with the local authorities, if a scheduled carrier is involved) for the protection of the wrecked aircraft and its property contents against further damage, pilferage, and access by unauthorized persons, until the arrival of the accident investigation personnel. The prior removal of any of the wreckage or the contents of the aircraft should be prevented unless such action is necessitated by very compelling reasons, such as the need for treating the injured or for removing bodies, or when the wreckage constitutes a public hazard. When under the latter conditions the wreckage and contents of the aircraft must be moved or disturbed in any way, if possible, a record should be made or photographs taken showing the position and condition of the wreckage prior to disturbance. In the case of a private aircraft or non-scheduled carrier, protection should be arranged for the wrecked aircraft and its contents pending the receipt of information from the Department as to whether the Civil Aeronautics Board will investigate the case, and until
(a)
(b)
When an accident occurs to a foreign aircraft in the district of a Foreign Service post and United States citizens or property are involved, the local Foreign Service post shall report the disaster fully to the Department and to the supervisory mission (or the supervisory consular office where there is no mission).
The local Foreign Service post shall follow substantially the procedures prescribed in §§ 102.11 to 102.13 in protecting United States citizens (whether alive or dead) involved in a foreign aircraft accident.
The local Foreign Service office shall follow substantially the procedures set forth in §§ 102.11 and 102.14 in protecting United States mail and baggage, personal effects and cargo belonging to United States citizens.
Sec. 4, Act of May 26, 1949, as amended (63 Stat. 111; 22 U.S.C. 2658); E.O. 11920 (June 11, 1976, 41 FR 23665).
The purpose of this subpart is to set forth procedures for the receipt by the Department of State of comments from private parties on possible recommendations by the Department to the President on decisions of the Civil Aeronautics Board submitted for the President's approval under section 801 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, which relates to overseas and international air transportation.
(a) This subpart applies to all communications between private parties and officials or employees of the Department of State, including those stationed abroad, on matters set forth in § 102.21 of this subpart.
(b) This subpart applies, with respect to any particular proceeding before the Civil Aeronautics Board, from the time that the Board's decision has been submitted to the President for consideration until the President has issued a final decision with respect to that proceeding.
(a) All communications by private parties with Departmental officials or employees concerning a Presidential
(b) All such summaries and written communications, except those relating to matters that are specifically authorized under criteria established by Executive Order to be kept confidential in the interest of national defense or foreign policy, are to be placed in a public docket and available for public inspection and copying and for responsive comment.
(a) All comments submitted under this subpart shall reference the number of the Civil Aeronautics Board docket relating to the proceeding which is the subject of the comment.
(b) The original and four copies of such comments may be mailed to the Director, Office of Aviation, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, or delivered to the Director, Office of Aviation, Room 5830, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, 8:45 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday except Federal holidays. Written comments submitted to Department officials other than the Director of the Office of Aviation and summaries of oral communications prepared in accordance with § 102.25(a) of this subpart shall be forwarded to the Director of the Office of Aviation.
(c) All comments submitted under this subpart and placed in the docket, are available for public inspection and copying and for responsive comment at the address and times specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
Pub. L. 105-277, 112 Stat. 2681, Div. I (22 U.S.C. 6701
This part is intended to implement sections 304(f)(1) and 501 of the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998 (Act), 22 U.S.C. 6701
The following are definitions of terms as used in this part only.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) The taking of a sample is consistent with the inspection aims under the Convention and with its Confidentiality Annex;
(2) The taking of a sample does not unnecessarily hamper or delay the operation of a facility or affect its safety, and is arranged so as to ensure the timely and effective discharge of the Inspection Team's functions with the least possible inconvenience and disturbance to the facility;
(3) The taking of a sample is consistent with the applicable facility agreement. In particular:
(i) Any sample will be taken at sampling points agreed to in the relevant facility agreement; and
(ii) Any sample will be taken according to procedures agreed to in the relevant facility agreement;
(4) In the absence of a facility agreement, due consideration is given to existing sampling points used by the owner or operator, occupant or agent in charge of the premises, consistent with any procedures developed pursuant to the CWCR (15 CFR parts 710 through 722);
(5) The taking of a sample does not affect the safety of the premises and will be consistent with safety regulations established at the premises, including those for protection of controlled environments within a facility and for personal safety;
(6) The taking of a sample does not pose a threat to the national security interests of the United States; and
(7) The taking of a sample is consistent with any conditions negotiated pursuant to paragraph (j) of this section, if applicable.
(e)
(2) If, however, after being advised by the lead agency pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section, the United States National Authority, in coordination with the interagency group designated by the President to implement the provisions of the CWCIA, determines that any of the conditions of paragraph (d) are not satisfied and that a sample shall not be required, then the owner or the operator, occupant or agent in charge of the premises shall not be required to provide a sample pursuant to a request of the Inspection Team of the Technical Secretariat.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(1) There is consent; or
(2) Such activity is authorized by a search warrant obtained pursuant to section 305(b)(4) of the CWCIA.
This subpart implements the enforcement of the civil penalty provisions of section 501 of the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act of 1998 (CWCIA), and sets forth relevant administrative proceedings by which such violations are adjudicated. Both the Department of State (in this subpart), and the Department of Commerce (in part 719 of the CWCR at 15 CFR parts 710 through 722) are involved in the implementation and enforcement of section 501.
(a)
(b)
(1) To establish or maintain any record required by the CWCIA or the Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR, 15 CFR parts 710 through 722) of the Department of Commerce; or
(2) To submit any report, notice, or other information to the United States Government in accordance with the CWCIA or CWCR; or
(3) To permit access to or copying of any record that is exempt from disclosure under the CWCIA or the CWCR.
(a)
(2)
(b)
(c)
(i) The conduct prohibited under 18 U.S.C. 229 or 229C; or
(ii) The preparation or solicitation to engage in conduct prohibited under 18 U.S.C. 229 or 229D.
(2) In addition, the United States may, in a civil action, restrain any violation of section 306 or section 405 of the CWCIA, or compel the taking of any action required by or under the CWCIA or the Convention.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a)
(i) That a necessary finding of fact is omitted, erroneous or not supported by substantial evidence of record;
(ii) That a necessary legal conclusion or finding is contrary to law;
(iii) That a prejudicial procedural error has occurred; or
(iv) That the decision or the extent of sanctions is arbitrary, capricious or an abuse of discretion.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(2)
(b)
(2)
(c)
(d)
Any person adversely affected by a final order respecting an assessment may, within 30 days after the final order is issued, file a petition in the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit or for any other circuit in which the person resides or transacts business, to appeal the order.
(a)
(b)
(c)
If a person learns that a violation of the Convention, the CWCIA, this part, or the CWCR (15 CFR parts 710 through 722) has occurred or may occur, that person may notify: United States National Authority, Office of Chemical and Biological Weapons Conventions, Bureau of Arms Control, U.S. Department of State, Washington, DC 20520, Telephone: (703) 235-1204 or toll-free (877) CWC-NACS ((877) 292-6227), Facsimile: (703) 235-1065.
22 U.S.C. 7103(f)(5); Executive Order 13257 (as amended by Executive Order 13333).
The Director of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons of the Department of State, who is the Chairperson of the Senior Policy Operating Group of the President's Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, shall call meetings of the Senior Policy Operating Group on a regular basis to coordinate activities of Federal departments and agencies regarding policies (including grants and grant policies) involving the international trafficking in persons and the implementation of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended.
Each Federal Department or agency represented on the Senior Policy Operating Group shall, to the extent permitted by law, share information on all matters relating to grants, grant policies, or other significant actions regarding the international trafficking in persons. In its coordinating role, the Senior Policy Operating Group shall establish appropriate mechanisms to effect such information sharing.
Secs. 2, 38, and 71, Pub. L. 90-629, 90 Stat. 744 (22 U.S.C. 2752, 2778, 2797); 22 U.S.C. 2794; E.O. 11958, 42 FR 4311; E.O. 13284, 68 FR 4075; 3 CFR, 1977 Comp. p. 79; 22 U.S.C. 2651a; Pub. L. 105-261, 112 Stat. 1920.
(a) Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778) authorizes the President to control the export and import of defense articles and defense services. The statutory authority of the President to promulgate regulations with respect to exports of defense articles and defense services was delegated to the Secretary of State by Executive Order 11958, as amended. This subchapter implements that authority. By virtue of delegations of authority by the Secretary of State, these regulations are primarily administered by the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense Trade Controls and Managing Director of Defense Trade Controls, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs.
(b)(1)
(2) In the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, there is a Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense Trade Controls (DAS—Defense Trade Controls) and a Managing Director of Defense Trade Controls (MD—Defense Trade Controls). The DAS—Defense Trade Controls and the MD—Defense Trade Controls are responsible for exercising the authorities conferred under this subchapter. The DAS—Defense Trade Controls is responsible for oversight of the defense trade controls function. The MD—Defense Trade Controls is responsible for the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, which oversees the subordinate offices described in paragraphs (b)(2)(i) through (b)(2)(iv) of this section.
(i) The Office of Defense Trade Controls Management and the Director, Office of Defense Trade Controls Management, which have responsibilities related to management of defense trade controls operations, to include the exercise of general authorities in this part 120, and the design, development,
(ii) The Office of Defense Trade Controls Licensing and the Director, Office of Defense Trade Controls Licensing, which have responsibilities related to licensing or other authorization of defense trade, including references under parts 120, 123, 124, 125, 126, 129 and 130 of this subchapter;
(iii) The Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance and the Director, Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance, which have responsibilities related to violations of law or regulation and compliance therewith, including references contained in parts 122, 126, 127, 128 and 130 of this subchapter, and that portion under part 129 of this subchapter pertaining to registration;
(iv) The Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy and the Director, Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy, which have responsibilities related to the general policies of defense trade, including references under this part 120 and part 126 of this subchapter, and the commodity jurisdiction procedure under this subchapter, including under this part 120.
(c)
(d) The exemptions provided in this subchapter do not apply to transactions in which the exporter or any party to the export (as defined in § 126.7(e) of this subchapter) is generally ineligible as set forth above in paragraph (c) of this section, unless an exception has been granted pursuant to § 126.7(c) of this subchapter.
The Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778(a) and 2794(7)) provides that the President shall designate the articles and services deemed to be defense articles and defense services for purposes of this subchapter. The items so designated constitute the United States Munitions List and are specified in part 121 of this subchapter. Such designations are made by the Department of State with the concurrence of the Department of Defense. For a determination on whether a particular item is included on the U.S. Munitions List
An article or service may be designated or determined in the future to be a defense article (see § 120.6) or defense service (see § 120.9) if it:
(a) Is specifically designed, developed, configured, adapted, or modified for a military application, and
(i) Does not have predominant civil applications, and
(ii) Does not have performance equivalent (defined by form, fit and function) to those of an article or service used for civil applications; or
(b) Is specifically designed, developed, configured, adapted, or modified for a military application, and has significant military or intelligence applicability such that control under this subchapter is necessary.
The intended use of the article or service after its export (
(a) The commodity jurisdiction procedure is used with the U.S. Government if doubt exists as to whether an article or service is covered by the U.S. Munitions List. It may also be used for consideration of a redesignation of an article or service currently covered by the U.S. Munitions List. The Department must provide notice to Congress at least 30 days before any item is removed from the U.S. Munitions List. Upon written request, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls shall provide a determination of whether a particular article or service is covered by the U.S. Munitions List. The determination, consistent with §§ 120.2, 120.3, and 120.4, entails consultation among the Departments of State, Defense, Commerce and other U.S. Government agencies and industry in appropriate cases.
(b) Registration with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls as defined in part 122 of this subchapter is not required prior to submission of a commodity jurisdiction request. If it is determined that the commodity is a defense article or defense service covered by the U.S. Munitions List, registration is required for exporters, manufacturers, and furnishers of such defense articles and defense services (see part 122 of this subchapter), as well as for brokers who are engaged in brokering activities related to such articles or services.
(c) Requests shall identify the article or service, and include a history of the product's design, development and use. Brochures, specifications and any other documentation related to the article or service shall be submitted in seven collated sets.
(d)(1) A determination that an article or service does not have predominant civil applications shall be made by the Department of State, in accordance with this subchapter, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account:
(i) The number, variety and predominance of civil applications;
(ii) The nature, function and capability of the civil applications; and
(iii) The nature, function and capability of the military applications.
(2) A determination that an article does not have the performance equivalent, defined by form, fit and function, to those used for civil applications shall be made by the Department of State, in accordance with this subchapter, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account:
(i) The nature, function, and capability of the article;
(ii) Whether the components used in the defense article are identical to those components originally developed for civil use.
The form of the item is its defined configuration, including the geometrically measured configuration, density, and weight or other visual parameters which uniquely characterize the item, component or assembly. For software, form denotes language, language level and media. The fit of the item is its ability to physically interface or interconnect with or become an integral part of another item. The function of the item is the action or actions it is designed to perform.
(3) A determination that an article has significant military or intelligence applications such that it is necessary to control its export as a defense article shall be made, in accordance with this subchapter, on a case-by-case basis, taking into account:
(i) The nature, function, and capability of the article;
(ii) The nature of controls imposed by other nations on such items (including Wassenaar Arrangement and other multilateral controls), and
(iii) That items described on the Wassenaar Arrangement List of Dual-Use Goods and Technologies shall not
(e) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will provide a preliminary response within 10 working days of receipt of a complete request for commodity jurisdiction. If after 45 days the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has not provided a final commodity jurisdiction determination, the applicant may request in writing to the Director, Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy that this determination be given expedited processing.
(f) State, Defense and Commerce will resolve commodity jurisdiction disputes in accordance with established procedures. State shall notify Defense and Commerce of the initiation and conclusion of each case.
(g) A person may appeal a commodity jurisdiction determination by submitting a written request for reconsideration to the Managing Director of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will provide a written response of the Managing Director's determination within 30 days of receipt of the appeal. If desired, an appeal of the Managing Director's decision can then be made directly through the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense Trade Controls to the Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs.
If an article or service is covered by the U.S. Munitions List, its export is regulated by the Department of State, except as indicated otherwise in this subchapter. For the relationship of this subchapter to regulations of the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, see § 123.20 of this subchapter. The Attorney General controls permanent imports of articles and services covered by the U.S. Munitions Import List from foreign countries by persons subject to U.S. jurisdiction (27 CFR part 447). In carrying out such functions, the Attorney General shall be guided by the views of the Secretary of State on matters affecting world peace, and the external security and foreign policy of the United States. The Department of Commerce regulates the export of items on the Commerce Control List (CCL) under the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730 through 799).
(a)
(b) Significant military equipment includes:
(1) Items in § 121.1 of this subchapter which are preceded by an asterisk; and
(2) All classified articles enumerated in § 121.1 of this subchapter.
Pursuant to section 47(6) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2794(6) note),
(a)
(1) The furnishing of assistance (including training) to foreign persons, whether in the United States or abroad
(2) The furnishing to foreign persons of any technical data controlled under this subchapter (see § 120.10), whether in the United States or abroad; or
(3) Military training of foreign units and forces, regular and irregular, including formal or informal instruction of foreign persons in the United States or abroad or by correspondence courses, technical, educational, or information publications and media of all kinds, training aid, orientation, training exercise, and military advice. (See also § 124.1.)
(b) [Reserved]
(a)
(1) Information, other than software as defined in § 120.10(a)(4), which is required for the design, development, production, manufacture, assembly, operation, repair, testing, maintenance or modification of defense articles. This includes information in the form of blueprints, drawings, photographs, plans, instructions or documentation.
(2) Classified information relating to defense articles and defense services;
(3) Information covered by an invention secrecy order;
(4) Software as defined in § 121.8(f) of this subchapter directly related to defense articles;
(5) This definition does not include information concerning general scientific, mathematical or engineering principles commonly taught in schools, colleges and universities or information in the public domain as defined in § 120.11. It also does not include basic marketing information on function or purpose or general system descriptions of defense articles.
(b) [Reserved]
(a)
(1) Through sales at newsstands and bookstores;
(2) Through subscriptions which are available without restriction to any individual who desires to obtain or purchase the published information;
(3) Through second class mailing privileges granted by the U.S. Government;
(4) At libraries open to the public or from which the public can obtain documents;
(5) Through patents available at any patent office;
(6) Through unlimited distribution at a conference, meeting, seminar, trade show or exhibition, generally accessible to the public, in the United States;
(7) Through public release (
(8) Through fundamental research in science and engineering at accredited institutions of higher learning in the U.S. where the resulting information is ordinarily published and shared broadly in the scientific community. Fundamental research is defined to mean basic and applied research in science and engineering where the resulting information is ordinarily published and shared broadly within the scientific community, as distinguished from research the results of which are restricted for proprietary reasons or specific U.S. Government access and dissemination controls. University research will not be considered fundamental research if:
(i) The University or its researchers accept other restrictions on publication of scientific and technical information resulting from the project or activity, or
(ii) The research is funded by the U.S. Government and specific access and dissemination controls protecting information resulting from the research are applicable.
(b) [Reserved]
Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Department of State, Washington, DC 20522-0112.
(a)
(1) Sending or taking a defense article out of the United States in any manner, except by mere travel outside of the United States by a person whose personal knowledge includes technical data; or
(2) Transferring registration, control or ownership to a foreign person of any aircraft, vessel, or satellite covered by the U.S. Munitions List, whether in the United States or abroad; or
(3) Disclosing (including oral or visual disclosure) or transferring in the United States any defense article to an embassy, any agency or subdivision of a foreign government (e.g., diplomatic missions); or
(4) Disclosing (including oral or visual disclosure) or transferring technical data to a foreign person, whether in the United States or abroad; or
(5) Performing a defense service on behalf of, or for the benefit of, a foreign person, whether in the United States or abroad.
(6) A launch vehicle or payload shall not, by reason of the launching of such vehicle, be considered an export for purposes of this subchapter. However, for certain limited purposes (see § 126.1 of this subchapter), the controls of this subchapter may apply to any sale, transfer or proposal to sell or transfer defense articles or defense services.
(b) [Reserved]
An agreement (e.g., contract) whereby a U.S. person grants a foreign person an authorization to manufacture defense articles abroad and which involves or contemplates:
(a) The export of technical data (as defined in § 120.10) or defense articles or the performance of a defense service; or
(b) The use by the foreign person of technical data or defense articles previously exported by the U.S. person. (See part 124 of this subchapter).
An agreement (e.g., contract) for the performance of a defense service(s) or the disclosure of technical data, as opposed to an agreement granting a right or license to manufacture defense articles. Assembly of defense articles is included under this section, provided production rights or manufacturing know-how are not conveyed. Should such rights be transferred, § 120.21 is applicable. (See part 124 of this subchapter).
An agreement (e.g., a contract) to establish a warehouse or distribution point abroad for defense articles exported from the United States for subsequent distribution to entities in an approved sales territory (see part 124 of this subchapter).
(a)
(1) Is directly employed by the applicant or a subsidiary in a position having authority for policy or management within the applicant organization; and
(2) Is legally empowered in writing by the applicant to sign license applications or other requests for approval on behalf of the applicant; and
(3) Understands the provisions and requirements of the various export control statutes and regulations, and the criminal liability, civil liability and administrative penalties for violating the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations; and
(4) Has the independent authority to:
(i) Enquire into any aspect of a proposed export or temporary import by the applicant, and
(ii) Verify the legality of the transaction and the accuracy of the information to be submitted; and
(iii) Refuse to sign any license application or other request for approval without prejudice or other adverse recourse.
(b) [Reserved]
(a) For purposes of this subchapter, the phrase
(1) Section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778);
(2) Section 11 of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. app. 2410);
(3) Sections 793, 794, or 798 of title 18, United States Code (relating to espionage involving defense or classified information) or § 2339A of such title (relating to providing material support to terrorists);
(4) Section 16 of the Trading with the Enemy Act (50 U.S.C. app. 16);
(5) Section 206 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (relating to foreign assets controls; 50 U.S.C. 1705);
(6) Section 30A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78dd-1) or section 104 of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (15 U.S.C. 78dd-2);
(7) Chapter 105 of title 18, United States Code (relating to sabotage);
(8) Section 4(b) of the Internal Security Act of 1950 (relating to communication of classified information; 50 U.S.C. 783(b));
(9) Sections 57, 92, 101, 104, 222, 224, 225, or 226 of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 (42 U.S.C. 2077, 2122, 2131, 2134, 2272, 2274, 2275, and 2276);
(10) Section 601 of the National Security Act of 1947 (relating to intelligence identities protection; 50 U.S.C. 421);
(11) Section 603(b) or (c) of the Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid Act of 1986 (22 U.S.C. 5113(b) and (c)); and
(12) Section 371 of title 18, United States Code (when it involves conspiracy to violate any of the above statutes).
(13) Sections 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Prevention of Terrorist Access to Destructive Weapons Act of 2004, relating to missile systems designed to destroy aircraft (18 U.S.C. 2332g), prohibitions governing atomic weapons (42 U.S.C. 2122), radiological dispersal services (18 U.S.C. 2332h), and variola virus (18 U.S.C. 175b);
(b) [Reserved]
The forms referred to in this subchapter are available from the following government agencies:
(a) Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, Washington, DC 20522-0112.
(1) Application/License for permanent export of unclassified defense articles and related technical data (Form DSP-5).
(2) Application for registration (Form DSP-9).
(3) Application/License for temporary import of unclassified defense articles (Form DSP-61).
(4) Application/License for temporary export of unclassified defense articles (Form DSP-73).
(5) Non-transfer and use certificate (Form DSP-83).
(6) Application/License for permanent/temporary export or temporary import of classified defense articles and related classified technical data (Form DSP-85).
(7) Authority to Export Defense Articles and Defense Services sold under the Foreign Military Sales program (Form DSP-94).
(b) Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security:
(1) International Import Certificate (Form BIS-645P/ATF-4522/DSP-53).
(2) Shipper's Export Declaration (Form No. 7525-V).
(3) Department of Defense, Defense Security Cooperation Agency: Letter of Offer and Acceptance (DD Form 1513).
(a) For purposes of this subchapter,
(b) The term
(c)
The Automated Export System (AES) is the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Census, electronic filing of export information. The AES shall serve as the primary system for collection of export data for the Department of State. In accordance with this subchapter U.S. exporters are required to report export information using AES for all hardware exports. Exports of technical data and defense services shall be reported directly to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Also, requests for special reporting may be made by DDTC on a case-by-case basis, (e.g., compliance, enforcement, congressional mandates).
Secs. 2, 38, and 71, Pub. L. 90-629, 90 Stat. 744 (22 U.S.C. 2752, 2778, 2797); E.O. 11958, 42 FR 4311; 3 CFR, 1977 Comp. p. 79; 22 U.S.C. 2651a; Pub. L. 105-261, 112 Stat. 1920.
(a) The following articles, services and related technical data are designated as defense articles and defense services pursuant to §§ 38 and 47(7) of
(b)
(c)
* (a) Nonautomatic and semi-automatic firearms to caliber .50 inclusive (12.7 mm).
* (b) Fully automatic firearms to .50 caliber inclusive (12.7 mm).
* (c) Firearms or other weapons (e.g. insurgency-counterinsurgency, close assault weapons systems) having a special military application regardless of caliber.
* (d) Combat shotguns. This includes any shotgun with a barrel length less than 18 inches.
* (e) Silencers, mufflers, sound and flash suppressors for the articles in (a) through (d) of this category and their specifically designed, modified or adapted components and parts.
(f) Riflescopes manufactured to military specifications (See category XII(c) for controls on night sighting devices.)
* (g) Barrels, cylinders, receivers (frames) or complete breech mechanisms for the articles in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this category.
(h) Components, parts, accessories and attachments for the articles in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this category.
(i) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (h) of this category. Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
(j) The following interpretations explain and amplify the terms used in this category and throughout this subchapter:
(1) A firearm is a weapon not over .50 caliber (12.7 mm) which is designed to expel a projectile by the action of an explosive or which may be readily converted to do so.
(2) A rifle is a shoulder firearm which can discharge a bullet through a rifled barrel 16 inches or longer.
(3) A carbine is a lightweight shoulder firearm with a barrel under 16 inches in length.
(4) A pistol is a hand-operated firearm having a chamber integral with or permanently aligned with the bore.
(5) A revolver is a hand-operated firearm with a revolving cylinder containing chambers for individual cartridges.
(6) A submachine gun, “machine pistol” or “machine gun” is a firearm originally designed to fire, or capable of being fired, fully automatically by a single pull of the trigger.
This coverage by the U.S. Munitions List in paragraphs (a) through (i) of this category excludes any non-combat shotgun with a barrel length of 18 inches or longer, BB, pellet, and muzzle loading (black powder) firearms. This category does not cover riflescopes and sighting devices that are not manufactured to military specifications. It also excludes accessories and attachments (e.g., belts, slings, after market rubber grips, cleaning kits) for firearms that do not enhance the usefulness, effectiveness, or capabilities of the firearm, components and parts. The Department of Commerce regulates the export of such items. See the Export Administration Regulations (15 CFR parts 730-799). In addition, license exemptions for the items in this category are available in various parts of this subchapter (e.g. §§ 123.17, 123.18 and 125.4).
* (a) Guns over caliber .50 (12.7mm, whether towed, airborne, self-propelled, or fixed, including but not limited to, howitzers, mortars, cannons and recoilless rifles.
(b) Flame throwers specifically designed or modified for military application.
(c) Apparatus and devices for launching or delivering ordnance, other than those articles controlled in Category IV.
* (d) Kinetic energy weapon systems specifically designed or modified for destruction or rendering mission-abort of a target.
(e) Signature control materials (e.g., parasitic, structural, coatings, screening) techniques, and equipment specifically designed,
* (f) Engines specifically designed or modified for the self-propelled guns and howitzers in paragraph (a) of this category.
(g) Tooling and equipment specifically designed or modified for the production of defense articles controlled by this category.
(h) Test and evaluation equipment and test models specifically designed or modified for the articles controlled by this category. This includes but is not limited to diagnostic instrumentation and physical test models.
(i) Autoloading systems for electronic programming of projectile function for the defense articles controlled in this Category.
(j) All other components, parts, accessories, attachments and associated equipment specifically designed or modified for the articles in paragraphs (a) through (i) of this category. This includes but is not limited to mounts and carriages for the articles controlled in this category.
(k) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (j) of this category. Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
(l) The following interpretations explain and amplify the terms used in this category and elsewhere in this subchapter:
(1) The kinetic energy weapons systems in paragraph (d) of this category include but are not limited to:
(i) Launch systems and subsystems capable of accelerating masses larger than 0.1g to velocities in excess of 1.6km/s, in single or rapid fire modes, using methods such as: electromagnetic, electrothermal, plasma, light gas, or chemical;
(ii) Prime power generation, electric armor, energy storage, thermal management; conditioning, switching or fuel-handling equipment; and the electrical interfaces between power supply gun and other turret electric drive function;
(iii) Target acquisition, tracking fire control or damage assessment systems; and
(iv) Homing seeker, guidance or divert propulsion (lateral acceleration) systems for projectiles.
(2) The articles in this category include any end item, component, accessory, attachment part, firmware, software or system that has been designed or manufactured using technical data and defense services controlled by this category.
(3) The articles specifically designed or modified for military application controlled in this category include any article specifically developed, configured, or adapted for military application.
* (a) Ammunition/ordnance for the articles in Categories I and II of this section.
(b) Ammunition/ordnance handling equipment specifically designed or modified for the articles controlled in this category, such as, belting, linking, and de-linking equipment.
(c) Equipment and tooling specifically designed or modified for the production of defense articles controlled by this category.
(d) Components, parts, accessories, attachments and associated equipment specifically designed or modified for the articles in this category:
* (1) Guidance and control components for the articles in paragraph (a) of this category;
* (2) Safing, arming and fuzing components (including target detection and localization devices) for the articles in paragraph (a) of this category; and
(3) All other components, parts, accessories, attachments and associated equipment for the articles in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this category.
(e) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this category. Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
(f) The following explains and amplifies the terms used in this category and elsewhere in this subchapter:
(1) The components, parts, accessories and attachments controlled in this category include, but are not limited to cartridge cases, powder bags (or other propellant charges), bullets, jackets, cores, shells (excluding shotgun shells), projectiles (including canister rounds and submunitions therefor), boosters, firing components therefor, primers, and other detonating devices for the defense articles controlled in this category.
(2) This category does not control cartridge and shell casings that, prior to export, have been rendered useless beyond the possibility of restoration for use as a cartridge or shell casing by means of heating, flame treatment, mangling, crushing, cutting or popping.
(3) Equipment and tooling in paragraph (c) of this category does not include equipment for hand-loading ammunition.
(4) The articles in this category include any end item, component, accessory, attachment, part, firmware, software, or system that has been designed or manufactured
(5) The articles specifically designed or modified for military application controlled in this category include any article specifically developed, configured, or adapted for military application
* (a) Rockets (including but not limited to meteorological and other sounding rockets), bombs, grenades, torpedoes, depth charges, land and naval mines, as well as launchers for such defense articles, and demolition blocks and blasting caps. (See § 121.11.)
* (b) Launch vehicles and missile and anti-missile systems including but not limited to guided, tactical and strategic missiles, launchers, and systems.
(c) Apparatus, devices, and materials for the handling, control, activation, monitoring, detection, protection, discharge, or detonation of the articles in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this category. (See § 121.5.)
* (d) Missile and space launch vehicle powerplants.
* (e) Military explosive excavating devices.
* (f) Ablative materials fabricated or semi-fabricated from advanced composites (e.g., silica, graphite, carbon, carbon/carbon, and boron filaments) for the articles in this category that are derived directly from or specifically developed or modified for defense articles.
* (g) Non/nuclear warheads for rockets and guided missiles.
(h) All specifically designed or modified components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment for the articles in this category.
(i) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (h) of this category. (See § 125.4 of this subchapter for exemptions.) Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
* (a) Explosives, and mixtures thereof:
(1) ADNBF (aminodinitrobenzofuroxan or 7-Amino 4,6-dinitrobenzofurazane-1-oxide) (CAS 97096-78-1);
(2) BNCP (cis-bis (5-nitrotetrazolato) tetra amine-cobalt (III) perchlorate) (CAS 117412-28-9);
(3) CL-14 (diamino dinitrobenzofuroxan or 5,7-diamino-4,6-dinitrobenzofurazane-1-oxide) (CAS 117907-74-1);
(4) CL-20 (HNIW or Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane); (CAS 135285-90-4); chlathrates of CL-20 (see paragraphs (g)(3) and (4) of this category);
(5) CP (2-(5-cyanotetrazolato) penta aminecobalt (III) perchlorate); (CAS 70247-32-4);
(6) DADE (1,1-diamino-2,2-dinitroethylene, FOX7);
(7) DDFP (1,4-dinitrodifurazanopiperazine);
(8) DDPO (2,6-diamino-3,5-dinitropyrazine-1-oxide, PZO); (CAS 194486-77-6);
(9) DIPAM (3,3′-Diamino-2,2′,4,4′,6,6′-hexanitrobiphenyl or dipicramide) (CAS 17215-44-0);
(10) DNGU (DINGU or dinitroglycoluril) (CAS 55510-04-8);
(11) Furazans, as follows:
(i) DAAOF (diaminoazoxyfurazan);
(ii) DAAzF (diaminoazofurazan) (CAS 78644-90-3);
(12) HMX and derivatives (see paragraph (g)(5) of this category):
(i) HMX (Cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine; octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazine; 1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetraza-cyclooctane; octogen, octogene) (CAS 2691-41-0);
(ii) Diflouroaminated analogs of HMX;
(iii) K-55 (2,4,6,8-tetranitro-2,4,6,8-tetraazabicyclo [3,3,0]-octanone-3, tetranitrosemiglycouril, or keto-bicyclic HMX) (CAS 130256-72-3);
(13) HNAD (hexanitroadamantane) (CAS 143850-71-9);
(14) HNS (hexanitrostilbene) (CAS 20062-22-0);
(15) Imidazoles, as follows:
(i) BNNII (Octohydro-2,5-bis(nitroimino) imidazo [4,5-d]Imidazole);
(ii) DNI (2,4-dinitroimidazole) (CAS 5213-49-0);
(iii) FDIA (1-fluoro-2,4-dinitroimidazole);
(iv) NTDNIA (N-(2-nitrotriazolo)-2,4-dinitro-imidazole);
(v) PTIA (1-picryl-2,4,5-trinitroimidazole);
(16) NTNMH (1-(2-nitrotriazolo)-2-dinitromethylene hydrazine);
(17) NTO (ONTA or 3-nitro-1,2,4-triazol-5-one) (CAS 932-64-9);
(18) Polynitrocubanes with more than four nitro groups;
(19) PYX (2,6-Bis(picrylamino)-3,5-dinitropyridine) (CAS 38082-89-2);
(20) RDX and derivatives:
(i) RDX (cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine), cyclonite, T4, hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine, 1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triaza-cyclohexane, hexogen, or hexogene) (CAS 121-82-4);
(ii) Keto-RDX (K-6 or 2,4,6-trinitro-2,4,6-triazacyclohexanone (CAS 115029-35-1);
(21) TAGN (Triaminoguanidinenitrate) (CAS 4000-16-2);
(22) TATB (Triaminotrinitrobenzene) (CAS 3058-38-6) (see paragraph (g)(7) of this category);
(23) TEDDZ (3,3,7,7-tetrabis(difluoroamine) octahydro-1,5-dinitro-1,5-diazocine;
(24) Tetrazoles, as follows:
(i) NTAT (nitrotriazol aminotetrazole);
(ii) NTNT (1-N-(2-nitrotriazolo)-4-nitrotetrazole);
(25) Tetryl (trinitrophenylmethylnitramine) (CAS 479-45-8);
(26) TNAD (1,4,5,8-tetranitro-1,4,5,8-tetraazadecalin) (CAS 135877-16-6)(see paragraph (g)(6) of this category);
(27) TNAZ (1,1,3-trinitroazetidine) (CAS 97645-24-4) (see paragraph (g)(2) of this category);
(28) TNGU (SORGUYL or tetranitroglycoluril) (CAS 55510-03-7);
(29) TNP (1,4,5,8-tetranitro-pyridazino [4,5-d] pyridazine) (CAS 229176-04-9);
(30) Triazines, as follows:
(i) DNAM (2-oxy-4,6-dinitroamino-s-triazine) (CAS 19899-80-0);
(ii) NNHT (2-nitroimino-5-nitro-hexahydro-1,3,5 triazine) (CAS 130400-13-4);
(31) Triazoles, as follows:
(i) 5-azido-2-nitrotriazole;
(ii) ADHTDN (4-amino-3,5-dihydrazino-1,2,4-triazole dinitramide)(CAS 1614-08-0);
(iii) ADNT (1-amino-3,5-dinitro-1,2,4-triazole);
(iv) BDNTA ([Bis-dinitrotriazole]amine);
(v) DBT (3,3′-dinitro-5,5-bi-1,2,4-triazole) (CAS 30003-46-4);
(vi) DNBT (dinitrobistriazole) (CAS 70890-46-9);
(vii) NTDNA (2-nitrotriazole 5-dinitramide) (CAS 75393-84-9);
(viii) NTDNT (1-N-(2-nitrotriazolo) 3,5-dinitro-triazole);
(ix) PDNT (1-picryl-3,5-dinitrotriazole);
(x) TACOT (tetranitrobenzotriazolobenzotriazole) (CAS 25243-36-1);
(32) Any explosive not listed elsewhere in paragraph (a) of this category with a detonation velocity exceeding 8,700m/s at maximum density or a detonation pressure exceeding 34 Gpa (340 kbar).
(33) Other organic explosives not listed elsewhere in paragraph (a) of this category yielding detonation pressures of 25 Gpa (250 kbar) or more that will remain stable at temperatures of 523K (250°C) or higher for periods of 5 minutes or longer;
(34) Diaminotrinitrobenzene (DATB) (CAS 1630-08-6);
(35) Any other explosive not elsewhere identified in this category specifically designed, modified, adapted, or configured (e.g., formulated) for military application.
* (b) Propellants:
(1) Any United Nations (UN) Class 1.1 solid propellant with a theoretical specific impulse (under standard conditions) of more than 250 seconds for non-metallized, or 270 seconds for metallized compositions;
(2) Any UN Class 1.3 solid propellant with a theoretical specific impulse (under standard conditions) of more than 230 seconds for non-halogenized, or 250 seconds for non-metallized compositions;
(3) Propellants having a force constant of more than 1,200 kJ/Kg;
(4) Propellants that can sustain a steady-state burning rate more than 38mm/s under standard conditions (as measured in the form of an inhibited single strand) of 6.89 Mpa (68.9 bar) pressure and 294K (21 °C);
(5) Elastomer modified cast double based propellants with extensibility at maximum stress greater than 5% at 233 K (−40 C);
(6) Any propellant containing substances listed in Category V;
(7) Any other propellant not elsewhere identified in this category specifically designed, modified, adapted, or configured (e.g., formulated) for military application.
(c) Pyrotechnics, fuels and related substances, and mixtures thereof:
(1) Alane (aluminum hydride)(CAS 7784-21-6);
(2) Carboranes; decaborane (CAS 17702-41-9); pentaborane and derivatives thereof;
(3) Hydrazine and derivatives:
(i) Hydrazine (CAS 302-01-2) in concentrations of 70% or more (not hydrazine mixtures specially formulated for corrosion control);
(ii) Monomethyl hydrazine (CAS 60-34-4);
(iii) Symmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (CAS 540-73-8);
(iv) Unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine (CAS 57-14-7);
(4) Liquid fuels specifically formulated for use by articles covered by Categories IV, VI, and VIII;
(5) Spherical aluminum powder (CAS 7429-90-5) in particle sizes of 60 micrometers or less manufactured from material with an aluminum content of 99% or more;
(6) Metal fuels in particle form whether spherical, atomized, spheroidal, flaked or ground, manufactured from material consisting of 99% or more of any of the following:
(i) Metals and mixtures thereof:
(A) Beryllium (CAS 7440-41-7) in particle sizes of less than 60 micrometers;
(B) Iron powder (CAS 7439-89-6) with particle size of 3 micrometers or less produced by reduction of iron oxide with hydrogen;
(ii) Mixtures, which contain any of the following:
(A) Boron (CAS 7440-42-8) or boron carbide (CAS 12069-32-8) fuels of 85% purity or higher and particle sizes of less than 60 micrometers;
(B) Zirconium (CAS 7440-67-7), magnesium (CAS 7439-95-4) or alloys of these in particle sizes of less than 60 micrometers;
(iii) Explosives and fuels containing the metals or alloys listed in paragraphs (c)(6)(i)
(7) Pyrotechnics and pyrophoric materials specifically formulated for military purposes to enhance or control the production of radiated energy in any part of the IR spectrum.
(8) Titanium subhydride (TiHn) of stoichiometry equivalent to n = 0.65-1.68;
(9) Military materials containing thickeners for hydrocarbon fuels specially formulated for use in flame throwers or incendiary munitions; metal stearates or palmates (also known as octol); and M1, M2 and M3 thickeners;
(10) Any other pyrotechnic, fuel and related substance and mixture thereof not elsewhere identified in this category specifically designed, modified, adapted, or configured (e.g., formulated) for military application.
(d) Oxidizers, to include:
(1) ADN (ammonium dinitramide or SR-12) (CAS 140456-78-6);
(2) AP (ammonium perchlorate) (CAS 7790-98-9);
(3) BDNPN (bis,2,2-dinitropropylnitrate) (CAS 28464-24-6);
(4) DNAD (1,3-dinitro-1,3-diazetidine) (CAS 78246-06-7);
(5) HAN (Hydroxylammonium nitrate) (CAS 13465-08-2);
(6) HAP (hydroxylammonium perchlorate) (CAS 15588-62-2);
(7) HNF (Hydrazinium nitroformate) (CAS 20773-28-8);
(8) Hydrazine nitrate (CAS 37836-27-4);
(9) Hydrazine perchlorate (CAS 27978-54-7);
(10) Liquid oxidizers comprised of or containing inhibited red fuming nitric acid (IRFNA) (CAS 8007-58-7) or oxygen diflouride;
(11) Perchlorates, chlorates, and chromates composited with powdered metal or other high energy fuel components controlled by this category;
(12) Any other oxidizer not elsewhere identified in this category specifically designed, modified, adapted, or configured (e.g., formulated) for military application.
* (e) Binders, and mixtures thereof:
(1) AMMO (azidomethylmethyloxetane and its polymers) (CAS 90683-29-7) (see paragraph (g)(1) of this category);
(2) BAMO (bisazidomethyloxetane and its polymers) (CAS 17607-20-4) (see paragraph (g)(1)of this category);
(3) BTTN (butanetrioltrinitrate) (CAS 6659-60-5) (see paragraph (g)(8) of this category);
(4) FAMAO (3-difluoroaminomethyl-3-azidomethyl oxetane) and its polymers;
(5) FEFO (bis-(2-fluoro-2,2-dinitroethyl)formal) (CAS 17003-79-1);
(6) GAP (glycidylazide polymer) (CAS 143178-24-9) and its derivatives;
(7) HTPB (hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene) with a hydroxyl functionality equal to or greater than 2.2 and less than or equal to 2.4, a hydroxyl value of less than 0.77 meq/g, and a viscosity at 30 °C of less than 47 poise (CAS 69102-90-5);
(8) NENAS (nitratoethylnitramine compounds) (CAS 17096-47-8, 85068-73-1 and 82486-82-6);
(9) Poly-NIMMO (poly nitratomethylmethyoxetane, poly-NMMO, (poly[3-nitratomethyl-3-methyl oxetane]) (CAS 84051-81-0);
(10) Energetic monomers, plasticizers and polymers containing nitro, azido nitrate, nitraza or difluoromaino groups specially formulated for military use;
(11) TVOPA 1,2,3-Tris [1,2-bis(difluoroamino) ethoxy]propane; tris vinoxy propane adduct; (CAS 53159-39-0);
(12) Polynitrorthocarbonates;
(13) FPF-1 (poly-2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluoro pentane-1,5-diolformal) (CAS 376-90-9);
(14) FPF-3 (poly-2,4,4,5,5,6,6-heptafluoro-2-trifluoromethyl-3-oxaheptane-1,7-diolformal);
(15) PGN (Polyglycidylnitrate or poly(nitratomethyl oxirane); poly-GLYN); (CAS 27814-48-8);
(16) N-methyl-p-nitroaniline;
(17) Low (less than 10,000) molecular weight, alcohol-functionalized, poly(epichlorohydrin); poly(epichlorohydrindiol); and triol;
(18) Bis(2,2-dinitropropyl) formal and acetal;
(19) Any other binder and mixture thereof not elsewhere identified in this category specifically designed, modified, adapted, or configured (e.g., formulated) for military application.
(f) Additives:
(1) Basic copper salicylate (CAS 62320-94-9);
(2) BHEGA (Bis-(2-hydroxyethyl)glycolamide) (CAS 17409-41-5);
(3) Ferrocene Derivatives:
(i) Butacene (CAS 125856-62-4);
(ii) Catocene (2,2-Bis-ethylferrocenyl propane) (CAS 37206-42-1);
(iii) Ferrocene carboxylic acids;
(iv) n-butyl-ferrocene (CAS 31904-29-7);
(4) Lead beta-resorcylate (CAS 20936-32-7);
(5) Lead citrate (CAS 14450-60-3);
(6) Lead-copper chelates of beta-resorcylate or salicylates (CAS 68411-07-4);
(7) Lead maleate (CAS 19136-34-6);
(8) Lead salicylate (CAS 15748-73-9);
(9) Lead stannate (CAS 12036-31-6);
(10) MAPO (tris-1-(2-methyl)aziridinyl phosphine oxide) (CAS 57-39-6); BOBBA-8 (bis(2-methyl aziridinyl) 2-(2-hydroxypropanoxy) propylamino phosphine oxide); and other MAPO derivatives;
(11) Methyl BAPO (Bis(2-methyl aziridinyl) methylamino phosphine oxide) (CAS 85068-72-0);
(12) 3-Nitraza-1,5 pentane diisocyanate (CAS 7406-61-9);
(13) Organo-metallic coupling agents, specifically:
(i) Neopentyl[diallyl]oxy, tri [dioctyl] phosphatotitanate (CAS 103850-22-2); also known as titanium IV, 2,2[bis 2-propenolato-methyl, butanolato, tris (dioctyl) phosphato] (CAS 110438-25-0), or LICA 12 (CAS 103850-22-2);
(ii) Titanium IV, [(2-propenolato-1) methyl, n-propanolatomethyl] butanolato-1, tris(dioctyl)pyrophosphate, or KR3538;
(iii) Titanium IV, [2-propenolato-1)methyl, propanolatomethyl] butanolato-1, tris(dioctyl) phosphate;
(14) Polyfunctional aziridine amides with isophthalic, trimesic (BITA or butylene imine trimesamide), isocyanuric, or trimethyladipic backbone structures and 2-methyl or 2-ethyl substitutions on the aziridine ring and its polymers;
(15) Superfine iron oxide (Fe
(16) TEPAN (tetraethylenepentaamineacrylonitrile) (CAS 68412-45-3); cyanoethylated polyamines and their salts;
(17) TEPANOL (Tetraethylenepentaamineacrylo-nitrileglycidol) (CAS 110445-33-5); cyanoethylated polyamines adducted with glycidol and their salts;
(18) TPB (triphenyl bismuth) (CAS 603-33-8);
(19) PCDE (Polycyanodifluoroaminoethyleneoxide);
(20) BNO (Butadienenitrileoxide);
(21) Any other additive not elsewhere identified in this category specifically designed, modified, adapted, or configured (e.g., formulated) for military application.
(g) Precursors, as follows:
(1) BCMO (bischloromethyloxetane) (CAS 142173-26-0) (see paragraphs (e)(1) and (2) of this category);
(2) Dinitroazetidine-t-butyl salt (CAS 125735-38-8) (see paragraph (a)(27) of this category);
(3) HBIW (hexabenzylhexaazaisowurtzitane) (CAS 124782-15-6) (see paragraph (a)(4) of this category);
(4) TAIW (tetraacetyldibenzylhexa-azaisowurtzitane) (see paragraph (a)(4) of this category);
(5) TAT (1, 3, 5, 7-tetraacetyl-1, 3, 5, 7-tetraaza-cyclooctane) (CAS 41378-98-7) (see paragraph (a)(12) of this category);
(6) Tetraazadecalin (CAS 5409-42-7) (see paragraph (a)(26) of this category);
(7) 1,3,5-trichorobenzene (CAS 108-70-3) (see paragraph (a)(22) of this category);
(8) 1,2,4-trihydroxybutane (1,2,4-butanetriol) (CAS 3068-00-6) (see paragraph (e)(3) of this category);
(h) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles numerated in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this category. (See § 125.4 of this subchapter for exemptions.) Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
(i) The following interpretations explain and amplify the terms used in this category and elsewhere in this subchapter.
(1) Category V contains explosives, energetic materials, propellants and pyrotechnics and specially formulated fuels for aircraft, missile and naval applications. Explosives are solid, liquid or gaseous substances or mixtures of substances, which, in their primary, booster or main charges in warheads, demolition or other military applications, are required to detonate.
(2) Paragraph (c)(6)(ii)(A) of this category does not control boron and boron carbide enriched with boron-10 (20% or more of total boron-10 content.
(3) The resulting product of the combination of any controlled or non-controlled substance compounded or mixed with any item controlled by this subchapter is also subject to the controls of this category.
To assist the exporter, an item has been categorized by the most common use. Also, a reference has been provided to the related controlled precursors (e.g., see paragraph (a)(12) of this category). Regardless of where the item has been placed in the category, all exports are subject to the controls of this subchapter.
Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry numbers do not cover all the substances and mixtures controlled by this category. The numbers are provided as examples to assist the government agencies in the license review process and the exporter when completing their license application and export documentation.
* (a) Warships, amphibious warfare vessels, landing craft, mine warfare vessels, patrol vessels and any vessels specifically designed or modified for military purposes. (See § 121.15.)
(b) Patrol craft without armor, armament or mounting surfaces for weapon systems more significant than .50 caliber machine guns or equivalent and auxiliary vessels. (See § 121.15.)
* (c) Turrets and gun mounts, arresting gear, special weapons systems, protective systems, submarine storage batteries, catapults, mine sweeping equipment (including
(d) Harbor entrance detection devices (magnetic, pressure, and acoustic) and controls therefor.
* (e) Naval nuclear propulsion plants, their land prototypes, and special facilities for their construction, support, and maintenance. This includes any machinery, device, component, or equipment specifically developed, designed or modified for use in such plants or facilities. (See § 123.20)
(f) All specifically designed or modified components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment for the articles in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this category.
(g) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (f) of this category. (See § 125.4 for exemptions.) Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
* (a) Military type armed or armored vehicles, military railway trains, and vehicles specifically designed or modified to accommodate mountings for arms or other specialized military equipment or fitted with such items.
* (b) Military tanks, combat engineer vehicles, bridge launching vehicles, half-tracks and gun carriers.
(c) Military trucks, trailers, hoists, and skids specifically designed, modified, or equipped to mount or carry weapons of Categories I, II and IV of this section or for carrying and handling the articles in paragraph (a) of Categories III and IV of this section.
* (d) Military recovery vehicles.
* (e) Amphibious vehicles.
* (f) Engines specifically designed or modified for the vehicles in paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) of this category.
(g) All specifically designed or modified components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment for the articles in this category, including but not limited to military bridges and deep water fording kits.
(h) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this category. Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
(i) The following explains and amplifies the terms used in this category and elsewhere in this subchapter.
(1) An amphibious vehicle in paragraph (e) of this category is an automotive vehicle or chassis which embodies all-wheel drive, is equipped to meet special military requirements, and which has sealed electrical system or adaptation features for deep water fording.
(2) The articles in this category include any end item, component, accessory, attachment part, firmware, software or system that has been designed or manufactured using technical data and defense service controlled by this category.
* (a) Aircraft, including but not limited to helicopters, non-expansive balloons, drones, and lighter-than-air aircraft, which are specifically designed, modified, or equipped for military purposes. This includes but is not limited to the following military purposes: Gunnery, bombing, rocket or missile launching, electronic and other surveillance, reconnaissance, refueling, aerial mapping, military liaison, cargo carrying or dropping, personnel dropping, airborne warning and control, and military training. (See § 121.3.)
* (b) Military aircraft engines, except reciprocating engines, specifically designed or modified for the aircraft in paragraph (a) of this category.
* (c) Cartridge-actuated devices utilized in emergency escape of personnel and airborne equipment (including but not limited to airborne refueling equipment) specifically designed or modified for use with the aircraft and engines of the types in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this category.
(d) Launching and recovery equipment for the articles in paragraph (a) of this category, if the equipment is specifically designed or modified for military use. Fixed land-based arresting gear is not included in this category.
* (e) Inertial navigation systems, aided or hybrid inertial navigation systems, Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs), and Attitude and Heading Reference Systems (AHRS) specifically designed, modified, or configured for military use and all specifically designed components, parts and accessories. For other inertial reference systems and related components refer to Category XII(d).
(1) Category XII(d) or Category VIII(e) does not include quartz rate sensors if such items:
(i) Are integrated into and included as an integral part of a commercial primary or commercial standby instrument system for use on civil aircraft prior to export or exported solely for integration into such a commercial primary or standby instrument system, and
(ii) When the exporter has been informed in writing by the Department of State that a specific quartz rate sensor integrated into a commercial primary or standby instrument system has been determined to be subject to the licensing jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce in accordance with this section.
(2) For controls in these circumstances, see the Commerce Control List. In all other circumstances, quartz rate sensors remain under the licensing jurisdiction of the Department of State under Category XII(d) or Category VIII(e) of the U.S. Munitions List and subject to the controls of the ITAR.
(f) Developmental aircraft, engines, and components thereof specifically designed, modified, or equipped for military uses or purposes, or developed principally with U.S. Department of Defense funding, excluding such aircraft, engines, and components subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce.
Developmental aircraft, engines, and components thereof, having no commercial application at the time of this amendment and which have been specifically designed for military uses or purposes, or developed principally with U.S. Department of Defense funding, will be considered eligible for a CCL license when actually applied to a commercial aircraft or commercial aircraft engine program. Exporters may seek to establish commercial application either on a case-by-case basis through submission of documentation demonstrating application to a commercial program in requesting an export license application from Commerce in respect of a specific export or, in the case of use for broad categories of aircraft, engines, or components, a commodity jurisdiction from State.
* (g) Ground effect machines (GEMS) specifically designed or modified for military use, including but not limited to surface effect machines and other air cushion vehicles, and all components, parts, and accessories, attachments, and associated equipment specifically designed or modified for use with such machines.
(h) Components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment (including ground support equipment) specifically designed or modified for the articles in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this category, excluding aircraft tires and propellers used with reciprocating engines.
(i) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (h) of this category (see § 125.4 for exemptions), except for hot section technical data associated with commercial aircraft engines. Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
(a) Training equipment specifically designed, modified, configured or adapted for military purposes, including but not limited to weapons system trainers, radar trainers, gunnery training devices, antisubmarine warfare trainers, target equipment, armament training units, pilot-less aircraft trainers, navigation trainers and human-rated centrifuges.
(b) Simulation devices for the items covered by this subchapter.
(c) Tooling and equipment specifically designed or modified for the production of articles controlled by this category.
(d) Components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment specifically designed, modified, configured, or adapted for the articles in paragraphs (a), (b) and (c) of this category.
(e) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this category.
(f) The following interpretations explain and amplify terms used in this category and elsewhere in this subchapter:
(1) The weapons systems trainers in paragraph (a) of this category include individual crew stations and system specific trainers;
(2) The articles in this category include any end item, components, accessory, part, firmware, software or system that has been designed or manufactured using technical data and defense services controlled by this category;
(3) The defense services and related technical data in paragraph (f) of this category include software and associated databases that can be used to simulate trainers, battle management, test scenarios/models, and weapons effects. In any instance when the military training transferred to a foreign person does not use articles controlled by the U.S. Munitions List, the training may nevertheless be a defense service that requires authorization in accordance with this subchapter. See e.g., § 120.9 and § 124.1 of this subchapter for additional information on military training.
(a) Protective personnel equipment specifically designed, developed, configured, adapted, modified, or equipped for military applications. This includes but is not limited to:
(1) Body armor;
(2) Clothing to protect against or reduce detection by radar, infrared (IR) or other
(3) Anti-Gravity suits (G-suits);
(4) Pressure suits capable of operating at altitudes above 55,000 feet sea level;
(5) Atmosphere diving suits designed, developed, modified, configured, or adapted for use in rescue operations involving submarines controlled by this subchapter;
(6) Helmets specially designed, developed, modified, configured, or adapted to be compatible with military communication hardware or optical sights or slewing devices;
(7) Goggles, glasses, or visors designed to protect against lasers or thermal flashes discharged by an article subject to this subchapter.
(b) Permanent or transportable shelters specifically designed and modified to protect against the effect of articles covered by this subchapter as follows:
(1) Ballistic shock or impact;
(2) Nuclear, biological, or chemical contamination.
(c) Tooling and equipment specifically designed or modified for the production of articles controlled by this category.
(d) Components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment specifically designed, modified, configured, or adapted for use with the articles in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this category.
(e) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this category.
(f) The following interpretations explain and amplify the terms used in this category and throughout this subchapter: (1) The body armor covered by this category does not include Type 1, Type 2, Type 2a, or Type 3a as defined by the National Institute of Justice Classification;
(2) The articles in this category include any end item, components, accessory, attachment, part, firmware, software or system that has been designed or manufactured using technical data and defense services controlled by this category;
(3) Pressure suits in paragraph (a) (4) of this category include full and partial suits used to simulate normal atmospheric pressure conditions at high altitude.
(a) Electronic equipment not included in Category XII of the U.S. Munitions List which is specifically designed, modified or configured for military application. This equipment includes but is not limited to:
* (1) Underwater sound equipment to include active and passive detection, identification, tracking, and weapons control equipment.
* (2) Underwater acoustic active and passive countermeasures and counter-countermeasures.
(3) Radar systems, with capabilities such as:
* (i) Search,
* (ii) Acquisition,
* (iii) Tracking,
* (iv) Moving target indication,
* (v) Imaging radar systems,
(vi) Any ground air traffic control radar which is specifically designed or modified for military application.
* (4) Electronic combat equipment, such as:
(i) Active and passive countermeasures,
(ii) Active and passive counter-countermeasures, and
(iii) Radios (including transceivers) specifically designed or modified to interfere with other communication devices or transmissions.
* (5) Command, control and communications systems to include radios (transceivers), navigation, and identification equipment.
(6) Computers specifically designed or developed for military application and any computer specifically modified for use with any defense article in any category of the U.S. Munitions List.
(7) Any experimental or developmental electronic equipment specifically designed or modified for military application or specifically designed or modified for use with a military system.
* (b) Electronic systems or equipment specifically designed, modified, or configured for intelligence, security, or military purposes for use in search, reconnaissance, collection, monitoring, direction-finding, display, analysis and production of information from the electromagnetic spectrum and electronic systems or equipment designed or modified to counteract electronic surveillance or monitoring. A system meeting this definition is controlled under this subchapter even in instances where any individual pieces of equipment constituting the system may be subject to the controls of another U.S. Government agency. Such systems or equipment described above include, but are not limited to, those:
(1) Designed or modified to use cryptographic techniques to generate the spreading code for spread spectrum or hopping code for frequency agility. This does not include fixed code techniques for spread spectrum.
(2) Designed or modified using burst techniques (e.g., time compression techniques) for intelligence, security or military purposes.
(3) Designed or modified for the purpose of information security to suppress the compromising emanations of information-bearing signals. This covers TEMPEST suppression
(c) Components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment specifically designed or modified for use with the equipment in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this category, except for such items as are in normal commercial use.
(d) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this category. (See § 125.4 for exemptions.) Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated as SME.
* (a) Fire control systems; gun and missile tracking and guidance systems; gun range, position, height finders, spotting instruments and laying equipment; aiming devices (electronic, optic, and acoustic); bomb sights, bombing computers, military television sighting and viewing units, and periscopes for the articles of this section.
* (b) Lasers specifically designed, modified or configured for military application including those used in military communication devices, target designators and range finders, target detection systems, and directed energy weapons.
* (c) Infrared focal plane array detectors specifically designed, modified, or configured for military use; image intensification and other night sighting equipment or systems specifically designed, modified or configured for military use; second generation and above military image intensification tubes (defined below) specifically designed, developed, modified, or configured for military use, and infrared, visible and ultraviolet devices specifically designed, developed, modified, or configured for military application. Military second and third generation image intensification tubes and military infrared focal plane arrays identified in this subparagraph are licensed by the Department of Commerce (ECCN 6A002A and 6A003A)) when part of a commercial system (
* (d) Inertial platforms and sensors for weapons or weapon systems; guidance, control and stabilization systems except for those systems covered in Category VIII; astro-compasses and star trackers and military accelerometers and gyros. For aircraft inertial reference systems and related components refer to Category VIII.
(e) Components, parts, accessories, attachments and associated equipment specifically designed or modified for the articles in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this category, except for such items as are in normal commercial use.
(f) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this category. (See § 125.4 for exemptions.) Technical data directly related to manufacture and production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated as SME.
(a) Cameras and specialized processing equipment therefor, photointerpretation, stereoscopic plotting, and photogrammetry equipment which are specifically designed, developed, modified, adapted, or configured for military purposes, and components specifically designed or modified therefor;
(b) Military Information Security Assurance Systems and equipment, cryptographic devices, software, and components specifically designed, developed, modified, adapted, or configured for military applications (including command, control and intelligence applications). This includes: (1) Military cryptographic (including key management) systems, equipment assemblies, modules, integrated circuits, components or software with the capability of maintaining secrecy or confidentiality of information or information systems, including equipment and software for tracking, telemetry and control (TT&C) encryption and decryption;
(2) Military cryptographic (including key management) systems, equipment, assemblies, modules, integrated circuits, components of software which have the capability of generating spreading or hopping codes for spread spectrum systems or equipment;
(3) Military cryptanalytic systems, equipment, assemblies, modules, integrated circuits, components or software;
(4) Military systems, equipment, assemblies, modules, integrated circuits, components or software providing certified or certifiable multi-level security or user isolation exceeding Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL)
(5) Ancillary equipment specifically designed, developed, modified, adapted, or configured for the articles in paragraphs (b)(1), (2), (3), and (4) of this category.
(c) Self-contained diving and underwater breathing apparatus as follows:
(1) Closed and semi-closed (rebreathing) apparatus;
(2) Specially designed components and parts for use in the conversion of open-circuit apparatus to military use; and,
(3) Articles exclusively designed for military use with self-contained diving and underwater swimming apparatus.
(d) Carbon/carbon billets and preforms not elsewhere controlled by this subchapter (e.g., Category IV) which are reinforced with continuous unidirectional tows, tapes, or woven cloths in three or more dimensional planes (e.g., 3D, 4D) specifically designed, developed, modified, configured or adapted for defense articles.
(e) Armor (e.g., organic, ceramic, metallic), and reactive armor and components, parts and accessories not elsewhere controlled by this subchapter which have been specifically designed, developed, modified, configured or adapted for a military application.
(f) Structural materials, including carbon/carbon and metal matrix composites, plate, forgings, castings, welding consumables and rolled and extruded shapes that have been specifically designed, developed, configured, modified or adapted for defense articles.
(g) Concealment and deception equipment specifically designed, developed, modified, configured or adapted for military application, including but not limited to special paints, decoys, smoke or obscuration equipment and simulators and components, parts and accessories specifically designed, developed, modified, configured or adapted therefor.
(h) Energy conversion devices for producing electrical energy from nuclear, thermal, or solar energy, or from chemical reaction that are specifically designed, developed, modified, configured or adapted for military application.
(i) Metal embrittling agents.
* (j) Hardware and equipment, which has been specifically designed or modified for military applications, that is associated with the measurement or modification of system signatures for detection of defense articles. This includes but is not limited to signature measurement equipment; reduction techniques and codes; signature materials and treatments; and signature control design methodology.
(k) Tooling and equipment specifically designed or modified for the production of articles controlled by this category.
(l) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter), and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (k) of this category. (See also, § 123.20 of this subchapter.) Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designed SME.
(m) The following interpretations explain and amplify terms used in this category and elsewhere in this subchapter:
(1) Paragraph (d) of this category does not control carbon/carbon billets and preforms where reinforcement in the third dimension is limited to interlocking of adjacent layers only, and carbon/carbon 3D, 4D, etc. end items that have not been specifically designed or modified for military applications (e.g., brakes for commercial aircraft or high speed trains);
(2) Metal embrittlement agents in paragraph (i) of this category are non-lethal weapon substances that alter the crystal structure of metals within a short time span. Metal embrittling agents severely weaken metals by chemically changing their molecular structure. These agents are compounded in various substances to include adhesives, liquids, aerosols, foams and lubricants.
* (a) Chemical agents, to include:
(1) Nerve agents:
(i) O-Alkyl (equal to or less than C
(ii) O-Alkyl (equal to or less than C
(iii) O-Alkyl (H or equal to or less than C
(2) Amiton: O,O-Diethyl S-[2(diethylamino)ethyl] phosphorothiolate and corresponding alkylated or protonated salts (CAS 78-53-5) (CWC Schedule 2A);
(3) Vesicant agents:
(i) Sulfur mustards, such as: 2-Chloroethylchloromethylsulfide (CAS 2625-76-5) (CWC Schedule 1A); Bis(2-chloroethyl)sulfide (CAS 505-60-2) (CWC Schedule 1A); Bis(2-chloroethylthio)methane (CAS 63839-13-6) (CWC Schedule 1A); 1,2-bis (2-chloroethylthio)ethane (CAS 3563-36-8) (CWC Schedule 1A); 1,3-bis (2-chloroethylthio)-n-propane (CAS 63905-10-2) (CWC Schedule 1A); 1,4-bis (2-chloroethylthio)-n-butane (CWC Schedule 1A); 1,5-bis (2-chloroethylthio)-n-pentane (CWC Schedule 1A); Bis (2-chloroethylthiomethyl)ether (CWC Schedule 1A); Bis (2-chloroethylthioethyl)ether (CAS 63918-89-8) (CWC Schedule 1A);
(ii) Lewisites, such as: 2-chlorovinyldichloroarsine (CAS 541-25-3) (CWC Schedule 1A); Tris (2-chlorovinyl) arsine (CAS 40334-70-1) (CWC Schedule 1A); Bis (2-chlorovinyl) chloroarsine (CAS 40334-69-8) (CWC Schedule 1A);
(iii) Nitrogen mustards, such as: HN1: bis (2-chloroethyl) ethylamine (CAS 538-07-8) (CWC Schedule 1A); HN2: bis (2-chloroethyl) methylamine (CAS 51-75-2) (CWC Schedule 1A); HN3: tris (2-chloroethyl)amine (CAS 555-77-1) (CWC Schedule 1A);
(iv) Ethyldichloroarsine (ED);
(v) Methyldichloroarsine (MD);
(4) Incapacitating agents, such as:
(i) 3-Quinuclindinyl benzilate (BZ) (CAS 6581-06-2) (CWC Schedule 2A);
(ii) Diphenylchloroarsine (DA) (CAS 712-48-1);
(iii) Diphenylcyanoarsine (DC);
* (b) Biological agents and biologically derived substances specifically developed, configured, adapted, or modified for the purpose of increasing their capability to produce casualties in humans or livestock, degrade equipment or damage crops.
* (c) Chemical agent binary precursors and key precursors, as follows:
(1) Alkyl (Methyl, Ethyl, n-Propyl or Isopropyl) phosphonyl diflourides, such as: DF: Methyl Phosphonyldifluoride (CAS 676-99-3) (CWC Schedule 1B); Methylphosphinyldiflouride;
(2) O-Alkyl (H or equal to or less than C
(3) Chlorosarin: O-Isopropyl methylphosphonochloridate (CAS 1445-76-7) (CWC Schedule 1B);
(4) Chlorosoman: O-Pinakolyl methylphosphonochloridate (CAS 7040-57-5) (CWC Schedule 1B);
(5) DC: Methlyphosphonyl dichloride (CAS 676-97-1) (CWC Schedule 2B); Methylphosphinyldichloride;
(d) Tear gases and riot control agents including:
(1) Adamsite (Diphenylamine chloroarsine or DM) (CAS 578-94-9);
(2) CA (Bromobenzyl cyanide) (CAS 5798-79-8);
(3) CN (Phenylacyl chloride or w-Chloroacetophenone) (CAS 532-27-4);
(4) CR (Dibenz-(b,f)-1,4-oxazephine) (CAS 257-07-8);
(5) CS (o-Chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile or o-Chlorobenzalmalononitrile) (CAS 2698-41-1);
(6) Dibromodimethyl ether (CAS 4497-29-4);
(7) Dichlorodimethyl ether (ClCi) (CAS 542-88-1);
(8) Ethyldibromoarsine (CAS 683-43-2);
(9) Bromo acetone;
(10) Bromo methylethylketone;
(11) Iodo acetone;
(12) Phenylcarbylamine chloride;
(13) Ethyl iodoacetate;
(e) Defoliants, as follows:
(1) Agent Orange (2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid mixed with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid);
(2) LNF (Butyl 2-chloro-4-fluorophenoxyacetate)
* (f) Equipment and its components, parts, accessories, and attachments specifically designed or modified for military operations and compatibility with military equipment as follows:
(1) The dissemination, dispersion or testing of the chemical agents, biological agents, tear gases and riot control agents, and defoliants listed in paragraphs (a), (b), (d), and (e), respectively, of this category;
(2) The detection, identification, warning or monitoring of the chemical agents and biological agents listed in paragraph (a) and (b) of this category;
(3) Sample collection and processing of the chemical agents and biological agents listed in paragraph (a) and (b) of this category;
(4) Individual protection against the chemical and biological agents listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this category.
(5) Collective protection against the chemical agents and biological agents listed in paragraph (a) and (b) of this category.
(6) Decontamination or remediation of the chemical agents and biological agents listed in paragraph (a) and (b) of this category.
(g) Antibodies, polynucleoides, biopolymers or biocatalysts specifically designed or modified for use with articles controlled in paragraph (f) of this category.
(h) Medical countermeasures, to include pre- and post-treatments, vaccines, antidotes and medical diagnostics, specifically designed or modified for use with the chemical agents listed in paragraph (a) of this category and vaccines with the sole purpose of
(i) Modeling or simulation tools specifically designed or modified for chemical or biological weapons design, development or employment. The concept of modeling and simulation includes software covered by paragraph (m) of this category specifically designed to reveal susceptibility or vulnerability to biological agents or materials listed in paragraph (b) of this category.
(j) Test facilities specifically designed or modified for the certification and qualification of articles controlled in paragraph (f) of this category.
(k) Equipment, components, parts, accessories, and attachments, exclusive of incinerators (including those which have specially designed waste supply systems and special handling facilities), specifically designed or modified for destruction of the chemical agents in paragraph (a) or the biological agents in paragraph (b) of this category. This destruction equipment includes facilities specifically designed or modified for destruction operations.
(l) Tooling and equipment specifically designed or modified for the production of articles controlled by paragraph (f) of this category.
(m) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (l) of this category. (See § 125.4 of this subchapter for exemptions.) Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this Category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated as SME.
(n) The following interpretations explain and amplify the terms used in this category and elsewhere in this subchapter.
(1) A chemical agent in category XIV(a) is a substance having military application, which by its ordinary and direct chemical action, produces a powerful physiological effect.
(2) The biological agents or biologically derived substances in paragraph (b) of this category are those agents and substances capable of producing casualties in humans or livestock, degrading equipment or damaging crops and which have been modified for the specific purpose of increasing such effects. Examples of such modifications include increasing resistance to UV radiation or improving dissemination characteristics. This does not include modifications made only for civil applications (e.g., medical or environmental use).
(3) The destruction equipment controlled by this category related to biological agents in paragraph (b) is that equipment specifically designed to destroy only the agents identified in paragraph (b) of this category.
(4)(i) The individual protection against the chemical and biological agents controlled by this category includes military protective clothing and masks, but not those items designed for domestic preparedness (e.g., civil defense). Domestic preparedness devices for individual protection that integrate components and parts identified in this subparagraph are licensed by the Department of Commerce when such components are:
(A) Integral to the device;
(B) inseparable from the device; and,
(C) incapable of replacement without compromising the effectiveness of the device.
(ii) Components and parts identified in this subparagraph exported for integration into domestic preparedness devices for individual protection are subject to the controls of the ITAR;
(5) Technical data and defense services in paragraph (l) include libraries, databases and algorithms specifically designed or modified for use with articles controlled in paragraph (f) of this category.
(6) The tooling and equipment covered by paragraph (l) of this category includes molds used to produce protective masks, over-boots, and gloves controlled by paragraph (f) and leak detection equipment specifically designed to test filters controlled by paragraph (f) of this category.
(7) The resulting product of the combination of any controlled or non-controlled substance compounded or mixed with any item controlled by this subchapter is also subject to the controls of this category.
This Category does not control formulations containing 1% or less CN or CS or individually packaged tear gases or riot control agents for personal self-defense purposes.
Categories XIV(a) and (d) do not include the following:
(1) Cyanogen chloride;
(2) Hydrocyanic acid;
(3) Chlorine;
(4) Carbonyl chloride (Phosgene);
(5) Ethyl bromoacetate;
(6) Xylyl bromide;
(7) Benzyl bromide;
(8) Benzyl iodide;
(9) Chloro acetone;
(10) Chloropicrin (trichloronitromethane);
(11) Fluorine;
(12) Liquid pepper.
Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry numbers do not cover all the substances and mixtures controlled by this category. The numbers are provided as examples
With respect to U.S. obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), refer to Chemical Weapons Convention Regulations (CWCR) (15 CFR parts 710 through 722). As appropriate, the CWC schedule is provided to assist the exporter.
* (a) Spacecraft, including communications satellites, remote sensing satellites, scientific satellites, research satellites, navigation satellites, experimental and multi-mission satellites.
Commercial communications satellites, scientific satellites, research satellites and experimental satellites are designated as SME only when the equipment is intended for use by the armed forces of any foreign country.
(b) Ground control stations for telemetry, tracking and control of spacecraft or satellites, or employing any of the cryptographic items controlled under category XIII of this subchapter.
(c) Global Positioning System (GPS) receiving equipment specifically designed, modified or configured for military use; or GPS receiving equipment with any of the following characteristics:
(1) Designed for encryption or decryption (e.g., Y-Code) of GPS precise positioning service (PPS) signals;
(2) Designed for producing navigation results above 60,000 feet altitude and at 1,000 knots velocity or greater;
(3) Specifically designed or modified for use with a null steering antenna or including a null steering antenna designed to reduce or avoid jamming signals;
(4) Designed or modified for use with unmanned air vehicle systems capable of delivering at least a 500 kg payload to a range of at least 300 km.
GPS receivers designed or modified for use with military unmanned air vehicle systems with less capability are considered to be specifically designed, modified or configured for military use and therefore covered under this paragraph (d)(4).)
Any GPS equipment not meeting this definition is subject to the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce (DOC). Manufacturers or exporters of equipment under DOC jurisdiction are advised that the U.S. Government does not assure the availability of the GPS P-Code for civil navigation. It is the policy of the Department of Defense (DOD) that GPS receivers using P-Code without clarification as to whether or not those receivers were designed or modified to use Y-Code will be presumed to be Y-Code capable and covered under this paragraph. The DOD policy further requires that a notice be attached to all P-Code receivers presented for export. The notice must state the following: “ADVISORY NOTICE: This receiver uses the GPS P-Code signal, which by U.S. policy, may be switched off without notice.”
(d) Radiation-hardened microelectronic circuits that meet or exceed all five of the following characteristics:
(1) A total dose of 5×10
(2) A dose rate upset threshold of 5×10
(3) A neutron dose of 1×10
(4) A single event upset rate of 1×10
(5) Single event latch-up free and having a dose rate latch-up threshold of 5×10
(e) All specifically designed or modified systems or subsystems, components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment for the articles in this category, including the articles identified in section 1516 of Public Law 105-261: satellite fuel, ground support equipment, test equipment, payload adapter or interface hardware, replacement parts, and non-embedded solid propellant orbit transfer engines (see also Categories IV and V in this section).
This coverage by the U.S. Munitions List does not include the following unless specifically designed or modified for military application (see § 120.3 of this subchapter): (For controls on these items see the Export Administration Regulations, Commerce Control List (15 CFR Parts 730 through 799).)
(1) Space qualified travelling wave tubes (also known as helix tubes or TWTs), microwave solid state amplifiers, microwave assemblies, and travelling wave tube amplifiers operating at frequencies equal to or less than 31GHz.
(2) Space qualified photovoltaic arrays having silicon cells or having single, dual, triple junction solar cells that have gallium arsenide as one of the junctions.
(3) Space qualified tape recorders.
(4) Atomic frequency standards that are not space qualified.
(5) Space qualified data recorders.
(6) Space qualified telecommunications systems, equipment and components not designed or modified for satellite uses.
(7) Technology required for the development or production of telecommunications equipment specifically designed for non-satellite uses.
(8) Space qualified focal plane arrays having more than 2048 elements per array and having a peak response in the wavelength range exceeding 300nm but not exceeding 900nm.
(9) Space qualified laser radar or Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) equipment.
(f) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this category, as well as detailed design, development, manufacturing or production data for all spacecraft and specifically designed or modified components for all spacecraft systems. This paragraph includes all technical data, without exception, for all launch support activities (e.g., technical data provided to the launch provider on form, fit, function, mass, electrical, mechanical, dynamic, environmental, telemetry, safety, facility, launch pad access, and launch parameters, as well as interfaces for mating and parameters for launch.) (See § 124.1 for the requirements for technical assistance agreements before defense services may be furnished even when all the information relied upon by the U.S. person in performing the defense service is in the public domain or is otherwise exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter.) Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any article enumerated elsewhere in this category that is designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME. Further, technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of all spacecraft, notwithstanding the nature of the intended end use (e.g., even where the hardware is not SME), is designated SME.
The special export controls contained in § 124.15 of this subchapter are always required before a U.S. person may participate in a launch failure investigation or analysis and before the export of any article or defense service in this category for launch in, or by nationals of, a country that is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or a major non-NATO ally of the United States. Such special export controls also may be imposed with respect to any destination as deemed appropriate in furtherance of the security and foreign policy of the United States.
* (a) Any article, material, equipment, or device which is specifically designed or modified for use in the design, development, or fabrication of nuclear weapons or nuclear explosive devices. (See § 123.20 of this subchapter and Department of Commerce Export Administration Regulations, 15 CFR 742.3 and 744.2).
* (b) Any article, material, equipment, or device which is specifically designed or modified for use in the devising, carrying out, or evaluating of nuclear weapons tests or any other nuclear explosions (including for modeling or simulating the employment of nuclear weapons or the integrated operational use of nuclear weapons), except such items as are in normal commercial use for other purposes.
* (c) Nuclear radiation detection and measurement devices specifically designed or modified for military applications.
(d) All specifically designed or modified components and parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment for the articles in this category.
(e) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter), and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this category. (See also, § 123.20 of this subchapter.) Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
(a) All articles, technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) relating thereto which are classified in the interests of national security and which are not otherwise enumerated in the U.S. Munitions List.
* (a) Directed energy weapon systems specifically designed or modified for military applications (e.g., destruction, degradation or rendering mission-abort of a target). These include, but are not limited to:
(1) Laser systems, including continuous wave or pulsed laser systems, specifically designed or modified to cause blindness;
(2) Lasers of sufficient continuous wave or pulsed power to effect destruction similar to the manner of conventional ammunition;
(3) Particle beam systems;
(4) Particle accelerators that project a charged or neutral particle beam with destructive power;
(5) High power radio-frequency (RF) systems;
(6) High pulsed power or high average power radio frequency beam transmitters that produce fields sufficiently intense to disable electronic circuitry at distant targets;
(7) Prime power generation, energy storage, switching, power conditioning, thermal management or fuel-handling equipment;
(8) Target acquisition or tracking systems;
(9) Systems capable or assessing target damage, destruction or mission-abort;
(10) Beam-handling, propagation or pointing equipment;
(11) Equipment with rapid beam slew capability for rapid multiple target operations;
(12) Negative ion beam funneling equipment; and,
(13) Equipment for controlling and slewing a high-energy ion beam.
* (b) Equipment specifically designed or modified for the detection or identification of, or defense against, articles controlled in paragraph (a) of this category.
(c) Tooling and equipment specifically designed or modified for the production of defense articles controlled by this category.
(d) Test and evaluation equipment and test models specifically designed or modified for the defense articles controlled by this category. This includes, but is not limited to, diagnostic instrumentation and physical test models.
(e) Components, parts, accessories, attachments and associated equipment specifically designed or modified for the articles in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this category.
(f) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this category. Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated in this category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated SME.
(g) The following interpretations explain and amplify terms used in this category and elsewhere in this subchapter:
(1) The components, parts, accessories, attachments and associated equipment include, but are not limited to adaptive optics and phase conjugators components, space-qualified accelerator components, targets and specifically designed target diagnostics, current injectors for negative hydrogen ion beams, and space-qualified foils for neutralizing negative hydrogen isotope beams.
(2) The particle beam systems in paragraph (a)(3) of this category include devices embodying particle beam and electromagnetic pulse technology and associated components and subassemblies (e.g., ion beam current injectors, particle accelerators for neutral or charged particles, beam handling and projection equipment, beam steering, fire control, and pointing equipment, test and diagnostic instruments, and targets) which are specifically designed or modified for directed energy weapon applications.
(3) The articles controlled in this category include any end item, component, accessory, attachment, part, firmware, software or system that has been designed or manufactured using technical data and defense services controlled by this category.
(4) The articles specifically designed or modified for military application controlled in this category include any articles specifically developed, configured, or adapted for military application.
* (a) Submersible vessels, manned or unmanned, tethered or untethered, designed or modified for military purposes, or powered by nuclear propulsion plants.
* (b) Swimmer delivery vehicles designed or modified for military purposes.
(c) Equipment, components, parts, accessories, and attachments specifically designed or modified for any of the articles in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this category.
(d) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this category. (See § 125.4 of this subchapter for exemptions.) Technical data directly related to the manufacture or production of any defense articles enumerated elsewhere in this Category that are designated as Significant Military Equipment (SME) shall itself be designated as SME.
(a) Any article not specifically enumerated in the other categories of the U.S. Munitions List which has substantial military applicability and which has been specifically designed, developed, configured, adapted, or modified for military purposes. The decision on whether any article may be included in this category shall be made by the Director, Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy.
(b) Technical data (as defined in § 120.10 of this subchapter) and defense services (as defined in § 120.9 of this subchapter) directly related to the defense articles enumerated in paragraph (a) of this category.
For
The following interpretations (listed alphabetically) explain and amplify the terms used in § 121.1. These interpretations have the same force as if they were a part of the U.S. Munitions List (USML) category to which they refer. In addition, all the items listed in § 121.16 shall constitute all items on the
In Category VIII,
(a) Cargo aircraft bearing “C” designations and numbered C-45 through C-118 inclusive, C-121 through C-125 inclusive, and C-131, using reciprocating engines only.
(b) Trainer aircraft bearing “T” designations and using reciprocating engines or turboprop engines with less than 600 horsepower (s.h.p.)
(c) Utility aircraft bearing “U” designations and using reciprocating engines only.
(d) All liaison aircraft bearing an “L” designation.
(e) All observation aircraft bearing “O” designations and using reciprocating engines.
Category IV includes but is not limited to the following: Fuzes and components specifically designed, modified or configured for items listed in that category, bomb racks and shackles, bomb shackle release units, bomb ejectors, torpedo tubes, torpedo and guided missile boosters, guidance systems equipment and parts, launching racks and projectors, pistols (exploders), ignitors, fuze arming devices, intervalometers, thermal batteries, hardened missile launching facilities, guided missile launchers and specialized handling equipment, including transporters, cranes and lifts designed to handle articles in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this category for preparation and launch from fixed and mobile sites. The equipment in this category includes robots, robot controllers and robot end-effectors specially designed or modified for military applications.
(a) An
(b) A
(c)
(d) A
(e) Firmware and any related unique support tools (such as computers, linkers, editors, test case generators, diagnostic checkers, library of functions and system test diagnostics) specifically designed for equipment or systems covered under any category of the U.S. Munitions List are considered as part of the end-item or component.
(f)
(g) A
Articles on the U.S. Munitions List include articles in a partially completed state (such as forgings, castings, extrusions and machined bodies) which have reached a stage in manufacture where they are clearly identifiable as defense articles. If the end-item is an article on the U.S. Munitions List (including components, accessories, attachments and parts as defined in § 121.8), then the particular forging, casting, extrusion, machined body, etc., is considered a defense article subject to the controls of this subchapter, except for such items as are in normal commercial use.
Military demolition blocks and blasting caps referred to in Category IV(a) do not include the following articles:
(a) Electric squibs.
(b) No. 6 and No. 8 blasting caps, including electric ones.
(c) Delay electric blasting caps (including No. 6 and No. 8 millisecond ones).
(d) Seismograph electric blasting caps (including SSS, Static-Master, Vibrocap SR, and SEISMO SR).
(e) Oil well perforating devices.
Vessels of war means vessels, waterborne or submersible, designed, modified or equipped for military purposes, including vessels described as developmental, “demilitarized” or decommissioned. Vessels of war in Category VI, whether developmental, “demilitarized” and/or decommissioned or not, include, but are not limited to, the following:
(a) Combatant vessels: (1) Warships (including nuclear-powered versions):
(i) Aircraft carriers.
(ii) Battleships.
(iii) Cruisers.
(iv) Destroyers.
(v) Frigates.
(vi) Submarines.
(2) Other Combatants:
(i) Patrol Combatants (e.g., including but not limited to PHM).
(ii) Amphibious Aircraft/Landing Craft Carriers.
(iii) Amphibious Materiel/Landing Craft Carriers.
(iv) Amphibious Command Ships.
(v) Mine Warfare Ships.
(vi) Coast Guard Cutters (e.g., including but not limited to: WHEC, WMEC).
(b) Combatant Craft: (1) Patrol Craft (patrol craft described in § 121.1, Category VI, paragraph (b) are considered non-combatant):
(i) Coastal Patrol Combatants.
(ii) River, Roadstead Craft (including swimmer delivery craft).
(iii) Coast Guard Patrol Craft (e.g., including but not limited to WPB).
(2) Amphibious Warfare Craft:
(i) Landing Craft (e.g., including but not limited to LCAC).
(ii) Special Warfare Craft (e.g., including but not limited to: LSSC, MSSC, SDV, SWCL, SWCM).
(3) Mine Warfare Craft and Mine Countermeasures Craft (e.g., including but not limited to: MCT, MSB).
(c) Non-Combatant Auxiliary Vessels and Support Ships:
(1) Combat Logistics Support:
(i) Underway Replenishment Ships.
(ii) Surface Vessel and Submarine Tender/Repair Ships.
(2) Support Ships:
(i) Submarine Rescue Ships.
(ii) Other Auxiliaries (e.g., including but not limited to: AGDS, AGF, AGM, AGOR, AGOS, AH, AP, ARL, AVB, AVM, AVT).
(d) Non-Combatant Support, Service and Miscellaneous Vessels (e.g., including but not limited to: DSRV, DSV, NR, YRR).
Some of the items on the Missile Technology Control Regime Annex are controlled by both the Department of Commerce on the Commodity Control List and by the Department of State on the United States Munitions List. To the extent an article is on the United States Munitions List, a reference appears in parentheses listing the U.S. Munitions List category in which it appears. The following items constitute all items on the Missile Technology Control Regime Annex which are covered by the U.S. Munitions List:
Complete rocket systems (including ballistic missile systems, space launch vehicles, and sounding rockets (see § 121.1, Cat. IV(a) and (b))) and unmanned air vehicle systems (including cruise missile systems, see § 121.1, Cat. VIII (a), target drones and reconnaissance drones (see § 121.1, Cat. VIII (a))) capable of delivering at least a 500 kg payload to a range of at least 300 km.
Complete subsystems usable in the systems in Item 1 as follows:
(a) Individual rocket stages (see § 121.1, Cat. IV(h));
(b) Reentry vehicles (see § 121.1, Cat. IV(g)), and equipment designed or modified therefor, as follows, except as provided in Note (1) below for those designed for non-weapon payloads;
(1) Heat shields and components thereof fabricated of ceramic or ablative materials (see § 121.1, Cat. IV(f));
(2) Heat sinks and components thereof fabricated of light-weight, high heat capacity materials;
(3) Electronic equipment specially designed for reentry vehicles (see § 121.1, Cat. XI(a)(7));
(c) Solid or liquid propellant rocket engines, having a total impulse capacity of 1.1×10 N-sec (2.5×10 lb-sec) or greater (see § 121.1, Cat. IV, (h)).
(d) “Guidance sets” capable of achieving system accuracy of 3.33 percent or less of the range (e.g., a CEP of 1 j,. or less at a range of 300 km), except as provided in Note (1) below for those designed for missiles with a range under 300 km or manned aircraft (see § 121.1, Cat. XII(d));
(e) Thrust vector control sub-systems, except as provided in Note (1) below for those designed for rocket systems that do not exceed the range/payload capability of Item 1 (see § 121.1, Cat. IV);
(f) Warhead safing, arming, fuzing, and firing mechanisms, except as provided in Note (1) below for those designed for systems other than those in Item 1 (see § 121.1, Cat. IV(h)).
(1) The exceptions in (b), (d), (e), and (f) above may be treated as Category II if the subsystem is exported subject to end use statements and quantity limits appropriate for the excepted end use stated above.
(2) CEP (circle of equal probability) is a measure of accuracy, and defined as the radius of the circle centered at the target, at a specific range, in which 50 percent of the payloads impact.
(3) A “guidance set” integrates the process of measuring and computing a vehicle's position and velocity (
(4) Examples of methods of achieving thrust vector control which are covered by (e) include:
(i) Flexible nozzle;
(ii) Fluid or secondary gas injection;
(iii) Movable engine or nozzle; Deflection of exhaust gas stream (jet vanes or probes); or
(v) Use of thrust tabs.
Propulsion components and equipment usable in the systems in Item 1, as follows:
(a) Lightweight turbojet and turbofan engines (including) turbocompound engines) that are small and fuel efficient (see § 121.1, both Cat. IV(h) and VIII(b));
(b) Ramjet/Scramjet/pulse jet/combined cycle engines, including devices to regulate combustion, and specially designed components therefor (see § 121.1, both Cat. IV(h) and Cat. VIII(b));
(c) Rocket motor cases, “interior lining”, “insulation” and nozzles therefor (see § 121.1, Cat. IV(h) and Cat. V(c));
(d) Staging mechanisms, separation mechanisms, and interstages therefor (see § 121.1, Cat. IV(c) and (h));
(e) Liquid and slurry propellant (including oxidizers) control systems, and specially designed components therefor, designed or modified to operate in vibration environments of more than 100 g RMS between 20 Hz and,000 Hz (see § 121.1, Cat. IV(c) and (h));
(f) Hybrid rocket motors and specially designed components therefor (see § 121.1, Cat. IV(h)).
(1) Item 3(a) engines may be exported as part of a manned aircraft or in quantities appropriate for replacement parts for manned aircraft.
(2) In Item 3(C), “interior lining” suited for the bond interface between the solid propellant and the case or insulating liner is usually a liquid polymer based dispersion of refractory or insulating materials, e.g., carbon filled HTPB or other polymer with added curing agents to be sprayed or screeded over a case interior (see § 121.1, Cat. V(c)).
(3) In Item 3(c), “insulation” intended to be applied to the components of a rocket motor,
(4) The only servo valves and pumps covered in (e) above, are the following:
(i) Servo valves designed for flow rates of 24 liters per minute or greater, at an absolute pressure of 7,000 kPa (1,000 psi) or greater, that have an actuator response time of less than 100 msec;
(ii) Pumps, for liquid propellants, with shaft speeds equal to or greater than 8,000 RPM or with discharge pressures equal to or greater than 7,000 kPa (1,000 psi).
(5) Item 3(e) systems and components may be exports as part of a satellite.
Propellants and constituent chemicals for propellants as follows:
(a) Propulsive substances:
(1) Hydrazine with a concentration of more than 70 percent and its derivatives including monomethylhydrazine (MMH);
(2) Unsymmetric dimethylhydrazine (UDHM);
(3) Ammonium perchlorate;
(4) Sphercical aluminum powder with particle of uniform diameter of less than 500 × 10
(5) Metal fuels in particle sizes less than 500 × 10
(6) Nitroamines (cyclotetramethylenetetranitramene (HMX), cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine (RDX);
(7) Percholrates, chlorates or chromates mixed with powdered metals or other high energy fuel components;
(8) Carboranes, decaboranes, pentaboranes and derivatives thereof;
(9) Liquid oxidizers, as follows:
(i) Nitrogen dioxide/dinitrogen tetroxide;
(ii) Inhibited Red Fuming Nitric Acid (IRFNA);
(iii) Compounds composed of fluorine and one or more of other halogens, oxygen or nitrogen.
(b) Polymeric substances:
(1) Hydroxyterminated polybutadiene (HTPB);
(2) Glycidylazide polymer (GAP).
(c) Other high energy density propellants such a Boron Slurry having an energy density of 40 × 10 joules/kg or greater.
(d) Other propellants additives and agents:
(1) Bonding agents as follows:
(i) Tris (1(2methyl)aziridinyl phosphine oxide (MAPO);
(ii) Trimesol 1(2)ethyl)aziridine (HX868, BITA);
(iii) “Tepanol” (HX878), reaction product of tetraethylenepentamine, acrylonitrile and glycidol;
(iv) “Tepan” (HX879), reaction product of tet enepentamine and acrylonitrile;
(v) Polyfunctional aziridene amides with isophthalic, trimesic, isocyanuric, or trimethyladipic backbone also having a 2methyl or 2ethyl aziridine group (HX752, HX872 and HX877).
(2) Curing agents and catalysts as follows:
(i) Triphenyl bismuth (TPB);
(ii) Burning rate modifiers as follows:
(iii) Catocene;
(iv) Nbutylferrocene;
(v) Other ferrocene derivatives.
(3) Nitrate esters and nitrato plasticizers as follows:
(i) 1,2,4butanetriol trinitrate (BTTN).
(4) Stabilizers as follows:
(i) Nmethylpnitroaniline.
Structural materials usable in the systems in Item 1, as follows:
(a) Composite structures, laminates, and manufactures thereof, including resin impregnated fibre prepregs and metal coated fibre preforms therefor, specially designed for use in the systems in Item 1 and the subsystems in Item 2 made either with organix matrix or metal matrix utilizing fibrous or filamentary reinforcements having a specific tensile strength greater than 7.62×10
(b) Resaturated pyrolized (
(c) Fine grain recrystallized bulk graphites (with a bulk density of at least 1.72 g/cc measured at 15 degrees C), pyrolytic, or fibrous reinforced graphites useable for rocket nozzles and reentry vehicle nose tips (see § 121.1, Category IV (f) and Category XIII;
(d) Ceramic composites materials (dielectric constant less than 6 at frequencies from 100 Hz to 10,000 MHz) for use in missile radomes, and bulk machinable silicon-carbide reinforced unfired ceramic useable for nose tips (see § 121.1, Category IV (f));
Instrumentation, navigation and direction finding equipment and systems, and associated production and test equipment as follows; and specially designed components and software therefor:
(a) Integrated flight instrument systems, which include gyrostabilizers or automatic pilots and integration software therefor; designed or modified for use in the systems in Item 1 (See § 121.1, Category XII(d));
(b) Gyro-astro compasses and other devices which derive position or orientation by means of automatically tracking celestial bodies or satellites (see § 121.1, Category XV(d));
(c) Accelerometers with a threshold of 0.05 g or less, or a linearity error within 0.25 percent of full scale output, or both, which are designed for use in inertial navigation systems or in guidance systems of all types (see § 121.1, Category VIII(e) and Category XII (d));
(d) All types of gyros usable in the systems in Item 1, with a rated drift rate stability of less than 0.5 degree (1 sigma or rms) per hour in a 1 q environment (see § 121.1, Category VIII(e) and Category XII(d));
(e) Continuous output accelerometers or gyros of any type, specified to function at acceleration levels greater than 100 g (see § 121.1, Category XII(d));
(f) Inertial or other equipment using accelerometers described by subitems (c) and (e) above, and systems incorporating such equipment, and specially designed integration software therefor (see § 121.1, Category VIII (e) and Category XII(d));
(1) Items (a) through (f) may be exported as part of a manned aircraft or satellite or in quantities appropriate for replacement parts for manned aircraft.
(2) In subitem (d):
(i) Drift rate is defined as the time rate of output deviation from the desired output. It consists of random and systematic components and is expressed as an equivalent angular displacement per unit time with respect to inertial space.
(ii) Stability is defined as standard deviation (1 sigma) of the variation of a particular parameter from its calibrated value measured under stable temperature conditions. This can be expressed as a function of time.
Flight control systems and “technology” as follows; designed or modified for the systems in Item 1.
(a) Hydraulic, mechanical, electro-optical, or electro-mechanical flight control systems (including fly-by-wire systems), (see § 121.1, Category IV (h));
(b) Attitude control equipment, (see § 121.1, Category IV, (c) and (h));
(c) Design technology for integration of air vehicle fuselage, propulsion system and lifting control surfaces to optimize aerodynamic performance throughout the flight regime of an unmanned air vehicle, (see § 121.1, Category VIII (k));
(d) Design technology for integration of the flight control, guidance, and propulsion data into a flight management system for optimization of rocket system trajectory, (see § 121.1, Category IV (i)).
Items (a) and (b) may be exported as part of a manned aircraft or satellite or in quantities appropriate for replacement parts for manned aircraft.
Avionics equipment, “technology” and components as follows; designed or modified for use in the systems in Item 1, and specially designed software therefor:
(a) Radar and laser radar systems, including altimeters (see § 121.1, Category XI(a)(3));
(b) Passive sensors for determining bearings to specific electromagnetic sources (direction finding equipment) or terrain characteristics (see § 121.1, Category XI(b) and (d));
(c) Global Positioning System (GPS) or similar satellite receivers;
(1) Capable of providing navigation information under the following operational conditions:
(i) At speeds in excess of 515 m/sec (1,000 nautical miles/hours); and
(ii) At altitudes in excess of 18 km (60,000 feet), (see § 121.1, Category XV(d)(2); or
(2) Designed or modified for use with unmanned air vehicles covered by Item 1 (see § 121.1, Category XV(d)(4)).
(d) Electronic assemblies and components specifically designed for military use and operation at temperatures in excess of 125 degrees C, (see § 121.1, Category XI(a)(7)).
(e) Design technology for protection of avionics and electrical subsystems against electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) hazards from external sources, as follows, (see § 121.1, Category XI (b)).
(1) Design technology for shielding systems;
(2) Design technology for the configuration of hardened electrical circuits and subsystems;
(3) Determination of hardening criteria for the above.
(1) Item 11 equipment may be exported as part of a manned aircraft or satellite or in quantities appropriate for replacement parts for manned aircraft.
(2) Examples of equipment included in this Item:
(i) Terrain contour mapping equipment;
(ii) Scene mapping and correlation (both digital and analog) equipment;
(iii) Doppler navigation radar equipment;
(iv) Passive interferometer equipment;
(v) Imaging sensor equipment (both active and passive);
(3) In subitem (a), laser radar systems embody specialized transmission, scanning, receiving and signal processing techniques for utilization of lasers for echo ranging, direction finding and discrimination of targets by location, radial speed and body reflection characteristics.
Launch support equipment, facilities and software for the systems in Item 1, as follows:
(a) Apparatus and devices designed or modified for the handling, control, activation and launching of the systems in Item 1, (see § 121.1, Category IV(c));
(b) Vehicles designed or modified for the transport, handling, control, activation and launching of the systems in Item 1, (see § 121.1, Category VII(d));
(c) Telemetering and telecontrol equipment usable for unmanned air vehicles or rocket systems, (see § 121.1, Category XI(a));
(d) Precision tracking systems:
(1) Tracking systems which use a translb nv installed on the rocket system or unmanned air vehicle in conjunction with either surface or airborne references or navigation satellite systems to provide real-time measurements of in-flight position and velocity, (see § 121.1, Category XI(a));
(2) Range instrumentation radars including associated optical/infrared trackers and the specially designed software therefor with all of the following capabilities (see § 121.1, Category XI(a)(3)):
(i) angular resolution better than 3 milli-radians (0.5 mils);
(ii) range of 30 km or greater with a range resolution better than 10 meters RMS;
(iii) velocity resolution better than 3 meters per second.
(3) Software which processes post-flight, recorded data, enabling determination of vehicle position throughout its flight path (see § 121.1, Category IV(i)).
Analog computers, digital computers, or digital differential analyzers designed or modified for use in the systems in Item 1 (see § 121.1, Category XI (a)(6), having either of the following characteristics:
(a) Rated for continuous operation at temperature from below minus 45 degrees C to above plus 55 degrees C; or
(b) Designed as ruggedized or “radiation hardened”.
Item 13 equipment may be exported as part of a manned aircraft or satellite or in quantities appropriate for replacement parts for manned aircraft.
Analog-to-digital converters, usable in the system in Item 1, having either of the following characteristics:
(a) Designed to meet military specifications for ruggedized equipment (see § 121.1, Category XI(d)); or,
(b) Designed or modified for military use (see § 121.1, Category XI(d)); and being one of the following types:
(1) Analog-to-digital converter “microcircuits,” which are “radiation hardened” or have all of the following characteristics:
(i) Having a resolution of 8 bits or more;
(ii) Rated for operation in the temperature range from below minus 54 degrees C to above plus 125 degrees C; and
(iii) Hermetically sealed.
(2) Electrical input type analog-to-digital converter printed circuit boards or modules, with all of the following characteristics:
(i) Having a resolution of 8 bits or more;
(ii) Rated for operation in the temperature range from below minus 45 degrees C to above plus 55 degrees C; and
(iii) Incorporated “microcircuits” listed in (1), above.
Specially designed software, or specially designed software with related specially designed hybrid (combined analog/digital) computers, for modeling, simulation, or design integration of the systems in Item 1 and Item 2 (see § 121.1, Category IV(i) and Category XI(a)(6)).
The modelling includes in particular the aerodynamic and thermodynamic analysis of the system.
Materials, devices, and specially designed software for reduced observables such as radar reflectivity, ultraviolet/infrared signatures on acoustic signatures (
(a) Structural material and coatings specially designed for reduced radar reflectivity;
(b) Coatings, including paints, specially designed for reduced or tailored reflectivity or
(c) Specially designed software or databases for analysis of signature reduction.
(d) Specially designed radar cross section measurement systems (see § 121.1, Category XI(a)(3)).
Devices for use in protecting rocket systems and unmanned air vehicles against nuclear effects (e.g. Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), X-rays, combined blast and thermal effects), and usable for the systems in Item 1, as follows (see § 121.1, Category IV (c) and (h)):
(a) “Radiation Hardened” “microcircuits” and detectors (see § 121.1, Category XI(c)(3) Note: This commodity has been formally proposed for movement to category XV(e)(2) in the near future).
(b) Radomes designed to withstand a combined thermal shock greater than 1000 cal/sq cm accompanied by a peak over pressure of greater than 50 kPa (7 pounds per square inch) (see § 121.1, Category IV(h)).
A detector is defined as a mechanical, electrical, optical or chemical device that automatically identifies and records, or registers a stimulus such as an environmental change in pressure or temperature, an electrical or electromagnetic signal or radiation from a radioactive material. The following pages were removed from the final ITAR for replacement by DDTC's updated version § 6(l) of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2405(l)), as amended. In accordance with this provision, the list of MTCR Annex items shall constitute all items on the U.S. Munitions List in § 121.16.
Secs. 2 and 38, Public Law 90-629, 90 Stat. 744 (22 U.S.C. 2752, 2778); E.O. 11958, 42 FR 4311; 1977 Comp. p. 79, 22 U.S.C. 2651a.
(a) Any person who engages in the United States in the business of either manufacturing or exporting defense articles or furnishing defense services is required to register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. For the purpose of this subchapter, engaging in the business of manufacturing or exporting defense articles or furnishing defense services requires only one occasion of manufacturing or exporting a defense article or furnishing a defense service. Manufacturers who do not engage in exporting must nevertheless register.
(b)
(1) Officers and employees of the United States Government acting in an official capacity.
(2) Persons whose pertinent business activity is confined to the production of unclassified technical data only.
(3) Persons all of whose manufacturing and export activities are licensed under the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended.
(4) Persons who engage only in the fabrication of articles for experimental or scientific purpose, including research and development.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(1) The letter shall state whether the intended registrant, chief executive officer, president, vice-presidents, other senior officers or officials (e.g. comptroller, treasurer, general counsel) or any member of the board of directors:
(i) Has ever been indicted for or convicted of violating any of the U.S. criminal statutes enumerated in § 120.27 of this subchapter; or
(ii) Is ineligible to contract with, or to receive a license or other approval to import defense articles or defense services from, or to receive an export license or other approval from, any agency of the U.S. Government.
(2) The letter shall also declare whether the intended registrant is owned or controlled by foreign persons (as defined in § 120.16 of this subchapter). If the intended registrant is owned or controlled by foreign persons, the letter shall also state whether the intended registrant is incorporated or otherwise authorized to engage in business in the United States.
(c)
(a) A person who is required to register may do so for a period up to 2 years upon submission of a completed Form DS-2032, transmittal letter, and payment of a fee as follows:
(b)
(c)
(a) A registrant must, within five days of the event, notify the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls by registered mail if:
(1) Any of the persons referred to in § 122.2(b) are indicted for or convicted of violating any of the U.S. criminal statutes enumerated in § 120.27 of this subchapter, or become ineligible to contract with, or to receive a license or other approval to export or temporarily import defense articles or defense services from any agency of the U.S. government; or
(2) There is a material change in the information contained in the Statement of Registration, including a change in the senior officers; the establishment, acquisition or divestment of a subsidiary or foreign affiliate; a merger; a change of location; or the dealing in an additional category of defense articles or defense services.
(b) A registrant must notify the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls by
(c) The new entity formed when a registrant merges with another company or acquires, or is acquired by, another company or a subsidiary or division of another company shall advise the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the following:
(1) The new firm name and all previous firm names being disclosed;
(2) The registration number that will survive and those that are to be discontinued (if any);
(3) The license numbers of all approvals on which unshipped balances will be shipped under the surviving registration number, since any license not the subject of notification will be considered invalid; and
(4) Amendments to agreements approved by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls to change the name of a party to those agreements. The registrant must, within 60 days of this notification, provide to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls a signed copy of an amendment to each agreement signed by the new U.S. entity, the former U.S. licensor and the foreign licensee. Any agreements not so amended will be considered invalid.
(d) Prior approval by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is required for any amendment making a substantive change.
(a) A person who is required to register must maintain records concerning the manufacture, acquisition and disposition (to include copies of all documentation on exports using exemptions and applications and licenses and their related documentation), of defense articles; of technical data; the provision of defense services; brokering activities; and information on political contributions, fees, or commissions furnished or obtained, as required by part 130 of this subchapter. Records in an electronic format must be maintained using a process or system capable of reproducing all records on paper. Such records when displayed on a viewer, monitor, or reproduced on paper, must exhibit a high degree of legibility and readability. (For the purpose of this section, “legible” and “legibility” mean the quality of a letter or numeral that enables the observer to identify it positively and quickly to the exclusion of all other letters or numerals. “Readable” and “readability” means the quality of a group of letters or numerals being recognized as complete words or numbers.) This information must be stored in such a manner that none of it may be altered once it is initially recorded without recording all changes, who made them, and when they were made. For processes or systems based on the storage of digital images, the process or system must afford accessibility to all digital images in the records being maintained. All records subject to this section must be maintained for a period of five years from the expiration of the license or other approval, to include exports using an exemption (See § 123.26 of this subchapter); or, from the date of the transaction (e.g., expired licenses or other approvals relevant to the export transaction using an exemption). The Managing Director, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, and the Director of the Office of Defense Trade Controls Licensing, may prescribe a longer or shorter period in individual cases.
(b) Records maintained under this section shall be available at all times for inspection and copying by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls or a person designated by the Directorate
Secs. 2, 38, and 71, Pub. L. 90-629, 90 Stat. 744 (22 U.S.C. 2752, 2778, 2797); 22 U.S.C. 2753; E.O. 11958, 42 FR 4311; 3 CFR, 1977 Comp. p. 79; 22 U.S.C. 2651a; 22 U.S.C. 2776; Pub. L. 105-261, 112 Stat. 1920; Sec 1205(a), Pub. L. 107-228.
(a) Any person who intends to export or to import temporarily a defense article must obtain the approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls prior to the export or temporary import, unless the export or temporary import qualifies for an exemption under the provisions of this subchapter. Applications for export or temporary import must be made as follows:
(1) Applications for licenses for permanent export must be made on Form DSP-5 (unclassified);
(2) Applications for licenses for temporary export must be made on Form DSP-73 (unclassified);
(3) Applications for licenses for temporary import must be made on Form DSP-61 (unclassified); and
(4) Applications for the export or temporary import of classified defense articles or classified technical data must be made on Form DSP-85.
(b) Applications for Department of State export licenses must be confined to proposed exports of defense articles including technical data.
(c) As a condition to the issuance of a license or other approval, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may require all pertinent documentary information regarding the proposed transaction and proper completion of the application form as follows:
(1) Form DSP-5, DSP-61, DSP-73, and DSP-85 applications must have an entry in each block where space is provided for an entry. All requested information must be provided.
(2) Attachments and supporting technical data or brochures should be submitted in seven collated copies. Two copies of any freight forwarder lists
(3) A certification letter signed by an empowered official must accompany all application submissions (see § 126.13 of this subchapter).
(4) An application for a license under this part for the permanent export of defense articles sold commercially must be accompanied by a copy of a purchase order, letter of intent or other appropriate documentation. In cases involving the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, three copies of the relevant Department of Defense Form 1513 are required, unless the procedures of § 126.4(c) or § 126.6 of this subchapter are followed.
(5) Form DSP-83, duly executed, must accompany all license applications for the permanent export of significant military equipment, including classified hardware or classified technical data (see §§ 123.10 and 125.3 of this subchapter).
(6) A statement concerning the payment of political contributions, fees and commissions must accompany a permanent export application if the export involves defense articles or defense services valued in an amount of $500,000 or more and is being sold commercially to or for the use of the armed forces of a foreign country or international organization (see part 130 of this subchapter).
(d) Provisions for furnishing the type of defense services described in § 120.9(a) of this subchapter are contained in part 124 of this subchapter. Provisions for the export or temporary import of technical data and classified defense articles are contained in part 125 of this subchapter.
(e) A request for a license for the export of unclassified technical data (DSP-5) related to a classified defense article should specify any classified technical data or material that subsequently will be required for export in the event of a sale.
The Department of State regulates the temporary import of defense articles. Permanent imports of defense articles into the United States are regulated by the Department of the Justice's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives under the direction of the Attorney General (see 27 CFR parts 447, 478, 479, and 555).
(a) A license (DSP-61) issued by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is required for the temporary import and subsequent export of unclassified defense articles, unless exempted from this requirement pursuant to § 123.4. This requirement applies to:
(1) Temporary imports of unclassified defense articles that are to be returned directly to the country from which they were shipped to the United States;
(2) Temporary imports of unclassified defense articles in transit to a third country;
(b) A bond may be required as appropriate (see part 125 of this subchapter for license requirements for technical data and classified defense articles.)
(a) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the temporary import (and subsequent export) without a license, for a period of up to 4 years, of unclassified U.S.-origin defense items (including any items manufactured abroad pursuant to U.S. Government approval) if the item temporarily imported:
(1) Is serviced (e.g., inspection, testing, calibration or repair, including overhaul, reconditioning and one-to-one replacement of any defective
(2) Is to be enhanced, upgraded or incorporated into another item which has already been authorized by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls for permanent export; or
(3) Is imported for the purpose of exhibition, demonstration or marketing in the United States and is subsequently returned to the country from which it was imported; or
(4) Has been rejected for permanent import by the Department of the Treasury and is being returned to the country from which it was shipped; or
(5) Is approved for such import under the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program pursuant to an executed U.S. Department of Defense Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA).
These Exceptions do not apply to shipments that transit the U.S. to or from Canada (see § 123.19 and § 126.5 of this subchapter for exceptions).
(b) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the temporary import (but not the subsequent export) without a license of unclassified defense articles that are to be incorporated into another article, or modified, enhanced, upgraded, altered, improved or serviced in any other manner that changes the basic performance or productivity of the article prior to being returned to the country from which they were shipped or prior to being shipped to a third country. A DSP-5 is required for the reexport of such unclassified defense articles after incorporation into another article, modification, enhancement, upgrading, alteration or improvement.
(c)
(1) The importer must meet the eligibility requirements set forth in § 120.1(b) of this subchapter;
(2) At the time of export, the ultimate consignee named on the Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) must be the same as the foreign consignee or end-user of record named at the time of import; and
(3) As stated in § 126.1 of this subchapter, the temporary import must not be from or on behalf of a proscribed country listed in that section unless an exception has been granted in accordance with § 126.3 of this subchapter.
(d)
(1) At the time of temporary import—
(i) File and annotate the applicable U.S. Customs and Border Protection document (e.g., Form CF 3461, 7512, 7501, 7523 or 3311) to read: “This shipment is being imported in accordance with and under the authority of 22 CFR 123.4(a) (identify subsection),” and
(ii) Include, on the invoice or other appropriate documentation, a complete list and description of the defense article(s) being imported, including quantity and U.S. dollar value; and
(2) At the time of export, in accordance with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection procedures, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) registered and eligible exporter, or an agent acting on the filer's behalf, must electronically file the export information using the Automated Export System (AES), and identify 22 CFR 123.4 as the authority for the export and provide, as requested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the entry document number or a copy of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection document under which the article was imported.
(a) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may issue a license for the temporary export of unclassified defense articles (DSP-73). Such licenses are valid only if the article will be exported for a period of less than 4 years and will be returned to the United States and transfer of title will not occur during the period of temporary export. Accordingly, articles exported
(b)
(c) Any temporary export license for hardware that is used, regardless of whether the hardware was exported directly to the foreign destination or returned directly from the foreign destination, must be endorsed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in accordance with the procedures in § 123.22 of this subchapter.
Foreign trade zones in the United States and U.S. Customs and Border Protection bonded warehouses are considered integral parts of the United States for the purpose of this subchapter. An export license is therefore not required for shipment between the United States and a foreign trade zone or a U.S. Customs and Border Protection bonded warehouse. In the case of classified defense articles, the provisions of the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual will apply. An export license is required for all shipments of articles on the U.S. Munitions List from foreign trade zones and U.S. Customs and Border Protection bonded warehouses to foreign countries, regardless of how the articles reached the zone or warehouse.
Unless the exemption under § 123.16(b)(1) is used, a license is required to export defense articles to a warehouse or distribution point outside the United States for subsequent resale and will normally be granted only if an agreement has been approved pursuant to § 124.14 of this subchapter.
(a) Transferring registration or control to a foreign person of any aircraft, vessel, or satellite on the U.S. Munitions List is an export for purposes of this subchapter and requires a license or written approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. This requirement applies whether the aircraft, vessel, or satellite is physically located in the United States or abroad.
(b) The registration in a foreign country of any aircraft, vessel or satellite covered by the U.S. Munitions List which is not registered in the United States but which is located in the United States constitutes an export. A license or written approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is therefore required. Such transactions may also require the prior approval of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration, the Federal Aviation Administration or other agencies of the U.S. Government.
(a) The country designated as the country of ultimate destination on an application for an export license, or on a Shipper's Export Declaration where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter, must be the country of ultimate end-use. The written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls must be obtained before reselling, transferring, transshipping, or disposing of a defense article to any end user, end use or destination other than as stated on the export license, or on the Shipper's Export Declaration in cases where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter. Exporters must ascertain the specific end-user and end-use prior to submitting an application to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls or claiming an exemption under this subchapter.
(b) The exporter shall incorporate the following statement as an integral part of the bill of lading, and the invoice whenever defense articles on the U.S. Munitions List are to be exported:
These commodities are authorized by the U.S. Government for export only to [country of ultimate destination] for use by [end-user]. They may not be transferred, transshipped on a non-continuous voyage, or otherwise be disposed of in any other country, either in their original form or after being incorporated into other end-items, without the prior written approval of the U.S. Department of State.”
(c) A U.S. person or a foreign person requesting approval for the reexport or retransfer, or change in end-use, of a defense article shall submit a written request which shall be subject to all the documentation required for a permanent export license (see § 123.1) and shall contain the following:
(1) The license number under which the defense article was previously authorized for export from the United States;
(2) A precise description, quantity and value of the defense article;
(3) A description of the new end-use; and
(4) Identification of the new end-user.
(d) The written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls must be obtained before reselling, transferring, transshipping on a non-continuous voyage, or disposing of a defense article in any country other than the country of ultimate destination, or anyone other than the authorized end-user, as stated on the Shipper's Export Declaration in cases where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter.
(e) Reexports or retransfers of U.S.-origin components incorporated into a foreign defense article to NATO, NATO agencies, a government of a NATO country, or the governments of Australia or Japan, are authorized without the prior written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, provided:
(1) The U.S.-origin components were previously authorized for export from the United States, either by a license or an exemption;
(2) The U.S.-origin components are not significant military equipment, the items are not major defense equipment sold under a contract in the amount of $14,000,000 ($14 million) or more; the articles are not defense articles or defense services sold under a contract in the amount of $50,000,000 ($50 million) or more; and are not identified in part 121 of this subchapter as Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) items; and
(3) The person reexporting the defense article must provide written notification to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the retransfer not later than 30 days following the reexport. The notification must state the articles being reexported and the recipient government.
(4) In certain cases, the Managing Director, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls or the Director, Office of Defense Trade Controls Licensing, may place retransfer restrictions on a license prohibiting use of this exemption.
(a) A nontransfer and use certificate (Form DSP-83) is required for the export of significant military equipment
(b) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may also require a DSP-83 for the export of any other defense articles, including technical data, or defense services.
(c) When a DSP-83 is required for an export of any defense article or defense service to a non-governmental foreign end-user, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may require as a condition of issuing the license that the appropriate authority of the government of the country of ultimate destination also execute the certificate.
(a) A license issued by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is required whenever a privately-owned aircraft or vessel on the U.S. Munitions List makes a voyage outside the United States.
(b) Exemption. An export license is not required when a vessel or aircraft referred to in paragraph (a) of this section departs from the United States and does not enter the territorial waters or airspace of a foreign country if no defense articles are carried as cargo. Such a vessel or aircraft may not enter the territorial waters or airspace of a foreign country before returning to the United States, or carry as cargo any defense article, without a temporary export license (Form DSP-73) from the Department of State. (See § 123.5.)
An export license is not required for the shipment of defense articles between the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and U.S. possessions. A license is required, however, for the export of defense articles from these areas to foreign countries.
A license is not required for the shipment by air of a defense article from one location in the United States to another location in the United States via a foreign country. The pilot of the aircraft must, however, file a written statement with the Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of exit in the United States. The original statement must be filed at the time of exit with the Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. A duplicate must be filed at the port of reentry with the Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who will duly endorse it and transmit it to the Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the port of exit. The statement will be as follows:
Under penalty according to Federal law, the undersigned certifies and warrants that all the information in this document is true and correct, and that the equipment listed below is being shipped from (U.S. port of exit) via (foreign country) to (U.S. port of entry), which is the final destination in the United States.
Endorsement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Inspector.
Endorsement: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Inspector.
(a) The Import Certificate/Delivery Verification Procedure is designed to assure that a commodity imported into the territory of those countries participating in IC/DV procedures will not be diverted, transshipped, or reexported to another destination except in accordance with export control regulations of the importing country.
(b)
(c)
(a) The Arms Export Control Act requires that a certification be provided to the Congress prior to the granting of any license or other approval for transactions, in the amounts described below, involving exports of any defense articles and defense services and for exports of major defense equipment, as defined in § 120.8 of this subchapter. Approvals may not be granted when the Congress has enacted a joint resolution prohibiting the export. Certification is required for any transaction involving:
(1) A license for the export of major defense equipment sold under a contract in the amount of $14,000,000 or more, or for defense articles and defense services sold under a contract in the amount of $50,000,000 or more to any country that is not a member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), or Australia, Japan or New Zealand that does not authorize a new sales territory; or
(2) A license for export to a country that is a member country of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), or Australia, Japan or New Zealand of major defense equipment sold under a contract in the amount of $25,000,000 or more, or for defense articles and defense services sold under a contract in the amount of $100,000,000 or more and provided the transfer does not include any other countries; or
(3) A license for export of a firearm controlled under Category I of the United States Munitions List, of this subchapter, in an amount of $1,000,000 or more.
(b) Unless an emergency exists which requires the proposed export in the national security interests of the United States, approval may not be granted for any transaction until at least 15
(c) Persons who intend to export defense articles and defense services pursuant to any exemption in this subchapter under the circumstances described in this section must provide written notification to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and include a signed contract and a DSP-83 signed by the applicant, the foreign consignee and the end-user.
(a) The following exemptions apply to exports of unclassified defense articles for which no approval is needed from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. These exemptions do not apply to: Proscribed destinations under § 126.1 of this subchapter; exports for which Congressional notification is required (see § 123.15 of this subchapter); MTCR articles; Significant Military Equipment (SME); and may not be used by persons who are generally ineligible as described in § 120.1(c) of this subchapter. All shipments of defense articles, including those to and from Canada, require a Shipper's Export Declaration (SED) or notification letter. If the export of a defense article is exempt from licensing, the SED must cite the exemption. Refer to § 123.22 for Shipper's Export Declaration and letter notification requirements.
(b) The following exports are exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter.
(1) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export without a license of defense hardware being exported in furtherance of a manufacturing license agreement, technical assistance agreement, distribution agreement or an arrangement for distribution of items identified in Category XIII(b)(1), approved in accordance with part 124, provided that:
(i) The defense hardware to be exported supports the activity and is identified by item, quantity and value in the agreement or arrangement; and
(ii) Any provisos or limitations placed on the authorized agreement or arrangement are adhered to; and
(iii) The exporter certifies on the Shipper's Export Declaration that the export is exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter. This is done by writing, “22 CFR 123.16(b)(1) and the agreement or arrangement (identify/state number) applicable”; and
(iv) The total value of all shipments does not exceed the value authorized in the agreement or arrangement.
(v) In the case of a distribution agreement, export must be made directly to the approved foreign distributor.
(2) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export of components or spare parts (for exemptions for firearms and ammunition see § 123.17) without a license when the total value does not exceed $500 in a single transaction and:
(i) The components or spare parts are being exported to support a defense article previously authorized for export; and
(ii) The spare parts or components are not going to a distributor, but to a previously approved end-user of the defense articles; and
(iii) The spare parts or components are not to be used to enhance the capability of the defense article;
(iv) Exporters shall not split orders so as not to exceed the dollar value of this exemption;
(v) The exporter may not make more than 24 shipments per calendar year to the previously authorized end user;
(vi) The exporter must certify on the Shipper's Export Declaration that the export is exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter. This is done by writing 22 CFR 123.16(b)(2) applicable.
(3) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the
(4) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export without a license, of unclassified models or mock-ups of defense articles, provided that such models or mock-ups are nonoperable and do not reveal any technical data in excess of that which is exempted from the licensing requirements of § 125.4(b) of this subchapter and do not contain components covered by the U.S. Munitions List (see § 121.8(b) of this subchapter). Some models or mockups built to scale or constructed of original materials can reveal technical data. U.S. persons who avail themselves of this exemption must provide a written certification to the Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection that these conditions are met. This exemption does not imply that the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will approve the export of any defense articles for which models or mocks-ups have been exported pursuant to this exemption.
(5) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the temporary export without a license of unclassified defense articles to any public exhibition, trade show, air show or related event if that article has previously been licensed for a public exhibition, trade show, air show or related event and the license is still valid. U.S. persons who avail themselves of this exemption must provide a written certification to the Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection that these conditions are met.
(6) For exemptions for firearms and ammunition for personal use refer to § 123.17.
(7) For exemptions for firearms for personal use of members of the U.S. Armed Forces and civilian employees see § 123.18.
(8) For exports to Canada refer to § 126.5 of this subchapter.
(9) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the temporary export without a license by a U.S. person of any unclassified component, part, tool or test equipment to a subsidiary, affiliate or facility owned or controlled by the U.S. person (see § 122.2(c) of this subchapter) if the component, part, tool or test equipment is to be used for manufacture, assembly, testing, production, or modification provided:
(i) The U.S. person is registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and complies with all requirements set forth in part 122 of this subchapter;
(ii) No defense article exported under this exemption may be sold or transferred without the appropriate license or other approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(10) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit, without a license, the permanent export, and temporary export and return to the United States, by accredited U.S. institutions of higher learning of articles fabricated only for fundamental research purposes otherwise controlled by Category XV (a) or (e) in § 121.1 of this subchapter when all of the following conditions are met:
(i) The export is to an accredited institution of higher learning, a governmental research center or an established government funded private research center located within countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or countries which have been designated in accordance with section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 as a major non-NATO ally (and as defined further in section 644(q) of that Act) for purposes of that Act and the Arms Export Control Act, or countries that are members of the European Space Agency or the European Union and involves exclusively nationals of such countries;
(ii) All of the information about the article(s), including its design, and all of the resulting information obtained through fundamental research involving the article will be published and shared broadly within the scientific community, and is not restricted for proprietary reasons or specific U.S. government access and dissemination controls or other restrictions accepted by the institution or its researchers on publication of scientific and technical information resulting from the project or activity (See § 120.11 of this subchapter); and
(iii) If the article(s) is for permanent export, the platform or system in which the article(s) may be incorporated must be a satellite covered by § 125.4(d)(1)(iii) of this subchapter and be exclusively concerned with fundamental research and only be launched into space from countries and by nationals of countries identified in this section.
(a) Except as provided in § 126.1 of this subchapter, Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export without a license of components and parts for Category I(a) firearms, except barrels, cylinders, receivers (frames) or complete breech mechanisms when the total value does not exceed $100 wholesale in any transaction.
(b) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the export without a license of nonautomatic firearms covered by Category I(a) of § 121.1 of this subchapter if they were manufactured in or before 1898, or are replicas of such firearms.
(c) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit U.S. persons to export temporarily from the United States without a license not more than three nonautomatic firearms in Category I(a) of § 121.1 of this subchapter and not more than 1,000 cartridges therefor, provided that:
(1) A declaration by the U.S. person and an inspection by a customs officer is made;
(2) The firearms and accompanying ammunition must be with the U.S. person's baggage or effects, whether accompanied or unaccompanied (but not mailed); and
(3) They must be for that person's exclusive use and not for reexport or other transfer of ownership. The foregoing exemption is not applicable to a crew-member of a vessel or aircraft unless the crew-member declares the firearms to a Customs officer upon each departure from the United States, and declares that it is his or her intention to return the article(s) on each return to the United States. It is also not applicable to the personnel referred to in § 123.18.
(d) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit a foreign person to export without a license such firearms in Category I(a) of § 121.1 of this subchapter and ammunition therefor as the foreign person brought into the United States under the provisions of 27 CFR 478.115(d). (The latter provision specifically excludes from the definition of importation the bringing into the United States of firearms and ammunition by certain foreign persons for specified purposes.)
(e) Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit U.S. persons to export without a license ammunition for nonautomatic firearms referred to in paragraph (a) of this section if the quantity does not exceed 1,000 cartridges (or rounds) in any shipment. The ammunition must also be for personal use and not for resale or other transfer of ownership. The foregoing exemption is also not applicable to the personnel referred to in § 123.18.
The following exemptions apply to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and civilian employees of the U.S. Government who are U.S. persons (both referred to herein as personnel). The exemptions apply only to such personnel if they are assigned abroad for extended duty. These exemptions do not apply to dependents.
(a)
(1) They are consigned to servicemen's clubs abroad for uniformed members of the U.S. Armed Forces; or,
(2) In the case of a uniformed member of the U.S. Armed Forces or a civilian
(3) In the case of other U.S. Government employees, they are for personal use and not for resale or other transfer of ownership, and the Chief of the U.S. Diplomatic Mission or his designee in the country of destination has approved in writing to Department of State the import of the specific types and quantities of firearms into that country. The exporter shall provide a copy of this written statement to the Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
(b)
A shipment originating in Canada or Mexico which incidentally transits the United States en route to a delivery point in the same country that originated the shipment is exempt from the requirement for an in transit license.
(a) The provisions of this subchapter do not apply to equipment, technical data or services in Category VI(e) and Category XVI of § 121.1 of this subchapter to the extent such equipment, technical data or services are under the export control of the Department of Energy or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978, as amended, or is a government transfer authorized pursuant to these Acts.
(b) The transfer of materials, including special nuclear materials, nuclear parts of nuclear weapons, or other non-nuclear parts of nuclear weapons systems involving Restricted Data or of assistance involving any person directly or indirectly engaging in the production or use thereof is prohibited except as authorized by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. The transfer of Restricted Data or such assistance is prohibited except as authorized by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended. The technical data or defense services relating to nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons systems or related defense purposes (and such data or services relating to applications of atomic energy for peaceful purposes, or related research and development) may constitute Restricted Data or such assistance, subject to the foregoing prohibition.
(c) A license for the export of any machinery, device, component, equipment, or technical data relating to equipment referred to in Category VI(e) of § 121.1 of this subchapter will not be granted unless the proposed equipment comes within the scope of an existing Agreement for Cooperation for Mutual Defense Purposes concluded pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, with the government of the country to which the Article is to be exported. Licenses may be granted in the absence of such an agreement only:
(1) If the proposed export involves an article which is identical to that in use in an unclassified civilian nuclear power plant,
(2) If the proposed export has no relationship to naval nuclear propulsion, and
(3) If it is not for use in a naval propulsion plant.
(a) A license is valid for four years. The license expires when the total value or quantity authorized has been shipped or when the date of expiration has been reached, whichever occurs first. Defense articles to be shipped thereafter require a new application and license. The new application
(b) Unused, expired, expended, suspended, or revoked licenses must be returned immediately to the Department of State.
(a) Any export, as defined in this subchapter, of a defense article controlled by this subchapter, to include defense articles transiting the United States, requires the electronic reporting of export information. The reporting of the export information shall be to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection using the Automated Export System (AES) or directly to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). Any license or other approval authorizing the permanent export of hardware must be filed at a U.S. Port before any export. Licenses or other approvals for the permanent export of technical data and defense services shall be retained by the applicant who will send the export information directly to DDTC. Temporary export or temporary import licenses for such items need not be filed with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, but must be presented to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for decrementing of the shipment prior to departure and at the time of entry. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will only decrement a shipment after the export information has been filed correctly using the AES. Before the export of any hardware using an exemption in this subchapter, the DDTC registered applicant/exporter, or an agent acting on the filer's behalf, must electronically provide export information using the AES (see paragraph (b) of this section). In addition to electronically providing the export information to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection before export, all the mandatory documentation must be presented to the port authorities (e.g., attachments, certifications, proof of AES filing; such as the External Transaction Number (XTN) or Internal Transaction Number (ITN)). Export authorizations shall be filed, retained, decremented or returned to DDTC as follows:
(1)
(2)
(b)
(i)
(ii)
(2)
(i) In accordance with § 126.4 of this subchapter, or
(ii) On a valid license (
(3)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Future changes to the electronic reporting procedure will be amended by publication of a rule in the
(c)
(1)
(2)
Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection shall permit the shipment of defense articles identified on any license when the total value of the export does not exceed the aggregate monetary value (not quantity) stated on the license by more than ten percent, provided that the additional monetary value does not make the total value of the license or other approval for the export of any major defense equipment sold under a contract reach $14,000,000 or more, and provided that the additional monetary value does not make defense articles or defense services sold under a contract reach the amount of $50,000,000 or more.
(a) The export of any defense hardware using a license or exemption in this subchapter by the U.S. Postal Service must be filed with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection using the Automated Export System (AES) and the license must be filed with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection before any hardware is actually sent abroad by mail. The exporter must certify the defense hardware being exported in accordance with this subchapter by clearly marking on the package “This export is subject to the controls of the ITAR, 22 CFR (identify section for an exemption) or (state license number) and the export has been electronically filed with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection using the Automated Export System (AES).”
(b) The export of any technical data using a license in this subchapter by the U.S. Postal Service must be notified electronically directly to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). The exporter, using either a license or exemption, must certify, by clearly marking on the package, “This export is subject to the controls of the ITAR, 22 CFR (identify section for an exemption) or (state license number).” For those exports using a license, the exporter must also state “The export has been electronically notified directly to DDTC.” The license must be returned to DDTC upon completion of the use of the license (
(a) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may approve an amendment to a license for permanent export, temporary export and temporary import of unclassified defense articles. A suggested format is available from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(b) The following types of amendments to a license that will be considered: Addition of U.S. freight forwarder or U.S. consignor; change due to an obvious typographical error; change in source of commodity; and change of foreign intermediate consignee if that party is only transporting the equipment and will not process (e.g., integrate, modify) the equipment. For changes in U.S. dollar value see § 123.23.
(c) The following types of amendments to a license will not be approved:
When an exemption is claimed for the export of unclassified technical data, the exporter must maintain a record of each such export. The business record should include the following information: A description of the unclassified technical data, the name of the recipient end-user, the date and time of the export, and the method of transmission.
(a) U.S. persons engaged in the business of exporting specifically designed or modified components, systems, parts, accessories, attachments, associated equipment and certain associated technical data for commercial communications satellites, and who are so registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls pursuant to part 122 of this subchapter, may submit license applications for multiple permanent and temporary exports and temporary imports of such articles for expeditious consideration without meeting the documentary requirements of § 123.1(c)(4) and (5) concerning purchase orders, letters of intent, contracts and non-transfer and end use certificates, or the documentary requirements of § 123.9, concerning approval of re-exports or re-transfers, when all of the following requirements are met:
(1) The proposed exports or re-exports concern exclusively one or more countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (see § 120.31 of this subchapter) and/or one or more countries which have been designated in accordance with section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and with section 1206 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 as a major non-NATO ally (see § 120.32 of this subchapter).
(2) The proposed exports concern exclusively one or more foreign persons (e.g., companies or governments) located within the territories of the countries identified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and one or more commercial communications satellite programs included within a list of such persons and programs approved by the U.S. Government for purposes of this section, as signified in a list of such persons and programs that will be publicly available through the Internet Web site of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and by other means.
(3) The articles are not major defense equipment sold under a contract in the amount of $14,000,000 or more or defense articles or defense services sold under a contract in the amount of $50,000,000 or more (for which purpose, as is customary, exporters may not split contracts or purchase orders). Items meeting these statutory thresholds must be submitted on a separate license application to permit the required notification to Congress pursuant to section 36(c) of the Arms Export Control Act.
(4) The articles are not detailed design, development, manufacturing or production data and do not involve the manufacture abroad of significant military equipment.
(5) The U.S. exporter provides complete shipment information to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls within 15 days of shipment by submitting a report containing a description of the item and the quantity, value, port of exit, and end-user and country of destination of the item, and at that time meets the documentary requirements of § 123.1(c)(4) and (5), the documentary requirements of § 123.9 in the case of re-exports or re-transfers, and, other documentary requirements that may be imposed as a condition of a license (e.g., parts control plans for MTCR-controlled items). The shipment
(6) At any time in which an item exported pursuant to this section is proposed for re-transfer outside of the approved territory, programs or persons (e.g., such as in the case of an item included in a satellite for launch beyond the approved territory), the detailed requirements of § 123.9 apply with regard to obtaining the prior written consent of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(b) The re-export or re-transfer of the articles authorized for export (including to specified re-export destinations) in accordance with this section do not require the separate prior written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls provided all of the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section are met.
(c) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will consider, on a case-by-case basis, requests to include additional foreign companies and satellite programs within the geographic coverage of a license application submitted pursuant to this section from countries not otherwise covered, who are members of the European Space Agency or the European Union. In no case, however, can the provisions of this section apply or be relied upon by U.S. exporters in the case of countries who are subject to the mandatory requirements of Section 1514 of the Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1999 (Pub. L. 105-261), concerning national security controls on satellite export licensing.
(d) Registered U.S. exporters may request at the time of a license application submitted pursuant to this section that additional foreign persons or communications satellite programs be added to the lists referred to in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, which additions, if approved, will be included within the publicly available lists of authorized recipients and programs.
Sec. 2, 38, and 71, Pub. L. 90-629, 90 Stat. 744 (22 U.S.C. 2752, 2778, 2797); E.O. 11958, 42 FR 4311; 3 CFR 1977 Comp. p. 79; 22 U.S.C. 2651a; 22 U.S.C. 2776; Pub. L. 105-261.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) Technical assistance agreements are not required for the provision of training in the basic operation and maintenance of defense articles lawfully exported or authorized for export to the same recipient. This does not include training in intermediate and depot level maintenance.
(b) Services performed as a member of the regular military forces of a foreign nation by U.S. persons who have been drafted into such forces are not deemed to be defense services for purposes of § 120.9 of this subchapter.
(c) NATO countries, Australia, Japan, and Sweden, in addition to the basic maintenance training exemption provided in § 124.2(a) and basic maintenance information exemption in § 125.4(b)(5) of this subchapter, no technical assistance agreement is required for maintenance training or the performance of maintenance, including the export of supporting technical data, when the following criteria can be met:
(1) Defense services are for unclassified U.S.-origin defense articles lawfully exported or authorized for export and owned or operated by and in the inventory of NATO or the Federal Governments of NATO countries, Australia, Japan or Sweden.
(2) This defense service exemption does not apply to any transaction involving defense services for which congressional notification is required in accordance with § 123.15 and § 124.11 of this subchapter.
(3) Maintenance training or the performance of maintenance must be limited to inspection, testing, calibration or repair, including overhaul, reconditioning and one-to-one replacement of any defective items, parts or components; and excluding any modification,
(4) Supporting technical data must be unclassified and must not include software documentation on the design or details of the computer software, software source code, design methodology, engineering analysis or manufacturing know-how such as that described in paragraphs (c)4)(i) through (c)(4)(iii) as follows:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(5) This defense service exemption does not apply to maintenance training or the performance of maintenance and service or the transfer of supporting technical data for the following defense articles:
(i) All Missile Technology Control Regime Annex Items;
(ii) Firearms listed in Category I; and ammunition listed in Category III for the firearms in Category I;
(iii) Nuclear weapons strategic delivery systems and all components, parts, accessories and attachments specifically designed for such systems and associated equipment;
(iv) Naval nuclear propulsion equipment listed in Category VI(e);
(v) Gas turbine engine hot sections covered by Categories VI(f) and VIII(b);
(vi) Category VIII(f);
(vii) Category XII(c);
(viii) Chemical agents listed in Category XIV (a), biological agents in Category XIV (b), and equipment listed in Category XIV (c) for dissemination of the chemical agents and biological agents listed in Categories XIV (a) and (b);
(ix) Nuclear radiation measuring devices manufactured to military specifications listed in Category XVI(c);
(x) Category XV;
(xi) Nuclear weapons design and test equipment listed in Category XVI;
(xii) Submersible and oceanographic vessels and related articles listed in Category XX(a) through (d);
(xiii) Miscellaneous articles covered by Category XXI.
(6)
(a)
(b)
(1) The United States party certifies to the Department of Defense transmittal authority that the classified information does not exceed the technical or product limitations in the agreement; and
(2) The U.S. party complies with the requirements of the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual concerning the transmission of classified information (unless such requirements are in direct conflict with guidance provided by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, in which case the latter guidance must be followed) and any other requirements of cognizant U.S. departments or agencies.
(a) The United States party to a manufacturing license or a technical assistance agreement must file one copy of the concluded agreement with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls not later than 30 days after it enters into force. If the agreement is not concluded within one year of the date of approval, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls must be notified in writing and be kept informed of the status of the agreement until the requirements of this paragraph or the requirements of § 124.5 are satisfied.
(b) In the case of concluded agreements involving coproduction or licensed production outside of the United States of defense articles of United States origin, a written statement must accompany filing of the concluded agreement with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, which shall include:
(1) The identity of the foreign countries, international organization, or foreign firms involved;
(2) A description and the estimated value of the articles authorized to be produced, and an estimate of the quantity of the articles authorized to be produced:
(3) A description of any restrictions on third-party transfers of the foreign-manufactured articles; and
(4) If any such agreement does not provide for United States access to and verification of quantities of articles produced overseas and their disposition in the foreign country, a description of alternative measures and controls to ensure compliance with restrictions in the agreement on production quantities and third-party transfers.
The United States party to any proposed manufacturing license agreement or technical assistance agreement must inform the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls if a decision is made not to conclude the agreement. The information must be provided within 60 days of the date of the decision. These requirements apply only if the approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls was obtained for the agreement to be concluded (with or without any provisos).
The U.S. party to a manufacturing license or a technical assistance agreement must inform the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls in writing of the impending termination of the agreement not less than 30 days prior to the expiration date of such agreement.
The following information must be included in all proposed manufacturing license agreements and technical assistance agreements. The information should be provided in terms which are as precise as possible. If the applicant believes that a clause or that required information is not relevant or necessary, the applicant may request the omission of the clause or information. The transmittal letter accompanying the agreement must state the reasons for any proposed variation in the clauses or required information.
(1) The agreement must describe the defense article to be manufactured and all defense articles to be exported, including any test and support equipment or advanced materials. They should be described by military nomenclature, contract number, National Stock Number, nameplate data, or other specific information. Supporting technical data or brochures should be submitted in seven copies. Only defense articles listed in the agreement will be eligible for export under the exemption in § 123.16(b)(1) of this subchapter.
(2) The agreement must specifically describe the assistance and technical data, including the design and manufacturing know-how involved, to be furnished and any manufacturing rights to be granted;
(3) The agreement must specify its duration; and
(4) The agreement must specifically identify the countries or areas in which manufacturing, production, processing, sale or other form of transfer is to be licensed.
The following statements must be included both in manufacturing license agreements and in technical assistance agreements:
(1) “This agreement shall not enter into force, and shall not be amended or extended, without the prior written approval of the Department of State of the U.S. Government.”
(2) “This agreement is subject to all United States laws and regulations relating to exports and to all administrative acts of the U.S. Government pursuant to such laws and regulations.”
(3) “The parties to this agreement agree that the obligations contained in this agreement shall not affect the performance of any obligations created by prior contracts or subcontracts which the parties may have individually or collectively with the U.S. Government.”
(4) “No liability will be incurred by or attributed to the U.S. Government in connection with any possible infringement of privately owned patent or proprietary rights, either domestic or foreign, by reason of the U.S. Government's approval of this agreement.”
(5) “The technical data or defense service exported from the United States in furtherance of this agreement and any defense article which may be produced or manufactured from such technical data or defense service may not be transferred to a person in a third country or to a national of a third country except as specifically authorized in this agreement unless the prior written approval of the Department of State has been obtained.”
(6) “All provisions in this agreement which refer to the United States Government and the Department of State will remain binding on the parties after the termination of the agreement.”
(a)
(1) “No export, sale, transfer, or other disposition of the licensed article is authorized to any country outside the territory wherein manufacture or sale is herein licensed without the prior written approval of the U.S. Government unless otherwise exempted by the U.S. Government. Sales or other transfers of the licensed article shall be limited to governments of countries wherein manufacture or sale is hereby licensed and to private entities seeking
(2) “It is agreed that sales by licensee or its sub-licensees under contracts made through the U.S. Government will not include either charges for patent rights in which the U.S. Government holds a royalty-free license, or charges for data which the U.S. Government has a right to use and disclose to others, which are in the public domain, or which the U.S. Government has acquired or is entitled to acquire without restrictions upon their use and disclosure to others.”
(3) “If the U.S. Government is obligated or becomes obligated to pay to the licensor royalties, fees, or other charges for the use of technical data or patents which are involved in the manufacture, use, or sale of any licensed article, any royalties, fees or other charges in connection with purchases of such licensed article from licensee or its sub-licensees with funds derived through the U.S. Government may not exceed the total amount the U.S. Government would have been obligated to pay the licensor directly.”
(4) “If the U.S. Government has made financial or other contributions to the design and development of any licensed article, any charges for technical assistance or know-how relating to the item in connection with purchases of such articles from licensee or sub-licensees with funds derived through the U.S. Government must be proportionately reduced to reflect the U.S. Government contributions, and subject to the provisions of paragraphs (a) (2) and (3) of this section, no other royalties, or fees or other charges may be assessed against U.S. Government funded purchases of such articles. However, charges may be made for reasonable reproduction, handling, mailing, or similar administrative costs incident to the furnishing of such data.”
(5) “The parties to this agreement agree that an annual report of sales or other transfers pursuant to this agreement of the licensed articles, by quantity, type, U.S. dollar value, and purchaser or recipient, shall be provided by (applicant or licensee) to the Department of State.” This clause must specify which party is obligated to provide the annual report. Such reports may be submitted either directly by the licensee or indirectly through the licensor, and may cover calendar or fiscal years. Reports shall be deemed proprietary information by the Department of State and will not be disclosed to unauthorized persons. See § 126.10(b) of this subchapter.
(6) (Licensee) agrees to incorporate the following statement as an integral provision of a contract, invoice or other appropriate document whenever the licensed articles are sold or otherwise transferred:
These commodities are authorized for export by the U.S. Government only to (country of ultimate destination or approved sales territory). They may not be resold, diverted, transferred, transshipped, or otherwise be disposed of in any other country, either in their original form or after being incorporated through an intermediate process into other end-items, without the prior written approval of the U.S. Department of State.
(b)
(1) “A completed nontransfer and use certificate (DSP-83) must be executed by the foreign end-user and submitted to the Department of State of the United States before any transfer may take place.”
(2) “The prior written approval of the U.S. Government must be obtained before entering into a commitment for the transfer of the licensed article by sale or otherwise to any person or government outside of the approved sales territory.”
(a) Types of agreements requiring assurances. With respect to any manufacturing license agreement or technical assistance agreement which relates to significant military equipment or classified defense articles, including classified technical data, a Nontransfer and Use Certificate (Form DSP-83) (see
(b)
(1) Agreements which have been signed by all parties before being submitted to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may only be submitted along with any required DSP-83 and/or diplomatic note.
(2) If an agreement has not been signed by all parties before being submitted, the required DSP-83 and/or diplomatic note must be submitted along with the signed agreement.
In no case may a transfer occur before a required DSP-83 and/or diplomatic note has been submitted to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(a) The Arms Export Control Act requires that a certification be provided to the Congress prior to the granting of any approval of a manufacturing license agreement or technical assistance agreement as defined in Sections 120.21 and 120.22 respectively for the manufacturing abroad of any item of significant military equipment (see § 120.7 of this subchapter) that is entered into with any country regardless of dollar value. Additionally, any manufacturing license agreement or technical assistance agreement providing for the export of major defense equipment, as defined in § 120.8 of this subchapter shall also require a certification when meeting the requirements of § 123.15 of this subchapter.
(b) Unless an emergency exists which requires the immediate approval of the agreement in the national security interests of the United States, approval may not be granted until at least 15 calendar days have elapsed after receipt by the Congress of the certification required by 22 U.S.C. 2776(d)(1) involving the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, any member country of that Organization, or Australia, Japan or New Zealand or at least 30 calendar days have elapsed for any other country. Approvals may not be granted when the Congress has enacted a joint resolution prohibiting the export.
(c) Persons who intend to export defense articles and defense services pursuant to any exemption in this subchapter under the circumstances described in this section and section 123.15 must provide written notification to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and include a signed contract and a DSP-83 signed by the applicant, the foreign consignee and the end-user.
(a) An application for the approval of a manufacturing license or technical assistance agreement with a foreign person must be accompanied by an explanatory letter. The original letter and seven copies of the letter and eight copies of the proposed agreement shall be submitted to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. The explanatory letter shall contain:
(1) A statement giving the applicant's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls registration number.
(2) A statement identifying the licensee and the scope of the agreement.
(3) A statement identifying the U.S. Government contract under which the
(4) A statement giving the military security classification of the equipment or technical data.
(5) A statement identifying any patent application which discloses any of the subject matter of the equipment or technical data covered by an invention secrecy order issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
(6) A statement of the actual or estimated value of the agreement, including the estimated value of all defense articles to be exported in furtherance of the agreement or amendments thereto. If the value is $500,000 or more, an additional statement must be made regarding the payment of political contributions, fees or commissions, pursuant to part 130 of this subchapter.
(7) A statement indicating whether any foreign military sales credits or loan guarantees are or will be involved in financing the agreement.
(8) The agreement must describe any classified information involved and identify, from Department of Defense form DD254, the address and telephone number of the U.S. Government office that classified the information.
(9) For agreements that may require the export of classified information, the Defense Investigative Service cognizant security offices that have responsibility for the facilities of the U.S. parties to the agreement shall be identified. The facility security clearance codes of the U.S. parties shall also be provided.
(10) A statement specifying whether the applicant is requesting retransfer of defense articles and defense services pursuant to § 124.16 of this subchapter.
(b) The following statements must be made in the letter of transmittal:
(1) “If the agreement is approved by the Department of State, such approval will not be construed by (the applicant) as passing on the legality of the agreement from the standpoint of antitrust laws or other applicable statutes, nor will (the applicant) construe the Department's approval as constituting either approval or disapproval of any of the business terms or conditions between the parties to the agreement.”
(2) “The (applicant) will not permit the proposed agreement to enter into force until it has been approved by the Department of State.”
(3) “The (applicant) will furnish the Department of State with one copy of the signed agreement (or amendment) within 30 days from the date that the agreement is concluded and will inform the Department of its termination not less than 30 days prior to expiration and provide information on the continuation of any foreign rights or the flow of technical data to the foreign party. If a decision is made not to conclude the proposed agreement, the applicant will so inform the Department within 60 days.”
(4) “If this agreement grants any rights to sub-license, it will be amended to require that all sub-licensing arrangements incorporate all the provisions of the basic agreement that refer to the U.S. Government and the Department of State (
Notwithstanding the other provisions in part 124 of this subchapter, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may authorize by means of a license (DSP-5) the export of unclassified technical data to foreign persons for offshore procurement of defense articles, provided that:
(a) The contract or purchase order for offshore procurement limits delivery of the defense articles to be produced only to the person in the United States or to an agency of the U.S. Government; and
(b) The technical data of U.S.-origin to be used in the foreign manufacture of defense articles does not exceed that required for bid purposes on a build-to-print basis (build-to-print means producing an end-item (
(c) The contract or purchase order between the person in the United States and the foreign person:
(1) Limits the use of the technical data to the manufacture of the defense articles required by the contract or purchase order only; and
(2) Prohibits the disclosure of the data to any other person except subcontractors within the same country; and
(3) Prohibits the acquisition of any rights in the data by any foreign person; and
(4) Provides that any subcontracts between foreign persons in the approved country for manufacture of equipment for delivery pursuant to the contract or purchase order contain all the limitations of this paragraph (c); and
(5) Requires the foreign person, including subcontractors, to destroy or return to the person in the United States all of the technical data exported pursuant to the contract or purchase order upon fulfillment of their terms; and
(6) Requires delivery of the defense articles manufactured abroad only to the person in the United States or to an agency of the U.S. Government; and
(d) The person in the United States provides the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls with a copy of each contract, purchase order or subcontract for offshore procurement at the time it is accepted. Each such contract, purchase order or subcontract must clearly identify the article to be produced and must identify the license number or exemption under which the technical data was exported; and
(e) Licenses issued pursuant to this section must be renewed prior to their expiration if offshore procurement is to be extended beyond the period of validity of the original approved license. In all instances a license for offshore procurement must state as the purpose “Offshore procurement in accordance with the conditions established in the ITAR, including § 124.13. No other use will be made of the technical data.” If the technical data involved in an offshore procurement arrangement is otherwise exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter (e.g., § 126.4), the DSP-5 referred to in the first sentence of this section is not required. However, the exporter must comply with the other requirements of this section and provide a written certification to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls annually of the offshore procurement activity and cite the exemption under which the technical data was exported. The exemptions under § 125.4 of this subchapter may not be used to establish offshore procurement arrangements.
(a)
(b)
(1) A description of the defense articles involved including test and support equipment covered by the U.S. Munitions List. This shall include when applicable the military nomenclature, the Federal stock number, nameplate data, and any control numbers under which the defense articles
(2) A detailed statement of the terms and conditions under which the defense articles will be exported and distributed;
(3) The duration of the proposed agreement;
(4) Specific identification of the country or countries that comprise the distribution territory. Distribution must be specifically limited to the governments of such countries or to private entities seeking to procure defense articles pursuant to a contract with a government within the distribution territory or to other eligible entities as specified by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Consequently, any deviation from this condition must be fully explained and justified. A nontransfer and use certificate (DSP-83) will be required to the same extent required in licensing agreements under § 124.9(b).
(c)
(1) “This agreement shall not enter into force, and may not be amended or extended, without the prior written approval of the Department of State of U.S. Government.”
(2) “This agreement is subject to all United States laws and regulations related to exports and to all administrative acts of the United States Government pursuant to such laws and regulations.
(3) “The parties to this agreement agree that the obligations contained in this agreement shall not affect the performance of any obligations created by prior contracts or subcontracts which the parties may have individually or collectively with the U.S. Government.”
(4) “No liability will be incurred by or attributed to the U.S. Government in connection with any possible infringement of privately owned patent or proprietary rights, either domestic or foreign by reason of the U.S. Government's approval of this agreement.”
(5) “No export, sale, transfer, or other disposition of the defense articles covered by this agreement is authorized to any country outside the distribution territory without the prior written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls of the U.S. Department of State.”
(6) “The parties to this agreement agree that an annual report of sales or other transfers pursuant to this agreement of the licensed articles, by quantity, type, U.S. dollar value, and purchaser or recipient shall be provided by (applicant or licensee) to the Department of State.” This clause must specify which party is obligated to provide the annual report. Such reports may be submitted either directly by the licensee or indirectly through the licensor, and may cover calendar or fiscal years. Reports shall be deemed proprietary information by the Department of State and will not be disclosed to unauthorized persons. (See § 126.10(b) of this subchapter.)
(7) (Licensee) agrees to incorporate the following statement as an integral provision of a contract, invoice or other appropriate document whenever the articles covered by this agreement are sold or otherwise transferred:
These commodities are authorized for export by the U.S. Government only to (country of ultimate destination or approved sales territory). They may not be resold, diverted, transferred, transshipped, or otherwise be disposed of in any other country, either in their original form or after being incorporated through an intermediate process into other end-items, without the prior written approval of the U.S. Department of State.
(8) “All provisions in this agreement which refer to the United States Government and the Department of State will remain binding on the parties after the termination of the agreement.”
(9) Additional clause. Unless the articles covered by the agreement are in fact intended to be distributed to private persons or entities (e.g., sporting firearms for commercial resale, cryptographic devices and software for financial and business applications), the following clause must be included in all warehousing and distribution agreements: “Sales or other transfers of the
(d)
(1) A completed nontransfer and use certificate (DSP-83) must be executed by the foreign end-user and submitted to the U.S. Department of State before any transfer may take place.
(2) The prior written approval of the U.S. Department of State must be obtained before entering into a commitment for the transfer of the licensed article by sale or otherwise to any person or government outside the approved distribution territory.
(e)
(1) A statement giving the applicant's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls registration number.
(2) A statement identifying the foreign party to the agreement.
(3) A statement identifying the defense articles to be distributed under the agreement.
(4) A statement identifying any U.S. Government contract under which the equipment may have been generated, improved, developed or supplied to the U.S. Government, and whether the equipment was derived from any bid or other proposal to the U.S. Government.
(5) A statement that no classified defense articles or classified technical data are involved.
(6) A statement identifying any patent application which discloses any of the subject matter of the equipment or related technical data covered by an invention secrecy order issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
(f)
(1) “If the agreement is approved by the Department of State, such approval will not be construed by (applicant) as passing on the legality of the agreement from the standpoint of antitrust laws or other applicable statutes, nor will (the applicant) construe the Department's approval as constituting either approval or disapproval of any of the business terms or conditions between the parties to the agreement.”
(2) “The (applicant) will not permit the proposed agreement to enter into force until it has been approved by the Department of State.”
(3) “(Applicant) will furnish the Department of State with one copy of the signed agreement (or amendment thereto) within 30 days from the date that the agreement is concluded, and will inform the Department of its termination not less than 30 days prior to expiration. If a decision is made not to conclude the proposed agreement, (applicant) will so inform the Department within 60 days.”
(a) The export of any satellite or related item (see § 121.1, Category XV(a) and (e)) or any defense service controlled by this subchapter associated with the launch in, or by nationals of, a country that is not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization or a major non-NATO ally of the United States always requires special exports controls, in addition to other export controls required by this subchapter, as follows:
(1) All licenses and other requests for approval require a technology transfer control plan (TTCP) approved by the Department of Defense and an
(2) The U.S. person must make arrangements with the Department of Defense for monitoring. The costs of such monitoring services must be fully reimbursed to the Department of Defense by the U.S. person receiving such services. The letter of transmittal required under § 124.12 must also state that such reimbursement arrangements have been made with the Department of Defense and identify the specific Department of Defense official with whom these arrangements have been made. As required by Public Law 105-261, such monitoring will cover, but not be limited to—
(i) Technical discussions and activities, including the design, development, operation, maintenance, modification, and repair of satellites, satellite components, missiles, other equipment, launch facilities, and launch vehicles;
(ii) Satellite processing and launch activities, including launch preparation, satellite transportation, integration of the satellite with the launch vehicle, testing and checkout prior to launch, satellite launch, and return of equipment to the United States;
(iii) Activities relating to launch failure, delay, or cancellation, including post-launch failure investigations or analyses with regard to either the launcher or the satellite; and
(iv) All other aspects of the launch.
(b) Mandatory licenses for launch failure (crash) investigations or analyses: In the event of a failure of a launch from a foreign country (including a post liftoff failure to reach proper orbit)—
(1) The activities of U.S. persons or entities in connection with any subsequent investigation or analysis of the failure continue to be subject to the controls established under section 38 of the Arms Export Control Act, including the requirements under this subchapter for express approval prior to participation in such investigations or analyses, regardless of whether a license was issued under this subchapter for the initial export of the satellite or satellite component;
(2) Officials of the Department of Defense must monitor all activities associated with the investigation or analyses to insure against unauthorized transfer of technical data or services and U.S. persons must follow the procedures set forth in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this Category.
(c) Although Public Law 105-261 does not require the application of special export controls for the launch of U.S.-origin satellites and components from or by nationals of countries that are members of NATO or major non-NATO allies, such export controls may nonetheless be applied, in addition to any other export controls required under this subchapter, as appropriate in furtherance of the security and foreign policy of the United States. Further, the export of any article or defense service controlled under this subchapter to any destination may also require that the special export controls identified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this category be applied in furtherance of the security and foreign policy of the United States.
(d) Mandatory licenses for exports to insurance providers and underwriters: None of the exemptions or sub-licensing provisions available in this subchapter may be used for the export of technical data in order to obtain or satisfy insurance requirements. Such exports are always subject to the prior approval and re-transfer requirements of sections 3 and 38 of the Arms Export Control Act, as applied by relevant provisions of this subchapter.
The provisions of § 124.8(5) of this subchapter notwithstanding, pursuant to this subsection the Department may approve access to unclassified defense articles exported in furtherance of or produced as a result of a TAA/MLA, and retransfer of technical data and defense services to individuals who are third country/dual national employees of the foreign signatory or its approved sub-licensees provided they are nationals exclusively of countries that are members of NATO the European Union, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and Switzerland and their employer is a signatory to the agreement or has executed a Non Disclosure Agreement. The retransfer must take place completely within the physical territories of these countries or the United States. Permanent retransfer of hardware is not authorized.
Secs. 2 and 38, Pub. L. 90-629, 90 Stat. 744 (22 U.S.C. 2752, 2778); E.O. 11958, 42 FR 4311; 3 CFR, 1977 Comp. p. 79; 22 U.S.C. 2651a.
(a) The controls of this part apply to the export of technical data and the export of classified defense articles. Information which is in the public domain (see § 120.11 of this subchapter and § 125.4(b)(13)) is not subject to the controls of this subchapter.
(b) A license for the export of technical data and the exemptions in § 125.4 may not be used for foreign production purposes or for technical assistance unless the approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has been obtained. Such approval is generally provided only pursuant to the procedures specified in part 124 of this subchapter.
(c) Technical data authorized for export may not be reexported, transferred or diverted from the country of ultimate end-use or from the authorized foreign end-user (as designated in the license or approval for export) or disclosed to a national of another country without the prior written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(d) The controls of this part apply to the exports referred to in paragraph (a) of this section regardless of whether the person who intends to export the technical data produces or manufactures defense articles if the technical data is determined by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls to be subject to the controls of this subchapter.
(e) The provisions of this subchapter do not apply to technical data related to articles in Category VI(e) and Category XVI. The export of such data is controlled by the Department of Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission pursuant to the Atomic Energy Act of 1954, as amended, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Act of 1978.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a) A request for authority to export defense articles, including technical data, classified by a foreign government or pursuant to Executive Order 12356, successor orders, or other legal authority must be submitted to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls for approval. The application must contain full details of the proposed transaction. It should also list the facility security clearance code of all U.S. parties on the license and include the Defense Security Service cognizant security office of the party responsible for packaging the commodity for shipment. A nontransfer and use certificate (Form DSP-83) executed by the applicant, foreign consignee, end-user and an authorized representative of the foreign government involved will be required.
(b) Classified technical data which is approved by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls either for export or reexport after a temporary import will be transferred or disclosed only in accordance with the requirements in the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (unless such requirements are in direct conflict with guidance provided by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, in which case the latter guidance must be followed). Any other requirements imposed by cognizant U.S. departments and agencies must also be satisfied.
(c) The approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls must be obtained for the export of technical data by a U.S. person to a foreign person in the U.S. or in a foreign country unless the proposed export is exempt under the provisions of this subchapter.
(d) All communications relating to a patent application covered by an invention secrecy order are to be addressed to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (see 37 CFR 5.11).
(a) The following exemptions apply to exports of technical data for which approval is not needed from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. These exemptions, except for paragraph (b)(13) of this section, do not apply to exports to proscribed destinations under § 126.1 of this subchapter or for persons considered generally ineligible under § 120.1(c) of this subchapter. The exemptions are also not applicable for purposes of establishing offshore procurement arrangements or producing defense articles offshore (see § 124.13), except as authorized under § 125.4 (c). If § 126.8 of this subchapter requirements are applicable, they must be met before an exemption under this section may be used. Transmission of classified information must comply with the requirements of the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (unless such requirements are in direct conflict with guidance provided by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls,
(b) The following exports are exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter.
(1) Technical data, including classified information, to be disclosed pursuant to an official written request or directive from the U.S. Department of Defense;
(2) Technical data, including classified information, in furtherance of a manufacturing license or technical assistance agreement approved by the Department of State under part 124 of this subchapter and which meet the requirements of § 124.3 of this subchapter;
(3) Technical data, including classified information, in furtherance of a contract between the exporter and an agency of the U.S. Government, if the contract provides for the export of the data and such data does not disclose the details of design, development, production, or manufacture of any defense article;
(4) Copies of technical data, including classified information, previously authorized for export to the same recipient. Revised copies of such technical data are also exempt if they pertain to the identical defense article, and if the revisions are solely editorial and do not add to the content of technology previously exported or authorized for export to the same recipient;
(5) Technical data, including classified information, in the form of basic operations, maintenance, and training information relating to a defense article lawfully exported or authorized for export to the same recipient. Intermediate or depot-level repair and maintenance information may be exported only under a license or agreement approved specifically for that purpose;
(6) Technical data, including classified information, related to firearms not in excess of caliber .50 and ammunition for such weapons, except detailed design, development, production or manufacturing information;
(7) Technical data, including classified information, being returned to the original source of import;
(8) Technical data directly related to classified information which has been previously exported or authorized for export in accordance with this part to the same recipient, and which does not disclose the details of the design, development, production, or manufacture of any defense article;
(9) Technical data, including classified information, sent by a U.S. corporation to a U.S. person employed by that corporation overseas or to a U.S. Government agency. This exemption is subject to the limitations of § 125.1(b) and may be used only if:
(i) The technical data is to be used overseas solely by U.S. persons;
(ii) If the U.S. person overseas is an employee of the U.S. Government or is directly employed by the U.S. corporation and not by a foreign subsidiary; and
(iii) The classified information is sent overseas in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (unless such requirements are in direct conflict with guidance provided by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, in which case the latter guidance must be followed).
(10) Disclosures of unclassified technical data in the U.S. by U.S. institutions of higher learning to foreign persons who are their bona fide and full time regular employees. This exemption is available only if:
(i) The employee's permanent abode throughout the period of employment is in the United States;
(ii) The employee is not a national of a country to which exports are prohibited pursuant to § 126.1 of this subchapter; and
(iii) The institution informs the individual in writing that the technical data may not be transferred to other foreign persons without the prior written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls;
(11) Technical data, including classified information, for which the exporter, pursuant to an arrangement
(12) Technical data which is specifically exempt under part 126 of this subchapter; or
(13) Technical data approved for public release (
(c) Defense services and related unclassified technical data are exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter, to nationals of NATO countries, Australia, Japan, and Sweden, for the purposes of responding to a written request from the Department of Defense for a quote or bid proposal. Such exports must be pursuant to an official written request or directive from an authorized official of the U.S. Department of Defense. The defense services and technical data are limited to paragraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(3) of this section and must not include paragraphs (c)(4), (c)(5), and (c)(6) of this section which follow:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(d)(1) Defense services for the items identified in § 123.16(b)(10) of this subchapter exported by accredited U.S. institutions of higher learning are exempt from the licensing requirements of this subchapter when the export is:
(i) To countries identified in § 123.16(b)(10)(i) of this subchapter and exclusively to nationals of such countries when engaged in international fundamental research conducted under the aegis of an accredited U.S. institution of higher learning; and
(ii) In direct support of fundamental research as defined in § 120.11(8) of this subchapter being conducted either at accredited U.S. institutions of higher learning or an accredited institution of higher learning, a governmental research center or an established government funded private research center located within the countries identified in § 123.16(b)(10)(i) of this subchapter; and
(iii) Limited to discussions on assembly of any article described in § 123.16(b)(10) of this subchapter and or integrating any such article into a scientific, research, or experimental satellite.
(2) The exemption in paragraph (d)(1) of this section, while allowing accredited U.S. institutions of higher learning to participate in technical meetings with foreign nationals from countries specified in § 123.16(b)(10)(i) of this subchapter for the purpose of conducting space scientific fundamental research either in the United States or in these countries when working with information that meets the requirements of § 120.11 of this subchapter in activities that would generally be controlled as a defense service in accordance with § 124.1(a) of this subchapter, does not cover:
(i) Any level of defense service or information involving launch activities including the integration of the satellite or spacecraft to the launch vehicle;
(ii) Articles and information listed in the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex or classified as significant military equipment; or
(iii) The transfer of or access to technical data, information, or software that is otherwise controlled by this subchapter.
(a) A license is not required for the oral and visual disclosure of unclassified technical data during the course of a classified plant visit by a foreign person, provided: The classified visit has itself been authorized pursuant to a license issued by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls; or the classified visit was approved in connection with an actual or potential government-to-government program or project by a U.S. Government agency having classification jurisdiction over the classified defense article or classified technical data involved under Executive Order 12356 or other applicable Executive Order; and the unclassified information to be released is directly related to the classified defense article or technical data for which approval was obtained and does not disclose the details of the design, development, production or manufacture of any other defense articles. In the case of visits involving classified information, the requirements of the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual must be met (unless
(b) The approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is not required for the disclosure of oral and visual classified information to a foreign person during the course of a plant visit approved by the appropriate U.S. Government agency if: The requirements of the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual have been met (unless such requirements are in direct conflict with guidance provided by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, in which case the latter guidance must be followed); the classified information is directly related to that which was approved by the U.S. Government agency; it does not exceed that for which approval was obtained; and it does not disclose the details of the design, development, production or manufacture of any defense articles.
(c) A license is not required for the disclosure to a foreign person of unclassified technical data during the course of a plant visit (either classified or unclassified) approved by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls or a cognizant U.S. Government agency provided the technical data does not contain information in excess of that approved for disclosure. This exemption does not apply to technical data which could be used for design, development, production or manufacture of a defense article.
(a) To claim an exemption for the export of technical data under the provisions of this subchapter (e.g., §§ 125.4 and 125.5), the exporter must certify that the proposed export is covered by a relevant section of this subchapter, to include the paragraph and applicable subparagraph. Certifications consist of clearly marking the package or letter containing the technical data “22 CFR [insert ITAR exemption] applicable.” This certification must be made in written form and retained in the exporter's files for a period of 5 years (see § 123.22 of this subchapter).
(b) For exports that are oral, visual, or electronic the exporter must also complete a written certification as indicated in paragraph (a) of this section and retain it for a period of 5 years.
(a) All applications for the export or temporary import of classified technical data or other classified defense articles must be submitted to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls on Form DSP-85.
(b) An application for the export of classified technical data or other classified defense articles must be accompanied by seven copies of the data and a completed Form DSP-83 (see § 123.10 of this subchapter). Only one copy of the data or descriptive literature must be provided if a renewal of the license is requested. All classified materials accompanying an application must be transmitted to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls in accordance with the procedures contained in the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (unless such requirements are in direct conflict with guidance provided by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, in which case the latter guidance must be followed).
Licenses and other authorizations for the export of classified technical data or classified defense articles will be forwarded by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls to the Defense Security Service of the Department of Defense in accordance with the provisions of the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (unless such requirements are in direct conflict with guidance provided by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, in which case the
Secs. 2, 38, 40, 42 and 71, Pub. L. 90-629, 90 Stat. 744 (22 U.S.C. 2752, 2778, 2780, 2791 and 2797); E.O. 11958, 42 FR 4311; 3 CFR, 1977 Comp., p.79; 22 U.S.C. 2651a; 22 U.S.C. 287c; E.O. 12918, 59 FR 28205; 3 CFR, 1994 Comp., p.899; Sec. 1225, Pub. L. 108-375.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Cote d'Ivoire
(2) Democratic Republic of Congo (see also paragraph (i) of this section)
(3) Iraq
(4) Iran
(5) Lebanon
(6) Liberia
(7) North Korea
(8) Rwanda (see also paragraph (h) of this section)
(9) Sierra Leone
(10) Somalia
(11) Sudan
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(1) Non-lethal defense articles and defense services,
(2) Non-lethal safety-of-use defense articles (e.g., cartridge actuated devices, propellant actuated devices and technical manuals for military aircraft for purposes of enhancing the safety of the aircrew) as spare parts for lethal end-items.
(l)
(1) Non-lethal defense articles and defense services, and
(2) Non-lethal, safety-of-use defense articles (e.g., cartridge actuated devices, propellant actuated devices and technical manuals for military aircraft for purposes of enhancing the safety of the aircraft crew) for lethal end-items.
(m)
(1) Support for the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM), and
(2) Support for the purpose of helping develop security sector institutions in Somalia that further the objectives of peace, stability and reconciliation in Somalia, after advance notification of the proposed export by the United States Government to the UN Somalia Sanctions Committee and the absence of a negative decision by that committee.
(n)
The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Defense Trade Controls or the Managing Director, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, may order the temporary suspension or modification of any or all of the regulations of this subchapter in the interest of the security and foreign policy of the United States.
In a case of exceptional or undue hardship, or when it is otherwise in the interest of the United States Government, the Director, Office of Defense Trade Controls may make an exception to the provisions of this subchapter.
(a) A license is not required for the temporary import, or temporary export, of any defense article, including technical data or the performance of a defense service, by or for any agency of the U.S. Government for official use by such an agency, or for carrying out any foreign assistance, cooperative project or sales program authorized by law and subject to control by the President by other means. This exemption applies only when all aspects of a transaction (export, carriage, and delivery abroad) are affected by a United States Government agency or when the export is covered by a United States Government Bill of Lading. This exemption, however, does not apply when a U.S. Government agency acts as a transmittal agent on behalf of a private individual or firm, either as a convenience or in satisfaction of security requirements. The approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls must be obtained before defense articles previously exported pursuant to this exemption are permanently transferred (e.g., property disposal of surplus defense articles overseas) unless the transfer is pursuant to a grant, sale, lease, loan or cooperative project under the Arms Export Control Act or a sale, lease or loan under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, or the defense articles have been rendered useless for military purposes beyond the possibility of restoration.
(b) This section does not authorize any department or agency of the U.S. Government to make any export which is otherwise prohibited by virtue of other administrative provisions or by any statute.
(c) A license is not required for the temporary import, or temporary or permanent export, of any classified or unclassified defense articles, including technical data or the performance of a defense service, for end-use by a U.S. Government Agency in a foreign country under the following circumstances:
(1) The export or temporary import is pursuant to a contract with, or written direction by, an agency of the U.S. Government; and
(2) The end-user in the foreign country is a U.S. Government agency or facility, and the defense articles or technical data will not be transferred to any foreign person; and
(3) The urgency of the U.S. Government requirement is such that the appropriate export license or U.S. Government Bill of Lading could not have been obtained in a timely manner.
(d) A Shipper's Export Declaration (SED), required under § 123.22 of this subchapter, and a written statement by the exporter certifying that these requirements have been met must be presented at the time of export to the appropriate Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection or Department of Defense transmittal authority. A copy of the SED and the written certification statement shall be provided to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls immediately following the export.
(a)
(b)
(1) All classified articles, technical data and defense services covered by § 121.1 of this subchapter.
(2) All Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex Items.
(3) Defense services covered by part 124 of this subchapter, except for those in paragraph (c) of this section.
(4) Any transaction involving the export of defense articles and defense services for which congressional notification is required in accordance with § 123.15 and § 124.11 of this subchapter.
(5) All technical data and defense services for gas turbine engine hot sections covered by Categories VI(f) and VIII(b). (This does not include hardware).
(6) Firearms, close assault weapons and combat shotguns listed in Category I.
(7) Ammunition listed in Category III for the firearms in Category I.
(8) Nuclear weapons strategic delivery systems and all components, parts, accessories and attachments specifically designed for such systems and associated equipment.
(9) Naval nuclear propulsion equipment listed in Category VI(e).
(10) All Category VIII(a) items, and developmental aircraft, engines and components identified in Category VIII(f).
(11) All Category XII(c), except any 1st- and 2nd-generation image intensification tube and 1st- and 2nd-generation image intensification night sighting equipment. End items (see § 121.8 of this subchapter) in Category XII(c) and related technical data limited to basic operations, maintenance and training information as authorized under the exemption in § 125.4(b)(5) of this subchapter may be exported directly to a Canadian Government entity (
(12) Chemical agents listed in Category XIV (a), (d), and (e), biological agents and biologically derived substances in Category XIV (b), and equipment listed in Category XIV (f) for dissemination of the chemical agents and biological agents listed in Category XIV (a), (b), (d), and (e).
(13) Nuclear radiation measuring devices manufactured to military specifications listed in Category XVI(c).
(14) All spacecraft in Category XV(a), except commercial communications satellites.
(15) Category XV(c), except end items (see § 121.8 of this subchapter) for end
(16) Category XV(d).
(17) The following systems, components and parts included within the coverage of Category XV(e):
(i) Anti-jam systems with the ability to respond to incoming interference by adaptively reducing antenna gain (nulling) in the direction of the interference.
(ii) Antennas:
(A) With aperture (overall dimension of the radiating portions of the antenna) greater than 30 feet; or
(B) With all sidelobes less than or equal to −35dB, relative to the peak of the main beam; or
(C) Designed, modified, or configured to provide coverage area on the surface of the earth less than 200 nautical miles in diameter, where “coverage area” is defined as that area on the surface of the earth that is illuminated by the main beam width of the antenna (which is the angular distance between half power points of the beam).
(iii) Optical intersatellite data links (cross links) and optical ground satellite terminals.
(iv) Spaceborne regenerative baseband processing (direct up and down conversion to and from baseband) equipment.
(v) Propulsion systems which permit acceleration of the satellite on-orbit (
(vi) Attitude control and determination systems designed to provide spacecraft pointing determination and control or payload pointing system control better than 0.02 degrees per axis.
(vii) All specifically designed or modified systems, components, parts, accessories, attachments, and associated equipment for all Category XV(a) items, except when specifically designed or modified for use in commercial communications satellites.
(18) Nuclear weapons, design and testing equipment listed in Category XVI.
(19) Submersible and oceanographic vessels and related articles listed in Category XX(a) through (d).
(20) Miscellaneous articles covered by Category XXI.
(21) Man-portable air defense systems, and their parts and components, and technical data for such systems covered by Category IV.
(c)
(1) The item, technical data, defense service and transaction is not identified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (21) of this section; and
(2) The transfer of technical data and provision of defense service is limited to the following activities:
(i) Canadian-registered person or a registered and eligible U.S. company (in accordance with part 122 of this subchapter) preparing a quote or bid proposal in response to a written request from a Department or Agency of the United States Federal Government or from a Canadian Federal, Provincial, or Territorial Government; or
(ii) Produce, design, assemble, maintain or service a defense article (
(iii) The defense services and technical data are limited to that defined in paragraph (c)(6) of this section; and
(3) The Canadian contractor and subcontractor certify, in writing, to the U.S. exporter that the technical data and defense service being exported will be used only for an activity identified in paragraph (c)(2) of this section; and
(4) A written arrangement between the U.S. exporter and the Canadian recipient (such as a consummated Non-Disclosure or other multi-party agreement, Technology Transfer Control Plan, contract or purchase order) must:
(i) Limit delivery of the defense articles being produced directly to an identified manufacturer in the United States registered in accordance with part 122 of this subchapter; a Department or Agency of the United States Federal Government; a Canadian-registered person authorized in writing to manufacture defense articles by and for the Government of Canada; a Canadian
(ii) Prohibit the disclosure of the technical data to any other contractor or subcontractor who is not a Canadian-registered person; and
(iii) Provide that any subcontract contain all the limitations of this section; and
(iv) Require that the Canadian contractor, including subcontractors, destroy or return to the U.S. exporter in the United States all of the technical data exported pursuant to the contract or purchase order upon fulfillment of the contract, unless for use by a Canadian or United States Government entity that requires in writing the technical data be maintained. The U.S. exporter must be provided written certification that the technical data is being retained or destroyed; and
(v) Include a clause requiring that all documentation created from U.S. technical data contain the statement, “This document contains technical data, the use of which is restricted by the U.S. Arms Export Control Act. This data has been provided in accordance with, and is subject to, the limitations specified in § 126.5 of the International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR). By accepting this data, the consignee agrees to honor the requirements of the ITAR”; and
(5) The U.S. exporter must provide the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls a semi-annual report of all their on-going activities authorized under this section. The report shall include the article(s) being produced; the end user(s) (
(6) The defense services and technical data are limited to those in paragraphs (c)(6)(i), (ii), (iii) and (iv), and do not include paragraphs (c)(6)(v), (vi) and (vii) of this section:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
(d)
(1) If the reexport/retransfer being requested could be made pursuant to this section (
(2) If the reexport/retransfer is to an end use or end user that, if directly exported from the U.S. requires a license, retransfer must be handled in accordance with § 123.9 of this subchapter.
1. In any instance when the exporter has knowledge that the defense article exempt from licensing is being exported for use other than by a qualified Canadian-registered person or for export to another foreign destination, other than the United States, in its original form or incorporated into another item, an export license must be obtained prior to the transfer to Canada.
2. Additional exemptions exist in other sections of this subchapter that are applicable to Canada, for example Secs. 123.9, 125.4 and 124.2, which allows for the performance of defense services related to training in basic operations and maintenance, without a license, for defense articles lawfully exported, including those identified in paragraphs (b)(1) through (21) of this section.
(a) A license from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is not required if:
(1) The article or technical data to be exported was sold, leased, or loaned by the Department of Defense to a foreign country or international organization pursuant to the Arms Export Control
(2) The article or technical data is delivered to representatives of such a country or organization in the United States; and
(3) The article or technical data is to be exported from the United States on a military aircraft or naval vessel of that government or organization or via the Defense Transportation Service (DTS).
(b)
(c)
(1) Transfers of the defense articles, technical data or defense services using this exemption may take place only during the period which the FMS Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) and implementing USG FMS contracts and subcontracts are in effect and serve as authorization for the transfers hereunder in lieu of a license. After the USG FMS contracts and subcontracts have expired and the LOA no longer serves as such authorization, any further provision of defense articles, technical data or defense services shall not be covered by this section and shall instead be subject to other authorization requirements of this subchapter; and
(2) The defense article, technical data or defense service to be transferred are specifically identified in an executed LOA, in furtherance of the Foreign Military Sales Program signed by an authorized Department of Defense Representative and an authorized representative of the foreign government, and
(3) The transfer of the defense article and related technical data is effected during the duration of the relevant Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA), similarly a defense service is to be provided only during the duration of the USG FMS contract or subcontract and not to exceed the specified duration of the LOA, and
(4) The transfer is not to a country identified in § 126.1 of this subchapter, and
(5) The U.S. person responsible for the transfer maintains records of all transfers in accordance with Part 122 of this subchapter, and
(6) For transfers of defense articles and technical data,
(i) The transfer is made by the relevant foreign diplomatic mission of the purchasing country or its authorized freight forwarder, provided that the freight forwarder is registered with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls pursuant to part 122 of this subchapter, and
(ii) At the time of shipment, the Port Director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection is provided an original and properly executed DSP-94 accompanied by a copy of the LOA and any other documents required by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in carrying out its responsibilities. The Shippers Export Declaration or, if authorized, the outbound manifest, must be annotated “This shipment is being exported under the authority of Department of State Form DSP-94. It covers FMS Case [insert case identification], expiration [insert date]. 22 CFR 126.6 applicable. The U.S. Government point of contact is ____, telephone number ____,” and
(iii) If, classified hardware and related technical data are involved the transfer must have the requisite USG security clearance and transportation plan and be shipped in accordance with the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, or
(7) For transfers of defense services:
(i) A contract or subcontract between the U.S. person(s) responsible for providing the defense service and the USG exists that:
(A) Specifically defines the scope of the defense service to be transferred;
(B) Identifies the FMS case identifier,
(C) Identifies the foreign recipients of the defense service
(D) Identifies any other U.S. or foreign parties that may be involved and their roles/responsibilities, to the extent known when the contract is executed,
(E) Provides a specified period of duration in which the defense service may be performed, and
(ii) The U.S. person(s) identified in the contract maintain a registration with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls for the entire time that the defense service is being provided. In any instance when the U.S. registered person(s) identified in the contract employs a subcontractor, the subcontractor may only use this exemption when registered with DDTC, and when such subcontract meets the above stated requirements, and
(iii) In instances when the defense service involves the transfer of classified technical data, the U.S. person transferring the defense service must have the appropriate USG security clearance and a transportation plan, if appropriate, in compliance with the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, and
(iv) The U.S. person responsible for the transfer reports the initial transfer, citing this section of the ITAR, the FMS case identifier, contract and subcontract number, the foreign country, and the duration of the service being provided to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls using DDTC's Direct Shipment Verification Program.
(a)
(1) The Department of State deems such action to be in furtherance of world peace, the national security or the foreign policy of the United States, or is otherwise advisable; or
(2) The Department of State believes that 22 U.S.C. 2778, any regulation contained in this subchapter, or the terms of any U.S. Government export authorization (including the terms of a manufacturing license or technical assistance agreement, or export authorization granted pursuant to the Export Administration Act, as amended) has been violated by any party to the export or other person having significant interest in the transaction; or
(3) An applicant is the subject of an indictment for a violation of any of the U.S. criminal statutes enumerated in § 120.27 of this subchapter; or
(4) An applicant or any party to the export or the agreement has been convicted of violating any of the U.S. criminal statutes enumerated in § 120.27 of this subchapter; or
(5) An applicant is ineligible to contract with, or to receive a license or other authorization to import defense articles or defense services from, any agency of the U.S. Government; or
(6) An applicant, any party to the export or agreement, any source or manufacturer of the defense article or defense service or any person who has a significant interest in the transaction has been debarred, suspended, or otherwise is ineligible to receive an export license or other authorization from any agency of the U.S. government (e.g., pursuant to debarment by the Department of Commerce under 15 CFR part 760 or by the Department of State under part 127 or 128 of this subchapter); or
(7) An applicant has failed to include any of the information or documentation expressly required to support a license application or other request for approval under this subchapter or as
(8) An applicant is subject to sanctions under other relevant U.S. laws (e.g., the Missile Technology Controls title of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 1991 (Pub. L. 101-510); the Chemical and Biological Weapons Control and Warfare Elimination Act of 1991 (Pub. L. 102-182); or the Iran-Iraq Arms Non-Proliferation Act of 1992 (Pub. L. 102-484)).
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) The chief executive officer, president, vice-presidents, other senior officers and officials (e.g., comptroller, treasurer, general counsel) and any member of the board of directors of the applicant;
(2) The freight forwarders or designated exporting agent of the applicant; and
(3) Any consignee or end-user of any item to be exported.
(a)
(1) Sale of significant military equipment: The prior approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is required before a U.S. person may make a proposal or presentation designed to constitute a basis for a decision on the part of any foreign person to purchase significant military equipment on the U.S. Munitions List whenever all the following conditions are met:
(i) The value of the significant military equipment to be sold is $14,000,000 or more; and
(ii) The equipment is intended for use by the armed forces of any foreign country other than a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Australia, New Zealand, or Japan; and
(iii) The sale would involve the export from the United States of any defense article or the furnishing abroad of any defense service including technical data; and
(iv) The identical significant military equipment has not been previously licensed for permanent export or approved for sale under the Foreign Military Sales Program of the Department of Defense, to any foreign country.
(2) Sale of significant military equipment: The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls must be notified in writing at least thirty days in advance of any proposal or presentation concerning the sale of significant military equipment whenever the conditions specified in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (iii) of this section are met and the identical equipment has been previously licensed for permanent export or approved for sale under the FMS Program to any foreign country.
(3) Manufacture abroad of significant military equipment: The prior approval
(i) The equipment is intended for use by the armed forces of any foreign country; and
(ii) The agreement would involve the export from the United States of any defense article or the furnishing abroad of any defense service including technical data.
(b)
(c)
(i) A written statement from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls approving the proposed sale or agreement or approving the making of a proposal or presentation.
(ii) A license issued under § 125.2 or § 125.3 of this subchapter for the export of technical data relating to the proposed sale or agreement to the country concerned.
(iii) A temporary export license issued under § 123.5 of this subchapter relating to the proposed sale or agreement for a demonstration to the armed forces of the country of export.
(iv) With respect to manufacturing license agreements or technical assistance agreements, the application for export licenses pursuant to the two preceding subparagraphs must state that they are related to possible agreements of this kind.
(2) The requirement of this section for prior notification is met by informing the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls by letter at least 30 days before making the proposal or presentation. The letter must comply with the procedures set forth in paragraph (d) of this section and must identify the relevant license, approval, or FMS case by which the identical equipment had previously been authorized for permanent export or sale. The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will provide written acknowledgement of such prior notification to confirm compliance with this requirement and the commencement of the 30-day notification period.
(d)
(e)
(i) Refers to a specific notification made or approval previously granted with respect to the transaction; or
(ii) Certifies that no proposal or presentation requiring prior notification or approval has been made.
(2) The Department of State may require a similar statement from the Foreign Military Sales contractor concerned in any case where the United States Government receives a request for a letter of offer for a sale which meets the criteria specified in paragraph (a) of this section.
(f)
(g)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Furnishing information to foreign governments for law enforcement or regulatory purposes; and
(2) Furnishing information to foreign governments and other agencies of the U.S. Government in the context of multilateral or bilateral export regimes (e.g., the Missile Technology Control Regime, the Australia Group, and Wassenaar Arrangement).
The provisions in this subchapter are in addition to, and are not in lieu of, any other provisions of law or regulations. The sale of firearms in the United States, for example, remains subject to the provisions of the Gun Control Act of 1968 and regulations administered by the Department of Justice. The performance of defense services on behalf of foreign governments by retired military personnel continues to require consent pursuant to Part 3a of this title. Persons who intend to export defense articles or furnish defense services should not assume that satisfying the requirements of this subchapter relieves one of other requirements of law.
All determinations, authorizations, licenses, approvals of contracts and agreements and other action issued, authorized, undertaken, or entered into by the Department of State pursuant to section 414 of the Mutual Security Act of 1954, as amended, or under the previous provisions of this subchapter, continue in full force and effect until or unless modified, revoked or superseded by the Department of State.
(a) All applications for licenses (DSP-5, DSP-61, DSP-73, and DSP-85), all requests for approval of agreements and amendments thereto under part 124 of this subchapter, all requests for other written authorizations, and all 30-day prior notifications of sales of significant military equipment under § 126.8(c) must include a letter signed by a responsible official empowered by the applicant and addressed to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, stating whether:
(1) The applicant or the chief executive officer, president, vice-presidents, other senior officers or officials (e.g., comptroller, treasurer, general counsel) or any member of the board of directors is the subject of an indictment for or has been convicted of violating any of the U.S. criminal statutes enumerated in § 120.27 of this subchapter since the effective date of the Arms Export Control Act, Public Law 94-329, 90 Stat. 729 (June 30, 1976);
(2) The applicant or the chief executive officer, president, vice-presidents, other senior officers or officials (e.g., comptroller, treasurer, general counsel) or any member of the board of directors is ineligible to contract with, or to receive a license or other approval to import defense articles or defense services from, or to receive an export license or other approval from, any agency of the U.S. Government;
(3) To the best of the applicant's knowledge, any party to the export as defined in § 126.7(e) has been convicted of violating any of the U.S. criminal statutes enumerated in § 120.27 of this
(4) The natural person signing the application, notification or other request for approval (including the statement required by this subsection) is a citizen or national of the United States, has been lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence (and maintains such a residence) under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended (8 U.S.C. 1101(a), section 101(a)20, 60 Stat. 163), or is an official of a foreign government entity in the United States.
(b) In addition, all applications for licenses must include, on the application or an addendum sheet, the complete names and addresses of all U.S. consignors and freight forwarders, and all foreign consignees and foreign intermediate consignees involved in the transaction. If there are multiple consignors, consignees or freight forwarders, and all the required information cannot be included on the application form, an addendum sheet and seven copies containing this information must be provided. The addendum sheet must be marked at the top as follows: “Attachment to Department of State License Form (insert DSP-5, 61, 73, or 85, as appropriate) for Export of (insert commodity) valued at (insert U.S. dollar amount) to (insert country of ultimate destination).” The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will impress one copy of the addendum sheet with the Department of State seal and return it to the applicant with each license. The sealed addendum sheet must remain attached to the license as an integral part thereof. Port Directors of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Department of Defense transmittal authorities will permit only those U.S. consignors or freight forwarders listed on the license or sealed addendum sheet to make shipments under the license, and only to those foreign consignees named on the documents. Applicants should list all freight forwarders who may be involved with shipments under the license to ensure that the list is complete and to avoid the need for amendments to the list after the license has been approved. If there are unusual or extraordinary circumstances that preclude the specific identification of all the U.S. consignors and freight forwarders and all foreign consignees, the applicant must provide a letter of explanation with each application.
(c) In cases when foreign nationals are employed at or assigned to security-cleared facilities, provision by the applicant of a Technology Control Plan (available from the Defense Security Service) will facilitate processing.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)(i)
(ii) A set of standard terms and conditions derived from and corresponding to the breadth of the activities and phases covered in such a cooperative MOU will provide the basis for this comprehensive authorization for all U.S. exporters (and foreign end users) identified by DoD as participating in such cooperative project. Such authorizations may cover a broad range of defined activities in support of such programs including multiple shipments of defense articles and technical data and performance of defense services for extended periods, and re-exports to approved end users.
(iii) Eligible end users will be limited to ministries of defense of MOU signatory countries and foreign companies serving as contractors of such countries.
(iv) Any requirement for non-transfer and use assurances from a foreign government may be deemed satisfied by the signature by such government of a cooperative agreement or by its ministry of defense of a cooperative MOU/MOA where the agreement or MOU contains assurances that are comparable to that required by a DSP-83 with respect to foreign governments and that clarifies that the government is undertaking responsibility for all its participating companies. The authorized non-government participants or end users (e.g., the participating government's contractors) will still be required to execute DSP-83s.
(4)
(b)
(1) Requests for consideration of all such authorizations should be formulated to correspond to one of the authorizations set out in paragraph (a) of this section, and should include:
(i) A description of the proposed program or project, including where appropriate a comprehensive description of all phases or stages; and
(ii) Its value; and
(iii) Types of exports needed in support of the program or project; and
(iv) Projected duration of same, within permissible limits; and
(v) Description of the exporter's plan for record keeping and auditing of all phases of the program or project; and
(vi) In the case of authorizations for exports in support of government to government cooperative projects, identification of the cooperative project.
(2) Amendments to the requested authorization may be requested in writing as appropriate, and should include a detailed description of the aspects of the activities being proposed for amendment.
(3) The comprehensive authorizations set forth in paragraph (a) of this section may be made valid for the duration of the major commercial program or project, or cooperative project, not to exceed 10 years.
(4) Included among the criteria required for such authorizations are those set out in Part 124, e.g., §§ 124.7, 124.8 and 124.9, as well as §§ 125.4 (technical data exported in furtherance of an agreement) and 123.16 (hardware being included in an agreement). Provisions required will also take into account the congressional notification requirements in §§ 123.15 and 124.11 of the ITAR. Specifically, comprehensive congressional notifications corresponding to the comprehensive parameters for the major program or project or cooperative project should be possible, with additional notifications such as those required by law for changes in value or other significant modifications.
(5) All authorizations will be consistent with all other applicable requirements of the ITAR, including requirements for non-transfer and use assurances (see §§ 123.10 and 124.10), congressional notifications (e.g., §§ 123.15 and 124.11), and other documentation (e.g., §§ 123.9 and 126.13).
(6) Special auditing and reporting requirements will also be required for these authorizations. Exporters using special authorizations are required to establish an electronic system for keeping records of all defense articles, defense services and technical data exported and comply with all applicable requirements for submitting shipping or export information within the allotted time.
(a) Any application submitted for authorization of the export of defense articles or services to Australia or the United Kingdom will be expeditiously processed by the Department of State, in consultation with the Department of Defense. Such license applications will not be referred to any other Federal department or agency, except when the defense articles or defense services are classified or exceptional circumstances apply. (See section 1225, Pub. L. 108-375).
(b) To be eligible for the expedited processing in paragraph (a) of this section, the destination of the prospective export must be limited to Australia or the United Kingdom. No other country may be included as intermediary or ultimate end-user.
Secs. 2, 38, and 42, Public Law 90-629, 90 Stat. 744 (22 U.S.C. 2752, 2778, 2791); E.O. 11958, 42 FR 4311; 3 CFR, 1977 Comp., p. 79; 22 U.S.C. 401; 22 U.S.C. 2651a; 22 U.S.C. 2779a; 22 U.S.C. 2780.
(a) It is unlawful:
(1) To export or attempt to export from the United States, or to reexport or retransfer or attempt to reexport or retransfer from one foreign destination to another foreign destination by a U.S. person of any defense article or technical data or by anyone of any U.S. origin defense article or technical data or to furnish any defense service for which a license or written approval is required by this subchapter without first obtaining the required license or written approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls;
(2) To import or attempt to import any defense article whenever a license is required by this subchapter without first obtaining the required license or written approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls;
(3) To conspire to export, import, reexport or cause to be exported, imported or reexported, any defense article or to furnish any defense service for which a license or written approval is required by this subchapter without first obtaining the required license or written approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls;
(4) To violate any of the terms or conditions of licenses or approvals granted pursuant to this subchapter.
(5) To engage in the United States in the business of either manufacturing or exporting defense article or furnishing defense services without complying with the registration requirements. For the purposes of this subchapter, engaging in the business of manufacturing or exporting defense articles or furnishing defense services requires only one occasion of manufacturing or exporting a defense article or furnishing a defense service; or
(6) To engage in the business of brokering activities for which registration, a license or written approval is required by this subchapter without first registering or obtaining the required license or written approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. For the purposes of this subchapter, engaging in the business of brokering activities requires only one occasion of engaging in an activity as reflected in § 129.2(b).
(b) Any person who is granted a license or other approval under this subchapter is responsible for the acts of employees, agents, and all authorized persons to whom possession of the licensed defense article or technical data has been entrusted regarding the operation, use, possession, transportation, and handling of such defense article or technical data abroad. All persons abroad subject to U.S. jurisdiction who obtain temporary custody of a defense article exported from the United States or produced under an agreement described in part 124 of this subchapter, and irrespective of the number of intermediate transfers, are bound by the regulations of this subchapter in the same manner and to the same extent as the original owner or transferer.
(c) A person with knowledge that another person is then ineligible pursuant to §§ 120.1(c) or 126.7 of this subchapter
(1) Apply for, obtain, or use any export control document as defined in § 127.2(b) for such debarred, suspended, or ineligible person; or
(2) Order, buy, receive, use, sell, deliver, store, dispose of, forward, transport, finance, or otherwise service or participate in any transaction which may involve any defense article or the furnishing of any defense service for which a license or approval is required by this subchapter for export, where such debarred, suspended, or ineligible person may obtain any benefit therefrom or have any direct or indirect interest therein.
(d) No person may knowingly or willfully cause, or aid, abet, counsel, demand, induce, procure or permit the commission of any act prohibited by, or the omission of any act prohibited by, or the omission of any act required by 22 U.S.C. 2778, 22 U.S.C. 2779, or any regulation, license, approval, or order issued thereunder.
(a) It is unlawful to use any export or temporary import control document containing a false statement or misrepresenting or omitting a material fact for the purpose of exporting any defense article or technical data or the furnishing of any defense service for which a license or approval is required by this subchapter. Any false statement, misrepresentation, or omission of material fact in an export or temporary import control document will be considered as made in a matter within the jurisdiction of a department or agency of the United States for the purposes of 18 U.S.C. 1001, 22 U.S.C. 2778 and 22 U.S.C. 2779.
(b) For the purpose of this section,
(1) An application for a permanent export or a temporary import license and supporting documents.
(2) Shipper's Export Declaration.
(3) Invoice.
(4) Declaration of destination.
(5) Delivery verification.
(6) Application for temporary export.
(7) Application for registration.
(8) Purchase order.
(9) Foreign import certificate.
(10) Bill-of-lading.
(11) Airway bill.
(12) Nontransfer and use certificate.
(13) Any other document used in the regulation or control of a defense article, defense service or technical data for which a license or approval is required by this subchapter.
Any person who willfully:
(a) Violates any provision of section 38 or section 39 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778 and 2779), or any undertaking specifically required by part 124 of this subchapter; or
(b) In a registration, license application or report required by § 38 or § 39 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778 and 2779) or by any rule or regulation issued under either section, makes any untrue statement of a material fact or omits a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, shall upon conviction be subject to a fine or imprisonment, or both, as prescribed by 22 U.S.C. 2778(c).
(a) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers may take appropriate action to ensure observance of this subchapter as to the export or the attempted export of any defense article or technical data, including the inspection of loading or unloading of any vessel, vehicle, or aircraft. This applies whether the export is authorized by license or by written approval issued under this subchapter.
(b) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers have the authority to investigate, detain or seize any export or attempted export of defense articles or technical data contrary to this subchapter.
(c) Upon the presentation to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officer of a license or written approval authorizing the export of any defense article, the customs officer may require the production of other relevant documents and information relating to the proposed export. This includes an invoice, order, packing list, shipping document, correspondence, instructions, and the documents otherwise required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection or U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
In the case of exports involving classified technical data or defense articles, the Defense Security Service may take appropriate action to ensure compliance with the Department of Defense National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (unless such requirements are in direct conflict with guidance provided by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, in which case the latter guidance must be followed). Upon a request to the Defense Security Service regarding the export of any classified defense article or technical data, the Defense Security Service official or a designated government transmittal authority may require the production of other relevant documents and information relating to the proposed export.
(a) An attempt to export from the United States any defense articles in violation of the provisions of this subchapter constitutes an offense punishable under section 401 of title 22 of the United States Code. Whenever it is known or there is probable cause to believe that any defense article is intended to be or is being or has been exported or removed from the United States in violation of law, such article and any vessel, vehicle or aircraft involved in such attempt is subject to seizure, forfeiture and disposition as provided in section 401 of title 22 of the United States Code.
(b) Similarly, an attempt to violate any of the conditions under which a temporary export or temporary import license was issued pursuant to this subchapter or to violate the requirements of § 123.2 of this subchapter also constitutes an offense punishable under section 401 of title 22 of the United States Code, and such article, together with any vessel, vehicle or aircraft involved in any such attempt is subject to seizure, forfeiture, and disposition as provided in section 401 of title 22 of the United States Code.
(a)
(b)
(2) The basis for administrative debarment, described in part 128 of this subchapter, is any violation of 22 U.S.C. 2778 or any rule or regulation
(c)
(d)
(a) The Managing Director of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls or the Director of the Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance is authorized to order the interim suspension of any person when the Managing Director or Director of Compliance believes that grounds for debarment (as defined in § 127.7 of this part) exist and where and to the extent the Managing Director or Director of Compliance, as applicable, finds that interim suspension is reasonably necessary to protect world peace or the security or foreign policy of the United States. The interim suspension orders prohibit that person from participating directly or indirectly in the export of any defense article or defense service for which a license or approval is required by this subchapter. The suspended person shall be notified in writing as provided in § 127.7(c) of this part (statutory debarment) or § 128.3 of this subchapter (administrative debarment), whichever is appropriate. In both cases, a copy of the interim suspension order will be served upon that person in the same manner as provided in § 128.3 of this subchapter. The interim suspension order may be made immediately effective, without prior notice. The order will state the relevant facts, the grounds for issuance of the order, and describe the nature and duration of the interim suspension. No person may be suspended for a period exceeding 60 days, absent extraordinary circumstances, (e.g., unless proceedings under § 127.7(c) of this part or under part 128 of this subchapter, or criminal proceedings, are initiated).
(b) A motion or petition to vacate or modify an interim suspension order may be filed at any time with the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security. After a final decision is reached, the Managing Director of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will issue an appropriate order disposing of the motion or petition and will promptly inform the respondent accordingly.
For the purpose of preventing evasion, orders of the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs debarring a person under § 127.7, and orders of the Managing Director, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls or Director of the Office of Defense Trade
(a) The Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs is authorized to impose a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed that authorized by 22 U.S.C. 2778, 2779a and 2780 for each violation of 22 U.S.C. 2778, 2779a and 2780, or any regulation, order, license or approval issued thereunder. This civil penalty may be either in addition to, or in lieu of, any other liability or penalty which may be imposed.
(b) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may make:
(1) The payment of a civil penalty under this section or
(2) The completion of any administrative action pursuant to this part 127 or 128 of this subchapter a prior condition for the issuance, restoration, or continuing validity of any export license or other approval.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(2) The provisions of this section apply only when information is received by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls for review prior to such time that either the Department of State or any other agency, bureau, or department of the United States Government obtains knowledge of either the same or substantially similar information from another source and commences an investigation or inquiry that involves that information, and that is intended to determine whether the Arms Export Control Act or these regulations, or any other license, order, or other authorization issued under the Arms Export Control Act has been violated.
(3) The violation(s) in question, despite the voluntary nature of the disclosure, may merit penalties, administrative actions, sanctions, or referrals to the Department of Justice to consider criminal prosecution. In the latter case, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will notify the Department of Justice of the voluntary nature of the disclosure, although the Department of Justice is not required to give that fact any weight. The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls has the sole discretion to consider whether “voluntary disclosure,” in context with other relevant information in a particular case, should be a mitigating factor in determining what, if any, administrative action will be imposed. Some of the mitigating factors the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may consider are:
(i) Whether the transaction would have been authorized, and under what conditions, had a proper license request been made;
(ii) Why the violation occurred;
(iii) The degree of cooperation with the ensuing investigation;
(iv) Whether the person has instituted or improved an internal compliance program to reduce the likelihood of future violation;
(v) Whether the person making the disclosure did so with the full knowledge and authorization of the person's senior management. (If not, then the Directorate will not deem the disclosure voluntary as covered in this section.)
(4) The provisions of this section do not, nor should they be relied on to, create, confer, or grant any rights, benefits, privileges, or protection enforceable at law or in equity by any person in any civil, criminal, administrative, or other matter.
(c)
(i) If the notification does not contain all the information required by 127.12(c)(2) of this section, a full disclosure must be submitted within 60 calendar days of the notification, or the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will not deem the notification to qualify as a voluntary disclosure.
(ii) If the person is unable to provide a full disclosure within the 60 calendar day deadline, an empowered official (see § 120.25 of this subchapter) or a senior officer may request an extension of time in writing. A request for an extension must specify what information required by § 127.12(c)(2) of this section could not be immediately provided and the reasons why.
(iii) Before approving an extension of time to provide the full disclosure, the
(iv) Failure to provide a full disclosure within a reasonable time may result in a decision by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls not to consider the notification as a mitigating factor in determining the appropriate disposition of the violation. In addition, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls may direct the requester to furnish all relevant information surrounding the violation.
(2) Notification of a violation must be in writing and should include the following information:
(i) A precise description of the nature and extent of the violation (e.g., an unauthorized shipment, doing business with a party denied U.S. export privileges, etc.);
(ii) The exact circumstances surrounding the violation (a thorough explanation of why, when, where, and how the violation occurred);
(iii) The complete identities and addresses of all persons known or suspected to be involved in the activities giving rise to the violation (including mailing, shipping, and e-mail addresses; telephone and fax/facsimile numbers; and any other known identifying information);
(iv) Department of State license numbers, exemption citation, or description of any other authorization, if applicable;
(v) U.S. Munitions List category and subcategory, product description, quantity, and characteristics or technological capability of the hardware, technical data or defense service involved;
(vi) A description of corrective actions already undertaken that clearly identifies the new compliance initiatives implemented to address the causes of the violations set forth in the voluntary disclosure and any internal disciplinary action taken; and how these corrective actions are designed to deter those particular violations from occurring again;
(vii) The name and address of the person making the disclosure and a point of contact, if different, should further information be needed.
(3) Factors to be addressed in the voluntary disclosure include, for example, whether the violation was intentional or inadvertent; the degree to which the person responsible for the violation was familiar with the laws and regulations, and whether the person was the subject of prior administrative or criminal action under the AECA; whether the violations are systemic; and the details of compliance measures, processes and programs, including training, that were in place to prevent such violations, if any. In addition to immediately providing written notification, persons are strongly urged to conduct a thorough review of all export-related transactions where a possible violation is suspected.
(d)
(i) Licensing documents (e.g., license applications, export licenses and end-user statements), exemption citation, or other authorization description, if any;
(ii) Shipping documents (e.g., shipper's export declarations, airway bills and bills of lading);
(iii) Any other relevant documents must be retained by the person making the disclosure until the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls requests them or until a final decision on the disclosed information has been made.
(e)
(f)
(g) Send voluntary disclosures to the Office of Defense Trade Controls Compliance, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Consult the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls Web site at
Secs. 2, 38, 40, 42, and 71, Arms Export Control Act. 90 Stat. 744 (22 U.S.C. 2752, 2778, 2780, 2791, and 2797); E.O. 11958, 42 FR 4311; 22 U.S.C. 2651a; E.O. 12291, 46 FR 1981.
The Arms Export Control Act authorizes the President to control the import and export of defense articles and services in furtherance of world peace and the security and foreign policy of the United States. It authorizes the Secretary of State to make decisions on whether license applications or other written requests for approval shall be granted, or whether exemptions may be used. It also authorizes the Secretary of State to revoke, suspend or amend licenses or other written approvals whenever the Secretary deems such action to be advisable. The administration of the Arms Export Control Act is a foreign affairs function encompassed within the meaning of the military and foreign affairs exclusion of the Administrative Procedure Act and is thereby expressly exempt from various provisions of that Act. Because the exercising of the foreign affairs function, including the decisions required to implement the Arms Export Control Act, is highly discretionary, it is excluded from review under the Administrative Procedure Act.
The Administrative Law Judge referred to in this part is an Administrative Law Judge appointed by the Department of State. The Administrative Law Judge is authorized to exercise the powers and perform the duties provided for in §§ 127.7, 127.8, and 128.3 through 128.16 of this subchapter.
(a)
(b)
(1) If the respondent is a resident of the United States, when it is mailed postage prepaid in a wrapper addressed to the respondent at that person's last known address; or when left with the respondent or the agent or employee of the respondent; or when left at the respondent's dwelling with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing herein; or
(2) If the respondent is a non-resident of the United States, when served upon the respondent by any of the foregoing means. If such methods of service are not practicable or appropriate, the charging letter may be tendered for service on the respondent to an official of the government of the country wherein the respondent resides, provided that there is an agreement or understanding between the United States Government and the government of the country wherein the respondent resident permitting this action.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)(1) The Administrative Law Judge may, upon his own motion or upon motion of any party, request the parties or their counsel to a prehearing conference to consider:
(i) Simplification of issues;
(ii) The necessity or desirability of amendments to pleadings;
(iii) Obtaining stipulations of fact and of documents to avoid unnecessary proof; or
(iv) Such other matter as may expedite the disposition of the proceeding.
(2) The Administrative Law Judge will prepare a summary of the action agreed upon or taken at the conference, and will incorporate therein any written stipulations or agreements made by the parties.
(3) The conference proceedings may be recorded magnetically or taken by a reporter and transcribed, and filed with the Administrative Law Judge.
(b) If a conference is impracticable , the Administrative Law Judge may request the parties to correspond with the person to achieve the purposes of a conference. The Administrative Law Judge shall prepare a summary of action taken as in the case of a conference.
(a) A respondent who had not filed a timely written answer is not entitled to a hearing, and the case may be considered by the Administrative Law Judge as provided in § 128.4(a). If any answer is filed, but no oral hearing demanded, the Administrative Law Judge may proceed to consider the case upon the written pleadings and evidence available. The Administrative Law Judge may provide for the making of the record in such manner as the Administrative Law Judge deems appropriate. If respondent answers and demands an oral hearing, the Administrative Law Judge, upon due notice, shall set the case for hearing, unless a respondent has raised in his answer no issues of material fact to be determined. If respondent fails to appear at a scheduled hearing, the hearing nevertheless may proceed in respondent's absence. The respondent's failure to appear will not affect the validity of the hearing or any proceedings or action thereafter.
(b) The Administrative Law Judge may administer oaths and affirmations. Respondent may be represented by counsel. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties and the Administrative Law Judge the proceeding will be taken by a reporter or by magnetic recording, transcribed, and filed with the Administrative Law Judge. Respondent may examine the transcript and may obtain a copy upon payment of proper costs.
(a) The Administrative Law Judge may conform any part of the proceedings before him or her to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The record may be made available in any other administrative or other proceeding involving the same respondent.
(b) The Administrative Law Judge, after considering the record, will prepare a written report. The report will include findings of fact, findings of law, a finding whether a law or regulation has been violated, and the Administrative Law Judge's recommendations. It shall be transmitted to the Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs, Department of State.
Where the evidence is not sufficient to support the charges, the Managing Director, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls or the Administrative Law Judge will dismiss the charges. Where the Administrative Law Judge finds that a violation has been committed, the Administrative Law Judge's recommendation shall be advisory only. The Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs will review the record, consider the report of the Administrative Law Judge, and make an appropriate disposition of the case. The Managing Director may issue an order debarring the respondent from participating in the export of defense articles or technical data or the furnishing of defense services as provided in § 127.7 of this subchapter, impose a civil penalty as provided in § 127.10 of this subchapter, or take such action as the Administrative Law Judge may recommend. Any debarment order will be effective for the period of time specified therein and may contain such additional terms and conditions as are deemed appropriate. A copy of the
(a) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls and the respondent may, by agreement, submit to the Administrative Law Judge a proposal for the issuance of a consent order. The Administrative Law Judge will review the facts of the case and the proposal and may conduct conferences with the parties and may require the presentation of evidence in the case. If the Administrative Law Judge does not approve the proposal, the Administrative Law Judge will notify the parties and the case will proceed as though no consent proposal had been made. If the proposal is approved, the Administrative Law Judge will report the facts of the case along with recommendations to the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs. If the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs does not approve the proposal, the case will proceed as though no consent proposal had been made. If the Assistant Secretary of State for Political-Military Affairs approves the proposal, an appropriate order may be issued.
(b) Cases may also be settled prior to service of a charging letter. In such an event, a proposed charging letter shall be prepared, and a consent agreement and order shall be submitted for the approval and signature of the Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs, and no action by the Administrative Law Judge shall be required. Cases which are settled may not be reopened or appealed.
The Administrative Law Judge may grant a rehearing or reopen a proceeding at any time for the purpose of hearing any relevant and material evidence which was not known or obtainable at the time of the original hearing. A report for rehearing or reopening must contain a summary of such evidence, and must explain the reasons why it could not have been presented at the original hearing. The Administrative Law Judge will inform the parties of any further hearing, and will conduct such hearing and submit a report and recommendations in the same manner as provided for the original proceeding (Described in § 128.10).
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2)
(f)
Proceedings under this part are confidential. The documents referred to in § 128.17 are not, however, deemed to be confidential. Reports of the Administrative Law Judge and copies of transcripts or recordings of hearings will be available to parties and, to the extent of their own testimony, to witnesses. All records are available to any U.S. Government agency showing a proper interest therein.
(a)
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
The Administrative Law Judge, for good cause shown, may extend the time within which to prepare and submit an answer to a charging letter or to perform any other act required by this part.
All charging letters, debarment orders, orders imposing civil penalties, probationary periods, and interim suspension orders are available for public inspection in the Public Reading Room of the Department of State.
Sec. 38, Pub. L. 104-164, 110 Stat. 1437, (22 U.S.C. 2778).
Section 38(b)(1)(A)(ii) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2778) provides that persons engaged in the business of brokering activities shall register and pay a registration fee as prescribed in regulations, and that no person may engage in the business of brokering activities without a license issued in accordance with the Act.
(a)
(b)
(c) The term “foreign defense article or defense service” includes any non-United States defense article or defense service of a nature described on the United States Munitions List regardless of whether such article or service is of United States origin or
(a) Any U.S. person, wherever located, and any foreign person located in the United States or otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the United States (notwithstanding § 120.1(c)), who engages in the business of brokering activities (as defined in this part) with respect to the manufacture, export, import, or transfer of any defense article or defense service subject to the controls of this subchapter (see part 121) or any “foreign defense article or defense service” (as defined in § 129.2) is required to register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(b)
(1) Employees of the United States Government acting in official capacity.
(2) Employees of foreign governments or international organizations acting in official capacity.
(3)
(a)
(b) A person required to register under this part who is already registered as a manufacturer or exporter in accordance with part 122 of this subchapter must also provide notification of this additional activity by submitting to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls by registered mail a transmittal letter meeting the requirements of § 122.2(b) and citing the existing registration, and must pay an additional fee according to the schedule prescribed in § 122.3(a). Any person who registers coincidentally as a broker as defined in § 129.2 of this subchapter and as a manufacturer or exporter must submit a Statement of Registration that reflects the brokering activities, the § 122.2(b) transmittal letter, as well as the additional fee for registration as a broker.
(c) Other provisions of part 122, in particular, § 122.4 concerning notification of changes in information furnished by registrants and § 122.5 concerning maintenance of records by registrants, apply equally to registration under this part (part 129).
(a) The policy and procedures set forth in this subparagraph apply to brokering activities defined in § 129.2 of this subchapter, regardless of whether the persons involved in such activities have registered or are required to register under § 129.3 of this subchapter.
(b) No brokering activities or brokering proposals involving any country referred to in § 126.1 of this subchapter may be carried out by any person without first obtaining the written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(c) No brokering activities or proposal to engage in brokering activities may be carried out or pursued by any person without the prior written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls in the case of other countries or persons identified from time to time by the Department of State through notice in the
(d) No brokering activities or brokering proposal may be carried out with respect to countries which are subject to United Nations Security Council arms embargo (see also § 121.1(c)).
(e) In cases involving countries or persons subject to paragraph (b), (c), or (d), above, it is the policy of the Department of State to deny requests for approval, and exceptions may be granted only rarely, if ever. Any person who knows or has reason to know of brokering activities involving such countries or persons must immediately inform the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.
(a) No person may engage in the business of brokering activities without the prior written approval (license) of, or prior notification to, the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, except as follows:
(b) A license will not be required for:
(1) Brokering activities undertaken by or for an agency of the United States Government—
(i) For use by an agency of the United States Government; or
(ii) For carrying out any foreign assistance or sales program authorized by law and subject to the control of the President by other means.
(2) Brokering activities that are arranged wholly within and destined exclusively for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, any member country of that Organization, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand, except in the case of the defense articles or defense services specified in § 129.7(a) of this subchapter, for which prior approval is always required.
(a) The following brokering activities require the prior written approval of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls:
(1) Brokering activities pertaining to certain defense articles (or associated defense services) covered by or of a nature described by Part 121, to or from any country, as follows:
(i) Fully automatic firearms and components and parts therefor;
(ii) Nuclear weapons strategic delivery systems and all components, parts, accessories, attachments specifically designed for such systems and associated equipment;
(iii) Nuclear weapons design and test equipment of a nature described by Category XVI of Part 121;
(iv) Naval nuclear propulsion equipment of a nature described by Category VI(e);
(v) Missile Technology Control Regime Category I items (§ 121.16);
(vi) Classified defense articles, services and technical data;
(vii) Foreign defense articles or defense services (other than those that are arranged wholly within and destined exclusively for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand (see §§ 129.6(b)(2) and 129.7(a)).
(2) Brokering activities involving defense articles or defense services covered by, or of a nature described by, Part 121, in addition to those specified in § 129.7(a), that are designated as significant military equipment under this subchapter, for or from any country not a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Australia, New Zealand, or Japan whenever any of the following factors are present:
(i) The value of the significant military equipment is $1,000,000 or more;
(ii) The identical significant military equipment has not been previously licensed for export to the armed forces of the country concerned under this subchapter or approved for sale under the Foreign Military Sales Program of the Department of Defense;
(iii) Significant military equipment would be manufactured abroad as a result of the articles or services being brokered; or
(iv) The recipient or end user is not a foreign government or international organization.
(b) The requirements of this section for prior written approval are met by any of the following:
(1) A license or other written approval issued under parts 123, 124, or 125 of this subchapter for the permanent or temporary export or temporary import of the particular defense article, defense service or technical data subject to prior approval under this section, provided the names of all brokers have been identified in an attachment accompanying submission of the initial application; or
(2) A written statement from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls approving the proposed activity or the making of a proposal or presentation.
(c) Requests for approval of brokering activities shall be submitted in writing to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls by an empowered official of the registered broker; the letter shall also meet the requirements of § 126.13 of this subchapter.
(d) The request shall identify all parties involved in the proposed transaction and their roles, as well as outline in detail the defense article and related technical data (including manufacturer, military designation and model number), quantity and value, the security classification, if any, of the articles and related technical data, the country or countries involved, and the specific end use and end user(s).
(e) The procedures outlined in § 126.8(c) through (g) are equally applicable with respect to this section.
(a) Prior notification to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls is required for brokering activities with respect to significant military equipment valued at less than $1,000,000, except for sharing of basic marketing information (e.g., information that does not include performance characteristics, price and probable availability for delivery) by U.S. persons registered as exporters under Part 122.
(b) The requirement of this section for prior notification is met by informing the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls by letter at least 30 days before making a brokering proposal or presentation. The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls will provide written acknowledgment of such prior notification to confirm compliance with this requirement and the commencement of the 30-day notification period.
(c) The procedures outlined in § 126.8(c) through (g) are equally applicable with respect to this section.
Any person required to register under this part shall provide annually a report to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls enumerating and describing its brokering activities by quantity, type, U.S. dollar value, and purchaser(s) and recipient(s), license(s)
Any person desiring guidance on issues related to this part, such as whether an activity is a brokering activity within the scope of this Part, or whether a prior approval or notification requirement applies, may seek guidance in writing from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. The procedures and conditions stated in § 126.9 apply equally to requests under this section.
Sec. 39, Arms Export Control Act, 90 Stat. 767 (22 U.S.C. 2779); E.O. 11958, 42 FR 4311, 3 CFR, 1977 Comp. p. 79; 22 U.S.C. 2651a.
Section 39(a) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2779) provides that the Secretary of State shall prescribe regulations with respect to reporting on certain payments relating to sales of defense articles and defense services. The provisions of this part implement that requirement. Definitions which apply to this part are contained in §§ 130.2 through 130.8.
(a)
(1) To or at the direction of any person, irrespective of nationality, whether or not employed by or affiliated with
(2) For the solicitation or promotion or otherwise to secure the conclusion of a sale of defense articles or defense services to or for the use of the armed forces of a foreign country or international organization.
(b) The term fee or commission does not include:
(1) A political contribution or a payment excluded by § 130.6 from the definition of political contribution;
(2) A normal salary (excluding contingent compensation) established at an annual rate and paid to a regular employee of an applicant, supplier or vendor;
(3) General advertising or promotional expenses not directed to any particular sale or purchaser; or
(4) Payments made, or offered or agreed to be made, solely for the purchase by an applicant, supplier or vendor of specific goods or technical, operational or advisory services, which payments are not disproportionate in amount with the value of the specific goods or services actually furnished.
(a) To or for the benefit of, or at the direction of, any foreign candidate, committee, political party, political faction, or government or governmental subdivision, or any individual elected, appointed or otherwise designated as an employee or officer thereof; and
(b) For the solicitation or promotion or otherwise to secure the conclusion of a sale of defense articles or defense services to or for the use of the armed forces of a foreign country or international organization. Taxes, customs duties, license fees, and other charges required to be paid by applicable law or regulation are not regarded as political contributions.
(a)
(1) A sale requiring a license or approval from the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls under this subchapter; or
(2) A sale pursuant to a contract with the Department of Defense under section 22 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2762).
(b) [Reserved]
(a)(1) Each applicant must inform the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls as to whether the applicant or its vendors have paid, or offered or agreed to pay, in respect of any sale for which a license or approval is requested:
(i) Political contributions in an aggregate amount of $5,000 or more, or
(ii) Fees or commissions in an aggregate amount of $100,000 or more. If so, applicant must furnish to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls the information specified in § 130.10. The furnishing of such information or an explanation satisfactory to the Managing Director of the Directorate of
(2) The requirements of this paragraph do not apply in the case of an application with respect to a sale for which all the information specified in § 130.10 which is required by this section to be reported shall already have been furnished.
(b) Each supplier must inform the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls as to whether the supplier or its vendors have paid, or offered or agreed to pay, in respect of any sale:
(1) Political contributions in an aggregate amount of $5,000 or more, or
(2) Fees or commissions in an aggregate amount of $100,000 or more. If so, the supplier must furnish to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls the information specified in § 130.10. The information required to be furnished pursuant to this paragraph must be so furnished no later than 30 days after the contract award to such supplier, or such earlier date as may be specified by the Department of Defense. For purposes of this paragraph, a contract award includes a purchase order, exercise of an option, or other procurement action requiring a supplier to furnish defense articles or defense services to the Department of Defense for the purposes of § 22 of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2762).
(c) In determining whether an applicant or its vendors, or a supplier or its vendors, as the case may be, have paid, or offered or agreed to pay, political contributions in an aggregate amount of $5,000 or more in respect of any sale so as to require a report under this section, there must be included in the computation of such aggregate amount any political contributions in respect of the sale which are paid by or on behalf of, or at the direction of, any person to whom the applicant, supplier or vendor has paid, or offered or agreed to pay, a fee or commission in respect of the sale. Any such political contributions are deemed for purposes of this part to be political contributions by the applicant, supplier or vendor who paid or offered or agreed to pay the fee or commission.
(d) Any applicant or supplier which has informed the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls under this section that neither it nor its vendors have paid, or offered or agreed to pay, political contributions or fees or commissions in an aggregate amount requiring the information specified in § 130.10 to be furnished, must subsequently furnish such information within 30 days after learning that it or its vendors had paid, or offered or agreed to pay, political contributions or fees or commissions in respect of a sale in an aggregate amount which, if known to applicant or supplier at the time of its previous communication with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, would have required the furnishing of information under § 130.10 at that time. Any report furnished under this paragraph must, in addition to the information specified in § 130.10, include a detailed statement of the reasons why applicant or supplier did not furnish the information at the time specified in paragraph (a) or paragraph (b) of this section, as applicable.
(a) Every person required under § 130.9 to furnish information specified in this section in respect to any sale must furnish to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls:
(1) The total contract price of the sale to the foreign purchaser;
(2) The name, nationality, address and principal place of business of the applicant or supplier, as the case may be, and, if applicable, the employer and title;
(3) The name, nationality, address and principal place of business, and if applicable, employer and title of each foreign purchaser, including the ultimate end-user involved in the sale;
(4) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, a statement setting forth with respect to such sale:
(i) The amount of each political contribution paid, or offered or agreed to be paid, or the amount of each fee or
(ii) The date or dates on which each reported amount was paid, or offered or agreed to be paid;
(iii) The recipient of each such amount paid, or intended recipient if not yet paid;
(iv) The person who paid, or offered or agreed to pay such amount; and
(v) The aggregate amounts of political contributions and of fees or commission, respectively, which shall have been reported.
(b) In responding to paragraph (a)(4) of this section, the statement must:
(1) With respect to each payment reported, state whether such payment was in cash or in kind. If in kind, it must include a description and valuation thereof. Where precise amounts are not available because a payment has not yet been made, an estimate of the amount offered or agreed to be paid must be provided;
(2) With respect to each recipient, state:
(i) Its name;
(ii) Its nationality;
(iii) Its address and principal place of business;
(iv) Its employer and title; and
(v) Its relationship, if any, to applicant, supplier, or vendor, and to any foreign purchaser or end-user.
(c) In submitting a report required by § 130.9, the detailed information specified in paragraph (a)(4) and (b) of this section need not be included if the payments do not exceed:
(1) $2,500 in the case of political contributions; and
(2) $50,000 in the case of fees or commissions.
(d) Every person required to furnish the information specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section must respond fully to each subdivision of those paragraphs and, where the correct response is “none” or “not applicable,” must so state.
(a) Every applicant or supplier who is required under § 130.9 to furnish the information specified in § 130.10 must submit a supplementary report in connection with each sale in respect of which applicant or supplier has previously been required to furnish information if:
(1) Any political contributions aggregating $2,500 or more or fees or commissions aggregating $50,000 or more not previously reported or paid, or offered or agreed to be paid by applicant or supplier or any vendor;
(2) Subsequent developments cause the information initially reported to be no longer accurate or complete (as in the case where a payment actually made is substantially different in amount from a previously reported estimate of an amount offered or agreed to be paid); or
(3) Additional details are requested by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls with respect to any miscellaneous payments reported under § 130.10(c).
(b) Supplementary reports must be sent to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls within 30 days after the payment, offer or agreement reported therein or, when requested by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, within 30 days after such request, and must include:
(1) Any information specified in § 130.10 required or requested to be reported and which was not previously reported; and
(2) The Directorate of Defense Trade Controls license number, if any, and the Department of Defense contract number, if any, related to the sale.
(a) In order to determine whether it is obliged under § 130.9 to furnish the information specified in § 130.10 with respect to a sale, every applicant or supplier must obtain from each vendor,
(b) Any vendor which has been requested by an applicant or supplier to furnish an initial statement under paragraph (a) of this section must, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, furnish such statement in a timely manner and not later than 20 days after receipt of such request.
(c) If the vendor believes that furnishing information to an applicant or supplier in a requested statement would unreasonably risk injury to the vendor's commercial interests, the vendor may furnish in lieu of the statement an abbreviated statement disclosing only the aggregate amount of all political contributions and the aggregate amount of all fees or commissions which have been paid, or offered or agreed to be paid, or offered or agreed to be paid, by the vendor with respect to the sale. Any abbreviated statement furnished to an applicant or supplier under this paragraph must be accompanied by a certification that the requested information has been reported by the vendor directly to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. The vendor must simultaneously report fully to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls all information which the vendor would otherwise have been required to report to the applicant or supplier under this section. Each such report must clearly identify the sale with respect to which the reported information pertains.
(d)(1) If upon the 25th day after the date of its request to vendor, an applicant or supplier has not received from the vendor the initial statement required by paragraph (a) of this section, the applicant or supplier must submit to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls a signed statement attesting to:
(i) The manner and extent of applicant's or supplier's attempt to obtain from the vendor the initial statement required under paragraph (a) of this section;
(ii) Vendor's failure to comply with this section; and
(iii) The amount of time which has elapsed between the date of applicant's or supplier's request and the date of the signed statement;
(2) The failure of a vendor to comply with this section does not relieve any applicant or supplier otherwise required by § 130.9 to submit a report to the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls from submitting such a report.
(a) Every applicant or supplier, and each vendor thereof;
(1) In order to determine whether it is obliged under § 130.9 or § 130.12 to furnish information specified in § 130.10 with respect to a sale; and
(2) Prior to furnishing such information, must obtain from each person, if any, to whom it has paid, or offered or agreed to pay, a fee or commission in respect of such sale, a timely statement containing a full disclosure by such a person of all political contributions paid, or offered or agreed to be paid, by it or on its behalf, or at its direction, in respect of such sale. Such disclosure must include responses to all the information required to enable the applicant, supplier or vendor, as the case may be, to comply fully with §§ 130.9, 130.10, and 130.12.
(b) In obtaining information under paragraph (a) of this section, the applicant, supplier or vendor, as the case may be, must also require each person to whom a fee or commission is paid, or offered or agreed to be paid, to furnish from time to time such reports of its political contributions as may be necessary to enable the applicant, supplier or vendor, as the case may be, to comply fully with §§ 130.9, 130.10, 130.11, and 130.12.
(c) The applicant supplier or vendor, as the case may be, must include any political contributions paid, or offered or agreed to be paid, by or on behalf of, or at the direction of, any person to whom it has paid, or offered or agreed to pay a fee or commission in determining whether applicant, supplier or vendor is required by §§ 130.9, 130.11, and 130.12 to furnish information specified in § 130.10.
Each applicant, supplier and vendor must maintain a record of any information it was required to furnish or obtain under this part and all records upon which its reports are based for a period of not less than five years following the date of the report to which they pertain.
(a) Any person who is required to furnish information under this part may identify any information furnished hereunder which the person considers to be confidential business information. No person, including any applicant or supplier, shall publish, divulge, disclose, or make known in any manner, any information so identified by a vendor or other person unless authorized by law or regulation.
(b) For purposes of this section,
The submission of reports under this part does not relieve any person of any requirements to furnish information to any federal, state, or municipal agency, department or other instrumentality as required by law, regulation or contract.
(a) All information reported and records maintained under this part will be made available, upon request for utilization by standing committees of the Congress and subcommittees thereof, and by United States Government agencies, in accordance with § 39(d) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2779(d)), and reports based upon such information will be submitted to Congress in accordance with sections 36(a)(7) and 36(b)(1) of that Act (22 U.S.C. 2776(a)(7) and (b)(1)) or any other applicable law.
(b) All confidential business information provided pursuant to this part shall be protected against disclosure to the extent provided by law.
(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude the furnishing of information to foreign governments for law enforcement or regulatory purposes under international arrangements between the United States and any foreign government.
The Authentication Officer, Acting Authentication Officer, or any Assistant Authentication Officer designated by either of the former officers may, and is hereby authorized to, sign and issue certificates of authentication under the seal of the Department of State for and in the name of the Secretary of State or the Acting Secretary of State. The form of authentication shall be as follows:
In testimony whereof, I, __________, Secretary of State have hereunto caused the seal of the Department of State to be affixed and my name subscribed by the Authentication Officer, Acting Authentication Officer, or an Assistant Authentication Officer, of the said Department, at____. in ______, this ________ day of ________ 19__
(a) The Department will not certify to a document when it has good reason to believe that the certification is desired for an unlawful or improper purpose. It is therefore the duty of the Authentication Officer to examine not only the document which the Deparment is asked to authenticate, but also the fundamental document to which previous seals or other certifications may have been affixed by other authorities. The Authentication Officer shall request such additional information as may be necessary to establish that the requested authentication will serve the interests of justice and is not contrary to public policy.
(b) In accordance with section 3, paragraph 5 of the Export Administration Act of 1969 (83 Stat. 841, Pub. L. 91-184) approved December 30, 1969, documents which have the effect of furthering or supporting the restrictive trade practices or boycotts fostered or imposed by foreign countries against countries friendly to the United States shall be considered contrary to public policy for purposes of these regulations.
The purchase by the Department of State of books, maps, newspapers, periodicals, and other publications shall be made without regard to the provisions of the act approved March 3, 1933 (sec. 2, 47 Stat. 1520; 41 U.S.C. 10a), since determination has been made by the Secretary, as permitted by the provisions of the act, that such purchase is inconsistent with the public interest.
22 U.S.C. 2658; 41 U.S.C. 701,
Nomenclature changes to part 133 appear at 68 FR 66582, Nov. 26, 2003.
This part carries out the portion of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 701
(a) Portions of this part apply to you if you are either—
(1) A recipient of an assistance award from the Department of State; or
(2) A Department of State awarding official. (See definitions of award and recipient in §§ 133.605 and 133.660, respectively.)
(b) The following table shows the subparts that apply to you:
This part does not apply to any award that the Procurement Executive determines that the application of this part would be inconsistent with the international obligations of the United States or the laws or regulations of a foreign government.
It will affect future contract awards indirectly if you are debarred or suspended for a violation of the requirements of this part, as described in § 133. 510(c). However, this part does not apply directly to procurement contracts. The portion of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 that applies to Federal procurement contracts is carried out through the Federal Acquisition Regulation in chapter 1 of Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations (the drug-free workplace coverage currently is in 48 CFR part 23, subpart 23.5).
There are two general requirements if you are a recipient other than an individual.
(a) First, you must make a good faith effort, on a continuing basis, to maintain a drug-free workplace. You must agree to do so as a condition for receiving any award covered by this part. The specific measures that you must take in this regard are described in more detail in subsequent sections of this subpart. Briefly, those measures are to—
(1) Publish a drug-free workplace statement and establish a drug-free awareness program for your employees (see §§ 133.205 through 133.220); and
(2) Take actions concerning employees who are convicted of violating drug statutes in the workplace (see § 133.225).
(b) Second, you must identify all known workplaces under your Federal awards (see § 133.230).
You must publish a statement that—
(a) Tells your employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in your workplace;
(b) Specifies the actions that you will take against employees for violating that prohibition; and
(c) Lets each employee know that, as a condition of employment under any award, he or she:
(1) Will abide by the terms of the statement; and
(2) Must notify you in writing if he or she is convicted for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace and must do so no more than five calendar days after the conviction.
You must require that a copy of the statement described in § 133.205 be given to each employee who will be engaged in the performance of any Federal award.
You must establish an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about—
(a) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;
(b) Your policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;
(c) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and
(d) The penalties that you may impose upon them for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.
If you are a new recipient that does not already have a policy statement as described in § 133.205 and an ongoing awareness program as described in § 133.215, you must publish the statement and establish the program by the time given in the following table:
There are two actions you must take if an employee is convicted of a drug violation in the workplace:
(a) First, you must notify Federal agencies if an employee who is engaged in the performance of an award informs you about a conviction, as required by § 133.205(c)(2), or you otherwise learn of the conviction. Your notification to the Federal agencies must_
(1) Be in writing;
(2) Include the employee's position title;
(3) Include the identification number(s) of each affected award;
(4) Be sent within ten calendar days after you learn of the conviction; and
(5) Be sent to every Federal agency on whose award the convicted employee was working. It must be sent to every awarding official or his or her official designee, unless the Federal agency has specified a central point for the receipt of the notices.
(b) Second, within 30 calendar days of learning about an employee's conviction, you must either_
(1) Take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), as amended; or
(2) Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for these purposes by a Federal, State or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
(a) You must identify all known workplaces under each Department of State award. A failure to do so is a violation of your drug-free workplace requirements. You may identify the workplaces_
(1) To the Department of State official that is making the award, either at the time of application or upon award; or
(2) In documents that you keep on file in your offices during the performance of the award, in which case you must make the information available for inspection upon request by Department of State officials or their designated representatives.
(b) Your workplace identification for an award must include the actual address of buildings (or parts of buildings) or other sites where work under the award 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).
(c) If you identified workplaces to the Department of State awarding official at the time of application or award, as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and any workplace that you identified changes during the performance of the award, you must inform the Department of State awarding official.
As a condition of receiving a Department of State award, if you are an individual recipient, you must agree that—
(a) You will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity related to the award; and
(b) If you are convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any award activity, you will report the conviction:
(1) In writing.
(2) Within 10 calendar days of the conviction.
(3) To the Department of State awarding official or other designee for each award that you currently have, unless § 133.301 or the award document designates a central point for the receipt of the notices. When notice is made to a central point, it must include the identification number(s) of each affected award.
As a Department of State awarding official, you must obtain each recipient's agreement, as a condition of the award, to comply with the requirements in—
(a) Subpart B of this part, if the recipient is not an individual; or
(b) Subpart C of this part, if the recipient is an individual.
A recipient other than an individual is in violation of the requirements of this part if the Procurement Executive determines, in writing, that—
(a) The recipient has violated the requirements of subpart B of this part; or
(b) The number of convictions of the recipient's employees for violating criminal drug statutes in the workplace is large enough to indicate that the recipient has failed to make a good faith effort to provide a drug-free workplace.
An individual recipient is in violation of the requirements of this part if the Procurement Executive determines, in writing, that—
(a) The recipient has violated the requirements of subpart C of this part; or
(b) The recipient is convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any award activity.
If a recipient is determined to have violated this part, as described in § 133.500 or § 133.505, the Department of State may take one or more of the following actions—
(a) Suspension of payments under the award;
(b) Suspension or termination of the award; and
(c) Suspension or debarment of the recipient under 2 CFR Part 601, for a period not to exceed five years.
The Procurement Executive may waive with respect to a particular award, in writing, a suspension of payments under an award, suspension or termination of an award, or suspension or debarment of a recipient if the Procurement Executive determines that such a waiver would be in the public interest. This exception authority cannot be delegated to any other official.
(a) The term award includes:
(1) A Federal grant or cooperative agreement, in the form of money or property in lieu of money.
(2) A block grant or a grant in an entitlement program, whether or not the grant is exempted from coverage under the Governmentwide rule 22 CFR Part 135 that implements OMB Circular A-102 (for availability, see 5 CFR 1310.3) and specifies uniform administrative requirements.
(b) The term award does not include:
(1) Technical assistance that provides services instead of money.
(2) Loans.
(3) Loan guarantees.
(4) Interest subsidies.
(5) Insurance.
(6) Direct appropriations.
(7) Veterans' benefits to individuals (
(a)
(1) All direct charge employees;
(2) All indirect charge employees, unless their impact or involvement in the performance of work under the award is insignificant to the performance of the award; and
(3) Temporary personnel and consultants who are directly engaged in the performance of work under the award and who are on the recipient's payroll.
(b) This definition does not include workers not on the payroll of the recipient (e.g., volunteers, even if used to meet a matching requirement; consultants or independent contractors not on the payroll; or employees of subrecipients or subcontractors in covered workplaces).
(a) The principal purpose of which is to transfer a thing of value to the recipient to carry out a public purpose of
(b) In which substantial involvement is not expected between the Federal agency and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the award.
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 the Department of State. An eligible party may receive an award when it prevails over the Department of State, unless the Department of State'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 Department will observe to make them.
The Act applies to any adversary adjudication pending before the Department of State 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.
(a) The Act applies to adversary adjudications conducted by the Department of State. These are adjudications under 5 U.S.C. 554 in which the position of the Department of State is presented by an attorney or other representative who enters an appearance and participates in the proceeding. For the Department of State, the type of proceeding covered are proceedings relative to controlling export of defense articles through administrative sanctions pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 2778 and 50 U.S.C. App. 2410 (c)(2)(B).
(b) The Department of State may also designate a proceeding not listed in paragraph (a) of this section as an adversary adjudication for purposes of the Act by so stating in an order initiating the proceeding or designating the matter for hearing. The failure to designate a proceeding as an adversary adjudication shall not preclude the filing of an application by a party who believes the proceeding is covered by the Act; whether the proceeding is covered will then be an issue for resolution in proceedings on the application.
(c) If a proceeding includes matters covered by the Act and matters specifically excluded from coverage, any award made will include only fees and expenses related to covered issues.
(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 by clear and convincing evidence that it meets all conditions of eligibility set out in this subpart and in subpart B and must submit additional information to verify its eligibility upon order by the adjudicative officer.
(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. 1141j(a)) with not more than 500 employees; and
(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 issues on which the applicant prevails are related primarily 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 on a proportional basis.
(f) The net worth and number of employees of the applicant and all of its affiliates shall be aggregated to determine eligibility. Any individual, corporation or other entity that directly or indirectly controls or owns a majority of the voting shares or other interest of the applicant, or any corporation or other entity of which the applicant directly or indirectly owns or controls a majority of the voting shares or other interest, will be considered an affiliate for purposes of this part, unless the adjudicative officer determines
(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 a proceeding, or in a significant and discrete substantive portion of the proceeding, unless the position of the agency over which the applicant has prevailed was substantially justified. The burden of proof that an award should not be made to an eligible prevailing applicant is on the Department of State which may avoid an award by showing that its position was reasonable in law and fact.
(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) Awards will be based on rates customarily charged by persons engaged in the business of acting as attorneys, agents and expert witnesses, even if the services were made available without charge or at a reduced rate to the applicant.
(b) No award for the fee of an attorney or agent under these rules may exceed $75.00 per hour. No award to compensate an expert witness may exceed the highest rate at which the Department of State pays expert witnesses, which is generally $50.00 per hour. However, an award may also include the reasonable expenses of the attorney, agent or witness as a separate item, if the attorney, agent or witness ordinarily charges clients separately for such expenses.
(c) In determining the reasonableness of the fee sought for an attorney, agent or expert witness, the adjudicative officer shall consider the following:
(1) If the attorney, agent or witness is in private practice, his or her customary fee for similar services, or, if an employee of the applicant, the fully allocated cost of the services;
(2) The prevailing rate for similar services in the community in which the attorney, agent or witness ordinarily performs services;
(3) The time actually spent in the representation of the applicant;
(4) the time reasonably spent in light of the difficulty or complexity of the issues in the proceeding; and
(5) Such other factors as may bear on the value of the services provided.
(d) The reasonable cost of any study, analysis, engineering report, test, project or similar matter prepared on behalf of a party may be awarded, to the extent that the charge for the service does not exceed the prevailing rate for similar services, and the study or other matter was necessary for preparation of applicant's case.
(a) If warranted by an increase in the cost of living or by special circumstances (such as limited availability of attorneys qualified to handle certain types of proceedings), the Department of State may adopt regulations providing that attorney fees may be awarded at a rate higher than $75 per hour in some or all of the types of proceedings covered by this part. The Department of State will conduct any rulemaking proceedings for this purpose under the informal rulemaking procedures of the Administrative Procedure Act.
(b) Any person may request the Department of State to initiate a rulemaking proceeding to increase the maximum rate for attorney fees. The request should identify the rate the person believes the Department of State should establish and the types of proceedings in which the rate should be used. It should also explain fully the reasons why the higher rate is warranted. The Department of State will respond to the request within 60 days
The Department of State official who renders the final agency decision in a covered proceeding is authorized to take final action on matters pertaining to the Equal Access to Justice Act as applied to the proceeding.
(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 Department of State in the proceeding that the applicant alleges 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 qualfies under such section; or
(2) It states on the application 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 state 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 Department of State 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 or attorney of the applicant. It shall also contain or be accompanied by a written verification under oath or under penalty of prejury that the information provided in the application is true and correct.
(a) Each applicant except a qualifed 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 § 960.4(f)) when the proceeding was initiated. 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 his part. The adjudicative officer may require an applicant to file additional information to determine its eligibility for an award.
(b) Ordinarily, the net worth exhibit will be included in the public record of the proceeding. However, an applicant that objects to public disclosure of information in any portion of the exhibit and believes there are legal grounds for withholding it from disclosure may submit that portion of the exhibit directly to the adjudicative officer in a sealed envelope labeled “Confidential Financial Information”, accompanied by a motion to withhold the information from public disclosure. The motion shall describe the information sought to be withheld and explain, in detail, why it falls within one or more of the specific exemptions from mandatory disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 551(b) (1)-(9), why public disclosure of the information would adversely affect the applicant, and why disclosure is not required in the public interest. The material in question shall be served on counsel representing the agency against which the applicant seeks an award, but need not be served on any other party to the proceeding. If the
The application shall be accompanied by full documentation of the fees and expenses, including the cost of any study, analysis, engineering report, test project or similar matter, for which an award is sought. A separate itemized statement shall be submitted for each professional firm or individual whose services are covered by the application, showing the hours spent in connection with the proceeding by each individual, a description of the specific services performed, the rate at which each fee has been computed, any expenses for which reimbursement is sought, the total amount claimed, and the total amount paid or payable by the applicant or by any other person or entity for the services provided. 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 or in a significant and discrete substantive portion of the proceeding, but in no case later than 30 days after the Department of State's final disposition of the proceeding.
(b) If review or reconsideration is sought or taken of a decision as to which an applicant believes it has prevailed, proceedings for the award of fees shall be stayed pending final disposition of the underlying controversy.
(c) For purposes of this rule, final disposition means the later of (1) the date on which an initial decision or other recommended disposition of the merits of the proceeding by an adjudicative officer or intermediate review board becomes administratively final; (2) issuance of an order disposing of any petitions for reconsideration of the Department of State's final order in the proceeding; (3) if no petition for reconsideration is filed, the last date on which such a petition could have been filed; or (4) issuance of a final order or any other final resolution of a proceeding, such as a settlement or voluntary dismissal, which is not subject to a petition for reconsideration or to a petition for judicial review; or (5) completion of judicial action on the underlying controversy and any subsequent Department of State action pursuant to judicial mandate.
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, except as provided in § 134.12(b) for confidential financial information.
(a) Within 30 days after service of an application, counsel representing the Department of State may file an answer to the application. Unless the Department of State counsel requests an extension of time for filing or files a statement of intent to negotiate under paragraph (b) of this section, failure to file an answer within the 30 day period may be treated as a consent to the award requested.
(b) If the Department of State 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 30 days, and further extensions may be granted by the adjudicative officer upon request by Department of State counsel and the applicant.
(c) The answer shall explain in detail any objections to the award requested
Within 15 days after service of an answer, the applicant may file a reply. If the reply is based on any alleged facts not already in the record of the proceeding, the applicant shall include with the reply either supporting affidavits or a request for further proceedings under § 134.26.
Any party to a proceeding other than the applicant and Department of State may file comments on an application within 30 days after it is served or on an answer within 15 days after it is served. A commenting party may not participate further in proceedings on the application unless the adjudicative officer determines that the public interest requires such participation in order to permit full exploration of matters raised in the comment.
The applicant and the Department of State may agree on a proposed settlement of the award before final action on the application, either in connection with a settlement of the underlying proceeding, or after the underlying proceeding has been concluded. If a prevailing party and Department of State counsel agree on a proposed settlement of an award before an application has been filed, the application shall be filed with the proposed settlement.
(a) Ordinarily, the determination of an award will be made on the basis of the written record. However, on request of either the applicant or Department of State counsel, or on his or her own initiative, the adjudicative officer may order further proceedings, such as an informal conference, oral argument, additional written submissions, or an evidentiary hearing. Such further proceedings shall be held only when necessary for full and fair resolution of the issues arising from the application, and shall be conducted as promptly as possible.
(b) A request that the adjudicative officer order further proceedings under this section shall specifically identify the information sought or the disputed issues and shall explain why the additional proceedings are necessary to resolve the issues.
The adjudicative officer shall issue an initial decision on the application as promptly as possible after completion of proceedings on the application. The decision shall include written fundings 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 Department of State position was substantially justified, whether the applicant unduly protracted the proceedings, or whether special circumstances make an award unjust. If the applicant has sought an award against the Department of State and another agency, the decision shall allocate responsibility for payment of any award made between the Department of State and the other agency, and shall explain the reasons for the allocation made.
Either the applicant or Department of State counsel may seek review of the initial decision. If neither the applicant nor the Department of State counsel seeks review, the initial decision shall become a final decision of the Department of State 30 days after it is issued. If review is taken the Judicial Officer will issue a final decision on the application or remand the application to the adjudicative officer for further proceedings.
Judicial review of final Department of State decisions on awards as may be sought as provided in 5 U.S.C. 504(c)(2).
An applicant seeking payment of an award shall submit to the Comptroller or other disbursing official of the Department of State a copy of the final decision granting the award accompanied by a statement that the applicant will not seek review of the decision in the United States courts. Requests for payment should be sent to: Executive Director, Office of the Comptroller, Room 1328, Department of State, 2201 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20520. The Department of State will pay the amount awarded to the applicant within 60 days, 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.
22 U.S.C. 2658.
This part establishes uniform administrative rules for Federal grants and cooperative agreements and subawards to State, local and Indian tribal governments.
This subpart contains general rules pertaining to this part and procedures for control of exceptions from this part.
As used in this part:
(a)
(1) Grants and subgrants to State and local institutions of higher education or State and local hospitals.
(2) The block grants authorized by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 (Community Services; Preventive Health and Health Services; Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Services; Maternal and Child Health Services; Social Services; Low-Income Home Energy Assistance; States' Program of Community Development Block Grants for Small Cities; and Elementary and Secondary Education other than programs administered by the Secretary of Education under title V, subtitle D, chapter 2, section 583—the Secretary's discretionary grant program) and titles I-III of the Job Training Partnership Act of 1982 and under the Public Health Services Act (section 1921), Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Block Grant and part C of title V, Mental Health Service for the Homeless Block Grant).
(3) Entitlement grants to carry out the following programs of the Social Security Act:
(i) Aid to Needy Families with Dependent Children (title IV-A of the Act, not including the Work Incentive Program (WIN) authorized by section 402(a)19(G); HHS grants for WIN are subject to this part);
(ii) Child Support Enforcement and Establishment of Paternity (title IV-D of the Act);
(iii) Foster Care and Adoption Assistance (title IV-E of the Act);
(iv) Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (titles I, X, XIV, and XVI-AABD of the Act); and
(v) Medical Assistance (Medicaid) (title XIX of the Act) not including the State Medicaid Fraud Control program authorized by section 1903(a)(6)(B).
(4) Entitlement grants under the following programs of The National School Lunch Act:
(i) School Lunch (section 4 of the Act),
(ii) Commodity Assistance (section 6 of the Act),
(iii) Special Meal Assistance (section 11 of the Act),
(iv) Summer Food Service for Children (section 13 of the Act), and
(v) Child Care Food Program (section 17 of the Act).
(5) Entitlement grants under the following programs of The Child Nutrition Act of 1966:
(i) Special Milk (section 3 of the Act), and
(ii) School Breakfast (section 4 of the Act).
(6) Entitlement grants for State Administrative expenses under The Food Stamp Act of 1977 (section 16 of the Act).
(7) A grant for an experimental, pilot, or demonstration project that is also supported by a grant listed in paragraph (a)(3) of this section;
(8) Grant funds awarded under subsection 412(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1522(e)) and subsection 501(a) of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-422, 94 Stat. 1809), for cash assistance, medical assistance, and supplemental security income benefits to refugees and entrants and the administrative costs of providing the assistance and benefits;
(9) Grants to local education agencies under 20 U.S.C. 236 through 241-1(a), and 242 through 244 (portions of the Impact Aid program), except for 20 U.S.C. 238(d)(2)(c) and 240(f) (Entitlement Increase for Handicapped Children); and
(10) Payments under the Veterans Administration's State Home Per Diem Program (38 U.S.C. 641(a)).
(b)
All other grants administration provisions of codified program regulations, program manuals, handbooks and other nonregulatory materials which are inconsistent with this part are superseded, except to the extent they are required by statute, or authorized in accordance with the exception provision in § 135.6.
(a) For classes of grants and grantees subject to this part, Federal agencies may not impose additional administrative requirements except in codified regulations published in the
(b) Exceptions for classes of grants or grantees may be authorized only by OMB.
(c) Exceptions on a case-by-case basis and for subgrantees may be authorized by the affected Federal agencies.
(a)
(2) This section applies only to applications to Federal agencies for grants, and is not required to be applied by grantees in dealing with applicants for subgrants. However, grantees are encouraged to avoid more detailed or burdensome application requirements for subgrants.
(b)
(2) Applicants are not required to submit more than the original and two copies of preapplications or applications.
(3) Applicants must follow all applicable instructions that bear OMB clearance numbers. Federal agencies may specify and describe the programs, functions, or activities that will be used to plan, budget, and evaluate the work under a grant. Other supplementary instructions may be issued only with the approval of OMB to the extent required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980. For any standard form, except the SF-424 facesheet, Federal agencies may shade out or instruct the applicant to disregard any line item that is not needed.
(4) When a grantee applies for additional funding (such as a continuation or supplemental award) or amends a previously submitted application, only the affected pages need be submitted. Previously submitted pages with information that is still current need not be resubmitted.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Cite by number the statutory or regulatory provisions requiring the assurances and affirm that it gives the assurances required by those provisions,
(2) Repeat the assurance language in the statutes or regulations, or
(3) Develop its own language to the extent permitted by law.
(d)
(1) New or revised Federal statutes or regulations or;
(2) A material change in any State law, organization, policy, or State agency operation. The State will obtain approval for the amendment and its effective date but need submit for approval only the amended portions of the plan.
(a) A grantee or subgrantee may be considered “high risk” if an awarding agency determines that a grantee or subgrantee:
(1) Has a history of unsatisfactory performance, or
(2) Is not financially stable, or
(3) Has a management system which does not meet the management standards set forth in this part, or
(4) Has not conformed to terms and conditions of previous awards, or
(5) Is otherwise not responsible; and if the awarding agency determines that an award will be made, special conditions and/or restrictions shall correspond to the high risk condition and shall be included in the award.
(b) Special conditions or restrictions may include:
(1) Payment on a reimbursement basis;
(2) Withholding authority to proceed to the next phase until receipt of evidence of acceptable performance within a given funding period;
(3) Requiring additional, more detailed financial reports;
(4) Additional project monitoring;
(5) Requiring the grante or subgrantee to obtain technical or management assistance; or
(6) Establishing additional prior approvals.
(c) If an awarding agency decides to impose such conditions, the awarding official will notify the grantee or subgrantee as early as possible, in writing, of:
(1) The nature of the special conditions/restrictions;
(2) The reason(s) for imposing them;
(3) The corrective actions which must be taken before they will be removed and the time allowed for completing the corrective actions and
(4) The method of requesting reconsideration of the conditions/restrictions imposed.
(a) A State must expand and account for grant funds in accordance with State laws and procedures for expending and accounting for its own funds. Fiscal control and accounting procedures of the State, as well as its subgrantees and cost-type contractors, must be sufficient to—
(1) Permit preparation of reports required by this part and the statutes authorizing the grant, and
(2) Permit the tracing of funds to a level of expenditures adequate to establish that such funds have not been used in violation of the restrictions and prohibitions of applicable statutes.
(b) The financial management systems of other grantees and subgrantees must meet the following standards:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(c) An awarding agency may review the adequacy of the financial management system of any applicant for financial assistance as part of a preaward review or at any time subsequent to award.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, grantees and subgrantees shall disburse program income, rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments.
(g)
(i) The grantee or subgrantee has failed to comply with grant award conditions or
(ii) The grantee or subgrantee is indebted to the United States.
(2) Cash withheld for failure to comply with grant award condition, but without suspension of the grant, shall be released to the grantee upon subsequent compliance. When a grant is suspended, payment adjustments will be made in accordance with § 135.43(c).
(3) A Federal agency shall not make payment to grantees for amounts that are withheld by grantees or subgrantees from payment to contractors to assure satisfactory completion of work. Payments shall be made by the Federal agency when the grantees or subgrantees actually disburse the withheld funds to the contractors or to escrow accounts established to assure satisfactory completion of work.
(h)
(2) A grantee or subgrantee shall maintain a separate bank account only when required by Federal-State agreement.
(i)
(a)
(1) The allowable costs of the grantees, subgrantees and cost-type contractors, including allowable costs in the form of payments to fixed-price contractors; and
(2) Reasonable fees or profit to cost-type contractors but not any fee or profit (or other increment above allowable costs) to the grantee or subgrantee.
(b)
(a)
(b)
(a)
(1) Allowable costs incurred by the grantee, subgrantee or a cost-type contractor under the assistance agreement. This includes allowable costs borne by non-Federal grants or by others cash donations from non-Federal third parties.
(2) The value of third party in-kind contributions applicable to the period to which the cost sharing or matching requirements applies.
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(ii) Some third party in-kind contributions are goods and services that, if the grantee, subgrantee, or contractor receiving the contribution had to pay for them, the payments would have been an indirect costs. Costs sharing or matching credit for such contributions shall be given only if the grantee, subgrantee, or contractor has established, along with its regular indirect cost rate, a special rate for allocating to individual projects or programs the value of the contributions.
(iii) A third party in-kind contribution to a fixed-price contract may count towards satisfying a cost sharing or matching requirement only if it results in:
(A) An increase in the services or property provided under the contract (without additional cost to the grantee or subgrantee) or
(B) A cost savings to the grantee or subgrantee.
(iv) The values placed on third party in-kind contributions for cost sharing or matching purposes will conform to the rules in the succeeding sections of this part. If a third party in-kind contribution is a type not treated in those sections, the value placed upon it shall be fair and reasonable.
(c)
(2)
(d)
(2) If a third party donates the use of equipment or space in a building but retains title, the contribution will be valued at the fair rental rate of the equipment or space.
(e)
(1)
(2)
(i) If approval is obtained from the awarding agency, the market value at the time of donation of the donated equipment or buildings and the fair rental rate of the donated land may be counted as cost sharing or matching. In the case of a subgrant, the terms of the grant agreement may require that the approval be obtained from the Federal agency as well as the grantee. In all cases, the approval may be given only if a purchase of the equipment or rental of the land would be approved as an allowable direct cost. If any part of
(ii) If approval is not obtained under paragraph (e)(2)(i) of this section, no amount may be counted for donated land, and only depreciation or use allowances may be counted for donated equipment and buildings. The depreciation or use allowances for this property are not treated as third party in-kind contributions. Instead, they are treated as costs incurred by the grantee or subgrantee. They are computed and allocated (usually as indirect costs) in accordance with the cost principles specified in § 135.22, in the same way as depreciation or use allowances for purchased equipment and buildings. The amount of depreciation or use allowances for donated equipment and buildings is based on the property's market value at the time it was donated.
(f)
(g)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(h)
(a)
(b)
(1) Determine whether State or local subgrantees have met the audit requirements of the Act and whether subgrantees covered by OMB Circular A-110, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-Profit Organizations,” have met the audit requirements of the Act. Commercial contractors (private for-profit and private and governmental organizations) providing goods and services to State and local governments are not required to have a single audit performed. State and local governments should use their own procedures to ensure that the contractor has complied with laws and regulations affecting the expenditure of Federal funds;
(2) Determine whether the subgrantee spent Federal assistance funds provided in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. This may be accomplished by reviewing an audit of the subgrantee made in accordance with the Act, Circular A-110, or through other means (e.g., program reviews) if the subgrantee has not had such an audit;
(3) Ensure that appropriate corrective action is taken within six months after receipt of the audit report in instance of noncompliance with Federal laws and regulations;
(4) Consider whether subgrantee audits necessitate adjustment of the grantee's own records; and
(5) Require each subgrantee to permit independent auditors to have access to the records and financial statements.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(i) Any revision which would result in the need for additional funding.
(ii) Unless waived by the awarding agency, cumulative transfers among direct cost categories, or, if applicable, among separately budgeted programs, projects, functions, or activities which exceed or are expected to exceed ten percent of the current total approved budget, whenever the awarding agency's share exceeds $100,000.
(iii) Transfer of funds allotted for training allowances (
(2)
(3)
(d)
(1) Any revision of the scope or objectives of the project (regardless of whether there is an associated budget revision requiring prior approval).
(2) Need to extend the period of availability of funds.
(3) Changes in key persons in cases where specified in an application or a grant award. In research projects, a change in the project director or principal investigator shall always require approval unless waived by the awarding agency.
(4) Under nonconstruction projects, contracting out, subgranting (if authorized by law) or otherwise obtaining the services of a third party to perform activities which are central to the purposes of the award. This approval requirement is in addition to the approval requirements of § 135.36 but does not apply to the procurement of equipment, supplies, and general support services.
(e)
(f)
(2) A request for a prior approval under the applicable Federal cost principles (see § 135.22) may be made by letter.
(3) A request by a subgrantee for prior approval will be addressed in writing to the grantee. The grantee will promptly review such request and shall approve or disapprove the request in writing. A grantee will not approve any budget or project revision which is inconsistent with the purpose or terms and conditions of the Federal grant to the grantee. If the revision, requested by the subgrantee would result in a change to the grantee's approved project which requires Federal prior approval, the grantee will obtain the Federal agency's approval before approving the subgrantee's request.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) The grantee or subgrantee shall also make equipment available for use on other projects or programs currently or previously supported by the Federal Government, providing such use will not interfere with the work on the projects or program for which it was originally acquired. First preference for other use shall be given to other programs or projects supported by the awarding agency. User fees should be considered if appropriate.
(3) Notwithstanding the encouragement in § 135.25(a) to earn program income, the grantee or subgrantee must not use equipment acquired with grant funds to provide services for a fee to compete unfairly with private companies that provide equivalent services, unless specifically permitted or contemplated by Federal statute.
(4) When acquiring replacement equipment, the grantee or subgrantee may use the equipment to be replaced as a trade-in or sell the property and use the proceeds to offset the cost of the replacement property, subject to the approval of the awarding agency.
(d)
(1) Property records must be maintained that include a description of the property, a serial number or other identification number, the source of property, who holds title, the acquisition date, and cost of the property, percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the property, the location, use and condition of the property, and any ultimate disposition data including the date of disposal and sale price of the property.
(2) A physical inventory of the property must be taken and the results reconciled with the property records at least once every two years.
(3) A control system must be developed to ensure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the property. Any loss, damage, or theft shall be investigated.
(4) Adequate maintenance procedures must be developed to keep the property in good condition.
(5) If the grantee or subgrantee is authorized or required to sell the property, proper sales procedures must be established to ensure the highest possible return.
(e)
(1) Items of equipment with a current per-unit fair market value of less than $5,000 may be retained, sold or otherwise disposed of with no further obligation to the awarding agency.
(2) Items of equipment with a current per unit fair market value in excess of $5,000 may be retained or sold and the awarding agency shall have a right to an amount calculated by multiplying the current market value or proceeds from sale by the awarding agency's share of the equipment.
(3) In cases where a grantee or subgrantee fails to take appropriate disposition actions, the awarding agency may direct the grantee or subgrantee to take excess and disposition actions.
(f)
(1) Title will remain vested in the Federal Government.
(2) Grantees or subgrantees will manage the equipment in accordance with Federal agency rules and procedures, and submit an annual inventory listing.
(3) When the equipment is no longer needed, the grantee or subgrantee will request disposition instructions from the Federal agency.
(g)
(1) The property shall be identified in the grant or otherwise made known to the grantee in writing.
(2) The Federal awarding agency shall issue disposition instruction within 120 calendar days after the end of the Federal support of the project for which it was acquired. If the Federal awarding agency fails to issue disposition instructions within the 120 calendar-day period the grantee shall follow§ 135.32(e).
(3) When title to equipment is transferred, the grantee shall be paid an amount calculated by applying the percentage of participation in the purchase to the current fair market value of the property.
(a)
(b)
The Federal awarding agency reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive, and irrevocable license to reproduce, publish or otherwise use, and to authorize others to use, for Federal Government purposes:
(a) The copyright in any work developed under a grant, subgrant, or contract under a grant or subgrant; and
(b) Any rights of copyright to which a grantee, subgrantee or a contractor purchases ownership with grant support.
Grantees and subgrantees must not make any award or permit any award (subgrant or contract) at any tier to any party which is debarred or suspended or is otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs under Executive Order 12549, “Debarment and Suspension.”
(a)
(b)
(2) Grantees and subgrantees will maintain a contract administration system which ensures that contractors perform in accordance with the terms, conditions, and specifications of their contracts or purchase orders.
(3) Grantees and subgrantees will maintain a written code of standards of conduct governing the performance of their employees engaged in the award and administration of contracts. No employee, officer or agent of the grantee or subgrantee shall participate in selection, or in the award or administration of a contract supported by Federal funds if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when:
(i) The employee, officer or agent,
(ii) Any member of his immediate family,
(iii) His or her partner, or
(iv) An organization which employs, or is about to employ, any of the above, has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for award. The grantee's or subgrantee's officers, employees or agents will neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors or anything of monetary value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties to subagreements. Grantee and subgrantees may set minimum rules where the financial interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal intrinsic value. To the extent permitted by State or local law or regulations, such standards or conduct will provide for penalties, sanctions, or other disciplinary actions for violations of such standards by the grantee's and subgrantee's officers, employees, or agents, or by contractors or their agents. The awarding agency may in regulation provide additional prohibitions relative to real, apparent, or potential conflicts of interest.
(4) Grantee and subgrantee procedures will provide for a review of proposed procurements to avoid purchase of unnecessary or duplicative items. Consideration should be given to consolidating or breaking out procurements to obtain a more economical purchase. Where appropriate, an analysis will be made of lease versus purchase alternatives, and any other appropriate analysis to determine the most economical approach.
(5) To foster greater economy and efficiency, grantees and subgrantees are encouraged to enter into State and local intergovernmental agreements for procurement or use of common goods and services.
(6) Grantees and subgrantees are encouraged to use Federal excess and surplus property in lieu of purchasing new equipment and property whenever such
(7) Grantees and subgrantees are encouraged to use value engineering clauses in contracts for construction projects of sufficient size to offer reasonable opportunities for cost reductions. Value engineering is a systematic and creative anaylsis of each contract item or task to ensure that its essential function is provided at the overall lower cost.
(8) Grantees and subgrantees will make awards only to responsible contractors possessing the ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of a proposed procurement. Consideration will be given to such matters as contractor integrity, compliance with public policy, record of past performance, and financial and technical resources.
(9) Grantees and subgrantees will maintain records sufficient to detail the significant history of a procurement. These records will include, but are not necessarily limited to the following: rationale for the method of procurement, selection of contract type, contractor selection or rejection, and the basis for the contract price.
(10) Grantees and subgrantees will use time and material type contracts only—
(i) After a determination that no other contract is suitable, and
(ii) If the contract includes a ceiling price that the contractor exceeds at its own risk.
(11) Grantees and subgrantees alone will be responsible, in accordance with good administrative practice and sound business judgment, for the settlement of all contractual and administrative issues arising out of procurements. These issues include, but are not limited to source evaluation, protests, disputes, and claims. These standards do not relieve the grantee or subgrantee of any contractual responsibilities under its contracts. Federal agencies will not substitute their judgment for that of the grantee or subgrantee unless the matter is primarily a Federal concern. Violations of law will be referred to the local, State, or Federal authority having proper jurisdiction.
(12) Grantees and subgrantees will have protest procedures to handle and resolve disputes relating to their procurements and shall in all instances disclose information regarding the protest to the awarding agency. A protestor must exhaust all administrative remedies with the grantee and subgrantee before pursuing a protest with the Federal agency. Reviews of protests by the Federal agency will be limited to:
(i) Violations of Federal law or regulations and the standards of this section (violations of State or local law will be under the jurisdiction of State or local authorities) and
(ii) Violations of the grantee's or subgrantee's protest procedures for failure to review a complaint or protest. Protests received by the Federal agency other than those specified above will be referred to the grantee or subgrantee.
(c)
(i) Placing unreasonable requirements on firms in order for them to qualify to do business,
(ii) Requiring unnecessary experience and excessive bonding,
(iii) Noncompetitive pricing practices between firms or between affiliated companies,
(iv) Noncompetitive awards to consultants that are on retainer contracts,
(v) Organizational conflicts of interest,
(vi) Specifying only a “brand name” product instead of allowing “an equal” product to be offered and describing the performance of other relevant requirements of the procurement, and
(vii) Any arbitrary action in the procurement process.
(2) Grantees and subgrantees will conduct procurements in a manner that prohibits the use of statutorily or administratively imposed in-State or local geographical preferences in the evaluation of bids or proposals, except in those cases where applicable Federal statutes expressly mandate or encourage geographic preference. Nothing in this section preempts State licensing laws. When contracting for architectural and engineering (A/E) services,
(3) Grantees will have written selection procedures for procurement transactions. These procedures will ensure that all solicitations:
(i) Incorporate a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product, or service to be procured. Such description shall not, in competitive procurements, contain features which unduly restrict competition. The description may include a statement of the qualitative nature of the material, product or service to be procured, and when necessary, shall set forth those minimum essential characteristics and standards to which it must conform if it is to satisfy its intended use. Detailed product specifications should be avoided if at all possible. When it is impractical or uneconomical to make a clear and accurate description of the technical requirements, a “brand name or equal” description may be used as a means to define the performance or other salient requirements of a procurement. The specific features of the named brand which must be met by offerors shall be clearly stated; and
(ii) Identify all requirements which the offerors must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals.
(4) Grantees and subgrantees will ensure that all prequalified lists of persons, firms, or products which are used in acquiring goods and services are current and include enough qualified sources to ensure maximum open and free competition. Also, grantees and subgrantees will not preclude potential bidders from qualifying during the solicitation period.
(d)
(2)
(i) In order for sealed bidding to be feasible, the following conditions should be present:
(A) A complete, adequate, and realistic specification or purchase description is available;
(B) Two or more responsible bidders are willing and able to compete effectively and for the business; and
(C) The procurement lends itself to a firm fixed price contract and the selection of the successful bidder can be made principally on the basis of price.
(ii) If sealed bids are used, the following requirements apply:
(A) The invitation for bids will be publicly advertised and bids shall be solicited from an adequate number of known suppliers, providing them sufficient time prior to the date set for opening the bids;
(B) The invitation for bids, which will include any specifications and pertinent attachments, shall define the items or services in order for the bidder to properly respond;
(C) All bids will be publicly opened at the time and place prescribed in the invitation for bids;
(D) A firm fixed-price contract award will be made in writing to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Where specified in bidding documents, factors such as discounts, transportation cost, and life cycle costs shall be considered in determining which bid is lowest. Payment discounts will only be used to determine the low bid when prior experience indicates that such discounts are usually taken advantage of; and
(E) Any or all bids may be rejected if there is a sound documented reason.
(3)
(i) Requests for proposals will be publicized and identify all evaluation factors and their relative importance. Any response to publicized requests for proposals shall be honored to the maximum extent practical;
(ii) Proposals will be solicited from an adequate number of qualified sources;
(iii) Grantees and subgrantees will have a method for conducting technical evaluations of the proposals received and for selecting awardees;
(iv) Awards will be made to the responsible firm whose proposal is most advantageous to the program, with price and other factors considered; and
(v) Grantees and subgrantees may use competitive proposal procedures for qualifications-based procurement of architectural/engineering (A/E) professional services whereby competitors' qualifications are evaluated and the most qualified competitor is selected, subject to negotiation of fair and reasonable compensation. The method, where price is not used as a selection factor, can only be used in procurement of A/E professional services. It cannot be used to purchase other types of services though A/E firms are a potential source to perform the proposed effort.
(4)
(i) Procurement by noncompetitive proposals may be used only when the award of a contract is infeasible under small purchase procedures, sealed bids or competitive proposals and one of the following circumstances applies:
(A) The item is available only from a single source;
(B) The public exigency or emergency for the requirement will not permit a delay resulting from competitive solicitation;
(C) The awarding agency authorizes noncompetitive proposals; or
(D) After solicitation of a number of sources, competition is determined inadequate.
(ii) Cost analysis,
(iii) Grantees and subgrantees may be required to submit the proposed procurement to the awarding agency for pre-award review in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.
(e)
(2) Affirmative steps shall include:
(i) Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women's business enterprises on solicitation lists;
(ii) Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women's business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;
(iii) Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority business, and women's business enterprises;
(iv) Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by small and minority business, and women's business enterprises;
(v) Using the services and assistance of the Small Business Administration, and the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce; and
(vi) Requiring the prime contractor, if subcontracts are to be let, to take the affirmative steps listed in paragraphs (e)(2) (i) through (v) of this section.
(f)
(2) Grantees and subgrantees will negotiate profit as a separate element of the price for each contract in which there is no price competition and in all cases where cost analysis is performed. To establish a fair and reasonable profit, consideration will be given to the complexity of the work to be performed, the risk borne by the contractor, the contractor's investment, the amount of subcontracting, the quality of its record of past performance, and industry profit rates in the surrounding geographical area for similar work.
(3) Costs or prices based on estimated costs for contracts under grants will be allowable only to the extent that costs incurred or cost estimates included in negotiated prices are consistent with Federal cost principles (see § 135.22). Grantees may reference their own cost principles that comply with the applicable Federal cost principles.
(4) The cost plus a percentage of cost and percentage of construction cost methods of contracting shall not be used.
(g)
(2) Grantees and subgrantees must on request make available for awarding agency pre-award review procurement documents, such as requests for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc. when:
(i) A grantee's or subgrantee's procurement procedures or operation fails to comply with the procurement standards in this section; or
(ii) The procurement is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold and is to be awarded without competition or only one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation; or
(iii) The procurement, which is expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold, specifies a “brand name” product; or
(iv) The proposed award is more than the simplified acquisition threshold and is to be awarded to other than the apparent low bidder under a sealed bid procurement; or
(v) A proposed contract modification changes the scope of a contract or increases the contract amount by more than the simplified acquisition threshold.
(3) A grantee or subgrantee will be exempt from the pre-award review in paragraph (g)(2) of this section if the awarding agency determines that its procurement systems comply with the standards of this section.
(i) A grantee or subgrantee may request that its procurement system be reviewed by the awarding agency to determine whether its system meets these standards in order for its system to be certified. Generally, these reviews shall occur where there is a continuous high-dollar funding, and third-party contracts are awarded on a regular basis.
(ii) A grantee or subgrantee may self-certify its procurement system. Such self-certification shall not limit the
(h)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(i)
(1) Administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances where contractors violate or breach contract terms, and provide for such sanctions and penalties as may be appropriate. (Contracts more than the simplified acquisition threshold)
(2) Termination for cause and for convenience by the grantee or subgrantee including the manner by which it will be effected and the basis for settlement. (All contracts in excess of $10,000)
(3) Compliance with Executive Order 11246 of September 24, 1965, entitled “Equal Employment Opportunity,” as amended by Executive Order 11375 of October 13, 1967, and as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations (41 CFR chapter 60). (All construction contracts awarded in excess of $10,000 by grantees and their contractors or subgrantees)
(4) Compliance with the Copeland “Anti-Kickback” Act (18 U.S.C. 874) as supplemented in Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 3). (All contracts and subgrants for construction or repair)
(5) Compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276a to 276a-7) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5). (Construction contracts in excess of $2000 awarded by grantees and subgrantees when required by Federal grant program legislation)
(6) Compliance with Sections 103 and 107 of the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 327-330) as supplemented by Department of Labor regulations (29 CFR Part 5). (Construction contracts awarded by grantees and subgrantees in excess of $2000, and in excess of $2500 for other contracts which involve the employment of mechanics or laborers)
(7) Notice of awarding agency requirements and regulations pertaining to reporting.
(8) Notice of awarding agency requirements and regulations pertaining to patent rights with respect to any discovery or invention which arises or is developed in the course of or under such contract.
(9) Awarding agency requirements and regulations pertaining to copyrights and rights in data.
(10) Access by the grantee, the subgrantee, the Federal grantor agency, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives to any books, documents, papers, and records of the contractor which are directly pertinent to that specific contract for the purpose of making audit, examination, excerpts, and transcriptions.
(11) Retention of all required records for three years after grantees or subgrantees make final payments and all other pending matters are closed.
(12) Compliance with all applicable standards, orders, or requirements issued under section 306 of the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 1857(h)), section 508 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1368), Executive Order 11738, and Environmental Protection Agency regulations (40 CFR part 15). (Contracts, subcontracts, and subgrants of amounts in excess of $100,000).
(13) Mandatory standards and policies relating to energy efficiency which are contained in the state energy conservation plan issued in compliance with the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (Pub. L. 94-163, 89 Stat. 871).
(a)
(1) Ensure that every subgrant includes any clauses required by Federal statute and executive orders and their implementing regulations;
(2) Ensure that subgrantees are aware of requirements imposed upon them by Federal statute and regulation;
(3) Ensure that a provision for compliance with § 135.42 is placed in every cost reimbursement subgrant; and
(4) Conform any advances of grant funds to subgrantees substantially to the same standards of timing and amount that apply to cash advances by Federal agencies.
(b)
(1) Ensure that every subgrant includes a provision for compliance with this part;
(2) Ensure that every subgrant includes any clauses required by Federal statute and executive orders and their implementing regulations; and
(3) Ensure that subgrantees are aware of requirements imposed upon them by Federal statutes and regulations.
(c)
(1) Section 135.10;
(2) Section 135.11;
(3) The letter-of-credit procedures specified in Treasury Regulations at 31 CFR part 205, cited in § 135.21; and
(4) Section 135.50.
(a)
(b)
(1) Grantees shall submit annual performance reports unless the awarding
(2) Performance reports will contain, for each grant, brief information on the following:
(i) A comparison of actual accomplishments to the objectives established for the period. Where the output of the project can be quantified, a computation of the cost per unit of output may be required if that information will be useful.
(ii) The reasons for slippage if established objectives were not met.
(iii) Additional pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.
(3) Grantees will not be required to submit more than the original and two copies of performance reports.
(4) Grantees will adhere to the standards in this section in prescribing performance reporting requirements for subgrantees.
(c)
(d)
(1) Problems, delays, or adverse conditions which will materially impair the ability to meet the objective of the award. This disclosure must include a statement of the action taken, or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.
(2) Favorable developments which enable meeting time schedules and objectives sooner or at less cost than anticipated or producing more beneficial results than originally planned.
(e) Federal agencies may make site visits as warranted by program needs.
(f)
(2) The grantee may waive any performance report from a subgrantee when not needed. The grantee may extend the due date for any performance report from a subgrantee if the grantee will still be able to meet its performance reporting obligations to the Federal agency.
(a)
(i) Submitting financial reports to Federal agencies, or
(ii) Requesting advances or reimbursements when letters of credit are not used.
(2) Grantees need not apply the forms prescribed in this section in dealing with their subgrantees. However, grantees shall not impose more burdensome requirements on subgrantees.
(3) Grantees shall follow all applicable standard and supplemental Federal agency instructions approved by OMB to the extend required under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 for use in connection with forms specified in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section. Federal agencies may issue substantive supplementary instructions only with the approval of OMB. Federal agencies may shade out or instruct the grantee to disregard any line item that
(4) Grantees will not be required to submit more than the original and two copies of forms required under this part.
(5) Federal agencies may provide computer outputs to grantees to expedite or contribute to the accuracy of reporting. Federal agencies may accept the required information from grantees in machine usable format or computer printouts instead of prescribed forms.
(6) Federal agencies may waive any report required by this section if not needed.
(7) Federal agencies may extend the due date of any financial report upon receiving a justified request from a grantee.
(b)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(c)
(ii) These reports will be used by the Federal agency to monitor cash advanced to grantees and to obtain disbursement or outlay information for each grant from grantees. The format of the report may be adapted as appropriate when reporting is to be accomplished with the assistance of automatic data processing equipment provided that the information to be submitted is not changed in substance.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(d)
(2)
(3) The frequency for submitting payment requests is treated in § 135.41(b)(3).
(e)
(ii) The frequency for submitting reimbursement requests is treated in § 135.41(b)(3).
(2)
(ii) When a construction grant is paid by Treasury check advances based on periodic requests from the grantee, the advances will be requested on the form specified in § 135.41(d).
(iii) The Federal agency may substitute the Financial Status Report specified in § 135.41(b) for the Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs.
(3)
(a)
(i) Required to be maintained by the terms of this part, program regulations or the grant agreement, or
(ii) Otherwise reasonably considered as pertinent to program regulations or the grant agreement.
(2) This section does not apply to records maintained by contractors or subcontractors. For a requirement to place a provision concerning records in certain kinds of contracts, see § 135.36(i)(10).
(b)
(2) If any litigation, claim, negotiation, audit or other action involving the records has been started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records must be retained until completion of the action and resolution of all issues which arise from it, or until the end of the regular 3-year period, whichever is later.
(3) To avoid duplicate recordkeeping, awarding agencies may make special arrangements with grantees and subgrantees to retain any records which are continuously needed for joint use. The awarding agency will request transfer of records to its custody when it determines that the records possess long-term retention value. When the records are transferred to or maintained by the Federal agency, the 3-year retention requirement is not applicable to the grantee or subgrantee.
(c)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(i)
(ii)
(d)
(e)
(2)
(f)
(a)
(1) Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by the grantee or subgrantee or more severe enforcement action by the awarding agency,
(2) Disallow (that is, deny both use of funds and matching credit for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance,
(3) Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the current award for the grantee's or subgrantee's program,
(4) Withhold further awards for the program, or
(5) Take other remedies that may be legally available.
(b)
(c)
(1) The costs result from obligations which were properly incurred by the grantee or subgrantee before the effective date of suspension or termination, are not in anticipation of it, and, in the case of a termination, are noncancellable, and,
(2) The costs would be allowable if the award were not suspended or expired normally at the end of the funding period in which the termination takes effect.
(d)
Except as provided in § 135.43 awards may be terminated in whole or in part only as follows:
(a) By the awarding agency with the consent of the grantee or subgrantee in which case the two parties shall agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated, or
(b) By the grantee or subgrantee upon written notification to the awarding agency, setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. However, if, in the case of a partial termination, the awarding agency determines that the remaining portion of the award will not accomplish the purposes for which the award was made, the awarding agency may terminate the award in its entirety under either § 135.43 or paragraph (a) of this section.
(a)
(b)
(1) Final performance or progress report.
(2) Financial Status Report (SF 269) or Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs (SF-271) (as applicable).
(3) Final request for payment (SF-270) (if applicable).
(4) Invention disclosure (if applicable).
(5) Federally-owned property report. In accordance with § 135.32(f), a grantee must submit an inventory of all federally owned property (as distinct from property acquired with grant funds) for which it is accountable and request disposition instructions from the Federal agency of property no longer needed.
(c)
(d)
(2) The grantee must immediately refund to the Federal agency any balance of unobligated (unencumbered) cash advanced that is not authorized to be retained for use on other grants.
The closeout of a grant does not affect:
(a) The Federal agency's right to disallow costs and recover funds on the basis of a later audit or other review;
(b) The grantee's obligation to return any funds due as a result of later refunds, corrections, or other transactions;
(c) Records retention as required in § 135.42;
(d) Property management requirements in §§ 135.31 and 135.32; and
(e) Audit requirements in § 135.26.
(a) Any funds paid to a grantee in excess of the amount to which the grantee is finally determined to be entitled under the terms of the award constitute a debt to the Federal Government. If not paid within a reasonable period after demand, the Federal agency may reduce the debt by:
(1) Making an adminstrative offset against other requests for reimbursements,
(2) Withholding advance payments otherwise due to the grantee, or
(3) Other action permitted by law.
(b) Except where otherwise provided by statutes or regulations, the Federal agency will charge interest on an overdue debt in accordance with the Federal Claims Collection Standards (4 CFR Ch. II). The date from which interest is computed is not extended by litigation or the filing of any form of appeal.
22 U.S.C. 4341.
The primary purpose of these regulations is to ensure that employees and members of their families do not profit personally from sales or other transactions with persons who are not themselves entitled to exemption from import restrictions, duties, or taxes.
Section 303(a) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 authorizes the Secretary of State to issue regulations to carry out the purposes of title III of that Act.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) An employee as defined by section 2105 of title 5, United States Code;
(2) An officer or employee of the United States Postal Service or of the Postal Rate Commission;
(3) A member of a uniformed service who is not under the command of an area military commander, or
(4) An expert or consultant as authorized pursuant to section 3109 of title 5, United States Code, with the United States or any agency, department, or establishment thereof; but is not a national or permanent resident of the foreign country in which employed.
(f)
(g)
(h) Except as otherwise provided by a chief of mission in policies, rules or procedures issued pursuant to § 136.5(b), an item shall be deemed of “minimal value” if its acquisition cost in U.S. dollars (or retail value if received as a gift) is within the limit determined by the Administrator of General Services for “minimal value” of foreign gifts under 5 U.S.C. 7342, currently $180. For purposes of determining “minimal value,” all constitutent parts of components of an audio or visual system, automobile, boat, computer system, or other integrated machine, system or item of equipment must be valued as a single item even if acquired separately, except that spare or superseded parts (e.g., an old set of tires that has been replaced on vehicle) may be valued as separate items.
(i)
(j)
(a) An employee or family member shall not sell, assign or otherwise dispose of personal property within a foreign country except with the prior written approval of the chief of mission or designee, except where the category of dispositions has been authorized to be undertaken without prior written approval in policies, rules or procedures issued by the chief of mission (cf. § 136.5(b)(1)).
(b) An employee or family member shall not retain any profit from the sale, assignment or other disposition within a foreign country of personal property that was imported into or purchased in that foreign country and that, by virtue of the official status of the employee, was exempt from import restrictions, customs duties, or taxes which would otherwise apply, when such sale, assignment or other disposition is made to persons not entitled to exemptions from import restrictions, duties, or taxes. An employee or family member shall not profit from an indirect disposition to persons not entitled to such exemptions, such as sale
(c) Profits obtained from dispositions of personal property by an employee or family member that cannot be retained under paragraph (b) of this section including any interest earned by the employee or family member on such profits, shall be disposed of within 90 days of receipt by contribution or gift as defined in section 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code or by other similar contribution or gift to a bona fide charitable foreign entity as designated by the chief of mission pursuant to § 136.5(b)(11) of this part.
(d) Except as authorized in advance by the chief of mission on a case-by-case basis, no employee or family member shall sell, assign or otherwise dispose of personal property within a foreign country that was not acquired for bona fide personal use. There shall be a presumption that property that is new, unused or held by the employer or family member in unusual or commercial quantities was not acquired for bona fide personal use. For purposes of this subsection, there is no exemption for items of minimal value § 136.3(h)).
(e) No employee or family member shall import, sell, assign or otherwise dispose of personal property within a foreign country in a manner that violates the law or regulations of that country or governing international law.
(f) Violations of the restrictions or requirements of paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section shall be grounds for disciplinary actions against the employee in accordance with the employing agency's procedures and regulations. Employees shall be responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations by family members.
(g) For purposes of computing profits on personal property dispositions subject to these regulations, where acquisition and disposition of the property were transacted in different currencies, proceeds received and costs incurred in a foreign currency shall be valued in United States dollars at the time of receipt or payment at the rate of exchange that was in effect for reverse accommodation exchanges at U.S. missions at the time of such receipt or payment. Where property was acquired and sold in the same currency, no conversion is required.
(a) Each chief of mission shall establish a procedure under which employees may request approval for the sale of personal property and for conversion of proceeds of such sale from local currency into U.S. dollars, if applicable. This procedure may be modified to meet local conditions, but must produce a documentary record to be held by the post of the following:
(1) The employee's signed request for permission to sell personal property, and, if applicable, to convert local currency proceeds to U.S. dollars;
(2) A description of each item of personal property having more than minimal value, and the cost basis and actual sales price for each item;
(3) All profits received and whether profit is retainable;
(4) Donation to charities or other authorized recipients of non-retainable profits;
(5) Approvals to sell and, if applicable, to exchange proceeds, with any restrictions or refusals of the employee's request noted, signed by the chief of mission or designee; and
(6) For privately owned vehicle transactions, data on purchaser and statement that customs requirements have been met and title has been transferred or arranged with an agent identified on document.
(b) In order to ensure that due account is taken of local conditions, including applicable laws, markets, exchange rate factors, and accommodation exchange facilities, the chief of mission to each foreign country is authorized to establish policies, rules, and procedures governing the disposition of personal property by employees and family members in that country
(1) Identification of categories of dispositions (e.g., sales of minimal value items) that may be made without prior written approval;
(2) Identification of categories of individuals or entities to whom sales of personal property can be made without restrictions on profits (e.g., other employees, third country diplomats), individuals or entities to whom sales can be made but profits not retained, and individuals or entities to whom sales may not be made;
(3) Requirements to report the total estimated and actual proceeds for all minimal value items, even if such items are otherwise exempted from limitations on profits of sale;
(4) Categories of items of personal property excluded from restrictions on disposition because generally exempt from taxation and import duties under local law;
(5) More restrictive definition of “minimal value” (see § 136.3(h) of this part);
(6) Limitations on manner of disposition (e.g., restrictions on advertising or yard sales);
(7) Limitations on total proceeds that may be generated by dispositions of personal property, including limitations on proceeds from disposition of “minimal value” items;
(8) Limitations on total profits that may be generated by dispositions of personal property, including limitations on profits from dispositions of “minimal value” items;
(9) Limitations on total proceeds from dispositions of personal property that may be converted into dollars by reverse accommodation exchange;
(10) Limitations on the timing and number of reverse accommodation exchanges permitted for proceeds of dispositions of personal property (e.g., only in last six months of tour and no more than two exchange conversions);
(11) Designation of bona fide charitable foreign entities to whom an employee or family member may donate profits that cannot be retained under these regulations.
(12) Designation of post officials authorized to approve on behalf of chief of mission employee requests for permission to sell personal property and requests to convert local currency proceeds of sale to U.S. dollars by reverse accommodation exchange.
(c) All policies, rules, and procedures that are issued by the chief of mission pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall be announced by notice circulated to all affected mission employees and copies of all such policies, rules and procedures shall be made readily accessible to all affected employees and family members.
(d) Violations of restrictions or requirements established by a chief of mission in policies, rules, or procedures issued by a chief of mission pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section shall be grounds for disciplinary actions against the employee in accordance with the employing agency's procedures and regulations. Employees shall ensure compliance by family members with policies, rules or procedures issued by the chief of mission.
To the extent that contractors enjoy importation or tax privileges in a foreign country because of their contractual relationship to the United States Government, contracting agencies shall include provisions in their contracts that require the contractors to observe the requirements of these regulations and all policies, rules, and procedures issued by the chief of mission in that foreign country.
Section 319, Public Law 101-121 (31 U.S.C. 1352); 22 U.S.C. 2658.
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 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 any of the following covered Federal actions: 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.
(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
(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,
(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 paragraphs (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 paragraphs (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,
(e) All disclosure forms, but not certifications, shall be forwarded from tier to tier until received by the person referred to in paragraphs (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
(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 § 138.100 (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 if the payment is for agency and legislative liaison activities not directly related to a covered Federal action.
(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 Public Law 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 § 138.100 (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
(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 § 138.100 (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 § 138.110 (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
(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 $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such expenditure.
(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 the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives or the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives (whichever such committees have jurisdiction of matters involving such information) and to 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.
(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 civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
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.
Pub. L. 105-319, 112 Stat. 3013; 22 U.S.C. 2651a.
(a) The regulations set forth in this Part implement, in part, the “Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998 (the “IPPCTPA”), Public Law 105-319, 112 Stat. 3013. The purpose of the IPPCTPA is to establish a program to “allow young people from disadvantaged areas of designated counties suffering from sectarian violence and high structural unemployment to enter the United States for the purpose of developing job skills and conflict resolution abilities in a diverse, cooperative, peaceful, and prosperous environment, so that those young people can return to their homes better able to contribute toward economic regeneration and the Irish peace process.” This part describes the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program (the “IPPCTP”) hereby established by the Department, the procedures for its operation and the requirements for participation.
(b) The Department, in consultation with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (“INS”), will implement the program specified in the IPPCTPA by working with the relevant governmental authorities in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland to further the goals of the IPPCTPA, by selecting a Program Administrator to carry out the day-to-day operation of the IPPCTP, by approving, upon the recommendation of the Program Administrator, employers in the United States to carry out the training and employment elements of the IPPTCP and by providing general oversight of the IPPCTP.
The following definitions apply to this part:
The Department of State retains overall authority for all IPPCTP activities, including, but not limited to:
(a) The design of the program mandated by IPPCTPA;
(b) The formulation of policies and procedures concerning the IPPCTP;
(c) The selection and oversight of the Program Administrator;
(d) Coordination with other U.S. Government agencies and representatives of the governments of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland;
(e) Establishment of the requirements for and approval of the United
(f) Upon recommendation of the Program Administrator or on its own motion, the Department may add or remove employers from the approved list and may authorize change of economic sector and geographic area for participants; and
(g) By public notice in the
The Program Administrator will be responsible for the following:
(a) Identifying job/training opportunities in designated economic sectors, and recommending to the Department employers in the United States who meet the criteria of § 139.7 and who wish to participate in the IPPCTP. Job/training opportunities will be located in a number of geographic areas across the United States, depending on the availability of jobs, relative cost of living, support infrastructure, and other relevant factors. The Program Administrator, from time to time, will recommend to the Department of State the addition or deletion of, or exceptions to, designated economic sectors and geographic areas for participants.
(b) Making available, through electronic or other means, information about job/training openings to potential program participants and assisting them in securing job placements in the United States.
(c) Certifying in writing to a United States consular officer in the United States Embassy in Dublin or the United States Consulate General in Belfast, or to an officer of the INS, that a principal alien has been selected to participate in the IPPCTP. This certification will be used only to assist in:
(1) Nonimmigrant visa issuance to and adjudication of an application for admission made by the principal alien and accompanying family members; or
(2) Adjudicating a request made by the principal alien to change employers under the IPPCTP while in the United States. Unless otherwise authorized, the Program Administrator may approve only one change of approved employer per participant per period of stay.
(d) Providing pre-departure and pre-employment orientation seminars to program participants, as appropriate, and otherwise assisting participants in a smooth transition to life in the United States.
(e) Monitoring participants' compliance with Program requirements while in the United States, and verifying that participants are receiving the agreed training and skills. Issuing replacement certification documents to participants whose original has been lost, stolen, or mutilated. In addition, making available training in personal and professional development to participants and verifying that such training has been undertaken; arranging with approved employers as a condition of assignment of participants that each such employer: will give the Program Administrator advance notice of intention to discharge a participant for cause and the reasons therefor, will permit the Program Administrator an opportunity to mediate between the employer and the participant; and give the Program Administrator written notice when employment of a participant is terminated and the reason. The Program Administrator, if mediation is not successful and the participant is terminated for cause in the judgment of the employer, will promptly (normally within two business days after termination of employment) reach a decision on validity of the cause for the employer's decision and, if the decision is favorable to the participant, may assist in finding another approved employment.
(f) Cooperating with FAS and T&EA in all aspects of the program, including assisting participants in finding jobs in their home countries upon completion of their U.S. training.
(g) Reporting to the Department and INS on various aspects of the program and on program participants as directed. In particular, promptly (normally within five business days) giving a written report to the Department of
(h) Developing and maintaining a computerized database and website to underpin all of the functions in paragraphs (a) through (g) of this section. The Program Administrator will retain this data base for at least five years after termination of the Program, or transfer the data base to the Department of State, and provide the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service access to that data base while under its control.
(i) The Program Administrator within 5 business days is to terminate a participant from the program when: the participant is terminated from approved employment for cause or fails to obtain another approved employment within 30 days of leaving current employment (not having been separated for cause); the participant, without good cause, fails to comply with program regulations, including rules of the Program Administrator and the code of code of conduct; or the participant engages in employment that has not been authorized under the program or fails to maintain adequate, continuous health coverage (see § 139.5). The Program Administrator shall promptly (normally within five business days) give written notice to the Department of State, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, FAS or T & EA as appropriate, and to the consulate that issued a visa to the participant, that the participant has been terminated and the reason therefor. The Program Administrator shall conduct an exit interview with any participant leaving the program to assess the experience and to obtain return of the participant's certification letter.
To be a program participant in the IPPCTP, a person must:
(a) Be between 18 and 35 years of age; and
(b) Have been physically resident in Northern Ireland or one of the border counties for at least five months prior to the date of certification; and
(c) Meet United States immigration/visa requirements, including being in receipt of a job offer certified by the Program Administrator, and able to demonstrate satisfactorily to a Consular Officer that he/she has a residence abroad that he/she has no intention of abandoning; and
(d)(1) Be unemployed for at least 3 months, or have completed or currently be enrolled in a training/program sponsored by T&EA or FAS, or by other such publicly funded programs, or have been made redundant in their employment (
(2) Be a currently employed person whose employer has at least 90 days (unless otherwise authorized) of employment relationship with that person, whose nomination is in writing and contains the following: the employer in the United States, the length and type of occupational training contemplated, a justification for why the length of stay requested is necessary, and the benefits to the nominee and the nominator, including a job offer for the participant upon return to Northern Ireland or Ireland; provided, however, that the Program Administrator may waive the requirements of at least 90 days of employment and for a job offer upon return from a sponsor that is a Northern Ireland institution of further or higher learning for a student in that institution who needs on the job experience to qualify for a degree or certificate from the institution.
(e) Has read, understood, and signed a “participant code of conduct” prepared by the Program Administrator in consultation with the Department of State and the Immigration and Naturalization Service and with FAS and T & EA; obtains and maintains adequate, continuous health insurance; is expected to remain with his or her original or
(f) A participant who has been terminated from the program may apply to the Program Administrator for reinstatement, except in the following cases: termination of approved employment for cause, knowingly or willfully failed to obtain or maintain the required adequate and continuous health insurance, engaged in unapproved employment, or has been outside the United States in excess of three consecutive months. In any such case the physical residence requirement may be waived for participants who have been admitted to the United States for the program, and personal and professional development training previously completed need not be repeated; however, all other application requirements for a participant do apply, and the Program Administrator, with the approval of the Department of State in consultation with the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and upon being satisfied that reinstatement serves the purpose of the program, may issue a new or amended certification letter.
Requests for participation as a trainee in the IPPCTP must be made to FAS or T&EA in the case of § 139.5(d)(1); or, in the case of § 139.5(d)(2), directly to the Program Administrator by the prospective participant's employer having at least 90 days (unless otherwise authorized) of employment relationship with that participant. Neither FAS, T & EA, nor the Program Administrator are to consider requests from a former participant.
To participate in the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program, U.S. employers must:
(a) Provide job/training opportunities that:
(1) Correspond to one of the occupational areas identified by the governments of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland except as otherwise approved by the Program Administrator under § 139.5(d)(2); and
(2) Include a career path comprising work assignment rotations, and/or training opportunities, which offer promotion potential if job performance is satisfactory.
(b) Offer health insurance, which, at a minimum, provides:
(1) Medical benefits of at least $50,000 per accident or illness (major medical); and
(2) A deductible not to exceed $500 per accident or illness.
(c) Pay participants at least the minimum wage and at the same rate as American workers doing the same or similar work.
(d) Agree not to petition for a change of immigration status or non-immigrant status for any participant.
(e) Grant permission to the Program Administrator to conduct on-site visits and take other measures necessary to verify that each employer's job/training contract is being followed.
(f) Notify the Program Administrator in the event of the termination of a participant from employment, or departure of the participant from the Program. As a condition of qualification as an employer, undertakes to provide advance notice to the Program Administrator of intention to terminate a participant for cause, with a written statement of reasons, and to provide the Program Administrator a reasonable opportunity to mediate between the employer and the participant, if possible before actual termination, and to offer employment to any selected participant for at least six months. The employer must also undertake in writing to provide no less than the Federal minimum wage and a 40 hour work week or equivalent.
(g) Prepare a written record describing the work experience gained, and make it available to each participant.
Job/Training under the IPPCTP will be authorized for preferred economic
22 U.S.C. 2651a(a)(4).
(a) This part implements Section 487 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. Sec. 2291f).
(b) Section 487(a) directs the President to “take all reasonable steps” to ensure that assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA) and the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) “is not provided to or through any individual or entity that the President knows or has reason to believe”:
(1) Has been convicted of a violation of, or a conspiracy to violate, any law or regulation of the United States, a State or the District of Columbia, or a foreign country relating [to] narcotic or psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances; or
(2) Is or has been an illicit trafficker in any such controlled substance or is or has been a knowing assistor, abettor, conspirator, or colluder with others in the illicit trafficking in any such substance.
Authority to implement FAA Section 487 was delegated by the President to the Secretary of State by E.O. 12163, as amended, and further delegated by the Secretary to the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs by Delegation of Authority No. 145, dated Feb. 4, 1980 (45 FR 11655), as amended.
The following definitions shall apply for the purpose of this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) Assistance that by operation of the law is not subject to FAA Section 487, such as:
(i) Disaster relief and rehabilitation provided under Chapter 9 of Part I of the FAA; and
(ii) Assistance provided to small farmers when part of a community-
(2) Assistance in a total amount less than $100,000 regarding a specific activity, program, or agreement, except that the procedures in § 140.8 for recipients of scholarships, fellowships, and participant training shall apply regardless of amount. However, assistance shall be deemed covered assistance regardless of amount if the agency providing assistance has reasonable grounds to suspect that a covered individual or entity may be or may have been involved in drug trafficking; or
(3) Payments of dues or other assessed contributions to an international organization.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
Except as otherwise provided herein or as otherwise specially determined by the Secretary of State or the Secretary's designee (except that decisions on notification and/or disclosure shall in all cases be subject to the provisions of §§ 140.13 through 140.14), the procedures prescribed by this part apply to any “covered individual or entity,”
(a)(1) That is receiving or providing covered assistance as a party to a grant, loan, guarantee, cooperative agreement, contract, or other direct agreement with an agency of the United States (a “first-tier” recipient); or
(2) That is receiving covered assistance
(A) Beyond the first tier if specifically designated to receive such assistance by a U.S. government agency; or
(B) In the form of a scholarship, fellowship, or participant training, except certain recipients funded through a multilateral institution or international organization, as provided in § 140.7(c); and
(b)(1) That is located in or providing covered assistance within a covered country or within any other country, or portion thereof, that the Secretary of State or the Secretary's designee may at any time determine should be treated, in order to fulfill the purpose of this part, as if it were a covered country; or
(2) As to which the agency providing assistance or any other interested agency has reasonable grounds to suspect current or past involvement in drug trafficking or conviction of a narcotics offense, regardless of whether the assistance is provided within a covered country.
(1) Under a $500,000 bilateral grant agreement with the Agency for International Development providing covered assistance, Ministry Y of Government A, the government of a covered country, enters into
(2) Under a $1,000,000 grant from the Department of State providing covered assistance, Corporation B makes a $120,000 subgrant to University Y for the training of 12 individuals. If Corporation B is located in or providing assistance within a covered country, it is a covered entity and the 12 individuals receiving participant training are covered individuals. University Y is
(3) University C, which is not located in a covered country, receives a $1 million regional assistance research project grant from the Agency for International development, $80,000 of which is provided for research in covered countries. University C is
This subpart sets forth the enforcement procedures applicable pursuant to § 140.4 to the various types of covered individuals and entities with respect to covered assistance. Section 140.6 establishes the procedures applicable to foreign government entities, including any such entity that is covered by the definition of a “foreign state” set forth in the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, 28 U.S.C. Sec. 1603(a). Section 140.7 establishes the procedures applicable to multilateral institutions and international organizations. Section 140.8 establishes the procedures applicable to recipients of scholarships and fellowships and participant trainees. Section 140.9 establishes the procedures applicable to non-governmental entities. Section 140.10 sets forth additional procedures applicable to intermediate credit institutions. Sections 140.11 through 140.14 contain general provisions related to the enforcement process.
(a)
(2) Prior to providing covered assistance to or through a proposed recipient, the agency providing the assistance shall provide the Country Narcotics Coordinator in the country in which the proposed recipient is located or, as appropriate, where assistance is to be provided, the information specified in § 140.6(a)(3) in order that the Country Narcotics Coordinator may carry out his or her responsibilities under this part.
(3) In each case, the agency proposing the assistance shall provide to the Country Narcotics Coordinator the name of each key individual within the recipient entity who may be expected to control or benefit from assistance as well as other relevant identifying information (e.g., address, date of birth) that is readily available. If a question arises concerning who should be included within the group of key individuals of an entity, the agency providing the assistance shall consult with the Country Narcotics Coordinator, and the decision shall be made by the Country Narcotics Coordinator. If the agency proposing the assistance disagrees with the Country Narcotics Coordinator's decision regarding who should be included within the group of key individuals, the agency may request that the decision be reviewed by the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in consultation with other appropriate bureaus and agencies. Any such review undertaken by the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs shall be completed expeditiously.
(4) Within fourteen calendar days after receiving the name of a proposed recipient and other relevant information, the Country Narcotics Coordinator shall determine whether any available information may warrant withholding assistance or taking other measures under this part, based on the
(5) If, during the initial fourteen-day period, the Country Narcotics Coordinator determines that information exists that may warrant withholding assistance or taking other measures under this part, then the Country Narcotics Coordinator shall have another fourteen calendar days to make a final determination whether the assistance shall be provided or withheld or such other measures taken.
(6) A decision to withhold assistance or to take other measures based on information or allegations that a key individual who is a senior government official of the host nation has been convicted of a narcotics offense or has been engaged in drug trafficking shall be made by the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, or by a higher ranking official of the Department of State, in consultation with other appropriate bureaus and agencies. For the purpose of this part, “senior government official” includes host nation officials at or above the vice minister level, heads of host nation law enforcement agencies, and general or flag officers of the host nation armed forces.
(b)
(i) Been
(ii) Been
(2) Factors that may support a decision to withhold assistance or take other measures based on reason to believe that the proposed recipient has been engaged in drug trafficking activities within the past ten years when there has been no conviction of such an offense may include, but are not limited to, the following:
(i) Admission of participation in such activities;
(ii) A long record of arrests for drug trafficking activities with an unexplained failure to prosecute by the local government;
(iii) Adequate reliable information indicating involvement in drug trafficking.
(3) If the Country Narcotics Coordinator knows or has reason to believe that a key individual (as described in § 140.6(a)(3)) within a proposed recipient entity has been convicted of a narcotics offense or has been engaged in drug trafficking under the terms of this part, the Country Narcotics Coordinator must then decide whether withholding assistance from the entity or taking other measures to structure the provision of assistance to meet the requirements of section 487 is warranted. This decision shall be made in consultation with the agency proposing the assistance and other appropriate bureaus and agencies. In making this determination, the Country Narcotics Coordinator shall take into account:
(i) The extent to which such individual would have control over assistance received;
(ii) The extent to which such individual could benefit personally from the assistance;
(iii) Whether such individual has acted alone or in collaboration with others associated with the entity;
(iv) The degree to which financial or other resources of the entity itself have been used to support drug trafficking; and
(v) Whether the provision of assistance to the entity can be structured in such a way as to exclude from the effective control or benefit of the assistance any key individuals with respect to whom a negative determination has been made.
(c)
Assistance provided to or through multilateral institutions or international organizations is subject to this part as follows:
(a) Where the government agency providing assistance has reasonable grounds to suspect that a recipient multilateral institution or international organization may be or may have been involved in drug trafficking, the provisions of § 140.6 shall apply.
(b) Where the government agency providing assistance designates the recipient of assistance from the multilateral institution or international organization and the designated recipient is a covered individual or entity, the provisions of this part shall apply as if the assistance were provided directly to the designated recipient.
(c) Where the government agency providing assistance does not designate the recipient of assistance from the multilateral institution or international organization, this part do not apply, other than as provided in paragraph (a) of this section, except that the agency's agreement with the multilateral institution or international organization shall stipulate that such entity is to make reasonable efforts, as necessary, to ensure that the assistance is not diverted in support of drug trafficking.
The State Department provides $600,000 to the United Nations for the United Nations Drug Control Program, specifically designating that Government D of a covered country receive $150,000 and Corporation E receive $60,000 for training programs in a covered country. Individuals who will receive training are not specifically designated by the State Department. The United Nations is a covered entity based on § 140.4(a)(1); Government D is a covered entity based on §§ 140.4(b) and 140.7(b); Corporation E is not a covered entity under §§ 140.4(b) and 140.7(b) because it has been designated to receive less than $100,000 in assistance (§ 140.3(c)(2)). Participant trainees are not covered individuals because they fall under the exception contained in § 140.7(c) (see also § 140.4(a)(2)).
(a)
(b)
(a)
(1) A $100,000 grant to a covered U.S. university for participant training would not be subject to the review procedures and criteria in § 140.6(a) and (b). However, a proposed participant would be subject to the review procedures and criteria in § 140.6(a) and (b) as part of the agency's approval process.
(2) A $100,000 grant to a covered foreign private voluntary agency for participant training would be subject to the review procedures and criteria in § 140.6(a) and (b). In addition, each proposed participant would be subject to the review procedures and criteria in § 140.6(a) and (b) as part of the agency's approval process.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
Sections 140.6 through 140.10 represent the minimum procedures that each agency providing assistance must apply in order to implement FAA Section 487. Under individual circumstances, however, additional measures may be appropriate. In those cases, agencies providing assistance are encouraged to take additional steps, as necessary, to ensure that the statutory restrictions are enforced.
If the agency proposing the assistance disagrees with a determination by the Country Narcotics Coordinator to withhold assistance or take other measures, the agency may request that the determination be reviewed by the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs in coordination with other appropriate bureaus and agencies. Unless otherwise determined by the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the assistance shall continue to be withheld pending resolution of the review.
(a) Unless otherwise determined under § 140.13(b), if a determination has been made that assistance to a foreign entity or individual is to be withheld, suspended, or terminated under this
(b) Before such notification, the Country Narcotics Coordinator shall be responsible for ascertaining, in coordination with the investigating agency, that notification would not interfere with an on-going criminal investigation. If the investigating agency believes that there is a significant risk of such interference, the Country Narcotics Coordinator, in coordination with the investigating agency, shall determine the means of compliance with this statute that best minimizes such risk.
(a) If the Country Narcotics Coordinator makes a preliminary decision that evidence exists to justify withholding, suspending, or terminating assistance to a U.S. entity, U.S. citizen, or permanent U.S. resident, the matter shall be referred immediately to the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs for appropriate action, to be taken in consultation with the agency proposing the assistance and the agency or agencies that provided information reviewed or relied upon in making the preliminary decision.
(b) If a determination is made that assistance is to be withheld, suspended, or terminated under this part, the Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, or the Assistant Secretary's designee, shall notify the affected U.S. entity, U.S. citizen, or permanent U.S. resident and provide such entity or individual with an opportunity to respond before action is taken. In no event, shall this part be interpreted to create a right to classified information or law enforcement investigatory information by such entity or individual.
Sec. 602, 78 Stat. 252, sec. 4, 63 Stat. 111, as amended; 42 U.S.C. 2000d-1, 22 U.S.C. 2658.
Nomenclature changes to part 141 appear at 68 FR 51358, Aug. 26, 2003.
The purpose of this part is to effectuate the provisions of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (hereafter referred to as the “Act”) to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department of State.
This part applies to any program for which Federal financial assistance, as defined in this part, is authorized under a law administered by the Department including, but not limited to, the types of Federal financial assistance listed in appendix A of this part. It applies to Federal financial assistance of any form, including property which may be acquired as a result of and in connection with such assistance, extended program after the effective date of this regulation, even if the application is approved prior to such effective date. This part does not apply to (a) any Federal financial assistance by way of insurance of guaranty contracts; (b) money paid, property transferred, or other assistance extended before the effective date of this regulation; (c) any assistance to any individual who is the ultimate beneficiary; or (d) any employment practice, under any such program, of any employer, employment agency, or labor organization, except to the extent described in § 141.3 (d), or (e) any assistance to an activity carried on outside the United States by a person, institution, or other entity not located in the United States. The fact that a type of Federal financial assistance is not listed in appendix A of this part shall not mean, if title VI of the Act is otherwise applicable, that a program is not covered. Transfers of surplus property in the United States are subject to regulations issued by the Administrator of General Services (41 CFR 101-6.2).
(a)
(b)
(i) Deny an individual any service, financial aid, or other benefits provided under the program;
(ii) Provide any service, financial aid, or other benefits to an individual which is different, or is provided in a different manner, from that provided to others under the program;
(iii) Subject an individual to segregation or separate treatment in any matter related to his receipt of any service, financial aid, or other benefit under the program;
(iv) Restrict an individual in any way in the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any service, financial aid, or other benefit under the program;
(v) Treat an individual differently from others in determining whether he satisfies any admission, enrollment, quota, eligibility, membership or other requirement or condition which individuals must meet in order to be provided any service, financial aid, or other benefit provided under the program;
(vi) Deny an individual an opportunity to participate in the program through the provision of services or otherwise afford him an opportunity to do so which is different from that afforded others under the program, including the opportunity to participate in the program as an employee in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section.
(vii) Deny a person the opportunity to participate as a member of a planning or advisory body which is an integral part of the program.
(2) A recipient, in determining the types of services, financial aid, or other benefits, or facilities which will be provided under any such program, or the location or site of any facilities, or services, or the class of individuals to whom, or the situations in which, such services, financial aid, other benefits, or facilities will be provided under any such program or the class of individuals to be afforded an opportunity to participate in any such program, may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration or select locations or sites for any facilities or services, which have the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination because of their race, color, or national origin, or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program as respect individuals of a particular race, color, or national origin.
(3) As used in this section the services, financial aid, or other benefits provided under a program receiving Federal financial assistance shall be deemed to include any service, financial aid, or other benefit provided in or through a facility provided with the aid of Federal financial assistance.
(4) The enumeration of specific forms of prohibited discrimination in this paragraph does not limit the generality of the prohibition in paragraph (a) of this section.
(5)(i) In administering a program regarding which the recipient has previously discriminated against persons on the ground of race, color, or national origin, the recipient must take affirmative action to overcome the effects of prior discrimination.
(ii) Even in the absence of such prior discrimination, a recipient in administering a program may take affirmative action to overcome the effects of conditions which resulted in limiting participation by persons of a particular race, color, or national origin.
(c)
(d)
(2) Where a primary objective of the Federal financial assistance is not to provide employment, but discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in the employment practices of the recipient or other persons subject to the regulation tends, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, to exclude individuals from participation in, to deny them the benefits of, or to subject them to discrimination under any program to which this regulation applies, the provisions of paragraph (d)(1) of this section shall apply to the employment practices of the recipient or other persons subject to the regulation, to the extent necessary to assure equality of opportunity to, and nondiscriminatory treatment of, beneficiaries.
(a)
(2) In any case where the Federal assistance is to provide, or is in the form of personal property, or real property or structures or any interest therein, or such property is acquired as a result of and in connection with such assistance, the assurance shall obligate the recipient, or, in case of subsequent transfers, the transferees, for the period during which the property is used for a purpose for which the Federal assistance was, or is extended, or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services and benefits, or for as long as the recipient retains ownership or possession of the property, whichever is longer. Any assurance relating to property provided under or acquired as a result of or in connection with such assistance shall as appropriate require any instrument effecting or recording transfer, title or other evidence of ownership or right to possession, to include a covenant or condition assuring nondiscrimination for the period of obligation of the recipient or any transferee, which may contain a right to be reserved to the Department to revert title or right to possession. Where no transfer of property is involved, but property is improved or any interest of the recipient or transferee therein is increased as a result of Federal financial assistance, the recipient or transferee shall agree to include such covenant or condition in any subsequent transfer of such property. Failure to comply with any such conditions or requirements contained in such assurances shall render the recipient and the transferees, where appropriate, presumptively in noncompliance.
(3) The responsible Departmental official shall specify the form of the foregoing assurances, and the extent to which like assurances will be required of subgrantees, contractors and subcontractors, transferees, successors in interest, and other participants. Any such assurance shall include provisions which give the United States a right to seek its judicial enforcement.
(b)
(2) The assurance required with respect to an institution of higher education, or any other institution, insofar as the assurance relates to the institution's practices with respect to admission or other treatment of individuals as students, or clients of the institution or to the opportunity to participate in the provision of services or other benefits to such individuals, shall be applicable to the entire institution.
(c)
(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 responsible Department official or his designee will so inform the recipient and the complainant, if any, in writing.
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) Technical rules of evidence shall not apply to hearings conducted pursuant to this part, but rules or principles
(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 responsible Departmental official to restore fully its eligibility to receive Federal financial assistance. Any such request shall be supported by information establishing that the applicant or recipient has met the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section. If the responsible Departmental official determines that those requirements have been satisfied, he shall restore such eligibility, but such determination shall be in writing and shall be supported by evidence and findings of fact which shall be retained by the Department.
(3) If the responsible Departmental 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 responsible Departmental official. The burden of substantiating compliance with the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section shall be on the applicant or recipient. While proceedings under this paragraph are pending, the sanctions imposed by the order issued under paragraph (f) of this section shall remain in effect.
Action taken pursuant to section 602 of the Act is subject to judicial review as provided in section 603 of the Act.
Nothing in this part shall be deemed to supersede: Executive Orders 10925 and 11114 and regulations issued thereunder, or any other regulations or instructions, insofar as such regulations, or instructions prohibit discrimination on the ground of race, color, or national origin in any program or situation to which this regulation is inapplicable, or prohibit discrimination on any other ground.
(a)
(b)
As used in this part—
(a) The term
(b) The term
(c) The term
(d) The term
(e) The term
(f) The terms
(1)(i) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
(ii) 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;
(2)(i) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or a public system of higher education; or
(ii) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801), system of vocational education, or other school system;
(3)(i) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private organization, or an entire sole proprietorship—
(A) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
(B) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and recreation; or
(ii) 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
(4) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraph (f)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.
(g) The term
(h) The term
(i) The term
(j) The term
1. Mutual understanding between people of the United States and the people of other countries by educational and cultural exchange—studies, research, instruction and other educational activities—cultural exchanges (Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961—75 Stat. 527-538).
2. Center for Cultural and Technical Interchange Between East and West—grant to State of Hawaii (Pub. L. 86-472, 74 Stat. 141).
3. Assistance to or in behalf of refugees designated by the President (Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962—76 Stat. 121-124).
4. Donations of certain foreign language tapes and other training material to public and private institutions (Regulations of Administrator of General Services relating to surplus property—41 CFR 101-6.2).
29 U.S.C. 794.
Nomenclature changes to part 142 appear at 68 FR 51359, Aug. 26, 2003.
The purpose of this part is to effectuate section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of handicap in any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.
This part applies to all programs or activities directly affecting handicapped individuals in the United States
(a) Any Federal financial assistance by way of insurance or guaranty contracts;
(b) Money paid, property transferred or other assistance extended before the effective date of this part;
(c) Any assistance to any individual who is the ultimate beneficiary; and
(d) Any procurement of goods or services, including the procurement of training. This part does not bar selection and treatment reasonably related to the foreign affairs objective or such other authorized purpose as the Federal assistance may have. It does not bar selections which are limited to particular groups where the purpose of the Federal financial assistance calls for such a limitation, nor does it bar special treatment including special courses of training, orientation or counseling consistent with such purpose.
As used in this part, the term:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(1) Funds;
(2) Services of Federal personnel; or
(3) Real and personal property or any interest in or use of such property, including:
(i) Transfers or leases of such property for less than fair market value or for reduced consideration; and
(ii) Proceeds from a subsequent transfer or lease of such property if the Federal share of its fair market value is not returned to the Federal Government.
(i)
(j)
(2) As used in paragraph (j)(1) of this section, the phrase:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(k)
(1) With respect to employment, a handicapped person who, with reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question;
(2) With respect to public pre-school, elementary, secondary, or adult educational services, a handicapped person, (i) of an age during which nonhandicapped persons are provided such services, (ii) of any age during which it is mandatory under State law to provide such services to handicapped persons, or (iii) to whom a State is required to provide a free appropriate public education under section 612 of the Education of the Handicapped Act; and
(3) With respect to postsecondary and vocational education services, a handicapped person who meets the academic and technical standard requisite to admission or participation in the recipient's education program or activity;
(4) With respect to other services, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for the recipient of such services.
(l)
(m)
(1)(i) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or (ii) 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;
(2)(i) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or a public system of higher education; or
(ii) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801), system of vocational education, or other school system;
(3)(i) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private organization, or an entire sole proprietorship—
(A) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
(B) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and recreation; or
(ii) 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
(4) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraph (m)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.
(a)
(b)
(i) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit or service;
(ii) Afford a qualified handicapped person 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 handicapped person with 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 handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped person unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others;
(v) Aid or perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped person by providing significant assistance to any agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of handicap in providing any aid, benefit, or service to beneficiaries of the recipient's program or activity;
(vi) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or
(vii) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving an aid, benefit, or service.
(2) For purposes of this part, aids, benefits, and services to be effective, are not required to produce identical result or level of achievement for handicapped and nonhandicapped persons, but must afford handicapped person 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 person's needs.
(3) Despite the existence of separate or different programs or activities provided in accordance with this part, a recipient may not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in such aid, benefits, or services that are not separate or different.
(4) A recipient may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration (i) that have the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap, (ii) that have the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the recipient's program or activity with respect to handicapped persons, or (iii) that perpetuate the discrimination with respect to another recipient if both recipients are subject to common administrative control or are agencies of the same State.
(5) In determining the site or location or a facility, an applicant for assistance or a recipient may not make selections (i) that have the effect of excluding handicapped persons from, denying them the benefits of, or otherwise subjecting them to discrimination
(6) As used in this section, the aid, benefit, or service provided under a program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance includes any aid, benefit, or service provided in or through a facility that has been constructed, expanded, altered, leased or rented, or otherwise acquired, in whole or in part with Federal financial assistance.
(c)
(d) Recipients shall administer programs or activities in the most integrated setting appropriate to the needs of qualified handicapped persons.
(e) Recipients shall ensure that communications with their applicants, employees, and handicapped persons participating in their programs or activities, or receiving aids, or benefits of services, are available to persons with impaired vision and hearing in appropriate modes, including braille, enlarged type, sign language and telecommunication devices for the deaf.
(a)
(b)
(2) Where no transfer of property is involved but property is purchased or improved with Federal financial assistance, the recipient shall agree to include the covenant described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section in the instrument effecting or recording any subsequent transfer of the property.
(3) Where Federal financial assistance is provided by the Department in the form of real property or interest in real property, the covenant shall also include a condition coupled with a right to be reserved by the Department to revert title to the property in the event of a breach of the covenant. If a transferee of real property proposes to mortgage or otherwise encumber the real property as security for financing construction of new, or improvement of existing facilities on the property for the purposes for which the property was transferred, the Secretary may, upon request of the transferee and if necessary to accomplish such financing and upon such conditions as the Secretary deems appropriate, agree to forbear the exercise of such right to revert title for so long as the lien of such mortgage or other encumbrance remains effective.
(a)
(2) Where a recipient is found to have discriminated against persons on the basis of handicap in violation of section 504 of the Act or this part and where another recipient exercises control over the recipient that has discriminated, the Secretary, where appropriate, may require either or both recipients to take remedial action.
(3) The Secretary may, where necessary to overcome the effects of discrimination in violation of section 504 of the Act or this part, require a recipient to take action (i) with respect to
(b)
(c)
(i) Evaluate, with the assistance of interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, its current policies and practices and the effects thereof that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part;
(ii) Modify, after consultation with interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, any policies and practices that do not meet the requirements of this part; and
(iii) Take, after consultation with interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, appropriate remedial steps to eliminate the effects of any discrimination that resulted from adherence to these policies and practices.
(2) A recipient shall, for at least three years following completion of the evaluation required under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, maintain on file, make available for public inspection, and provide to the Secretary upon request: (i) A list of the interested persons consulted, (ii) a description of areas examined and any problems identified, and (iii) a description of any modifications made and of any remedial steps taken.
(a)
(b)
(a) A recipient shall take appropriate initial and continuing steps to notify participants, beneficiaries, applicants, and employees, including those with impaired vision or hearing, and unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the recipient that it does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in violation of section 504 of the Act or this part. The notification shall state, where appropriate, that the recipient does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The notification shall also include an identification of the responsible employee designated pursuant to § 142.7(a). A recipient shall make the initial notification required by this paragraph within 90 days of the effective date of this part. Methods of initial and continuing notification may include but are not limited to the posting of notices, publication in newspapers and magazines, placement of notices in recipients' publications, distribution of memoranda or other written communications; and with persons with impaired vision and hearing, through appropriate modes including braille, enlarged type, sign language, and telecommunication devices for the deaf.
(b) If a recipient publishes or uses recruitment materials or publications containing general information that it makes available to participants, beneficiaries, applicants or employees, it shall include in those materials or publications a statement of the policy described in paragraph (a) of this section. A recipient may meet the requirement of the paragraph either by including appropriate inserts in existing materials and publications or by revising and reprinting the materials and publications.
The Secretary may require any recipient with fewer than fifteen employees, or any class of such recipients, to comply with § 142.7, in whole or in part, when the Secretary finds a violation of this part or finds that such compliance will not significantly impair the ability of the recipient or class of recipients to provide benefits or services.
(a) The obligation to comply with this part is not obviated or alleviated by the existence of any State or local law or other requirement that, on the basis of handicap, imposes prohibitions or limits upon the eligibility of qualified handicapped persons to receive services or to practice any occupation or profession.
(b) The obligation to comply with this part is not obviated or alleviated because employment opportunities in any occupation or profession are or may be more limited for handicapped persons than for nonhandicapped persons.
(a)
(2) A recipient shall make all decisions concerning employment under any program or activity to which this part applies in a manner which ensures that discrimination on the basis of handicap does not occur and may not limit, segregate, or classify applicants or employees in any way that adversely affects their opportunities or status because of handicap.
(3) A recipient may not participate in a contractual or other relationship that has the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped applicants or employees to discrimination prohibited by this subpart. This includes relationships with employment and referral agencies, with labor unions, with organizations providing or administering fringe benefits to employees of the recipient, and with organizations providing training and apprenticeships.
(b)
(1) Recruitment, advertising, and the processing of applications for employment;
(2) Hiring, upgrading, promotion, award of tenure, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, right to return from layoff, and rehiring;
(3) Rates of pay or any other form of compensation and changes in compensation;
(4) Job assignments, job classification, organizational structures, position descriptions, lines of progression, and seniority lists;
(5) Leaves of absence, sick leave, or any other leave;
(6) Fringe benefits available by virtue of employment whether or not administered by the recipient;
(7) Selection and financial support for training, including apprenticeship, professional meetings, conferences and other related activities, and selection for leaves of absence to pursue training;
(8) Employer sponsored activities, including those that are social or recreational; and
(9) Any other condition, or privilege of employment.
(c) A recipient's obligation to comply with this subpart is not affected by any inconsistent term of any collective bargaining agreement to which it is a party.
(a) A recipient shall make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified handicapped applicant or employee unless the recipient can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the program or activity.
(b) Reasonable accommodation may include: (1) Making facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, and (2) job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices,
(c) In determining pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section whether an accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of a recipient's program or activity, factors to be considered include:
(1) The overall size of the recipient's program with respect to number and type of facilities, and size of budget;
(2) Job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, acquisition and or modification of equipment of devices such as telecommunication devices for the deaf, the provision of readers or interpreters and other similar actions including the use of braille, enlarged type, and sign language, when appropriate.
(3) The nature and cost of the accommodation needed.
(d) A recipient may not deny any employment opportunity to a qualified handicapped employee or applicant if the basis for the denial is the need to make reasonable accommodation to the physical or mental limitations of the employee or applicant.
(a) A recipient may not make use of any employment test or other selection criterion that screens out or tends to screen out handicapped persons or any class of handicapped persons unless:
(1) The test score or other selection criterion, as used by the recipient, is shown to be job-related for the position in question, and
(2) Alternative job-related tests or criteria that do not screen out or tend to screen out as many handicapped persons are not shown by the Secretary to be available.
(b) A recipient shall select and administer tests concerning employment to ensure that when administered to any applicant or employee who has a handicap that impairs sensory, manual, speaking, or other skills, the test results accurately reflect the applicant's or employee's job skills, aptitude, or whatever factor the test purports to measure, rather then reflecting the applicant's impaired sensory, manual, speaking, or other skills (except where those skills are the factors that the test purports to measure).
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a recipient may not conduct a preemployment medical examination or may not make preemployment inquiry of an applicant as to whether the applicant is a handicapped person or as to the nature or severity of a handicap. A recipient may, however, make preemployment inquiry into an applicant's ability to perform job-related functions.
(b) When a recipient is taking remedial action to correct the effects of past discrimination pursuant to § 142.6(a), when a recipient is taking voluntary action to overcome the effect of conditions that resulted in limited participation in its federally assisted program or activity pursuant to § 142.6(b), or when a recipient is taking affirmative action pursuant to section 503 of the Act, the recipient may invite applicants for employment to indicate whether and to what extent they are handicapped:
(1) The recipient states clearly on any written questionnaire used for this purpose or makes clear orally, if no written questionnaire is used, that the information requested is intended for use solely in connection with its remedial action obligations or its voluntary or affirmative action efforts; and
(2) The recipient states clearly that the information is being requested on a voluntary basis, that it will be kept confidential as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, that refusal to provide it will not subject the applicant or employee to any adverse treatment, and that is will be used only in accordance with this part.
(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a recipient from conditioning an offer of employment on the results of a medical examination conducted prior to the employee's entrance on duty.
(d) Information obtained in accordance with this section as to the medical condition or history of the applicant shall be collected and maintained
(1) Supervisors and managers may be informed regarding restrictions on the work or duties of handicapped persons and regarding necessary accommodation;
(2) First aid and safety personnel may be informed, where appropriate, if the condition might require emergency treatment; and
(3) Government officials investigating compliance with the Act shall be provided relevant information upon request.
No qualified handicapped person shall, because a recipient's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity to which the part applies.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Identify physical obstacles in the recipient's facilities that limit the accessibility of its program or activity to handicapped persons;
(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 full accessibility under paragraph (a) of 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;
(4) Indicate the person responsible for implementation of the plan; and
(5) A list of all handicapped persons and organizations consulted in the plan formulation process.
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) For purposes of this section, section 4.1.6(1)(g) of UFAS shall be interpreted to exempt from the requirements of UFAS only mechanical rooms and other spaces that, because of their intended use, will not require accessibility to the public or beneficiaries or result in the employment or residence therein of persons with physical handicaps.
(3) This section does not require recipients to make building alterations that have little likelihood of being accomplished without removing or altering a load-bearing structural member.
Subpart D applies to postsecondary education programs and activities, including postsecondary vocational education programs or activities, that receive Federal financial assistance from the Department of State, and to recipients that operate, or that receive or benefit from Federal financial assistance for the operation of, such programs or activities.
(a)
(b)
(1) May not apply limitations upon the number or proportion of handicapped persons who may be admitted;
(2) May not make use of any test or criterion for admission that has a disproportionate, adverse effect on handicapped persons or any class of handicapped persons unless (i) the test or criterion, as used by the recipient, has been validated as a predictor of success in the education program of activity in question and (ii) alternate tests or criteria that have a less disproportionate, adverse effect are not shown by the Secretary to be available;
(3) Shall assure itself that (i) admissions tests are selected and administered so as to ensure that, when a test is administered to an applicant who has a handicap that impairs sensory, manual, or speaking skills, the test results accurately reflect the applicant's aptitude or achievement level or whatever other factor the test purports to measure, rather than reflecting the applicant's impaired sensory, manual, speaking or other skills (except where
(4) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, may not make preadmission inquiry as to whether an applicant for admission is a handicapped person but, after admission, may make inquiries on a confidential basis as to handicaps that may require accommodation.
(c)
(2) The recipient states clearly that the information is being requested on a voluntary basis, that it will be kept confidential, that refusal to provide it will not subject the applicant to any adverse treatment, and that it will be used only in accordance with this part.
(d)
(a) No qualified handicapped student shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any academic, research, occupational, training, housing, health, insurance, counseling, financial aid, physical education, athletics, recreation, transportation, other extracurricular, or other postsecondary education aid, benefits, or services to which this subpart applies.
(b) A recipient to which this subpart applies that considers participation by students in education programs or activities not operated wholly by the recipient as part of, or equivalent to, an education program or activity operated by the recipient shall assure itself that the other education program or activity, as a whole, provides an equal opportunity for the participation of qualified handicapped persons.
(c) A recipient to which this subpart applies may not, on the basis of handicap, exclude any qualified handicapped student from any course, course of study, or other part of its education program or activity.
(d) A recipient to which this subpart applies shall operate its programs or activities in the most integrated setting appropriate.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) Auxiliary aids may include taped texts, interpreters, telecommunication devices for the deaf or other effective methods of making orally delivered materials available to students with hearing impairments, readers in libraries for students with visual impairments, classroom equipment adapted for use by students with manual impairments, and other similar services and actions. Recipients need not provide attendants, individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices or services of a personal nature.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(i) On the basis of handicap, provide less assistance than is provided to nonhandicapped persons, limit eligibility for assistance, or otherwise discriminate; or
(ii) Assist any entity or person that provides assistance to any of the recipient's students in a manner that discriminates against qualified handicapped persons on the basis of handicap.
(2) A recipient may administer or assist in the administration of scholarships, fellowships, or other forms of financial assistance established under wills, trusts, bequests, or similar legal instruments that require awards to be made on the basis of factors that discriminate or have the effect of discriminating on the basis of handicap only if the overall effect of the award of scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial assistance is not discriminatory on the basis of handicap.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(2) A recipient may offer to handicapped students physical education and athletic activities that are separate or different only if separate or differentiation is consistent with the requirements of § 142.43(d) and only if no qualified handicapped student is denied the opportunity to compete for teams or to participate in courses that are not separate or different.
(b)
(c)
Subpart E applies to health, welfare, social and other programs or activities that receive Federal financial assistance and to recipients that operate, or that receive or benefit from Federal financial assistance for the operation of such programs or activities.
(a)
(1) Deny a qualified handicapped person these benefits or services;
(2) Afford a qualified handicapped person an opportunity to receive benefits or services that are not equal to those offered nonhandicapped persons;
(3) Provide a qualified handicapped person with benefits or services that are not as effective (as defined in § 142.4(b)) as the benefits or services provided to others;
(4) Provide benefits or services in a manner that limits or has the effect of limiting the participation of qualified handicapped persons; or
(5) Provide different or separate benefits or services to handicapped persons except where necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with benefits and services that are as effective as those provided to others.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) The Secretary may require recipients with fewer than 15 employees to provide auxiliary aids where the provision of aids would not significantly impair the ability of the recipient to provide its benefits or services.
(e) For the purpose of this paragraph, auxiliary aids may include brailled and taped material, interpreters, and other aids for persons with impaired hearing or vision.
A recipient to which this subpart applies that operates a general hospital or outpatient facility may not discriminate in admission or treatment against a drug or alcohol abuser or alcoholic who is suffering from a medical condition, because of the person's drug or alcohol abuse or alcoholism.
The procedural provisions applicable to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 apply to this part. These procedures are found in 22 CFR subchapter O, part 141.
Types of Federal Financial Assistance Administered by the Department of State Subject to Handicap Discrimination Regulations.
1. Resettlement of Refugees in the United States Under the Migration and Refugee Assistance Act of 1962, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2601
2. Non-reimbursable assignment of Foreign Service officers to State or local governments, public schools, community colleges, and other public or private nonprofit organizations designated by the Secretary of State (section 576 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended; 22 U.S.C. 966 (1976)).
3. Diplomat-in-Residence Program of the Foreign Service Institute under Title VII of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended (22 U.S.C. 1041,
Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, (42 U.S.C. 6101
Nomenclature changes to part 143 appear at 68 FR 51360, Aug. 26, 2003.
The purpose of these regulations is to set out the policies and procedures for the three foreign affairs agencies (State, USICA and AID) under the Age
These regulations apply to each foreign affairs agency recipient and to each program or activity in the United States operated by the recipient which receives or benefits from federal financial assistance provided by any of these agencies.
(a) The following terms used in this part are defined in the government-wide regulations (45 CFR 90.4, 44 FR 33768):
Act
Action
Age
Age distinction
Age-related term
Federal financial assistance
Recipient (including subrecipients)
United States
(b) As used in this part:
(1)
(2)
(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 20 U.S.C. 7801), 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 which is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraph (b)(2)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section.
(3)
(4)
The standards each agency uses to determine whether an age distinction or age-related term is prohibited are set out in part 90 (primarily subpart B) of 45 CFR.
Each agency recipient has primary responsibility to ensure that its programs and activities are in compliance with the Act, the government-wide regulations, and these regulations.
Where a recipient passes on Federal financial assistance from an agency to subrecipients, the recipient shall provide the subrecipients written notice to their obligations under these regulations.
(a) Each recipient employing the equivalent of 15 or more full-time employees shall complete a one-time written self-evaluation of its compliance under the Act within 18 months of the effective date of these regulations.
(b) In its self-evaluation each recipient shall identify each age distinction it uses and justify each age distinction it imposes on the program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from an agency.
(c) Each recipient shall take corrective action whenever a self-evaluation indicates a violation of these regulations.
(d) Each recipient shall make the self-evaluation available on request to the agency and to the public for a period of three years following its completion.
Each recipient shall:
(a) Make available upon request to the agency information necessary to determine whether the recipient is complying with the regulations.
(b) Permit reasonable access by the agency to the books, records, accounts, and other recipient facilities and sources of information to the extent necessary to determine whether a recipient is in compliance with these regulations.
(a) The agency may conduct compliance reviews and pre-award reviews of recipients that will permit it to investigate and correct violations of these regulations. The agency may conduct these reviews even in the absence of a complaint against a recipient. The review may be as comprehensive as necessary to determine whether a violation of these regulations has occurred.
(b) If a compliance review or pre-award review indicates a violation of this part, the agency will attempt to achieve voluntary compliance with the Act. If voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, the agency will arrange for enforcement as described in § 143.36.
(a) Any person, individually or as a member of a class or on behalf of others, may file a complaint with an agency, alleging discrimination prohibited by these regulations based on an action occurring on or after July 1, 1979. A complainant shall file a complaint within 180 days from the date the complainant first had knowledge of the alleged act of discrimination. However, for good cause shown, the agency may extend this time limit.
(b) The agency will attempt to facilitate the filing of complaints wherever possible, including taking the following measures:
(1) Accepting as a sufficient complaint, any written statement which identifies the parties involved, describes generally the action or practice complained of, and is signed by the complainant.
(2) Freely permitting a complainant to add information to the complaint to meet the requirements of a sufficient complaint.
(3) Widely disseminating information regarding the obligations of recipients under the Act and these regulations.
(4) Notifying the complainant and the recipient of their rights under the complaint procedure, including the right to have a representative at all stages of the complaint process.
(5) Notifying the complainant and the recipient (or their representatives) of their right to contact the agency for information and assistance regarding the complaint resolution process.
(c) The agency will return to the complainant any complaint outside the jurisdiction of these regulations and will state the reason(s) why it is outside the jurisdiction of these regulations.
(a)
(1) Fall within the jurisdiction of these regulations; and
(2) Contain all information necessary for further processing.
(b) Both the complainant and the recipient shall participate in the mediation process to the extent necessary to reach an agreement or make an informed judgment that an agreement is not possible. There must be at least one meeting with the mediator, before the agency will accept a judgment that an agreement is not possible. However, the recipient and the complainant need not meet with the mediator at the same time.
(c) If the complainant and the recipient reach an agreement, the mediator shall prepare a written statement of the agreement and have the complainant and recipient sign it. The mediator shall send a copy of the agreement to the agency. The agency shall take no further action on the complaint unless the complainant or the recipient fails to comply with the agreement.
(d) The mediator shall protect the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of the mediation process. No mediator shall testify in any adjudicative proceeding, produce any document, or otherwise disclose any information obtained in the course of the mediation process without prior approval of the head of the mediation agency.
(e) The agency will use the mediation process for a maximum of 60 days after receiving a complaint. Mediation ends if:
(1) Sixty days elapse from the time the agency receives the complaint;
(2) Prior to the end of that 60-day period, an agreement is reached;
(3) Prior to the end of that 60-day period, the mediator determines that an agreement cannot be reached.
(f) The mediator shall return unresolved complaints to the agency.
(a)
(2) As part of the initial investigation, the agency will use informal fact finding methods, including joint or separate discussions with the complainant and recipient to establish the facts, and, if possible, settle the complaint on terms that are mutually agreeable. The agency may seek the assistance of any involved State program agency.
(3) The agency will put any agreement in writing and have it signed by the parties and an authorized official of the agency.
(4) The settlement shall not affect the operation of any other enforcement efforts of the agency, including compliance reviews and other individual complaints which may involve the recipient.
(5) The settlement is not a finding of discrimination against a recipient.
(b)
A recipient may not engage in acts of intimidation or retaliation against any person who:
(a) Attempts to assert a right protected by these regulations; or
(b) Cooperates in any mediation, investigation, hearing, or other part of the agency's investigation, conciliation, and enforcement process.
(a) An agency may enforce the Act and these regulations through:
(1) Termination of a recipient's Federal financial assistance from the agency under the program or activity involved where the recipient has violated the Act and these regulations. The determination of the recipient's violation may be made only after a recipient has had an opportunity for a hearing on the record before an administrative law judge. Therefore, cases which are settled in mediation or prior to a hearing, will not involve termination of a recipient's Federal financial assistance from the agency.
(2) Any other means authorized by law including but not limited to:
(i) Referral to the Department of Justice for proceedings to enforce any rights of the United States or obligations by the Act and these regulations.
(ii) Use of any requirement of or referral to any Federal, state, or local government agency which will have the effect of correcting a violation of the Act or these regulations.
(b) The agency will limit any termination under § 143.36(a)(1) to the particular recipient and particular program or activity the agency finds in violation of these regulations. The agency will not base any part of a termination on a finding with respect to any program or activity of the recipient which does not receive Federal financial assistance from the agency.
(c) The agency will take no action under paragraph (a) of this section until:
(1) The agency head has advised the recipient of its failure to comply with these regulations and has determined that voluntary compliance cannot be obtained.
(2) Thirty days have lapsed after the agency head has sent a written report of the circumstances and grounds of the action to the committees of the Congress having legislative jurisdiction over the Federal program or activity involved. The agency head shall file a report whenever any action is taken under paragraph (a) of this section.
(d) The agency head also may defer granting new Federal financial assistance from the agency to a recipient when a hearing under § 143.36(a)(1) is initiated.
(1) New Federal financial assistance from the agency includes all assistance for which the agency requires an application or approval, including renewal or continuation of existing activities, or authorization of the new activities, during the deferral period. New Federal financial assistance from the agency does not include increases in funding as a result of changed computation of formula awards or assistance approved prior to the beginning of a hearing under § 143.36(a)(1).
(2) The agency will not begin a deferral until the recipient has received a notice of opportunity for a hearing under § 143.36(a)(1). The agency will not continue a deferral for more than 60 days unless a hearing has begun within that time or the time for beginning the hearing has been extended by mutual consent of the recipient and the agency head. The agency will not continue a deferral for more than 30 days after the close of a hearing unless the hearing results in a finding against the recipient.
Certain procedural provisions applicable to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 apply to enforcement of this part. They are 22 CFR 141.8 through 141.10.
Where the agency head finds a recipient has discriminated on the basis of age, the recipient shall take any remedial action that the agency head may require to overcome the effects of the discrimination. If another recipient exercises control over the recipient that has discriminated, the agency head may require both recipients to take remedial action.
(a) When an agency withholds funds from a recipient under these regulations, the agency head may disburse the withheld funds directly to an alternate recipient, any public or non-profit private organization or agency, or
(b) The agency head will require any alternate recipient to demonstrate:
(1) The ability to comply with these regulations; and
(2) The ability to achieve the goals of the Federal statute authorizing the program or activity.
Resettlement of Refugees in the United States Under the Migration and Refugee Assistant Act of 1962, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2601
Diplomat in Residence Program of the Foreign Service Institute Under Title VII of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended (22 U.S.C. 1041
Assignments under section 576 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended (22 U.S.C. 966)
Educational and Cultural Exchanges under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 1431-1479).
1. Grants to research and educational institutions in the United States to strengthen their capacity to develop and carry out programs concerned with the economic and social development of developing countries (Section 122(d), Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2151(d)).
2. Grants to land grant and other qualified agricultural universities and colleges in the United States to develop their capabilities to assist developing countries in agricultural teaching, research and extension services (Section 297, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2220(b)).
3. Grants to private and voluntary agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and other qualified organizations for programs in the United States to promote the economic and social development of developing countries (Sections 103-106, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2151a-2151d).
29 U.S.C. 794.
This part effectuates section 119 of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, which amended section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 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.
For purposes of this part, the term—
As used in this definition, the phrase:
(1)
(i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or
(ii) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term “physical or mental impairment” includes, but is not limited to, such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech, and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, mental retardation, emotional illness, and drug addiction and alocoholism.
(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 paragraph (1) of this definition but is treated by the agency as having such an impairment.
(1) With respect to preschool, elementary, or secondary education services provided by the agency, a handicapped person who is a member of a class of persons otherwise entitled by statute,
(2) With respect to any other agency program or activity under which a person is required to perform services or to achieve a level of accomplishment, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements and who can acheive the purpose of the program or activity without modifications in the program or activity that the agency can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in its nature;
(3) With respect to any other program or activity, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity; and
(4)
(a) The agency shall, by August 24, 1987, evaluate its current policies and practices, and the effects thereof, that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part, and, to the extent modification of any such policies and practices is required, the agency shall proceed to make the necessary modifications.
(b) The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, to participate in the self-evaluation process by submitting comments (both oral and written).
(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.
The agency shall make available to employees, applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons such 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 manner as the head of the agency finds necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this regulation.
(a) No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from 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 handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service;
(ii) Afford a qualified handicapped person 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 handicapped person 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 handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others;
(v) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or
(vi) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service.
(2) The agency may not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in programs or activities that are not separate or different, despite the existence of permissibly separate or different programs or activities.
(3) The agency may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangments, utilize criteria or methods of administration the purpose or effect of which would—
(i) Subject qualified handicapped persons 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 handicapped persons.
(4) The agency may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections the purpose or effect of which would—
(i) Exclude handicapped persons 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 handicapped persons.
(5) The agency, in the selection of procurement contractors, may not use criteria that subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap.
(6) The agency may not administer a licensing or certification program in a manner that subjects qualified handicapped persons 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 handicapped persons 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 handicapped persons or the exclusion of a specific class of handicapped persons from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to a different class of handicapped persons 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 handicapped persons.
No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity conducted by the agency. 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 in federally conducted programs or activities.
Except as otherwise provided in § 144.150, no qualified handicapped person shall, because the agency's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, 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) Necessarily require the agency to make each of its existing facilities accessible to and usable by handicapped persons;
(2) In the case of historic preservation programs, require the agency to take any action that would result in a substantial impairment of significant historic features of an historic property; or
(3) 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 § 144.150(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 handicapped persons receive the benefits and services of the program or activity.
(b)
(2)
(i) Using audio-visual materials and devices to depict those portions of an historic property that cannot otherwise be made accessible;
(ii) Assigning persons to guide handicapped persons into or through portions of historic properties that cannot otherwise be made accessible; or
(iii) Adopting other innovative methods.
(c)
(d)
(1) Identify physical obstacles in the agency's facilities that limit the accessibility of its programs or activities to handicapped persons;
(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 handicapped persons. The definitions, requirements, and standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), as established in 41 CFR 101-19.600 to 101-19.607, apply to buildings covered by this section.
(a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication 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 a handicapped person 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 handicapped person.
(ii) The agency need not provide individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices of a personal nature.
(2) Where the agency communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, telecommunication devices for deaf person (TDD's) or equally effective telecommunication systems shall be used.
(b) The agency shall ensure that interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.
(c) The agency shall provide signage at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users 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 adminstrative 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 § 144.160 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 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 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 maximum extent possible, handicapped persons 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 or 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) The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights shall be responsible for coordinating implementation of this section. Complaints may be sent to Deputy Assistant Secretary for Equal Employment Opportunity and Civil Rights, Department of State, 2201 C Street, NW., Room 3214, Washington, DC 20520.
(d) The agency shall accept and investigate all complete complaints for which it has jurisdiction. 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 receives 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), or section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 792), is not readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons.
(g) Within 180 days of the receipt of a complete complaint for which it has jurisdiction, the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation in a letter containing—
(1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law;
(2) A description of a remedy for each violation found; and
(3) A notice of the right to appeal.
(h) Appeals of the findings of fact and conclusions of law or remedies must be filed by the complainant within 90 days of receipt from the agency of the letter required by § 144.170(g). The agency may extend this time for good cause.
(i) Timely appeals shall be accepted and processed by the head of the agency.
(j) The head of the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the appeal within 60 days of the receipt of the request. If the head of the agency determines that additional information is needed from the complainant, he or she shall have 60 days from the date of receipt of the additional information to make his or her determination on the appeal.
(k) The time limits cited in paragraphs (g) and (j) of this section may be extended with the permission of the Assistant Attorney General.
(l) The agency may delegate its authority for conducting complaint investigations to other Federal agencies, except that the authority for making the final determination may not be delegated to another agency.
22 U.S.C. 2658.1; OMB Circular A-110 (64 FR 54926, October 8, 1999).
This regulation establishes uniform administrative requirements for Department of State grants and cooperative agreements awarded to institutions of higher-education, hospitals, other nonprofit organizations, and commercial organizations, except that § 145.36(d)(1) shall not apply to commercial organizations. Non-profit organizations that implement Federal programs for the States are also subject to State requirements. Copies of the OMB circulars mentioned in this part may be ordered from the Office of Management and Budget Publications Office (202) 395-7000.
(a)
(1) Goods and other tangible property received;
(2) Services performed by employees, contractors, subrecipients, and other payees; and,
(3) Other amounts becoming owed under programs for which no current services or performance is required.
(b)
(1) Earnings during a given period from—
(i) Services performed by the recipient, and
(ii) Goods and other tangible property delivered to purchasers, and
(2) Amounts becoming owed to the recipient for which no current services or performance is required by the recipient.
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
(x)
(y)
(z)
(aa)
(bb)
(cc)
(dd)
(ee)
(1) The term includes public and private institutions of higher education; public and private hospitals; other quasi-public and private non-profit organizations such as, but not limited to,
(2) The term does not include any of the following which are recipients, subrecipients, or contractors or subcontractors of recipients or subrecipients:
(i) Foreign organizations (governmental or non-governmental);
(ii) International organizations (such as agencies of the United Nations); or
(iii) Organizations whose assistance agreement is for work to be performed outside the United States.
(3) The term does not include government-owned contractor-operated facilities or research centers providing continued support for mission-oriented, large-scale programs that are government-owned or controlled, or are designated as federally-funded research and development centers.
(ff)
(gg)
(hh)
(ii)
(jj)
(kk)
(ll)
(mm)
(nn)
(oo)
(pp)
(qq)
(rr)
For awards subject to this regulation, all administrative requirements of codified program regulations, program manuals, handbooks and other nonregulatory materials which are inconsistent with the requirements of this regulation are superseded, except to the extent they are required by statute, or authorized in accordance with the deviations provision in § 145.4.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) may grant exceptions for classes of grants or recipients subject to the requirements of this regulation when exceptions are not prohibited by statute. However, in the interest of maximum uniformity, exceptions from the requirements of this regulation shall be permitted only in unusual circumstances. The Department may apply more restrictive requirements to a class of recipients when approved by OMB. The Department may apply less restrictive requirements when issuing small awards, except for those requirements which are statutory. Exceptions on a case-by-case basis may also be made by the Department. Deviation requests shall be submitted to the Office of the Procurement Executive (A/OPE) for approval or transmittal to OMB.
Unless sections of this regulation specifically exclude subrecipients from coverage, the provisions of this regulation shall be applied to subrecipients performing work under awards if such subrecipients are institutions of higher education, hospitals or other non-profit organizations. State and local government subrecipients are subject to the provisions of part 135 of this chapter implementing the grants management common rule, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.”
Sections 145.11 through 145.17 prescribe forms and instructions and other pre-award matters to be used in applying for Federal awards.
(a)
(b)
(i) Awards for which funding priorities are established by Federal statute,
(ii) Small awards, and
(iii) Awards for which program purposes would not be served by public notice.
(2) In the case of the exception in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section, the award file shall be documented with the rationale for not issuing a public notice.
(a) Department Grants Officers shall comply with the applicable report clearance requirements of 5 CFR part 1320, “Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public,” with regard to all forms used by the awarding agency in place of or as a supplement to the Standard Form 424 (SF-424) series.
(b) Applicants shall use the SF-424 series or those forms and instructions prescribed by the Grants Officer and approved by the Office of the Procurement Executive (A/OPE).
(c) For Federal programs covered by Executive Order 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” the applicant shall complete the appropriate sections of the SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) indicating whether the application was subject to review by the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC). The name and address of the SPOC for a particular State can be obtained from the awarding agency or the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The SPOC shall advise the applicant whether the program for which application is made has been selected by that State for review.
(d) Department Grants Officers who do not use the SF-424 form should indicate whether the application is subject to review by the State under Executive Order 12372.
The Department and recipients shall comply with the nonprocurement debarment and suspension common rule implementing Executive Orders 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension,” as implemented in 2 CFR 601. This common rule restricts subawards and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
If an applicant or recipient: has a history of poor performance, is not financially stable, has a management system that does not meet the standards prescribed in this regulation, has not conformed to the terms and conditions of a previous award, or is not otherwise responsible, the Department may impose additional requirements as needed, provided that such applicant or recipient is notified in writing as to: The nature of the additional requirements, the reason why the additional requirements are being imposed, the nature of the corrective action needed, the time allowed for completing the corrective actions, and the method for requesting reconsideration of the additional requirements imposed. Any special conditions shall be promptly removed once the conditions that prompted them have been corrected.
The Metric Conversion Act, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act (15 U.S.C. 205) declares that the metric system is the preferred measurement system for U.S. trade and commerce. The Act requires each Federal agency to establish a date or dates in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce, when the metric system of measurement will be used in the agency's procurements, grants, and other business-related activities. Metric implementation may take longer where the use of the system is initially
Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) (Pub. L. 94-580 codified at 42 U.S.C. 6962), any State agency or agency of a political subdivision of a State which is using appropriated Federal funds must comply with section 6002. Section 6002 requires that preference be given in procurement programs to the purchase of specific products containing recycled materials identified in guidelines developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (40 CFR parts 247-254). Accordingly, State and local institutions of higher education, hospitals, and non-profit organizations that receive direct Federal awards or other Federal funds shall give preference in their procurement programs funded with Federal funds to the purchase of recycled products pursuant to the EPA guidelines.
Unless prohibited by statute or codified regulation, the Department is authorized to accept and encourages recipients to submit certifications and representations required by statute, executive order, or regulation on an annual basis, if the recipients have ongoing and continuing relationships with the Department. Annual certifications and representations shall be signed by responsible officials with the authority to ensure recipients' compliance with the pertinent requirements.
Sections 145.21 through 145.28 prescribe standards for financial management systems, methods for making payments and rules for: Satisfying cost sharing and matching requirements, accounting for program income, budget revision approvals, making audits, determining allowability of cost, and establishing fund availability.
(a) The Department shall require recipients to relate financial data to performance data and develop unit cost information whenever practical.
(b) Recipients' financial management systems shall provide for the following.
(1) Accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federally-sponsored project or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in § 145.52. If the Department requires reporting on an accrual basis from a recipient that maintains its records on other than an accrual basis, the recipient shall not be required to establish an accrual accounting system. These recipients may develop such accrual data for its reports on the basis of an analysis of the documentation on hand.
(2) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-sponsored activities. These records shall contain information pertaining to Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, outlays, income and interest.
(3) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property and other assets. Recipients shall adequately safeguard all such assets and assure they are used solely for authorized purposes.
(4) Comparison of outlays with budget amounts for each award. Whenever appropriate, financial information should be related to performance and unit cost data.
(5) Written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds to the recipient from the U.S. Treasury and the issuance or redemption of checks, warrants or payments by other means for program purposes by the recipient. To the extent that the provisions of the Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) (Pub. L. 101-453) govern, payment methods of State agencies, instrumentalities, and fiscal
(6) Written procedures for determining the reasonableness, allocability and allowability of costs in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Federal cost principles and the terms and conditions of the award.
(7) Accounting records including cost accounting records that are supported by source documentation.
(c) Where the Federal Government guarantees or insures the repayment of money borrowed by the recipient, the Department, at its discretion, may require adequate bonding and insurance if the bonding and insurance requirements of the recipient are not deemed adequate to protect the interest of the Federal Government.
(d) The Department may require adequate fidelity bond coverage where the recipient lacks sufficient coverage to protect the Federal Government's interest.
(e) Where bonds are required in the situations described above, the bonds shall be obtained from companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable sureties, as prescribed in 31 CFR part 223, “Surety Companies Doing Business with the United States.”
(a) Payment methods shall minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury and the issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means by the recipients. Payment methods of State agencies or instrumentalities shall be consistent with Treasury-State CMIA agreements or default procedures codified at 31 CFR part 205.
(b) Recipients are to be paid in advance, provided they maintain or demonstrate the willingness to maintain: Written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the recipient, and financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in § 145.21. Cash advances to a recipient organization shall be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the recipient organization in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of cash advances shall be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the recipient organization for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.
(c) Whenever possible, advances shall be consolidated to cover anticipated cash needs for all awards made by the Department to the recipient.
(1) Advance payment mechanisms include, but are not limited to, Treasury check and electronic funds transfer.
(2) Advance payment mechanisms are subject to 31 CFR part 205.
(3) Recipients shall be authorized to submit requests for advances and reimbursements at least monthly when electronic fund transfers are not used.
(d) Requests for Treasury check advance payment shall be submitted on SF-270, “Request for Advance or Reimbursement,” or other forms as may be authorized by OMB (e.g., SF-1034). This form is not to be used when Treasury check advance payments are made to the recipient automatically through the use of a predetermined payment schedule or if precluded by special Department instructions for electronic funds transfer.
(e) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) cannot be met. The Department may also use this method on any construction agreement, or if the major portion of the construction project is accomplished through private market financing or Federal loans, and the Federal assistance constitutes a minor portion of the project.
(1) When the reimbursement method is used, the Department shall make payment within 30 days after receipt of the billing, unless the billing is improper.
(2) Recipients shall be authorized to submit request for reimbursement at least monthly when electronic funds transfers are not used.
(f) If a recipient cannot meet the criteria for advance payments and the Department has determined that reimbursement is not feasible because the recipient lacks sufficient working capital, the Department may provide cash on a working capital advance basis. Under this procedure, the Department shall advance cash to the recipient to cover its estimated disbursement needs for an initial period generally geared to the awardee's disbursing cycle. Thereafter, the Department shall reimburse the recipient for its actual cash disbursements. The working capital advance method of payment shall not be used for recipients unwilling or unable to provide timely advances to their subrecipient to meet the subrecipient's actual cash disbursements.
(g) To the extent available, recipients shall disburse funds available from repayments to and interest earned on a revolving fund, program income, rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments.
(h) Unless otherwise required by statute, the Department shall not withhold payments for proper charges made by recipients at any time during the project period unless paragraphs (h) (1) or (2) of this section apply.
(1) A recipient has failed to comply with the project objectives, the terms and conditions of the award, or Federal reporting requirements.
(2) The recipient or subrecipient is delinquent in a debt to the United States as defined in OMB Circular A-129, “Managing Federal Credit Programs.” Under such conditions, the Department may, upon reasonable notice, inform the recipient that payments shall not be made for obligations incurred after a specified date until the conditions are corrected or the indebtedness to the Federal Government is liquidated.
(i) Standards governing the use of banks and other institutions as depositories of funds advanced under awards are as follows.
(1) Except for situations described in paragraph (i)(2), the Department shall not require separate depository accounts for funds provided to a recipient or establish any eligibility requirements for depositories for funds provided to a recipient. However, recipients must be able to account for the receipt, obligation and expenditure of funds.
(2) Advances of Federal funds shall be deposited and maintained in insured accounts whenever possible.
(j) Consistent with the national goal of expanding the opportunities for women-owned and minority-owned business enterprises, recipients shall be encouraged to use women-owned and minority-owned banks (a bank which is owned at least 50 percent by women or minority group members).
(k) Recipients shall maintain advances of Federal funds in interest bearing accounts, unless paragraphs (k) (1), (2) or (3) of this section apply.
(1) The recipient receives less than $120,000 in Federal awards per year.
(2) The best reasonably available interest bearing account would not be expected to earn interest in excess of $250 per year on Federal cash balances.
(3) The depository would require an average or minimum balance so high that it would not be feasible within the expected Federal and non-Federal cash resources.
(l) For those entities where CMIA and its implementing regulations do not apply, interest earned on Federal advances deposited in interest bearing accounts shall be remitted annually to the Department for submission to Treasury. Interest amounts up to $250 per year may be retained by the recipient for administrative expense. State universities and hospitals shall comply with CMIA, as it pertains to interest. If an entity subject to CMIA uses its own funds to pay pre-award costs for discretionary awards without prior written approval from the Department, it waives its right to recover the interest under CMIA.
(m) Except as noted elsewhere in this regulation, only the following forms shall be authorized for the recipients in requesting advances and reimbursements. The Department shall not require more than an original and two copies of these forms except if OMB approval is obtained.
(1)
(2)
(a) All contributions, including cash and third party in-kind, shall be accepted as part of the recipient's cost sharing or matching when such contributions meet all of the following criteria.
(1) Are verifiable from the recipient's records.
(2) Are not included as contributions for any other Federally-assisted project or program.
(3) Are necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of project or program objectives.
(4) Are allowable under the applicable cost principles.
(5) Are not paid by the Federal Government under another award, except where authorized by Federal statute to be used for cost sharing or matching.
(6) Are provided for in the approved budget when required by the Department.
(7) Conform to other provisions of this regulation, as applicable.
(b) Unrecovered indirect costs may be included as part of cost sharing or matching only with the prior approval of the Department Grants Officer.
(c) Values for recipient contributions of services and property shall be established in accordance with the applicable cost principles. If the Department authorizes recipients to donate buildings or land for construction/facilities acquisition projects or long-term use, the value of the donated property for cost sharing or matching shall be the lesser of paragraphs (c) (1) or (2) of this section.
(1) The certified value of the remaining life of the property recorded in the recipient's accounting records at the time of donation.
(2)
(d) Volunteer services furnished by professional and technical personnel, consultants, and other skilled and unskilled labor may be counted as cost sharing or matching if the service is an integral and necessary part of an approved project or program. Rates for volunteer services shall be consistent with those paid for similar work in the recipient's organization. In those instances in which the required skills are not found in the recipient organization, rates shall be consistent with those paid for similar work in the labor market in which the recipient competes for the kind of services involved. In either case, paid fringe benefits that are reasonable, allowable, and allocable may be included in the valuation.
(e) When an employer other than the recipient furnishes the services of an employee, these services shall be valued at the employee's regular rate of pay (plus an amount of fringe benefits that are reasonable, allowable, and allocable, but exclusive of overhead costs), provided these services are in the same skill for which the employee is normally paid.
(f) Donated supplies may include such items as expendable equipment, office supplies, laboratory supplies or workshop and classroom supplies. Value assessed to donated supplies included in the cost sharing or matching share shall be reasonable and shall not exceed the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation.
(g) The method used for determining cost sharing or matching for donated equipment, buildings and land for which title passes to the recipient may differ according to the purpose of the
(1) If the purpose of the award is to assist the recipient in the acquisition of equipment, buildings or land, the total value of the donated property may be claimed as cost sharing or matching.
(2) If the purpose of the award is to support activities that require the use of equipment, buildings or land, normally only depreciation or use charges for equipment and buildings may be made. However, the full value of equipment or other capital assets and fair rental charges for land may be allowed, provided that the Department has approved the charges.
(h) The value of donated property shall be determined in accordance with the usual accounting policies of the recipient, with the following qualifications.
(1) The value of donated land and buildings shall not exceed its fair market value at the time of donation to the recipient as established by an independent appraiser (e.g., certified real property appraiser or General Services Administration representative) and certified by a responsible official of the recipient.
(2) The value of donated equipment shall not exceed the fair market value of equipment of the same age and condition at the time of donation.
(3) The value of donated space shall not exceed the fair rental value of comparable space as established by an independent appraisal of comparable space and facilities in a privately-owned building in the same locality.
(4) The value of loaned equipment shall not exceed its fair rental value.
(5) The following requirements pertain to the recipient's supporting records for in-kind contributions from third parties.
(i) Volunteer services shall be documented and, to the extent feasible, supported by the same methods used by the recipient for its own employees.
(ii) The basis for determining the valuation for personal service, material, equipment, buildings and land shall be documented.
(a) The Department shall apply the standards set forth in this section in requiring recipient organizations to account for program income related to projects financed in whole or in part with Federal funds.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, program income earned during the project period shall be retained by the recipient and, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the award, shall be used in one or more of the ways listed in the following.
(1) Added to funds committed to the project by the Department and recipient and used to further eligible project or program objectives.
(2) Used to finance the non-Federal share of the project or program.
(3) Deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the Federal share of costs is based.
(c) When the award authorizes the disposition of program income as described in paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2), program income in excess of any limits stipulated shall be used in accordance with paragraph (b)(3).
(d) In the event that the Department does not specify in the terms and conditions of the award how program income is to be used, paragraph (b)(3) shall apply automatically to all projects or programs except research. For awards that support research, paragraph (b)(1) shall apply automatically unless the awarding agency indicates in the terms and conditions another alternative on the award or the recipient is subject to special award conditions, as indicated in § 145.14.
(e) Unless the terms and conditions of the award provide otherwise, recipients shall have no obligation to the Federal Government regarding program income earned after the end of the project period.
(f) If authorized by the terms and conditions of the award, costs incident to the generation of program income may be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided these costs have not been charged to the award.
(g) Proceeds from the sale of property shall be handled in accordance with the
(h) Unless the terms and condition of the award provide otherwise, recipients shall have no obligation to the Federal Government with respect to program income earned from license fees and royalties for copyrighted material, patents, patent applications, trademarks, and inventions produced under an award. However, Patent and Trademark Amendments (35 U.S.C. 18) apply to inventions made under an experimental, developmental, or research award.
(a) The budget plan is the financial expression of the project or program as approved during the award process. It may include either the Federal and non-Federal share, or only the Federal share, depending upon Department requirements. It shall be related to performance for program evaluation purposes whenever appropriate.
(b) Recipients are required to report deviations from budget and program plans, and request prior approvals for budget and program plan revisions, in accordance with this section, unless, at the discretion of the Grants Officer, a small percentage variance is allowed by the terms of the grant or cooperative agreement.
(c) For nonconstruction awards, recipients shall request prior approvals from the Department for one or more of the following program or budget related reasons.
(1) Change in the scope or the objective of the project or program (even if there is no associated budget revision requiring prior written approval).
(2) Change in a key person specified in the application or award document.
(3) The absence for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in time devoted to the project, by the approved project director or principal investigator.
(4) The need for additional Federal funding.
(5) The transfer of amounts budgeted for indirect costs to absorb increases in direct costs, or vice versa, if approval is required by the Department.
(6) The inclusion, unless waived by the Department, of costs that require prior approval in accordance with OMB Circular A-21, “Cost Principles for Institutions of Higher Education,” OMB Circular A-122, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations,” or 45 CFR part 74 appendix E, “Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Research and Development under Grants and Contracts with Hospitals,” or 48 CFR part 31, “Contract Cost Principles and Procedures,” as applicable.
(7) The transfer of funds allotted for training allowances (direct payment to trainees) to other categories of expense.
(8) Unless described in the application and funded in the approved awards, the subaward, transfer or contracting out of any work under an award. This provision does not apply to the purchase of supplies, material, equipment or general support services.
(d) No other prior approval requirements for specific items described by this regulation may be imposed unless a deviation has been approved by OMB.
(e) Except for requirements listed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(4) of this section, Grants Officers are authorized, at their option, to waive cost-related and administrative prior written approvals required by this regulation and OMB Circulars A-21 and A-122. Such waivers may include authorizing recipients to do any one or more of the following.
(1) Incur pre-award costs 90 calendar days prior to award or more than 90 calendar days with the prior approval of the Department. All pre-award costs are incurred at the recipient's risk (
(2) Initiate a one-time extension of the expiration date of the award of up to 12 months unless one or more of the following conditions apply. For one-time extensions, the recipient must notify the Department in writing with the supporting reasons and revised expiration date at least 10 days before the expiration date specified in the award.
(i) The terms and conditions of award prohibit the extension.
(ii) The extension requires additional Federal funds.
(iii) The extension involves any change in the approved objectives or scope of the project.
(3) Carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent funding periods.
(4) For awards that support research, unless the Department provides otherwise in the award, the prior approval requirements described in paragraph (e) are automatically waived (
(f) The Department may, at its option, restrict the transfer of funds among direct cost categories or programs, functions and activities for awards in which the Federal share of the project exceeds $100,000 and the cumulative amount of such transfers exceeds or is expected to exceed 10 percent of the total budget as last approved by the Grants Officer. Grants Officers shall not permit a transfer that would cause any Federal appropriation or part thereof to be used for purposes other than those consistent with the original intent of the appropriation.
(g) All other changes to nonconstruction budgets, except for the changes described in paragraph (j), do not require prior approval.
(h) For construction awards, recipients shall request prior written approval promptly from the Grants Officer for budget revisions whenever paragraphs (h) (1), (2) or (3) of this section apply.
(1) The revision results from changes in the scope or the objective of the project or program.
(2) The need arises for additional Federal funds to complete the project.
(3) A revision is desired which involves specific costs for which prior written approval requirements may be imposed consistent with applicable OMB cost principles listed in § 145.27.
(i) No other prior approval requirements for specific items may be imposed unless a deviation has been approved by OMB.
(j) When the Department makes an award that provides support for both construction and nonconstruction work, the Department may require the recipient to request prior approval from the Department before making any fund or budget transfers between the two types of work supported.
(k) For both construction and nonconstruction awards, the Department shall require recipients to notify the Department in writing promptly whenever the amount of Federal authorized funds is expected to exceed the needs of the recipient for the project period by more than $5,000 or five percent of the Federal award, whichever is greater. This notification shall not be required if an application for additional funding is submitted for a continuation award.
(l) When requesting approval for budget revisions, recipients shall use the budget forms that were used in the application unless the Grants Officer indicates a letter of request suffices.
(m) Within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the request for budget revisions, the Grants Officer shall review the request and notify the recipient whether the budget revisions have been approved. If the revision is still under consideration at the end of 30 calendar days, the Grants Officer shall inform the recipient in writing of the date when the recipient may expect the decision.
(a) Recipients and subrecipients that are institutions of higher education or other non-profit organizations (including hospitals) shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.”
(b) State and local governments shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.”
(c) For-profit hospitals not covered by the audit provisions of revised OMB
(d) Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements of the Department or the prime recipient as incorporated into the award document.
For each kind of recipient, there is a set of Federal principles for determining allowable costs. Allowability of costs shall be determined in accordance with the cost principles applicable to the entity incurring the costs. Thus, allowability of costs incurred by State, local or federally-recognized Indian tribal governments is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-87, “Cost Principles for State and Local Governments.” The allowability of costs incurred by non-profit organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-122, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations.” The allowability of costs incurred by institutions of higher education is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-21, “Cost Principles for Educational Institutions.” The allowability of costs incurred by hospitals is determined in accordance with the provisions of appendix E of 45 CFR part 74, “Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Research and Development Under Grants and Contracts with Hospitals.” The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations and those non-profit organizations listed in Attachment C to Circular A-122 is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR part 31.
Where a funding period is specified, a recipient may charge to the grant only allowable costs resulting from obligations incurred during the funding period and any pre-award costs authorized by the Department, unless otherwise provided in the grant or cooperative agreement.
Sections 145.31 through 145.37 set forth uniform standards governing management and disposition of property furnished by the Federal Government whose cost was charged to a project supported by a Federal award. The Department shall require recipients to observe these standards under awards and shall not impose additional requirements, unless specifically required by Federal statute. The recipient may use its own property management standards and procedures provided it observes the provisions of §§ 145.31 through 145.37.
Recipients shall, at a minimum, provide the equivalent insurance coverage for real property and equipment acquired with Federal funds as provided to property owned by the recipient. Federally-owned property need not be insured unless required by the terms and conditions of the award.
Each award shall prescribe any applicable requirements for recipients concerning the use and disposition of real property acquired in whole or in part under awards. Unless otherwise provided by statute, such requirements, at a minimum, shall contain the following:
(a) Title to real property shall vest in the recipient subject to the condition that the recipient shall use the real property for the authorized purpose of the project as long as it is needed and shall not encumber the property without approval of the Department.
(b) The recipient shall obtain written approval by the Department for the use of real property in other Federally-sponsored projects when the recipient determines that the property is no longer needed for the purpose of the original project. Use in other projects shall be limited to those under Federally-sponsored projects (
(c) When the real property is no longer needed as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b), the recipient shall request disposition instructions from the cognizant Grants Officer. The Department shall observe one or more of the following disposition instructions.
(1) The recipient may be permitted to retain title without further obligation to the Federal Government after it compensates the Federal Government for that percentage of the current fair market value of the property attributable to the Federal participation in the project.
(2) The recipient may be directed to sell the property under guidelines provided by the Department and pay the Federal Government for that percentage of the current fair market value of the property attributable to the Federal participation in the project (after deducting actual and reasonable selling and fix-up expenses, if any, from the sales proceeds). When the recipient is authorized or required to sell the property, proper sales procedures shall be established that provide for competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return.
(3) The recipient may be directed to transfer title to the property to the Federal Government or to an eligible third party provided that, in such cases, the recipient shall be entitled to compensation for its attributable percentage of the current fair market value of the property.
(a)
(2) If the Department has no further need for the property, it shall be declared excess and reported to the General Services Administration, unless the Department has statutory authority to dispose of the property by alternative methods (e.g., the authority provided by the Federal Technology Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 3710 (I)) to donate research equipment to educational and non-profit organizations in accordance with Executive Order 12821, “Improving Mathematics and Science Education in Support of the National Education Goals.”) Appropriate instructions shall be issued to the recipient by the Department.
(b)
(a) Title to equipment acquired by a recipient with Federal funds shall vest in the recipient, subject to conditions of this section.
(b) The recipient shall not use equipment acquired with Federal funds to provide services to non-Federal outside organizations for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services, unless specifically authorized by Federal statute, for as long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the equipment.
(c) The recipient shall use the equipment in the project or program for which it was acquired as long as needed, whether or not the project or program continues to be supported by Federal funds and shall not encumber the property without approval of the Department. When no longer needed for the original project or program, the recipient shall use the equipment in connection with its other federally-sponsored activities, in the following order of priority: First, Activities sponsored by the Department which funded the original project, then activities sponsored by other the Department.
(d) During the time that equipment is used on the project or program for which it was acquired, the recipient shall make it available for use on other projects or programs if such other use
(e) When acquiring replacement equipment, the recipient may use the equipment to be replaced as trade-in or sell the equipment and use the proceeds to offset the costs of the replacement equipment subject to the approval of the Department.
(f) The recipient's property management standards for equipment acquired with Federal funds and Federally-owned equipment shall include all of the following.
(1) Equipment records shall be maintained accurately and shall include the following information.
(i) A description of the equipment.
(ii) Manufacturer's serial number, model number, Federal stock number, national stock number, or other identification number.
(iii) Source of the equipment, including the award number.
(iv) Whether title vests in the recipient or the Federal Government.
(v) Acquisition date (or date received, if the equipment was furnished by the Federal Government) and cost.
(vi) Information from which one can calculate the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the equipment (not applicable to equipment furnished by the Federal Government).
(vii) Location and condition of the equipment and the date the information was reported.
(viii) Unit acquisition cost.
(ix) Ultimate disposition data, including date of disposal and sales price or the method used to determine current fair market value where a recipient compensates the Department for its share.
(2) Equipment owned by the Federal Government shall be identified to indicate Federal ownership.
(3) A physical inventory of equipment shall be taken and the results reconciled with the equipment records at least once every two years. Any differences between quantities determined by the physical inspection and those shown in the accounting records shall be investigated to determine the causes of the difference. The recipient shall, in connection with the inventory, verify the existence, current utilization, and continued need for the equipment.
(4) A control system shall be in effect to insure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the equipment. Any loss, damage, or theft of equipment shall be investigated and fully documented; if the equipment was owned by the Federal Government, the recipient shall promptly notify the Department.
(5) Adequate maintenance procedures shall be implemented to keep the equipment in good condition.
(6) Where the recipient is authorized or required to sell the equipment, proper sales procedures shall be established which provide for competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return.
(g) When the recipient no longer needs the equipment, the equipment may be used for other activities in accordance with the following standards. For equipment with a current per unit fair market value of $5,000 or more, the recipient may retain the equipment for other uses provided that compensation is made to the original agency or its successor. The amount of compensation shall be computed by applying the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the original project or program to the current fair market value of the equipment. If the recipient has no need for the equipment, the recipient shall request disposition instructions from the Department. The Department shall determine whether the equipment can be used to meet the agency's requirements. If no requirement exists within that agency, the availability of the equipment shall be
(1) If so instructed or if disposition instructions are not issued within 120 calendar days after the recipient's request, the recipient shall sell the equipment and reimburse the Department an amount computed by applying to the sales proceeds the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the original project or program. However, the recipient shall be permitted to deduct and retain from the Federal share $500 or ten percent of the proceeds, whichever is less, for the recipient's selling and handling expenses.
(2) If the recipient is instructed to ship the equipment elsewhere, the recipient shall be reimbursed by the Federal Government by an amount which is computed by applying the percentage of the recipient's participation in the cost of the original project or program to the current fair market value of the equipment, plus any reasonable shipping or interim storage costs incurred.
(3) If the recipient is instructed to otherwise dispose of the equipment, the recipient shall be reimbursed by the Department for such costs incurred in its disposition.
(4) The Department may reserve the right to transfer the title to the Federal Government or to a third party named by the Federal Government when such third party is otherwise eligible under existing statutes. Such transfer shall be subject to the following standards.
(i) The equipment shall be appropriately identified in the award or otherwise made known to the recipient in writing.
(ii) The Department shall issue disposition instructions within 120 calendar days after receipt of a final inventory. The final inventory shall list all equipment acquired with grant funds and federally-owned equipment. If the Department fails to issue disposition instructions within the 120 calendar day period, the recipient shall apply the standards of this section, as appropriate.
(iii) When the Department exercises its right to take title, the equipment shall be subject to the provisions for federally-owned equipment.
(a) Title to supplies and other expendable property shall vest in the recipient upon acquisition. If there is a residual inventory of unused supplies exceeding $5,000 in total aggregate value upon termination or completion of the project or program and the supplies are not needed for any other Federally-sponsored project or program, the recipient shall retain the supplies for use on non-Federal sponsored activities or sell them, but shall, in either case, compensate the Federal Government for its share. The amount of compensation shall be computed in the same manner as for equipment.
(b) The recipient shall not use supplies acquired with Federal funds to provide services to non-Federal outside organizations for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services, unless specifically authorized by Federal statute as long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the supplies.
(a) The recipient may copyright any work that is subject to copyright and was developed, or for which ownership was purchased, under an award. The Department reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so.
(b) Recipients are subject to applicable regulations governing patents and inventions, including government-wide regulations issued by the Department of Commerce at 37 CFR part 401, “Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts and Cooperative Agreements.”
(c) The Federal Government has the right to:
(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish or otherwise use the data first produced under an award; and
(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.
(d) (1) In addition, in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for research data relating to published research findings produced under an award that were used by the Federal Government in developing an agency action that has the force and effect of law, the Federal awarding agency shall request, and the recipient shall provide, within a reasonable time, the research data so that they can be made available to the public through the procedures established under the FOIA. If the Federal awarding agency obtains the research data solely in response to a FOIA request, the agency may charge the requester a reasonable fee equaling the full incremental cost of obtaining the research data. This fee should reflect costs incurred by the agency, the recipient, and applicable subrecipients. This fee is in addition to any fees the agency may assess under the FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)).
(2) The following definitions apply for purposes of this paragraph (d):
(i)
(A) Trade secrets, commercial information, materials necessary to be held confidential by a researcher until they are published, or similar information which is protected under law; and
(B) Personnel and medical information and similar information the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, such as information that could be used to identify a particular person in a research study.
(ii)
(A) Research findings are published in a peer-reviewed scientific or technical journal; or
(B) A Federal agency publicly and officially cites the research findings in support of an agency action that has the force and effect of law.
(iii)
(3) The requirements set forth in paragraph (d)(1) of this section do not apply to commercial organizations.
(e) Title to intangible property and debt instruments acquired under an award or subaward vests upon acquisition in the recipient. The recipient shall use that property for the originally-authorized purpose, and the recipient shall not encumber the property without approval of the Department. When no longer needed for the originally authorized purpose, disposition of the intangible property shall occur in accordance with the provisions of § 145.34(g).
Real property, equipment, intangible property and debt instruments that are acquired or improved with Federal funds shall be held in trust by the recipient as trustee for the beneficiaries of the project or program under which the property was acquired or improved. Agencies may require recipients to record liens or other appropriate notices of record to indicate that personal or real property has been acquired or improved with Federal funds and that use and disposition conditions apply to the property.
Sections 145.41 through 145.48 set forth standards for use by recipients in establishing procedures for the procurement of supplies and other expendable property, equipment, real property and other services with Federal funds.
The standards contained in this section do not relieve the recipient of the contractual responsibilities arising under its contract(s). The recipient is the responsible authority, without recourse to the Department, regarding the settlement and satisfaction of all contractual and administrative issues arising out of procurements entered into in support of an award or other agreement. This includes disputes, claims, protests of award, source evaluation or other matters of a contractual nature. Matters concerning violation of statute are to be referred to such Federal, State or local authority as may have proper jurisdiction.
The recipient shall maintain written standards of conduct governing the performance of its employees engaged in the award and administration of contracts. No employee, officer, or agent shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by Federal funds if a real or apparent conflict of interest would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when the employee, officer, or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for an award. The officers, employees, and agents of the recipient shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, or parties to subagreements. However, recipients may set standards for situations in which the financial interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value. The standards of conduct shall provide for disciplinary actions to be applied for violations of such standards by officers, employees, or agents of the recipient.
All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. The recipient shall be alert to organizational conflicts of interest as well as noncompetitive practices among contractors that may restrict or eliminate competition or otherwise restrain trade. In order to ensure objective contractor performance and eliminate unfair competitive advantage, contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, invitations for bids and/or requests for proposals shall be excluded from competing for such procurements. Awards shall be made to the bidder or offeror whose bid or offer is responsive to the solicitation and is most advantageous to the recipient, price, quality and other factors considered. Solicitations shall clearly set forth all requirements that the bidder or offeror shall fulfill in order for the bid or offer to be evaluated by the recipient. Any and all bids or offers may be rejected when it is in the recipient's interest to do so.
(a) All recipients shall establish written procurement procedures. These procedures shall provide for, at a minimum, that paragraphs (a)(1), (2) and (3) of this section apply.
(1) Recipients avoid purchasing unnecessary items.
(2) Where appropriate, an analysis is made of lease and purchase alternatives to determine which would be the most economical and practical procurement for the Federal Government.
(3) Solicitations for goods and services provide for all of the following:
(i) A clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product or service to be procured. In competitive procurements, such a description shall not contain
(ii) Requirements which the bidder/offeror must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals.
(iii) A description, whenever practicable, of technical requirements in terms of functions to be performed or performance required, including the range of acceptable characteristics or minimum acceptable standards.
(iv) The specific features of “brand name or equal” descriptions that bidders are required to meet when such items are included in the solicitation.
(v) The acceptance, to the extent practicable and economically feasible, of products and services dimensioned in the metric system of measurement.
(vi) Preference, to the extent practicable and economically feasible, for products and services that conserve natural resources and protect the environment and are energy efficient.
(b) Positive efforts shall be made by recipients to utilize small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises, whenever possible. Recipients of Federal awards shall take all of the following steps to further this goal.
(1) Ensure that small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises are used to the fullest extent practicable.
(2) Make information on forthcoming opportunities available and arrange time frames for purchases and contracts to encourage and facilitate participation by small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises.
(3) Consider in the contract process whether firms competing for larger contracts intend to subcontract with small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises.
(4) Encourage contracting with consortiums of small businesses, minority-owned firms and women's business enterprises when a contract is too large for one of these firms to handle individually.
(5) Use the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency in the solicitation and utilization of small businesses, minority-owned firms and women's business enterprises.
(c) The type of procurement instruments used (e.g., fixed price contracts, cost reimbursement contracts, purchase orders, and incentive contracts) shall be determined by the recipient but shall be appropriate for the particular procurement and for promoting the best interest of the program or project involved. The “cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost” or “percentage of construction cost” methods of contracting shall not be used.
(d) Contracts shall be awarded only to responsible contractors who possess the potential ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of the proposed procurement. Consideration shall be given to such matters as contractor integrity, record of past performance, financial and technical resources or accessibility to other necessary resources. In certain circumstances, contracts with certain parties are restricted by implementation of E.O.s 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension,” implemented at 2 CFR 601.
(e) Recipients shall, on request, make available for the Department, pre-award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc., when any of the following conditions apply.
(1) A recipient's procurement procedures or operation fails to comply with the procurement standards in the Department's implementation of this regulation.
(2) The procurement is expected to exceed the small purchase limitation and is to be awarded without competition or only one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation.
(3) The procurement, which is expected to exceed the small purchase limitation, specifies a “brand name” product.
(4) The proposed award over the small purchase limitation is to be awarded to other than the apparent low bidder under a sealed bid procurement.
(5) A proposed contract modification changes the scope of a contract or increases the contract amount by more than the amount of the small purchase limitation.
Some form of cost or price analysis shall be made and documented in the procurement files in connection with every procurement action. Price analysis may be accomplished in various ways, including the comparison of price quotations submitted, market prices and similar indicia, together with discounts. Cost analysis is the review and evaluation of each element of cost to determine reasonableness, allocability and allowability.
Procurement records and files for purchases in excess of the small purchase limitation shall include the following at a minimum:
(a) basis for contractor selection,
(b) justification for lack of competition when competitive bids or offers are not obtained, and
(c) basis for award cost or price.
A system for contract administration shall be maintained to ensure contractor conformance with the terms, conditions and specifications of the contract and to ensure adequate and timely follow up of all purchases. Recipients shall evaluate contractor performance and document, as appropriate, whether contractors have met the terms, conditions and specifications of the contract.
The recipient shall include, in addition to clauses to define a sound and complete agreement, the following clauses in all contracts. The following clauses shall also be applied to subcontracts.
(a) Contracts in excess of the small purchase limitation shall contain contract clauses that allow for administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances in which a contractor violates or breaches the contract terms, and provide for such remedial actions as may be appropriate.
(b) All contracts in excess of the small purchase limitation shall contain suitable clauses for termination by the recipient, including the manner by which termination shall be effected and the basis for settlement. The clauses shall describe conditions under which the contract may be terminated by the recipient for default of the contractor as well as conditions where the contract may be terminated for convenience because of circumstances beyond the control of the contractor.
(c) Except as otherwise required by statute, an award that requires the contracting (or subcontracting) for construction or facility improvements shall provide for the recipient to follow its own requirements relating to bid guarantees, performance bonds, and payment bonds unless the construction contract or subcontract exceeds $100,000. For those contracts or subcontracts exceeding $100,000, the Department may accept the bonding policy and requirements of the recipient, provided the Department has made a determination that the Federal Government's interest is adequately protected. If such a determination has not been made, the minimum requirements shall be as follows.
(1) A bid guarantee from each bidder equivalent to five percent of the bid price. The “bid guarantee” shall consist of a firm commitment such as a bid bond, certified check, or other negotiable instrument accompanying a bid as assurance that the bidder shall, upon acceptance of his bid, execute such contractual documents as may be required within the time specified.
(2) A performance bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of the contract price or other amount approved by the Grants Officer. A “performance bond” is one executed in connection with a contract to secure fulfillment of all the contractor's obligations under such contract.
(3) A payment bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of the contract price. A “payment bond” is one executed in connection with a contract to assure payment as required by statute of all persons supplying labor and
(4) Where bonds are required in the situations described herein, the bonds shall be obtained from companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable sureties pursuant to 31 CFR part 223, “Surety Companies Doing Business with the United States.”
(d) All negotiated contracts (except those for less than the small purchase limitation) awarded by recipients shall include a provision to the effect that the recipient, the Department, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, papers and records of the contractor which are directly pertinent to a specific program for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts and transcriptions.
(e) All contracts, including small purchases, awarded by recipients and their contractors shall contain the contract clauses in appendix A to this regulation, as applicable.
Sections 145.51 through 145.53 set forth the procedures for monitoring and reporting on the recipient's financial and program performance and the necessary standard reporting forms. They also set forth record retention requirements.
(a) Recipients are responsible for managing and monitoring each project, program, subaward, function or activity supported by the award. Recipients shall monitor subawards to ensure subrecipients have met the audit requirements as delineated in § 145.26.
(b) The Department shall prescribe the frequency with which the performance reports shall be submitted. Except as provided in § 145.51(f), performance reports shall not be required more frequently than quarterly or, less frequently than annually. Annual reports shall be due 90 calendar days after the grant year; quarterly or semi-annual reports shall be due 30 days after the reporting period. The Department may require annual reports before the anniversary dates of multiple year awards in lieu of these requirements. The final performance reports are due 90 calendar days after the expiration or termination of the award.
(c) If inappropriate, a final technical or performance report shall not be required after completion of the project.
(d) When required, performance reports shall generally contain, for each award, brief information on each of the following.
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives established for the period, the findings of the investigator, or both. Whenever appropriate and the output of programs or projects can be readily quantified, such quantitative data should be related to cost data for computation of unit costs.
(2) Reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate.
(3) Other pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.
(e) Recipients shall not be required to submit more than the original and two copies of performance reports.
(f) Recipients shall immediately notify the Department of developments that have a significant impact on the award-supported activities. Also, notification shall be given in the case of problems, delays, or adverse conditions which materially impair the ability to meet the objectives of the award. This notification shall include a statement of the action taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.
(g) The Department may make site visits, as needed.
(h) The Department shall comply with clearance requirements of 5 CFR part 1320 when requesting performance data from recipients.
(a) The following forms or such other forms as may be approved by OMB are authorized for obtaining financial information from recipients.
(i) The Department shall require recipients to use the SF-269 or SF-269A to report the status of funds for all nonconstruction projects or programs, unless an equivalent form has been prescribed by the Grants Officer and approved by the OMB and the Office of the Procurement Executive (A/OPE), e.g., Form JF-61 for the Office of Overseas Schools (A/OPR/OS). The Department may also have the option of not requiring the SF-269 or SF-269A when the SF-270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement, or SF-272, Report of Federal Cash Transactions, is determined to provide adequate information to meet its needs, except that a final SF-269 or SF-269A shall be required at the completion of the project when the SF-270 is used only for advances.
(ii) The Grants Officer shall prescribe whether the report shall be on a cash or accrual basis. If the Department requires accrual information and the recipient's accounting records are not normally kept on the accrual basis, the recipient shall not be required to convert its accounting system, but shall develop such accrual information through best estimates based on an analysis of the documentation on hand.
(iii) The Department shall determine the frequency of the Financial Status Report for each project or program, considering the size and complexity of the particular project or program. However, the report shall not be required more frequently than quarterly or less frequently than annually. A final report shall be required at the completion of the agreement.
(iv) The Department shall require recipients to submit the SF-269 or SF-269A (an original and no more than two copies) no later than 30 days after the end of each specified reporting period for quarterly and semi-annual reports, and 90 calendar days for annual and final reports. Extensions of reporting due dates may be approved by the Department upon request of the recipient.
(i) When funds are advanced to recipients the Department shall require each recipient to submit the SF-272 and, when necessary, its continuation sheet, SF-272a. The Department shall use this report to monitor cash advanced to recipients and to obtain disbursement information for each agreement with the recipients.
(ii) The Department may require forecasts of Federal cash requirements in the “Remarks” section of the report.
(iii) When practical and deemed necessary, the Department may require recipients to report in the “Remarks” section the amount of cash advances received in excess of three days. Recipients shall provide short narrative explanations of actions taken to reduce the excess balances.
(iv) Recipients shall be required to submit not more than the original and two copies of the SF-272 15 calendar days following the end of each quarter. The Department may require a monthly report from those recipients receiving advances totaling $1 million or more per year.
(v) The Grants Officer may waive the requirement for submission of the SF-272 for any one of the following reasons:
(A) When monthly advances do not exceed $25,000 per recipient, provided that such advances are monitored through other forms contained in this section;
(B) If, in the Grants Officer's opinion, the recipient's accounting controls are adequate to minimize excessive Federal advances; or
(C) When the electronic payment mechanisms provide adequate data.
(b) When the Department needs additional information or more frequent reports, the following shall be observed.
(1) When additional information is needed to comply with legislative requirements, the Department shall issue instructions to require recipients to submit such information under the “Remarks” section of the reports.
(2) When the Department determines that a recipient's accounting system does not meet the standards in § 145.21, additional pertinent information to further monitor awards may be obtained upon written notice to the recipient until such time as the system is
(3) The Grants Officer may “shade out” any line item on any report if not necessary.
(4) The Department may accept the identical information from the recipients in machine readable format or computer printouts or electronic outputs in lieu of prescribed formats.
(5) The Department may provide computer or electronic outputs to recipients when such expedites or contributes to the accuracy of reporting.
(a) This section sets forth requirements for record retention and access to records for awards to recipients. The Department shall not impose any other record retention or access requirements upon recipients.
(b) Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to an award shall be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, as authorized by the Department. The only exceptions are the following.
(1) If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.
(2) Records for real property and equipment acquired with Federal funds shall be retained for 3 years after final disposition.
(3) When records are transferred to or maintained by the Department, the 3-year retention requirement is not applicable to the recipient.
(4) Indirect cost rate proposals, cost allocations plans, etc. as specified in § 145.53(g).
(c) Copies of original records may be substituted for the original records if authorized by the Department.
(d) The Department shall request transfer of certain records to its custody from recipients when it determines that the records possess long term retention value. However, in order to avoid duplicate recordkeeping, the Department may make arrangements for recipients to retain any records that are continuously needed for joint use.
(e) The Department, the Inspector General, Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, have the right of timely and unrestricted access to any books, documents, papers, or other records of recipients that are pertinent to the awards, in order to make audits, examinations, excerpts, transcripts and copies of such documents. This right also includes timely and reasonable access to a recipient's personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents. The rights of access in this paragraph are not limited to the required retention period, but shall last as long as records are retained.
(f) Unless required by statute, no Department shall place restrictions on recipients that limit public access to the records of recipients that are pertinent to an award, except when the Department can demonstrate that such records shall be kept confidential and would have been exempted from disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) if the records had belonged to the Department.
(g) Indirect cost rate proposals, cost allocations plans, etc. Paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) apply to the following types of documents, and their supporting records: Indirect cost rate computations or proposals, cost allocation plans, and any similar accounting computations of the rate at which a particular group of costs is chargeable (such as computer usage chargeback rates or composite fringe benefit rates).
(1) If submitted for negotiation. If the recipient submits to the Department or the subrecipient submits to the recipient the proposal, plan, or other computation to form the basis for negotiation of the rate, then the 3-year retention period for its supporting
(2) If not submitted for negotiation. If the recipient is not required to submit to the Department or the subrecipient is not required to submit to the recipient the proposal, plan, or other computation for negotiation purposes, then the 3-year retention period for the proposal, plan, or other computation and its supporting records starts at the end of the fiscal year (or other accounting period) covered by the proposal, plan, or other computation.
Sections 145.61 and 145.62 set forth uniform suspension, termination and enforcement procedures.
(a) Awards may be terminated in whole or in part only if paragraphs (a) (1), (2) or (3) of this section apply.
(1) By the Department, if a recipient materially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of an award.
(2) By the Department, with the consent of the recipient, in which case the two parties shall agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.
(3) By the recipient, upon sending to the Department written notification setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. However, if the Department determines in the case of partial termination that the reduced or modified portion of the grant will not accomplish the purposes for which the grant was made, it may terminate the grant in its entirety under either paragraphs (a) (1) or (2).
(b) If costs are allowed under an award, the responsibilities of the recipient referred to in § 145.71(a), including those for property management as applicable, shall be considered in the termination of the award, and provision shall be made for continuing responsibilities of the recipient after termination, as appropriate.
(a)
(1) Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by the recipient or more severe enforcement action by the Department.
(2) Disallow (that is, deny both use of funds and any applicable matching credit for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance.
(3) Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the current award.
(4) Withhold further awards for the project or program.
(5) Take other remedies that may be legally available.
(b)
(c)
(1) The costs result from obligations which were properly incurred by the recipient before the effective date of suspension or termination, are not in anticipation of it, and in the case of a termination, are noncancellable.
(2) The costs would be allowable if the award were not suspended or expired normally at the end of the funding period in which the termination takes effect.
(d)
Sections 145.71 through 145.73 contain closeout procedures and other procedures for subsequent disallowances and adjustments.
(a) Recipients shall submit, within 90 calendar days after the date of completion of the award, all financial, performance, and other reports as required by the terms and conditions of the award. The Grants Officer may approve extensions when requested by the recipient.
(b) Unless the Grants Officer authorizes an extension, a recipient shall liquidate all obligations incurred under the award not later than 90 calendar days after the funding period or the date of completion as specified in the terms and conditions of the award.
(c) The Department shall make prompt payments to a recipient for allowable reimbursable costs under the award being closed out.
(d) The recipient shall promptly refund any balances of unobligated cash that the Department has advanced or paid and that is not authorized to be retained by the recipient for use in other projects. OMB Circular A-129 governs unreturned amounts that become delinquent debts.
(e) When authorized by the terms and conditions of the award, the Department shall make a settlement for any upward or downward adjustments to the Federal share of costs after closeout reports are received.
(f) The recipient shall account for any real and personal property acquired with Federal funds or received from the Federal Government in accordance with §§ 145.31 through 145.37.
(g) In the event a final audit has not been performed prior to the closeout of an award, the Department shall retain the right to recover an appropriate amount after fully considering the recommendations on disallowed costs resulting from the final audit.
(a) The closeout of an award does not affect any of the following:
(1) The right of the Department to disallow costs and recover funds on the basis of a later audit or other review.
(2) The obligation of the recipient to return any funds due as a result of later refunds, corrections, or other transactions.
(3) Audit requirements in § 145.26.
(4) Property management requirements in §§ 145.31 through 145.37.
(5) Records retention as required in § 145.53.
(b) After closeout of an award, a relationship created under an award may be modified or ended in whole or in part with the consent of the Department and the recipient, provided the responsibilities of the recipient referred to in § 145.73(a), including those for property management as applicable, are considered and provisions made for continuing responsibilities of the recipient, as appropriate.
(a) Any funds paid to a recipient in excess of the amount to which the recipient is finally determined to be entitled under the terms and conditions of the award constitute a debt to the Federal Government. If not paid within a reasonable period after the demand for payment, the Department may reduce the debt by:
(1) Making an administrative offset against other requests for reimbursements.
(2) Withholding advance payments otherwise due to the recipient.
(3) Taking other action permitted by statute.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, the Department shall charge interest on an overdue debt in accordance with 4 CFR Chapter II, Federal Claims Collection Standards.
All contracts and small purchases, awarded by a recipient who is subject to this regulation, shall contain the following clauses, as applicable:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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
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-
(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 §§ 146.205 through 146.235(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,
(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 §§ 146.205 through 146.235(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
(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 applicants separately on such basis, or otherwise;
(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 § 146.235(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 §§ 146.300 through 146.310 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 §§ 146.300 through 146.310.
(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 take such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure itself that such housing as is provided to students of one sex, when compared to that provided to students of the other sex, is as a whole:
(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
(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
(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 § 146.450.
(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 § 146.235(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 §§ 146.500 through 146.550 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 § 146.235(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
(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 §§ 146.500 through 146.550, 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 § 146.550.
(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 §§ 146.500 through 146.550 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
The investigative, compliance, and enforcement procedural provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d) (“Title VI”) are hereby adopted and applied to these Title IX regulations. These procedures may be found at 22 CFR part 141.
Sec. 6, Diplomatic Relations Act (Pub. L. 95-393; 22 U.S.C. 254e) as amended (Pub. L. 98-164, sec. 602; 22 U.S.C. 254e).
This part establishes regulations required under section 6 of the Diplomatic Relations Act (Pub. L. 95-393; 22 U.S.C. 254e). These regulations require all missions, members of missions and their families, and those officials of the United Nations who are entitled to diplomatic immunity to have and maintain liability insurance against the risks of bodily injury, including death, and property damage, including loss of use, arising from the ownership, maintenance, or use in the United States of any motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(a) Every person subject to the Act and every mission shall have and maintain with respect to any motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft owned by, leased to, or furnished for the regular use of every such person or mission liability insurance in accordance with the form, terms, and conditions provided for in these regulations.
(b) The insurance shall provide coverage against the following risks to third parties arising from the ownership, maintenance, or use in the United States of any motor vehicle, vessel, or aircraft:
(1) Bodily injury, including death;
(2) Property damage, including loss of use; and
(3) Any additional coverage required to be included in liability insurance policies by the jurisdiction where the motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft is
The insurance shall provide not less than $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident for bodily injury liability and $100,000 per incident for property damage or $300,000 combined single limit for all bodily injury liability and property damage liability arising from a single incident, except where the Director of the Office of Foreign Missions grants a special exception.
The insurance must be issued by an insurer licensed or otherwise authorized by applicable law to do business in the jurisdiction where the motor vehicle, vessel or aircraft is principally garaged, berthed or kept.
(a) The insurance shall be construed in conformity with the Act. In particular, no effect shall be given to any policy terms which are inconsistent or in conflict with those provisions of the Act stating that any suit against the insurer under the policy shall not be subject to any of the following defenses:
(1) That the insured is immune from suit;
(2) That the insured is an indispensable party; or
(3) In the absence of fraud or collusion, that the insured has violated a term of the contract, unless the contract was canceled before the claim arose.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, the insured is expected to respond to reasonable requests from the insurer for cooperation.
(a) Every mission must periodically, and otherwise upon official request, furnish evidence satisfactory to the Department of State that the required insurance is in effect for the mission, its members and their families. Every senior United Nations official must also periodically furnish evidence satisfactory to the Department of State that the required insurance is in effect.
(b) The Department of State will accept as satisfactory evidence that the required insurance is in effect:
(1) A written statement of self-certification signed by the Chief of Mission, indicating that the mission, its members and their families have and will maintain insurance throughout the period of registration of all vehicles owned or leased or otherwise regularly used, and showing the name of the insurance company or companies and identifying each policy by number and name of insured; and
(2) A written statement of self-certification signed by each senior United Nations official, indicating that he or she has and will maintain insurance throughout the period of registration on all motor vehicles owned or leased or otherwise regularly used, and showing the name of the insurance company or companies and identifying each by number and name of insured.
(c) A certification under paragraph (b) of this section by a Chief of a Mission to the United Nations or by a senior United Nations official shall be delivered to the Counselor for host country affairs of the United States Mission to the United Nations. All other certifications shall be delivered to the Chief of Protocol, Department of State.
The Department of State will not endorse on behalf of any person subject to the Act or any mission any application for diplomatic motor vehicle license plates or any application for waiver of motor vehicle registration fees without prior receipt of satisfactory evidence from the Chief of Mission or other duly authorized official that the required insurance is in effect.
Insurance in respect of vessels and/or aircraft shall provide limits of liability
(a) Each person subject to the Act and each mission must notify the Department of State in writing of the ownership, maintenance or other regular use of a vessel or aircraft in the United States by such mission or person.
(b) Notices under paragraph (a) of this section shall identify the vessel and/or aircraft with specificity, including model and manufacturer's name, and serial and registration numbers. Each notification shall be accompanied by a copy of the insurance policy or policies issued in respect of the vessel and/or aircraft. Such policy or policies need not be issued by the insurer providing liability insurance for motor vehicles.
(c) With regard to senior United Nations officials, missions to the United Nations and members of such missions as have diplomatic status and their families, notices and evidence of insurance under this section shall be delivered to the counselor for Host Country Affairs of the United States Mission to the United Nations. All other notices under this section shall be delivered to the Chief of Protocol, Department of State.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), as amended, 42 U.S.C. 4321
These Departmental regulations are designed to supplement the CEQ Regulations and provide for the implementation of those provisions identified in § 1507.3(b) of the CEQ Regulations. The CEQ Regulations are incorporated herein by reference. The Department's regulations seek to assure that environmental considerations and values are incorporated into the Department's decisionmaking process and assign responsibility within the Department for assessing the significant environmental effects in the United States of the Department's actions.
It is the policy of the Department of State to use all practicable means, consistent with the Department's statutory authority, available resources and national policy, to:
(a) Protect and enhance the quality of the environment;
(b) Ensure that environmental amenities and values are appropriately considered in Departmental actions;
(c) Integrate planning and environmental review procedures with the Department's decisionmaking process;
(d) Invite and facilitate, when appropriate, Federal, State and local governmental authorities and public involvement in decisions which affect the quality of the environment; and
(e) Recognize the worldwide and long-range character of environmental concerns and, when consistent with the foreign policy of the United States, lend appropriate support to initiatives, resolutions, and programs designed to maximize international cooperation in anticipating and preventing a decline in the quality of the world environment.
The provisions of these regulations apply to decisions on all Departmental actions which may affect the quality of the environment within the United States. The Department is establishing separate environmental review procedures under Executive Order 12114 (January 4, 1979) for actions having potential effects on the environment of global commons or areas outside the jurisdiction of any nation, or on the environment of foreign nations.
Definitions for many terms used in these regulations may be found in section 1508 of the CEQ Regulations. In addition, for the purpose of these regulations, the term:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) The responsible action officer shall ensure compliance with these regulations at the earliest practicable stage of Departmental study, consideration or planning of a proposed major Federal action which could significantly affect the quality of the human environment. To accomplish this the responsible action officer must ensure that data developed during the review process is collected, analyzed and made available for consideration early in planning and decisionmaking when it will be most valuable in formulating, reviewing and deciding upon proposals for Departmental action.
(b) Environmental analysis and review of a proposed Departmental action shall be conducted as early as practicable so as to be timely, yet late enough to be relevant to the decisionmaking.
(c) Environmental documents should, whenever possible, accompany the principal action memorandum relating to a proposed action. An environmental document required in conjunction with conclusion of an international agreement shall, where possible, be prepared and circulated for review and comment before final negotiations begin. The completed environmental document should thus ordinarily accompany the principal action memorandum or request for authority to negotiate an agreement under the Department's Circular 175 regulation (11 FAM 720).
(d) To the maximum extent possible an environmental document should be prepared before the establishment of a final United States position on a proposal. In such cases the document should indicate the alternatives under consideration without specifying a Departmental preference. If the content and dimensions of a proposed action will not be clear until after the conclusion of an international negotiation or if a decision to proceed on an action involving another nation or international organization is required on short notice and before the environmental document can be prepared, the environmental document should be prepared as soon as possible after the conclusion of an agreed text of a treaty or agreement on the proposed action. If the Senate's advice and consent to a treaty with potential significant environmental effects in the United States will be sought, the final environmental impact statement should accompany other decision documentation for ratification. Legislative environmental impact statements on proposed treaties or legislation shall conform to the requirements of § 1506.8 of the CEQ Regulations and must be prepared in time for Congressional hearings and deliberations.
(e) Because actions having effects on the United States may to varying degrees be initiated, influenced and conducted by other countries, it is recognized that the preparation of environmental documents for such actions must be adjusted to meet a variety of circumstances. Bearing in mind the degree to which other countries possess information on and the ability to affect the decision under consideration, responsible action officers shall seek at all times to prepare environmental analysis documents as early as feasible in the decisionmaking process.
(a)
(1)
(i) Implementing these regulations and incorporating them into its normal decisionmaking processes;
(ii) Identifying actions it intends to initiate which may affect significantly the environment of the United States and employing the environmental evaluation procedures outlined in these regulations to ensure that necessary actions are taken to meet the requirements of applicable laws and regulations;
(iii) Coordinating environmental assessment-related activities for which it is responsible with the Office of Environment and Health in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs and supporting and assisting the Office of Environment and Health in implementing these regulations as required; and
(iv) Providing the personnel required to implement these regulations, informing the Office of Environment and Health and the Office of the Legal Adviser whenever it is anticipated that environmental documents will be prepared under these regulations, and consulting the Office of Environment and Health and the Office of the Legal Adviser as necessary for guidance and assistance in the preparation of such documents.
(2)
(i) Coordinate the formulation, development and revision of Departmental policies and positions on matters pertaining to environmental evaluation and review;
(ii) Develop and ensure the implementation of Departmentwide standards, procedures and working relationships for environmental review and compliance with applicable environmental laws and regulations;
(iii) Develop, as an integral part of the Department's basic decision processes, procedures to ensure that environmental factors are properly considered in all relevant proposals and decisions;
(iv) Monitor these processes to ensure that Departmental procedures are achieving their purposes;
(v) Advise, assist and inform Departmental bureaus of the technical and management aspects of environmental analysis, and of the relevant expertise available in and outside the Department;
(vi) Establish and maintain working relationships with the Council on Environmental Quality, Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal, State and local governmental agencies concerned with environmental matters;
(vii) Represent the Department in working with other government agencies and organizations to formulate, revise and achieve uniform understanding and application of government-wide policies relating to the environment;
(viii) Consolidate and transmit to the appropriate parties Departmental comments on environmental impact statements and other environmental reports prepared by other agencies; and
(ix) Acquire information for and prepare other Departmental reports on environmental assessment matters.
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
Departmental officers shall review each major Departmental action having a potentially significant effect on the quality of the environment in the United States. The need to prepare formal environmental documents will depend on the scope of the action and the context and intensity of any environmental effects expected if the action is implemented. Departmental actions can generally be grouped into three categories, as follows:
(a)
(b)
(1) Routine conduct of Departmental and overseas political and economic functions, including reporting on political and economic developments, trends and activities, communicating to host governments United States Government views, maintaining contact with foreign officials and individuals, and facilitating trade opportunities abroad and U.S. business expansion in foreign markets;
(2) Provision of consular services—visas, passports and citizenship, and special consular services, such as issuing or reviewing passports and visas, taking legal depositions, notarizing absentee ballots and other documents and delivering retirement checks, social security payments and veterans benefits;
(3) Conduct of routine administrative functions, such as budget and finance, personnel and general services. This includes routine administrative procurements (e.g., general supplies, negotiating leases for office space or staff housing, ordering supplies and arranging for customs clearances); financial transactions, including salaries, expenses and grants; routine management, formulation and allocation of the Department's budget at all levels (this does not exempt the preparation of environmental documents for proposals included in the Department's budget when required); and personnel actions (e.g., promotions, hirings, and counseling American and host country employees who work for the Department of State);
(4) Preparing for and participating in conferences, workshops or meetings for information exchange, data collection or research or study activities; and
(5) Document and information exchanges.
(c)
(1) Issuance of permits for construction of international bridges and pipeline (see Executive Order 11423 and the International Bridge Act of 1972 (Pub. L. 92-434, 86 Stat. 23));
(2) Wetlands, floodplains, endangered species and national historical, archeological and recreational sites (see also specific requirements for environmental review and consultation in § 161.11 of these regulations); and
(3) Ocean dumping, control of toxic substances, disposal and storage of wastes and radioactive substances.
(d)
(1) Actions taken in emergency circumstances and disaster and emergency relief activities as defined in § 1506.11 of the CEQ Regulations (in such circumstances the responsible action officer should consult with the Office of Environment and Health which shall consult with the Council on Environmental Quality about appropriate alternative arrangements);
(2) Mandatory actions required under any treaty or international agreement
(3) Payment of contributions, either assessed or voluntary, to any international organization of which the United States is a member pursuant to the obligation of a treaty or other international agreement or which is not for the purpose of carrying out a specifically identifiable action which would affect the environment; and
(4) Support for or acquiescence in (by affirmative vote or agreement to consensus) an activity or expenditure of funds by an international organization where the United States has no unilateral right to control such expenditures.
In reviewing proposed actions for potential environmental effects in the United States responsible action officers will follow the procedural steps set forth below. These steps are developed in conjunction with the procedural steps required by the CEQ Regulations which are referenced in the following sections.
(a)
(1) Actions normally requiring environmental impact statements;
(2) Actions categorically excluded from environmental impact statements; or
(3) Actions normally requiring environmental assessments. If the responsible action officer concludes that the proposed action is a major action potentially having significant effects in the United States he should, in cooperation with other appropriate Departmental officials, carry out the steps described in these regulations. If during his review of the location of potential environmental effects or following preparation of an environmental assessment it is determined that the action could affect the environment of the global commons or a foreign nation the officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with the Department's procedures for implementing Executive Order No. 12114 on Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions (Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 2).
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(a)
(1)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(2)
(3)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) Interested persons can obtain information on the Department's environmental impact statements and other aspects of the Department's NEPA process by contacting the Director, Office of Environment and Health, Room 7820, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520 (tel. 202/632-9266). Information pertaining to the NEPA process may be sent to the above address.
(3) The responsible action officer shall identify those persons, community organizations, environmental interest groups, international organizations or other bodies which may have an interest in or be affected by the proposed Departmental action and who should therefore be involved in the NEPA process. With the assistance of the Office of Environment and Health, the responsible action shall transmit a list of such persons, groups and organizations to the Office of Environment and Health at the same time he submits:
(i) A recommendation regarding a “Finding of no significant impact”;
(ii) A “Notice of intent to prepare an EIS”;
(iii) A recommendation on possible public hearings (see § 1506.6(c) of CEQ Regulations);
(iv) A draft EIS, or
(v) A final EIS.
(4) The responsible action officer shall consult with the Office of Environment and Health and make recommendations regarding the need for public hearings. The Office of Environment and Health shall, as necessary, review such recommendations with the Office of the Legal Adviser.
(g)
(2) Five copies of the preliminary final environmental impact statement, with attached copies of the comments received and suggested responses, shall be provided to the Office of Environment and Health. The Office of Environment and Health will, as appropriate, obtain additional comments from any other appropriate Departmental bureau or offices and notify the responsible action officer of any further changes required and the number of final statements to be transmitted. The Office of Environment and Health shall submit five copies of the final statement to the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental Review. Copies shall also be sent to all parties who commented and to other interested parties in accordance with § 1506.9 of the CEQ Regulations.
(3) Each draft and final statement, the supporting documentation, and the “Record of decision” (see § 161.9(h) of these regulations) shall be available for public review and copying at the Office of Environment and Health (OES/ENH), Room 7820, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520 (tel. 202/632-9267).
(h)
(i)
(1) Ninety (90) days after publication by EPA of a notice of availability of a Departmental draft EIS.
(2) Thirty (30) days after publication by EPA of a notice of availability of a departmental final EIS.
(j)
(k)
(l)
(2) A programmatic environmental document shall focus its analysis on the environmental aspects of an entire program rather than on the specific elements of the program. If a programmatic environmental document has already been prepared the responsible action officer should determine whether it adequately deals with the environmental effects of the particular action under review. If the programmatic document adequately reviews the environmental impacts of the action under consideration, then additional environmental documentation is not required under these regulations. In preparing environmental documents on specific actions, Departmental officers shall consider the advisability of modifying or expanding the documents so they may serve as generic or programmatic documents for a broader range of actions.
(m)
(n)
(1)
(2)
The Department is responsible for issuing international permits for the construction of bridges and oil pipelines that cross the international boundaries with Canada and Mexico. The Office of Environment and Health will assist in preparation of the required environmental analysis documentation for such permits. Applicants for international permits may obtain information on the type of environmental information needed and the extent of the applicant's participation in the necessary environmental studies and their documentation from the Office of the Legal Adviser, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520 (tel. 202/632-0349). Applicants are encouraged to consult early with the Department on the necessary environmental and other requirements in order to expedite the NEPA process.
In addition to the environmental review requirements of NEPA the Department has other statutory environmental review and consultation requirements. Departmental officials, in cooperation with the Office of Environment and Health and the Office of the Legal Adviser shall, to the maximum extent possible, conduct environmental review and consultation for these additional requirements concurrently with and integrated with preparation of assessments, and environmental impact statements. The principal additional requirements affecting the Department of State's actions are outlined below.
(a) Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1531
(b) Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 470(f), requires identification of National Register properties, eligible properties, or properties in the United States which may be eligible for the National Register within the area of the potential impact of a proposed Departmental action. Evaluation of the impact of the action on such properties shall be discussed in draft environmental impact statements and transmitted to the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for comments.
(c) Executive Order 11988 (Floodplains Management) and Executive Order 11990 (Wetlands), requires identification of actions which will occur in or affect a floodplain or wetland (e.g., in areas along the boundary with Canada or Mexico). A comparative evaluation of such actions shall be discussed in draft environmental impact statements and transmitted to the U.S. Water Resources Council for comments.
(d) Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, 16 U.S.C. 661
(e) Section 309 of the Clean Air Act of 1955, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 7609.
(f) Clean Water Act of 1977, 33 U.S.C. 1251
(g) Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1451
(h) Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 1401
(i) Deepwater Port Act of 1974, as amended, 33 U.S.C. 1501
(j) Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, 16 U.S.C. 1361
Departmental officials shall analyze actions under their cognizance with due regard for the environmental effects in the global commons and areas outside the jurisdiction of any nation and in foreign jurisdictions. Such analysis shall be prepared in accordance with separate Departmental procedures (Foreign Affairs Manual, Volume 2), dated September 4, 1979 for implementing Executive Order 12114, “Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions” (44 FR 1957), dated January 4, 1979.
22 U.S.C. 552, 552a; Ethics in Government Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95-521, 92 Stat. 1824, as amended; E.O. 12958, as amended, 60 FR 19825, 3 CFR, 1995 Comp., p. 333; E.O. 12600, 52 FR 23781, 3 CFR, 1987 Comp., p. 235.
Records of the Department of State shall be made available to the public upon request made in compliance with the access procedures established in this part, except for any records exempt by law from disclosure. Any request for records must describe the information sought in such a way (
Most of the records maintained by the Department pertain to the formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy. Certain records that pertain to individuals are also maintained such as applications for U.S. passports, applications for visas to enter the U.S.,
A reading room providing public access to certain Department of State material is located in the Department of State, SA-2, 515 22nd Street, NW., Washington, DC. The reading room contains material pertaining to access to information under the Freedom of Information Act, Privacy Act, E.O. 12958 and includes those statutes, regulations, guidelines, and other items required to be made available to the public under 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(2). Also available in the reading room are microfiches of records released by the Department pursuant to requests under the Freedom of Information Act and compilations of documents reviewed and released in certain special projects. The reading room is open during normal Department weekday working hours, 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. There are no fees for access by the public to this room or the material contained therein, but fees shall be assessed for the duplication of materials maintained in the reading room at the rate of 15 cents per page and $2.00 per microfiche card. Fees for copies made by other methods of reproduction or duplication, such as tapes, printouts, or CD-ROM, shall be the actual cost of producing the copies, including operator time. Persons wishing to use their own copying equipment must request approval in advance from the Department's Information and Privacy Coordinator, U.S. Department of State, SA-2, 515 22nd Street, NW., Washington, DC 20522-6001. The use of such equipment must be consistent with security regulations of the Department and is subject to the availability of personnel to monitor such copying.
The Department has established a site on the Internet with most of the same records and reference materials that are available in the public reading room. This site also contains information on accessing records under the FOIA and the Privacy Act. The site is a valuable source that is easily accessed by the public by clicking on “FOIA” at the Department's Web site at
(a) Requests for records in accordance with this chapter may be made by mail addressed to the Information and Privacy Coordinator, U.S. Department of State, SA-2, 515 22nd Street, NW., Washington, DC 20522-6001. Facsimile requests under the FOIA only may be sent to: (202) 261-8579. E-mail requests cannot be accepted at this time. Requesters are urged to indicate clearly on their requests the provision of law under which they are requesting information. This will facilitate the processing of the request by the Department. In any case, the Department will process the request under the provision of law that provides the greatest access to the requested records.
(b) Requests may also be made by the public in person from 8:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Department of State, SA-2, 515 22nd Street, NW., Washington, DC.
(c) Although no particular request format is required, it is essential that a request reasonably describe the Department records that are sought. The burden of adequately identifying the record requested lies with the requester. Requests should be specific and include all pertinent details about the request. For FOIA requests, the request should include the subject, timeframe, any individuals involved, and reasons why the Department is believed to have records on the subject of
(d) While every effort is made to guarantee the greatest possible access to all requesters regardless of the specific statute under which the information is requested, the following guidance is provided for individuals in requesting records:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(e)
(f)
(g)
The Department ordinarily transfers records to the National Archives when they are 25 years old. Accordingly, requests for records 25 years old or older should be addressed to: Archives II, 8601 Adelphi Road, National Archives at College Park, MD 20470-6001.
This subpart contains the rules that the Department follows under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552. The rules should be read together with the FOIA which provides additional information about access to records and contains the specific exemptions that are applicable to withholding information. Privacy Act records determined to be exempt from disclosure under the Privacy Act are processed as well under the FOIA and are subject to this subpart.
As used in this subpart, the following definitions shall apply:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(1) The need to search for and collect the requested records from Foreign Service posts or other separate and distinct Department offices;
(2) The need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records that are demanded in a single request; or
(3) The need for consultation with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of the request or among two or more components of the Department that have a substantial subject matter interest therein. Such consultation shall be conducted with all practicable speed.
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
The Information and Privacy Coordinator is responsible for acting on all initial requests except for requests for records coming under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Consular Affairs, the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, the Bureau of Human Resources, the Office of Medical Services, and the Office of the Inspector General.
(a)
(b)
(1) Failure to obtain requested information on an expedited basis could reasonably be expected to: Pose an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual; impair substantial due process rights; or harm substantial humanitarian interests.
(2) The information is urgently needed by an individual primarily engaged in disseminating information in order to inform the public concerning actual or alleged Federal Government activity. News media requesters would normally qualify; however, other persons must demonstrate that their primary activity involves publishing or otherwise disseminating information to the public, not just a particular segment or group.
(i)
(ii)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a) Business information obtained by the Department from a submitter will be disclosed under the FOIA only in compliance with this section.
(b)
(1)
(2)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) The information has been designated in good faith by the submitter as information considered protected from disclosure under Exemption 4; or
(2) The Department has reason to believe that the information may not be protected from disclosure under Exemption 4.
(f)
(1) The Department determines that the information should not be disclosed;
(2) The information lawfully has been published or has been officially made available to the public;
(3) Disclosure of the information is required by statute (other than the FOIA) or by a regulation issued in accordance with the requirements of Executive Order 12600; or
(4) The designation made by the submitter under paragraph (c) of this section appears obviously frivolous—except that, in such a case, the Department shall, within a reasonable time prior to a specified disclosure date, give the submitter written notice of any final decision to disclose the information.
(g)
(h)
(1) A statement of the reason why each of the submitter's disclosure objections was not sustained;
(2) A description of the information to be disclosed; and
(3) A specified disclosure date, which shall be a reasonable time subsequent to the notice.
(i)
(j)
The Department shall seek to charge fees that recoup the full allowable direct costs it incurs in processing a FOIA request. It shall use the most efficient and least costly methods to comply with requests for documents made under the FOIA. The Department will not charge fees to any requester, including commercial use requesters, if the cost of collecting a fee would be equal to or greater than the fee itself. With the exception of requesters seeking documents for a commercial use, the Department will provide the first two hours of search time and the first 100 pages of duplication without charge. By making a FOIA request, the requester shall be considered to have agreed to pay all applicable fees up to $25.00 unless a fee waiver has been granted.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Certifying that records are true copies (
(2) Sending records by special methods such as express mail, overnight courier, etc.
(f) Payment shall be in the form either of a personal check or bank draft drawn on a bank in the United States, or a postal money order. Remittances shall be made payable to the order of the Treasury of the United States and mailed to the Information and Privacy Coordinator.
(g) A receipt for fees paid will be given upon request. Refund of fees paid for services actually rendered will not be made.
Under the FOIA, there are four categories of requesters: Commercial use requesters, educational and non-commercial scientific institutions, representatives of the news media, and all other requesters. The fees for each of these categories are:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) It estimates or determines that allowable charges that a requester may be required to pay are likely to exceed $250. In such a case, the Department shall notify the requester of the likely cost and obtain satisfactory assurance of full payment where the requester has a history of prompt payment of FOIA fees, or shall require an advance payment of an amount up to the full estimated charges in the case of requesters with no history of payment; or
(2) A requester has previously failed to pay within 30 days of the date of the billing a fee charged. In such a case, the Department shall require the requester to pay the full amount previously 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 or pending request from that requester. If a requester has failed to pay a fee charged by another U.S. Government agency in an information access case, the Department may require proof that such fee has been paid before processing a new or pending request from that requester.
(3) When the Department acts under paragraph (c)(1) or (2) of this section, the administrative time limits prescribed in the FOIA, 5 U.S.C. 552(a)(6) (
(d)
(e)
(a) Fees otherwise chargeable in connection with a request for disclosure of a record shall be waived or reduced where it is determined that disclosure is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the Government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester.
(1) In order to determine whether disclosure of the information is in the public interest because it is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of the government, the Department will consider the following four factors:
(i) The subject of the request,
(ii) The informative value of the information to be disclosed,
(iii) The contribution to an understanding of the subject by the general public likely to result from disclosure,
(iv) The significance of the contribution to public understanding,
(2) In order to determine whether disclosure of the information is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester, the Department will consider the following two factors:
(i) The existence and magnitude of a commercial interest,
(ii) The primary interest in disclosure,
(b) The Department may refuse to consider waiver or reduction of fees for requesters (persons or organizations) from whom unpaid fees remain owed to the Department for another information access request.
(c) Where only some of the records to be released satisfy the requirements for a waiver or reduction of fees, a waiver or reduction shall be granted for only those records.
(d) The Department's decision to refuse to waive or reduce fees may be appealed in accordance with § 171.51.
As used in this subpart, the following definitions shall apply:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) Information provided to the United States Government by a foreign government or governments, an international organization of governments, or any element thereof, with the expectation that the information, the source of the information, or both, are to be held in confidence;
(2) Information produced by the United States 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; or
(3) Information received and treated as foreign government information under the terms of a predecessor executive order.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(a)
(1) Information originated by the incumbent President or, in the performance of executive duties, the incumbent Vice President; the incumbent President's White House staff or, in the performance of executive duties, the incumbent Vice President's staff; committees, commissions, or boards appointed by the incumbent President; other entities within the Executive Office of the President that solely advise and assist the incumbent President;
(2) Information that is the subject of litigation;
(3) Information that has been reviewed for declassification within the past two years; and
(4) Information exempted from search and review under the Central Intelligence Agency Information Act.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
Any denial of a mandatory declassification review request may be appealed to the Department's Appeals Review Panel in accordance with § 171.52. A denial by the Appeals Review Panel of a mandatory declassification review appeal may be further appealed to the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel.
It is presumed that information that continues to meet classification requirements requires continued protection. In exceptional cases, however, the need to protect such information may be outweighed by the public interest in disclosure of the information, and in these cases the information should be declassified. When such questions arise, they shall be referred to the senior Department official with Top Secret authority having primary jurisdiction over the information in question. That official, after consultation with the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, will determine whether the public interest in disclosure outweighs the damage to national security that reasonably could be expected from disclosure. If the determination is made that the information should be declassified and disclosed, that official will make such a recommendation to the Secretary or the senior agency official who shall make the decision on declassification and disclosure. This provision does not amplify or modify the substantive criteria or procedures for classification or create any substantive or procedural right subject to judicial review.
(a) The restriction in E.O. 12958 and predecessor orders on limiting access to classified information to individuals who have a need-to-know the information may be waived, under the conditions set forth below, for persons who:
(1) Are engaged in historical research projects;
(2) Have served as Presidential or Vice Presidential appointees as defined in § 171.20(j), or
(3) Served as President or Vice President.
(b) Requests by such persons must be submitted in writing to the Information and Privacy Coordinator at the address set forth in § 171.5 and must include a general description of the records sought, the time period covered by the request, and an explanation why access is sought. Requests for access by such requesters may be granted if:
(1) The Secretary or the Senior Agency Official determines in writing that access is consistent with the interests of national security;
(2) The requester agrees in writing to safeguard the information from unauthorized disclosure or compromise;
(3) The requester submits a statement in writing authorizing the Department to review any notes and manuscripts created as a result of access;
(4) The requester submits a statement in writing that any information obtained from review of the records will not be disseminated without the express written permission of the Department;
(c) If a requester uses a research assistant, the requester and the research assistant must both submit a statement in writing acknowledging that the same access conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(4) of this section apply to the research assistant. Such a research assistant must be working for the applicant and not gathering information for publication on his or her own behalf.
(d) Access granted under this section shall be limited to items the appointee originated, reviewed, signed, or received while serving as a Presidential or Vice Presidential appointee or as President or Vice President.
(e) Such requesters may seek declassification and release of material to which they have been granted access under this section through either the FOIA or the mandatory declassification review provisions of E.O. 12958. Such requests shall be processed in the order received, along with other FOIA and mandatory declassification review requests, and shall be subject to the fees applicable to FOIA requests.
Exemptions from disclosure set forth in the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, and other statutes or privileges protecting information from disclosure recognized in discovery or other such litigation-related procedures may be applied to withhold information declassified under the provisions of this subpart.
This subpart contains the rules that the Department follows under the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a. These rules should be read together with the Privacy Act, which provides additional information about records maintained on individuals. The rules in this subpart apply to all records in systems of records maintained by the Department that are retrieved by an individual's name or personal identifier. They describe the procedures by which individuals may request access to records about themselves, request amendment or correction of those records, and request an accounting of disclosures of those records by the Department. If any records retrieved pursuant to an access request under the Privacy Act are found to be exempt from disclosure under that Act, they will be processed for possible disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552. No fees shall be charged for access to or amendment of Privacy Act records.
As used in this subpart, the following definitions shall apply:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(a) An individual has the right to request that the Department amend a record pertaining to the individual that the individual believes is not accurate, relevant, timely, or complete.
(b) Requests to amend records must be in writing and mailed or delivered to the Information and Privacy Coordinator, at the address given in § 171.5, who will coordinate the review of the request with the appropriate offices of the Department. The Department will require verification of personal identity as provided in § 171.32(b) before it will initiate action to amend a record. Amendment requests should contain, as a minimum, identifying information needed to locate the record in question, a description of the specific correction requested, and an explanation of why the existing record is not accurate, relevant, timely, or complete. The requester should submit as much pertinent documentation, other information, and explanation as possible to support the request for amendment.
(c) All requests for amendments to records will be acknowledged within 10
(d) In reviewing a record in response to a request to amend, the Department shall review the record to determine if it is accurate, relevant, timely, and complete.
(e) If the Department agrees with an individual's request to amend a record, it shall:
(1) Advise the individual in writing of its decision;
(2) Amend the record accordingly; and
(3) If an accounting of disclosure has been made, advise all previous recipients of the record of the amendment and its substance.
(f) If the Department denies, in whole or in part, the individual's amendment request, it shall advise the individual in writing of its decision, of the reason therefore, and of the individual's right to appeal the denial in accordance with § 171.52.
(a)
(b)
(1) Disclosures made to employees within the Department who have a need for the record in the performance of their duties;
(2) Disclosures required under the FOIA;
(3) Disclosures made to another agency or to an instrumentality of any governmental jurisdiction under the control of or within the United States for authorized civil or criminal law enforcement activities pursuant to a written request from such agency or instrumentality specifying the activities for which the disclosures are sought and the portions of the records sought.
If the Department denies a request for access to Privacy Act records, for amendment of such records, or for an accounting of disclosure of such records, the requester shall be informed of the reason for the denial and of the right to appeal the denial to the Appeals Review Panel in accordance with § 171.52.
Systems of records maintained by the Department are authorized to be exempted from certain provisions of the Privacy Act under both general and specific exemptions set forth in the Act. In utilizing these exemptions, the Department is exempting only those portions of systems that are necessary for the proper functioning of the Department and that are consistent with the Privacy Act. Where compliance would not appear to interfere with or adversely affect the law enforcement process, and/or where it may be appropriate to permit individuals to contest the accuracy of the information collected, e.g., public source materials, the applicable exemption may be waived, either partially or totally, by the Department or the OIG, in the sole discretion of the Department or the OIG, as appropriate.
(a)
(2) The systems of records maintained by the Bureau of Diplomatic Security (STATE-36), the Office of the Inspector General (STATE-53), and the
(b)
(1)
Board of Appellate Review Records. STATE-02.
Congressional Correspondence. STATE-43.
Congressional Travel Records. STATE-44.
Coordinator for the Combating of Terrorism Records. STATE-06.
External Research Records. STATE-10.
Extradition Records. STATE-11.
Foreign Assistance Inspection Records. STATE-48.
Human Resources Records. STATE-31.
Information Access Programs Records. STATE-35.
Intelligence and Research Records. STATE-15.
International Organizations Records. STATE-17.
Law of the Sea Records. STATE-19.
Legal Case Management Records. STATE-21.
Munitions Control Records. STATE-42.
Overseas Citizens Services Records. STATE-05.
Overseas Records. STATE-25.
Passport Records. STATE-26.
Personality Cross-Reference Index to the Secretariat Automated Data Index Records. STATE-28.
Personality Index to the Central Foreign Policy Records. STATE-29.
Personnel Payroll Records. STATE-30.
Records of the Inspector General and Automated Individual Cross-Reference System. STATE-53.
Records of the Office of the Assistant Legal Adviser for International Claims and Investment Disputes. STATE-54.
Rover Records. STATE-41.
Records of Domestic Accounts Receivable. STATE-23.
Records of the Office of White House Liaison. STATE-34.
Board of Appellate Review Records. STATE-02.
Refugee Records. STATE-59.
Refugee Data Center Processing Records. STATE-60.
Security Records. STATE-36.
Visa Records. STATE-39.
(2)
Board of Appellate Review Records. STATE-02.
Coordinator for the Combating of Terrorism Records. STATE-06.
Extradition Records. STATE-11.
Foreign Assistance Inspection Records. STATE-48.
Garnishment of Wages Records. STATE-61.
Information Access Program Records. STATE-35.
Intelligence and Research Records. STATE-15.
Munitions Control Records. STATE-42.
Overseas Citizens Services Records. STATE-05.
Overseas Records. STATE-25.
Passport Records. STATE-26.
Personality Cross Reference Index to the Secretariat Automated Data Index. STATE-28.
Personality Index to the Central Foreign Policy Records. STATE-29.
Records of the Inspector General and Automated Individual Cross-Reference System. STATE-53.
Security Records. STATE-36.
Visa Records. STATE-39.
(3)
Extradition Records. STATE-11.
Information Access Programs Records. STATE-35.
Intelligence and Research Records. STATE-15.
Overseas Citizens Services Records. STATE-05.
Overseas Records. STATE-25.
Passport Records. STATE-26.
Personality Cross-Reference Index to the Secretariat Automated Data Index. STATE-28.
Personality Index to the Central Foreign Policy Records. STATE-29.
Security Records. STATE-36.
Visa Records. STATE-39.
(4)
Foreign Service Institute Records. STATE-14.
Human Resources Records. STATE-31.
Information Access Programs Records. STATE-35.
Personnel Payroll Records. STATE-30.
Security Records. STATE-36.
(5)
Equal Employment Opportunity Records. STATE-09.
Foreign Assistance Inspection Records. STATE-48.
Foreign Service Grievance Board Records. STATE-13.
Human Resources Records. STATE-31.
Information Access Programs Records. STATE-35.
Legal Adviser Attorney Employment Application Records. STATE-20.
Overseas Records. STATE-25.
Personality Cross-Reference Index to the Secretariat Automated Data Index Records. STATE-28.
Records of the Inspector General and Automated Individual Cross-Reference System. STATE-53.
Records of the Office of White House Liaison. STATE-34.
Rover Records. STATE-41.
Security Records. STATE-36.
Senior Personnel Appointments Records. STATE-47.
(6)
Foreign Service Institute Records. STATE-14.
Human Resources Records. STATE-31.
Information Access Programs Records. STATE-35.
Security Records. STATE-36.
(7)
Overseas Records. STATE-25.
Human Resources Records. STATE-31.
Information Access Programs Records. STATE-35.
Personality Cross-Reference Index to the Secretariat Automated Data Index Records. STATE-28.
Personality Index to the Central Foreign Policy Records. STATE-29.
This subpart sets forth the regulations under which persons may request access to the public financial disclosure reports of employees of the Department as well as limits to such requests and use of such information. The Ethics in Government Act 1978, as amended, and the Office of Government Ethics implementing regulations, 5 CFR part 2634, require that high-level Federal officials disclose publicly their personal financial interests.
(a) Officers and employees (including special Government employees as defined in 18 U.S.C. 202) whose positions are classified at grades GS-16 and above of the General Schedule, or the rate of basic pay for which is fixed, other than under the General Schedule, at a rate equal to or greater than the 120% of the minimum rate of basic pay for GS-15 of the General Schedule;
(b) Officers or employees in any other positions determined by the Director of the Office of Government Ethics to be of equal classification to GS-16;
(c) Employees in the excepted service in positions that are of a confidential or policy-making character, unless by regulation their positions have been excluded by the Director of the Office of Government Ethics;
(d) The designated agency official who acts as the Department's Ethics Officer;
(e) Incumbent officials holding positions referred to above if they have served 61 days or more in the position during the preceding calendar year.
(f) Officials who have terminated employment from a position referred to above and who have not accepted another such position within 30 days of such termination.
Requests for access to public financial disclosure reports of covered employees should be made in writing to the Information and Privacy Coordinator at the address given in § 171.5 setting forth:
(a) The name and/or position title of the Department of State official who is the subject of the request,
(b) The time period covered by the report requested,
(c) A completed Office of Government Ethics request form, OGE Form 201, October, 1999. This form may be obtained by writing to the Information and Privacy Coordinator or by visiting the Public Reading Room described in § 171.3 or
(a) Reports shall be made available within thirty (30) days from receipt of a request by the Department. The Department does not charge a fee for a single copy of a public financial report. However, the Department will charge for additional copies of a report at a rate of 15 cents per page plus the actual direct cost of mailing the reports. However, the Department will not charge for individual requests if the total charge would be $10.00 or less.
(b) A report shall be retained by the Department and made available to the public for a period of six (6) years after receipt of such report. After such a six year period, the report shall be destroyed, unless needed in an ongoing investigation, except that those reports filed by individuals who are nominated for office by the President to a position that requires the advice and consent of the Senate, and who subsequently are not confirmed by the Senate, will be retained and made available for a one-year period, and then destroyed, unless needed in an ongoing investigation.
(a) The Attorney General may bring a civil action against any person who obtains or uses a financial disclosure report:
(1) For any unlawful purpose;
(2) For any commercial purpose, other than for news or community dissemination to the general public;
(3) For determining or establishing the credit rating of any individual;
(4) For use, directly or indirectly, in the solicitation of money for any political, charitable, or other purpose.
(b) The court in which such action is brought may assess a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 against any person who obtains or uses the reports for these prohibited purposes. Such remedy shall be in addition to any other remedy available under statutory or common law.
(a) A denial of a request for expedited processing may be appealed to the Chief of the Requester Liaison Division of the office of the Information and Privacy Coordinator at the address given in § 171.5 within 30 days of receipt of the denial. Appeals should contain as much information and documentation as possible to support the request for expedited processing in accordance with the criteria set forth in § 171.12(b)
(b) The Requester Liaison Division Chief will issue a final decision in writing within ten (10) days from the date on which the office of the Information and Privacy Coordinator receives the appeal.
(a) A denial of a request for a waiver or reductions of fees may be appealed to the Chief of the Requester of Liaison Division of the Office of the Information and Privacy Coordinator at the address given in § 171.5 within 30 days of receipt of the denial. Appeals should contain as much information and documentation as possible to support the request for fee waiver or reduction in accordance with the criteria set forth in § 171.17.
(b) The Requester Liaison Division Chief will issue a final decision in writing within 30 days from the date on which the office of the Information and Privacy Coordinator receives the appeal.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2) If the Panel's decision is that the request of the appellant to amend the record is denied, in addition to the notification required by paragraph (d) of this section, the Chairman shall advise the appellant:
(i) Of the right to file a concise statement of the reasons for disagreeing with the decision of the Department;
(ii) Of the procedures for filing the statement of disagreement;
(iii) That any statement of disagreement that is filed will be made available to anyone to whom the record is subsequently disclosed, together with, at the discretion of the Department, a brief statement by the Department summarizing its reasons for refusing to amend the record;
(iv) That prior recipients of the disputed record will be provided a copy of any statement of disagreement, to the extent that an accounting of disclosures was maintained.
(3) If the appellant files a statement under paragraph (e)(2) of this section, the Department will clearly annotate the record so that the fact that the record is disputed is apparent to anyone who may subsequently have access to the record. When information that is the subject of a statement of dispute filed by an individual is subsequently disclosed, the Department will note that the information is disputed and provide a copy of the individual's statement. The Department may also include a brief summary of reasons for not amending the record when disclosing disputed information. Copies of the Department's statement shall be treated as part of the individual's record for granting access; however, it will not be subject to amendment by an individual under these regulations.
5 U.S.C. 301; 8 U.S.C. 1202(f); 22 U.S.C. 2658, 2664, 3926.
(a) This part sets forth the procedures to be followed with respect to:
(1) Service of summonses and complaints or other requests or demands directed to the Department of State (Department) or to any Department employee or former employee in connection with federal or state litigation arising out of or involving the performance of official activities of the Department; and
(2) The oral or written disclosure, in response to subpoenas, orders, or other requests or demands of federal or state judicial or quasi-judicial authority (collectively, “demands”), whether civil or criminal in nature, or in response to requests for depositions, affidavits, admissions, responses to interrogatories, document production, or other litigation-related matters, pursuant to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, or applicable state rules (collectively, “requests”), of any material contained in the files of the Department, any information relating to material contained in the files of the Department, or any information acquired while the subject of the demand or request is or was an employee of the Department as part of the performance of that person's duties or by virtue of that person's official status.
(b) For purposes of this part, and except as the Department may otherwise determine in a particular case, the term
(c) For purposes of this part, the term
(d) For purposes of this part,
(e) Nothing in this part affects disclosure of information under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552, the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a, Executive Order 12356 on national security information (3 CFR, 1982 Comp., p. 166), the Government in the Sunshine Act, 5
(f) This part is intended only to inform the public about Department procedures concerning the service of process and responses to demands or requests and is not intended to and does not create, and may not be relied upon to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the Department or the United States.
(g) Nothing in this part affects:
(1) The disclosure of information during the course of legal proceedings in non-United States courts, commissions, boards, or other judicial or quasi-judicial bodies or tribunals; or
(2) The rules and procedures, under applicable U.S. law and international conventions, governing diplomatic and consular immunity.
(h) Nothing in this part affects the disclosure of official information to other federal agencies or Department of Justice attorneys in connection with litigation conducted on behalf or in defense of the United States, its agencies, officers, and employees, or to federal, state, local, or foreign prosecuting and law enforcement authorities in conjunction with criminal law enforcement investigations, prosecutions, or other proceedings, e.g., extradition, deportation.
(a) Only the Executive Office of the Office of the Legal Adviser (L/EX) is authorized to receive and accept summonses or complaints sought to be served upon the Department or Department employees. All such documents should be delivered or addressed to The Executive Office, Office of the Legal Adviser, room 5519, United States Department of State, 2201 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20520-6310.
(b) In the event any summons or complaint described in § 172.1(a) is delivered to an employee of the Department other than in the manner specified in this part, such attempted service shall be ineffective, and the recipient thereof shall either decline to accept the proffered service or return such document under cover of a written communication which directs the person attempting to make service to the procedures set forth herein.
(c) Except as otherwise provided §§ 172.2(d) and 173.3(c), the Department is not an authorized agent for service of process with respect to civil litigation against Department employees purely in their personal, non-official capacity. Copies of summonses or complaints directed to Department employees in connection with legal proceedings arising out of the performance of official duties may, however, be served upon L/EX.
(d) Although the Department is not an agent for the service of process upon its employees with respect to purely personal, non-official litigation, the Department recognizes that its employees stationed overseas should not use their official positions to evade their personal obligations and will, therefore, counsel and encourage Department employees to accept service of process in appropriate cases, and will waive applicable diplomatic or consular privileges and immunities when the Department determines that it is in the interest of the United States to do so.
(e) Documents for which L/EX accepts service in official capacity only shall be stamped “Service Accepted in Official Capacity Only”. Acceptance of service shall not constitute an admission or waiver with respect to jurisdiction, propriety of service, improper venue, or any other defense in law or equity available under the laws of rules applicable for the service of process.
(a) Except in cases in which the Department is represented by legal counsel who have entered an appearance or otherwise given notice of their representation, only L/EX is authorized to receive and accept subpoenas, or other demands or requests directed to the
(1) Material, including documents, contained in the files of the Department;
(2) Information, including testimony, affidavits, declarations, admissions, responses to interrogatories, or informal statements, relating to material contained in the files of the Department or which any Department employee acquired in the course and scope of the performance of his official duties;
(3) Garnishment or attachment of compensation of current or former employees; or
(4) The performance or non-performance of any official Department duty.
(b) In the event that any subpoena, demand, or request is sought to be delivered to a Department employee (including former employees) other than in the manner prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section, such attempted service shall be ineffective. Such employee shall, after consultation with the Office of the Legal Adviser, decline to accept the subpoena, demand or request or shall return them to the server under cover of a written communication referring to the procedures prescribed in this part.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this part, the Department is not an agent for service, or otherwise authorized to accept on behalf of its employees any subpoenas, show-cause orders, or similar compulsory process of federal or state courts, or requests from private individuals or attorneys, which are not related to the employees' official duties except upon the express, written authorization of the individual Department employee to whom such demand or request is directed.
(d) Acceptance of such documents by L/EX does not constitute a waiver of any defenses that might otherwise exist with respect to service under the Federal Rules of Civil or Criminal Procedure or other applicable rules.
(a) No employee of the Department shall, in response to a demand or request in connection with any litigation, whether criminal or civil, provide oral or written testimony by deposition, declaration, affidavit, or otherwise concerning any information acquired while such person is or was an employee of the Department as part of the performance of that person's official duties or by virtue of that persons's official status, unless authorized to do so by the Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Personnel (M/DGP) or the Legal Adviser (L), or delegates of either, following consultation between the two bureaus, or as authorized in § 172.4(b).
(b) With respect to the official functions of the Passport Office, the Visa Office, and the Office of Citizens Services, the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs or delegate thereof may, subject to concurrence by the Office of the Legal Adviser, authorize employees to provide oral or written testimony.
(c) No employee shall, in response to a demand or request in connection with any litigation, produce for use at such proceedings any document or any material acquired as part of the performance of that employee's duties or by virtue of that employee's official status, unless authorized to do so by the Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Personnel, the Legal Adviser, or the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, or the delegates thereof, as appropriate, following consultations between the concerned bureaus.
(a) If official Department information is sought, through testimony or otherwise, by a request or demand, the party seeking such release or testimony must (except as otherwise required by federal law or authorized by the Office of the Legal Adviser) set forth in writing, and with as much specificity as possible, the nature and
(b) To the extent it deems necessary or appropriate, the Department may also require from the party seeking such testimony or documents a plan of all reasonably foreseeable demands, including but not limited to the names of all employees and former employees from whom discovery will be sought, areas of inquiry, expected duration of proceedings requiring oral testimony, and identification of potentially relevant documents.
(c) The appropriate Department official designated in § 172.2 will notify the Department employee and such other persons as circumstances may warrant of its decision regarding compliance with the request or demand.
(d) The Office of the Legal Adviser will consult with the Department of Justice regarding legal representation for Department employees in appropriate cases.
(a) If a response to a demand is required before the appropriate Department official designated in § 172.4 renders a decision, the Department will request that either a Department of Justice attorney or a Department attorney designated for the purpose:
(1) Appear with the employee upon whom the demand has been made;
(2) Furnish the court or other authority with a copy of the regulations contained in this part;
(3) Inform the court or other authority that the demand has been, or is being, as the case may be, referred for the prompt consideration of the appropriate Department official; and
(4) Respectively request the court or authority to stay the demand pending receipt of the requested instructions.
(b) In the event that an immediate demand for production or disclosure is made in circumstances which would preclude the proper designation or appearance of a Department of Justice or Department attorney on the employee's behalf, the employee shall respectfully request the demanding court or authority for a reasonable stay of proceedings for the purpose of obtaining instructions from the Department.
If the court or other judicial or quasi-judicial authority declines to stay the effect of the demand in response to a request made pursuant to § 172.6, or if the court or other authority rules that the demand must be complied with irrespective of the Department's instructions not to produce the material or disclose the information sought, the employee upon whom the demand has been made shall respectfully decline to comply with the demand, citing this part and
(a) In deciding whether to comply with a demand or request, Department officials and attorneys shall consider, among others:
(1) Whether such compliance would be unduly burdensome or otherwise inappropriate under the applicable rules of discovery or the rules of procedure governing the case or matter in which the demand arose;
(2) Whether compliance is appropriate under the relevant substantive law concerning privilege or disclosure of information;
(3) The public interest;
(4) The need to conserve the time of Department employees for the conduct of official business;
(5) The need to avoid spending the time and money of the United States for private purposes;
(6) The need to maintain impartiality between private litigants in cases where a substantial government interest is not implicated;
(7) Whether compliance would have an adverse effect on performance by the Department of its mission and duties; and
(8) The need to avoid involving the Department in controversial issues not related to its mission.
(b) Among those demands and requests in response to which compliance will not ordinarily be authorized are those with respect to which,
(1) Compliance would violate a statute or a rule of procedure;
(2) Compliance would violate a specific regulation or executive order;
(3) Compliance would reveal information properly classified in the interest of national security;
(4) Compliance would reveal confidential commercial or financial information or trade secrets without the owner's consent;
(5) Compliance would reveal the internal deliberative processes of the Executive Branch; or
(6) Compliance would potentially impede or prejudice an on-going law enforcement investigation.
(a) Except as provided in this section, and subject to 5 CFR 2635.805, Department employees shall not provide opinion or expert testimony based upon information which they acquired in the scope and performance of their official Department duties, except on behalf of the United States or a party represented by the Department of Justice.
(b) Upon a showing by the requestor of exceptional need or unique circumstances and that the anticipated testimony will not be adverse to the interests of the United States, the appropriate Department official designated in § 172.4 may, consistent with 5 CFR 2635.805, in their discretion and with the concurrence of the Office of the Legal Adviser, grant special, written authorization for Department employees to appear and testify as expert witnesses at no expense to the United States.
(c) If, despite the final determination of the appropriate Department official designated in § 172.4, a court of competent jurisdiction or other appropriate authority orders the appearance and expert or opinion testimony of a Department employee, such employee shall immediately inform the Office of the Legal Adviser of such order. If the Office of the Legal Adviser determines that no further legal review of or challenge to the court's order will be made, the Department employee shall comply with the order. If so directed by the Office of the Legal Adviser, however, the employee shall respectfully decline to testify.
1 U.S.C. 112a, 112b; and 22 U.S.C. 2651a.
(a) The purpose of this part is to implement the provisions of 1 U.S.C. 112a and 112b, popularly known as the Case-Zablocki Act (hereinafter “the Act”), on the reporting to Congress, coordination with the Secretary of State and publication of international agreements. This part applies to all agencies of the U.S. Government whose responsibilities include the negotiation and conclusion of international agreements. This part does not, however, constitute a delegation by the Secretary of State of the authority to engage in such activites. Further, it does not affect any additional requirements of law governing the relationship between particular agencies and the Secretary of State in connection with international negotiations and agreements, or any other requirements of law concerning the relationship between particular agencies and the Congress. The term
(b) Pursuant to the key legal requirements of the Act—full and timely disclosure to the Congress of all concluded agreements and consultation by agencies with the Secretary of State with respect to proposed agreements—every agency of the Government is required to comply with each of the provisions set out in this part in implementation of the Act. Nevertheless, this part is intended as a framework of measures and procedures which, it is recognized, cannot anticipate all circumstances or situations that may arise. Deviation or derogation from the provisions of this part will not affect the legal validity, under United States law or under international law, of agreements concluded, will not give rise to a cause of action, and will not affect any public or private rights established by such agreements.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, arrangements that constitute international agreements within the meaning of this section include
(1) Bilateral or multilateral counterterrorism agreements and
(2) Bilateral agreements with a country that is subject to a determination under section 6(j)(1)(A) of the Export Administration Act of 1979 (50 U.S.C. App. 2405(j)(1)(A)), section 620A(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2371(a)), or section 40(d) of the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2780(d)).
(a) Whether any undertaking, document, or set of documents constitutes
(b) Agencies whose responsibilities include the negotiation and conclusion of international agreements are responsible for transmitting to the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, for decision pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the texts of any document or set of documents that might constitute an international agreement. The transmittal shall be made prior to or simultaneously with the request for consultations with the Secretary of State required by subsection (c) of the Act and § 181.4 of this part.
(c) Agencies whose responsibilities include the negotiation and conclusion of large numbers of agency-level and implementing arrangements at overseas posts, only a small number of which might constitute international agreements within the meaning of the Act and of 1 U.S.C. 112a, are required to transmit prior to their entry into force only the texts of the more important of such arrangements for decision pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section. The texts of all arrangements that might constitute international agreements shall, however, be transmitted to the Office of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs as soon as possible, and in no event to arrive at that office later than 20 days after their signing, for decision pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section.
(d) Agencies to which paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section apply shall consult periodically with the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs in order to determine which categories of arrangements for which they are responsible are likely to be international agreements within the meaning of the Act and of 1 U.S.C. 112a.
(a) The Secretary of State is responsible, on behalf of the President, for ensuring that all proposed international agreements of the United States are fully consistent with United States foreign policy objectives. Except as provided in § 181.3(c) of this part, no agency of the U.S. Government may conclude an international agreement, whether entered into in the name of the U.S. Government or in the name of the agency, without prior consultation with the Secretary of State or his designee.
(b) The Secretary of State (or his designee) gives his approval for any proposed agreement negotiated pursuant to his authorization, and his opinion on any proposed agreement negotiated by an agency which has separate authority to negotiate such agreement. The approval or opinion of the Secretary of State or his designee with respect to any proposed international agreement will be given pursuant to Department of State procedures set out in Volume 11,
(c) Pursuant to the Circular 175 procedure, the approval of, or an opinion on a proposed international agreement to be concluded in the name of the U.S. Government will be given either by the Secretary of State or his designee. The approval of, or opinion on a proposed international agreement to be concluded in the name of a particular agency of the U.S. Government will be given by the interested assistant secretary or secretaries of State, or their designees, unless such official(s) judge that consultation with the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, or an Under Secretary is necessary. The approval of, or opinion on a proposed international agreement will normally be given within 20 days of receipt of the request for consultation and of the information as required by § 181.4(d)-(g).
(d) Any agency wishing to conclude an international agreement shall transmit to the interested bureau or office in the Department of State, or to
(e)(1) If a proposed agreement embodies a commitment to furnish funds, goods, or services that are beyond or in addition to those authorized in an approved budget, the agency proposing the agreement shall state what arrangements have been planned or carried out concerning consultation with the Office of Management and Budget for such commitment. The Department of State should receive confirmation that the relevant budget approved by the President provides or requests funds adequate to fulfill the proposed commitment, or that the President has made a determination to seek the required funds.
(2) If a proposed agreement embodies a commitment that could reasonably be expected to require (for its implementation) the issuance of a significant regulatory action (as defined in section 3 of Executive Order 12866), the agency proposing the arrangement shall state what arrangements have been planned or carried out concerning timely consultation with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for such commitment. The Department of State should receive confirmation that OMB has been consulted in a timely manner concerning the proposed commitment.
(f) Consultation may encompass a specific class of agreements rather than a particular agreement where a series of agreements of the same general type is contemplated; that is, where a number of agreements are to be negotiated according to a more or less standard formula, such as, for example, Pub. L. 480 Agricultural Commodities Agreements. Any agency wishing to conclude a particular agreement within a specific class of agreements about which consultations have previously been held pursuant to this section shall transmit a draft text of the proposed agreement to the Office of the Legal Adviser as early as possible but in no event later than 20 days prior to the anticipated date for concluding the agreement.
(g) The consultation requirement shall be deemed to be satisfied with respect to proposed international agreements of the United States about which the Secretary of State (or his designee) has been consulted in his capacity as a member of an interagency committee or council established for the purpose of approving such proposed agreements. Designees of the Secretary of State serving on any such interagency committee or council are to provide as soon as possible to the interested offices or bureaus of the Department of State and to the Office of the Legal Adviser copies of draft texts or summaries of such proposed agreements and other background information as requested.
(h) Before an agreement containing a foreign language text may be signed or otherwise concluded, a signed memorandum must be obtained from a responsible language officer of the Department of State or of the U.S. Government agency concerned certifying that the foreign language text and the English language test are in conformity with each other and that both texts have the same meaning in all substantive respects. The signed memorandum is to be made available to the Department of State upon request.
(a) Any agency, including the Department of State, that concludes an international agreement within the meaning of the Act and of 1 U.S.C. 112a, whether entered into in the name of the U.S. Government or in the name of the agency, must transmit the text of the concluded agreement to the Office of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs as soon as possible and in no event to arrive at that office later than 20 days after the agreement has been signed. The 20-day limit, which is required by the Act, is essential for purposes of permitting the Department of State to meet its obligation under the Act to transmit concluded agreements to the Congress no later than 60 days after their entry into force.
(b) In any case of transmittal after the 20-day limit, the agency or Department of State office concerned may be asked to provide to the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs a statement describing the reasons for the late transmittal. Any such statements will be used, as necessary, in the preparation of the annual report on late transmittals, to be signed by the President and transmitted to the Congress, as required by subsection (b) of the Act.
(a) Transmittals of concluded agreements to the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs pursuant to § 181.5 must include the signed or initialed original texts, together with all accompanying papers, such as agreed minutes, exchanges of notes, or side letters. The texts transmitted must be accurate, legible, and complete, and must include the texts of all languages in which the agreement was signed or initiated. Names and identities of the individuals signing or initialing the agreements, for the foreign government as well as for the United States, must, unless clearly evident in the texts transmitted, be separately provided.
(b) Agreements from overseas posts should be transmitted to the Department of State by priority airgram, marked for the attention of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, with the following notation below the enclosure line: FAIM: Please send attached original agreement to L/T on arrival.
(c) Where the original texts of concluded agreements are not available, certified copies must be transmitted in the same manner as original texts. A certified copy must be an exact copy of the signed original.
(d) When an exchange of diplomatic notes between the United States and a foreign government constitutes an agreement or has the effect of extending, modifying, or terminating an agreement to which the United States is a party, a properly certified copy of the note from the United States to the foreign government, and the signed original of the note from the foreign government, must be transmitted. If, in conjunction with the agreement signed, other notes related thereto are exchanged (either at the same time, beforehand, or subsequently), properly certified copies of the notes from the United States to the foreign government must be transmitted with the signed originals of the notes from the foreign government.
(e) Copies may be certified either by a certification on the document itself, or by a separate certification attached to the document. A certification on the document itself is placed at the end of the document. It indicates, either typed or stamped, that the document is a true copy of the original signed or initialed by (insert full name of signing officer), and it is signed by the certifying officer. If a certification is typed on a separate sheet of paper, it briefly describes the document certified and states that it is a true copy of the original signed by (full name) and it is signed by the certifying officer.
(a) International agreements other than treaties shall be transmitted by the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives as soon as practicable after the entry into force of such agreements, but in no event later than 60 days thereafter.
(b) Classified agreements shall be transmitted by the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and to the House Committee on International Relations.
(c) The Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs shall also transmit to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives background information to accompany each agreement reported under the Act. Background statements, while not expressly required by the act, have been requested by the Congress and have become an integral part of the reporting requirement. Each background statement shall include information explaining the agreement and a precise citation of legal authority. At the request of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, each background statement is to be prepared in time for transmittal with the agreement it accompanies by the office most closely concerned with the agreement. Background statements for classified agreements are to be transmitted by the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and to the House Committee on International Relations.
(d) Pursuant to section 12 of the Taiwan Relations Act (22 U.S.C. 3311), any agreement entered into between the American Institute in Taiwan and the governing authorities on Taiwan, or any agreement entered into between the Institute and an agency of the United States Government, shall be transmitted by the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives as soon as practicable after the entry into force of such agreements, but in no event later than 60 days thereafter. Classified agreements entered into by the Institute shall be transmitted by the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
(a) The following categories of international agreements will not be published in United States Treaties and Other International Agreements:
(1) Bilateral agreements for the rescheduling of intergovernmental debt payments;
(2) Bilateral textile agreements concerning the importation of products containing specified textile fibers done under the Agricultural Act of 1956, as amended;
(3) Bilateral agreements between postal administrations governing technical arrangements;
(4) Bilateral agreements that apply to specified military exercises;
(5) Bilateral military personnel exchange agreements;
(6) Bilateral judicial assistance agreements that apply only to specified civil or criminal investigations or prosecutions;
(7) Bilateral mapping agreements;
(8) Tariff and other schedules under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and under the Agreement of the World Trade Organization;
(9) Agreements that have been given a national security classification pursuant to Executive Order No. 12958 or its successors; and
(10) Bilateral agreements with other governments that apply to specific activities and programs financed with foreign assistance funds administered by the United States Agency for International Development pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act, as amended, and the Agricultural Trade Development and Assistance Act of 1954, as amended;
(11) Letters of agreements and memoranda of understanding with other governments that apply to bilateral assistance for counter-narcotics and other anti-crime purposes furnished pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act, as amended;
(12) Bilateral agreements that apply to specified education and leadership development programs designed to acquaint U.S. and foreign armed forces, law enforcement, homeland security, or related personnel with limited, specialized aspects of each other's practices or operations; and
(13) Bilateral agreements between aviation agencies governing specified aviation technical assistance projects
(b) Agreements on the subjects listed in paragraphs (a) (1) through (9) of this section that had not been published as of February 26, 1996. Agreements on the subjects listed in paragraphs (a)(10) through (13) of this section that had not been published as of September 8, 2006.
(c) Any international agreements in the possession of the Department of State, other than those in paragraph (a)(9) of this section, but not published will be made available upon request by the Department of State.
(d) The Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs shall annually submit to Congress a report that contains an index of all international agreements, listed by country, date, title, and summary of each such agreement (including a description of the duration of activities under the agreement and the agreement itself), that the United States:
(1) Has signed, proclaimed, or with reference to which any other final formality has been executed, or that has been extended or otherwise modified, during the preceding calendar year; and
(2) Has not been published, or is not proposed to be published, in the compilation entitled “United States Treaties and Other International Agreements.”
The Office of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Treaty Affairs, with the cooperation of other bureaus in the Department, shall be responsible for making publicly available on the Internet Web site of the Department of State each treaty or international agreement proposed to be published in the compilation entitled “United States Treaties and Other International Agreements” not later than 180 days after the date on which the treaty or agreement enters into force.
Hostage Relief Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-449 and sec. 4 of Act of 1949 (22 U.S.C. 2658)).
(a) The Secretary of State from time to time shall declare when and where individuals in the civil or uniformed services of the United States, or a citizen or resident alien of the United States rendering personal services to the United States abroad similar to the service of a civil officer or employee of the United States, have been placed in captive status because of hostile action abroad directed against the United States and occurring or continuing between November 4, 1979, and such date as may be declared by the President under section 101(2)(A) of the Hostage Relief Act of 1980 (Pub. L. 96-449, hereafter “the Act”) or January 1, 1983, whichever is later. Each such declaration shall be published in the
(b) The Secretary of State upon his or her own initiative, or upon application under § 191.2 shall determine which individuals in captive status as so declared shall be considered hostages eligible for benefits under the Act. The Secretary shall also determine who is eligible under the Act for benefits as a member of a family or household of a hostage. The determination of the Secretary shall be final, but any interested person may request reconsideration on the basis of information not considered at the time of original determination. The criteria for determination are set forth in sections 101 and 205 of the Act, and in these regulations.
(a) Any person who believes that they or other persons known to them are either hostages as defined in the Act, or members of the family or household of hostages as defined in § 191.3(a)(1), or a child eligible for benefits under subpart D, may apply for benefits under this subchapter for themselves, or on behalf of others entitled thereto.
(b) The application shall be in writing, should contain all identifying and other pertinent data available to the person applying about the person or persons claimed to be eligible, and should be addressed to the Assistant Secretary of State for Administration, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. Applications may be filed at any time after publication of a declaration under § 191.1(a) in the
When used in this subchapter, unless otherwise specified, the terms—
(a)
(b)
(c)
The Assistant Secretary of State for Administration shall be responsible for notifying each individual determined to be eligible for benefits under the Act or, if that person is not available, a representative or Family Member of the hostage.
(a) The Assistant Secretary of State for Administration shall promptly inform the head of any agency whenever an employee (including a member of the Armed Forces) in that agency, or Family Member of such employee, is determined to be eligible for benefits under this subchapter.
(b) In accordance with inter-agency agreements between the Department of State and relevant agencies—
(1) The Veterans Administration will periodically bill the Department of State for expenses it pays for each eligible person under subpart D of this subchapter plus the administrative costs of carrying out its responsibilities under this part.
(2) The Department of State will, on a periodic basis, determine the cost for services and benefits it provides to all eligible persons under this subchapter and bill each agency for the costs attributable to Principals (and Family Members) in or acting on behalf of the agency plus a proportionate share of related administrative expenses.
This regulation is effective as of November 4, 1979. Reimbursement may be made for expenses approved under this subchapter for services rendered on or after such date.
A person designated as a hostage under subpart A of this subchapter, other than a member of the Armed Forces covered by the provisions of the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940, shall be eligible for benefits under this part.
(a) Eligible persons are entitled to the benefits provided by the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (50 U.S.C. App. 501,
(b) In applying such Act for purposes of this section—
(1) The term “person in the military service” is deemed to include any such American hostage;
(2) The term “period of military service” is deemed to include the period during which such American hostage is in a captive status;
(3) References therein to the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Adjutant General of the Army, the Chief of Naval Personnel, and the Commandant, United States Marine Corps, or other officials of government are deemed to be references to the Secretary of State; and
(4) The term “dependents” shall, to the extent permissible by law, be construed to include “Family Members” as defined in section 101 of the Hostage Relief Act.
The following material is included to assist persons affected, by providing a brief description of some of the provisions of the Civil Relief Act. Note that not all of the sections applicable to hostages have been included here. References to sections herein are references to the Civil Relief Act of 1940, as amended, followed by references in parentheses to the same section in the United States Code.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(a) The Assistant Secretary of State for Administration will issue certifications or other documents when required for purposes of the Civil Relief Act.
(b) The Assistant Secretary of State shall whenever possible promptly inform the chief legal officer of each State in which hostages maintain residence of all persons determined to be hostages eligible for assistance under this subpart.
A person designated as a hostage or Family Member of a hostage under subpart A of this subchapter shall be eligible for benefits under this subpart.
A person eligible for benefits under this part shall be eligible for authorized medical and health care at U.S. Government expense, and for payment of other authorized expenses related to such care or for obtaining such care for any illness or injury which is determined by the Secretary of State to be caused or materially aggravated by the hostage situation, to the extent that such care may not—
(a) Be provided or paid for under any other Government health or medical program, including, but not limited to, the programs administered by the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Labor and the Administrator of Veterans Affairs; or
(b) Be entitled to reimbursement by any private or Government health insurance or comparable plan.
(a) An eligible person, who desires medical or health care under this subpart or any person acting on behalf thereof, shall submit an application to the Office of Medical Services, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520 (hereafter referred to as the “Office”). The applicant shall supply all relevant information, including insurance information, requested by the Director of the Office. An eligible person may also submit claims to the Office for payment for emergency care when there is not time to obtain prior authorization as prescribed by this paragraph, and for payment for care received prior to or ongoing on the effective date of these regulations.
(b) The Office shall evaluate all requests for care and claims for reimbursement and determine, on behalf of the Secretary of State, whether the care in question is authorized under § 191.21 of this subpart. The Office will authorize care, or payment for care when it determines the criteria of such section are met. Authorization shall include a determination as to the necessity and reasonableness of medical or health care.
(c) The Office will refer applicants eligible for benefits under other Government health programs to the Government agency administering those programs. Any portion of authorized care not provided or paid for under another Government program will be reimbursed under this subpart.
(d) Eligible persons may obtain authorized care from any licensed facility or health care provider of their choice approved by the Office. To the extent possible, the Office will attempt to arrange for authorized care to be provided in a Government facility at no cost to the patient.
(e) Authorized care provided by a private facility or health care provider will be paid or reimbursed under this subpart to the extent that the Office determines that costs do not exceed
(f) All bills for authorized medical or health care covered by insurance shall be submitted to the patient's insurance carrier for payment prior to submission to the Office for payment of the balance authorized by this part. The Office will request the health care providers to bill the insurance carrier and the Department of State for authorized care, rather than the patient.
(g) Eligible persons will be reimbursed by the Office for authorized travel to obtain an evaluation of their claim under paragraph (b) of this section and for other authorized travel to obtain medical or health care authorized by this subpart.
Any dispute between the Office and eligible persons concerning (a) whether medical or health care is required in a given case, (b) whether required care is incident to the hostage taking, or (c) whether the cost for any authorized care is reasonable and customary, shall be referred to the Medical Director, Department of State and the Foreign Service for a determination. If the person bringing the claim is not satisfied with the decision of the Medical Director, the dispute shall be referred to a medical board composed of three physicians, one appointed by the Medical Director, one by the eligible person and the third by the first two members. A majority decision by the board shall be binding on all parties.
(a) A spouse or unmarried dependent child aged 18 or above of a hostage as determined under subpart A of this subchapter shall be eligible for benefits under § 191.31 of this subpart. (Certain limitations apply, however, to persons eligible for direct assistance through other programs of the Veterans Administration under chapter 35 of title 38, United States Code).
(b) A Principal (see definition in § 191.3) designated as a hostage under Subpart A of this subchapter, who intends to change jobs or careers because of the hostage experience and who desires additional training for this purpose, shall be eligible for benefits under § 191.32 of this part unless such person is eligible for comparable benefits under title 38 of the United States Code as determined by the Administrator of the Veterans Administration.
(a) An eligible spouse or child shall be paid (by advancement or reimbursement) for expenses incurred for subsistence, tuition, fees, supplies, books, and equipment, and other educational expenses, while attending an educational or training institution approved in accordance with procedures established by the Veterans Administration, which shall be comparable to procedures established pursuant to chapters 35 and 36 of title 38 U.S.C.
(b) Except as provide in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section), payments shall be available under this subsection for an eligible spouse or child for education or training which occurs—
(1) 90 days after the Principal is placed in a captive status, and
(i) Through the end of any semester or quarter which begins before the date on which the Principal ceases to be in a captive status, or
(ii) If the educational or training institution is not operated on a semester or quarter system, the earlier of the end of any course which began before such date or the end of the twelve-week period following that date.
(c) In special circumstances and within the limitation of § 191.34, the Secretary of State may, under the criteria and procedures set forth in § 191.33, approve payments for education or training under this subsection which occurs after the date determined under paragraph (b) of this section.
(d) In the event a Principal dies and the death is determined by the Secretary of State to be incident to that individual being a hostage, payments shall be available under this subsection for education or training of a spouse or child of the Principal which occurs after the date of death, up to the maximum that may be authorized under § 191.34.
(a) When authorized by the Secretary of State a Principal, following released from captivity, shall be paid (by advancement or reimbursement) for expenses incurred for subsistence, tuition, fees, supplies, books and equipment, and other educational expenses, while attending an educational or training institution approved in accordance with procedures established by the Veterans Administration comparable to procedures established pursuant to chapters 35 and 36 of title 38 U.S.C. Payments shall be available under this subsection for education or training which occurs on or before—
(1) The end of any semester or quarter (as appropriate) which begins before the date which is 10 years after the day on which the Principal ceases to be in a captive status, or
(2) If the educational or training institution is not operated on a semester or quarter system, the earlier of the end of any course which began before such date or the end of the twelve-week period following that date.
(b) A person eligible for benefits under this subsection shall not be required to separate from Government service in order to undertake the training or education, but while in Government service, may only receive such training or education during off-duty hours or during periods of approved leave.
(a) Any person desiring benefits under this part shall apply in writing to the Assistant Secretary of State for Administration, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. The application shall specify the benefits desired and the basis of eligibility for those benefits. The Secretary of State shall make determinations of eligibility for benefits under this part, and shall forward approved applications to the Veterans Administration and advise the applicant of the name and address of the office in the Veterans Administration that will counsel the eligible persons on how to obtain the benefits that have been approved. Persons whose applications are disapproved shall be advised of the reasons for the disapproval.
(b) The Veterans Administration shall provide the same level and kind of assistance, including payments (by advancement or reimbursement) for authorized expenses up to the same maximum amounts, to spouses and children of hostages, and to Principals following their release from captivity as it does to eligible spouses and children of veterans and to eligible veterans, respectively, under chapters 35 and 36 of title 38, United States Code. The Veterans Administration shall, following consultation with the Secretary of State and under procedures it has established to administer section 1724 of title 38, United States Code, discontinue assistance for any individual whose conduct or progress is unsatisfactory under standards consistent with those established pursuant to such section 1724.
(c) An Advisory Board shall be established to advise on eligibility for benefits under paragraphs (c) and (d) of §§ 191.31 and 191.32. The Board shall be composed of the Assistant Secretary of State for Administration as Chairperson, the Director of the Office of Medical Services of the Department of State, the Executive Director of the regional bureau of the Department of State in whose region the relevant hostile action occurred, the Director of Personnel or other designee of the applicable employing agency, and a representative of the Veterans Administration designated by the Administrator.
(d) If an application is received from a spouse or child for extended training under § 191.31(c), the Secretary of Administration shall determine with the advice of the Advisory Board whether the Principal, following release from captivity, is incapacitated by the hostage experience to the extent that (1) he or she has not returned to full-time active duty and is unlikely to be able to resume the normal duties of his or her position or career, or (2) in the event of a separation from Government service, a comparable position or career, for at least six months from the date the Principal is released from captivity. If the Secretary makes such a determination, he or she may approve, within the limits of § 191.34, an application under § 191.31(c) for up to one year
(a) In no event may assistance be provided under this subpart for any individual for a period in excess of 45 months, or the equivalent thereof in part-time education or training.
(b) The eligibility of a spouse for benefits under paragraph (c) or (d) of § 191.31 shall expire on a date which is 10 years after the date of the release of the hostage, or the death of the hostage, respectively. The eligibility of a dependent child for benefits under such paragraphs (c) and (d) shall expire on the 26th birthday of such child or on such later date as determined by the Administrator of the Veterans Administration, as would be applicable if section 1712 of title 38, United States Code, were applicable.
5 U.S.C. 5569 and 5570 and E.O. 12598 (52 FR 23421).
(a)(1) The Secretary of State shall declare when and where individuals in the Civil Service of the United States, including members of the Foreign Service and foreign service nationals, or a citizen, national or resident alien of the United States rendering personal services to the United States similar to the service of an individual in the Civil Service, have been placed in captive status commencing on or after November 4, 1979, for purposes of § 192.11(b) or January 21, 1981, for all other purposes under this part, which arises because of hostile action abroad and is a result of the individual's relationship with the U.S. Government as provided in the Victims of Terrorism Compensation Act, codified in 5 U.S.C. 5569 and 5570 and Executive Order 12598.
(2) The Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, shall also declare when and where individuals in the Civil Service of the United States including members of the Foreign Service and foreign service nationals, including individuals rendering personal services to the United States similar to the service of an individual in the Civil Service, and family members of these individuals are eligible to receive compensation for disability or death occurring after January 21, 1981. Such determination shall be based on the decision by the Secretary of State that the disability or death was caused by hostile action
(3) Declarations of hostile action in domestic situations shall be made by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Attorney General of the United States and the head of the employing agency or agencies.
(b) The Secretary of State for actions abroad, or Agency Head for domestic actions, upon his or her own initiative, or upon application under § 192.2 shall determine which individuals in captive or missing status as so declared shall be considered captives eligible for benefits under the Act. The Secretary or Agency Head shall also determine who is eligible under the Act for benefits as a member of a family or household of a captive. The determination of the Secretary or Agency Head shall be final for purposes of determining captive status and cash payments, and not subject to judicial review, but any interested person may request reconsideration on the basis of information not considered at the time of original determination. The criteria for determination are set forth in sections 5569 and 5570 of title 5 of U.S.C., and in these regulations.
(a) Any person who believes that that person or other persons known to that person are either captives as defined in 5 U.S.C. 5569(a)(1), individuals who have suffered disability or death caused by hostile action which was a result of the individual's relationship with the U.S. Government, members of the family or household of such individuals as defined in § 192.3(a)(1), or a child eligible for benefits under subchapter D, may apply for benefits under this subchapter for that person, or on behalf of others entitled thereto.
(b) The application in connection with hostile action abroad shall be in writing, shall contain all identifying and other pertinent data available to the person applying about the person or persons claimed to be eligible, and shall be addressed to the Director General of the Foreign Service, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520. Applications may be filed within 60 days after the latest of: a declaration under § 192.1(a), the hostile action, or release from captivity. Later filing may be considered when in the opinion of the Secretary of State there is good cause for the late filing. Applications in connection with hostile action in domestic situations shall conform to these same requirements and be filed with the Agency Head.
When used in this subchapter, unless otherwise specified, the terms—
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(1) Basic pay;
(2) Special pay;
(3) Incentive pay;
(4) Basic allowances for quarters;
(5) Basic allowance for subsistence; and
(6) Station per diem allowances for not more than 90 days.
(i)
The Director General of the Foreign Service for the Department of State, or other Agency Head in domestic situations, shall be responsible for notifying each individual determined to be eligible for benefits under the Act, or if that person is not available, a representative or family member of the eligible individual.
(a) To assist in ensuring that eligible persons receive compensation, each Agency Head shall notify the Director General of the Foreign Service of the Department of State of any incident which he or she believes may be appropriately declared a hostile action under § 192.1.
(b) The Director General of the Foreign Service for the Department of State shall promptly inform the head of any agency whenever an employee of that agency, or Family Member of such employee, is determined to be eligible for benefits under this subchapter in connection with hostile action.
(c) In accordance with inter-agency agreements between the Department of State and relevant agencies—
(1) The Department of Veterans Affairs will periodically bill the Department of State for expenses it pays for each eligible person under subpart E of this subchapter plus the administrative costs of carrying out its responsibilities under this part.
(2) The Department of State will, on a periodic basis, determine the cost for services and benefits it provides to all eligible persons under this subchapter, and bill each agency for the medical service costs (in connection with hostile action abroad) and educational benefits attributable to Principals and Family Members, plus a proportionate share of related administrative expenses.
A person designated as a captive under subpart A of this subchapter shall be eligible for benefits under this subpart.
(a) Captives are entitled to receive or have credited to their account, for the period in captive status, the same pay and allowances to which they were entitled at the beginning of that period or to which they may have become entitled thereafter.
(b) A person designated as a captive (or a family member of a principal) under subpart A of this subchapter whose captivity commenced on or after November 4, 1979, is also entitled to receive a cash payment from the captive's employing agency, for each day held captive, in an amount equal to but not less than one-half of the amount of the world-wide average per diem rate established under 5 U.S.C. 5702.
(a) The amount deducted from the pay and allowances of captives must be recorded in the individual accounts of the agency concerned. A Treasury designated account, set up on the books of the agency concerned, may be utilized by the head of an agency to report the net amount of pay, allowances and interest credited to captives pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5569(b). Interest payments under this section shall be paid out of
(b) Cash payments to captives for each day of captivity shall be made by the head of an agency before the end of the one-year period beginning on the date on which the captive status terminates. In the event the captive dies in captivity or prior to payment of these benefits, payment shall be made to the eligible survivors under § 192.51(c) or the estate. A payment under this subchapter may be deferred or denied by the head of an agency pending determination of an offense committed by the captive under the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 8312.
A person designated as a captive under subpart A of this subchapter, shall be eligible for benefits under this part.
(a) Eligible persons are entitled to the benefits provided by the Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940 (50 U.S.C. App. 501,
(b) In applying such Act for purposes of this section—
(1) The term
(2) The term
(3) References therein to the Secretary of the Army, the Secretary of the Navy, the Adjutant General of the Army, the Chief of Naval Personnel, and the Commandant, United States Marine Corps, or other officials of government are deemed, in the case of any captive, to be references to the Secretary of State; and
(4) The term
The following material is included to assist persons affected, by providing a brief description of some of the provisions of the Civil Relief Act. Note that not all of the sections applicable to captives have been included here. References to sections herein are references to the Civil Relief Act of 1940, as amended, followed by references in parentheses to the same section in the United States Code.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(a) The Director General of the Department of State or Agency Head will issue certifications or other documents when required for purposes of the Civil Relief Act.
(b) The Director General of the Department of State or Agency Head shall whenever possible promptly inform the chief legal officer of each U.S. State in which captives maintain residence of all persons determined to be captives eligible for assistance under this subpart.
A person designated as a captive or family member of a captive under subpart A of this subchapter, shall be eligible for benefits under this subpart.
A person eligible for benefits under this part shall be eligible for authorized physical and mental health care at U.S. Government expense (through either or advancement or reimbursement), and for payment of other authorized expenses related to such care or for obtaining such care for any illness or injury, to the extent, as determined by the Secretary of State or Agency Head, that such care is incident to an individual being held captive and is not covered by—
(a) Any other Government health or medical program, including, but not limited to, the programs administered
(b) Reimbursement by any private or Government health insurance or comparable plan. In the case of coverage by a private or Government health insurance plan, that carrier will be designated as the primary carrier, and benefits under this subpart will serve only to supplement expenses not paid by the primary carrier.
(a) (1) A person eligible due to hostile action abroad, who desires medical or health care under this subpart or any person acting on behalf thereof, shall submit an application to the Office of Medical Services, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520 (hereafter referred to as the “Office”). That office will handle and process medical applications and claims using the criteria in this subpart. Persons eligible in connection with domestic situations shall make application with the Agency Head, and the Agency Head shall apply the following procedures in a similar manner in administering medical benefits in domestic situations involving the respective agency.
(2) The applicant shall supply all relevant information, including insurance information, requested by the Director of the Office. An eligible person may also submit claims to the Office for payment for emergency care when there is not time to obtain prior authorization as prescribed by this paragraph.
(b) The Office shall evaluate all requests for care and claims for reimbursement and determine, on behalf of the Secretary of State, whether the care in question is authorized under § 192.31 of this subpart. The Office will authorize care or payment of care, when it determines the criteria of § 192.31 are met. Authorization shall include a determination as to the necessity and reasonableness of medical or health care.
(c) The Office will refer applicants eligible for benefits under other Government health programs to the Government agency administering those programs. Any portion of authorized care not provided or paid for under another Government program or private insurance will be reimbursed under this subpart, subject to a determination of the reasonableness of charges. Such determination shall be made by applying the fee schedule established by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), Department of Labor, which is used in paying medical benefits for work-related injuries to employees who are fully covered by OWCP.
(d) Eligible persons may obtain authorized care from any licensed facility or health care provider of their choice approved by the Office. To the extent possible, the Office will attempt to arrange for authorized care to be provided in a Government facility at no cost to the patient.
(e) Authorized care provided by a private facility or health care provider will be paid or reimbursed under this subpart to the extent that the Office determines that costs do not exceed reasonable and customary charges for similar care in the locality.
(f) All bills for authorized medical or health care covered by insurance shall be submitted to the patient's insurance carrier for payment prior to submission to the Office for payment of the balance authorized by this part. The Office will request the health care providers to bill the insurance carrier and the Department of State for authorized care, rather than the patient.
(g) Eligible persons will be reimbursed by the Office for authorized travel to obtain an evaluation of their claim under paragraph (b) of this section and for other authorized travel to obtain medical or health care authorized by this subpart.
Any dispute between the Office and eligible persons concerning whether medical or health care is required in a given case, whether required care is incident to the captivity, or whether the cost for any authorized care is reasonable and customary, shall be referred to the Medical Director, Department of State, for a determination. If the person bringing the claim is not satisfied with the decision of the Medical Director, the dispute shall be referred to a
(a) A spouse or unmarried dependent child (including an unmarried dependent stepchild or adopted child) under 21 years of age of a captive as determined under subpart A of the subchapter shall be eligible for benefits under 192.41 of this subpart. (Certain limitations apply, however, to persons eligible for direct assistance through other programs of the Department of Veterans' Affairs under chapter 35 of title 38, United States Code).
(b) A Principal designated as a captive under subpart A of this subchapter, who intends to change jobs or careers because of the captive experience and who desires additional training for this purpose, shall be eligible for benefits under § 192.42 of this part, unless the Secretary of the Department of Veterans' Affairs determines that such person is eligible to receive educational assistance for the additional training under either chapters 30, 32, 34, or 35, title 38 U.S.C.
(a) An eligible spouse or child shall be paid (by advancement or reimbursement) for expenses incurred for subsistence, tuition, fees, supplies, books and equipment, and other educational expenses while attending an educational or training institution approved in accordance with procedures established by the Department of Veterans' Affairs, which shall be comparable to procedures established pursuant to chapters 35 and 36 of title 38 U.S.C.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, payments shall be available under this subsection for an eligible spouse or child for educational training which occurs—
(1) 90 days after the Principal is placed in a captive status, and
(i) Through the end of any semester or quarter which begins before the date on which the Principal ceases to be in a captive status, or
(ii) If the educational or training institution is not operated on a semester or quarter system, the earlier of the end of any course which began before such date or the end of the sixteen-week period following that date.
(c) In special circumstances and within the limitation of § 192.44, the Secretary of State, under the criteria and procedures set forth in § 192.43, may approve payments for education or training under this subsection which occurs after the date determined under paragraph (b) of this section.
(d) In the event a Principal dies and the death is determined by the Agency Head to be incident to that individual being a captive, payments shall be available under this subsection for education or training of a spouse or child of the Principal which occurs after the date of death, up to the maximum that may be authorized under § 192.44.
(e) Family benefits under this subsection shall not be available for any spouse or child who is eligible for assistance under chapter 35 of title 38 U.S.C., or similar assistance under any other law.
(a) When authorized by the Agency Head, a Principal, following release from captivity, may be paid (by advancement or reimbursement) for expenses incurred for subsistence, tuition, fees, supplies, books and equipment, and other educational expenses while attending an educational or training institution approved in accordance with procedures established pursuant to chapter 35 and 36 of title 38 U.S.C. Payments shall be available under this subsection for education or training which occurs on or before—
(1) The end of any semester or quarter (as appropriate) which begins before the date which is 10 years after the day on which the Principal ceases to be in a captive status, or
(2) If the educational or training institution is not operated on a semester or quarter system, the earlier of the end of any course which began before such date or the end of the sixteen-week period following that date.
(b) A person eligible for benefits under this subsection shall not be required to separate from Government service in order to undertake the training or education. However, no educational assistance allowance shall be paid to any eligible person who is attending a course of education or training paid for under the Government Employees' Training Act and whose full salary is being paid to such person while so training.
(a) Any person desiring benefits under this part, shall apply in writing to the Director General of the Foreign Service, Department of State, Washington, DC 20502. The application shall specify the benefits desired and the basis of eligibility for those benefits. The Director General of the Foreign Service, on behalf of the Secretary of State, shall make determinations of eligibility for benefits under this part, and shall forward certified applications to the Department of Veterans' Affairs and advise the applicant of the name and address of the office in the Department of Veterans' Affairs that will counsel the eligible persons on how to obtain the benefits that have been approved. Persons whose applications are disapproved shall be advised in writing of the reason for the disapproval. Applications for foreign service nationals and their dependents shall be made with the Office of Foreign Service National Personnel, Department of State. That office will handle the administrative details and benefits using the criteria specified in this subchapter.
(b) The Department of Veterans' Affairs shall provide the same level and kind of assistance, including payments (by advancement or reimbursement) for authorized expenses up to the same maximum amounts, to spouses and children of captives, and to Principals following their release from captivity as it does to eligible spouses and children of veterans and to eligible veterans, respectively, under chapters 35 and 36 of title 38 U.S.C. The Department of Veterans' Affairs shall, under procedures it has established to administer section 1724 of title 38, U.S.C., discontinue assistance for any individual whose conduct or progress is unsatisfactory under standards consistent with those established pursuant to such section 1724.
(c) An Advisory Board shall be established to advise on eligibility for benefits under paragraphs (c) and (d) of § 192.41. The Board shall be composed of the Under Secretary of State for Management as Chair, the Director of the Office of Medical Services of the Department of State, the Executive Director of the regional bureau of the Department of State in whose region the relevant hostile action occurred, the Director of Personnel or other designee of the applicable employing agency, and a representative of the Department of Veterans' Affairs designated by the Secretary.
(d) If an application is received from a spouse or child for extended training under § 192.41(c), the Director General of the Foreign Service of the Department of State shall determine with the advice of the Advisory Board whether the Principal, following release from captivity, is incapacitated by the captive experience—
(1) To the extent that he or she has not returned to full-time active duty and is unlikely to be able to resume the normal duties of his or her position or career, or
(2) In the event of a separation from Government service, that the Principal is unable to assume a comparable position or career, for at least six months from the date of release from captivity. If the Secretary makes such a determination, he or she may approve, within the limits of § 192.44, an application under § 192.41(c) for up to one year of education or training. If the Principal remains incapacitated, the Secretary may approve additional training or education up to the maximum authorized under 192.44.
(a) In no event may assistance be provided under this subpart for any individual for a period in excess of 45 months, or the equivalent thereof in part-time education or training.
(b) The eligibility of a spouse for benefits under paragraph (c) or (d) of § 192.41 shall expire on a date which is 10 years after the date of the release of
(a) (1) The Federal Employees' Compensation Act (5 U.S.C. 8101
(2) In the case of foreign service national employees covered for work related injury or death under the local compensation plan established pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 3968, such applications should be filed with the organizational authority in the country of employment which provides such coverage. Benefit levels payable to foreign service national employees under this subpart shall be no less than comparable benefits payable to U.S. citizen employees under FECA. Eligibility determination and payment of supplemental benefits, if any, is the responsibility of the Director General of the Foreign Service for the State Department.
(b) Any death or disability benefit payment made under this section shall be reduced by the amount of any other death or disability benefits funded in whole or in part by the United States, except that the amount shall not be reduced below zero. The cash payment under § 192.11(b) of subpart B is excluded from the offset requirement.
(c) Compensation under this section may include payment (whether advancement or reimbursement) for any medical or health expenses relating to the death or disability involved to the extent that such expenses are not covered under subpart D of these regulations. Procedures of subpart D of these regulations shall apply in making such determinations.
(a) The Secretary of State or Agency Head may provide for payment, by the employing agency, of a death benefit to the surviving dependents of any eligible individual under § 192.1(a) who dies as a result of injuries caused by hostile action whose death was the result of the individual's relationship with the Government.
(b) The death benefit payment for an employee shall be equal to one year's salary at the time of death. Such death benefit is subject to the offset provisions under § 192.50(b) including the Federal Employees' Compensation Act. The death benefit for an employee's spouse and other eligible individuals under § 192.1(b) of subpart A shall be equal to one year's salary of the principal at the time of death.
(c) A death benefit payment for an adult under this section shall be made as follows:
(1) First, to the widow or widower.
(2) Second, to the dependent child, or children in equal shares, if there is no widow or widower.
(3) Third, to the dependent parent, or dependent parents in equal shares, if there is no widow, widower, or dependent child.
(4) Fourth, to adult, non-dependent children in equal shares.
(d) A death benefit payment for a child under this section shall be made as follows: To the surviving parents or legal guardian. If there are no surviving parents or legal guardian, no payment shall be made.
(e) As used in this section—each of the terms “widow”, “widower”, and “parent” shall have the same meaning given such term by section 8101 of title
(a) Principals who qualify for benefits under § 192.1 and are employees of the U.S. Government are considered for disability payments under programs administered by the Office of Workers' Compensation Programs (OWCP), Department of Labor, or in the case of foreign service national employees, the programs may be administered by either OWCP or the organizational authority in the country of employment which provides similar coverage under the local compensation plan established pursuant to 22 U.S.C. 3968. Normal filing procedures as specified by either OWCP or the local organizational authority which provides such coverage should be followed in determining eligibility. Duplicate benefits may not be received from both OWCP and the local organizational authority for the same claim. Additional benefits to persons qualifying for full FECA or similar benefits would not normally be payable under this subpart, except to foreign service national employees whose benefit levels are below comparable benefits payable to U.S. citizen employees under FECA. Foreign service national employees whose benefit levels are below comparable benefits payable to U.S. citizens under FECA may receive benefits under this subpart so that total benefits received are comparable to the benefits payable to U.S. citizen employees under FECA.
(b) Family members who do not qualify for either OWCP benefits or benefits from the organizational authority in the country of employment which provides similar coverage, and anyone eligible under § 192.1(a) who does not qualify for full benefits from OWCP, must file an application for disability benefits with the Office of Medical Services, Department of State, for a determination of eligibility under this subpart, if connected with hostile action abroad. Applications made in connection with hostile action in domestic situations will be directed to the Agency Head. Such applications for disability payments will be considered using the same criteria for determination as established by OWCP.
(c) Family members who are determined to be disabled by the Office of Medical Services, or Agency Head using the OWCP criteria, are eligible to receive a lump-sum payment based on the following guidelines:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
Section 599C, Pub. L. No. 101-513, 104 Stat. 2064, unless otherwise noted.
(a) The Secretary of State shall, upon his or her own initiative or upon application under § 193.3, notify the appropriate federal authorities, in classified or unclassified form as he or she determines to be necessary in the best interests of the affected individuals, the names of persons whom he or she determines to be in a hostage status within the meaning of subsection 599C)(d) of Public Law No. 101-513.
(b) In the case of Iraq and Kuwait, hostage status may be accorded to United States nationals, or family members of United States nationals,
(1) who are or who have been in a hostage status as defined in paragraph (b)(2) of this section in Iraq or Kuwait at any time during the period beginning on August 2, 1990 and terminating on the date on which United States economic sanctions are lifted, and
(2) who are being or who have been held in custody by governmental or military authorities of such country or who are taking or have taken refuge in the country in fear of being taken into such custody (including residing in any diplomatic mission or consular post in that country.)
(c) In the case of Lebanon, hostage status may be accorded to United States nationals, which, for purposes of this paragraph, includes lawful permanent residents of the United States, who have been forcibly detained, held hostage, or interned for any period of time after June 1, 1982, by any government (including the agents thereof) or group in Lebanon for the purpose of coercing the United States or any other government.
(d) Determinations of the Secretary regarding questions of eligibility status under 599C of the Act shall be final, but interested persons may request administrative reconsideration on the basis of information which was not considered at the time of the original determination. The criteria for such determinations are those which are prescribed in the Act and in these regulations.
(e) Eligibility determinations made under these regulations shall not be deemed to confer federal employment status for any purpose.
(f) Eligibility for benefits shall be subject to the availability of funds under subsection 599C(e) of the Act.
(a) For purposes of eligibility, the term
(b) The term
(c) The term
(d) The term
(a) Individuals who claim any eligibility under section 599C of the Act may apply for benefits in accordance with the procedures described herein. Family members may submit applications on behalf of persons who are unable to do so by reason of their hostage status.
(b) All applications for benefits
(c) Applications shall contain all identifying and other data to support the claim, including, where appropriate, copies of relevant documents respecting status, salary, and health and life insurance coverage.
(d) All applications shall be mailed to: Kuwait/Iraq/Lebanon Hostage Benefits Program, room 4817, Department of State, Washington, DC 20520-4818.
(e) Applications should be filed as quickly as possible, because benefits are available only until the funds allocated under the Act have been spent. When funds have been expended, the Department will publish a notice in the
(f) The Department of State may require of applicants such additional verification of hostage status and other pertinent information as it deems necessary.
(a) No application under this subpart may be denied by the Department except upon the written concurrence of the Assistant Legal Adviser for Consular Affairs.
(b) All applications shall be considered, evaluated, and/or prepared by the Federal Benefits Section of the Office of Overseas Citizens Consular Services. All federal agencies or other interested persons should contact the office at the address listed in § 193.3(d).
(c) The Department of State shall, where possible, notify individuals in writing of their eligibility for benefits under the Act, or ineligibility therefor, within thirty days of the Department's decision.
9 U.S.C. 306.
In accordance with the authority in chapter III of the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. 306), the Department of State has determined that the amended Rules of Procedures of the Inter-American Commercial Arbitration Commission (IACAC) should become effective in the United States and will come into force on April 1, 2002, at the same time as for all states party to the Inter-American Convention on International Commercial Arbitration. The IACAC's amended Rules of Procedure set forth the procedures for the initiation and conduct of arbitration of certain international commercial disputes to which the Inter-American Convention on International Commercial Arbitration applies. The amended Rules of Procedure are set out in full in appendix A to this part.
1. Where the parties to a contract have agreed in writing that disputes in relation to that contract shall be referred to arbitration under the IACAC Rules of Procedure, then such disputes shall be settled in accordance with these Rules subject to such modification as the parties may agree in writing and the IACAC may approve.
2. These Rules shall govern the arbitration, except that where any such rule is in conflict with any provision of the law applicable to the arbitration from which the parties cannot derogate, that provision shall prevail.
1. For the purposes of these rules, any notice, including a notification, communication or proposal, is deemed to have been received if it is physically delivered to the addressee in person or via fax, telex or any other means agreed to by the parties, or if it is delivered at his habitual residence, place of business or mailing address, or, if none of these can be found after making reasonable inquiry, then at the addressee's last known habitual residence or at his last known place of business. Notice shall be deemed to have been received on the day it is so delivered by any of the means stated in these rules.
2. For the purposes of calculating a period of time under these rules, such period shall begin to run on the day following the day when a notice, notification, communication or proposal is received. If the last day of such period is an official holiday or a non-business day at the residence or place of business of the addressee, the period is extended until the first business day which follows. Official holidays or non-business days occurring during the running of the period of time are included in calculating the period.
1. The party initiating recourse to arbitration (hereinafter referred to as the “claimant”) shall give to the other party (hereinafter referred to as the “respondent”) a notice requesting arbitration and shall provide a copy to the Director General of the IACAC, either directly or through the IACAC National Section if one exists in his country of domicile.
2. Arbitral proceedings shall be deemed to commence on the date on which the notice of arbitration is received by the respondent.
3. The request for arbitration shall at least include the following:
(a) A request that the dispute be submitted to arbitration;
(b) The names and addresses of the parties;
(c) A copy of the arbitration clause or the separate arbitration agreement;
(d) A reference to the contract out of which, or in relation to which, the dispute has arisen, and a copy thereof if the claimant deems it necessary;
(e) The general nature of the claim and an indication of the amount involved, if any;
(f) The relief or remedy sought;
(g) If three arbitrators are to be appointed, designation of one arbitrator, as referred to in Article 5, paragraph 3.
4. The request for arbitration may also include the statement of claim referred to in Article 15.
5. Upon receipt of the notice of arbitration, the Director General of the IACAC or the IACAC National Section shall communicate with all parties with respect to the arbitration and shall acknowledge the commencement of the arbitration.
The parties may be represented or assisted by persons of their choice. The names and addresses of such persons must be communicated in writing to the other party; such communication must specify whether the appointment is being made for purposes of representation or assistance.
1. If the parties have not otherwise agreed, three arbitrators shall be appointed.
2. When the parties have agreed that the dispute will be resolved by a single arbitrator, he may be appointed by the mutual agreement of the parties. If the parties have not done so within thirty (30) days from the date on which the notice of arbitration is received by the respondent, the arbitrator will be designated by the IACAC.
3. If three arbitrators are to be appointed, each party shall appoint one arbitrator. The two arbitrators thus appointed shall choose the third arbitrator, who will act as the presiding arbitrator of the tribunal.
4. If within thirty (30) days after receipt of the claimant's notification of the appointment of an arbitrator, the other party has not notified the first party with a copy to the Director General of the IACAC either directly or through the IACAC National Section if one exists in his country of domicile, of the arbitrator he has appointed, the arbitrator will be designated by the IACAC.
5. If within thirty (30) days after the appointment of the second arbitrator, the two arbitrators have not agreed on the choice of the presiding arbitrator, the presiding arbitrator will be appointed by the IACAC.
6. In making appointments, the IACAC shall have regard to such considerations as are likely to secure the appointment of independent and impartial arbitrators, and shall also take into account the advisability of appointing an arbitrator of a nationality other than the nationalities of the parties.
7. The IACAC may request from either party any information it deems necessary in order to discharge its functions.
A prospective arbitrator shall disclose to those who approach him in connection with his possible appointment any circumstances
1. Any arbitrator may be challenged if circumstances exist that give rise to justifiable doubts as to the arbitrator's impartiality or independence.
2. A party may challenge the arbitrator appointed by him only for reasons of which he becomes aware after the appointment has been made.
1. A party who intends to challenge an arbitrator shall send notice of his challenge within fifteen days after the appointment of the challenged arbitrator has been notified to the challenging party or within fifteen days after the circumstances mentioned in Articles 6 and 7 became known to that party.
2. The challenge shall be notified to the other party, to the arbitrator who is challenged and to the other members of the arbitral tribunal and to the Director General of the IACAC. The notification shall be in writing and shall state the reasons for the challenge.
3. When an arbitrator has been challenged by one party, the other party may agree to the challenge. The arbitrator may also, after the challenge, withdraw from his office. In neither case does this imply acceptance of the validity of the grounds for the challenge. In both cases the procedure provided in article 5 shall be used in full for the appointment of the substitute arbitrator, even if during the process of appointing the challenged arbitrator a party had failed to exercise his right to appoint or to participate in the appointment.
1. If the other party does not agree to the challenge and the challenged arbitrator does not withdraw, the decision on the challenge will be made by the IACAC.
2. If the IACAC sustains the challenge, a substitute arbitrator shall be appointed or chosen pursuant to the procedure applicable to the appointment or choice of an arbitrator as provided in these rules.
1. In the event of the death or resignation of an arbitrator during the course of the arbitral proceedings, a substitute arbitrator shall be appointed or chosen pursuant to the procedure applicable to the appointment or choice of the arbitrator being replaced.
2. In the event that an arbitrator fails to fulfill his functions or in the event of the
3. If an arbitrator on a three-person tribunal does not participate in the arbitration, the two other arbitrators shall have the power in their sole discretion to continue the arbitration and make any decision, ruling or award, notwithstanding the refusal of the third arbitrator to participate. In deciding whether to continue the arbitration or to render any decision, ruling or award, the two other arbitrators shall take into account the stage of the arbitration proceedings, the reasons, if any, stated by the third arbitrator for not participating, as well as such other matters they consider appropriate in the circumstances of the case. If the two arbitrators decide not to continue the arbitration without the participation of the third arbitrator, the IACAC on proof satisfactory to it shall declare the office vacant, and the party that initially appointed him shall proceed to appoint a substitute arbitrator within thirty (30) days following the vacancy declaration. If the designation is not made within the stated term, then the substitute arbitrator will be appointed by the IACAC.
If under Articles 8 to 10 the sole or presiding arbitrator is replaced, any hearings held previously shall be repeated; if any other arbitrator is replaced, such prior hearings may be repeated at the discretion of the arbitral tribunal.
1. Subject to these rules, the arbitral tribunal may conduct the arbitration in such manner as it considers appropriate, provided that the parties are treated with equality and that at any stage of the proceedings each party is given a full opportunity of presenting his case.
2. If either party so requests at any stage of the proceedings, the arbitral tribunal shall hold hearings for the presentation of evidence by witnesses, including expert witnesses, or for oral argument. In the absence of such a request, the arbitral tribunal shall decide whether to hold such hearings or
3. All documents or information supplied to the arbitral tribunal by one party shall at the same time be communicated by that party to the other party.
1. If the parties have not reached an agreement regarding the place of arbitration, the place of arbitration may initially be determined by the IACAC, subject to the power of the tribunal to determine finally the place of arbitration within sixty (60) days following the appointment of the last arbitrator. All such determinations shall be made having regard for the contentions of the parties and the circumstances of the case.
2. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the tribunal may meet in any place it may deem appropriate to hold hearings, hold meetings for consultation, hear witnesses, or inspect property or documents. The parties shall be given sufficient written notice to enable them to be present at any such proceeding.
1. Subject to an agreement by the parties, the arbitral tribunal shall, promptly after its appointment, determine the language or languages to be used in the proceedings. This determination shall apply to the statement of claim, the statement of defense, and any further written statements and, if oral hearings take place, to the language or languages to be used in such hearings.
2. The arbitral tribunal may order that any documents annexed to the statement of claim or statement of defense, and any supplementary documents or exhibits submitted in the course of the proceedings, delivered in their original language, shall be accompanied by a translation into the language or languages agreed upon by the parties or determined by the arbitral tribunal.
1. Unless the statement of claim was contained in the request for arbitration, within a period of time to be determined by the arbitral tribunal, the claimant shall communicate his statement of claim in writing to the respondent and to each of the arbitrators, with a copy to the IACAC. A copy of the contract, and of the arbitration agreement if not contained in the contract, shall be annexed thereto.
2. The statement of claim shall include the following particulars:
(a) The names and addresses of the parties;
(b) A statement of the facts supporting the claim;
(c) The points at issue;
(d) The relief or remedy sought.
The claimant may annex to his statement of claim all documents he deems relevant or may add a reference to the documents or other evidence he will submit.
1. Within a period of time to be determined by the arbitral tribunal, the respondent shall communicate his statement of defense in writing to the claimant and to each of the arbitrators, with a copy to the IACAC.
2. The statement of defense shall reply to the particulars (b), (c) and (d) of the statement of claim (Article 15, paragraph 2). The respondent may annex to his statement the documents on which he relies for his defense or may add a reference to the documents or other evidence he will submit.
3. In his statement of defense, or at a later stage in the arbitral proceedings if the arbitral tribunal decides that the delay was justified under the circumstances, the respondent may make a counterclaim arising out of the same contract, or rely on a claim arising out of the same contract for the purpose of a set-off.
4. The requirements provided in Article 15, paragraph 2, of these Rules shall apply to both any counterclaim or to any claim presented for the purposes of a set-off.
During the course of arbitral proceedings either party may amend or supplement his claim or defense unless the arbitral tribunal considers it inappropriate to allow such amendment, having regard to the delay in making it or prejudice to the other party or any other circumstances. However, a claim may not be amended in such a manner that the amended claim falls outside the scope of the arbitration clause or separate arbitration agreement.
1. The arbitral tribunal shall have the power to rule on objections that it has no jurisdiction, including any objection with respect to the existence or validity of the arbitration clause or of the separate arbitration agreement.
2. The arbitral tribunal shall have the power to determine the existence or the validity of the contract of which an arbitration clause or an arbitration agreement forms a part.
For the purposes of this Article, an arbitration clause that forms part of a contract and that provides for arbitration under these rules shall be treated as an agreement independent of the other terms of the contract. A decision by the arbitral tribunal that the contract is null and void shall not entail
3. A plea that the arbitral tribunal does not have jurisdiction shall be raised not later than in the statement of defense or, with respect to a counterclaim, in the reply to the counterclaim.
4. In general, the arbitral tribunal should rule on a plea concerning its jurisdiction as a preliminary question. However, the arbitral tribunal may proceed with the arbitration and rule on such a plea in its final award.
The arbitral tribunal shall decide which further written statements, in addition to the statement of claim and the statement of defense, shall be required from the parties or may be presented by them and shall fix the periods of time for communicating such statements.
The periods of time fixed by the arbitral tribunal for the communication of written statements (including the statement of claim and statement of defense) should not exceed forty-five days. However, the arbitral tribunal may extend the time limits if it concludes that an extension is justified.
1. Each party shall have the burden of proving the facts relied on to support his claim or defense.
2. The arbitral tribunal may, if it considers it appropriate, require a party to deliver to the tribunal and to the other party, within such a period of time as the arbitral tribunal shall decide, a summary of the documents and other evidence that that party intends to present in support of the facts in issue set out in his statement of claim or statement of defense.
3. At any time during the arbitral proceedings the arbitral tribunal may require the parties to produce documents, exhibits or other evidence within such a period of time as the tribunal shall determine.
1. In the event of an oral hearing, the arbitral tribunal shall give the parties adequate advance notice of the date, time and place thereof.
2. If witnesses are to be heard, at least fifteen days before the hearing each party shall communicate to the arbitral tribunal and to the other party the names and addresses of the witnesses he intends to present, and the subject upon and the languages in which such witnesses will give their testimony.
3. The arbitral tribunal shall make arrangements for the translation of oral statements made at a hearing and for a record of the hearing if either is deemed necessary by the tribunal under the circumstances of the case, or if the parties have agreed thereto and have communicated such agreement to the tribunal at least fifteen days before the hearing.
4. Hearings shall be held
5. Evidence of witnesses may also be presented in the form of written statements signed by them.
6. The arbitral tribunal shall determine the admissibility, relevance, materiality and weight of the evidence offered.
1. At the request of either party, the arbitral tribunal may take any interim measures it deems necessary in respect of the subject matter of the dispute, including measures for the conservation of the goods forming the subject matter in dispute, such as ordering their deposit with a third person or the sale of perishable goods.
2. Such interim measures may be established in the form of an interim award. The arbitral tribunal shall be entitled to require security for the costs of such measures.
3. A request for interim measures addressed by any party to a judicial authority shall not be deemed incompatible with the agreement to arbitrate, or as a waiver of that agreement.
1. The arbitral tribunal may appoint one or more experts to report to it, in writing, on specific issues to be determined by the tribunal. A copy of the expert's terms of reference, established by the arbitral tribunal, shall be communicated to the parties.
2. The parties shall give the expert any relevant information or produce for his inspection any relevant document or goods that he may require of them. Any dispute between a party and such expert as to the relevance of
3. Upon receipt of the expert's report, the arbitral tribunal shall communicate a copy of the report to the parties, who shall be given the opportunity to express, in writing, their opinion on the report. A party shall be entitled to examine any document on which the expert has relied in his report.
4. At the request of either party the expert, after delivery of the report, may be heard at a hearing where the parties shall have the opportunity to be present and to interrogate the expert. At this hearing either party may present expert witnesses in order to testify on the points at issue. The provisions of Article 22 shall be applicable to such proceedings.
1. If, within the period of time fixed by the arbitral tribunal, the claimant has failed to communicate his claim without showing sufficient cause for such failure, the arbitral tribunal shall issue an order for the termination of the arbitral proceedings.
2. If one of the parties, duly notified under these rules, fails to appear at a hearing without showing sufficient cause for such failure, the arbitral tribunal may proceed with the arbitration.
3. If one of the parties, duly invited to produce documentary evidence, fails to do so within the established period of time, without showing sufficient cause for such failure, the arbitral tribunal may make the award on the evidence before it.
1. The arbitral tribunal may inquire of the parties if they have any further proofs to offer or witnesses to be heard or submissions to make and, if there are none, it may declare the hearings closed.
2. The arbitral tribunal may, if it considers it necessary owing to exceptional circumstances, decide, on its own motion or upon application of a party, to reopen the hearings at any time before the award is made.
A party who knows that any provision of, or requirement under, these rules has not been complied with and yet proceeds with the arbitration without promptly stating his objection to such non-compliance shall be deemed to have waived his right to object.
The arbitral tribunal shall adopt its decisions by a majority vote. When there is no majority, the decision shall be made by the president of the tribunal.
1. In addition to making a final award, the arbitral tribunal shall be entitled to make interim, interlocutory, or partial awards.
2. The award shall be made in writing and shall be final and binding on the parties and subject to no appeal. The parties undertake to carry out the award without delay.
3. The arbitral tribunal shall state the reasons upon which the award is based, unless the parties have agreed that no reasons are to be given.
4. An award shall be signed by the arbitrators and it shall contain the date on which and the place where the award was made, which shall be the place designated in Article 13. Where there are three arbitrators and one of them fails to sign, the award shall state the reasons for the absence of the signature.
5. The award may be made public only with the consent of both parties.
6. Copies of the award signed by the arbitrators shall be communicated to the parties by the arbitral tribunal.
7. If the arbitration law of the country where the award is made requires that the award be filed or registered by the arbitral tribunal, the tribunal shall comply with this requirement within the period of time required by law.
1. The arbitral tribunal shall apply the law designated by the parties as applicable to the substance of the dispute. Failing such designation by the parties, the arbitral tribunal shall apply the law determined by the conflict of laws rules that it considers applicable.
2. The arbitral tribunal shall decide as
3. In all cases, the arbitral tribunal shall decide in accordance with the terms of the contract and shall take into account the usages of the trade applicable to the transaction.
1. If, before the award is made, the parties agree on a settlement of the dispute, the arbitral tribunal shall either issue an order for the termination of the arbitral proceedings or, if requested by both parties and accepted by the tribunal, record the settlement in the form of an arbitral award on agreed terms. The arbitral tribunal is not obliged to give reasons for such an award.
2. If, before the award is made, the continuation of the arbitral proceedings becomes unnecessary or impossible for any reason not mentioned in paragraph 1, the arbitral tribunal shall inform the parties of its intention to issue an order for the termination of the proceedings. The arbitral tribunal shall have the power to issue such an order unless a party raises justifiable grounds for objection.
3. Copies of the order for termination of the arbitral proceedings or of the arbitral award on agreed terms, signed by the arbitrators, shall be communicated by the arbitral tribunal to the parties. Where an arbitral award on agreed terms is made, the provisions of Article 29, paragraphs 2 and 4, shall apply.
1. Within thirty days after the receipt of the award, either party may request that the arbitral tribunal give an interpretation of the award. The tribunal shall notify the other party or parties to the proceedings of such request.
2. The interpretation shall be given in writing within forty-five days after the receipt of the request. The interpretation shall form part of the award and the provisions of Article 29, paragraphs 2 to 7, shall apply.
1. Within thirty days after the receipt of the award, either party may request the arbitral tribunal, which shall notify the other party, to correct in the award any errors in computation, any clerical or typographical errors, or any errors of similar nature. The arbitral tribunal may within thirty days after the communication of the award make such corrections on its own initiative.
2. Such corrections shall be in writing, and the provisions of Article 29, paragraphs 2 to 7, shall apply.
1. Within thirty days after the receipt of the award, either party may request the arbitral tribunal, which shall notify the other party, to make an additional award as to claims presented in the arbitral proceedings but omitted from the award.
2. If the arbitral tribunal considers the request for an additional award to be justified and considers that the omission can be rectified without any further hearings or evidence, it shall complete its award within sixty days after the receipt of the request.
3. When an additional award is made, the provisions of Article 29, paragraphs 2 to 7, shall apply.
The arbitral tribunal shall fix the costs of arbitration in its award. The term “costs” includes only:
(a) The fees of the arbitral tribunal, to be stated separately as to each arbitrator and to be fixed by the tribunal itself in accordance with Article 36;
(b) The travel and other expenses incurred by the arbitrators;
(c) The costs of expert advice and of other assistance required by the arbitral tribunal;
(d) The travel and other expenses of witnesses to the extent such expenses are approved by the arbitral tribunal;
(e) The costs for legal representation and assistance of the successful party if such costs were claimed during the arbitral proceedings, and only to the extent that the arbitral tribunal determines that the amount of such costs is reasonable;
(f) The administrative fee and other service charges of the IACAC; which shall be set by the Arbitrator Nominating Committee of the IACAC in accordance with the schedule in effect at the time of the commencement of the arbitration. The committee may set a provisional fee when the proceedings are instituted and the final amount before the award is rendered, so that such amount may be taken into account by the tribunal when rendering its award.
1. The fees of the arbitral tribunal and the administrative fees for the IACAC shall be set in accordance with the schedule in effect at the time of commencement of the arbitration. The fees shall be calculated on the basis of the amount involved in the arbitration; if that amount cannot be determined, the fees shall be set discretionally.
2. The amount between the maximum and minimum range in the schedule shall be set in accordance with the nature of the dispute,
1. The costs of arbitration shall be borne by the unsuccessful party. However, the arbitral tribunal may apportion each of such costs between the parties if it determines that apportionment is reasonable, taking into account the circumstances of the case.
2. When the arbitral tribunal issues an order for the termination of the arbitral proceedings or makes an award on agreed terms, it shall fix the costs of arbitration referred to in Article 35 in the text of that order or award.
3. No additional fees may be charged by an arbitral tribunal for interpretation or correction or completion of its award under Articles 32 to 34.
1. The arbitral tribunal, on its establishment, or the Arbitrator Nominating Committee of the IACAC within its purview, may request each party to deposit an equal amount as an advance for the costs referred to in Article 35, paragraphs (a), (b), (c) and (f).
2. During the course of the arbitral proceedings the arbitral tribunal may request supplementary deposits from the parties.
3. When a party so requests, the arbitral tribunal shall fix the amounts of any deposits or supplementary deposits only after consultation with the IACAC, which may make any comments to the arbitral tribunal which it deems appropriate concerning the amounts of such deposits and supplementary deposits.
4. If the required deposits are not paid in full within thirty days after the receipt of the request, the arbitral tribunal shall so inform the parties in order that one or another of them may make the required payment. Should one of the parties fail to pay its deposits in full, the other party may do so in its stead. If payment in full is not made, the arbitral tribunal may order the suspension or termination of the arbitral proceedings.
5. After the award has been made, the arbitral tribunal shall render an accounting to the parties of the deposits received and return any unexpended balance to the parties.
Any disputes arising under contracts that stipulate resolution of such disputes pursuant to the IACAC Rules of Procedure and that have not been submitted to an arbitral tribunal as of the date on which these rules enter into effect shall be subject to these rules in their entirety.
22 U.S.C. 2719.
The Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs/Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program is designed to attract outstanding men and women at the undergraduate and graduate educational levels for the purpose of increasing the level of knowledge and awareness of and employment with the Foreign Service, consistent with 22 U.S.C. 3905. The Program develops a source of trained men and women, from academic disciplines representing the skill needs of the Department, who are dedicated to representing the United States' interests abroad.
(a)
(b)
(c)
The Department of State may make a grant to a post-secondary education institution for the purpose of increasing the level of knowledge and awareness of and interest in employment with the Foreign Service, consistent with 22 U.S.C. 3905, not to exceed $1,000,000, unless otherwise authorized by law.
The Department of State's Bureau of Human Resources, Office of Recruitment is responsible for administering the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs/Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship Program and grants to post-secondary institutions and may be contacted for more detailed information.
The regulations governing the responsibilities and conduct of employees of the Agency for International Development are codified as part 2635 of title 5, prescribed by the Office of Government Ethics.
22 U.S.C. 2381.
Nomenclature changes to part 201 appear at 62 FR 38027, July 16, 1997.
As used in this part, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated below:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
(x)
(y)
(z)
(aa)
(bb)
(cc)
(a) The appropriate implementing documents will indicate whether and the extent to which this part 201 shall apply to the procurement of commodities or commodity-related services or both. Whenever this part 201 is applicable, those terms and conditions of this part will govern which are in effect on the date of issuance of the direct letter of commitment to the supplier; if a bank letter of commitment is applicable, the terms and conditions govern which are in effect on the date of issuance of an irrevocable letter of credit under which payment is made or is to be made from funds made available under the Act, or, if no such letter of credit has been issued, on the date payment instructions for payment from funds made available under the Act are received by the paying bank.
(b) The borrower/grantee is responsible for compliance with the applicable provisions of this part by importers and suppliers and for assuring that importers and suppliers are informed of the extent to which this part applies.
(c) Unless otherwise indicated, references in this part 201 to subparts or to sections relate to subparts or sections of this part 201.
(a) OMB has approved the following information collection and recordkeeping requirements established by this part 201 (OMB Control No. 0412-0514, expiring July 31, 2000):
(b) USAID will use the information requested in these sections to verify compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and to assist in the administration of USAID-financed commodity programs. The information is required from suppliers in order to receive payment for commodities or commodity-related services. The public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average a half hour per response, including the time required for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to the Office of Procurement, Policy Division (M/OP/P), U.S. Agency for International Development, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC 20523-7801, and the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0412-0514), Washington, DC 20503.
This subpart sets forth requirements for USAID financing applicable to transactions for the procurement of commodities and/or commodity-related services.
To qualify for USAID financing, a commodity procurement transaction shall satisfy the following requirements:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) By a transportation medium owned, operated or under the control of any country not included within USAID Geographic Code 935; or
(2) Under any ocean or air charter which has not received prior approval by USAID/W, Office of Procurement (Transportation Division).
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
Incidental services may be financed under the same implementing document which makes funds available for the procurement of equipment only if:
(a) Such services are specified in the purchase contract relating to the equipment;
(b) The price satisfies the requirements of § 201.68;
(c) The portion of the total purchase contract price attributable to such services does not exceed 25 percent; and
(d) The supplier of such services, prior to approval of the USAID Commodity Approval Application, has neither been suspended or debarred by USAID under part 208 of this chapter, nor has been placed on the “Lists of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Nonprocurement Programs,” published by the U.S. General Services Administration.
(e) The supplier of such services meets the requirements of § 228.25 of this chapter.
(a)
(b)
(1) For shipment beyond the point of entry in the cooperating country except when intermodal transportation service covering the carriage of cargo from point of origin to destination is used, and the point of destination, as stated in the carrier's through bill of lading, is established in the carrier's tariff; or
(2) On a transportation medium owned, operated or under the control of any country not included in Geographic Code 935; or
(3) Under any ocean or air charter covering full or part cargo (whether for a single voyage, consecutive voyages, or a time period) which has not received prior approval by USAID/W, Office of Procurement, Transportation Division); or
(4) Which are attributable to brokerage commissions which exceed the limitations specified in § 201.65(h) or to address commissions, dead freight, demurrage or detention.
(c)
(d)
(i) The insurance is placed in a country included in the authorized Geographic Code: Provided, that if the authorized Geographic Code is any other than USAID Geographic Code 000, the cooperating country itself shall be recognized as an eligible source; and
(ii) Such insurance is placed either in accordance with the terms of the commodity purchase contract or on the written instructions of the importer; and
(iii) Insurance coverage relates only to the period during which the commodities are in transit to the cooperating country, except that it may include coverage under a warehouse-to-warehouse clause; and
(iv) The premiums do not exceed the limitations contained in § 201.68; and
(v) The insurance provides that loss payment proceeds shall be paid in U.S. dollars or other freely convertible currency.
(2) Within the meaning of § 201.11(e), as well as this paragraph, insurance is placed in a country only if payment of the insurance premium is made to, and the insurance policy is issued by, an insurance company office located in that country.
(e)
The cost of any bid bond or guaranty posted by a successful bidder or of any performance bond or guaranty posted by a supplier is eligible for financing under the implementing document, provided that the bond or guaranty conforms to the requirements of the invitation for bids or the contract, as applicable, and to the extent that the principal amount of the bond or guaranty does not exceed the amount customary in international trade for the type of transaction and commodity involved. Bonds or guaranties may be payable in U.S. dollars, or a freely convertible currency or local currency, and shall be posted in favor of the purchaser. Nationality requirements for sureties, insurance companies or banks who issue bonds or guaranties under USAID-financed transactions are set forth in § 228.38(b) of this chapter.
(a)
(1) At least fifty percent (50%) of the gross tonnage (computed separately for dry bulk carriers, dry cargo liners, and tankers from each of two geographic
(2) At least fifty percent (50%) of the gross freight revenue generated by all shipments of USAID-financed commodities which are transported to the territory of the borrower/grantee on dry cargo liners shall be paid to or for the benefit of privately owned U.S. flag commercial vessels.
(b)
(2) Compliance with these requirements with respect to dry bulk carriers and tankers shall be achieved for each quantitative unit of cargo. A quantitative unit of cargo is the total tonnage of a commodity or commodities included in one invitation for bids or other solicitation of offers from ocean carriers for the transportation of cargo which may move in full shipload lots. USAID shall approve a charter or other contract of affreightment for a non-U.S. flag vessel only if USAID has determined that at least 50% of the quantitative unit will move on U.S. flag vessels, to the extent that such vessels are available at fair and reasonable rates for such vessels. U.S. flag dry cargo liners whose offers are responsive to the terms of the invitation for bids or other solicitation of vessels may be used for achieving compliance for the quantitative unit.
(c)
(d)
(e)
This subpart prescribes procurement procedures which shall apply to an importer whenever a commodity procurement is to be financed by USAID subject to this part 201.
The importer is responsible for providing the supplier with the following information (either through the invitation for bids, the request for quotations or otherwise):
(a) Notice that the transaction is to be financed by USAID under this part 201;
(b) The identification number of the implementing document;
(c) All additional information prerequisite to USAID financing and contained in the instructions from the borrower/grantee to the importer (for example, eligible source of commodity, periods during which deliveries must be made, shipping provisions, and documentation requirements); and, where appropriate,
(d) Notice of the marking requirements in § 201.31(d), when the importer is the government of the cooperating
(a)
(b)
(1)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(2)
(3)
(c)
(d)
(i) When it is impossible to develop adequate commodity specifications for use in an invitation for bids;
(ii) When price alone would not be an effective means of determining an award (
(iii) When emergency procurement is justified by a demonstration that the time required for formal competitive bid procedures would result in an unacceptable delay in delivering the commodities;
(iv) When proprietary procurement is justified; or
(v) When adherence to formal competitive procedures would impair program objectives.
(2) When formal competitive bidding procedures have failed, all bids have been rejected, and further use of such procedures would clearly not be productive, the Mission Director may authorize the use of competitive negotiation procedures. Further advertising is not required. The request for quotations may be prepared as a new document or may incorporate appropriate provisions of the invitation for bids. It shall be submitted to those potential suppliers who originally submitted bids in response to the invitation for bids.
(e)
(1) The nature of the commodities to be purchased;
(2) The number of sources which can supply the commodities;
(3) The value of the procurement; and
(4) The administrative cost of procuring the commodities.
(f)
(1) Substantial benefits, such as economies in maintenance of spare parts inventories, stronger local dealer organization, better repair facilities, or greater familiarity by operating personnel, can be achieved through standardizing on a particular brand;
(2) Compatibility with equipment on hand is required; or
(3) Special design or operational characteristics are required.
(g)
(i) the purchaser can demonstrate the existence of an emergency situation in which the requirement for competition would result in an unacceptable delay in the procurement of the commodities;
(ii) proprietary procurement is justified and the necessary commodities or spare parts are available from only one source, taking into account any special requirements such as the need for in-country service capability; or
(iii) adherence to competitive procedures would result in the impairment of the objectives of the United States foreign assistance program or would not be in the best interest of the United States.
(2)
(h)
(ii) Additionally, if the estimated value of the contract is more than $100,000, or equivalent (exclusive of ocean and air transportation costs), the notice of availability of the invitation for bids or request for quotations shall be published in the “Commerce Business Daily” of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
(2)
(ii) When formal competitive bid procedures have failed to result in an award pursuant to paragraph (d)(2) of this section and a determination is made to follow competitive negotiation procedures, no further advertising is required.
(iii) The requirements for advertising as set forth above may be waived by USAID to avoid serious procurement delays in certain circumstances, provided, however, that efforts shall be made to secure bids or offers from a reasonable number of potential suppliers.
(i)
(2) Each contract in excess of $100,000, or equivalent (exclusive of ocean and air transportation costs), must be formally approved by USAID prior to finalization with the supplier.
(3) USAID may require that contracts under $100,000 be formally approved prior to finalization with the supplier.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(i) The importer is purchasing for resale or processing, as the supplier's regularly authorized distributor or dealer, a commodity which, under the terms of the distributorship or dealer agreement, the importer is precluded from buying from another supplier; or
(ii) The importer is purchasing for resale a registered brand-name commodity from a supplier who is the exclusive distributor of that commodity to the area of the importer.
(2) USAID may require the importer to furnish, or cause to be furnished, to USAID documentary evidence of the existence of the relationships described in paragraph (e)(1) of this section.
(a)
(2)
(b)
(i) The period between the commencement of work and the first required delivery will exceed four months;
(ii) There will be substantial predelivery costs that may have a material impact on a suppliers's working capital;
(iii) The total FAS purchase price will exceed $200,000;
(iv) The supplier must establish a performance bond or guaranty in favor of the borrower/grantee providing adequate security for the amount of the progress payments; and
(v) The amount of the progress payments does not exceed 95 percent of the total FAS purchase price.
(2)
(3)
(c)
(i) USAID will benefit therefrom, in terms of increased competition and/or lower prices, prior to the issuance of the solicitation or prior to award of a noncompetitive contract; and
(ii) The supplier has a financial management system which is adequate for controlling and accounting for U.S. government funds.
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
Whenever the importer requires the posting of a bid bond or guaranty or performance bond or guaranty, the type of bond or guaranty (certified check, irrevocable letter of credit, bank bond, bank guaranty, or surety bond) shall be at the option of the bidder or supplier. Posted bid bonds or guaranties shall be returned to unsuccessful bidders promptly after an award is made. Unless converted to a required performance bond or guaranty, any bid bond or guaranty posted by the successful bidder shall also be returned promptly. Performance bonds or guaranties (as distinguished from commodity warranties of quality or performance) shall be canceled no later than 30 days after completion of the contract performance guarantied.
Unless otherwise authorized by USAID, any marine insurance loss payment under a marine insurance policy financed pursuant to this part 201 received by the importer, either directly or indirectly, shall be used by the importer as follows:
(a) To procure from a source specified in the implementing document which originally provided the USAID funds, commodities which have been designated by USAID to the borrower/grantee as eligible for USAID financing; or
(b) To cover the cost of repairs to commodities damaged during shipment.
This subpart establishes the responsibilities of suppliers who furnish commodities and/or commodity-related services.
(a)
(b)
(1) The commodity conforms to the description contained in its contract and letter of credit or direct letter of
(2) The source of the commodity complies with the provisions of § 201.11(b) relating to source as required by its contract, letter of credit or direct letter of commitment;
(3) The provisions of § 201.11(d) relating to the medium of transportation are complied with to the extent that the supplier arranges such transportation;
(4) All documents required by § 201.52 to be submitted by the supplier to receive payment are submitted by it on or before the terminal date specified in the letter of credit, direct letter of commitment, or, if payment is to be made at sight, the purchase contract;
(5) The provisions of the U.S. Treasury Department Foreign Assets, Sanctions, Transactions and Funds Control Regulations published in 31 CFR parts 500 through 599, as from time to time amended, are complied with; and
(6) The purchase price of the commodity meets the requirements of subpart G of this part applicable to the supplier.
(c)
(d)
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(2)
(i) Raw materials shipped in bulk (including grain, coal, petroleum, oil, and lubricants);
(ii) Vegetable fibers packaged in bales; and
(iii) Semifinished products which are not packaged in any way.
(3)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a)
(b)
(c)
This subpart sets forth certain provisions of general application to transactions subject to this part.
The borrower/grantee shall maintain records adequate to document the arrival and disposition in the cooperating country of all commodities financed by USAID, and to identify the importer (or the first purchaser or transferee if the commodity is imported by the borrower/grantee) for a period of 3 years following the date of payment or reimbursement by USAID or for such other period as USAID and the borrower/grantee agree. In addition, the borrower/grantee or the importer shall, to the extent either exercises control or custody over the commodities, permit USAID or any of its authorized representatives at all reasonable times during the 3-year or other agreed period to inspect the commodities at any point, including the point of use, and to inspect all records and documents pertaining to such commodities.
Unless specifically authorized by USAID, commodities imported into a cooperating country under USAID-financing may not be exported in the same or substantially in the same form from the cooperating country. In the event of any unauthorized reexport, the borrower/grantee shall pay promptly to USAID, upon demand, the entire amount reimbursed or such lesser or greater amount as USAID may deem appropriate under the circumstances of the particular transaction. Such an amount shall in no event, however, exceed the greater of either the amount reimbursed or the amount realized from the reexport.
USAID may require that charter parties, bills of lading, or other ocean shipping documents covering USAID-financed commodities contain a clause substantially as follows:
USAID may at any time prior to unloading prescribe a different port of discharge from among the ports covered by the applicable tariff. Diversion charges shall apply in accordance with the tariff or contract of affreightment. Deviation insurance and extra handling costs actually incurred shall be reimbursed.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(b)
(2) USAID will assume the responsibility for any extra costs (including the costs of marine insurance and handling) which are incurred as a result of a diversion. Such costs shall not exceed diversion charges as per tariff (liner shipments) or contract of affreightment (charters), and shall include only those deviation insurance and extra handling costs which are actually incurred.
(3) USAID shall incur no liability to the borrower/grantee, the importer, or to the approved applicant by reason of any order which vests in USAID title
(a)
(2) Unless the supplier and USAID agree otherwise, to the extent that the supplier has received an irrevocable letter of credit from a bank under an USAID letter of commitment, the purchase contract shall be affected only to the extent necessary to comply with any vesting order issued by USAID in accordance with § 201.44.
(b)
(a)
(1) Shipment is prohibited by order of the U.S. Government and such order has general application to all shipments to the cooperating country.
(2) Payment may not be made by the bank under the terms of the letter of credit or payment instructions.
(3) The supplier is unable to dispose of the commodities without loss.
(4) The supplier tenders to USAID a negotiable warehouse receipt covering the commodities in question and presents to USAID such other documentation required by § 201.52 as may be appropriate under the circumstances.
(b)
The borrower/grantee shall pay promptly to USAID a sum equal to the proceeds received by an importer or its assignee in settlement of a marine insurance claim under a marine insurance policy financed pursuant to this part 201, if such proceeds are not expended in the manner provided by § 201.26 within a reasonable period after receipt by the importer.
This subpart describes:
(a) The methods by which USAID will make payment or reimbursement for commodities and commodity related services which have been furnished;
(b) The documentation required to be submitted to USAID for the purpose of obtaining such payment or reimbursement; and
(c) The terminal date for presentation of documents which USAID requires as a condition for payment or reimbursement.
Under procurements subject to this part 201, the following methods of financing may be employed by USAID In each case, the method of financing shall be consistent with provisions in the pertinent implementing documents.
(a)
(b)
(1)
(i) Identification of the loan or grant agreement;
(ii) The dollar amount of the letter of commitment;
(iii) The name and address of the bank to which the letter of commitment is to be issued;
(iv) The name and address of the approved applicant;
(v) The expiration date to be stated in the letter of commitment, which shall be not later than the final date specified in the implementing document for submission of documentation to the bank as a basis for disbursement against the letter of commitment, except that, if a terminal shipping date is provided in the implementing document, the expiration date shall be the last day of the month following the month in which the terminal shipping date occurs.
(vi) Identification of the items to be financed under the letter of commitment (including the Schedule B identification).
(2)
(ii)
(iii)
(3)
(c)
(2) To claim reimbursement for interest on advances, the bank shall claim
(i) The monthly statement of advance account established under the letter of commitment, in duplicate, showing:
(A) The opening balance;
(B) The date and amount of each type of charge attributable to the letter of commitment, indicating the number of the letter of commitment, subsidiary letter of credit, or payment instruction or request under which the charge was made;
(C) The date and amount of each USAID reimbursement to the bank, indicating either the USAID bureau voucher number or the number of the letter of commitment, subsidiary letter of credit, or payment instruction or request under which the payment was made; and
(D) The closing balance;
(ii) The bank's monthly advice of charge, in duplicate, showing:
(A) The outstanding balance in the advance account on each day of the period covered; and
(B) The amount of interest charged during the period.
(3)
(4)
(d)
(2) Assignment may be permitted as provided for in the direct letter of commitment.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(A) The name and address of the importer;
(B) The quantity and the description of each item shipped, in sufficient detail, including the U.S. Department of Commerce Schedule B number, for ready identification;
(C) The total gross sales price;
(D) The total net sales price (determined by deducting from the total gross sales price the amounts required to be deducted under § 201.65(d));
(E) The sales price for each item net of all trade discounts under § 201.65(d);
(F) The delivery terms (e.g., f.o.b., f.a.s., c.i.f. or c. & f.);
(G) The type and dollar amount of each incidental service which is not included in the price of the commodity
(H) The type and dollar amount of each delivery service obtained by the supplier of the commodity for the importer's account which is not included in the price of the commodity and for which reimbursement is claimed;
(I) To the extent that the commodity price includes commodity-related services, a list of each such service and the dollar amounts attributable to each such service; and
(J) Unless a Supplier's certificate covering marine insurance is submitted, the name and address of the supplier of such insurance and the dollar cost thereof.
(ii) Each invoice submitted under a bank letter of commitment shall be marked PAID by the supplier, or alternatively, the bank may certify by an endorsement on or attachment to the invoice that payment has been made in the amount shown on the invoice.
(iii) Each invoice must contain certifications from the supplier to the effect that:
(A) The USAID marking requirements set forth in § 201.31(d) have been met;
(B) Unless otherwise specified by USAID, the supplier has airmailed to the USAID Mission in the capital city of the cooperating country one copy each of the invoice, packing list and bill(s) of lading;
(C) If shipment is effected by ocean vessel, one copy of all bill(s) of lading described in § 201.52(a)(4) has been maiIed to: Maritime Administration, Division of National Cargo, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001; and Transportation Division, Office of Procurement, USAID, Washington, DC 20523-7900.
(3)
(i) By the commodity supplier whenever USAID-finances any portion of the dollar price of a commodity sale under c.&f. or c.i.f. delivery terms, or
(ii) By the supplier of ocean transportation whenever USAID-finances the freight under any freight reimbursement arrangement.
(4)
(ii) When the commodity is transported to the cooperating country under its own power (e.g., a fishing vessel), USAID will require a certificate signed by the importer or its authorized agent, certifying that the commodity has been received by the importer, to be submitted instead of a bill of lading.
(iii) When the supplier is not responsible under the terms of its agreement with the importer for assuring that the commodities are loaded on board the vessel, such as when delivery terms are f.a.s. port of shipment, the importer may request and the Commodity Support Division, Office of Procurement, USAID, Washington, DC 20523-7900 may authorize the following documents, instead of a bill of lading, to be submitted with a claim for reimbursement or payment for the commodities:
(A) A dock or warehouse receipt containing the commodity description, weight and cubic measurement, port of loading, and, if available, name and flag of vessel; the receipt must show consignment of the commodities to a person or organization designated by the importer; and
(B) A letter from the consignee addressed to USAID undertaking to arrange for shipment of the goods to the cooperating country and to deliver to: FM/CMPD, Office of Financial Management, USAID, Washington, DC 20523-7702, within 15 days from the date of shipment, a copy of the bill of lading evidencing shipment to the cooperating country. The bill of lading shall indicate the carrier's complete statement of charges, as in paragraph (a)(4)(i) of this section.
(5)
(i) Provide as an attachment to a copy of the invoice, a copy of the bill of lading (bearing a notation of the freight cost) covering the shipment of the commodity into the free port or bonded warehouse, or
(ii) If such a bill of lading is not available to the supplier, provide the following information and certify to the accuracy of the information: the country or area from which the commodities were shipped to such free port or bonded warehouse; the name and flag of the vessel which transported the commodities from the source country to the free port or bonded warehouse; the cost of the freight for such shipment; and the free port or bonded warehouse to which shipment was made from the source country, or
(iii) If commodities have been commingled in the warehouse in such a way that shipments out of the warehouse cannot be related to particular shipments into the warehouse, the supplier shall certify to the best of its knowledge and belief that a portion of the commodities was transported to the free port or bonded warehouse as required by § 201.13(b)(1)(i)(D), and the quantity for which USAID-financing is sought does not exceed that amount.
(6)
(i) The supplier of the commodity for the cost of the commodity and any commodity-related services furnished by the commodity supplier;
(ii) The carrier for the cost of ocean or air transportation financed by USAID;
(iii) The insurer for the cost of marine insurance financed by USAID if such cost exceeds $50.
(7)
(8)
(b)
(2) The Supplier's Certificate covering the cost of marine insurance may be executed on behalf of the marine insurer by an insurance broker or by a commodity supplier if the commodity supplier is the assured under an open cargo insurance policy issued by the marine insurer and is authorized under such policy to bind the marine insurer by issuing insurance certificates or policies in favor of importers. In each such case, the insurance broker or commodity supplier shall indicate on the Supplier's Certificate the name and address of the insurance company which is acting as the supplier of marine insurance and shall describe itself below its signature as a commodity supplier issuing a certificate under an open cargo insurance policy or as an insurance broker.
(a)
(b)
(1) Payments or negotiations made under letters of credit expiring no later than the expiration date stated in the letter of commitment, or
(2) Payments to a supplier, the approved applicant, or, at the request of an approved applicant, to a person other than the supplier, made no later than such expiration date.
(c)
This subpart prescribes rules relating to prices, discounts, commissions, credits, allowances, and other payments. These rules shall be observed in the procurement of commodities and commodity-related services financed under this part. The rules implement and supplement the requirements of the Act relating to prices in such procurement. The general purpose of these rules is to assure the prudent use of USAID funds.
(a)
(2) Section 604(b) of the Act provides that no funds made available under this Act shall be used for the purchase in bulk of any commodities at prices higher than the market price prevailing in the United States at the time of purchase, adjusted for differences in the cost of transportation to destination, quality, and terms of payment.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) Is not sufficiently different from the sale being tested to result customarily in a price different from the price in the sale being tested; or
(2) Can be related to the sale being tested through application of a customary price differential. A sale which is otherwise comparable to another sale is not rendered noncomparable by virtue of its being made out of a free port or bonded warehouse. The fact that a sale is made out of a free port or bonded warehouse shall not cause that
(f) The
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(a)
(1) When required by USAID, develop and periodically update, or cooperate with USAID in the development and updating of, lists of importers who have traditionally imported the commodities which may be purchased under the loan or grant. Such listings shall be by commodity groupings selected by USAID, cover all commodities eligible for financing, and, to the extent such information is available, show the names and addresses of all importers, regardless of the source from which their imports originated.
(2) Insure that the importer
(i) Procures in accordance with the conditions set forth in subpart C as applicable, and
(ii) Except as provided otherwise in § 201.22, pays no more than the lowest available competitive price, including transportation cost, for the commodity.
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) The requirement in paragraph (c)(1) of this section shall not apply to the purchase price:
(i) In any sale under formal competitive bid procedures; or
(ii) In any sale of a commodity generally traded on an organized commodity exchange.
(3)
(i) Under formal competitive bid procedures; or
(ii) Of a commodity by a supplier to affiliates if the supplier demonstrates an established practice of selling the commodity to affiliates at prices lower than the prices it charges to nonaffiliates.
(d)
(e)
(i) The lower of the following: The price paid by the supplier for the commodity or the price charged by the producer in the original sale of that specific commodity; and
(ii) A markup over the amount allowed in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section which may not exceed the lower of the following: The markup over direct cost that is usual and customary in sales by the supplier of the same commodity, if any, or the most similar commodity, or, the markup over direct cost that is usual and customary in such sales by the competitors of the supplier; and
(iii) To the extent not included in paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section an amount not to exceed the cost at prevailing rates of those expenses recognized in § 201.64(a) and actually incurred in moving the commodities supplied from the point of purchase to a position alongside or on board the vessel or other export conveyance at point of export.
(2)
(f)
(i) The maximum price f.o.b. or f.a.s. source country eligible for USAID-financing under the foregoing provisions of this § 201.63: plus
(ii) Transportation cost calculated on the basis of the prevailing ocean freight rate for shipments using the most direct route from the source country to the cooperating country on the type and flag of vessel on which the commodity actually moved from the free port or bonded warehouse to the cooperating country.
(2) The purchase price of a commodity f.o.b. or f.a.s. a free port or bonded warehouse shall not exceed the maximum price established in paragraph (f)(1) of this section, minus transportation costs from the free port or bonded warehouse to the cooperating country, calculated on the basis of the prevailing ocean freight rate from the free port or bonded warehouse to the cooperating country for the type and flag of vessel on which the commodity actually moved between those points.
(g)
(1) The purchase price of the commodity before the operation of the escalation clause to the extent that it does not exceed the applicable price limitations contained in this subpart; and
(2) That portion of the commodity price attributable to the operation of the price escalation clause if such clause:
(i) Uses a formula based on variations in a cost factor which is reasonably related to the price of the commodity subject to escalation and is readily determinable;
(ii) Provides for downward as well as upward adjustment of the price; and
(iii) Accords with recognized trade practices.
(a)
(b)
(2) In testing a purchase price involving transportation cost for compliance with § 201.62 and § 201.63(b), the test or measurement prices shall be:
(i) Prices based upon transportation by a U.S.-flag vessel if the price tested involves transportation by such vessel; or
(ii) Prices based upon transportation by either a U.S.-flag or a foreign-flag vessel, whichever is lower, if the price tested involves transportation by a foreign-flag vessel.
(c)
(i) The maximum price described in § 201.63(f)(1), or
(ii) The maximum price described in § 201.63(f)(1)(i), plus any transportation costs into the free port or bonded warehouse which meet the requirements of § 201.13(b)(1)(i)(D), and any transportation costs out of the free port or bonded warehouse on a vessel flying the flag of a country included in the authorized geographic code.
(2) When a shipment is f.o.b. or f.a.s. a free port or bonded warehouse, USAID will finance no more than the lower of the following:
(i) The maximum price described in § 201.63(f)(2), or
(ii) The maximum price described in § 201.63(f)(1)(i), plus any transportation costs into the free port or bonded warehouse which meet the requirements of § 201.13(b)(1)(i)(D).
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) To or for the benefit of the importer;
(2) To or for the benefit of a purchasing agent or other agent or representative of an importer, even though such agent or representative may also have an agreement with a supplier to represent the supplier; or
(3) To any third party in connection with a sale by the supplier to its dealer, distributor, or established agent in the cooperating country.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(1) Such commission does not exceed 2
(2) Such commission is payable to an individual resident in a country included in the authorized source code; a non-resident citizen of a country included in the authorized source code; or a corporation or partnership organized under the laws of a country included in the authorized source code; and
(3) The names of all persons receiving such commissions appear on the face of the charter party.
(i)
Any payment which an importer makes to a supplier, whether or not indicated on the supplier's invoice and whether or not financed by USAID, in connection with an USAID-financed transaction, shall be disclosed by the supplier on the Supplier's Certificate and shall be considered as part of the actual purchase price in applying the rules of this subpart G.
(a)
(2)
(A) The rate prevailing for similar shipments; or
(B) The lowest rate charged by the vessel for similar shipments on the same voyage.
(ii) In determining the rate prevailing for similar shipments, recognized sources of charter market rate information will be consulted and, if necessary, will be supplemented by other information which contributes to a realistic determination of the prevailing charter rate.
(3)
(4)
(i) The conference contract rate or the conference noncontract rate, whichever is lower;
(ii) The rate named in any tariff or other rate listing for the same destination and commodities on file at the Federal Maritime Commission; or
(iii) The lowest rate charged by the VOCC for similar shipments on the same voyage.
(5)
(A) At the port of unloading on c.i.f. or c. & f. shipments, or
(B) At the port of loading or unloading on f.o.b. or f.a.s. shipments, to the extent that despatch exceeds demurrage incurred on the same voyage.
(ii) Refunds of despatch, supported by the vessel's signed laytime statement(s), must be transmitted to the Office of Financial Management, USAID, Washington, DC 20523-7702, within 90 days after date of discharge of cargo on which the despatch was earned.
(b)
(1) The rate under any air charter approved by USAID covering the transaction;
(2) The lowest rate charged by the carrier for similar shipments on the same flight; or
(3) The rate prevailing in the industry for similar shipments. A similar shipment is one which is similar with respect to type of commodity, commodity rate classification, quantity, flag category, choice of airport, and other pertinent factors.
(a) The price for an USAID-financed commodity-related service, other than ocean or air transportation, shall not exceed the lower of:
(1) The prevailing price, if any, for the same or similar services; or
(2) The price paid to the supplier under similar circumstances by other customers.
(b) The eligible price of services covered by an NVOCC bill of lading is limited to the sum of the costs of individual delivery services eligible under § 201.13 of this part, and only to the extent that the cost of each such service is eligible for USAID-financing under § 201.67 or § 201.68(a) of this part.
USAID will not finance any taxes or fees imposed under the laws in effect in the cooperating country, including customs duties, consular and legalization fees, and other levies.
This subpart sets forth the rights and responsibilities of banks with regard to reimbursement under a letter of commitment opened pursuant to an USAID request. Banks will not be held responsible for the requirements of subparts B, C, D, E (excluding § 201.44(a)(1)), and subpart G except insofar as provisions of these subparts are included in this subpart H or in a letter of commitment issued by USAID to a bank.
Any letter of credit issued, confirmed or advised under an USAID letter of commitment and any agreement relating to such letter of credit or to instructions for payment issued by an approved applicant shall not be inconsistent with or contrary to the terms of the letter of commitment. Any such letter of credit or agreement may be modified or extended at any time in such a manner and to such extent as is acceptable to the approved applicant and the bank:
(a)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(c)
The following general limitations on the responsibilities of banks issuing, advising, or confirming letters of credit and making payments under letters of credit or otherwise shall apply.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
In addition to the documents required for reimbursement, a bank shall retain in its files for a period of at least 3 years and shall make available to USAID promptly upon request a copy of any of the following documents which may pertain to an USAID-financed transaction:
(a) Each letter of credit issued, confirmed, or advised by it, together with any extension or modification thereof;
(b) Payment instructions received from the approved applicant;
(c) Each application and agreement relating to such letter of credit or instructions for payment, together with any extension or modification thereof;
(d) A detailed advice of the interest, commissions, expenses, or other items charged by it in connection with each such letter of credit or payment instructions.
If USAID directs that the delivery of commodities be terminated, orders that title to commodities be vested in it, or modifies any implementing document concerning the disposition of documents, USAID shall give written notice thereof to the banks holding applicable letters of commitment and shall instruct each bank with regard to the disposition of documents. Each such bank shall be relieved of any liability whatsoever to the approved applicant for anything done or omitted to be done under instruction of USAID. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a bank shall comply with the instructions of USAID only to the extent that it may do so without impairing or affecting
This subpart sets forth certain USAID rights and remedies against borrower/grantees and suppliers, and prescribes certain general provisions relating to the waiver by USAID of this part.
If any transaction financed hereunder violates the requirements of this part or any U.S. statute or any rule or regulation of USAID promulgated under any such statute, USAID may require the borrower/grantee to refund the amounts USAID determines are attributable to such violation and may exercise any right of acceleration or termination contained in the implementing document. The borrower/grantee shall be deemed to have agreed to make such refund or accelerated payment promptly upon request by USAID and shall be deemed to have consented to any modification of the implementing document determined by USAID to be necessary to reflect any such refund or acceleration.
Without limiting the responsibility of the borrower/grantee or other parties, USAID may require an appropriate refund to it by a supplier under any transaction which violates the requirements of this part, whenever in USAID's opinion the failure of the supplier to comply with the rules and other requirements of this part has contributed to such violation. Any refund requested will include interest from the time of payment to the supplier. Interest will be charged at the rate established by the Secretary of the Treasury in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. 6621(b).
No right reserved to USAID in this subpart to seek a refund from a borrower/grantee, and no exercise of such right, whether or not successful, shall in any way limit or affect, under the doctrine of the election of remedies or otherwise, USAID's rights against a supplier under this subpart I or under the laws of the United States, or of any other country or political subdivision thereof, nor shall any right or remedy herein reserved to USAID against a supplier in any way derogate from or otherwise limit any other rights or remedies which may accrue to USAID under such laws.
USAID will endeavor, but shall not be bound, to make any requests for refunds from a borrower/grantee within three years from the date of the last disbursement of USAID funds for the transaction to which such request relates.
In any transaction subject to this part 201, USAID may reserve certain rights to approve the transaction for USAID-financing. USAID, in reserving any approval rights, acts solely as a financing entity to assure the proper use of United States Government funds. Any decision by USAID to exercise or refrain from exercising these approval rights shall be made as a financier and shall not be construed as making USAID a party to the contract or incurring any liability to the parties jointly or to any of them.
USAID may waive, withdraw, or amend at any time any or all of the provisions of this part.
22 U.S.C. 2381(a).
Nomenclature changes to part 202 appear at 62 FR 38027, July 16, 1997.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a) In order to further the efficient use of United States voluntary contributions for development, relief, and rehabilitation in nations or areas designated by the Administrator of AID from time to time, agencies may be reimbursed by AID within specified limitations for freight charges incurred and paid in transporting supplies donated to or purchased by such agencies from United States ports or, in the case of excess or surplus property supplied by the United States, from foreign ports to ports of entry in the recipient country or to points of entry in the recipient country in cases (1) of landlocked countries, (2) where ports cannot be used effectively because of natural or other disturbances, (3) where carriers to a specified country are unavailable, or (4) where a substantial savings in costs or time can be effected by the utilization of points of entry other than ports.
(b) Shipments shall be eligible for reimbursement of freight charges only as authorized by the issuance by AID of a Procurement Authorization (Form AID 1160-4).
(c) The Office of Commodity Management, Bureau for Program and Management Services, AID, shall be responsible for determining when carriers are “unavailable.”
Economic utilization of AID funds available for reimbursement to agencies for freight charges incurred and paid by such agencies for the shipment of donated or purchased supplies to a recipient country requires the following limitations on amounts reimbursable:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Certificates will be required as follows:
(a)
(b)
(a) Prior to applying for reimbursement for freight charges, an agency must obtain AID's written approval of its programs by submitting the following information to the Chief, Public Liaison Division, Office of Private and Voluntary Cooperation, Bureau for Private and Development Cooperation, Agency for International Development, Department of State, Washington, DC 20523.
(1) A narrative description detailing the agency's specific country programs, objectives, projects, or services of relief, rehabilitation, disaster assistance, development assistance and welfare;
(2) Except as provided for in paragraph (b) of this section, evidence that written assurances have been obtained from the government of the recipient country that:
(i) Appropriate facilities are or will be afforded for the necessary and economical operations of the program, project, or service;
(ii) The specific program, project, or service has been accepted;
(iii) The supplies provided in support of the program, project or service will be free of customs duties, other duties, tolls and taxes;
(iv) The supplies will be treated as a supplementary resource;
(v) The supplies will be identified, to the extent practicable, as being of United States origin; and
(vi) Insofar as practicable, the supplies will be received, unloaded, warehoused, and transported cost-free to points of distribution;
(3) Evidence that:
(i) Shipments will be made only to consignees reported to AID, and full responsibility is assumed by the agency for the noncommercial distribution of the supplies free of cost to the persons ultimately receiving them, or in special cases and following notice to AID, for the sale to recipients at nominal cost or as payment for work performed to promote projects of self-help and economic development, but in no case shall supplies be withheld from needy persons because of their inability to pay or work; and
(ii) Distribution is made solely on the basis of need without regard to race, color, religion, sex or national origin;
(iii) That paragraphs (a)(3) (i) and (ii) of this section are conducted under the supervision of the agency's representative specifically charged with responsibility for the program or project.
(b) Compliance with paragraph (a)(2) of this section is not required when the specific program, project, or service is within the scope of any agreement that has been concluded between the U.S. Government and the Government of the recipient country which furthers the operations of an agency acceptable to the recipient country.
(c) On approval of the agency's programs written notice thereof will be issued by AID to the agency.
(a) Any agency may make application for reimbursement of freight charges incurred and paid on shipments eligible under § 202.2 provided:
(1) The agency has received AID's written approval of the programs, projects, and services in accordance with § 202.5.
(2) The application for reimbursement of freight charges together with documentation required under § 202.7 is submitted to the Agency for International Development, Attention: Banking and Finance Division, Office of Financial Management, Washington, DC 20523, or to a U.S. bank holding an AID letter of commitment.
(b) In the case of ocean transportation, the application must be submitted within 60 days of the date of the related ocean bill of lading. In the case of inland transportation the application must be submitted within 180 days of the date of the related ocean bill of lading.
Claims for reimbursement of freight charges must be supported by the following documents:
(a)
(b)
(2)
(ii) Where shipment is made to point of entry and through bills of lading are issued, a receipted copy of the through bill of lading evidencing shipment from an eligible port of export as prescribed in § 202.2(a) to point of entry in the recipient country. The bill of lading shall include the carrier's complete statement of charges including all relevant weights, cubic measurements, rates, and any applicable tariff surcharges.
(c)
(d)
(ii) As provided in § 202.4(b), the original and two copies of the Voluntary Agency and Carrier Certificate executed by the Agency.
(a)
(b)
The Administrator may waive, withdraw, or amend from time to time any or all of the provisions of this part.
The procedures established under this part shall be administered in compliance with the standards set forth in part 205, Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs, of this chapter.
Sec. 621, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2381).
(a) USAID registers PVOs to:
(1) Meet statutory and regulatory requirements that a U.S. PVO be registered with USAID as a condition for USAID funding.
(2) Provide USAID with information for computing the amount of USAID funding made available to PVOs.
(b) It is not the purpose of registration to allow or enable registered PVOs to make any representation to the public concerning the meaning of being registered with USAID. Promotional materials or advertisements suggesting otherwise will be grounds for removal from the USAID PVO Registry.
(c) Registration does not bring an organization within the Ambassador's authority and responsibility for the security of U.S. Government operations and personnel abroad.
As used in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) Is non-U.S. based in that it is organized under the laws of the country in which it is domiciled;
(2) Is a private nongovernmental organization (NGO) that solicits and receives cash contributions from the general public;
(3) Is a charitable organization in that it is nonprofit and tax exempt under the laws of its country of domicile and operation, and is not a university, college, accredited degree-granting institution of education, private foundation, hospital, organization engaged exclusively in research or scientific activities, church, synagogue, mosque or other similar entities organized primarily for religious purposes; and
(4) Conducts, or anticipates conducting, program activities in one or more countries other than its country of origin that are consistent with the general purposes of the Foreign Assistance Act and/or Public Law 480.
(5) Is not recognized as a Public International Organization according to USAID's Automated Directives System (ADS) 308.3.
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(1) Is organized under the laws of the United States and headquartered in the United States;
(2) Is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that solicits and receives cash contributions from the U.S. general public;
(3) Is a charitable organization in that it is nonprofit and exempt from Federal income taxes under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and is not a university, college, accredited degree-granting institution of education, private foundation, hospital, organization established by a major political party in the United States, organization established, funded and audited by the U.S. Congress, organization engaged exclusively in research or scientific activities, church, synagogue, mosque or other similar entity
(4) Conducts, or anticipates conducting, overseas program activities that are consistent with the general purposes of the Foreign Assistance Act and/or Public Law 480.
There are eight Conditions of Registration for U.S. organizations. The first four Conditions relate to whether an organization meets the definition of a U.S. PVO, as set forth in § 203.2 (p), while the last four Conditions establish standards by which the U.S. PVO is evaluated. An applicant must be registered with USAID as a U.S. PVO if USAID finds that the applicant has satisfied all of the following Conditions:
(a)
(1) Is organized under the laws of the United States; and
(2) Has its headquarters in the United States.
(b)
(c)
(1) Is nonprofit and exempt from Federal income taxes under Section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; and
(2) Is not a university, college, accredited degree-granting institution of education, private foundation, hospital, organization established by a major political party in the United States, organization established, funded and audited by the U.S. Congress, organization engaged exclusively in research or scientific activities, church, synagogue, mosque or other similar entity organized primarily for religious purposes.
(d)
(e)
(1) That meets at least annually;
(2) Whose members do not receive any form of income for serving on the board; and
(3) Whose majority is not composed of the PVO's officers or staff members.
(f)
(1) Accounts for its funds in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP);
(2) Has a sound financial position;
(3) Provides its financial statements to the public upon request; and
(4) Has been incorporated for not less than 18 months.
(g)
(1) Expends and distributes its funds in accordance with the annual report of program activities;
(2) Does not expend more than 40 percent of total expenses on supporting services.
(3) In order to maintain its registration, conducts international program activities within the last three years. For example, if a U.S. PVO did not have any international activities for 2004, the current year, or 2003, but did have activities in 2002, then it would remain registered. However, if it did not have any international activities in 2005, USAID would remove it from the Registry in 2006 because for the previous three years (2003, 2004, 2005), it did not conduct any international activities.
(h)
(1) Suspended or debarred by an agency of the U.S. Government;
(2) Designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Secretary of State, pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended; or
(3) The subject of a decision by the Department of State to the effect that registration or a financial relationship between USAID and the organization is contrary to the national defense, national security, or foreign policy interests of the United States.
(a) So that USAID can determine whether an applicant meets the Conditions of Registration, an application
(1) A cover letter with
(i) The reason for applying for registration; and
(ii) A description of current or intended overseas program activities;
(2) Articles of incorporation on state letterhead with state seal and authorizing state official's signature;
(3) Bylaws establishing the applicant's corporate structure;
(4) IRS Form 990 and a copy of an IRS letter of tax exemption;
(5) Audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) by an independent certified public accountant (CPA); an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-133 audit, if applicable;
(6) Annual report or similar document that describes overall program activities for the same year as the audit, including a list of board members;
(7) AID Form 1550-2, PVO Annual Return; and
(8) AID Form 200-1, PVO Classification Form.
(b) In addition, each applicant must submit such other information as USAID may reasonably require to determine whether the organization meets the Conditions of Registration.
(c) USAID may revise this list of documents from time to time.
(d) Other USAID officials may request information similar to that submitted under these regulations for other purposes; for example, to determine an organization's eligibility for a particular grant or cooperative agreement.
(e) The completed application must be sent in duplicate to the USAID Registrar, Office of Private Voluntary Cooperation—American Schools & Hospitals Abroad, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20523-7600.
(a) To maintain its registration, each registered PVO must submit documents and forms annually. The submission instructions and forms packet are available at USAID Web site
(1) Audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year prepared on an Accrual basis in accordance with GAAP by an independent CPA; an OMB Circular A-133 audit, if applicable; or unaudited financial statements if total Support and revenue is less than $50,000.
(2) Annual report or similar document that describes overall program activities for the same year as the audit, including a list of board members;
(3) AID Form 1550-2, PVO Annual Return; and
(4) AID Form 200-1, PVO Classification Form.
(b) PVOs also must submit any amendments, if applicable, to its articles of incorporation, or bylaws and any changes in the tax-exempt status.
(c) Submission is due within six months after the close of the PVO's fiscal year if the PVO does not prepare an OMB Circular A-133 audit.
(d) Submission is due within nine months after the close of the PVO's fiscal year if the PVO does prepare an OMB Circular A-133 audit.
(e) In addition, each registrant must submit such other information as USAID may reasonably require to determine that the organization continues to meet the Conditions of Registration.
(f) USAID may revise this list of documents from time to time.
(g) Other USAID officials may request information similar to that submitted under these regulations for other purposes; for example, to determine the PVO's eligibility for a particular grant or cooperative agreement.
(h) The completed submission must be sent annually to the USAID Registrar, Office of Private Voluntary Cooperation—American Schools & Hospitals Abroad, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20523-7600.
There are eight Conditions of Registration for international organizations. The first four Conditions relate to whether an organization meets the definition of an IPVO, as set forth in § 203.2(e), while the last four Conditions establish standards by which the IPVO is evaluated. An applicant must be registered with USAID as an IPVO if USAID finds that the applicant has satisfied all of the following Conditions:
(a)
(1) Is organized under the laws of the country in which it is domiciled; and
(2) Has its headquarters in the same country.
(b)
(c)
(1) Is nonprofit and tax exempt under the laws of its country of domicile and operation;
(2) Is not a university, college, accredited degree-granting institution of education, private foundation, hospital, organization engaged exclusively in research or scientific activities, church, synagogue, mosque or other similar entity organized primarily for religious purposes; and
(3) Is not recognized as a Public International Organization according to USAID's ADS 308.3.
(d)
(e)
(1) That meets at least annually;
(2) Whose members do not receive any form of income for serving on the board; and
(3) Whose majority is not composed of the IPVO's officers or staff members.
(f)
(1) Accounts for its funds in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or generally accepted accounting standards of IPVO's country of domicile.
(2) Has a sound financial position;
(3) Provides its financial statements to the public upon request; and
(4) Has been incorporated for not less than 18 months.
(g)
(1) Expends and distributes its funds in accordance with the annual report of program activities;
(2) Does not expend more than 40 percent of total expenses on supporting services; and
(3) In order to maintain its registration, conducts international program activities within the last three years. For example, if an IPVO did not have any international activities for 2004, the current year, or 2003, but did have activities in 2002, then it would remain registered. However, if it did not have any international activities in 2005, USAID would remove it from the Registry in 2006 because for the previous three years (2003, 2004, 2005), it did not conduct any international activities.
(h)
(1) Suspended or debarred by an agency of the U.S. Government;
(2) Designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Secretary of State, pursuant to Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended; or
(3) The subject of a decision by the Department of State to the effect that registration or a financial relationship between USAID and the organization is contrary to the national defense, national security, or foreign policy interests of the United States.
(a) So that USAID can determine whether an applicant meets the Conditions of Registration, an application must be submitted in duplicate and in English. The application instructions and forms packet are available at USAID Web site
(1) A cover letter with
(i) The reason for applying for registration; and
(ii) A description of current or intended program activities abroad;
(2) Articles of incorporation or charter establishing the IPVO's legal status under the laws of the country in which it is domiciled;
(3) Bylaws or other documents establishing the applicant's corporate structure;
(4) Statement of tax exemption or a comparable document from the country of its origin;
(5) Audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) or generally accepted accounting standards for IPVO's country of domicile by an independent certified public accountant (CPA) and in
(6) Annual report or similar document that describes overall program activities for the same year as the audit, including a list of board members;
(7) International Executive Contact Data Sheet; and
(8) AID Form 200-1, PVO Classification Form.
(b) In addition, each applicant must submit such other information as USAID may reasonably require to determine whether the organization meets the Conditions of Registration.
(c) USAID may revise this list of documents from time to time.
(d) Other USAID officials may request information similar to that submitted under these regulations for other purposes; for example, to determine an organization's eligibility for a particular grant or cooperative agreement.
(e) The completed application must be sent in duplicate to the USAID Registrar, Office of Private Voluntary Cooperation—American Schools & Hospitals Abroad, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20523-7600.
(a) To maintain its registration, each registered IPVO must submit documents and forms, in English, annually. The submission instructions and forms packet are available at USAID Web site
(1) Audited financial statements for the most recent fiscal year prepared on an accrual basis in accordance with GAAP or generally accepted accounting standards for IPVO's country of domicile by an independent CPA; or unaudited financial statements if total support and revenue is less than $50,000 in
(2) Annual report or similar document that describes overall program activities for the same year as the audit, including a list of board members;
(3) International Executive Contact Data Sheet; and
(4) AID Form 200-1, PVO Classification Form.
(b) IPVOs also must submit any amendments, if applicable, to its articles of incorporation, charter, or bylaws and any changes in the tax-exempt status.
(c) Submission is due within six months after the close of the IPVO's fiscal year.
(d) In addition, each registrant must submit such other information as USAID may reasonably require to determine that the organization continues to meet the Conditions of Registration.
(e) USAID may revise this list of documents from time to time.
(f) Other USAID officials may request information similar to that submitted under these regulations for other purposes; for example, to determine the IPVO's eligibility for a particular grant or cooperative agreement.
(g) The completed submission must be sent annually in English to the
(a)
(b)
(c)
(a)
(1) Relinquishes its registration status voluntarily upon written notice to USAID;
(2) Fails to comply with the documentation requirements or the Conditions of Registration;
(3) Uses promotional material or advertisements suggesting that its USAID registration is an endorsement; or
(4) Refuses to transfer to USAID any records, documents, copies of such records or documents, or information referred to in this regulation and within the registrant's control within a reasonable time after USAID request them.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a) All records, reports, and other documents that are made available to USAID pursuant to this regulation must be made available for public inspection and copying, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and other applicable laws.
(b) Communications from USAID will only be sent to the applicant's or registrant's headquarters.
CDOs are not PVOs for purposes of registration under this part. CDOs as part of the larger PVO community will continue to be listed in the U.S. PVO Registry at
The Administrator of USAID or his/her designee may delegate authority to the Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance to administer the registration process and, in particular, the authority to waive, withdraw, or amend any or all of the provisions within this part.
22 U.S.C. 2381.
Wherever used in these standard terms and conditions:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
Subject to these standard terms and conditions, the United States of America, acting through A.I.D., agrees to pay to any Lender or Assignee who has been determined to be an Eligible Investor compensation in Dollars equal to its Loss of Investment under the Eligible Note; provided, however, that no such payment shall be made for any such loss arising out of fraud or misrepresentation for which such Lender or Assignee is responsible or of which it had knowledge at the time it became such Lender or Assignee.
(a) Eligible Notes only may be guarantied hereunder, and Eligible Investors only are entitled to the benefits of this Guaranty. Notes in order to achieve Eligible Note status must be signed on behalf of the Borrower, manually or in facsimile, by a duly authorized representative of the Borrower; and they must contain a guaranty legend incorporating these standard terms and conditions signed on behalf of A.I.D. by either a manual signature or a facsimile signature or an authorized representative of A.I.D. together with a certificate of authentication manually executed by a Paying Agent whose appointment by the Borrower is consented to by A.I.D. in a Paying and Transfer Agency Agreement.
(b) A.I.D. shall designate in a certificate delivered to the Lender and to the Paying Agent, the person(s) whose signature shall be binding on A.I.D. The certificate of authentication of the Paying Agent issued pursuant to the Paying and Transfer Agency Agreement shall, when manually executed by the Paying Agent, be conclusive evidence binding on A.I.D. that the Note has been duly executed on behalf of the Borrower and delivered.
The full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged to the performance of this Guaranty. The Guaranty shall not be affected or impaired by any defect in the authorization, execution, delivery or enforceability of any agreement or other document executed by the Lender, A.I.D., the Paying Agent or the Borrower in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Guaranty. This non-impairment of the guaranty provision shall not, however, be operative with respect to any amount arising out of fraud or misrepresentation for which the Lender or Assignee is responsible or of which it had knowledge prior to the time it became such Lender or Assignee.
The Lender of any Assignee may assign, transfer or pledge the Eligible Notes to any Eligible Investor. Any such assignment, transfer or pledge shall be effective on the date that the name of the new Assignee is entered on the Note Register required to be maintained by the Paying Agent pursuant to the Paying and Transfer Agency Agreement. A.I.D. shall be entitled to treat the persons in whose names the Eligible Notes are registered as the owners thereof for all purposes of this Guaranty and A.I.D. shall not be affected by notice to the contrary.
Failure of the Paying Agent to perform any of its obligations pursuant to the Paying and Transfer Agency Agreement shall not impair the Investor's or any Assignee's rights under this Contract of Guaranty, but may be the subject of action for damages against the Paying Agent by A.I.D. as a result of such failure or neglect; provided, however, that the Paying Agent is not authorized to issue and authenticate and have Notes outstanding at any time in
(a) Within one year after an Event of Default, as this term is defined in an Eligible Note, the Lender or Assignee may file with A.I.D. an Application for Compensation in form as provided in Exhibit A. A.I.D. shall make the required payment not later than sixty (60) days after the Date of Application unless A.I.D. has cured the default under § 204.22.
(b)
Within sixty (60) days after the Date of Application for Compensation, A.I.D. may at any time make payments to the Lender or any Assignee equal to all installments of principal due and unpaid under any Note (other than installments whose maturity has been accelerated), together with interest on the unpaid principal amount of the Note to the date of such payment by A.I.D., and any Further Guaranteed payments due and unpaid, and thereby prevent or cure any default under the Note. Upon such a payment by A.I.D., if the Lender or Assignee shall have accelerated such Note, such acceleration shall be immediately rescinded or, if such Note shall not have been accelerated, such Note shall not thereafter be accelerated as a result of such Event of Default.
If the Lender or Assignee shall, as a result of A.I.D. paying compensation under this Guaranty, receive an excess payment, it shall refund the excess to A.I.D.
After an assignment to A.I.D. by the Lender or any Assignee pursuant to § 204.21(b), A.I.D. shall have exclusive power to prosecute all claims related to the outstanding Eligible Notes so assigned. If the Lender or such Assignee continues to have an interest in the outstanding Eligible Notes, the Lender or such Assignee and A.I.D. shall consult with each other with respect to their respective interests in such Eligible Notes and the manner of and responsibility for prosecuting claims.
Neither the Lender nor any Assignee will consent to any change or waiver of any provision of any document contemplated by this Guaranty without the prior written consent of A.I.D.
Without the prior approval of A.I.D., the Lender or any Assignee shall not accelerate any Eligible Notes held by it on account of the happening of an Event of Default other than failure to make a payment when due on the note.
Any controversy or claim between A.I.D. and the Lender or any Assignee arising out of this Guaranty shall be settled by arbitration to be held in Washington, DC in accordance with the then prevailing rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Any communication to A.I.D. pursuant to this Guaranty shall be in writing in the English language, shall refer to the A.I.D. Housing Guaranty Project Number inscribed on the Eligible Note and shall be complete on the day it
This Guaranty shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States of America governing contracts and commercial transactions of the United States Government.
You are hereby advised that payment of $_____ (consisting of $_____ of principal, $_____ of interest and $_____ in Further Guaranteed Payments as defined in Section 204.01(i) of the Standard Terms and Conditions of the above-mentioned Guaranty
The undersigned, being the registered owner of a Note in the principal amount of $______ issued by the ______ (the “Borrower”), pursuant ______, and guaranty, dated as of ___, ___ the “Guaranty”), between the Lender and the United States of America, acting through the Agency for International Development (“A.I.D.”), hereby assigns to A.I.D., without recourse (i) its entire right, title and interest in and to the Note of the Borrower referred to above (which Note is attached hereto), including its rights to unpaid interest on such Note, and (ii) its entire outstanding right, title and interest arising out of said Loan Agreement with respect to such Note, except the undersigned's right to receive payments under the Loan Agreement in respect of which A.I.D. has made no payment to the undersigned as of the date hereof.
22 U.S.C. 2381(a).
(a) Religious organizations are eligible, on the same basis as any other organization to participate in any USAID program for which they are otherwise eligible. In the selection of service providers, neither USAID nor entities that make and administer sub-awards of USAID funds shall discriminate for or against an organization on the basis of the organization's religious character or affiliation. As used in this section, the term “program” refers to Federally funded USAID grants and cooperative agreements, including sub-grants and sub-agreements. The term also includes grants awarded under contracts that have been awarded by USAID for the purpose of administering grant programs. As used in this section, the term “grantee” includes a recipient of a grant or a signatory to a cooperative agreement, as well as sub-recipients of USAID assistance under grants, cooperative agreements and contracts.
(b) Organizations that receive direct financial assistance from USAID under any USAID program may not engage in inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization, as part of the programs or services directly funded with direct financial assistance from USAID. If an organization conducts such activities, the activities must be offered separately, in time or location, from the programs or services funded with direct financial assistance from USAID, and participation must be voluntary for beneficiaries of the programs or services funded with such assistance. These restrictions on inherently religious activities do not apply to programs where USAID funds are provided to chaplains to work with inmates in prisons, detention facilities, or community correction centers, or where USAID funds are provided to religious or other organizations for programs in prisons, detention facilities, or community correction centers, in which such organizations assist chaplains in carrying out their duties.
(c) A religious organization that participates in USAID-funded programs or services will retain its independence and may continue to carry out its mission, including the definition, practice, and expression of its religious beliefs, provided that it does not use direct financial assistance from USAID to support any inherently religious activities, such as worship, religious instruction, or proselytization. Among other things, a religious organization that receives financial assistance from USAID may use space in its facilities, without removing religious art, icons, scriptures, or other religious symbols. In addition, a religious organization that receives financial assistance from USAID retains its authority over its internal governance, and it may retain religious terms in its organization's name, select its board members on a religious basis, and include religious references in its organization's mission statements and other governing documents.
(d) USAID funds may not be used for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of structures to the extent that those structures are used for inherently religious activities. USAID funds may be used for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of structures only to the extent that those structures are used for conducting eligible activities under this part. Where a structure is used for both eligible and inherently religious activities, USAID funds may not exceed the cost of those portions of the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation that are attributable to eligible activities in accordance with the cost accounting requirements applicable to USAID funds in this part. Sanctuaries, chapels, or other rooms that a USAID-funded religious congregation uses as its principal place of worship, however, are ineligible for USAID-funded improvements. Disposition of real property after the term of the grant, or any change in use of the property during the term of the grant, is subject to government-wide regulations governing real property disposition. (
(e) An organization that participates in programs funded by financial assistance from USAID shall not, in providing services, discriminate against a program beneficiary or potential program beneficiary on the basis of religion or religious belief.
(f) No grant document, contract, agreement, covenant, memorandum of understanding, policy, or regulation that is used by USAID shall require only religious organizations to provide assurances that they will not use monies or property for inherently religious activities. Any such restrictions shall apply equally to religious and secular organizations. All organizations that participate in USAID programs, including religious ones, must carry out eligible activities in accordance with all program requirements and other applicable requirements governing the conduct of USAID-funded activities, including those prohibiting the use of direct financial assistance from USAID to engage in inherently religious activities. No grant document, agreement, covenant, memorandum of understanding, policy, or regulation that is used by USAID shall disqualify religious organizations from participating in USAID's programs because such organizations are motivated or influenced by religious faith to provide social services, or because of their religious character or affiliation.
(g) A religious organization's exemption from the Federal prohibition on employment discrimination on the basis of religion, set forth in Sec. 702(a) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 42 U.S.C. 2000e-1, is not forfeited when the organization receives financial assistance from USAID.
(h) Many USAID grant programs require an organization to be a “nonprofit organization” in order to be eligible for funding. Individual solicitations that require organizations to have nonprofit status will specifically so indicate in the eligibility section of a solicitation. Grantees should consult with the appropriate USAID program office to determine the scope of any applicable requirements. In USAID programs in which an applicant must show that it is a nonprofit organization, other than programs which are limited to registered Private and Voluntary Organizations, the applicant may do so by any of the following means:
(1) Proof that the Internal Revenue Service currently recognizes the applicant as an organization to which contributions are tax deductible under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code;
(2) A statement from a state taxing body or the state secretary of state certifying that:
(i) The organization is a nonprofit organization operating within the State; and
(ii) No part of its net earnings may lawfully benefit any private shareholder or individual;
(3) A certified copy of the applicant's certificate of incorporation or similar document that clearly establishes the nonprofit status of the applicant; or
(4) Any item described in paragraphs (b)(1) through (3) of this section if that item applies to a state or national parent organization, together with a statement by the State or parent organization that the applicant is a local nonprofit affiliate.
(i) The Secretary of State may waive the requirements of this section in whole or in part, on a case-by-case basis, where the Secretary determines that such waiver is necessary to further the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States.
Sec. 621, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 75 Stat. 424 (22 U.S.C. 2381).
(a) This part sets forth the procedures to be followed in proceedings in which the U.S. Agency for International Development (the “Agency”) is not a party, whenever a subpoena, order or other demand (collectively referred to as a “demand”) of a court or other authority set forth in § 206.1(d) of this part is issued for the production or disclosure of (1) any material contained in the files of the Agency, (2) any information relating to material contained in the files of the Agency, or (3) any information or material acquired by any person while such person was an employee of the Agency as a part of the performance of his official duties or because of his official status.
(b) For purposes of this part, the term “employee of the Agency” includes all officers and employees of the Agency appointed by, or subject to the supervision, jurisdiction or control of, the Administrator of the Agency, including personal services contractors.
(c) This part is intended to provide instructions regarding the internal operations of the Agency, and is not intended, and does not and may not be relied upon, to create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law by a party against the Agency.
(d) This part applies to:
(1) State and local court, administrative and legislative proceedings.
(2) Federal court and administrative proceedings.
(e) This part does not apply to:
(1) Congressional requests or subpoenas for testimony or documents.
(2) Employees or former employees making appearances solely in their private capacity in legal or administrative proceedings that do not relate to the Agency (such as cases arising out of traffic accidents, domestic relations, etc.). Any question whether the appearance relates solely to the employee's or former employee's private capacity should be referred to the General Counsel or his designee.
(f) Nothing in this part affects disclosure of information under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a. the Sunshine Act, 5 U.S.C. 552b, or the Agency's implementing regulations. Nothing in this part otherwise permits disclosure of information by the Agency except as is provided by statue or other applicable law.
No employee or former employee of the Agency shall, in response to a demand of a court or other authority set forth in § 206.1(d), produce any material or disclose any information described in § 206.1(a) without the approval of the General Counsel or his designee.
(a) Whenever an employee or former employee of the Agency receives a demand for the production of material or the disclosure of information described in § 206.1(a), he shall immediately notify and provide a copy of the demand to the General Counsel or his designee. The General Counsel, or his designee, shall be furnished by the party causing the demand to be issued or served a written summary of the information sought, its relevance to the proceeding in connection with which it was served and why the information sought is unavailable by any other means or from any other sources.
(b) The General Counsel, or his designee, in consultation with appripriate Agency officials, and in light of the considerations listed in § 206.6, will determine whether the person on whom the demand was served should respond to the demand.
(c) To the extent he deems it necessary or appropriate, the General Counsel, or his designee, may also require from the party causing such demand to be issued or served a plan of all reasonably foreseeable demands, including but not limited to names of all employees and former employees from whom discovery will be sought, areas of inquiry, length of time of proceedings requiring oral testimony and identification of documents to be used or whose production is sought.
If the response to the demand is required before the instructions from the General Counsel, or his designee, are received, an attorney designated by the Department of Justice for the purpose shall appear with the employee or former employee upon whom the demand has been made, and shall furnish the court or other authority with a copy of the regulations contained in this part and inform the court or other authority that the demand has been, or is being, as the case may be, referred for the prompt consideration of the General Counsel and shall respectfully request the court or other authority to stay the demand pending receipt of the requested instructions.
If the court or other authority declines to stay the effect of the demand in response to a request made in accordance with § 206.4 pending receipt of instructions, or if the court or other authority rules that the demand must be complied with irrespective of instructions not to produce the material or disclose the information sought, the employuee or former employee upon whom the demand has been made shall respectfully decline to comply with the demand, citing this part and
(a) In deciding whether to make disclosures pursuant to a demand, the General Counsel, or his designee, may consider, among things:
(1) Whether such disclosure is appropriate under the rules of procedure governing the case or matter in which the demand arose, and
(2) Whether disclosure is appropriate under the relevant substantive law concerning privilege.
(b) Among the demands in response to which disclosure will not be made are those demands with respect to which any of the following factors exist:
(1) Disclosure would violate a statute or a rule of procedure,
(2) Disclosure would violate a specific regulation,
(3) Disclosure would reveal classified information, unless appropriately declassified by the originating agency,
(4) Disclosure would reveal trade secrets or proprietary information without the owner's consent,
(5) Disclosure would otherwise adversely affect the foreign policy interets of the United States or impair the foreign assistance program of the United States, or
(6) Disclosure would impair an ongoing Inspector General or Department of Justice investigation.
(a) A.I.D. may indemnify, in whole or in part, its employees (which for the purpose of this regulation includes former employees) for any verdict, judgment or other monetary award which is rendered against any such employee, provided that the conduct giving rise to the verdict, judgment or award was taken within the scope of his or her employment with the Agency and that such indemnification is in the interest of the United States, as determined by the Administrator, or his or her designee, in his or her discretion.
(b) A.I.D. may settle or compromise a personal damage claim against its employee by the payment of available funds, at any time, provided the alleged conduct giving rise to the personal damage claim was taken within the scope of employment and that such settlement or compromise is in the interest of the United States, as determined by the Administrator, or his or her designee, in his or her discretion.
(c) Absent exceptional circumstances, as determined by the Administrator or his or her designee, A.I.D. will not entertain a request either to agree to indemnify or to settle a personal damage claim before entry of an adverse verdict, judgment or monetary award.
(d) When an employee becomes aware that an action has been filed against the employee in his or her individual capacity as a result of conduct taken within the scope of his or her employment, the employee should immediately notify A.I.D. that such an action is pending.
(e) The employee may, thereafter, request either: (1) Indemnification to satisfy a verdict, judgment or award entered against the employee or (2) payment to satisfy the requirements of a settlement proposal. The employee shall submit a written request, with documentation including copies of the verdict, judgment, award or settlement proposal, as appropriate, to the General Counsel. The General Counsel may also seek the views of the Department of Justice. The General Counsel shall forward the request and the General Counsel's recommendation to the Administrator for decision.
(f) Any payment under this part either to indemnify an employee or to settle a personal damage claim shall be contingent upon the availability of appropriated funds.
E.O. 12163, 3 CFR 1979 Comp., p. 435; E.O. 12549 3 CFR 1986 Comp., p. 189; E.O. 12698, 3 CFR 1989 Comp., p. 235; sec. 2455, Pub. L. 103-355, 108 Stat. 3327 (31 U.S.C. 6101 note); sec. 621, Pub. L. 87-195, 75 Stat. 445 (22 U.S.C. 2381), as amended.
Nomenclature changes to part 208 appear at 68 FR 66585, Nov. 26, 2003.
(a) This part is subdivided into ten subparts. Each subpart contains information related to a broad topic or specific audience with special responsibilities, as shown in the following table:
(b) The following table shows which subparts may be of special interest to you, depending on who you are:
(a) This part uses a “plain language” format to make it easier for the general public and business community to use. The section headings and text, often in the form of questions and answers, must be read together.
(b) Pronouns used within this part, such as “I” and “you,” change from subpart to subpart depending on the audience being addressed. The pronoun “we” always is the U.S. Agency for International Development.
(c) The “Covered Transactions” diagram in the appendix to this part shows the levels or “tiers” at which the U.S. Agency for International Development enforces an exclusion under this part.
This part uses terms throughout the text that have special meaning. Those terms are defined in Subpart I of this part. For example, three important terms are—
(a)
(b)
(c)
This part adopts a governmentwide system of debarment and suspension for USAID nonprocurement activities. It also provides for reciprocal exclusion of persons who have been excluded under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and provides for the consolidated listing of all persons who are excluded, or disqualified by statute, executive order, or other legal authority. This part satisfies the requirements in section 3 of Executive Order 12549, “Debarment and Suspension” (3 CFR 1986 Comp., p. 189), Executive Order 12689, “Debarment and Suspension” (3 CFR 1989 Comp., p. 235) and 31 U.S.C. 6101 note (Section 2455, Public Law 103-355, 108 Stat. 3327).
Portions of this part (see table at § 208.25(b)) apply to you if you are a—
(a) Person who has been, is, or may reasonably be expected to be, a participant or principal in a covered transaction;
(b) Respondent (a person against whom the U.S. Agency for International Development has initiated a debarment or suspension action);
(c) USAID debarring or suspending official; or
(d) USAID official who is authorized to enter into covered transactions with non-Federal parties.
(a) To protect the public interest, the Federal Government ensures the integrity of Federal programs by conducting business only with responsible persons.
(b) A Federal agency uses the nonprocurement debarment and suspension system to exclude from Federal programs persons who are not presently responsible.
(c) An exclusion is a serious action that a Federal agency may take only to protect the public interest. A Federal agency may not exclude a person or commodity for the purposes of punishment.
With the exceptions stated in §§ 208.120, 208.315, and 208.420, a person who is excluded by the U.S. Agency for International Development or any other Federal agency may not:
(a) Be a participant in a USAID transaction that is a covered transaction under subpart B of this part;
(b) Be a participant in a transaction of any other Federal agency that is a covered transaction under that agency's regulation for debarment and suspension; or
(c) Act as a principal of a person participating in one of those covered transactions.
(a) The Director, Office of Procurement may grant an exception permitting an excluded person to participate in a particular covered transaction. If the Director, Office of Procurement grants an exception, the exception must be in writing and state the reason(s) for deviating from the governmentwide policy in Executive Order 12549.
(b) An exception granted by one agency for an excluded person does not extend to the covered transactions of another agency.
If any Federal agency excludes a person under its nonprocurement common rule on or after August 25, 1995, the excluded person is also ineligible to participate in Federal procurement transactions under the FAR. Therefore, an exclusion under this part has reciprocal effect in Federal procurement transactions.
If any Federal agency excludes a person under the FAR on or after August 25, 1995, the excluded person is also ineligible to participate in nonprocurement covered transactions under this part. Therefore, an exclusion under the FAR has reciprocal effect in Federal nonprocurement transactions.
Given a cause that justifies an exclusion under this part, we may exclude any person who has been involved, is currently involved, or may reasonably be expected to be involved in a covered transaction.
Check the
Except if provided for in Subpart J of this part, this part—
(a) Addresses disqualified persons only to—
(1) Provide for their inclusion in the
(2) State responsibilities of Federal agencies and participants to check for disqualified persons before entering into covered transactions.
(b) Does not specify the—
(1) USAID transactions for which a disqualified person is ineligible. Those transactions vary on a case-by-case basis, because they depend on the language of the specific statute, Executive order, or regulation that caused the disqualification;
(2) Entities to which the disqualification applies; or
(3) Process that the agency uses to disqualify a person. Unlike exclusion, disqualification is frequently not a discretionary action that a Federal agency takes.
A covered transaction is a nonprocurement or procurement transaction that is subject to the prohibitions of this part. It may be a transaction at—
(a) The primary tier, between a Federal agency and a person (see appendix to this part); or
(b) A lower tier, between a participant in a covered transaction and another person.
The importance of a covered transaction depends upon who you are.
(a) As a participant in the transaction, you have the responsibilities laid out in Subpart C of this part. Those include responsibilities to the person or Federal agency at the next higher tier from whom you received the transaction, if any. They also include responsibilities if you subsequently enter into other covered transactions with persons at the next lower tier.
(b) As a Federal official who enters into a primary tier transaction, you have the responsibilities laid out in subpart D of this part.
(c) As an excluded person, you may not be a participant or principal in the transaction unless—
(1) The person who entered into the transaction with you allows you to continue your involvement in a transaction that predates your exclusion, as permitted under § 208.310 or § 208.415; or
(2) A USAID official obtains an exception from the Director, Office of Procurement to allow you to be involved in the transaction, as permitted under § 208.120.
All nonprocurement transactions, as defined in § 208.970, are covered transactions unless listed in § 208.215. (See appendix to this part.)
The following types of nonprocurement transactions are not covered transactions:
(a) A direct award to—
(1) A foreign government or foreign governmental entity;
(2) A public international organization;
(3) An entity owned (in whole or in part) or controlled by a foreign government; or
(4) Any other entity consisting wholly or partially of one or more foreign governments or foreign governmental entities.
(b) A benefit 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). For example, if a person receives social security benefits under the Supplemental Security Income provisions of the Social Security Act, 42 U.S.C. 1301
(c) Federal employment.
(d) A transaction that the U.S. Agency for International Development needs to respond to a national or agency-recognized emergency or disaster.
(e) A permit, license, certificate, or similar instrument issued as a means to regulate public health, safety, or the environment, unless the U.S. Agency for International Development specifically designates it to be a covered transaction.
(f) An incidental benefit that results from ordinary governmental operations.
(g) Any other transaction if the application of an exclusion to the transaction is prohibited by law.
(a) Covered transactions under this part—
(1) Do not include any procurement contracts awarded directly by a Federal agency; but
(2) Do include some procurement contracts awarded by non-Federal participants in nonprocurement covered transactions (see appendix to this part).
(b) Specifically, a contract for goods or services is a covered transaction if any of the following applies:
(1) The contract is awarded by a participant in a nonprocurement transaction that is covered under § 208.210, and the amount of the contract is expected to equal or exceed $25,000.
(2) The contract requires the consent of a USAID official. In that case, the contract, regardless of the amount, always is a covered transaction, and it does not matter who awarded it. For example, it could be a subcontract awarded by a contractor at a tier below a nonprocurement transaction, as shown in the appendix to this part.
(3) The contract is for federally-required audit services.
As a participant in a transaction, you will know that it is a covered transaction because the agency regulations governing the transaction, the appropriate agency official, or participant at the next higher tier who enters into the transaction with you, will tell you that you must comply with applicable portions of this part.
When you enter into a covered transaction with another person at the next lower tier, you must verify that the person with whom you intend to do business is not excluded or disqualified. You do this by:
(a) Checking the
(b) Collecting a certification from that person if allowed by this rule; or
(c) Adding a clause or condition to the covered transaction with that person.
(a) You as a participant may not enter into a covered transaction with an excluded person, unless the U.S. Agency for International Development grants an exception under § 208.120.
(b) You may not enter into any transaction with a person who is disqualified from that transaction, unless you have obtained an exception under the disqualifying statute, Executive order, or regulation.
(a) You as a participant may continue covered transactions with an excluded person if the transactions were in existence when the agency excluded the person. However, you are not required to continue the transactions, and you may consider termination. You should make a decision about whether to terminate and the type of termination action, if any, only after a thorough review to ensure that the action is proper and appropriate.
(b) You may not renew or extend covered transactions (other than no-cost time extensions) with any excluded person, unless the U.S. Agency for International Development grants an exception under § 208.120.
(a) You as a participant may continue to use the services of an excluded person as a principal under a covered transaction if you were using the services of that person in the transaction before the person was excluded. However, you are not required to continue using that person's services as a principal. You should make a decision about whether to discontinue that person's services only after a thorough review to ensure that the action is proper and appropriate.
(b) You may not begin to use the services of an excluded person as a principal under a covered transaction
Yes, you as a participant are responsible for determining whether any of your principals of your covered transactions is excluded or disqualified from participating in the transaction. You may decide the method and frequency by which you do so. You may, but you are not required to, check the
If as a participant you knowingly do business with an excluded person, we may disallow costs, annul or terminate the transaction, issue a stop work order, debar or suspend you, or take other remedies as appropriate.
Before entering into a covered transaction with a participant at the next lower tier, you must require that participant to—
(a) Comply with this subpart as a condition of participation in the transaction. You may do so using any method(s), unless § 208.440 requires you to use specific methods.
(b) Pass the requirement to comply with this subpart to each person with whom the participant enters into a covered transaction at the next lower tier.
Before you enter into a covered transaction at the primary tier, you as the participant must notify the USAID office that is entering into the transaction with you, if you know that you or any of the principals for that covered transaction:
(a) Are presently excluded or disqualified;
(b) Have been convicted within the preceding three years of any of the offenses listed in § 208.800(a) or had a civil judgment rendered against you for one of those offenses within that time period;
(c) Are presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of the offenses listed in § 208.800(a); or
(d) Have had one or more public transactions (Federal, State, or local) terminated within the preceding three years for cause or default.
As a primary tier participant, your disclosure of unfavorable information about yourself or a principal under § 208.335 will not necessarily cause us to deny your participation in the covered transaction. We will consider the information when we determine whether to enter into the covered transaction. We also will consider any additional information or explanation that you elect to submit with the disclosed information.
If we later determine that you failed to disclose information under § 208.335 that you knew at the time you entered into the covered transaction, we may—
(a) Terminate the transaction for material failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the transaction; or
(b) Pursue any other available remedies, including suspension and debarment.
At any time after you enter into a covered transaction, you must give immediate written notice to the USAID office with which you entered into the transaction if you learn either that—
(a) You failed to disclose information earlier, as required by § 208.335; or
(b) Due to changed circumstances, you or any of the principals for the transaction now meet any of the criteria in § 208.335.
Before you enter into a covered transaction with a person at the next higher tier, you as a lower tier participant must notify that person if you know that you or any of the principals are presently excluded or disqualified.
If we later determine that you failed to tell the person at the higher tier that you were excluded or disqualified at the time you entered into the covered transaction with that person, we may pursue any available remedies, including suspension and debarment.
At any time after you enter into a lower tier covered transaction with a person at a higher tier, you must provide immediate written notice to that person if you learn either that—
(a) You failed to disclose information earlier, as required by § 208.355; or
(b) Due to changed circumstances, you or any of the principals for the transaction now meet any of the criteria in § 208.355.
(a) You as an agency official may not enter into a covered transaction with an excluded person unless you obtain an exception under § 208.120.
(b) You may not enter into any transaction with a person who is disqualified from that transaction, unless you obtain a waiver or exception under the statute, Executive order, or regulation that is the basis for the person's disqualification.
As an agency official, you may not enter into a covered transaction with a participant if you know that a principal of the transaction is excluded, unless you obtain an exception under § 208.120.
After entering into a covered transaction with a participant, you as an agency official may not approve a participant's use of an excluded person as a principal under that transaction, unless you obtain an exception under § 208.120.
(a) You as an agency official may continue covered transactions with an excluded person, or under which an excluded person is a principal, if the transactions were in existence when the person was excluded. You are not required to continue the transactions, however, and you may consider termination. You should make a decision about whether to terminate and the type of termination action, if any, only after a thorough review to ensure that the action is proper.
(b) You may not renew or extend covered transactions (other than no-cost time extensions) with any excluded person, or under which an excluded person is a principal, unless you obtain an exception under § 208.120.
If a transaction at a lower tier is subject to your approval, you as an agency official may not approve—
(a) A covered transaction with a person who is currently excluded, unless you obtain an exception under § 208.120; or
(b) A transaction with a person who is disqualified from that transaction, unless you obtain a waiver or exception under the statute, Executive order, or regulation that is the basis for the person's disqualification.
As an agency official, you must check to see if a person is excluded or disqualified before you—
(a) Enter into a primary tier covered transaction;
(b) Approve a principal in a primary tier covered transaction;
(c) Approve a lower tier participant if agency approval of the lower tier participant is required; or
(d) Approve a principal in connection with a lower tier transaction if agency approval of the principal is required.
You check to see if a person is excluded or disqualified in two ways:
(a) You as an agency official must check the
(b) You must review information that a participant gives you, as required by § 208.335, about its status or the status of the principals of a transaction.
You as an agency official must require each participant in a primary tier covered transaction to—
(a) Comply with subpart C of this part as a condition of participation in the transaction; and
(b) Communicate the requirement to comply with Subpart C of this part to persons at the next lower tier with whom the primary tier participant enters into covered transactions.
To communicate the requirements in § 208.35, you must include a term or condition in the transaction requiring the participants' compliance with subpart C of this part and requiring them to include a similar term or condition in lower-tier covered transactions.
If a participant knowingly does business with an excluded or disqualified person, you as an agency official may refer the matter for suspension and debarment consideration. You may also disallow costs, annul or terminate the transaction, issue a stop work order, or take any other appropriate remedy.
If you as an agency official determine that a participant failed to disclose information, as required by § 208.335, at the time it entered into a covered transaction with you, you may—
(a) Terminate the transaction for material failure to comply with the terms and conditions of the transaction; or
(b) Pursue any other available remedies, including suspension and debarment.
If you as an agency official determine that a lower tier participant failed to disclose information, as required by § 208.355, at the time it entered into a covered transaction with a participant at the next higher tier, you may pursue any remedies available to you, including the initiation of a suspension or debarment action.
The
(a) Federal agency officials use the
(b) Participants also may, but are not required to, use the
(1) Principals of their transactions are excluded or disqualified, as required under § 208.320; or
(2) Persons with whom they are entering into covered transactions at the next lower tier are excluded or disqualified.
(c) The
In accordance with the OMB guidelines, the General Services Administration (GSA) maintains the
(a) At a minimum, the
(1) The full name (where available) and address of each excluded or disqualified person, in alphabetical order, with cross references if 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 the action;
(6) The agency and name and telephone number of the agency point of contact for the action; and
(7) The Dun and Bradstreet Number (DUNS), or other similar code approved by the GSA, of the excluded or disqualified person, if available.
(b)(1) The database for the
(2) Agencies disclose the SSN of an individual to verify the identity of an individual, only if permitted under the Privacy Act of 1974 and, if appropriate, the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988, as codified in 5 U.S.C. 552(a).
Federal officials who take actions to exclude persons under this part or officials who are responsible for identifying disqualified persons must enter the following information about those persons into the
(a) Information required by § 208.515(a);
(b) The Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) of the excluded or disqualified person, including the social security number (SSN) for an individual, if the number is available and may be disclosed under law;
(c) Information about an excluded or disqualified person, generally within five working days, after—
(1) Taking an exclusion action;
(2) Modifying or rescinding an exclusion action;
(3) Finding that a person is disqualified; or
(4) Finding that there has been a change in the status of a person who is listed as disqualified.
If you have questions about a person in the
(a) You may access the
(b) As of November 26, 2003, you may also subscribe to a printed version. However, we anticipate discontinuing the printed version. Until it is discontinued, you may obtain the printed version by purchasing a yearly subscription from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, or by calling the Government Printing Office
When we receive information from any source concerning a cause for suspension or debarment, we will promptly report and investigate it. We refer the question of whether to suspend or debar you to our suspending or debarring official for consideration, if appropriate.
Suspension differs from debarment in that—
In deciding whether to suspend or debar you, we handle the actions as informally as practicable, consistent with principles of fundamental fairness.
(a) For suspension actions, we use the procedures in this subpart and subpart G of this part.
(b) For debarment actions, we use the procedures in this subpart and subpart H of this part.
(a) The suspending or debarring official sends a written notice to the last known street address, facsimile number, or e-mail address of—
(1) You or your identified counsel; or
(2) Your agent for service of process, or any of your partners, officers, directors, owners, or joint venturers.
(b) The notice is effective if sent to any of these persons.
Yes, when more than one Federal agency has an interest in a suspension or debarment, the agencies may consider designating one agency as the lead agency for making the decision. Agencies are encouraged to establish methods and procedures for coordinating their suspension and debarment actions.
If you are suspended or debarred, the suspension or debarment is effective as follows:
(a) Your suspension or debarment constitutes suspension or debarment of all of your divisions and other organizational elements from all covered transactions, unless the suspension or debarment decision is limited—
(1) By its terms to one or more specifically identified individuals, divisions, or other organizational elements; or
(2) To specific types of transactions.
(b) Any affiliate of a participant may be included in a suspension or debarment action if the suspending or debarring official—
(1) Officially names the affiliate in the notice; and
(2) Gives the affiliate an opportunity to contest the action.
For purposes of actions taken under this rule, we may impute conduct as follows:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Yes, we may settle a debarment or suspension action at any time if it is in the best interest of the Federal Government.
Yes, if we enter into a settlement with you in which you agree to be excluded, it is called a voluntary exclusion and has governmentwide effect.
(a) Yes, we enter information regarding a voluntary exclusion into the
(b) Also, any agency or person may contact us to find out the details of a voluntary exclusion.
Suspension is a serious action. Using the procedures of this subpart and subpart F of this part, the suspending official may impose suspension only when that official determines that—
(a) There exists an indictment for, or other adequate evidence to suspect, an offense listed under § 208.800(a), or
(b) There exists adequate evidence to suspect any other cause for debarment listed under § 208.800(b) through (d); and
(c) Immediate action is necessary to protect the public interest.
(a) In determining the adequacy of the evidence to support the suspension, the suspending official considers 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. During this assessment, the suspending official may examine the basic documents, including grants, cooperative
(b) An indictment, conviction, civil judgment, or other official findings by Federal, State, or local bodies that determine factual and/or legal matters, constitutes adequate evidence for purposes of suspension actions.
(c) In deciding whether immediate action is needed to protect the public interest, the suspending official has wide discretion. For example, the suspending official may infer the necessity for immediate action to protect the public interest either from the nature of the circumstances giving rise to a cause for suspension or from potential business relationships or involvement with a program of the Federal Government.
A suspension is effective when the suspending official signs the decision to suspend.
After deciding to suspend you, the suspending official promptly sends you a Notice of Suspension advising you—
(a) That you have been suspended;
(b) That your suspension is based on—
(1) An indictment;
(2) A conviction;
(3) Other adequate evidence that you have committed irregularities which seriously reflect on the propriety of further Federal Government dealings with you; or
(4) Conduct of another person that has been imputed to you, or your affiliation with a suspended or debarred person;
(c) Of any other irregularities in terms sufficient to put you on notice without disclosing the Federal Government's evidence;
(d) Of the cause(s) upon which we relied under § 208.700 for imposing suspension;
(e) That your suspension is for a temporary period pending the completion of an investigation or resulting legal or debarment proceedings;
(f) Of the applicable provisions of this subpart, Subpart F of this part, and any other USAID procedures governing suspension decision making; and
(g) Of the governmentwide effect of your suspension from procurement and nonprocurement programs and activities.
If you as a respondent wish to contest a suspension, you or your representative must provide the suspending official with information in opposition to the suspension. You may do this orally or in writing, but any information provided orally that you consider important must also be submitted in writing for the official record.
(a) As a respondent you or your representative must either send, or make rrangements to appear and present, the information and argument to the suspending official within 30 days after you receive the Notice of Suspension.
(b) We consider the notice to be received by you—
(1) When delivered, if we mail the notice to the last known street address, or five days after we send it if the letter is undeliverable;
(2) When sent, if we send the notice by facsimile or five days after we send it if the facsimile is undeliverable; or
(3) When delivered, if we send the notice by e-mail or five days after we send it if the e-mail is undeliverable.
(a) In addition to any information and argument in opposition, as a respondent your submission to the suspending official must identify—
(1) Specific facts that contradict the statements contained in the Notice of Suspension. A general denial is insufficient to raise a genuine dispute over facts material to the suspension;
(2) All existing, proposed, or prior exclusions under regulations implementing E.O. 12549 and all similar actions taken by Federal, state, or local
(3) All criminal and civil proceedings not included in the Notice of Suspension that grew out of facts relevant to the cause(s) stated in the notice; and
(4) All of your affiliates.
(b) If you fail to disclose this information, or provide false information, the U.S. Agency for International Development may seek further criminal, civil or administrative action against you, as appropriate.
(a) You as a respondent will not have an additional opportunity to challenge the facts if the suspending official determines that—
(1) Your suspension is based upon an indictment, conviction, civil judgment, or other finding by a Federal, State, or local body for which an opportunity to contest the facts was provided;
(2) Your presentation in opposition contains only general denials to information contained in the Notice of Suspension;
(3) The issues raised in your presentation in opposition to the suspension are not factual in nature, or are not material to the suspending official's initial decision to suspend, or the official's decision whether to continue the suspension; or
(4) On the basis of advice from the Department of Justice, an office of the United States Attorney, a State attorney general's office, or a State or local prosecutor's office, that substantial interests of the government in pending or contemplated legal proceedings based on the same facts as the suspension would be prejudiced by conducting fact-finding.
(b) You will have an opportunity to challenge the facts if the suspending official determines that—
(1) The conditions in paragraph (a) of this section do not exist; and
(2) Your presentation in opposition raises a genuine dispute over facts material to the suspension.
(c) If you have an opportunity to challenge disputed material facts under this section, the suspending official or designee must conduct additional proceedings to resolve those facts.
(a) Suspension proceedings are conducted in a fair and informal manner. The suspending official may use flexible procedures to allow you to present matters in opposition. In so doing, the suspending official is not required to follow formal rules of evidence or procedure in creating an official record upon which the official will base a final suspension decision.
(b) You as a respondent or your representative must submit any documentary evidence you want the suspending official to consider.
(a) If fact-finding is conducted—
(1) You may present witnesses and other evidence, and confront any witness presented; and
(2) The fact-finder must prepare written findings of fact for the record.
(b) A transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings must be made, unless you as a respondent and the U.S. Agency for International Development agree to waive it in advance. If you want a copy of the transcribed record, you may purchase it.
(a) The suspending official bases the decision on all information contained in the official record. The record includes—
(1) All information in support of the suspending official's initial decision to suspend you;
(2) Any further information and argument presented in support of, or opposition to, the suspension; and
(3) Any transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings.
(b) The suspending official may refer disputed material facts to another official for findings of fact. The suspending official may reject any resulting findings, in whole or in part, only after
The suspending official must make a written decision whether to continue, modify, or terminate your suspension within 45 days of closing the official record. The official record closes upon the suspending official's receipt of final submissions, information and findings of fact, if any. The suspending official may extend that period for good cause.
(a) If legal or debarment proceedings are initiated at the time of, or during your suspension, the suspension may continue until the conclusion of those proceedings. However, if proceedings are not initiated, a suspension may not exceed 12 months.
(b) The suspending official may extend the 12 month limit under paragraph (a) of this section for an additional 6 months if an office of a U.S. Assistant Attorney General, U.S. Attorney, or other responsible prosecuting official requests an extension in writing. In no event may a suspension exceed 18 months without initiating proceedings under paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) The suspending official must notify the appropriate officials under paragraph (b) of this section of an impending termination of a suspension at least 30 days before the 12 month period expires to allow the officials an opportunity to request an extension.
We may debar a person 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, tax evasion, 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 your present responsibility;
(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, or a procurement debarment by any Federal agency taken pursuant to 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4, before August 25, 1995;
(2) Knowingly doing business with an ineligible person, except as permitted under § 208.120;
(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 § 208.640 or of any settlement of a debarment or suspension action; or
(5) Violation of the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 701); or
(d) Any other cause of so serious or compelling a nature that it affects your present responsibility.
After consideration of the causes in § 208.800 of this subpart, if the debarring official proposes to debar you, the official sends you a Notice of Proposed Debarment, pursuant to § 208.615, advising you—
(a) That the debarring official is considering debarring you;
(b) Of the reasons for proposing to debar you in terms sufficient to put you on notice of the conduct or transactions upon which the proposed debarment is based;
(c) Of the cause(s) under § 208.800 upon which the debarring official relied for proposing your debarment;
(d) Of the applicable provisions of this subpart, Subpart F of this part, and any other USAID procedures governing debarment; and
(e) Of the governmentwide effect of a debarment from procurement and nonprocurement programs and activities.
A debarment is not effective until the debarring official issues a decision. The debarring official does not issue a decision until the respondent has had an opportunity to contest the proposed debarment.
If you as a respondent wish to contest a proposed debarment, you or your representative must provide the debarring official with information in opposition to the proposed debarment. You may do this orally or in writing, but any information provided orally that you consider important must also be submitted in writing for the official record.
(a) As a respondent you or your representative must either send, or make arrangements to appear and present, the information and argument to the debarring official within 30 days after you receive the Notice of Proposed Debarment.
(b) We consider the Notice of Proposed Debarment to be received by you—
(1) When delivered, if we mail the notice to the last known street address, or five days after we send it if the letter is undeliverable;
(2) When sent, if we send the notice by facsimile or five days after we send it if the facsimile is undeliverable; or
(3) When delivered, if we send the notice by e-mail or five days after we send it if the e-mail is undeliverable.
(a) In addition to any information and argument in opposition, as a respondent your submission to the debarring official must identify—
(1) Specific facts that contradict the statements contained in the Notice of Proposed Debarment. Include any information about any of the factors listed in § 208.860. A general denial is insufficient to raise a genuine dispute over facts material to the debarment;
(2) All existing, proposed, or prior exclusions under regulations implementing E.O. 12549 and all similar actions taken by Federal, State, or local agencies, including administrative agreements that affect only those agencies;
(3) All criminal and civil proceedings not included in the Notice of Proposed Debarment that grew out of facts relevant to the cause(s) stated in the notice; and
(4) All of your affiliates.
(b) If you fail to disclose this information, or provide false information, the U.S. Agency for International Development may seek further criminal, civil or administrative action against you, as appropriate.
(a) You as a respondent will not have an additional opportunity to challenge the facts if the debarring official determines that—
(1) Your debarment is based upon a conviction or civil judgment;
(2) Your presentation in opposition contains only general denials to information contained in the Notice of Proposed Debarment; or
(3) The issues raised in your presentation in opposition to the proposed debarment are not factual in nature, or are not material to the debarring official's decision whether to debar.
(b) You will have an additional opportunity to challenge the facts if the debarring official determines that—
(1) The conditions in paragraph (a) of this section do not exist; and
(2) Your presentation in opposition raises a genuine dispute over facts material to the proposed debarment.
(c) If you have an opportunity to challenge disputed material facts under this section, the debarring official or designee must conduct additional proceedings to resolve those facts.
(a) Debarment proceedings are conducted in a fair and informal manner. The debarring official may use flexible procedures to allow you as a respondent to present matters in opposition. In so doing, the debarring official is not required to follow formal rules of evidence or procedure in creating an official record upon which the official will base the decision whether to debar.
(b) You or your representative must submit any documentary evidence you want the debarring official to consider.
(a) If fact-finding is conducted—
(1) You may present witnesses and other evidence, and confront any witness presented; and
(2) The fact-finder must prepare written findings of fact for the record.
(b) A transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings must be made, unless you as a respondent and the U.S. Agency for International Development agree to waive it in advance. If you want a copy of the transcribed record, you may purchase it.
(a) The debarring official may debar you for any of the causes in § 208.800. However, the official need not debar you even if a cause for debarment exists. The official may consider the seriousness of your acts or omissions and the mitigating or aggravating factors set forth at § 208.860.
(b) The debarring official bases the decision on all information contained in the official record. The record includes—
(1) All information in support of the debarring official's proposed debarment;
(2) Any further information and argument presented in support of, or in opposition to, the proposed debarment; and
(3) Any transcribed record of fact-finding proceedings.
(c) The debarring official may refer disputed material facts to another official for findings of fact. The debarring official may reject any resultant findings, in whole or in part, only after specifically determining them to be arbitrary, capricious, or clearly erroneous.
(a) In any debarment action, we must establish the cause for debarment by a preponderance of the evidence.
(b) If the proposed debarment is based upon a conviction or civil judgment, the standard of proof is met.
(a) We have the burden to prove that a cause for debarment exists.
(b) Once a cause for debarment is established, you as a respondent have the burden of demonstrating to the satisfaction of the debarring official that you are presently responsible and that debarment is not necessary.
This section lists the mitigating and aggravating factors that the debarring official may consider in determining whether to debar you and the length of
(a) The actual or potential harm or impact that results or may result from the wrongdoing.
(b) The frequency of incidents and/or duration of the wrongdoing.
(c) Whether there is a pattern or prior history of wrongdoing. For example, if you have been found by another Federal agency or a State agency to have engaged in wrongdoing similar to that found in the debarment action, the existence of this fact may be used by the debarring official in determining that you have a pattern or prior history of wrongdoing.
(d) Whether you are or have been excluded or disqualified by an agency of the Federal Government or have not been allowed to participate in State or local contracts or assistance agreements on a basis of conduct similar to one or more of the causes for debarment specified in this part.
(e) Whether you have entered into an administrative agreement with a Federal agency or a State or local government that is not governmentwide but is based on conduct similar to one or more of the causes for debarment specified in this part.
(f) Whether and to what extent you planned, initiated, or carried out the wrongdoing.
(g) Whether you have accepted responsibility for the wrongdoing and recognize the seriousness of the misconduct that led to the cause for debarment.
(h) Whether you have paid or agreed to pay all criminal, civil and administrative liabilities for the improper activity, including any investigative or administrative costs incurred by the government, and have made or agreed to make full restitution.
(i) Whether you have cooperated fully with the government agencies during the investigation and any court or administrative action. In determining the extent of cooperation, the debarring official may consider when the cooperation began and whether you disclosed all pertinent information known to you.
(j) Whether the wrongdoing was pervasive within your organization.
(k) The kind of positions held by the individuals involved in the wrongdoing.
(l) Whether your organization took appropriate corrective action or remedial measures, such as establishing ethics training and implementing programs to prevent recurrence.
(m) Whether your principals tolerated the offense.
(n) Whether you brought the activity cited as a basis for the debarment to the attention of the appropriate government agency in a timely manner.
(o) Whether you have fully investigated the circumstances surrounding the cause for debarment and, if so, made the result of the investigation available to the debarring official.
(p) Whether you had effective standards of conduct and internal control systems in place at the time the questioned conduct occurred.
(q) Whether you have taken appropriate disciplinary action against the individuals responsible for the activity which constitutes the cause for debarment.
(r) Whether you have had adequate time to eliminate the circumstances within your organization that led to the cause for the debarment.
(s) Other factors that are appropriate to the circumstances of a particular case.
(a) If the debarring official decides to debar you, your period of debarment will be based on the seriousness of the cause(s) upon which your debarment is based. Generally, debarment should not exceed three years. However, if circumstances warrant, the debarring official may impose a longer period of debarment.
(b) In determining the period of debarment, the debarring official may consider the factors in § 208.860. If a
(c) If the debarment is for a violation of the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, your period of debarment may not exceed five years.
(a) The debarring official must make a written decision whether to debar within 45 days of closing the official record. The official record closes upon the debarring official's receipt of final submissions, information and findings of fact, if any. The debarring official may extend that period for good cause.
(b) The debarring official sends you written notice, pursuant to § 208.615 that the official decided, either—
(1) Not to debar you; or
(2) To debar you. In this event, the notice:
(i) Refers to the Notice of Proposed Debarment;
(ii) Specifies the reasons for your debarment;
(iii) States the period of your debarment, including the effective dates; and
(iv) Advises you that your debarment is effective for covered transactions and contracts that are subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR chapter 1), throughout the executive branch of the Federal Government unless an agency head or an authorized designee grants an exception.
Yes, as a debarred person you may ask the debarring official to reconsider the debarment decision or to reduce the time period or scope of the debarment. However, you must put your request in writing and support it with documentation.
The debarring official may reduce or terminate your debarment based on—
(a) Newly discovered material evidence;
(b) A reversal of the conviction or civil judgment upon which your debarment was based;
(c) A bona fide change in ownership or management;
(d) Elimination of other causes for which the debarment was imposed; or
(e) Other reasons the debarring official finds appropriate.
(a) Yes, the debarring official may extend a debarment for an additional period, if that official determines that an extension is necessary to protect the public interest.
(b) However, the debarring official may not extend a debarment solely on the basis of the facts and circumstances upon which the initial debarment action was based.
(c) If the debarring official decides that a debarment for an additional period is necessary, the debarring official must follow the applicable procedures in this subpart, and subpart F of this part, to extend the debarment.
Persons are
(a) Interlocking management or ownership;
(b) Identity of interests among family members;
(c) Shared facilities and equipment;
(d) Common use of employees; or
(e) A business entity which has been organized following the exclusion of a person which has the same or similar management, ownership, or principal employees as the excluded person.
(a) A judgment or any other determination of guilt of a criminal offense by any court of competent jurisdiction, whether entered upon a verdict or plea, including a plea of nolo contendere; or
(b) Any other resolution that is the functional equivalent of a judgment, including probation before judgment and deferred prosecution. A disposition without the participation of the court is the functional equivalent of a judgment only if it includes an admission of guilt.
(a)
(1) The agency head; or
(2) An official designated by the agency head.
(b) The U.S. Agency for International Development's debarring official is the Director of the Office of Procurement.
(a) The Davis-Bacon Act (40 U.S.C. 276(a));
(b) The equal employment opportunity acts and Executive orders; or
(c) The Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. 7606), Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1368) and Executive Order 11738 (3 CFR, 1973 Comp., p. 799).
(a) That a person or commodity is prohibited from being a participant in covered transactions, whether the person has been suspended; debarred; proposed for debarment under 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4; voluntarily excluded; or
(b) The act of excluding a person.
(a)
(1) Grants.
(2) Cooperative agreements.
(3) Scholarships.
(4) Fellowships.
(5) Contracts of assistance.
(6) Loans.
(7) Loan guarantees.
(8) Subsidies.
(9) Insurances.
(10) Payments for specified uses.
(11) Donation agreements.
(b) A nonprocurement transaction at any tier does not require the transfer of Federal funds.
(a) An officer, director, owner, partner, principal investigator, or other person within a participant with management or supervisory responsibilities related to a covered transaction; or
(b) A consultant or other person, whether or not employed by the participant or paid with Federal funds, who—
(1) Is in a position to handle Federal funds;
(2) Is in a position to influence or control the use of those funds; or,
(3) Occupies a technical or professional position capable of substantially influencing the development or outcome of an activity required to perform the covered transaction.
(a)
(1) Any of the states of the United States;
(2) The District of Columbia;
(3) The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
(4) Any territory or possession of the United States; or
(5) Any agency or instrumentality of a state.
(b) For purposes of this part,
(a)
(1) The agency head; or
(2) An official designated by the agency head.
(b) The U.S. Agency for International Development's suspending official is
(a)
(b)
Sec. 602, 78 Stat. 252, and sec. 621, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, 75 Stat. 445; 22 U.S.C. 2402.
Nomenclature changes to part 209 appear at 68 FR 51361, Aug. 26, 2003.
The purpose of this part is to effectuate the provisions of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance pursuant to any authority held or delegated by the Administrator of the Agency for International Development.
This part applies to all programs carried on within the United States by recipients of Federal financial assistance pursuant to any authority held or delegated by the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, including the types of Federal financial assistance listed in appendix A of this part. (appendix A may be revised from time to time by notice in the
For purposes of this part—
(a) The term
(b) The term
(c) The term
(d) The term
(e) The term
(f) The term
(g) The terms
(1) (i) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
(ii) 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;
(2) (i) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or a public system of higher education; or
(ii) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801), system of vocational education, or other school system;
(3) (i) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private organization, or an entire sole proprietorship—
(A) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
(B) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and recreation; or
(ii) 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
(4) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraph (g)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.
(h) The term
(i) The term
(a)
(b)
(i) Deny an individual any service, financial aid, or other benefit provided under the program;
(ii) Provide any service, financial aid, or other benefit to an individual which is different, or is provided in a different manner, from that provided to others under the program;
(iii) Subject an individual to segregation or separate treatment in any matter related to his receipt of any service, financial aid, or other benefit under the program;
(iv) Restrict an individual in any way in the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others receiving any service, financial aid, or other benefit under the program;
(v) Treat an individual differently from others in determining whether he satisfies any admission, enrollment, quota, eligibility, membership or other requirement or condition which individuals must meet in order to be provided any service, financial aid, or other benefit provided under the program;
(vi) Deny an individual an opportunity to participate in the program through the provision of services or otherwise or afford him an opportunity to do so which is different from that afforded others under the program; or
(vii) Deny an individual an opportunity to participate in a program as an employee where a primary objective of the Federal financial assistance is to provide employment.
(2) A recipient, in determining the types of services, financial aid, or other benefits, or facilities which will be provided under any such program, or the class of individuals to whom, or the situations in which, such services, financial aid, other benefits or facilities will be provided under any such program or the class of individuals to be afforded an opportunity to participate in any such program, may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration which have the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination because of race, color, or national origin, or have the effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the program as respects individuals of a particular race, color, or national origin.
(3) In determining the site or location of facilities, a recipient or applicant may not make selections with the purpose or effect of excluding individuals from, denying them the benefits of, or subjecting them to discrimination under any program to which this regulation applies, on the grounds of race, color or national origin; or with the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing the accomplishment of the objectives of the Act or this regulation.
(4) As used in this section the services, financial aid, or other benefit provided under a program receiving Federal financial assistance shall be deemed to include any service, financial aid, or other benefit provided in or through a facility provided with the aid of Federal financial assistance.
(5) The enumeration of specific forms of prohibited discrimination in this paragraph does not limit the generality of the prohibition in paragraph (a) of this section.
(6) This regulation does not prohibit the consideration of race, color, or national origin if the purpose and effect are to remove or overcome the consequences of practices or impediments which have restricted the availability, or participation in, the program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, on the grounds of race, color or national origin. Where previous discriminatory practice or usage tends, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, to exclude individuals from participation in, to deny them the benefits of, or to subject them to discrimination under any program or activity to which this Regulation applies, the applicant or recipient has an obligation to take reasonable action to remove or overcome the consequences of the prior discriminatory practice or usage, and to accomplish the purposes of the Act.
(a)
(2) In the case of real property, structures or improvements thereon, or interests therein, which was acquired withFederal financial assistance, or in the case where Federal financial assistance is provided in the form of a transfer of real property or interest therein from the Federal Government, the instrument effecting or recording the transfer shall contain a covenant running with the land assuring nondiscrimination for the period during which the real property is used for a purpose for which the Federal financial assistance is extended or for another purpose involving the provision of similar services or benefits. Where no transfer of property is involved, but property is improved withFederal financial assistance, the recipient shall agree to include such a covenant in any subsequent transfer of such property. Where the property is obtained from the Federal Government, such covenant may also include a condition coupled with a right to be reserved by the Agency to revert title to the property in the event of a breach of the covenant where, in the discretion of the responsible Agency official, such a condition and right of reverter is appropriate to the statute under which the real property is obtained and to the nature of the grant and the grantee. In such event if a transferee of real property proposed to mortgage or otherwise encumber the real property as security for financing construction of new or improvement of existing facilities on such property for the purposes for which the property was transferred, the Administrator may agree, upon request of the transferee and if necessary to accomplish such financing, and upon such conditions as he deems appropriate, to forbear the exercise of such right to revert title for so long as the lien of such mortgage or other encumbrance remains effective.
(3) Transfers of surplus property are subject to regulations issued by the Administrator of General Services (41 CFR 101-6.2).
(b)
(2) The assurance required with respect to an institution of higher education or any other institution, insofar as the assurance relates to the institution's practices with respect to admission or other treatment of individuals as students or clients of the institution or to the opportunity to participate in the provision of services or other benefits to such individuals, shall be applicable to the entire institution.
(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 Administrator will so inform the recipient and the complainant, if any, in writing.
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) Technical rules of evidence shall not apply to hearings conducted pursuant to this part, 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 officer conducting the hearing. 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)
(2) Any applicant or recipient adversely affected by an order entered pursuant to paragraph (e) of this section may at any time request the responsible 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 (f)(1) of this section. If the responsible Agency official determines that those requirements have been satisfied, he shall restore such eligibility.
(3) If the responsible 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 responsible Agency official. The applicant or recipient will be restored to such eligibility if it proves at such a hearing that it satisfied the requirements of paragraph (f)(1) of this section. While proceedings under this paragraph are pending, the sanctions imposed by the order issued under paragraph (e) of this section shall remain in effect.
Action taken pursuant to section 602 of the Act is subject to judicial review as provided in section 603 of the Act.
(a) All regulations, orders or like directions heretofore issued by any officer of the Agency for International Development which impose requirements designed to prohibit any discrimination against individuals on the ground of race, color, or national origin under any program to which this part applies, and which authorize the suspension or termination of or refusal to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance to any applicant for or recipient of such assistance for failure to comply with such requirements, are hereby superseded to the extent that such discrimination is prohibited by this part, except that nothing in this part shall be deemed to relieve any person of any obligation assumed or imposed under any such superseded regulation, order, instruction, or like direction prior to the effective date of this part. Nothing in this part, however, shall be deemed to supersede any of the following (including future amendment thereof): (1) Executive Order 11246, and regulations issued thereunder, or (2) any other regulation or instruction insofar as it prohibits discrimination on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in any program or situation to which this part is inapplicable, or prohibits discrimination on any other ground.
(b)
Responsibility for administration and enforcement of this part, with respect to Federal financial assistance administered by another Federal department or agency pursuant to delegation, transfer interagency service agreement, or other arrangement is vested in the head of such department or agency, or his delegate, and subject to such delegations or redelegations as he may make or authorize.
1. Grants to organizations and institutions to carry on programs of technical cooperation and development in the United States to promote the economic development of less developed friendly countries. (Section 211, Foreign Assistance Act, 22 U.S.C. 2171.)
2. Grants to organizations and institutions to carry on programs of technical cooperation and development in the United States to promote the economic development of the less developed friendly countries of Latin America. (Section 251, Foreign Assistance Act, 22 U.S.C. 2211.)
3. Grants to organizations and institutions to carry out programs in the United States of research into, and evaluation of, economic development in less developed foreign countries. (Section 241, Foreign Assistance Act, 22 U.S.C. 2193.)
41 U.S.C. 701,
Nomenclature changes to part 210 appear at 68 FR 66586, Nov. 26, 2003.
This part carries out the portion of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 (41 U.S.C. 701
(a) Portions of this part apply to you if you are either—
(1) A recipient of an assistance award from the U.S. Agency for International Development; or
(2) A USAID awarding official. (See definitions of award and recipient in §§ 210.605 and 210.660, respectively.)
(b) The following table shows the subparts that apply to you:
This part does not apply to any award that the Director of the Office of Procurement determines that the application of this part would be inconsistent with the international obligations of the United States or the laws or regulations of a foreign government.
It will affect future contract awards indirectly if you are debarred or suspended for a violation of the requirements of this part, as described in § 210. 510(c). However, this part does not apply directly to procurement contracts. The portion of the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 that applies to Federal procurement contracts is carried out through the Federal Acquisition Regulation in chapter 1 of Title 48 of the Code of Federal Regulations (the drug-free workplace coverage currently is in 48 CFR part 23, subpart 23.5).
There are two general requirements if you are a recipient other than an individual.
(a) First, you must make a good faith effort, on a continuing basis, to maintain a drug-free workplace. You must agree to do so as a condition for receiving any award covered by this part. The specific measures that you must take in this regard are described in more detail in subsequent sections of this subpart. Briefly, those measures are to—
(1) Publish a drug-free workplace statement and establish a drug-free awareness program for your employees (see §§ 210.205 through 210.220); and
(2) Take actions concerning employees who are convicted of violating drug statutes in the workplace (see § 210.225).
(b) Second, you must identify all known workplaces under your Federal awards (see § 210.230).
You must publish a statement that—
(a) Tells your employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in your workplace;
(b) Specifies the actions that you will take against employees for violating that prohibition; and
(c) Lets each employee know that, as a condition of employment under any award, he or she:
(1) Will abide by the terms of the statement; and
(2) Must notify you in writing if he or she is convicted for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace and must do so no more than five calendar days after the conviction.
You must require that a copy of the statement described in § 210.205 be given to each employee who will be engaged in the performance of any Federal award.
You must establish an ongoing drug-free awareness program to inform employees about—
(a) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;
(b) Your policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;
(c) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and
(d) The penalties that you may impose upon them for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace.
If you are a new recipient that does not already have a policy statement as described in § 210.205 and an ongoing awareness program as described in § 210.215, you must publish the statement and establish the program by the time given in the following table:
There are two actions you must take if an employee is convicted of a drug violation in the workplace:
(a) First, you must notify Federal agencies if an employee who is engaged in the performance of an award informs you about a conviction, as required by § 210.205(c)(2), or you otherwise learn of the conviction. Your notification to the Federal agencies must_
(1) Be in writing;
(2) Include the employee's position title;
(3) Include the identification number(s) of each affected award;
(4) Be sent within ten calendar days after you learn of the conviction; and
(5) Be sent to every Federal agency on whose award the convicted employee was working. It must be sent to every awarding official or his or her official designee, unless the Federal agency has specified a central point for the receipt of the notices.
(b) Second, within 30 calendar days of learning about an employee's conviction, you must either_
(1) Take appropriate personnel action against the employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 794), as amended; or
(2) Require the employee to participate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for these purposes by a Federal, State or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency.
(a) You must identify all known workplaces under each USAID award. A failure to do so is a violation of your drug-free workplace requirements. You may identify the workplaces_
(1) To the USAID official that is making the award, either at the time of application or upon award; or
(2) In documents that you keep on file in your offices during the performance of the award, in which case you must make the information available for inspection upon request by USAID officials or their designated representatives.
(b) Your workplace identification for an award must include the actual address of buildings (or parts of buildings) or other sites where work under the award 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).
(c) If you identified workplaces to the USAID awarding official at the time of application or award, as described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, and any workplace that you identified changes during the performance of the award, you must inform the USAID awarding official.
As a condition of receiving a USAID award, if you are an individual recipient, you must agree that—
(a) You will not engage in the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance in conducting any activity related to the award; and
(b) If you are convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any award activity, you will report the conviction:
(1) In writing.
(2) Within 10 calendar days of the conviction.
(3) To the USAID awarding official or other designee for each award that you currently have, unless § 210.301 or the award document designates a central
As a USAID awarding official, you must obtain each recipient's agreement, as a condition of the award, to comply with the requirements in—
(a) Subpart B of this part, if the recipient is not an individual; or
(b) Subpart C of this part, if the recipient is an individual.
A recipient other than an individual is in violation of the requirements of this part if the Director of the Office of Procurement determines, in writing, that—
(a) The recipient has violated the requirements of subpart B of this part; or
(b) The number of convictions of the recipient's employees for violating criminal drug statutes in the workplace is large enough to indicate that the recipient has failed to make a good faith effort to provide a drug-free workplace.
An individual recipient is in violation of the requirements of this part if the Director of the Office of Procurement determines, in writing, that—
(a) The recipient has violated the requirements of subpart C of this part; or
(b) The recipient is convicted of a criminal drug offense resulting from a violation occurring during the conduct of any award activity.
If a recipient is determined to have violated this part, as described in § 210.500 or § 210.505, the U.S. Agency for International Development may take one or more of the following actions—
(a) Suspension of payments under the award;
(b) Suspension or termination of the award; and
(c) Suspension or debarment of the recipient under 22 CFR Part 208, for a period not to exceed five years.
The USAID Administrator or designee may waive with respect to a particular award, in writing, a suspension of payments under an award, suspension or termination of an award, or suspension or debarment of a recipient if the USAID Administrator or designee determines that such a waiver would be in the public interest. This exception authority cannot be delegated to any other official.
(a) The term award includes:
(1) A Federal grant or cooperative agreement, in the form of money or property in lieu of money.
(2) A block grant or a grant in an entitlement program, whether or not the grant is exempted from coverage under the Governmentwide rule [Agency-specific CFR citation] that implements OMB Circular A-102 (for availability, see 5 CFR 1310.3) and specifies uniform administrative requirements.
(b) The term award does not include:
(1) Technical assistance that provides services instead of money.
(2) Loans.
(3) Loan guarantees.
(4) Interest subsidies.
(5) Insurance.
(6) Direct appropriations.
(7) Veterans' benefits to individuals (
(c) Notwithstanding paragraph (a)(2) of this section, this paragraph is not applicable to AID.
(a)
(1) All direct charge employees;
(2) All indirect charge employees, unless their impact or involvement in the performance of work under the award is insignificant to the performance of the award; and
(3) Temporary personnel and consultants who are directly engaged in the performance of work under the award and who are on the recipient's payroll.
(b) This definition does not include workers not on the payroll of the recipient (e.g., volunteers, even if used to meet a matching requirement; consultants or independent contractors not on the payroll; or employees of subrecipients or subcontractors in covered workplaces).
(a) The principal purpose of which is to transfer a thing of value to the recipient to carry out a public purpose of
(b) In which substantial involvement is not expected between the Federal agency and the recipient when carrying out the activity contemplated by the award.
7 U.S.C. 1726a(c).
(a)
(b)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)(1)
(2)
(3)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)(1)
(2)
(3)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
(u)
(v)
(w)
(x)
(y)
(a)
(b)
Where such written agreement is not appropriate or feasible, USAID or the Diplomatic Post shall assure AID/W, in writing, that the program can be effectively implemented in compliance with this Regulation without such an agreement.
(c)
(1) Describe the approved uses of commodities, monetized proceeds and program income in a manner consistent with the approved Operational Plan or TA;
(2) Require the recipient agency to pay the cooperating sponsor the value of any commodities, monetized proceeds or program income that are used for purposes not permitted under the Recipient Agency Agreement or that are lost, damaged or misused as a result of the recipient agency's failure to exercise reasonable care with respect to such commodities, monetized proceeds or program income; and
(3) Incorporate by reference or otherwise the terms and conditions set forth in this Regulation 11.
(d)
(2)
(i)
(ii)
(3)
(4)
(a)
(b)
(i) For nongovernmental cooperating sponsors, at the point in the United States at which the ocean carrier or its agents take possession of the cargo (generally f.a.s. or f.o.b. vessel U.S. port); or
(ii) For governmental cooperating sponsors, at the destination port of entry, upon completion of discharge by the ocean carrier (non-landlocked countries), or at the destination point of entry, upon completion of delivery by the inland carrier (landlocked countries).
(2) Nongovernmental cooperating sponsors shall make the necessary arrangements to accept commodities at the points of availability designated by CCC.
(c)
(2) The United States will finance the transfer of commodities at the lowest combination inland and ocean transportation costs as determined by the United States and in sizes and types of packages announced as applicable. If a nongovernmental cooperating sponsor requests changes to these standards which are made by the United States as an accommodation to the cooperating sponsor and these changes result in costs over those the United States otherwise would have incurred, the cooperating sponsor shall reimburse the United States for these increased costs promptly upon request.
(3) All costs and expenses incurred subsequent to the transfer of title to cooperating sponsors shall be borne by them except as otherwise provided herein. Upon the determination that it is in the interests of the program to do so, the United States may pay or reimburse the following additional costs:
(i) Ocean transportation costs from U.S. ports to the designated ports of entry abroad; or
(ii) Ocean transportation costs from U.S. ports to designated points of entry abroad in the case—
(A) Of landlocked countries,
(B) Where ports cannot be used effectively because of natural or other disturbances,
(C) Where carriers to a specific country are unavailable, or
(D) Where a substantial savings in cost or time can be effected by the utilization of points of entry other than ports; or
(iii) In the case of commodities for urgent and extraordinary relief requirements, including prepositioned commodities, transportation costs from designated points of entry or ports of entry abroad to storage and distribution centers and associated storage and distribution costs.
(d)
I certify that this document is a true and correct copy of the original on-board ocean bill of lading under which the goods herein described were located on the above-named vessel and that the original and all other copies thereof have been clearly marked as not to be certified for billing.
(e)
(2)
(3) Cooperating sponsors awarding USAID-financed ocean transportation bookings of food aid under the Public Law 480, title II program shall follow consistent, transparent, fair and effective procedures. In order to promote these objectives, USAID may formulate, and from time-to-time amend, uniform standard booking guidelines relating to such bookings. Guidelines will be finalized only after consultation with affected cooperating sponsors, freight forwarders and carriers as required by the Agricultural Development and Trade Act of 1990 or other applicable legislation. Copies of the guidelines and any proposed amendments may be obtained from the Transportation Division, Office of Procurement, Agency for International Development, Washington, DC 20523.
(f)
(g)
(i) For purposes of section 407(c)(4), the term “transportation-related services” means lightening, stevedoring, bagging or inland transportation to the destination point.
(ii) The prohibition does not preclude payment by ocean carriers of compensation or brokerage fees on a shipment-by-shipment basis as provided in governing tariffs or charter parties to persons performing freight forwarding or charter broking services under contract to the U.S. Government.
(2) Pursuant to section 407(d)(3) of Public Law 480, freight agents employed by A.I.D. under title I, II or III of Public Law 480 shall not represent any other foreign government during the period of their contract with the United States Government. This restriction applies both to charter brokers and freight forwarders whether they are prime contractors or subcontractors of A.I.D.
(3) This paragraph (g) does not apply to shipments booked by nongovernmental cooperating sponsors or their agents.
(a)
(b)
(1) Plan, organize, implement, control, and evaluate programs involving distribution of commodities or use of monetized proceeds and program income,
(2) Make warehouse inspections, physical inventories, and end-use checks of food or funds, and
(3) Review of books and records maintained by recipient agencies that receive monetized proceeds and/or program income.
(c)
(2)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(i) Name of commodity;
(ii) Provided through the friendship of the American people as food for peace;
(iii) Not to be sold or exchanged (where applicable).
(2)
(j)
(k)
(i) Transport, store, distribute and otherwise enhance the effectiveness of the use of donated commodities and products thereof, including construction or improvement of storage facilities or warehouses, handling, insect and rodent control, payment of personnel employed or used by the cooperating sponsor or recipient agencies in support of approved programs;
(ii) Implement income generating, community development, health, nutrition, cooperative development, agricultural and other developmental activities agreed upon by A.I.D. and the cooperating sponsor;
(iii) Make investments, with the approval of A.I.D., and any interest earned on such investments may be used for purposes described in paragraphs (k)(l) (i) and (ii) of this section;
(iv) Improve their financial and other management systems; and
(v) Pay indirect costs of the cooperating sponsor that are allocable to the monetization program at the indirect cost rate approved by A.I.D. for the cooperating sponsor, the direct and indirect costs of an office maintained by the cooperating sponsor in the country where the monetization program is conducted that are allocable to the title II program there, and the costs of a regional office maintained by a cooperating sponsor that are allocable to the cooperating sponsor's effort to enhance the effectiveness of the use of commodities provided by A.I.D. under title II.
(2) Monetized proceeds and program income may be used by the cooperating sponsor and recipient agencies only for the purposes described in the Operational Plan or TA, or otherwise approved by A.I.D., in writing, and only for such costs as would be allowable under OMB Circular A-122, as amended, “Cost Principles for Nonprofit Organizations”. A recipient agency may use not to exceed $500 per year of voluntary contributions for institutional, community or social development or other humanitarian purposes without regard to the Operational Plan or TA or OMB Circular A-122.
(3) Governmental cooperating sponsors shall use monetized proceeds and program income only for emergency purposes as described in the TA with respect to such programs.
(4) Monetized proceeds and program income may not be used to pay for the performance of abortions as a method of family planning or to motivate or coerce any person to practice abortions.
(5) Except as A.I.D. may otherwise agree in writing, monetized proceeds may not be used to finance the production for export of agricultural commodities, or products thereof, that would compete in the world market with similar agricultural commodities, or products thereof, produced in the United States, if such competition would cause substantial injury to the United States producers, as determined by A.I.D.
(6)(i) The cooperating sponsor shall use commercially reasonable practices in construction activities and in purchasing goods and services with monetized proceeds or program income; maintain a code of standards of conduct regarding conflicts of interest; carry out procurement transactions in a manner to provide open and free competition to the maximum extent practicable; and maintain and make available to A.I.D. in accordance with § 211.10 records and documents regarding the procurement of goods and services with monetized proceeds and program income. Cooperating sponsors shall follow their own requirements relating to bid guarantees, performance bonds and payment bonds when program income or monetized proceeds are used to finance construction or the improvement of facilities, but shall consult with USAID or the Diplomatic Post regarding such requirements when the estimated cost of such construction or improvements exceeds $100,000. Title to real and personal property shall be vested in the cooperating sponsor, except as provided in the Operational Plan or TA or as A.I.D. may otherwise agree in writing, subject to the requirements of § 211.11 upon termination of the program.
(ii) Monetized proceeds and program income may not be used to acquire, construct, alter or upgrade land, buildings or other real property improvements that are used in whole or in part
(l)
(m)
(n)
(1) Borrowed commodities which are used in accordance with the terms of the Operational Plan or TA will be replaced with commodities transferred by A.I.D. The amount of commodities transferred to replace borrowed commodities shall be established by mutual agreement between the cooperating sponsor and USAID or the Diplomatic Post and will be determined on the basis of equivalent value at the time and place of transfer or on some other justifiable basis proposed by the cooperating sponsor and acceptable to USAID or the Diplomatic Post;
(2) Packaged commodities which are borrowed shall be appropriately identified insofar as practicable in the language of the country of distribution as having been provided through the friendship of the American people as food for peace; and
(3) Suitable publicity shall be given to the exchange of commodities as provided in paragraph (h) of this section and containers for borrowed commodities shall be marked to the extent practicable in accordance with § 211.6(c).
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(a)
(1) Fully account to the cooperating sponsor for all commodities delivered to the processor's possession and shall maintain adequate records and submit periodic reports pertaining to the performance of the agreement;
(2) Be liable for the value of all commodities not accounted for as provided in § 211.9(e);
(3) Return or dispose of the containers in which the commodity is received from the cooperating sponsor according to instructions from the cooperating sponsor; and
(4) Plainly label carton, sacks, or other containers containing the end product in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(b)
(c)
(1) Name of commodity;
(2) Provided through the friendship of the American people as food for peace; and
(3) Not to be sold or exchanged (where applicable).
(d)
(a)
(1) Distributing the commodity to end users, as provided in the approved Operational Plan or TA;
(2) Demurrage, detention, and overtime;
(3) Obtaining independent discharge survey reports as provided in § 211.9 under which the cooperating sponsor will be reimbursed for the costs of obtaining independent survey reports as provided in § 211.9(c)(1)(iv); and
(4) Wharfage, taxes, dues, and port charges assessed and collected by local authorities from the consignee, lighterage (when not a custom of the port), and lightening costs when assessed as a charge separate from the freight rate.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) Costs of repackaging required because of damage caused after discharge of the cargo from the ocean carrier will be reimbursed to the cooperating sponsor by CCC (USDA-ASCS Fiscal Division, 14th & Independence Avenue, Washington, DC 20250) upon receipt of supporting invoices or other documentation.
(a)
(b)
(2) A cooperating sponsor shall dispose of commodities determined to be unfit for authorized use in the order of priority described in paragraphs (b)(2) (i) through (iv) of this section. The concurrence of USAID or the Diplomatic Post should be requested for disposition of commodities valued at $500 or more. If the USAID or Diplomatic Post does not respond to the cooperating sponsor's request for concurrence within 15 days, the cooperating sponsor may dispose of the commodities in the manner described in its request and inform the USAID or Diplomatic Post of its action taken in accordance with this section.
(i) Sale for the most appropriate use,
(ii) Transfer to an approved Food for Peace program for use as livestock feed. AID/W shall be advised promptly of any such transfer so that shipments from the United States to the livestock feeding program can be reduced by an equivalent amount.
(iii) Donation to a governmental or charitable organization for use as animal feed or for other nonfood use.
(iv) If the commodity is unfit for any use or if disposal in accordance with paragraphs (b)(2) (i), (ii) or (iii) of this section is not possible, the commodity shall be destroyed in such manner as to prevent its use for any purpose. Commodities valued at $500 or more shall be destroyed under the observation of a representative of the USAID or Diplomatic Post if practicable. When the cooperating sponsor informs the USAID or Diplomatic Post of its intention to destroy commodities, the cooperating sponsor shall indicate the kind and amount of commodities that will be destroyed, the manner of destruction, the representative(s) of local authorities who will witness the destruction, and the date when the commodities will be destroyed. The date shall be established on the basis of programmatic need, but an effort should be made to provide a reasonable opportunity for a representative of the USAID or Diplomatic Post to attend. The commodities may be destroyed on the date indicated even if there is no representative of the USAID or Diplomatic Post to observe this action.
(3) Expenses incidental to the handling and disposition of the damaged commodity shall be paid by the cooperating sponsor unless it is determined by USAID or the Diplomatic Post that the damage could not have been prevented by the proper exercise of the cooperating sponsor's responsibility under the terms of the Operational Plan or TA. Actual expenses incurred, including third party costs, in selling the commodities may be deducted from the sales proceeds and, except for monetization programs, the net proceeds shall be deposited with the U.S. Disbursing Officer, American Embassy, with instructions to credit the deposit to CCC Account No. 20FT401. In monetization programs, net proceeds shall be deposited in the special account used for the approved program.
(4) The cooperating sponsor shall furnish USAID or the Diplomatic Post a written report in accordance with § 211.9(f), and the report shall enclose a certification by a public health official or other competent authority of
(i) The exact quantity of the damaged commodity disposed of because it was determined to be unfit for any use and
(ii) The manner in which the commodities were destroyed.
(Where the instructions in this § 211.9 state that the cooperating sponsor should contact USDA or CCC, the contact office is: Kansas City ASCS Commodity Office (KCCO), P.O. Box 419205, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6205. For Section 211.9 (a) and (b) contact: KCCO, Chief, Processed Commodities Division. For § 211.9(c) contact: KCCO, Chief, Claims and Collections Division, Kansas City, Missouri 64141-6105.)
(a)
(1) Moved to another available outlet;
(2) Stored at the port for delivery to the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor when a vessel is available for loading; or
(3) Disposed of as USDA may deem proper.
(b)
(c)
(A) A certification by a public health official or similar competent authority regarding the condition of the commodity; and
(B) A certificate of disposition if the commodity is determined to be unfit for its intended use. These certificates shall be obtained as soon as possible after discharge of the cargo. If the cooperating sponsor can provide a narrative chronology or other commentary to assist in the adjudication
(ii) In the event of cargo loss or damage, a nongovernmental cooperating sponsor shall provide the names and addresses of individuals who were present at the time of discharge and during survey and who can verify the quantity lost or damaged. In the case of bulk grain shipments, the cooperating sponsor shall obtain the services of an independent surveyor to:
(A) Observe discharge of the cargo;
(B) Report on discharging method (including whether a scale was used, its type and calibration and other factors affecting its accuracy, or an explanation of why a scale was not used and how weight was determined);
(C) Furnish information as to whether cargo was discharged in accordance with port customs;
(D) Provide actual or estimated (if scales not used) quantity of cargo lost during discharge and specify how such losses occurred;
(E) Obtain copies of port and/or ship records including scale weights, where applicable, to show quantity discharged;
(F) Verify that upon conclusion of discharge, cargo holds are empty;
(G) Provide to USDA information as to quantity, type and cause of lost or damaged cargo;
(H) Furnish daily tally totals and any other pertinent information about the bagging of the bulk cargo when cargo is bagged or stacked by vessel interests; and
(I) Notify the cooperating sponsor immediately if additional services are necessary to protect cargo interests or if the surveyor has reason to believe that the correct quantity was not discharged.
(iii) Cooperating sponsors shall send to USDA copies of all reports and documents pertaining to the discharge of commodities. For those surveys arranged by CCC, the cooperating sponsors may obtain a copy of the report from the local USAID Food for Peace Officer.
(iv) CCC will reimburse a nongovernmental cooperating sponsor for the costs incurred by it in obtaining the services of an independent surveyor to conduct examinations of the cargo and render the report set forth above. Reimbursement by CCC will be made upon receipt by CCC of the survey report and the surveyor's invoice or other documents that establish the survey cost. However, CCC will not reimburse a nongovernmental cooperating sponsor for the costs of only a delivery survey, in the absence of a discharge survey, or for any other survey not taken contemporaneously with the discharge of the vessel, unless such deviation from the documentation requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section is justified to the satisfaction of CCC.
(v) CCC normally will contract for the survey of cargo on shipments furnished under Transfer Authorizations, including shipments for which A.I.D. contracts for the ocean transportation
(2)
(ii)(A) Unless otherwise provided in the Operational Plan or TA, nongovernmental cooperating sponsors shall file notice of any cargo loss and/or damage with the ocean carrier immediately upon discovery of any such loss and/or damage, promptly initiate claims against the ocean carrier for cargo loss and/or damage, take all necessary action to obtain restitution for losses within any applicable periods of limitations, and transmit to CCC copies of all such claims. However, the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor need not file a claim when the cargo loss and/or damage is not in excess of $100, or in any case when the loss and/or damage is between $100 and $300 and it is determined by the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor that the cost of filing and collecting the claim will exceed the amount of the claim. The nongovernmental cooperating sponsor shall transmit to CCC copies of all claims filed with the ocean carriers for cargo loss and/or damage, as well as information and/or documentation on shipments when no claim is to be filed. When General Average has been declared, no action will be taken by the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor to file or collect claims for loss or damage to commodities. (See paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of this section.)
(B) The value of commodities misused, lost or damaged shall be determined on the basis of the domestic market price at the time and place the misuse, loss or damage occurred, or, in case it is not feasible to obtain or determine such market price, the f.o.b. or f.a.s. commercial export price of the commodity at the time and place of export, plus ocean freight charges and other costs incurred by the U.S. Government in making delivery to the cooperating sponsor. When value is determined on a cost basis, nongovernmental cooperating sponsors may add to the value any provable costs they have incurred prior to delivery by the ocean carrier. In preparing the claim statement, these costs shall be clearly segregated from costs incurred by the U.S. Government. With respect to claims other than ocean carrier loss or damage claims, at the request of the cooperating sponsor or upon the recommendation of USAID or the Diplomatic Post, AID/W may determine that such value may be established on some other justifiable basis. When replacement is made, the value of commodities misused, lost or damaged shall be their value at the time and place the misuse, loss, or damage occurred and
(C) Amounts collected by nongovernmental cooperating sponsors on claims against ocean carriers not in excess of $200 may be retained by the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor. On claims involving loss and/or damage having a value in excess of $200, nongovernmental cooperating sponsors may retain from collections received by them, the larger of:
(
(
(D) A nongovernmental cooperating sponsor may redetermine claims on the basis of additional documentation or information, not considered when the claims were originally filed when such documentation or information clearly changes the ocean carrier's liability. Approval of such changes by CCC is not required regardless of amount. However, copies of redetermined claims and supporting documentation or information shall be furnished to CCC.
(E) A nongovernmental cooperating sponsor may negotiate compromise settlements of claims regardless of the amount thereof, except that proposed compromise settlements of claims having a value in excess of $5,000 shall not be accepted until such action has been approved in writing by CCC. When a claim is compromised, the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor may retain from the amount collected, the amounts authorized in paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(C) and in addition, an amount representing such percentage of the special charges described in paragraph (c)(2)(ii)(C) as the compromised amount is to the full amount of the claim. When a claim is not in excess of $600, the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor may terminate collection activity on the claim according to the standards set forth in the Federal Claims Collection Standards, 4 CFR 104.3. Approval of such termination by CCC is not required, but the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor shall notify CCC when collection activity on a claim is terminated.
(F) All amounts collected in excess of the amounts authorized herein to be retained shall be remitted to CCC. For the purpose of determining the amount to be retained by the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor from the proceeds of claims filed against ocean carriers, the word “claim” shall refer to the loss and/or damage to commodities which are shipped on the same voyage of the same vessel to the same port destination, irrespective of the kinds of commodities shipped or the number of different bills of lading issued by the carrier. If a nongovernmental cooperating sponsor is unable to collect a claim or negotiate an acceptable compromise settlement within the applicable period of limitation or any extension thereof granted in writing by the liable party or parties, the rights of the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor to the claim shall be assigned to CCC in sufficient time to permit the filing of legal action prior to the expiration of the period of limitation or any extension thereof. Nongovernmental cooperating sponsors shall promptly assign their claim rights to CCC upon request. In the event CCC collects or settles the claim after the rights of the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor to the claim have been assigned CCC, CCC shall, except as shown below, pay to the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor the amount the agency or organization would have been entitled to retain had they collected the same amount. However, the additional 10 percent on amounts collected in excess
(G) When nongovernmental cooperating sponsors fail to file claims, or permit claims to become time-barred, or fail to provide for the right of CCC to assert such claims, as provided in this § 211.9, and it is determined by CCC that such failure was due to the fault or negligence of the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor, the agency or organization shall be liable to the United States for the cost and freight (C&F) value of the commodities lost to the program.
(iii) If a cargo loss has been incurred on a nongovernmental cooperating sponsor shipment, and general average has been declared, the nongovernmental cooperating sponsor shall furnish to CCC with a duplicate copy to AID/W—
(A) Copies of booking confirmations and the applicable on-board bill(s) of lading,
(B) The related outturn or survey report(s),
(C) Evidence showing the amount of ocean transportation charges paid to the carrier(s), and
(D) An assignment to CCC of the cooperating sponsor's right to the claim(s) for such loss.
(iv) A.I.D. will initiate and prosecute claims against ocean carriers and defend claims by such carriers, arising from or relating to affreightment contracts booked by A.I.D. where the claims involve entitlement to freight and related costs from the U.S. Government. Proceeds of such claims received by A.I.D. shall be returned to CCC pursuant to agreed procedures.
(d)
(e)
(2) If a cooperating sponsor acquires any right against a person or governmental or nongovernmental organization based on an event for which the person or organization is responsible that resulted in the damage, loss or misuse of any commodity, monetized proceeds or program income, the cooperating sponsor shall file a claim against the liable party or parties for the value of the commodities, monetized proceeds or program income lost
(3)
(4) Reasonable attempts to collect the claim shall not be less than the follow-up of initial billings with three progressively stronger demands at not more than 30-day intervals. If these efforts fail to elicit a satisfactory response, legal action in the judicial system of the cooperating country should be pursued unless:
(i) Liability of the third party is not provable,
(ii) The cost of pursuing the claim would exceed the amount of the claim,
(iii) The third party would not have enough assets to satisfy the claim after a judicial decision favorable to the cooperating sponsor,
(iv) Maintaining legal action in the country's judicial system would seriously impair the cooperating sponsor's ability to conduct an effective program in the country, or
(v) It is inappropriate for reasons relating to the judiciary or judicial system of the country.
(5) As an alternative to legal action in the judicial system of the country with regard to claims against a public entity of the government of the cooperating country, the cooperating sponsor and the cooperating country may agree to settle disputed claims by an appropriate administrative procedure and/or arbitration. This alternative may be established in the Host Country Food for Peace Program Agreement required under § 211.3(b), or by a separate formal understanding, and must be submitted to USAID or the Diplomatic Post for review and approval. Resolution of disputed claims by any administrative procedure or arbitration agreed to by the cooperating sponsor and the cooperating country should be final and binding on the parties.
(f)
(2) If any commodity, monetized proceeds or program income is lost or misused under circumstances which give a cooperating sponsor reason to believe that the loss or misuse has occurred as a result of criminal activity, the cooperating sponsor shall promptly report these circumstances to the A.I.D. Inspector General through AID/W, USAID or the Diplomatic Post, and subsequently to the appropriate authorities of the cooperating country unless instructed not to do so by A.I.D. The cooperating sponsor also shall cooperate fully with any subsequent investigation by the Inspector General and/or authorities of the cooperating country.
(g)
(h)
(1) Be responsible for settling general average and marine salvage claims;
(2) Retain the authority to make or authorize any disposition of commodities which have not commenced ocean transit or of which the ocean transit is interrupted, and receive and retain any monetary proceeds resulting from such disposition;
(3) In the event of a declaration of general average, initiate, prosecute, and retain all proceeds of cargo loss and damage claims against ocean carriers; and
(4) Receive and retain any allowance in general average. CCC will pay any general average or marine salvage claims determined to be due.
(a)
(b)
(1) Periodic summary reports showing receipt, distribution, and inventory of commodities and proposed schedules of shipments or calls forward.
(2) Reports relating to the generation of monetized proceeds and program income and the use of such funds for purposes specified in the Operational Plan or TA. See § 211.5(l).
(3) Reports relating to progress and problems in the implementation of the program.
(4) Reports shall be submitted in sufficient detail to enable USAID or the Diplomatic Post to assess and to make recommendations as to the ability of the cooperating sponsors to effectively plan, manage, control and evaluate the Food for Peace programs under their administration.
(5) At the time that an emergency program under Public Law 480, title II is initiated, whether by a governmental or nongovernmental cooperating sponsor, USAID or the Diplomatic Post should
(i) Make a determination regarding the ability of the cooperating sponsor to perform the record-keeping required by this § 211.10, and
(ii) In those instances in which those specific record-keeping requirements cannot be followed, due to emergency circumstances, specify exactly which essential information will be recorded in order to account fully for title II commodities and monetized proceeds.
(c)
(1) Examine activities and records of the cooperating sponsor, recipient agencies, processors, or others, pertaining to the receipt, storage, distribution, processing, repackaging, sale and use of commodities by recipients;
(2) Inspect commodities in storage, or the facilities used in the handling or storage of commodities;
(3) Examine and audit books and records, including financial books and records and reports pertaining to storage, transportation, processing, repackaging, distribution, sale and use of commodities and pertaining to the deposit and use of any monetized proceeds and program income;
(4) Review the overall effectiveness of the program as it relates to the objectives set forth in the Operational Plan or TA; and
(5) Examine or audit the procedure and methods used in carrying out the requirements of this Regulation.
(a)
(b)
The Assistant Administrator for Food and Humanitarian Assistance, A.I.D., may waive, withdraw, or amend, at any time, any or all of the provisions of this Regulation 11 if such provision is not statutory and it is determined to be in the best interest of the U.S. Government to do so. Any cooperating sponsor which has failed to comply with the provisions of this Regulation or any instructions or procedures issued in connection herewith, or any agreements entered into pursuant hereto may at the discretion of A.I.D. be suspended or disqualified from further
The funds provided under this part shall be administered in compliance with the standards set forth in part 205, Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs, of this chapter.
In addition to any other requirement of law or regulation, the Operational Plan will include information outlined below to the extent it is applicable to the specific activity.
1. Program Goals.
Describe program goals and criteria for measuring progress toward reaching the goals. Each program should be designed to achieve measurable objectives within a specified period of time.
2. Program Description.
a. Describe the characteristics, extent and severity of problems that the program will address.
b. Provide a clear concise statement of specific objectives for each program and of criteria for measuring progress towards reaching the objectives. If there are several objectives, indicate priorities.
c. Describe the target population by program, including economic/nutrition-related characteristics, sufficiently to permit a determination of recipient eligibility for title II commodities. Describe the educational and employment characteristics of the target group, if relevant to program objectives; the rationale for selection of the target group, the rationale for the selection of the geographical areas where programs will be carried out; the calculation of coverage and the percent of total target population reached.
d. Describe the intervention including:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The response to emergency situations using title II resources does not usually permit the same degree of detail and certainty of analysis that is expected in planning title II non-emergency programs. However, Operational Plans are required for all nongovernmental cooperating sponsors' emergency programs, along with the AER. An Operational Plan for an emergency program must cover the same basic elements, set forth above, as for a nonemergency program. Thus, all of the above basic issues set forth in the Operational Plan format must be addressed when proposing title II emergency programs as well as regular nonemergency programs.
A USAID or Diplomatic Post is expected to comment on the substance and adequacy of a nongovernmental cooperating sponsor's Operational Plan when submitted to AID/W along with a program request, and to address the plan's relationship to and consistency with the Mission's Country Development Strategy Statement.
Cooperating sponsors agree not to deviate from the program as described in the Operational Plan and other program documents approved by A.I.D., without the prior written approval of A.I.D.
Any cooperating sponsor (governmental or nongovernmental) may initiate an emergency assistance proposal under Public Law 480, title II. Requests are received by a USAID or Diplomatic Post and reviewed and approved before forwarding to AID/W with appropriate recommendations.
a. Nongovernmental emergency program requests can be cabled by USAID or the Diplomatic Post for AID/W review based on information provided and using procedures established for regular programs as described in Regulation 11, § 211.5(a): AER and Operational Plan.
b. A foreign government or international organization (other than World Food Program) emergency request normally requires more Mission involvement in program design and management. However, as in the case of nongovernmental programs, the approval will be based on a cabled program summary based on the program plan outlined in (2) above. On approval, AID/W will prepare a Transfer Authorization (TA) to be signed by the recipient government specifying terms of the program and reporting requirements. Additional guidance in preparing government-to-government or international organizations emergency requests is in chapter 9 and Exhibit A of A.I.D. Handbook 9. The TA serves as (1) the Food for Peace Agreement between the U.S. Government and the cooperating sponsor, (2) the project authorization document, and (3) the authority for the CCC to ship commodities. (Under Pub. L. 480, section 207(a), not later than 15 days after receipt of a call forward from a field mission for commodities, the order shall be transmitted to the CCC.)
Detailed guidance for preparing, approving, implementing and administering these programs is provided in chapters 6, 7, and 11 of A.I.D. Handbook 9.
Describe the problems that can be anticipated in implementing the program in the recipient country as a result of its being a developing country.
A cooperating sponsor should provide a justification for the waiver of any specific section or sections of Regulation 11 that it believes necessary for the program.
22 U.S.C. 2381(a).
(a) It is the policy of the United States Agency for International Development (hereinafter “USAID” or “the Agency”) that information about its objectives and operations be freely available to the public in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act (“FOIA”), 5 U.S.C. 552, as amended; the President's Memorandum for Heads of Departments and Agencies regarding the FOIA, 29 Weekly Comp. Pres. Doc. 1999 (October 4, 1993); and the Attorney General's Memorandum of the same title and date. The Director, Office of Administrative Services, Bureau for Management, or his/her designee, is responsible on behalf of the Agency for administration of the provisions of the regulations set forth in this part.
(b) In addition, concerning the International Cooperation and Development Agency (“IDCA”), pursuant to executive order and delegations of authority USAID is responsible not only for management of its own affairs but also for those of IDCA. The policy of IDCA in the FOIA area has been determined by USAID to be identical to that of USAID, as stated in this section. Therefore, all policies and procedures set forth in this part apply equally to IDCA as to USAID; and it is intended that references in this part to “USAID” or “the Agency” shall, wherever appropriate, include or mean a reference to IDCA. Accordingly, all IDCA FOIA-related matters shall be referred to and processed by USAID staff under this part as though they were USAID matters.
(c) All records of USAID shall be made available to the public upon compliance with the procedures established in § 212.33, except to the extent a determination is made to withhold a record exemptible under 5 U.S.C. 552(b). Such a determination shall be made pursuant to procedures set forth in § 212.36, 212.37 and 212.38.
(d) The term “record” as used in this part includes all books, papers, maps, photographs, or other documentary
(a) USAID separately states and currently publishes in the
(1) Descriptions of its central and field organization and the established places at which, the officers from whom, and the methods whereby, the public may secure information, make submittals or requests, or obtain decisions;
(2) Statements of the general course and method by which its functions are channelled and determined, including the nature and requirements for 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 USAID; and
(5) Every amendment, revision or repeal of the material listed in this section.
(b) USAID Public Notice No. 1 and the USAID Regulations published in chapter II of Title 22 and in subtitle A, Chapter 7 of Title 41 of the Code of Federal Regulations implement the provisions of this section.
The materials referenced in § 212.11 shall not be binding upon or otherwise adversely affect a person unless either
(a) The materials were in fact published in the
(b) The person otherwise had actual and timely notice of the content of such materials.
For purposes of this subpart B, USAID matters which are reasonably available to the class of persons affected thereby are deemed to be published in the
In accordance with this subpart, USAID makes the following information and materials available for public inspection and copying:
(a) All final opinions (including concurring and dissenting options), and all orders made in the adjudication of the cases:
(b) those statements of policy and interpretations which have been adopted by the Agency and are not published in the
(c) Administrative staff manuals and instructions to staff that affect any member of the public.
To the extent required to prevent a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, USAID may delete identifying details when USAID makes available or publishes an opinion, statement of policy, interpretation, or staff manual or instruction. USAID will, in each such case, explain in writing the justification for the deletion.
USAID maintains and makes available for public inspection and copying a current index providing identifying information for the public as to any
No final order, opinion, statement of policy, interpretation, or staff manual or instruction that affects any member of the public will be relied upon, used, or cited as precedent by USAID against any private party unless it has been indexed and either made available or published as provided by this subpart, or unless that private party shall have actual and timely notice of the terms thereof.
(a) The materials required to be made available for public inspection and copying in accordance with this subpart are available to members of the public at USAID's Public Reading Room, Room 1113, 1621 North Kent Street, Rosslyn, Virginia 22209, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except on holidays. All such materials are available in electronic form (disks) only; to a reasonable degree, assistance will be provided in use of necessary equipment.
(b) Requests for materials which are available under this subpart should follow the procedures under § 212.33(a) of this part.
(c) The direct costs of any necessary duplication will be charged in accordance with the fee schedule set forth in § 212.35.
(d) USAID Missions and offices in countries abroad are not responsible for the maintenance of the index and materials available under this subpart. However, insofar as they do have these materials, they will make them available to citizens of the United States who are present in their respective countries upon application made either or in person in writing to the USAID Director, or other principal USAID officer, c/o American Embassy in the applicable country.
Upon receiving a request which reasonably describes a USAID record, and which is made in accordance with the provisions of this subpart, USAID will make such records, except the following, promptly available to the requesting party:
(a) Matters published in the
(b) Matters made available to the public pursuant to subpart C; and
(c) Matters exempt from disclosure pursuant to § 212.41 or § 241.42 of this part.
The request for a record by a member of the public must contain a reasonably specific description of the particular record sought so that a USAID officer who is familiar with the subject matter of the request may be able to locate the record with a reasonable amount of effort. A description that includes as much information as possible, such as the subject matter, format, approximate date and, where pertinent, the name of the country or person involved, will facilitate the search for the requested record.
(a) Requests for records, other than records available at the Public Reading Room identified in § 212.24(a), may be made by a member of the public in writing only to the Chief, Customer Outreach and Oversight Staff, Room 1113, SA-16, Agency for International Development, Department of State, 320 21st Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20523-1608. The request and the envelope must be plainly marked “FOIA Request.” Requests may be made orally, that is, in person, only for records and materials available at the Public Reading Room.
(b) Requests for records may be made directly to a USAID mission or office abroad only by a citizen of the United States who is present in that country and must be by written application to the USAID Director (or other principal USAID officer), care of the American
(c) Only signed original (as opposed to electronically transmitted) requests are acceptable for procedures pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section. Telephoned requests, or in-person requests other than to the Public Reading Room, cannot be accepted. If a written request not properly marked “FOIA Request” on both the letter and envelope is thereby delayed in reaching the Chief, Office of Customer Outreach and Oversight Staff, such request will not be deemed received by USAID until actually received by that official. In the event of such a delay, the person making the request will be furnished a notice of the effective date of receipt.
(a) Upon receipt by the Chief, Office of Customer Outreach and Oversight Staff, of a reasonably specific request made pursuant to § 212.33 of this part, a maximum of ten working days will normally be taken to determine to what extent the Agency can provide the information requested. Upon the making of that determination, the person making the request will be promptly so informed. Copies of the releasable documents will be made available promptly thereafter upon receipt of applicable fees and charges as set forth in § 212.35.
(b)(1) In unusual circumstances, USAID may not be able to determine the availability of the requested documents within ten working days, in which event the person making the request will be informed by written notice of the delay, the reasons for the delay and the date on which a determination may be expected. In this context, the term “unusual circumstances” refers to the following situations:
(i) When there is a 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) When there is a need to search for, collect, and appropriately examine a voluminous amount of separate and distinct records which are sought in a single request; or
(iii) When there is a need for consultation (which will be conducted with all practicable speed) with another agency having a substantial interest in the determination of the request or among two or more components of the Agency, each having substantial subject-matter interest therein.
(2) The maximum time in making a determination of availability, in the event of such unusual circumstances, will be twenty working days from receipt of the request. In the event that only part of the permissible ten working days extension is used, then USAID reserves the right, if necessary, to use any remainder of such time for the determination of an appeal, if one is made.
(c) If a request is made to USAID for material that is controlled or held by another agency, the person making the request will be immediately notified that USAID does not have or control the requested material and he/she will be advised of the name of the controlling agency and of the address from which the material may be requested, unless the other agency has, by public regulation, delegated the release authority to USAID. If release authority has been delegated, USAID will follow the procedures authorized by the delegation in determining whether to release the information. If a request for material is referred to USAID from another agency, the time period for determination of release of the information will not start until the request is received by the Chief, Office of Customer Outreach and Oversight Staff; and the person making the request will be immediately notified of the referral and of the date the request was received in USAID. USAID will not accept referral of requests unless and until the Chief, Customer Outreach and Oversight Staff, or his/her designee, determines that the material requested is actually within the scope and control of the release authority of USAID.
(d) If only a part of a record is exempt from disclosure, then any reasonably segregable portion of such record will be furnished after deletion of the portions which are exempt, provided that the segregable portion constitutes an intelligible record which is not distorted out of context or contradictory
(a)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(b)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(c)
(2) Where a requester has previously failed to copy a fee charged in a timely fashion (
(3) When the Agency acts under paragraph (c) (1) or (2) of this section the administrative time limits prescribed in subsection (a)(6) of the FOIA (
(d)
(1) An advance deposit of the entire estimated charges or (2) Written confirmation of the requester's willingness, when billed, to pay such charges.
(e)
(f)
(g)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(ii) Remittances shall be made payable to the order of the U.S. Treasury and mailed to the Chief, Customer Outreach and Oversight Staff, at the address set forth in § 212.33(a) of this part.
(a) If it is determined that the Agency cannot comply with all or part of a request for records, the person making the request shall be immediately notified of the determination, the reasons for the determination, the name and title of each officer responsible for the denial, and the right of the person to appeal the adverse determination.
(b) The denial of a request for records may be made, initially, only by the Chief, Customer Outreach and Oversight Staff, or his/her designee.
(c) (1) Any person who has been denied access to records pursuant to this section may appeal the relevant decision not later than thirty days after the date of the notification of denial or, in the case of a partial denial, not later than thirty days after the date the releasable documents are actually furnished to the person making the request, whichever is later. The appeal shall be in writing addressed to the Agency's FOIA Appeals Officer, who is:
(2) In order for the Agency to make a timely response to the appeal, both the text of the appeal and its envelope must be plainly marked “FOIA Appeal”. The appeal must contain a reasonable description of the record sought and withheld, a copy of the initial decision to deny access and any other information that will enable the Appeals Officer to make the final decision.
(a) Upon receipt of the appeal by the Appeals Officer, a maximum of twenty working days will normally be taken to decide the appeal. In unusual circumstances, as defined in § 212.34, the twenty working days may be extended by ten working days or by the number of days not used in the original denial of the request.
(b) If the appeal is granted, the person making the appeal shall be immediately notified and copies of the releasable documents shall be made available promptly thereafter upon receipt of appropriate fees as set forth in § 212.35. If the appeal is denied in whole or part, the person making the request shall be immediately notified of the decisions and of the provisions for judicial review of the Agency's denial of the request.
(c) In the event a determination is not issued within the applicable time limit and the person making the request therefore chooses to sue the Agency, the Agency-level determination process shall nonetheless continue.
(d) If an appeal not properly marked “FOIA Appeal” on the text of the appeal and/or envelope is thereby delayed in reaching the Appeals Officer, it will not be deemed received by the Appeals Officer until actually received by him/her. In such event, the person making the appeal will be furnished notice of the effective date of receipt.
(a)
(1)
(2)
(b)
(c)
(i) The records are less than ten years old and the information has been designated by the submitter as confidential commercial information; or
(ii) The Agency has reason to believe that the disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to cause substantial competitive harm to the submitter thereof.
(2) For confidential commercial information submitted to the Agency on or after January 1, 1988, the Agency shall provide a submitter with notice of its receipt of a FOIA request whenever:
(i) The submitter has designated the information as confidential commercial information pursuant to the requirements of this section; or
(ii) The Agency has reason to believe that the disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to cause substantial competitive harm to the submitter.
(3) Notice of a request for confidential commercial information falling within paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section shall be required for a period of not more than ten years after the date of submission unless the submitter provides reasonable justification for a designation period of greater duration.
(4) A submitter shall use good-faith efforts to designate by appropriate markings, either at the time a record is submitted to the Agency or within a reasonable period of time thereafter, those portions of the record which it deems to contain confidential commercial information. The designation shall be accompanied by a certification made by the submitter, its agent or designee that to the best of the submitter's knowledge, information and belief, the record does, in fact, contain confidential commercial information that theretofore has not been disclosed to the public.
(5) Whenever the Agency provides notice to the submitter in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section, the Agency shall at the same time provide written notice to the requester that it is affording the submitter a reasonable period of time within which to object to the disclosure, and that, therefore, the Agency may be required to enlarge the time within which it otherwise would respond to the request.
(d)
(e)
(i) A statement of the reasons for which a submitter's disclosure objections were not sustained; and
(ii) A description of the information to be disclosed.
(2) To the extent permitted by law, the notice required to be given by paragraph (e)(1) of this section shall be provided to the submitter a reasonable
(3) Whenever the Agency provides notice to the submitter in accordance with paragraphs (e) (1) and (2) of this section, the Agency shall at the same time notify the requester
(i) That such a notice has been given and
(ii) Of the proposed date for disclosure.
(f)
(g)
(1) The Agency determines that the information should not be disclosed;
(2) The information has been published or has been officially made available to the public;
(3) Disclosure of the information is required by an Agency rule that;
(i) Was adopted pursuant to notice and public comment;
(ii) Specifies narrow classes of records submitted to the Agency that are to be released under the FOIA; and
(iii) Provides in exceptional circumstances for notice when the submitter provides written justification, at the time the information is submitted or a reasonable time thereafter, that disclosure of the information could reasonably be expected to cause substantial competitive harm;
(4) For purposes of paragraph (c) of this section, the information requested was not designated by the submitter as exempt from disclosure when the submitter had an opportunity to make such designation at the time of submission of the information or within a reasonable time thereafter, unless;
(i) The Agency has substantial reason to believe that disclosure of the information would result in competitive harm; or
(ii) The designation made by the submitter appears obviously frivolous; except that, in such case, the Agency must provide the submitter with written notice of any final administrative disclosure determination within a reasonable number of days prior to the specified disclosure date.
None of the provisions of subparts B, C, and D which provide for publication and disclosure of certain information and records shall be applicable to matters that are:
(a) Specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive Order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy and are in fact properly classified pursuant to such Executive Order;
(b) Related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of the Agency;
(c) Specifically exempted from disclosure by statute;
(d) Trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged and confidential;
(e) Interagency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with the agency;
(f) Personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(g) Records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or information:
(1) Would reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings;
(2) Would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication;
(3) Could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(4) Could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of a confidential source, including a State, local or foreign agency or authority or any private institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of a record or information
(5) Would disclose techniques and procedure for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law; or
(6) Could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any individual.
(h) Contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of any agency responsible for the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; and
(i) Geological and geophysical information and data (including maps) concerning wells.
Whenever a request is made which involves access to records described in paragraph (g) of § 212.41 and the investigation or proceedings involves a possible violation of criminal law; and there is reason to believe that the subject of the investigation or proceeding is not aware of its pendency, and disclosure of the existence of the records could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, the Agency may, during only such time as that circumstances continues, treat the records as not subject to the requirements of 5 U.S.C. 552 and this subpart.
(a) The Agency will open its records on an equitable basis to all individuals engaged in private research as soon as such action may be taken without adversely affecting the national security, the maintenance of friendly relations with other nations, the efficient operation of the Agency, or the administrative feasibility of servicing requests for access to such records.
(b) Access for research purposes to the classified foreign policy records in the Agency's custody will be governed by the regulations of the Department of State with respect thereto, as set forth in part 6, chapter II of title II of the Code of Federal Regulations. Application for such access may be made to the Chief, Customer Outreach and Oversight Staff, at the address listed in § 212.33(a) of this part. That officer, or his/her designee, in consultation with the Director, Historical Office, Department of State, or his/her designee, will determine the action to be taken and will so advise the researcher.
Section 621(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2381(a).
This part prescribes standards and procedures for the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) collection and disposal of claims. These standards and procedures are applicable to all claims and debts for which a statute, regulation or contract does not prescribe different standards or procedures. This part covers USAID's collection, compromise, suspension, termination, and referral of claims to the Department of Justice.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
This part does not apply to:
(a) Claims arising out of loans for which compromise and collection authority is conferred by section 635(g)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended;
(b) Claims arising from investment guaranty operations for which settlement and arbitration authority is conferred by section 635(I) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended;
(c) Claims against any foreign country or any political subdivision thereof, or any public international organization;
(d) Claims where the CFO determines that the achievement of the purposes of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, or any other provision of law administered by USAID require a different course of action; and
(e) Claims owed USAID by other Federal agencies. Such debts will be resolved by negotiation between the agencies.
(a) This part does not supersede or require omission or duplication of administrative proceedings required by contract, statute, regulation or other Agency procedures, e.g., resolution of audit findings under grants or contracts, informal grant appeals, formal appeals, or review under a procurement contract.
(b) The remedies and sanctions available to the Agency under this part for collecting debts are not intended to be exclusive. The Agency may impose, where authorized, other appropriate sanctions upon a debtor for inexcusable, prolonged or repeated failure to pay a debt. For example, the Agency may stop doing business with a grantee, contractor, borrower or lender; convert the method of payment under a grant or contract from an advance payment to a reimbursement method; or revoke a grantee's or contractor's letter-of-credit.
(a) The CFO will refer claims involving fraud, the presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation on the part of the debtor or any party having an interest in the claim to the USAID Office of Inspector General (OIG). The OIG has the responsibility for investigating or referring the matter, where appropriate, to the Department of Justice (DOJ), and/or returning it to the CFO for further action.
(b) The CFO will not administratively compromise, terminate, suspend or otherwise dispose of debts involving fraud, the presentation of a false claim or misrepresentation on the part of the debtor or any party having an interest in the claim without the approval of DOJ.
A claim will not be subdivided to avoid the $100,000 limit on the Agency's authority to compromise, suspend, or terminate a debt. A debtor's liability arising from a particular transaction or contract is a single claim.
Failure by USAID to comply with any provision of this part is not available to a debtor as a defense against payment of a debt.
(a) The CFO takes action to collect all debts owed the United States arising out of USAID activities and to reduce debt delinquencies. Collection actions may include sending written demands to the debtor's last known address. Written demand may be preceded by other appropriate action, including immediate referral to DOJ for litigation, when such action is necessary to protect the Government's interest. The CFO may contact the debtor by telephone, in person and/or in writing to demand prompt payment, to discuss the debtor's position regarding the existence, amount or repayment of the debt, to inform the debtor of its rights (e.g., to apply for waiver of the indebtedness or to have an administrative review) and of the basis for the debt and the consequences of nonpayment or delay in payment.
(b) The CFO maintains an administrative file for each debt and/or debtor which documents the basis for the debt, all administrative collection actions regarding the debt (including communications to and from the debtor) and its final disposition. Information on an individual may be disclosed only for purposes that are consistent with this part, the Privacy Act of 1974 and other applicable law.
(a) When the billing official determines that a debt is owed USAID, he or she provides a written notice in the form of a Bill for Collection or demand letter to the debtor. Unless otherwise provided by agreement, contract or order, the written notice informs the debtor of:
(1) The amount, nature and basis of the debt;
(2) The right of the debtor to inspect and copy records related to the debt;
(3) The right of the debtor to discuss and propose a repayment agreement;
(4) Any rights available to the debtor to dispute the validity of the debt or to have recovery of the debt waived (citing the available review or waiver authority, the conditions for review or waiver, and the effects of the review or waiver request on the collection of the debt);
(5) The date on which payment is due which will be not more than 30 days from the date of the bill for collection or demand letter;
(6) The instructions for making electronic payment;
(7) The debt is considered delinquent if it is not paid on the due date;
(8) The imposition of interest charges and, except for State and local governments and Indian tribes, penalty charges and administrative costs that may be assessed against a delinquent debt;
(9) The intention of USAID to use non-centralized administrative offset to collect the debt if appropriate and, if not, the referral of the debt 90 days after the Bill for Collection or demand letter to the Financial Management Service in the Department of Treasury who will collect their administrative costs from the debtor in addition to the amount owed USAID and use all means available to the Federal Government for debt collection including administrative wage garnishment, use of collection agencies and reporting the indebtedness to a credit reporting bureau (see § 213.14);
(10) The address, telephone number, and name of the person available to discuss the debt;
(11) The possibility of referral to the Department of Justice for litigation if the debt cannot be collected administratively.
(b) USAID will respond promptly to communications from the debtor. Response generally will be within 30 days of receipt of communication from the debtor.
(a) For purposes of this section, whenever USAID is required to afford a debtor a review within the agency, USAID shall provide the debtor with a reasonable opportunity for an oral hearing when the debtor requests reconsideration of the debt and the agency determines that the question of the indebtedness cannot be resolved by review of the documentary evidence, for example, when the validity of the debt turns on an issue of credibility or veracity.
(b) Unless otherwise required by law, an oral hearing under this section is not required to be a formal evidentiary hearing, although USAID will carefully document all significant matters discussed at the hearing.
(c) This section does not require an oral hearing with respect to debt collection systems in which a determination of indebtedness rarely involves issues of credibility or veracity and the agency has determined that review of the written record is ordinarily an adequate means to correct prior mistakes.
(d) In those cases when an oral hearing is not required by this section, USAID shall accord the debtor a “paper hearing,” that is, a determination of the request for reconsideration based upon a review of the written record.
(a) USAID takes actions and effective follow-up on a timely basis to collect all claims of the United States for money and property arising out of USAID's activities. USAID cooperates with other Federal agencies in their debt collection activities.
(b) All administrative collection actions are documented in the claim file, and the basis for any compromise, termination or suspension of collection actions is set out in detail. This documentation, including the Claims Collection Litigation Report required in § 213.34, is retained in the appropriate debt file.
(a)
(1) Interest begins to accrue on all debts from the payment due date established in the initial notice to the debtor. USAID will assess an annual rate of interest that is equal to the rate of the current value of funds to the United States Treasury (
(2) The rate of interest, as initially assessed, remains fixed for the duration of the indebtedness. If a debtor defaults on a repayment agreement, interest may be set at the Treasury rate in effect on the date a new agreement is executed.
(3) Interest will not be assessed on interest charges, administrative costs or late payment penalties. However, where a debtor defaults on a previous repayment agreement and interest, administrative costs and penalties charges have been waived under the defaulted agreement, these charges can be reinstated and added to the debt principal under any new agreement and interest charged on the entire amount of the debt.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2) The CFO may (without regard to the amount of the debt) waive collection of all or part of accrued interest, penalty or administrative costs, where he determines that—
(i) Waiver is justified under the criteria of § 213.24;
(ii) The debt or the charges resulted from the Agency's error, action or inaction, and without fault by the debtor; or
(iii) Collection of these charges would be against equity and good conscience or not in the best interest of the United States.
(3) A decision to waive interest, penalty charges or administrative costs may be made at any time.
Interest, penalty charges and administrative costs will continue to accrue on a debt during administrative appeal, either formal or informal, and during waiver consideration by the Agency; except, that interest, penalty charges and administrative costs will not be assessed where a statute or a regulation specifically prohibits collection of the debt during the period of the administrative appeal or the Agency review.
USAID has entered into a cross-servicing agreement with the Financial Management Service (FMS) of the Department of Treasury. FMS is authorized to take all appropriate action to enforce collection of accounts referred to FMS in accordance with applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. The FMS fee ranges from 3% to 18% of the funds collected and will be collected from the debtor along with the original amount of the indebtedness. After referral, FMS will be solely responsible for the maintenance of the delinquent debtor records in its possessions and for ensuring that accounts are updated as necessary. In the event that a referred debtor disputes the validity of the debt or any terms and conditions related to any debt not reduced to judgment, FMS may return the disputed debt to USAID for its determination of debt validity. FMS may take any of the following collection actions on USAID's behalf:
(a) Send demand letters on U. S. Treasury letterhead and telephone debtors;
(b) Refer accounts to credit bureaus;
(c) Skiptracing;
(d) Purchase credit reports to assist in the collection effort;
(e) Refer accounts for offset, including tax refund, Federal employee salary, administrative wage garnishment, and general administrative offset under the Treasury Offset Program.
(f) Refer accounts to private collection agencies;
(g) Refer accounts to DOJ for litigation;
(h) Report written off/discharged debts to IRS on the appropriate Form 1099;
(i) Take any additional steps necessary to enforce recovery; and
(j) Terminate collection action, as appropriate.
Delinquent debts owed to USAID are reported to appropriate credit reporting bureaus through the cross-servicing agreement with FMS.
(a) The following information is provided to the credit reporting bureaus:
(1) A statement that the claim is valid and is overdue;
(2) The name, address, taxpayer identification number and any other information necessary to establish the identity of the debtor;
(3) The amount, status and history of the debt; and
(4) The program or pertinent activity under which the debt arose.
(b) Before referring claims to FMS and disclosing debt information to
(1) Taken reasonable action to locate the debtor if a current address is not available; and
(2) If a current address is available, notified the debtor in writing that:
(i) The designated USAID official has reviewed the claim and has determined that it is valid and overdue;
(ii) That 90 days after the initial billing or demand letter if the debt is not paid, USAID intends to refer the debt to FMS and disclose to a credit reporting agency the information authorized for disclosure by this subpart; and
(iii) The debtor can request a complete explanation of the claim, can dispute the information in USAID's records concerning the claim, and can file for an administrative review, waiver or reconsideration of the claim, where applicable.
(c) Before information is submitted to a credit reporting bureau, USAID will provide a written statement to FMS that all required actions have been taken. Additionally, FMS will, thereafter, ensure that accounts are updated as necessary during the period that FMS holds the account information.
(d) If a debtor disputes the validity of the debt, the credit reporting bureau will refer the matter to the appropriate USAID official. The credit reporting bureau will exclude the debt from its reports until USAID certifies in writing that the debt is valid.
(a) When attempting to locate a debtor in order to collect or compromise a debt, the CFO may obtain a debtor's current mailing address from the Internal Revenue Service.
(b) Addresses obtained from the Internal Revenue Service will be used by the Agency, its officers, employees, agents or contractors and other Federal agencies only to collect or dispose of debts, and may be disclosed to other agencies and to collection agencies only for collection purposes.
Where the CFO holds a security instrument with a power of sale or has physical possession of collateral, he may liquidate the security or collateral and apply the proceeds to the overdue debt. USAID will exercise this right where the debtor fails to pay within a reasonable time after demand, unless the cost of disposing of the collateral is disproportionate to its value or special circumstances require judicial foreclosure. However, collection from other businesses, including liquidation of security or collateral, is not a prerequisite to requiring payment by a surety or insurance company unless expressly required by contract or statute. The CFO will give the debtor reasonable notice of the sale and an accounting of any surplus proceeds and will comply with any other requirements of law or contract.
Unless waived by the CFO, USAID will not extend financial assistance in the form of a loan or loan guarantee to any person delinquent on a nontax debt owed to a Federal agency. USAID may also suspend or revoke licenses or other privileges for any inexcusable, prolonged or repeated failure of a debtor to pay a claim. Additionally, the CFO may suspend or disqualify any contractor, lender, broker, borrower, grantee or other debtor from doing business with USAID or engaging in programs USAID sponsors or funds if a debtor fails to pay its debts to the Government within a reasonable time. Debtors will be notified before such action is taken and applicable suspension or debarment procedures will be used. The CFO will report the failure of any surety to honor its obligations to the Treasury Department for action under 31 CFR 332.18.
(a) Whenever feasible, and except as otherwise provided by law, debts owed to the United States, together with interest, penalty and administrative costs, as required by § 213.11, will be collected in a single payment. However, where the CFO determines that a debtor is financially unable to pay the indebtedness in a single payment or
(b) If a debtor owes more than one debt and designates how a voluntary installment payment is to be applied among the debts, that designation will be approved if the CFO determines that the designation is in the best interest of the United States. If the debtor does not designate how the payment is to be applied, the CFO will apply the payment to the various debts in accordance with the best interest of the United States, paying special attention to applicable statutes of limitations.
This subpart provides for USAID's collection of debts by administrative offset under the Federal Claims Collection Standards, other statutory authorities and offsets or recoupments under common law. It does not apply to offsets against employee salaries covered by §§ 213.21, 213.22 and 213.23 of this subpart. USAID will collect debts by administrative offsets where it determines that such collections are feasible and are not otherwise prohibited by statute or contract. USAID will decide, on a case-by-case basis, whether collection by administrative offset is feasible and that its use furthers and protects the interest of the United States.
(a)
(2) Offsets may be initiated only after the debtor has been given:
(i) The opportunity to inspect and copy agency records related to the debt;
(ii) The opportunity for a review within the agency of the determination of indebtedness;
(iii) The opportunity to make a written agreement to repay the debt.
(3) The provisions of paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section may be omitted when:
(i) The offset is in the nature of a recoupement;
(ii) The debt arises under a contract as set forth in Cecile Industries, Inc. v. Cheney, 995 F.2d 1052 (Fed. Cir. 1993) (notice and other procedural protections set forth in 31 U.S.C. 3716(a) do not supplant or restrict established procedures for contractual offsets accommodated by the Contracts Disputes Act); or
(iii) In the case of non-centralized administrative offsets conducted under paragraph (g) of this section, USAID first learns of the existence of the amount owed by the debtor when there is insufficient time before payment would be made to the debtor/payee to allow for prior notice and an opportunity for review. When prior notice and an opportunity for review are omitted, USAID shall give the debtor such notice and an opportunity for review as soon as practicable and shall promptly refund any money ultimately found not to have been owed to the USAID.
(4) When USAID previously has given a debtor any of the required notice and review opportunities with respect to a
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(2) The debtor must provide a written request for review of the decision to offset the debt no later than 15 days after the date of the notice of the offset unless a different time is specifically prescribed. The debtor's request must state the basis for the request for review.
(3) The CFO may grant an extension of time for filing a request for review if the debtor shows good cause for the late filing. A debtor who fails timely to file or to request an extension waives the right to review.
(4) The CFO will issue, no later than 60 days after the filing of the request, a written final decision based on the evidence, record and applicable law.
(f)
(g)
(2) Before requesting a payment authorizing agency to conduct a non-centralized administrative offset, USAID's regulations provides that such offsets may occur only after:
(i) The debtor has been provided due process as set forth in paragraph (a) of this section; and
(ii) The payment authorizing agency has received written certification from the creditor agency that the debtor owes the past due, legally enforceable delinquent debt in the amount stated, and that the creditor agency has fully complied with its regulations concerning administrative offset.
(3) USAID as a payment authorizing agency will comply with offset requests by creditor agencies to collect debts owed to the United States, unless the offset would not be in the best interests of the United States with respect to USAID's program, or would otherwise be contrary to law.
(4) When collecting multiple debts by non-centralized administrative offset, USAID will apply the recovered amounts to those debts in accordance with the best interests of the United States, as determined by the facts and circumstances of the particular case, particularly the applicable statute of limitations.
(h)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1) 5 U.S.C. 5514, as amended, governing the installment collection of debts;
(2) 31 U.S.C. 3716, governing the liquidation of debts by administrative offset;
(3) 5 CFR part 550, subpart K, setting forth the minimum requirements for executive agency regulations on salary offset; and
(4) 31 CFR parts 900 through 904, the Federal Claims Collection Standards.
(a)
(2) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, each employee from whom the Agency proposes to collect a debt by salary offset under this section is entitled to receive a written notice as described in paragraph (c) of this section.
(3) Each employee owing a debt to the United States that will be collected by salary offset is entitled to request a hearing on the debt. This request must be filed as prescribed in paragraph (d) of this section. The Agency will make appropriate hearing arrangements that are consistent with law and regulations. Where a hearing is held, the employee is entitled to a written decision on the following issues:
(i) The determination of the Agency concerning the existence or amount of the debt; and
(ii) The repayment schedule, if it was not established by written agreement between the employee and the Agency.
(b)
(1) Any adjustment of pay arising out of an employee's election of coverage or a change in coverage under a Federal benefits program (such as health insurance) requiring periodic deductions from pay, if the amount to be recovered was accumulated over four pay periods or less. However, if the amount to be recovered was accumulated over more than four pay periods the full procedures prescribed under paragraph (d) of this section will be extended to the employee;
(2) Routine intra-agency adjustment in pay or allowances that is made to correct an overpayment of pay attributable to clerical or administrative errors or delays in processing pay documents, if the overpayment occurred with the 4 pay periods preceding the adjustment and, at the time of such adjustment, or as soon thereafter as practical, the employee is provided written notice of the nature and amount of the adjustment; or
(3) Any adjustment to collect a debt amounting to $50 or less, if at the time of such adjustment, or as soon thereafter as practical, the employee is provided written notice of the nature and amount of the adjustment.
(c)
(1) The Agency's determination that a debt is owed, including the origin, nature, and amount of the debt;
(2) The Agency's intention to collect the debt by means of deductions from the employee's current disposable pay account;
(3) The amount, frequency, proposed beginning date and duration of the intended deductions. (The proposed beginning date for salary offset cannot be earlier than 30 days after the date of notice, unless this would compromise the Government's ultimate ability to resolve the debt);
(4) An explanation of the requirements concerning interest, penalty and administrative costs;
(5) The employee's right to inspect and copy all records relating to the debt or to request and receive a copy of such records;
(6) If not previously provided, the employee's right to enter into a written agreement for a repayment schedule differing from that proposed by the Agency where the terms of the proposed repayment schedule are acceptable to the Agency. (Such an agreement must be in writing and signed by both the employee and the appropriate USAID official and will be included in the debt file);
(7) The right to a hearing conducted by a hearing official not under the control of USAID, if a request is filed;
(8) The method and time for requesting a hearing;
(9) That the filing of a request for hearing within 15 days of receipt of the original notification will stay the assessment of interest, penalty and administrative costs and the commencement of collection proceedings;
(10) That a final decision on the hearing (if requested) will be issued at the earliest practical date, but no later
(11) That any knowingly false or frivolous statements, representations or evidence may subject the employee to—
(i) Disciplinary procedures under 5 U.S.C. chapter 75 or any other applicable statutes or regulations;
(ii) Criminal penalties under 18 U.S.C. 286, 287, 1001 and 1002 or other applicable statutory authority; or
(iii) Penalties under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3729-3731, or any other applicable statutory authority;
(12) Any other rights and remedies available to the employee under statutes or regulations governing the program for which the collection is being made; and
(13) Unless there are applicable contractual or statutory provisions to the contrary, amounts paid or deducted for the debt which are later waived or found not owed to the United States will be promptly refunded to the employee.
(d)
(e)
(f)
(2) Written decisions provided after a request for hearing will, at a minimum, state the facts evidencing the nature and origin of the alleged debt; and the hearing official's analysis, findings and conclusions.
(3) The decision of the hearing official is final and binding on the parties.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(2) If the employee has filed a timely request for hearing with the Agency, deductions will begin after the hearing official has provided the employee with a final written decision indicating the amount owed the Government. Following the decision by the hearing official, the employee will be given 30 days to repay the amount owed prior to collection through salary offset, unless otherwise provided by the hearing official.
(l)
(m)
(n)
(1) Interest will be assessed on all debts not collected by the payment due date specified in the bill for collection or demand letter. USAID will waive the collection of interest and administrative charges on the portion of the debt that is paid within 30 days after the date on which interest begins to accrue.
(2) Administrative costs will be assessed if the debt is referred to Treasury for cross-servicing.
(3) Deductions by administrative offset normally begin prior to the time for assessment of a penalty. Therefore, a penalty charge will not be assessed unless deductions occur more than 90 days from the due date in the bill for collection or demand letter.
(o)
(p)
(q)
(a) USAID will use salary offset against one of its employees that is indebted to another agency if requested to do so by that agency. Such a request must be accompanied by a certification by the requesting agency that the person owes the debt (including the amount) and that the procedural requirements of 5 U.S.C. 5514 and 5 CFR part 550, subpart K, have been met. The creditor agency must also advise USAID of the number of installments to be collected, the amount of each installment, and the commencement date of the first installment, if a date other than the next established pay period.
(b) Requests for salary offset must be sent to the Chief Financial Officer, Office of Financial Management (M/FM), United States Agency for International Development, Ronald Reagan Building , 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20523-4601.
(c)
(2)
(d)
(i) To the extent possible, the balance owed the creditor agency will be liquidated from subsequent payments of any nature due the employee from USAID in accordance with § 213.22;
(ii) If the total amount of the debt cannot be recovered, USAID will certify to the creditor agency and the employee the total amount of USAID's collection; and
(iii) If USAID is aware that the employee is entitled to payments from the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund, the Foreign Service Retirement Fund, or other similar payments, it will provide such information to the creditor agency so that it can file a certified claim against the payments.
(2)
USAID may compromise claims for money or property where the principal balance of a claim, exclusive of interest, penalty and administrative costs, does not exceed $100,000. Where the claim exceeds $100,000, the authority to accept the compromise rests solely with DOJ. The CFO may reject an offer of compromise in any amount. Where the claim exceeds $100,000 and USAID recommends acceptance of a compromise offer, it will refer the claim
(a) USAID may compromise a claim pursuant to this section if USAID cannot collect the full amount because the debtor does not have the financial ability to pay the full amount of the debt within a reasonable time, or the debtor refuses to pay the claim in full and the Government does not have the ability to enforce collection in full within a reasonable time by enforced collection proceedings. In evaluating the acceptability of the offer, the CFO may consider, among other factors, the following:
(1) Age and health of the debtor;
(2) Present and potential income;
(3) Inheritance prospects;
(4) The possibility that assets have been concealed or improperly transferred by the debtor;
(5) The availability of assets or income which may be realized by enforced collection proceedings; or
(6) The applicable exemptions available to the debtor under State and Federal law in determining the Government's ability to enforce collection.
(b) USAID may compromise a claim, or recommend acceptance of a compromise to DOJ, where there is significant doubt concerning the Government's ability to prove its case in court for the full amount of the claim, either because of the legal issues involved or a bona fide dispute as to the facts. The amount accepted in compromise in such cases will fairly reflect the probability of prevailing on the legal issues involved, considering fully the availability of witnesses and other evidentiary data required to support the Government's claim. In determining the litigative risks involved, USAID will give proportionate weight to the likely amount of court costs and attorney fees the Government may incur if it is unsuccessful in litigation.
(c) USAID may compromise a claim, or recommend acceptance of a compromise to DOJ, if the cost of collection does not justify the enforced collection of the full amount of the debt. The amount accepted in compromise in such cases may reflect an appropriate discount for the administrative and litigative costs of collection, taking into consideration the time it will take to effect collection. Costs of collection may be a substantial factor in the settlement of small claims, but normally will not carry great weight in the settlement of large claims. In determining whether the cost of collection justifies enforced collection of the full amount, USAID may consider the positive effect that enforced collection of the claim may have on the collection of other similar claims.
(d) To assess the merits of a compromise offer, USAID may obtain a current financial statement from the debtor, executed under penalty of perjury, showing the debtor's assets, liabilities, income and expense.
(e) Statutory penalties, forfeitures or debts established as an aid to enforcement and to compel compliance may be compromised where the CFO determines that the Agency's enforcement policy, in terms of deterrence and securing compliance (both present and future), will be adequately served by accepting the offer.
The CFO normally will not approve a debtor's request to pay a compromised claim in installments. However, where the CFO determines that payment of a compromise by installments is necessary to effect collection, a debtor's request to pay in installments may be approved.
When two or more debtors are jointly and severally liable, collection action will not be withheld against one debtor until the other or others pay their proportionate share. The amount of a compromise with one debtor is not precedent in determining compromises
Upon receipt of full payment of a claim or the amount compromised, USAID will prepare and execute a release on behalf of the United States. In the event a mutual release is not executed when a debt is compromised, unless prohibited by law, the debtor is still deemed to have waived any and all claims and causes of action against USAID and its officials related to the transaction giving rise to the compromised debt.
The CFO may suspend or terminate the Agency's collection actions on a debt where the outstanding debt principal does not exceed $100,000. Unless otherwise provided by DOJ delegations or procedures, the CFO refers requests for suspension of debts exceeding $100,000 to the Commercial Litigation Branch, Civil Division, Department of Justice, for approval. If prior to referral to DOJ, USAID determines that a debt is plainly erroneous or clearly without legal merit, the agency may terminate collection activity regardless of the amount involved without obtaining DOJ concurrence. The CFO may waive the assessment of interest, penalty charges and administrative costs during the period of the suspension. Suspension will be for an established time period and generally will be reviewed at least every six months to ensure the continued propriety of the suspension.
(a) The CFO may suspend collection action on a debt when:
(1) The debtor cannot be located;
(2) The debtor's financial condition is expected to improve; or
(3) The debtor has requested a waiver or review of the debt.
(b) Based on the current financial condition of the debtor, the CFO may suspend collection activity on a debt when the debtor's future prospects justify retention of the claim for periodic review, and:
(1) The applicable statute of limitations has not expired; or
(2) Future collection can be effected by offset, notwithstanding the 10-year statute of limitations for administrative offsets; or
(3) The debtor agrees to pay interest on the debt and suspension is likely to enhance the debtor's ability to fully pay the principal amount of the debt with interest at a later date.
(c) The CFO will suspend collection activity during the time required for waiver consideration or administrative review prior to agency collection of a debt if the statute under which the request is sought prohibits USAID from collecting the debt during that time. The CFO will ordinarily suspend collection action during the pendency of his consideration of a waiver request or administrative review where statute and regulation preclude refund of amounts collected by the Agency should the debtor prevail.
(d) The CFO may suspend collection activities on debts of $100,000 or less during the pendency of a permissive waiver or administrative review when there is no statutory requirement where he determines that:
(1) There is a reasonable possibility that waiver will be granted and the debtor may be found not owing the debt (in whole or in part);
(2) The Government's interest is protected, if suspension is granted, by the reasonable assurance that the debt can be recovered if the debtor does not prevail; or
(3) Collection of the debt will cause undue hardship to the debtor.
(e) The CFO will decline to suspend collection where he determines that the request for waiver or administrative review is frivolous or was made primarily to delay collection.
The CFO may terminate collection actions including accrued interest, penalty and administrative costs, where the debt principal does not exceed $100,000. If the debt exceeds $100,000, USAID obtains the approval of DOJ in order to terminate further collection actions. Unless otherwise provided for
A debt may be terminated where the CFO determines that:
(a) The Government cannot collect or enforce collection of any significant sum from the debtor, having due regard for available judicial remedies, the debtor's ability to pay, and the exemptions available to the debtor under State and Federal law;
(b) The debtor cannot be located, there is no security remaining to be liquidated, and the prospects of collecting by offset are too remote to justify retention of the claim;
(c) The cost of further collection action is likely to exceed the amount recoverable;
(d) The claim is determined to be legally without merit or enforcement of the debt is barred by any applicable statute of limitations;
(e) The evidence necessary to prove the claim cannot be produced or the necessary witnesses are unavailable and efforts to induce voluntary payment have failed; or
(f) The debt against the debtor has been discharged in bankruptcy.
Termination of collection activity ceases active collection of the debt. Termination does not preclude the agency from retaining a record of the account for purposes of:
(a) Selling the debt if the CFO determines that such sale is in the best interests of USAID;
(b) Pursuing collection at a subsequent date in the event there is a change in the debtor's status or a new collection tool becomes available;
(c) Offsetting against future income or assets not available at the time of termination of collection activity; or
(d) Screening future applicants for prior indebtedness.
USAID generally terminates collection activity on a debt that has been discharged in bankruptcy regardless of the amount. USAID may continue collection activity, however, subject to the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code for any payments provided under a plan of reorganization. The CFO will seek legal advice by the General Counsel's office if he believes that any claims or offsets may have survived the discharge of a debtor.
Before discharging a delinquent debt (also referred to as a close out of the debt), USAID will make a determination that collection action is no longer warranted and request that litigation counsel release any liens of record securing the debt. Discharge of indebtedness is distinct from termination or suspension of collection activity and is governed by the Internal Revenue Code. When collection action on a debt is suspended or terminated, the debt remains delinquent and further collection action may be pursued at a later date in accordance with the standards set forth in this part. When a debt is discharged in full or in part, further collection action is prohibited and USAID must terminate debt collection action.
Upon discharge of an indebtedness, USAID will report the discharge to the IRS in accordance with the requirements of 26 U.S.C. 6050P and 26 CFR 1.6050P-1. USAID may request FMS to file such a discharge report to the IRS on the agency's behalf.
(a) The CFO, through the FMS cross-servicing agreement and by direct action, refers to DOJ for litigation all claims on which aggressive collection actions have been taken but which could not be collected, compromised, suspended or terminated. Referrals are made as early as possible, consistent with aggressive agency collection action, and within the period for bringing a timely suit against the debtor. Unless otherwise provided by DOJ regulations or procedures, USAID refers for litigation debts of more than $2,500 but less than $1,000,000 to the Department of Justice's Nationwide Central Intake Facility as required by the Claims Collection Litigation Report (CCLR) instructions. Debts of over $1,000,000 shall be referred to the Civil Division at the Department of Justice.
(b) The CFO will clearly indicate on the CCLR the actions the DOJ should take on the referred claim.
(a) USAID's procedures call for transfer of legally enforceable debt to FMS 90 days after the Bill for Collection or demand letter is issued. A debt is legally enforceable if there has been a final agency determination that the debt, in the amount stated, is due and there are no legal bars to collection action. A debt is not considered legally enforceable for purposes of mandatory transfer to FMS if a debt is the subject of a pending administrative review process required by statute or regulation and collection action during the review process is prohibited.
(b) Except as set forth in paragraph (a) of this section, USAID will transfer any debt covered by this part that is more than 180 days delinquent to FMS for debt collection services. A debt is considered 180 days delinquent for purposes of this section if it is 180 days past due and is legally enforceable.
USAID is not required to transfer a debt to FMS pursuant to § 213.37(b) during such period of time that the debt:
(a) Is in litigation or foreclosure;
(b) Is scheduled for sale;
(c) Is at a private collection contractor;
(d) Is at a debt collection center if the debt has been referred to a Treasury-designated debt collection center;
(e) Is being collected by internal offset; or
(f) Is covered by an exemption granted by Treasury
Section 621, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2381); sec. 8(a), Federal Advisory Committee Act, Pub. L. 92-463; and Executive Order 11769.
The regulations in this part prescribe administrative guidelines and management controls for A.I.D. advisory committees. Federal Advisory Committees are governed by the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Pub. L. 92-463 (effective January 5, 1973, hereinafter referred to as the Act); Executive Order No. 11769 (February 21, 1974) entitled “Committee Management;” OMB Circular A-63 (March 27, 1974, as amended).
(a) The term
(b) In general, this definition includes any committee, board, commission, council, conference, panel, task force, or other similar group, or any subcommittee or sub-group thereof, which is formed or utilized by the Agency for obtaining advice or recommendations, and which is not composed wholly of full-time Federal employees.
The Advisory Committee Management Officer is responsible to the Administrator for the establishment of uniform administrative guidelines and management controls which must be consistent with directives of the Director of the OMB under sections 7 and 10 of the Act.
Provisions governing the establishment and chartering of Advisory Committees are contained in section 9 of the Act and paragraph 6 of OMB Circular A-63. In summary, these requirements include the following:
(a) Where establishment of an Advisory Committee is not specifically authorized by statute or by the President, the need for a new A.I.D. advisory committee is determined by the A.I.D. Administrator, in accordance with the guidelines set forth in section 5(b) of the Act. The determination also includes a certification that creation of the Committee is in the public interest and a description of the nature and purpose of the Committee.
(b) After written consultation to the OMB Secretariat and notification that the establishment of the Committee would be in accord with the Act, A.I.D. publishes the Administrator's Determination in the
(c) Each advisory committee established or used by A.I.D. is required to file a charter with the A.I.D. Administrator, the House International Relations Committee, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, before meeting or taking any action.
(d) Advisory committee charters shall include the following information:
(1) Committee's official title;
(2) Committee's objectives and scope of activity;
(3) Period of time necessary for the committee to carry out its purposes;
(4) Agency official to whom the committee reports;
(5) Agency responsible for providing necessary support for the committee;
(6) Description of duties for which the committee is responsible, and, if such duties are not solely advisory, a specification of the authority for such functions;
(7) Estimated annual operating costs in dollars and man-years for the committee;
(8) Estimated number and frequency of committee meetings;
(9) Committee's termination date; and
(10) Date the charter is filed.
(e) A copy of the charter is required to be sent to the Library of Congress, Exchange and Gift Division, Federal Advisory Committee Desk, Washington, DC 20540.
Membership is to be fairly balanced in terms of points of view represented and functions to be performed. Appropriate attention is also given to factors of sex, race, creed, national origin, and religion.
(a) The A.I.D. Office or Bureau seeking establishment of a new A.I.D. advisory committee:
(1) Justifies the need for the advisory committee to the satisfaction of the A.I.D. Advisory Committee Management Officer, the A.I.D. Administrator, and the OMB Secretariat.
(2) Prepares, clears with the Advisory Committee Management Officer and the General Counsel, and submits to the Administrator all documentation necessary to establish or use the advisory committee.
(b) The Advisory Committee Management Officer with assistance as appropriate from the General Counsel and the Office of Legislative Affairs:
(1) Appraises the need for the proposed advisory committee;
(2) Assures that the requirements of the Act and OMB guidelines have been followed;
(3) If satisfied with paragraphs (b) (1) and (2) of this section, clears the proposal for submission to the Administrator and obtains OMB concurrence in Agency actions to establish advisory committees;
(4) Maintains the agency file of approved charters and formal determinations;
(5) Publishes approved charters in the Agency's internal directives system;
(6) Reviews proposed committee membership for compliance with legal requirements, including conflict of interest;
(7) Assures publication of the Administrator's formal determinations in the
(8) Transmits approved advisory committee charters to the House International Relations Committee, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and the Library of Congress.
(a) Sponsoring A.I.D. Bureaus and Offices initiate revisions to advisory committee charters, as necessary, to reflect current information regarding scope, duties, etc.
(b) Charter revision requires clearances by the advisory committee, the A.I.D. Advisory Committee Management Officer and the General Counsel; consultation with OMB; approval by the A.I.D. Administrator, and notification of the change to the
Changes in membership of advisory committees are proposed by the Bureau of Office through which the committee reports, are cleared by the Advisory Committee Management Officer and the Office of the General Counsel, and are approved by the A.I.D. Administrator.
Provisions governing the termination and renewal of advisory committees are contained in section 14 of the Act and paragraph 7 of OMB Circular A-63, as amended. As related to A.I.D.-established non-statutory committees, these provisions mean that:
(a) Each such committee which was in existence on January 5, 1973, shall terminate by January 5, 1975, unless it
(b) Each such committee established after January 5, 1973, shall terminate not later than two years after its establishment, unless it is renewed by the A.I.D. Administrator prior to its termination date.
(c) Any committee which is renewed shall continue for not more than two years unless, prior to the expiration of that period, it is renewed.
(d) Renewal requires advance approval of the Administrator in accordance with section 5(c) which requires application of the criteria set forth in section 5(b) of the Act; notification to the OMB Secretariat not more than sixty (60) days nor less than thirty (30) days before the expiration date, and concurrence by the Secretariat; publication of a notice of the renewal; and the filing of a new advisory committee charter with the appropriate House and Senate Committees and to the Library of Congress.
(e) Notification to the OMB Secretariat shall include:
(1) The A.I.D. Administrator's determination that renewal is necessary and is in the public interest;
(2) The reasons for his determination;
(3) The Agency's plan to attain or maintain balanced membership of the committee; and
(4) An explanation of why the committee's functions cannot be performed by the Agency or by an existing advisory committee.
Responsibilities within A.I.D. for the renewal of advisory committees are as follows:
(a) The Office or Bureau through which the advisory committee reports: prepares, clears with the Advisory Committee Management Officer and the General Counsel, and submits to the Administrator all documentation necessary for committee renewal sixty-five (65) days prior to the expiration date of the Committee.
(b) The Office of General Counsel assists in the preparation of charters; reviews and clears the proposal for conformity with the Act and other requirements; and assures publication of the Administrator's determination of renewal in the
(c) The Office of Legislative Affairs transmits approved advisory committee charters to the House and Senate Committees and to the Library of Congress.
(a) For each advisory committee used by A.I.D., the Administrator designates an A.I.D., employee to serve as the A.I.D. Advisory Committee Representative.
(b) The designated A.I.D. employee performs functions required by section 10 of the Act and assigned herein. Such functions include:
(1) Calling, or giving advance approval to, advisory committee meetings;
(2) Approving an agenda for each meeting;
(3) Making recommendations on proposals to close meetings, or parts of meetings, to the public; and clearing such recommendation with the Advisory Committee Management Officer and the General Counsel for decisions by the Administrator;
(4) Assuring that advance notices of each meeting (whether open or closed) are published in the
(5) Assuring that open meetings are accessible to the public;
(6) As specified by the Administrator, chairing or attending each meeting;
(7) Determining the number of committee members necessary to be present at any meeting for the transaction of committee business;
(8) Adjourning any meeting, whenever he determines adjournment to be in the public interest;
(9) Assuring that minutes are kept of each advisory committee meeting and of the meetings of sub-committees and sub-groups, and that such minutes are certified for accuracy by the chairman or presiding officer of the committee; and
(10) Assuring that, subject to section 552 of title 5 United States Code, the documents of the advisory committee are made available for public inspection and copying.
(11) Maintaining a current list of members of the advisory committee, and furnishing membership information to the A.I.D. Advisory Committee Management Officer on request.
(a) No advisory committee is to hold any meetings except at the call, or with the advance approval, of the designated A.I.D. Advisory Committee Representative.
(b) Each advisory committee meeting is conducted in accordance with an agenda approved by the designated A.I.D. Advisory Committee Representative.
(1) The agenda lists the matters to be considered at the meeting and indicates whether any portion of the meeting is to be closed to the public in accordance with subsection (c) of section 552(b) of title 5, United States Code.
(2) Copies of the agenda are distributed to members of the committee prior to the date of the meeting and are included in the official records of the Advisory Committee.
(a) Notice of each advisory committee meeting (whether the meeting is open or closed) shall be published in the
(1) Exceptions to the requirement for public notice are granted only for reasons of national security as determined by the Director, OMB and are requested and justified by the Administrator, A.I.D. at least thirty (30) days prior to the meeting.
(2) Exceptions to the fifteen (15) day advance publication requirement are granted in emergency situations as determined by the Administrator, A.I.D. In such situations, the facts on which exception is based are to be included in the Notice of the meeting.
(3) Requests for exceptions under paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section are prepared by the Advisory Committee Representative and are cleared by the Advisory Committee Management Officer and the General Counsel prior to submission to the Administrator.
(b) Notices include the name of the advisory committee; the time of the meeting; the purposes of the meeting; a statement regarding the extent to which the public will be permitted to attend and, if any portion is closed, why such closure or partial closure is necessary, including citation of the appropriate exemption permitted under subsection (c) of 5 U.S.C. 552b. Thus, A.I.D. Notices of Advisory Committee meetings normally state that the meeting is open to the public and include the place of the meeting; and instructions for gaining access to open meetings which are held in a “secured” building.
(c) Both formal and informal notices are prepared by the A.I.D. Advisory Committee Representative; formal notices to be published in the
(d) Copies of all public notices are provided to the Advisory Committee Management Officer.
(a) Each advisory committee meeting is to be open to the public except where:
(1) The Director, OMB, has determined that public notice of a meeting would be inconsistent with national security; or
(2) The Administrator, AID, has formally determined that a meeting, or portion of a meeting may be closed to the public in accordance with subsection (c) of section 552b of title 5, United States Code.
(b) Advisory committee requests to close all or part of a meeting or a series of meetings are to include the reasons for proposed closure, citing specific exceptions involved under subsection (c) of section 552b of Title 5, United States Code. Such requests are submitted by the AID Advisory Committee Representative, through the Advisory Committee Management Officer and the General Counsel to the Administrator at least forty (40) days before the scheduled date of the meeting.
(c) The Administrator's determination is to be in writing and is to contain a brief statement of the reasons for closing the meeting (or portion thereof). The determination itself is to be made available to the public on request.
(d) When all or part of an advisory committee meeting is closed and detailed minutes are not to be made available in their entirety to the public, the Committee shall prepare and make available to the public within thirty (30) days of the close of the meeting a summary of its activities and related matters which are informative to the public consistent with the policy of 5 U.S.C. 552(b). Notice of availability of such a summary shall be incorporated in the notice of the meeting published in the
(e) To facilitate public participation in advisory committee meetings which are to be open or partially open to the public:
(1) Meetings are to be held at a reasonable time and at a place that is accessible to members of the public.
(2) The size of the meeting room is to be large enough to accommodate the Advisory Committee, its staff, and those members of the public who might be expected to attend.
(3) Any member of the public is permitted to file a written statement with the committee, before or after the meeting.
(4) Interested persons may be permitted to present oral statements at the meeting in accordance with procedures established by the committee, and to the extent time available for the meeting permits.
(5) Other participation by members of the public is not permitted, except in accordance with procedures established by the committee.
(a) Minutes are to be kept of each meeting of each advisory committee and its formal and informal sub-groups.
(b) The chairman or presiding officer designates a member or other person to keep the minutes.
(c) The minutes are to include:
(1) The time and place of the meeting;
(2) A list of members, staff, and A.I.D. employees attending;
(3) A complete summary of matters discussed and conclusions reached;
(4) Copies of all reports received, issued, or approved;
(5) The extent to which the meeting was open to the public; and
(6) The extent of public participation, including a list of those who presented oral or written statements and an estimate of the number of those who attended the meeting.
(d) The chairman or presiding officer of the advisory committee is to certify to the accuracy of the minutes. The certification is to indicate that “the minutes are an accurate and complete summary of the matters discussed and conclusions reached at the meeting held on (date(s)).”
(a) The A.I.D. Advisory Committee Representative is to maintain the records of the advisory committee in a location known to the A.I.D. Advisory Committee Management Officer.
(b) Such records are to include the reports, transcripts, minutes, appendices, working papers, drafts, studies, agenda, and other documents which were made available to, or prepared for or by, the advisory committee.
(c) Advisory committee records are maintained and disposed of according to procedures prescribed in the Agency's Handbook 21—
Records maintained in accordance with § 214.36 are subject to the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C. 552
(a) Each advisory committee is to file with the Library of Congress eight copies of each of its reports, except where the report falls within an exemption listed in 5 U.S.C. 552(b) or relates to a meeting which was closed for reasons of national security.
(b) The A.I.D. Advisory Committee Representative provides copies of committee reports to the Office of Legislative Affairs for transmittal to the Library of Congress; and sends a copy to the A.I.D. Advisory Committee Management Officer for inclusion in the Agency's central file on advisory committees.
(c) As appropriate, the A.I.D. Advisory Commmittee Representative may also send copies of background papers and other advisory committee documents to Office of Legislative Affairs for transmittal to the Library of Congress.
(a) A.I.D. provides support services for advisory committees which are established by or report to the Agency, unless the establishing authority provides otherwise.
(b) Within A.I.D., support services are provided by and charged to the allotment of the A.I.D. office or bureau through which the advisory committee reports, and are coordinated by the designated A.I.D. Advisory Committee Representative.
(c) Support services include staff, quarters, supplies, and funds.
(a) A.I.D. follows OMB/CSC guidelines in section 11 of OMB Circular A-63 in establishing rates of pay for advisory committee members, staffs, and consultants.
(b) In summary, A.I.D. policy regarding compensation for advisory committee members is as follows:
(1) Advisory committee members who are not employed by the U.S. Government ordinarily serve without compensation. However, they may be reimbursed for travel and related expenses of invitational travel under the provisions of A.I.D. travel regulations.
(2) If committee members are appointed as A.I.D. consultants or experts, their compensation shall be fixed in accordance with CSC guidelines and regulations, and the general agreement between CSC and A.I.D.
(3) Expenses of committee members are charged to the allotments of the A.I.D. office or bureau through which the advisory committee reports.
(a) The A.I.D. Advisory Committee Management Office maintains the Agency's Official central files on the nature functions, and operations of each A.I.D. advisory committee. Central files contain the following information with respect to each A.I.D. advisory committee:
(1) Original copy of Advisory Committee Charter filed with the Administrator;
(2) Official records copy of formal determinations by the A.I.D. Administrator with respect to the establishment renewal, operation, and termination of the committee;
(3) Annual reports of committee activity;
(4) Designations of Advisory Committee Representatives;
(5) Location of the official files of the Advisory Committee.
(b) Each A.I.D. Advisory Committee Representative maintains individual advisory committee files at a location
(1) Copies of documents establishing, renewing, and terminating the committee;
(2) Copies of committee charters filed with the A.I.D. Administrator;
(3) Fiscal records which fully disclose the disposition of any funds made available to the committee;
(4) Advisory committee records described above in § 214.36(b) (
(c) The A.I.D. Advisory Committee Management Officer, the A.I.D. Auditor General, the OMB Secretariat, and the Comptroller General shall have access to these records.
(d) Personnel documentation required by CSC and Agency regulations shall be maintained in the official personnel records of the Office of Personnel and Manpower.
(a) A.I.D. conducts an annual comprehensive review of advisory committees under instructions provided by OMB Circular A-63, section 10, as amended and submits required data to OMB on the prescribed format, by November 30 of each year.
(b) A.I.D. reports monthly to OMB on committee terminations or other significant changes in continuing A.I.D. Advisory Committees.
(c) A.I.D. also provides information to the General Services Administration (GSA) for an annual report to Congress. The Agency report is due on February 1 of each year; includes only those advisory committees established by or reporting to A.I.D.; and is submitted on a form prescribed by GSA.
(d) Within A.I.D., the Advisory Committee Management Officer collects required information from the A.I.D. Advisory Committee Representatives; appraises advisory committee activities for the Administrator; and prepares the Agency's reports for the Administrator.
Any person whose request for access to an advisory committee document is denied may seek administrative review in accordance with § 212.36(c) of A.I.D. Regulation 12, 22 CFR 212.36(c).
With regard to other alleged non-compliance with the Act, OMB Circular A-63, or this regulation, the following procedures are to be used:
(a) Advisory committee members or other aggrieved individuals or organizations must file a written complaint which contains specific information regarding the alleged non-compliance.
(b) The written complaint must be addressed to the Administrator or Deputy Administrator, Agency for International Development, 21st and Virginia Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20523.
(c) The complaint must be filed within thirty (30) days after the date of the alleged non-compliance.
(d) The complaint will be considered by the Administrator or Deputy Administrator with the advice and assistance of the General Counsel and the A.I.D. Advisory Committee Management Office.
(e) Written notice of the disposition of the complaint shall be provided to the complainant within thirty (30) days of the date the complaint was received by the Agency.
Sec. 621, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, (22 U.S.C. 2381; 75 Stat. 445); secs. 3,4, Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553; 60 Stat. 237); Privacy Act of 1974 (Pub. L. 93-579; 5 U.S.C. 552a; 88 Stat. 1896).
(a) It is the purpose and objective of the International Development Cooperation Agency and the Agency for International Development to collect information, revise personal data collection forms or processes, and maintain Agency records in a manner that will prevent an unwarranted invasion of privacy of those individuals who are the subject of Agency records.
(b) These regulations establish the procedures by which an individual may obtain notification of the existence of Agency records pertaining to that individual, gain access to those records, request an amendment or correction to the records, and appeal adverse decisions to requests for amendment or correction of Agency records.
(c) The Agency separately states and publishes in the
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(a) Requests for notification of access to or amendment of Agency records contained in a system of records pertaining to an individual may be made in person or by mail as follows: For the International Development Cooperation Agency-Assistant Director for Administration, International Development Cooperation Agency, Room 4889 New State, 2201 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20523 Attention: Privacy Liaison Officer. For the Agency for International Development-Privacy Liaison Officer, Agency for International Development, Room 4889 New State, 2201 C Street, NW., Washington, DC 20523.
(b) Such request should include information necessary to identify the record, e.g., the individual's full name, date of birth, place of birth, present mailing address, or system of record identification name and number, if known, and, to facilitate the retrieval
(c) With respect to a system of records which may be maintained by the Agency in offices outside the United States, an individual may inquire whether he or she is the subject of an Agency record or may request access to or amendment of such records by appearing in person or by writing to the Privacy Liaison Officer, Agency for International Development, at the overseas missions.
(d) The Assistant Director for Administration for requests to I.D.C.A. or the appropriate Privacy Liaison Officer for request to A.I.D., or their designees shall, within ten (10) working days of receipt of the request, furnish in writing to the requesting individual notice of the existence or nonexistence of any records described in the request.
(a) Individuals making personal requests for notification, access or contest may do so at the place designated in paragraph (a) of § 215.3, which is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays.
(b) Individuals making personal requests for notification, access or contest at offices outside the United States may do so at the overseas missions during the regular business hours of those offices.
(c) An individual requesting such information in person shall provide such personal identification as is reasonable under the circumstances to verify the individual's identity; e.g. driver's license, employee identification card or medicare card. (The identification should contain a photograph of the individual.)
(d) An individual requesting such information by mail shall include in his or her request a signed notarized statement to verify his or her identity and which stipulates that the individual understands that knowingly or willfully seeking or obtaining access to records about another individual under false pretenses is punishable by a fine up to $5,000, as provided in section (i)(3) of the Act.
(e) Verification of identity as set forth in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section shall not be required of individuals seeking access to records otherwise available to members of the public under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552; 88 Stat. 1561).
(f) An individual who wishes to be accompanied by another person when reviewing a record shall furnish the Agency with a written statement authorizing discussion of his or her record in the presence of the accompanying person. Such statement need not contain any reasons for the access or for the accompanying person's presence.
(a) Upon receipt of a request by an individual made in accordance with the provisions of § 215.3, such individual shall be granted access to any record pertaining to him or her which is contained in a system of records maintained by the Agency subject to exemptions discussed in §§ 215.13 and 215.14.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, access will not be allowed an individual to information or records compiled by the Agency in reasonable anticipation of a civil or criminal action or proceeding.
(c) Whenever possible, access to requested records will be granted;
(1) Where the request is presented in person and the record is readily available, promptly upon receipt of the request for access, determination that access to the record may be granted, verification of the identity of the individual seeking access, and, where applicable, receipt of consent to discuss the record with a person accompanying the individual;
(2) Where the request is made by mail, the record will, whenever possible, be provided within ten (10) working days of receipt of the request.
(d) Where access to a record cannot reasonably be granted as provided in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this section, the Agency will acknowledge in writing receipt of the request for access and indicate a reasonable time within
(e) Where no reasonable means exist for an individual to have access to his or her record in person, a copy of the record must be provided through the mail.
If the Assistant Director for Administration or the Privacy Liaison Officer, determines that the release directly to the individual of medical records maintained by the Agency could have an adverse effect upon such individual, the Director/Officer will attempt to arrange an alternative acceptable to both the individual and Agency (such as the release of said information to a doctor named by the individual) in granting access to such record.
(a) An individual may request the Agency to correct or amend a record pertaining to him or her which the individual believes is not accurate, relevant, timely or complete.
(b) Such request must be in writing and must be presented, in person or by mail to the addresses listed in § 215.3(a).
(c) Such requests must set forth the following information:
(1) Identification of the system of records in which the particular record is maintained;
(2) The portion(s) of the record to be amended or corrected;
(3) The desired amendment or correction; and
(4) The reasons for the amendment or correction.
(d) Assistance in preparing a request to amend a record may be obtained from the officials listed in § 215.3(a).
(a) The Agency will examine the information requested to be amended to determine its accuracy, timeliness, completeness, and its relevancy and necessity to accomplish a purpose of the Agency required to be accomplished by statute or by executive order.
(b) Within ten (10) working days after the receipt by the Assistant Director for Administration or the Privacy Liaison Officer, of a request made in accordance with this section, the Assistant Director for Administration or the Privacy Liaison Officer shall acknowledge in writing such receipt and shall, after examination in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, promptly either:
(1) Make any amendment of any portion thereof which the individual believes is not accurate, relevant, timely or complete, and notify the individual of the amendment made; or
(2) Inform the individual of the Agency's refusal to amend the record in accordance with the request, the reason(s) for the refusal, and the procedures established by the Agency for the individual to request a review of that refusal.
(c) If the Agency agrees with the individual's request to amend a record, in addition to proceeding as set forth in paragraph (b)(1) of this section, it shall promptly advise all previous recipients of the record of the fact that the amendment was made and the substance of the amendment where an accounting of disclosures has been made.
(d) If unusual circumstances prevent the completion of Agency action on the request to amend within 30 days after the receipt thereof by the Assistant Director for Administration or the Privacy Liaison Officer, the individual will be promptly advised of the delay, the reasons for the delay, and of the date by which the review is expected to be completed.
(e) If the Agency, after its initial examination of the record and the request for Amendment, disagrees with all or any part of the individual's request to amend it shall:
(1) To the extent the Agency agrees with any part of the individual's request to amend, proceed as described in paragraphs (b)(1) and (c) of this section;
(2) Advise the individual of its refusal and the reason(s) therefor;
(3) Inform the individual that he or she may request a further review by the Director or the Administrator, or their designees; and
(4) Describe the procedures for requesting such review, including the name and address of the official to whom the request should be directed.
(f) No part of these regulations shall be construed to permit:
(1) The alteration of evidence presented in the course of judicial, quasi-judicial or quasi-legislative proceedings;
(2) Collateral attack upon any matter which has been the subject of judicial or quasi-judicial action; or
(3) An amendment or correction which would be in violation of an existing statute, executive order or regulation.
(a) An individual who disagrees with the denial or partial denial of his or her request to amend a record may file a request for review of such refusal within 60 days after the date of notification of the denial or partial denial.
(b) The request for review must be in writing and may be presented in person or by mail to:
(c) Upon receipt of the request for review, the Director or the Assistant Administrator, or an officer of the Agency designated in writing by the Director or Administrator, shall undertake an independent review of the initial determination.
(d) If someone other than the Director or the Assistant Administrator is designated to conduct the review, he or she shall be an officer who is organizationally independent of or senior to the officer or employee who made the initial determination.
(e) In conducting the review, the reviewing official, may at his or her option, request such additional information as is deemed necessary to establish that the record contains only that information which is accurate, timely, complete and necessary to assure fairness in any determination which may be made about the individual on the basis of the record.
(f) Within 30 days after receipt of the request for review, the Director, the Assistant Administrator, or the official designated to conduct the review, shall advise the individual of the Agency's final decision. If unusual circumstances prevent the completion of the review within the 30-day period, the Agency shall, prior to the expiration of the 30-day period, advise the individual in writing of the circumstances preventing the completion of such review and inform him or her of the date by which the review is expected to be completed.
(g) If the reviewing official determines that the record should be amended in accordance with the individual's request, the Agency shall:
(1) Amend the record accordingly;
(2) Advise the individual of the amendment; and
(3) Where an accounting of disclosures has been made, advise all previous recipients of the fact that the amendment was made and the nature of the amendment.
(h) If, after conducting the review, the reviewing official refuses to amend the record, in whole or in part, in accordance with the individual's request, Agency shall advise the individual:
(1) Of its refusal and the reasons therefor;
(2) Of the individual's right to file a concise statement of his or her reasons for disagreeing with the Agency's decision;
(3) Of the procedures for filing a statement of disagreement;
(4) That any such statement will be sent to anyone to whom the record is subsequently disclosed, together with a brief statement by the Agency summarizing its reasons for refusing to amend the record;
(5) That to the extent an accounting of disclose was maintained, prior recipients of the disputed record will be
(6) Of the individual's right to seek judicial review of the Agency's refusal to amend a record as provided for in section (g)(1)(a) of the Act.
(a) Subject to the conditions of paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, the Agency shall not disclose any record which is contained in a system of records by any means of communication to any person or other agency who is not the individual to whom the record pertains.
(b) Upon written request or with prior written consent of the individual to whom the record pertains, the Agency may disclose any such record to a person or to another agency as requested or authorized.
(c) Notwithstanding the absence of written consent from the individual to whom the record pertains, the Agency may disclose any such record provided such disclosure is:
(1) To those officers and employees of the Agency who have a need for the record in the performance of their duties;
(2) Required under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552);
(3) For a routine use as defined in § 215.2;
(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 United States Code;
(5) To a recipient who has provided the Agency with adequate advance 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 his or her designee, 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 authorized by law: Provided, The head of the agency or instrumentality has made a prior written request to the Assistant Administrator of Administration or the Privacy Liaison Officer, specifying the particular record and the law enforcement activity for which it is sought;
(8) To a responsible person pursuant to a showing of compelling circumstances affecting the health or safety of an individual if upon such disclosure notification will be transmitted to the last known address of such individual;
(9) To either House of Congress, or, to the extent of a matter within its jurisdiction, any committee or subcommittee, or joint committee of Congress, or subcommittee of such joint committee;
(10) To the Comptroller General, or any of his/her authorized representatives, in the course of the performance of the duties of the General Accounting Office;
(11) Pursuant to an order of a court of competent jurisdiction or;
(12) To a consumer reporting agency in accordance with section 3711(f) of title 31.
(a) The only fees to be charged to or collected from an individual under the provisions of this part are for copying records at the request of the individual.
(b) No fees shall be charged or collected for the following: Search for and retrieval of the records; review of the records; copying at the initiative of the Agency without a request from the individual; the first 100 pages; and first-class postage. However if special handling or other than first-class mail is requested or required, the costs shall be added to the basic fee.
(c) The copying fees prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section are:
Ten (10) cents per page. Twenty (20) cents per page of computer printout.
(d) Payment may be in the form of a check, bank draft on a bank in the United States, or postal money order payable to the Treasurer of the United States.
(e) A receipt for fees paid will be given only upon request.
(f) A copying fee totaling $15.00 or less shall be waived but the copying fees for contemporaneous requests by the same individual shall be aggregated to determine the total fee.
(g) A fee may be reduced or waived by the Privacy Liaison Officer.
The provisions of the Act relating to penalties and remedies are summarized below:
(a) An individual may bring a civil action against the Agency when the Agency:
(1) Makes a determination not to amend a record in accordance with the individual's request;
(2) Refuses to comply with an individual's request pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a (d)(1);
(3) Fails to maintain a record concerning an individual with such accuracy, relevance, timeliness and completeness as is necessary to assure fairness in any determination relating to the qualifications, character, rights, or opportunities of, or benefits to the individual that may be made on the basis of such record, and as a result thereof a determination is made which is adverse to the individual; or
(4) Fails to comply with any other provision of section (d) of the Act in such a way as to have an adverse effect on an individual.
(b) The court may order the correction or amendment of the records, may enjoin the Agency from withholding the records, may order the Agency to produce any records improperly withheld, and may assess attorney's fees and costs.
(c) Where a court of competent jurisdiction makes a determination that the Agency action was willful or intentional with respect to 5 U.S.C. 552a (g)(1) (c) or (d), the United States shall be liable for actual damages of no less than $1,000, the costs of the action, and attorneys' fees.
(d) Criminal penalties may be imposed against an officer or employee of the Agency who willfully discloses material which he or she knows is prohibited from disclosure, or who maintains a system of records without complying with the notice requirements.
(e) Criminal penalties may be imposed against any person who knowingly and willfully requests or obtains any record concerning an individual from an agency under false pretenses. The offenses enumerated in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section are misdemeanors, with fines not to exceed $5,000.
(a) Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a (j)(2), the Director or the Administrator may, where there is a compelling reason to do so, exempt a system of records within the Agency from any part of the Act, except subsections (b), (c) (1) and (2), (e)(4)(A) through (F), (e) (6), (7), (9), (10), and (11), and (i) thereof, if the system of records is maintained by the Agency or component thereof which performs as its principal function any activity pertaining to the enforcement of criminal laws, including police efforts to prevent, control, or reduce crime or to apprehend criminals, and the activities of prosecutors, courts, correctional, probation, pardon, or parole authorities, and which consists of:
(1) 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;
(2) Information compiled for the purpose of a criminal investigation, including reports of informants and investigators, and associated with an identifiable individual; or
(3) 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.
(b) Each notice of a system of records that is the subject of an exemption
(c) The systems of records to be exempted under section (j)(2) of the Act, the provisions of the Act from which they are being exempted, and the justification for the exemptions, are set forth below:
(1)
(2) [Reserved]
(a) Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k), the Director or the Administrator may, where there is a compelling reason to do so, exempt a system of records, from any of the provisions of subsections (c) (3); (d); (e)(1); (e)(4) (G), (H), and (I); and (f) of the Act if a system of records is:
(1) Subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 552(b)(1);
(2) Investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes, other than material within the scope of subsection (j)(2) of the Act: Provided, however, That if any individual is denied any right, privilege, or benefit to which he or she would otherwise be eligible, as a result of the maintenance of such material, such material shall be provided to such individual, except 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 the effective date of this section, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence;
(3) Maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or other individuals pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 3056;
(4) Required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records;
(5) 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 the effective date of this section, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence;
(6) 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
(7) 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 the effective date of this section, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence.
(b) Each notice of a system of records that is the subject of an exemption under 5 U.S.C. 552a(k) will include a statement that the system has been exempted, the reasons therefore, and a reference to the
(c) The systems of records to be exempted under section (k) of the Act, the provisions of the Act from which
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5) The following systems of records are exempt under 5 U.S.C. 552a (k)(5) from the provision of 5 U.S.C. 552a (c)(3); (d); (e)(1); (e)(4) (G), (H), (I); and (f):
(i) Employee Conduct and Discipline Records.
(ii) Employee Relations Records.
42 U.S.C.4332; 22 U.S.C. 2381.
(a)
(b)
(1) Ensure that the environmental consequences of A.I.D.-financed activities are identified and considered by A.I.D. and the host country prior to a final decision to proceed and that appropriate environmental safeguards are adopted;
(2) Assist developing countries to strengthen their capabilities to appreciate and effectively evaluate the potential environmental effects of proposed development strategies and projects, and to select, implement and manage effective environmental programs;
(3) Identify impacts resulting from A.I.D.'s actions upon the environment, including those aspects of the biosphere which are the common and cultural heritage of all mankind; and
(4) Define environmental limiting factors that constrain development and identify and carry out activities that assist in restoring the renewable resource base on which sustained development depends.
(c)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
(11)
(12)
(a)
(b)
(i) International disaster assistance;
(ii) Other emergency circumstances; and
(iii) Circumstances involving exceptional foreign policy sensitivities.
(2) A formal written determination, including a statement of the justification therefore, is required for each project, program or activity for which an exemption is made under paragraphs (b)(1) (ii) and (iii) of this section, but is not required for projects, programs or activities under paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section. The determination shall be made either by the Assistant Administrator having responsibility for the program, project or activity, or by the Administrator, where authority to approve financing has been reserved by the Administrator. The determination shall be made after consultation with CEQ regarding the environmental consequences of the proposed program, project or activity.
(c)
(i) The action does not have an effect on the natural or physicial environment;
(ii) A.I.D. does not have knowledge of or control over, and the objective of A.I.D. in furnishing assistance does not require, either prior to approval of financing or prior to implementation of specific activities, knowledge of or control over, the details of the specific activities that have an effect on the physicial and natural environment for which financing is provided by A.I.D.;
(iii) Research activities which may have an affect on the physicial and natural environment but will not have a significant effect as a result of limited scope, carefully controlled nature and effective monitoring.
(2) The following classes of actions are not subject to the procedures set forth in § 216.3, except to the extent provided herein;
(i) Education, technical assistance, or training programs except to the extent such programs include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.);
(ii) Controlled experimentation exclusively for the purpose of research and field evaluation which are confined to small areas and carefully monitored;
(iii) Analyses, studies, academic or research workshops and meetings;
(iv) Projects in which A.I.D. is a minor donor to a multidonor project and there is no potential significant effects upon the environment of the United States, areas outside any nation's jurisdiction or endangered or threatened species or their critical habitat;
(v) Document and information transfers;
(vi) Contributions to international, regional or national organizations by the United States which are not for the purpose of carrying out a specifically identifiable project or projects;
(vii) Institution building grants to research and educational institutions in the United States such as those provided for under section 122(d) and title XII of chapter 2 of part I of the FAA (22 USCA 2151 p. (b) 2220a. (1979));
(viii) Programs involving nutrition, health care or population and family planning services except to the extent designed to include activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, water supply systems, waste water treatment, etc.)
(ix) Assistance provided under a Commodity Import Program when, prior to approval, A.I.D. does not have knowledge of the specific commodities to be financed and when the objective in furnishing such assistance requires neither knowledge, at the time the assistance is authorized, nor control, during implementation, of the commodities or their use in the host country.
(x) Support for intermediate credit institutions when the objective is to assist in the capitalization of the institution or part thereof and when such support does not involve reservation of the right to review and approve individual loans made by the institution;
(xi) Programs of maternal or child feeding conducted under title II of Pub. L. 480;
(xii) Food for development programs conducted by food recipient countries under title III of Pub. L. 480, when achieving A.I.D.'s objectives in such programs does not require knowledge of or control over the details of the specific activities conducted by the foreign country under such program;
(xiii) Matching, general support and institutional support grants provided to private voluntary organizations (PVOs) to assist in financing programs where A.I.D.'s objective in providing such financing does not require knowledge of or control over the details of the specific activities conducted by the PVO;
(xiv) Studies, projects or programs intended to develop the capability of recipient countries to engage in development planning, except to the extent designed to result in activities directly affecting the environment (such as construction of facilities, etc.); and
(xv) Activities which involve the application of design criteria or standards developed and approved by A.I.D.
(3) The originator of a project, program or activity shall determine the extent to which it is within the classes of actions described in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. This determination shall be made in writing and be submitted with the PID, PAIP or comparable document. This determination, which must include a brief statement supporting application of the exclusion shall be reviewed by the Bureau Environmental Officer in the same manner as a Threshold Decision under § 216.3(a)(2) of these procedures. Notwithstanding paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the procedures set forth in § 216.3 shall apply to any project, program or activity included in the classes of actions listed in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, or any aspect or component thereof, if at any time in the design, review or approval of the activity it is determined that the project, program or activity, or aspect or component thereof, is subject to the control of A.I.D. and may have a significant effect on the environment.
(d)
(i) Programs of river basin development;
(ii) Irrigation or water management projects, including dams and impoundments;
(iii) Agricultural land leveling;
(iv) Drainage projects;
(v) Large scale agricultural mechanization;
(vi) New lands development;
(vii) Resettlement projects;
(viii) Penetration road building or road improvement projects;
(ix) Powerplants;
(x) Industrial plants;
(xi) Potable water and sewerage projects other than those that are small-scale.
(2) An Initial Environmental Examination normally will not be necessary for activities within the classes described in § 216.2(d), except when the originator of the project believes that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment. In such cases, the activity may be subjected to the procedures set forth in § 216.3.
(e)
(a)
(2)
(ii) An Initial Environmental Examination, completed subsequent to approval of the PID or PAIP, will be forwarded immediately together with the Threshold Determination to the Bureau Environmental Officer for action as described in this section.
(iii) A Positive Threshold Decision shall result from a finding that the proposed action will have a significant effect on the environment. An Environmental Impact Statement shall be prepared if required pursuant to § 216.7. If an impact statement is not required, an Environmental Assessment will be prepared in accordance with § 216.6. The cognizant Bureau or Office will record a Negative Determination if the proposed action will not have a significant effect on the environment.
(3)
(4)
(
(
(
(
(ii) These written statements shall be reviewed and approved by the Bureau Environmental Officer.
(iii)
(iv)
(5)
(6)
(ii) When project approval authority is delegated to field posts, Environmental Assessments shall be reviewed and cleared by the Bureau Environmental Officer prior to the approval of such actions.
(iii) Draft and final Environmental Impact Statements will be reviewed and cleared by the Environmental Coordinator and the Office of the General Counsel.
(7)
(ii) Environmental review should occur at the earliest time in design or implementation at which a meaningful review can be undertaken, but in no event later than when previously unidentified subprojects or aspects of projects, programs or activities are identified and planned. To the extent possible, adequate information to undertake deferred environmental review should be obtained before funds are obligated for unidentified subprojects or aspects of projects, programs or activities. (Funds may be obligated for the other aspects for which environmental review has been completed.) To avoid
(iii) When environmetal review must be deferred beyond the time some of the funds are to be disbursed (e.g. long lead times for the delivery of goods or services), the project agreement or other document obligating funds shall contain a covenant or covenants requiring environmental review, including an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement, when appropriate, to be completed and taken into account prior to implementation of those subprojects or aspects of the project, program or activity for which environmental review is deferred. Such convenants shall ensure that implementation plans will be modified in accordance with environmental review if the parties decide that modifications are necessary.
(iv) When environmental review will not be completed for an entire project, program or activity prior to authorization, the Initial Environmental Examination and Threshold Decision required under paragraphs (a)(1) and (2) of this section shall identify those aspects of the project, program or activity for which environmental review will be completed prior to the time financing is authorized. It shall also include those subprojects or aspects for which environmental review will be deferred, stating the reasons for deferral and the time when environmental review will be completed. Further, it shall state how an irreversible commitment of funds will be avoided until environmental review is completed. The A.I.D. officer responsible for making environmental decisions for such projects, programs or activities shall also be identified (the same officer who has decision making authority for the other aspects of implementation). This deferral shall be reviewed and approved by the officer making the Threshold Decision and the officer who authorizes the project, program or activity. Such approval may be made only after consultation with the Office of General Counsel for the purpose of establishing the manner in which conditions precedent to disbursement or covenants in project and other agreements will avoid an irreversible commitment of resources before environmental review is completed.
(8)
(9)
(10)
(b)
(i) When a project includes assistance for procurement or use, or both, of pesticides registered for the same or similar uses by USEPA without restriction, the Initial Environmental Examination for the project shall include a separate section evaluating the economic, social and environmental risks and benefits of the planned pesticide use to determine whether the use may result in significant environmental impact. Factors to be considered in such an evaluation shall include, but not be limited to the following:
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(
(ii) When a project includes assistance for the procurement or use, or both, of any pesticide registered for the same or similar uses in the United States but the proposed use is restricted by the USEPA on the basis of user hazard, the procedures set forth in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section will be followed. In addition, the Initial Environmental Examination will include an evaluation of the user hazards associated with the proposed USEPA restricted uses to ensure that the implementation plan which is contained in the Project Paper incorporates provisions for making the recipient government aware of these risks and providing, if necessary, such technical assistance as may be required to mitigate these risks. If the proposed pesticide use is also restricted on a basis other than user hazard, the procedures in paragraph (b)(1)(iii) of this section shall be followed in lieu of the procedures in this section.
(iii) If the project includes assistance for the procurement or use, or both of:
(
(
(iv) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs (b)(1) (i) through (iii) of this section, if the project includes assistance for the procurement or use, or both, of a pesticide against which USEPA has initiated a regulatory action for cause, or for which it has issued a notice of rebuttable presumption against reregistration, the nature of the action or notice, including the relevant technical and scientific factors will be discussed with the requesting government and considered in the IEE and, if prepared, in the EA or EIS. If USEPA initiates any of the regulatory actions above against a pesticide subsequent to its evaluation in an IEE, EA or EIS, the nature of the action will be discussed with the recipient government and considered in an amended IEE or amended EA or EIS, as appropriate.
(v) If the project includes assistance for the procurement or use, or both of pesticides but the specific pesticides to be procured or used cannot be identified at the time the IEE is prepared, the procedures outlined in paragraphs (b) (i) through (iv) of this section will be followed when the specific pesticides are identified and before procurement or use is authorized. Where identification of the pesticides to be procured or used does not occur until after Project Paper approval, neither the procurement nor the use of the pesticides shall be undertaken unless approved, in writing, by the Assistant Administrator (or in the case of projects authorized at the Mission level, the Mission Director) who approved the Project Paper.
(2)
(i) Projects under emergency conditions.
(
(
(
(ii) Projects where A.I.D. is a minor donor, as defined in § 216.1(c)(12) of this part, to a multi-donor project.
(iii) Projects including assistance for procurement or use, or both, of pesticides for research or limited field evaluation purposes by or under the supervision of project personnel. In such instances, however, A.I.D. will ensure that the manufacturers of the pesticides provide toxicological and environmental data necessary to safeguard the health or research personnel and the quality of the local environment in which the pesticides will be used. Furthermore, treated crops will not be used for human or animal consumption unless appropriate tolerances have been established by EPA or recommended by FAO/WHO, and the rates and frequency of application, together with the prescribed preharvest intervals, do not result in residues exceeding such tolerances. This prohibition does not apply to the feeding of such crops to animals for research purposes.
(3)
Programs, projects or activities for which financing from A.I.D. is sought by private applicants, such as PVOs and educational and research institutions, are subject to these procedures. Except as provided in § 216.2 (b), (c) or (d), preliminary proposals for financing submitted by private applicants shall be accompanied by an Initial Environmental Examination or adequate information to permit preparation of an Initial Environmental Examination. The Threshold Decision shall be made by the Mission Director for the country to which the proposal relates, if the preliminary proposal is submitted to the A.I.D. Mission, or shall be made by the officer in A.I.D. who approves the preliminary proposal. In either case, the concurrence of the Bureau Environmental Officer is required in the same manner as in § 216.3(a)(2), except for PVO projects approved in A.I.D. Missions with total life of project costs less than $500,000. Thereafter, the same procedures set forth in § 216.3 including as appropriate scoping and Environmental Assessments or Environmental Impact Statements, shall be applicable to programs, projects or activities submitted by private applicants. The final proposal submitted for financing shall be treated, for purposes of these procedures, as a Project Paper. The Bureau Environmental Officer shall advise private applicants of studies or other information foreseeably required for action by A.I.D.
It is A.I.D. policy to conduct its assistance programs in a manner that is sensitive to the protection of endangered or threatened species and their critical habitats. The Initial Environmental Examination for each project, program or activity having an effect on the environment shall specifically determine whether the project, program or activity will have an effect on an endangered or threatened species, or critical habitat. If the proposed project, program or activity will have the effect of jeopardizing an endangered or threatened species or of adversely modifying its critical habitat, the Threshold Decision shall be a Positive Determination and an Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement completed as appropriate,
(a)
(b)
(c)
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(d)
(e)
(2) Missions will encourage the host government to make the Environmental Assessment available to the general public of the recipient country. If Environmental Assessments are prepared on activities which are not country-specific, the Assessment will be circulated by the Environmental Coordinator to A.I.D.'s Overseas Missions and interested governments for information, guidance and comment and will be made available in the U.S. to interested parties.
(f)
(g)
(a)
(1) The global environment or areas outside the jurisdiction of any nation (e.g., the oceans);
(2) The environment of the United States; or
(3) Other aspects of the environment at the discretion of the Administrator.
(b)
(c)
(a) In most instances AID will be able to gain the benefit of public participation in the impact statement process through circulation of draft statements and notice of public availability in CEQ publications. However, in some cases the Administrator may wish to hold public hearings on draft Environmental Impact Statements. In deciding whether or not a public hearing is appropriate, Bureaus in conjunction with the Environmental Coordinator should consider:
(1) The magnitude of the proposal in terms of economic costs, the geographic area involved, and the uniqueness or size of commitment of the resources involved;
(2) The degree of interest in the proposal as evidenced by requests from the public and from Federal, state and
(3) The complexity of the issue and likelihood that information will be presented at the hearing which will be of assistance to the Agency; and
(4) The extent to which public involvement already has been achieved through other means, such as earlier public hearings, meetings with citizen representatives, and/or written comments on the proposed action.
(b) If public hearings are held, draft Environmental Impact Statements to be discussed should be made available to the public at least fifteen (15) days prior to the time of the public hearings, and a notice will be placed in the F
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in these procedures, the Administrator may approve the use of either of the following documents as a substitute for an Environmental Assessment (but not a substitute for an Environmental Impact Statement) required under these procedures:
(a) Bilateral or multilateral environmental studies, relevant or related to the proposed action, prepared by the United States and one or more foreign countries or by an international body or organization in which the United States is a member or participant; or
(b) Concise reviews of the environmental issues involved including summary environmental analyses or other appropriate documents.
Each Agency Bureau will maintain a current list of activities for which Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements are being prepared and for which Negative Determinations and Declarations have been made. Copies of final Initial Environmental Examinations, scoping statements, Assessments and Impact Statements will be available to interested Federal agencies upon request. The cognizant Bureau will maintain a permanent file (which may be part of its normal project files) of Environmental Impact Statements, Environmental Assessments, final Initial Environmental Examinations, scoping statements, Determinations and Declarations which will be available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act. Interested persons can obtain information or status reports regarding Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Statements through the A.I.D. Environmental Coordinator.
29 U.S.C. 794, unless otherwise noted.
Nomenclature changes to part 217 appear at 68 FR 51362, Aug. 26, 2003.
The purpose of this part is to effectuate section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which is designed to eliminate discrimination on the basis of handicap in any program or activity within the United States receiving Federal financial assistance.
This part applies to all programs or activities carried on within the United States by recipients of Federal financial assistance pursuant to any authority held or delegated by the Administrator of the Agency for International Development, including the types of Federal financial assistance listed in appendix A of this part. (appendix A may be revised from time to time by notice in the
As used in this part, the term:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d) The term
(e)
(f)
(g)
(1) Funds;
(2) Services of Federal personnel; or
(3) Real and personal property or any interest in or use of such property, including:
(i) Transfers or leases of such property for less than the fair market value or for reduced consideration; and
(ii) Proceeds from a subsequent transfer or lease of such property if the Federal share of its fair market value is not returned to the Federal Government.
(h)
(i)
(2) As used in paragraph (i)(1) of this section the phrase:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(j)
(1) With respect to employment, a handicapped person who, with or without reasonable accommodation, can perform the essential functions of the job in question;
(2) With respect to postsecondary and vocational education services, a handicapped person who meets the academic and technical standards requisite to admission or participation in the recipient's education program or activity;
(3) With respect to other services, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for the receipt of such services.
(k)
(1)
(1)(i) A department, agency, special purpose district, or other instrumentality of a State or of a local government; or
(ii) 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;
(2)(i) A college, university, or other postsecondary institution, or a public system of higher education; or
(ii) A local educational agency (as defined in 20 U.S.C. 7801), system of vocational education, or other school system;
(3)(i) An entire corporation, partnership, or other private organization, or an entire sole proprietorship—
(A) If assistance is extended to such corporation, partnership, private organization, or sole proprietorship as a whole; or
(B) Which is principally engaged in the business of providing education, health care, housing, social services, or parks and recreation; or
(ii) 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
(4) Any other entity which is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraph (l)(1), (2), or (3) of this section.
(a)
(b)
(i) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service;
(ii) Afford a qualified handicapped person 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 handicapped person with an aid, benefit, or service that is not as effective as that provided to others;
(iv) Provide different or separate aid, benefits, or services to handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others;
(v) Aid or perpetuate discrimination against a qualified handicapped person by providing significant assistance to an agency, organization, or person that discriminates on the basis of handicap in providing any aid, benefits, or service to beneficiaries of the recipient's program or activity;
(vi) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or
(vii) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving an 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 handicapped and nonhandicapped persons, but must afford handicapped persons 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 person's needs.
(3) Despite the existence of separate or different programs or activities provided in accordance with this part, a recipient may not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in such aid, benefits, or service that are not separate or different.
(4) A recipient may not, directly or through contractual or other arrangements, utilize criteria or methods of administration (i) that have the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap, (ii) that have the purpose or effect of defeating or substantially impairing accomplishment of the objectives of the recipient's program or activity with respect to handicapped persons, or (iii) that perpetuate the discrimination of another recipient if both recipients are subject to common administrative control or are agencies of the same State.
(5) In determining the site or location of a facility, an applicant for assistance or a recipient may not make selections (i) that have the effect of excluding handicapped persons from, denying them the benefits of, or otherwise subjecting them to discrimination under any program or activity that receives Federal financial assistance or
(6) As used in this section, the aid, benefit, or service provided under a program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance includes any aid, benefit, or service provided in or through a facility that has been constructed, expanded, altered, leased or rented, or otherwise acquired, in whole or in part, with Federal financial assistance.
(c)
(a)
(b)
(2) In the case of Federal financial assistance extended to provide personal property, the assurance will obligate the recipient for the period during which it retains ownership or possession of the property.
(3) In all other cases the assurance will obligate the recipient for the period during which Federal financial assistance is extended.
(c)
(2) Where no transfer of property is involved but property is purchased or improved with Federal financial assistance, the recipient shall agree to include the covenant described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section in the instrument effecting or recording any subsequent transfer of the property.
(3) Where Federal financial assistance is provided in the form of real property or interest in the property from the Agency the covenant shall also include a condition coupled with a right to be reserved by the Agency to revert title to the property in the event of a breach of the covenant. If a transferee of real property proposes to mortgage or otherwise encumber the real property as security for financing construction of new, or improvement of existing, facilities on the property for the purposes for which the property was transferred, the Administrator may, upon request of the transferee and if necessary to accomplish such financing and upon such conditions as he or she deems appropriate, agree to forbear the exercise of such right to revert title for so long as the lien of such mortgage or other encumbrance remains effective.
(a)
(2) Where a recipient is found to have discriminated against persons on the
(3) The Administrator may, where necessary to overcome the effects of discrimination in violation of section 504 or this part, require a recipient to take remedial action (i) with respect to handicapped persons who are no longer participants in the recipient's program or activity but who were participants in the program when such discrimination occurred or (ii) with respect to handicapped persons presently in the program or activity but not receiving full benefits or equal and integrated treatment within the program or (iii) with respect to handicapped persons who would have been participants in the program or activity had the discrimination not occurred.
(b)
(c)
(i) Evaluate with the assistance of interested persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, its current policies and practices and the effects thereof that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part;
(ii) Modify, after consultation with interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, any policies and practices that do not meet the requirement of this part; and
(iii) Take, after consultation with interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, appropriate remedial steps to eliminate the effects of any discrimination that resulted from adherence to these policies and practices.
(2) A recipient that employs fifteen or more persons shall, for at least three years following completion of the evaluation required under paragraph (c)(1) of this section, maintain on file, make available for public inspection, and provide to the Administrator upon request: (i) A list of the interested persons consulted, (ii) a description of areas examined and any problems identified, and (iii) a description of any modifications made and of any remedial steps taken.
(a)
(b)
(a) A recipient that employs fifteen or more persons shall take appropriate initial and continuing steps to notify participants, beneficiaries, applicants, and employees, including those with impaired vision or hearing, and unions or professional organizations holding collective bargaining or professional agreements with the recipient that it does not discriminate on the basis of handicap in violation of section 504, and this part. The notification shall state, where appropriate, that the recipient does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. The notification shall also include an identification of the responsible employee designated pursuant to § 217.7(a). A recipient shall make the initial notification required by this paragraph within 90 days of the effective date of this part. Methods of initial and continuing notification may include the
(b) If a recipient publishes or uses recruitment materials or publications containing general information that it makes available to participants, beneficiaries, applicants, or employees, it shall include in those materials or publications a statement of the policy described in paragraph (a) of this section. A recipient may meet the requirement of this paragraph either by including appropriate inserts in existing materials and publications or by revising and reprinting the materials and publications.
The Administrator may require any recipient with fewer than fifteen employees, or any class of such recipients, to comply with §§ 217.7 and 217.8 in whole or in part, when the Administrator finds a violation of this part or finds that such compliance will not significantly impair the ability of the recipient or class of recipients to provide benefits or services.
(a) The obligation to comply with this part is not obviated or alleviated by the existence of any state or local law or other requirement that, on the basis of handicap, imposes prohibitions or limits upon the eligibility of qualified handicapped persons to receive services or to practice any occupation or profession.
(b) The obligation to comply with this part is not obviated or alleviated because employment opportunities in any occupation or profession are or may be more limited for handicapped persons than for nonhandicapped persons.
(a)
(2) A recipient shall make all decisions concerning employment under any program or activity to which this part applies in a manner which ensures that discrimination on the basis of handicap does not occur and may not limit, segregate, or classify applicants or employees in any way that adversely affects their opportunities or status because of handicap.
(3) A recipient may not participate in a contractual or other relationship that has the effect of subjecting qualified handicapped applicants or employees to discrimination prohibited by this subpart. The relationships referred to in this subparagraph include relationships with employment and referral agencies, with labor unions, with organizations providing or administering fringe benefits to employees of the recipient, and with organizations providing training and apprenticeships.
(b)
(1) Recruitment, advertising, and the processing of applications for employment;
(2) Hiring, upgrading, promotion, award of tenure, demotion, transfer, layoff, termination, right of return from layoff, and rehiring;
(3) Rates of pay or any other form of compensation and changes in compensation;
(4) Job assignments, job classifications, organizational structures, position descriptions, lines of progression, and seniority lists;
(5) Leaves of absence, sick leave, or any other leave;
(6) Fringe benefits available by virtue of employment, whether or not administered by the recipient;
(7) Selection and financial support for training, including apprenticeship, professional meetings, conferences, and other related activities, and selection for leaves of absence to pursue training;
(8) Employer sponsored activities, including those that are social or recreational or recreational; and
(9) Any other term, condition, or privilege of employment.
(c) A recipient's obligation to comply with this subpart is not affected by any
(a) A recipient shall make reasonable accommodation to the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified handicapped applicant or employee unless the recipient can demonstrate that the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of its program or activity.
(b) Reasonable accommodation may include: (1) Making facilities used by employees readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons, and (2) job restructuring, part-time or modified work schedules, acquisition or modification of equipment or devices, the provision of readers or interpreters, and other similar actions.
(c) In determining pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section whether an accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of a recipient's program or activity, factors to be considered include:
(1) The overall size of the recipient's program or activity with respect to number of employees, number and type of facilities and size of budget;
(2) The type of the recipient's operation, including the composition and structure of the recipients workforce; and
(3) The nature and cost of the accommodation needed.
(d) A recipient may not deny any employment opportunity to a qualified handicapped employee or applicant if the basis for the denial is the need to made reasonable accommodation to the physical or mental limitations of the employee or applicant.
(a) A recipient may not make use of any employment test or other selection criterion that screens out or tends to screen out handicapped persons or any class of handicapped persons unless: (1) The test score or other selection criterion, as used by the recipient, is shown to be job-related for the position in question, and (2) alternative job-related tests or criteria that do not screen out or tend to screen out as many handicapped persons are not shown by the Administrator to be available.
(b) A recipient shall select and administer tests concerning employment so as best to ensure that, when administered to an applicant or employee who has a handicap that impairs sensory, manual, or speaking skills, the test results accurately reflect the applicant's or employee's job skills, aptitude, or whatever other factor the test purports to measure, rather than reflecting the applicant's or employee's impaired sensory, manual or speaking skills (except where those skills are the factors that the test purports to measure).
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a recipient may not conduct a preemployment medical examination or may not make preemployment inquiry of an applicant as to whether the applicant is a handicapped person or as to the nature or severity of a handicap. A recipient may, however, make preemployment inquiry into an applicant's ability to perform job-related functions.
(b) When a recipient is taking remedial action to correct the effects of past discrimination pursuant to § 217.6(a), when a recipient is taking voluntary action to overcome the effects of conditions that resulted in limited participation in its federally assisted program or activity pursuant to § 217.6(b) or when a recipient is taking affirmative action pursuant to section 503 of the Act, the recipient may invite applicants for employment to indicate whether and to what extent they are handicapped.
(1) The recipient states clearly on any written questionnaire used for this purpose or makes clear orally if no written questionnaire is used that the information requested is intended for use solely in connection with its remedial action obligations or its voluntary or affirmative action efforts; and
(2) The recipient states clearly that the information is being requested on a voluntary basis, that it will be kept confidential as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, that refusal to provide it will not subject the applicant or employee to any adverse treatment,
(c) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a recipient from conditioning an offer of employment on the results of a medical examination conducted prior to the employee's entrance on duty,
(d) Information obtained in accordance with this section as to the medical condition or history of the applicant shall be collected and maintained on separate forms that shall be accorded confidentially as medical records, except that:
(1) Supervisors and managers may be informed regarding restrictions on the work or duties of handicapped persons and regarding necessary accommodations;
(2) First aid and safety personnel may be informed, where appropriate, if the condition might require emergency treatment; and
(3) Government officials investigating compliance with the Act shall be provided relevant information upon request.
No qualified handicapped person shall, because a recipient's facilities within the United States are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, be denied the benefits of, be excluded from participation in, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity to which this part applies.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(1) Identify physical obstacles in the recipient's facilities that limit the accessibility of its program or activity to handicapped persons;
(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 full accessibility under § 217.22(a) and, if the
(4) Indicate the person responsible for implementation of the plan.
(e)
(a)
(b)
(c)
(2) For purposes of this section, section 4.1.6(1)(g) of UFAS shall be interpreted to exempt from the requirements of UFAS only mechanical rooms and other spaces that, because of their intended use, will not require accessibility to the public or beneficiaries or result in the employment or residence therein of persons with physical handicaps.
(3) This section does not require recipients to make building alterations that have little likelihood of being accomplished without removing or altering a load-bearing structural member.
Subpart D applies within the United States to postsecondary education programs or activities, including postsecondary vocational education programs or activities, that receive or benefit from Federal financial assistance and to recipients that operate, or that receive Federal financial assistance for the operation of such programs or activities within the United States.
(a)
(b)
(1) May not apply limitation upon the number or proportion of handicapped persons who may be admitted;
(2) May not make use of any test or criterion for admission that has a disproportionate, adverse effect on handicapped persons or any class of handicapped persons unless (i) the test or criterion, as used by the recipient has been validated as a predictor of success in the education program or activity in question and (ii) alternate tests or criteria that have a less disproportionate, adverse effect are not shown by the Administrator to be available;
(3) Shall assure itself that (i) admissions tests are selected and administered so as to best to ensure that, when
(4) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, may not make preadmission inquiry as to whether an applicant for admission is a handicapped person but, after admission, may make inquiries on a confidential basis as to handicaps that may require accommodation.
(c)
(1) The recipient states clearly on any written questionnaire used for this purpose or makes clear orally if no written questionnaire is used that the information requested is intended for use solely in connection with its remedial action obligations or its voluntary action efforts; and
(2) The recipient states clearly that the information is being requested on a voluntary basis, that it will be kept confidential, that refusal to provide it will not subject the applicant to any adverse treatment, and that it will be used only in accordance with this part.
(d)
(a) No qualified handicapped student shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any academic, research, occupational training, housing, health, insurance, counseling, financial aid, physical education, athletics, recreation, transportation, other extracurricular, or other postsecondary education aid, benefits, or services to which this subpart applies.
(b) A recipient to which this subpart applies that considers participation by students in education programs or activities not operated wholly by the recipient as part of, or equivalent to, an education program or activity operated by the recipient shall assure itself that the other education program or activity, as a whole, provides an equal opportunity for the participation of qualified handicapped persons.
(c) A recipient to which this subpart applies may not, on the basis of handicap, exclude any qualified handicapped student from any course, course of study, or other part of its education program or activity.
(d) A recipient to which this subpart applies shall operate its program or activity in the most integrated setting appropriate.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(2) Auxiliary aids may include taped texts, interpreters or other effective methods of making orally delivered materials available to students with hearing impairments, readers in libraries for students with visual impairments, classroom equipment adapted for use by students with manual impairments, and other similar services and actions. Recipients need not provide attendants, individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices or services of a personal nature.
(a)
(b)
(a)
(2) A recipient may administer or assist in the administration of scholarships, fellowships, or other forms of financial assistance established under wills, trusts, bequests, or similar legal instruments that require awards to be made on the basis of factors that discriminate or have the effect of discriminating on the basis of handicap only if the overall effect of the award of scholarships, fellowships, and other forms of financial assistance is not discriminatory on the basis of handicap.
(b)
(c)
(a)
(2) A recipient may offer to handicapped students physical education and athletic activities that are separate or different only if separation or differentiation is consistent with the requirements of § 217.43(d) and only if no qualified handicapped student is denied the opportunity to compete for teams or to participate in courses that are not separate or different.
(b)
(c)
The procedural provisons applicable to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 apply to this part. These procedures are found in §§ 209.6-209.13 of this title.
1. Grants to research and educational institutions in the United States to strengthen their capacity to develop and carry out programs concerned with the economic and social development of developing countries. (Section 122(d), Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2151(d).)
2. Grants to land grant and other qualified agricultural universities and colleges in the United States to develop their capabilities to assist developing countries in agricultural teaching, research and extension services. (Section 297, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2220(b).)
3. Grants to private and voluntary agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and other qualified organizations for programs in the United States to promote the economic and social development of developing countries. (Section 103—106, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2151a—2151d.)
Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, 42 U.S.C. 6101
Nomenclature changes to part 218 appear at 68 FR 51363, Aug. 26, 2003.
The purpose of these regulations is to set out the policies and procedures for the three foreign affairs agencies (State, USICA and AID) under the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the government-wide age discrimination regulations at 45 CFR part 90 (published at 44 FR 33768, June 12, 1979). The Act and the government-wide regulations prohibit discrimination on the basis of age in programs or activities in the United States receiving Federal financial assistance. The Act and the government-wide regulations permit federally assisted programs or activities, and recipients of Federal funds, to continue to use age distinctions and factors other than age which meet the requirements of the Act and the government-wide regulations.
These regulations apply to each foreign affairs agency recipient and to each program or activity in the United States operated by the recipient which receives Federal financial assistance provided by any of these agencies.
(a) The following terms used in this part are defined in the government-wide regulations (45 CFR 90.4, 44 FR 33768):
Act
Action
Age
Age distinction
Age-related term
Federal financial assistance
Recipient (including subrecipients)
United States
(b) As used in this part,
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(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
(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 20 U.S.C. 7801), 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 which is established by two or more of the entities described in paragraph (b)(4)(i), (ii), or (iii) of this section.
The standards each agency uses to determine whether an age distinction or age-related term is prohibited are set out in part 90 (primarily subpart B) of 45 CFR.
Each agency recipient has primary responsibility to ensure that its programs or activities are in compliance with the Act, the government-wide regulations, and these regulations.
Where a recipient passes on Federal financial assistance from an agency to subrecipients, the recipient shall provide the subrecipients written notice to their obligations under these regulations.
(a) Each recipient employing the equivalent of 15 or more full-time employees shall complete a one-time written self-evaluation of its compliance under the act within 18 months of the effective date of these regulations.
(b) In its self-evaluation each recipient shall identify each age distinction it uses and justify each age distinction it imposes on the program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from an agency.
(c) Each recipient shall take corrective action whenever a self-evaluation indicates a violation of these regulations.
(d) Each recipient shall make the self-evaluation available on request to the agency and to the public for a period of three years following its completion.
Each recipient shall:
(a) Make available upon request to the agency information necessary to determine whether the recipient is complying with the regulations.
(b) Permit reasonable access by the agency to the books, records, accounts, and other recipient facilities and sources of information to the extent necessary to determine whether a recipient is in compliance with these regulations.
(a) The agency may conduct compliance reviews and pre-award reviews of recipients that will permit it to investigate and correct violations of these regulations. The agency may conduct these reviews even in the absence of a complaint against a recipient. The review may be as comprehensive as necessary to determine whether a violation of these regulations has occurred.
(b) If a compliance review or preaward review indicates a violation of this part, the agency will attempt to achieve voluntary compliance with the Act. If voluntary compliance cannot be achieved, the agency will arrange for enforcement as described in § 143.36
(a) Any person, individually or as a member of a class or on behalf of others, may file a complaint with an agency, alleging discrimination prohibited by these regulations based on an action occurring on or after July 1, 1979. A complainant shall file a complaint within 180 days from the date the complainant first had knowledge of the alleged act of discrimination. However, for good cause shown, the agency may extend this time limit.
(b) The agency will attempt to facilitate the filing of complaints wherever possible, including taking the following measures:
(1) Accepting as a sufficient complaint, any written statement which identifies the parties involved, describes generally the action or practice complained of, and is signed by the complainant.
(2) Freely permitting a complainant to add information to the complaint to meet the requirements of a sufficient complaint.
(3) Widely disseminating information regarding the obligations of recipients under the Act and these regulations.
(4) Notifying the complainant and the recipient of their rights under the complaint procedure, including the right to have a representative at all stages of the complaint process.
(5) Notifying the complainant and the recipient (or their representatives) of their right to contact the agency for information and assistance regarding the complaint resolution process.
(c) The agency will return to the complainant any complaint outside the jurisdiction of these regulations and will state the reason(s) why it is outside the jurisdiction of these regulations.
(a)
(1) fall within the jurisdiction of these regulations; and
(2) Contain all information necessary for further processing.
(b) Both the complainant and the recipient shall participate in the mediation process to the extend necessary to reach an agreement or make an informed judgment that an agreement is not possible. There must be at least one meeting with the mediator, before the agency will accept a judgment that an agreement is not possible. However, the recipient and the complainant need not meet with the mediator at the same time.
(c) If the complainant and the recipient reach an agreement, the mediator shall prepare a written statement of the agreement and have the complainant and recipient sign it. The mediator shall send a copy of the agreement to the agency. The agency shall take no further action on the complaint unless the complainant or the recipient fails to comply with the agreement.
(d) The mediator shall protect the confidentiality of all information obtained in the course of the mediation process. No mediator shall testify in any adjudicative proceeding, produce any document, or otherwise disclose any information obtained in the course of the mediation process without prior approval of the head of the mediation agency.
(e) The agency will use the mediation process for a maximum of 60 days after receiving a compliant. Mediation ends if:
(1) Sixty days elapse from the time the agency receives the complaints;
(2) Prior to the end of that 60-day period, an agreement is reached;
(3) Prior to the end of that 60-day period, the mediator determines that an agreement cannot be reached.
(f) The mediator shall return unresolved complaints to the agency.
(a)
(2) As part of the initial investigation, the agency will use informal fact finding methods, including joint or separate discussions with the complainant and recipient to establish the facts, and, if possible, settle the complaint on terms that are mutually agreeable. The agency may seek the assistance of any involved State agency.
(3) The agency will put any agreement in writing and have it signed by the parties and an authorized official of the agency.
(4) The settlement shall not affect the operation of any other enforcement efforts of the agency, including compliance reviews and other individual complaints which may involve the recipient.
(5) The settlement is not a finding of discrimination against a recipient.
(b)
A recipient may not engage in acts of intimidation or retaliation against any person who:
(a) Attempts to assert a right protected by these regulations; or
(b) Cooperates in any mediation, investigation, hearing, or other part of the agency's investigation, conciliation, and enforcement process.
(a) An agency may enforce the Act and these regulations through:
(1) Termination of a recipient's Federal financial assistance from the agency under the program or activity involved where the recipient has violated the Act and these regulations. The determination of the recipient's violation may be made only after a recipient has had an opportunity for a hearing on the record before an administrative law judge. Therefore, cases which are settled in mediation or prior to a hearing, will not involve termination of a recipient's Federal financial assistance from the agency.
(2) Any other means authorized by law including but not limited to:
(i) Referral to the Department of Justice for proceedings to enforce any rights of the United States or obligations by the Act and these regulations.
(ii) Use of any requirement of or referral to any Federal, state, or local government agency which will have the effect of correcting a violation of the Act or these regulations.
(b) The agency will limit any termination under paragraph (a)(1) of this section to the particular recipient and particular program or activity the agency finds in violation of these regulations. The agency will not base any part of a termination on a finding with respect to any program or activity of the recipient which does not receive Federal financial assistance from the agency.
(c) The agency will take no action under paragraph (a) of this section until:
(1) The agency head has advised the recipient of its failure to comply with these regulations and has determined that voluntary compliance cannot be obtained.
(2) Thirty days have lapsed after the agency head has sent a written report of the circumstances and grounds of the action to the committees of the Congress having legislative jurisdiction over the program or activity involved. The agency head shall file a report whenever any action is taken under paragraph (a) of this section.
(d) The agency head also may defer granting new Federal financial assistance from the agency to a recipient when a hearing under paragraph (a)(1) of this section is initiated.
(1) New Federal financial assistance from the agency includes all assistance for which the agency requires an application or approval, including renewal of continuation of existing activities, or authorization of the new activities, during the deferral period. New Federal financial assistance from the agency does not include increases in funding as a result of changed computation of formula awards or assistance approved
(2) The agency will not begin a deferral until the recipient has received a notice of opportunity for a hearing under paragraph (a)(1) of this section. The agency will not continue a deferral for more than 60 days unless a hearing has begun within that time or the time for beginning the hearing has been extended by mutual consent of the recipient and the agency head. The agency will not continue a deferral for more than 30 days after the close of a hearing unless the hearing results in a finding against the recipient.
Certain procedural provisions applicable to title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 apply to enforcement of this part. They are 22 CFR part 209.
Where the agency head finds a recipient has discriminated on the basis of age, the recipient shall take any remedial action that the agency head may require to overcome the effects of the discrimination. If another recipient exercises control over the recipient that has discriminated, the agency head may require both recipients to take remedial action.
(a) When an agency withholds funds from a recipient under these regulations, the agency head may disburse the withheld funds directly to an alternate recipient, any public or non-profit private organization or agency, or State or political subdivision of the State.
(b) The agency head will require any alternate recipient to demonstrate:
(1) The ability to comply with these regulations; and
(2) The ability to achieve the goals of the Federal statute authorizing the Federal financial assistance.
Resettlement of Refugees in the United States Under the Migration and Refugee Assistant Act of 1962, as amended (22 U.S.C. 2601
Diplomat in Residence Program of the Foreign Service Institute Under Title VII of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended (22 U.S.C. 1041
Assignments under section 576 of the Foreign Service Act of 1946, as amended (22 U.S.C. 966).
Educational and Cultural Exchanges under the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Act of 1961, as amended (22 U.S.C. 1431-1479).
1. Grants to research and educational institutions in the United States to strengthen their capacity to develop and carry out programs concerned with the economic and social development of developing countries. (Section 122(d), Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2151(d)).
2. Grants to land grant and other qualified agricultural universities and colleges in the United States to develop their capabilities to assist developing countries in agricultural teaching, research and extension services. (Section 297, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2220(b)).
3. Grants to private and voluntary agencies, non-profit organization, educational institutions, and other qualified organizations for programs in the United States to promote the economic and social development of developing countries. (Sections 103-106, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 2151a-2151d).
29 U.S.C. 794.
This part effectuates section 119 of the Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978, which amended section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 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.
For purposes of this part, the term—
As used in this definition, the phrase:
(1)
(i) Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one of more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive; genitourinary; hemic and lymphatic; skin; and endocrine; or
(ii) Any mental or psychological disorder, such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning
(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 paragraph (1) of this definition but is treated by the agency as having such an impairment.
(1) With respect to any agency program or activity under which a person is required to perform services or to achieve a level of accomplishment, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements and who can achieve the purpose of the program or activity without modifications in the program or activity that the agency can demonstrate would result in a fundamental alteration in its nature; or
(2) With respect to any other program or activity, a handicapped person who meets the essential eligibility requirements for participation in, or receipt of benefits from, that program or activity.
(3)
(a) The agency shall, by April 9, 1987, evaluate its current policies and practices, and the effects thereof, that do not or may not meet the requirements of this part, and, to the extent modification of any such policies and practices is required, the agency shall proceed to make the necessary modifications.
(b) The agency shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including handicapped persons or organizations representing handicapped persons, to participate in the self-evaluation process by submitting comments (both oral and written).
(c) The agency shall, until three years following the completion of the self-evaluation, maintain on file and make available for public inspections:
(1) A description of areas examined and any problems identified, and
(2) A description of any modifications made.
The agency shall make available to employees, applicants, participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons such 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 manner as the head of the agency finds necessary to apprise such persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by section 504 and this regulation.
(a) No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be excluded from 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 handicapped person the opportunity to participate in or benefit from the aid, benefit, or service;
(ii) Afford a qualfied handicapped person 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 handicapped person 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 handicapped persons or to any class of handicapped persons than is provided to others unless such action is necessary to provide qualified handicapped persons with aid, benefits, or services that are as effective as those provided to others;
(v) Deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate as a member of planning or advisory boards; or
(vi) Otherwise limit a qualified handicapped person in the enjoyment of any right, privilege, advantage, or opportunity enjoyed by others receiving the aid, benefit, or service.
(2) The agency may not deny a qualified handicapped person the opportunity to participate in programs or activities that are not separate or different, despite the existence of permissibly separate or different programs or activities.
(3) 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 handicapped persons 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 handicapped persons.
(4) The agency may not, in determining the site or location of a facility, make selections the purpose or effect of which would—
(i) Exclude handicapped persons 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 handicapped persons.
(5) The agency, in the selection of procurement contractors, may not use criteria that subject qualified handicapped persons to discrimination on the basis of handicap.
(c) The exclusion of nonhandicapped persons from the benefits of a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to handicapped persons or the exclusion of a specific class of handicapped persons from a program limited by Federal statute or Executive order to a different class of handicapped persons 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 handicapped persons.
No qualified handicapped person shall, on the basis of handicap, be subjected to discrimination in employment under any program or activity conducted by the agency. 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 in federally conducted programs or activities.
Except as otherwise provided in § 219.150, no qualified handicapped person shall, because the agency's facilities are inaccessible to or unusable by handicapped persons, 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) Necessarily require the agency to make each of its existing facilities accessible to and usable by handicapped persons; or
(2) 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 § 219.150(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 handicapped persons 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 accessibility of its programs or activities to handicapped persons;
(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 handicapped persons. The definitions, requirements, and standards of the Architectural Barriers Act (42 U.S.C. 4151-4157), as established in 41 CFR 101-19.600 to 101-19.607, apply to buildings covered by this section.
(a) The agency shall take appropriate steps to ensure effective communication 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 a handicapped person 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 handicapped person.
(ii) The agency need not provide individually prescribed devices, readers for personal use or study, or other devices of a personal nature.
(2) Where the agency communicates with applicants and beneficiaries by telephone, telecommunication devices for deaf persons (TDD's) or equally effective telecommunication systems shall be used.
(b) The agency shall ensure that interested persons, including persons with impaired vision or hearing, can obtain information as to the existence and location of accessible services, activities, and facilities.
(c) The agency shall provide signage at a primary entrance to each of its inaccessible facilities, directing users 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 § 219.160 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 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 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 maximum extent possible, handicapped persons 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 or 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
(c) Director, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs shall be responsible for coordinating implementation of this section. Complaints may be sent to Director, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, Agency for International Development, International Development Cooperation Agency, Room 1224, SA-1, Washington, DC.
(d) The agency shall accept and investigate all complete complaints for which it has jurisdiction. 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 receives 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), or section 502 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 792), is not readily accessible to and usable by handicapped persons.
(g) Within 180 days of the receipt of a complete complaint for which it has jurisdiction, the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the investigation in a letter containing—
(1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law;
(2) A description of a remedy for each violation found;
(3) A notice of the right to appeal.
(h) Appeals of the findings of fact and conclusions of law or remedies must be filed by the complainant within 90 days of receipt from the agency of the letter required by § 219.170(g). The agency may extend this time for good cause.
(i) Timely appeals shall be accepted and processed by the head of the agency.
(j) The head of the agency shall notify the complainant of the results of the appeal within 60 days of the receipt of the request. If the head of the agency determines that additional information is needed from the complainant, he or she shall have 60 days from the date of receipt of the additional information to make his or her determination on the appeal.
(k) The time limits cited in paragraphs (g) and (j) of this section may be extended with the permission of the Assistant Attorney General.
(l) The agency may delegate its authority for conducting complaint investigations to other Federal agencies, except that the authority for making the final determination may not be delegated to another agency.
22 U.S.C. 2186.
Wherever used in these standard terms and conditions:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(1) In respect of any current coupon Eligible Note, any interest amount and/or principal amount not paid when due, and
(2) In respect of any zero-coupon Eligible Note, any maturity amount not paid when due.
(f)
(g)
(1) Defaulted Payment unpaid as of the Date of Application,
(2) Further Guaranteed Payments unpaid as of the Date of Application, and
(3) Interest accrued and unpaid at the rate(s) specified in the Eligible Note(s) on the Defaulted Payment and Further Guaranteed Payments, in each case from the date of default with respect to such payment to and including the date on which full payment thereof is made to the Noteholder.
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
Subject to these terms and conditions, the United States of America, acting through A.I.D., agrees to pay to, or upon the instructions of, any Noteholder on each Guarantee Payment Date compensation in Dollars equal to such Noteholder's Loss of Investment under its Eligible Note; provided, however, that no such payment shall be made to any Noteholder, for any such loss arising out of fraud or misrepresentation for which such Noteholder is responsible or of which it had knowledge at the time it became such Noteholder.
This Guarantee shall apply to each Eligible Note registered on the Note Register required to be maintained by the Fiscal Agent.
(a) Eligible Notes only may be guaranteed hereunder. Notes in order to achieve Eligible Note status must be signed on behalf of the Borrower, manually or in facsimile, by a duly authorized representative of the Borrower; and they must contain a guarantee legend incorporating these Standard Terms and Conditions signed on behalf of A.I.D. by either a manual signature or a facsimile signature of an authorized representative of A.I.D., together with a certificate of authentication manually executed by a Fiscal Agent whose appointment by the Borrower is consented to by A.I.D. in a Fiscal Agency Agreement (the “Fiscal Agent”).
(b) A.I.D. shall designate, in a certificate delivered to the Fiscal Agent, the Person(s) whose signature shall be binding on A.I.D. The certificate of authentication of the Fiscal Agent issued pursuant to the Fiscal Agency Agreement shall, when manually executed by the Fiscal Agent, be conclusive evidence binding on A.I.D. that a Note has been duly executed on behalf of the Borrower and delivered.
The full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged to the performance of this Guarantee. The Guarantee shall not be affected or impaired by any defect in the authorization, execution, delivery or enforceability of any agreement or other document executed by a Noteholder, A.I.D., the Fiscal Agent or the Borrower in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Guarantee. This non-impairment of the guarantee provision shall not, however, be operative with respect to any amount with respect to any loss arising out of fraud or misrepresentation for which the claiming Noteholder, is responsible or of which it had knowledge at the time it became a Noteholder.
A Noteholder may assign, transfer or pledge an Eligible Note to any Person. Any such assignment, transfer or pledge shall be effective on the date that the name of the new Noteholder is entered on the Note Register required to be maintained by the Fiscal Agent pursuant to the Fiscal Agency Agreement. A.I.D. shall be entitled to treat the Persons in whose names the Eligible Notes are registered as the owners thereof for all purposes of this Guarantee and A.I.D. shall not be affected by notice to the contrary.
Failure of the Fiscal Agent to perform any of its obligations pursuant to the Fiscal Agency Agreement shall not impair any Noteholder's rights under this Guarantee, but may be the subject of action for damages against the Fiscal Agent by A.I.D. as a result of such failure or neglect. A Noteholder may appoint the Fiscal Agent to make demand for payment on its behalf under this Guarantee.
At any time after an Event of Default, as this term is defined in an Eligible Note, any Noteholder hereunder, or the Fiscal Agent on behalf of a Noteholder hereunder, may file with A.I.D. an Application for Compensation in the form provided in exhibit A. A.I.D. shall pay or cause to be paid to any such Applicant any compensation specified in such Application for Compensation that is due to the Applicant pursuant to the Guarantee as a Loss of Investment not later than three (3) Business Days after the Date of Application. In the event that A.I.D. receives any other notice of an Event of Default, A.I.D. may pay any compensation that is due to any Noteholder pursuant to a Guarantee, whether or not such Noteholder has filed with A.I.D. an Application for Compensation in respect of such amount.
Eligible Notes shall not be subject to acceleration by A.I.D., the Noteholder or any other party.
If a Noteholder shall, as a result of A.I.D. paying compensation under this Guarantee, receive an excess payment, it shall refund the excess to A.I.D.
In the event of payment by A.I.D. to a Noteholder under this Guarantee, A.I.D. shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of such Noteholder against the Borrower under the related Note.
After payment by A.I.D. to an Applicant pursuant to § 221.21, A.I.D. shall have exclusive power to prosecute all claims related to rights to receive payments under the Eligible Notes to which it is thereby subrogated. If a Noteholder continues to have an interest in the outstanding Eligible Notes, such a Noteholder and A.I.D. shall consult with each other with respect to their respective interests in such Eligible Notes and the manner of and responsibility for prosecuting claims.
No Noteholder will consent to any change or waiver of any provision of any document contemplated by this Guarantee without the prior written consent of A.I.D.
Any controversy or claim between A.I.D. and any noteholder arising out of this Guarantee shall be settled by arbitration to be held in Washington, DC in accordance with the then prevailing rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Any communication to A.I.D. pursuant to this Guarantee shall be in writing in the English language, shall refer to the Israel Loan Guarantee Number inscribed on the Eligible Note and shall be complete on the day it shall be actually received by A.I.D. at the Office of Housing and Urban Programs, Bureau for Private Enterprise, Agency for International Development, Washington, DC 20523-0030. Other addresses may be substituted for the above upon the giving of notice of such substitution to each Noteholder by first class mail at the address set forth in the Note Register.
This Guarantee shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States of America governing contracts and commercial transactions of the United States Government.
Agency for International Development, International Development Cooperation Agency, Washington, DC 20523.
You are hereby advised that payment of $______ (consisting of $______ of principal, $______ of interest and $______ in Further Guaranteed Payments, as defined in § 221.01(f) of the Standard Terms and Conditions of the above-mentioned Guarantee) [(consisting of $____ maturity amount and $____ in Further Guaranteed Payments, as defined in § 221.01(f) of the Standard Terms and Conditions of the above-mentioned Guarantee)]
18 U.S.C. 207.
The following procedures are hereby established with respect to the administrative enforcement of restrictions on post-employment activities (18 U.S.C. 207 (a), (b) or (c)) and implementing regulations published by the Office of Government Ethics (5 CFR part 737).
On receipt of information regarding a possible violation of the statutory or regulatory post-employment restrictions by a former employee and after determining that such information does not appear to be frivolous, the General Counsel shall provide such information to the Director of the Office of Government Ethics and to the Criminal Division, Department of Justice. Any investigation or administrative action shall be coordinated with the Department of Justice to avoid prejudicing possible criminal proceedings. If the Department of Justice informs the Agency that it does not intend to institute criminal proceedings, such coordination shall no longer be required and the General Counsel is free to decide whether to pursue administrative action.
Whenever the General Counsel has reasonable cause to believe that a former Government employee has violated the statutory or regulatory post-employment restrictions, he or she shall initiate an administrative action by providing the former Government employee with written notice of intention to institute administrative action. Notice must include:
(a) A statement of allegations and the basis thereof sufficiently detailed to enable the former Government employee to prepare an adequate defense;
(b) Notification of the right to respond to the allegations in writing and/or to request a hearing, together with an explanation of the method by which a hearing may be requested; and
(c) A statement that, in the absence of a request for a hearing, the General Counsel shall issue a final decision based upon the evidence gathered to date, including any written reply made by the former Government employee.
When a former Government employee after receiving adequate notice requests a hearing, a presiding official (hereinafter referred to as “examiner”) shall be appointed by the Administrator to make an initial decision. The examiner shall be a responsible person who is impartial and who has not participated in any manner in the decision to initiate the proceeding. The hearing officer shall be an individual with suitable experience and training to conduct
The General Counsel shall appoint an agency representative to present evidence and otherwise participate in the hearing.
The examiner shall establish a reasonable time, date and place to conduct the hearing. In establishing a date, the examiner shall give due regard to the former employee's need for:
(a) Adequate time to prepare a defense properly, and
(b) An expeditious resolution of allegations that may be damaging to his or her reputation.
A hearing shall include, at a minimum, the following rights for both parties:
(a) To represent oneself or to be represented by counsel;
(b) To examine or cross-examine witnesses;
(c) To submit evidence (including the use of interrogatories);
(d) To present oral arguments; and
(e) To receive a transcript of recording of the proceedings on request.
The examiner shall issue an initial decision based exclusively on matters of record in the proceedings and shall set forth all findings of fact and conclusions of law relevant to the matters at issue.
Within twenty days of the date of initial decision, either party may appeal the decision to the Administrator. The opposing party shall have ten days after receipt of a copy of the appeal to reply.
(a) In cases where the former employee failed to request a hearing after receiving adequate notice, the General Counsel shall decide the matter on its merits based upon the evidence gathered to date, including any written reply of the former employee.
(b) In cases of appeal under § 223.9, the Administrator shall accept, reject or modify the initial decision based solely on the record of the proceedings or those portions cited by the parties to limit the issues.
The Administrator may take appropriate action in the case of any individual who is found in violation of the statutory or regulatory post employment restrictions after a final decision by:
(a) Prohibiting the individual from making, on behalf of any other person (except the United States), any formal or informal appearance before, or with the intent to influence, any oral or written communication to, the Agency on any matter of business for a period not to exceed five years, which may be accomplished by directing Agency employees to refuse to participate in such appearance or to accept any such communication; and
(b) Taking other appropriate disciplinary action.
22 U.S.C. 2381; 31 U.S.C. 3801-3812.
(a)
(b)
(a) Made to A.I.D. for property, services, or money (including money representing grants, loans, insurance, or benefits);
(b) Made to a recipient of property, services, or money from A.I.D. or to a party to a contract with A.I.D.—
(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 A.I.D. which has the effect of decreasing an obligation to pay or account for property, services, or money.
(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) Not subject to supervision by, or required to report to, the investigating official;
(b) Not employed in the organizational unit of A.I.D. in which the investigating official is employed; and
(c) Is 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 under the General Schedule.
(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, A.I.D., 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 for any portion of the money or property under such contract or for such grant, loan, or benefit.
(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;
(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 A.I.D., a 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 A.I.D. or such recipient or party.
(4) Each claim for property, services, or money is subject to a civil penalty regardless of whether such property,
(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 had a duty to include in such statement; and
(ii) Contains or is accompanied by an express certification or affirmation of the truthfulness and accuracy of the contents of the statement,
(2) Each written representation, certification, or affirmation constitutes a separate statement.
(3) A statement shall be considered made to A.I.D. 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 A.I.D.
(c) No proof of specific intent to defraud is required to establish liability under this section.
(d) 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.
(e) In any case in which it is determined that more than one person is liable for making a claim under this section 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 records of documents sought;
(2) The investigating official may designate a person to act on his or her behalf to receive the documents sought; and
(3) The person receiving such subpoena shall be required to tender to the investigating official or the person designated to receive the documents a certification that the documents sought have been produced, or that such documents are not available and the reasons therefore, or that such documents, suitably identified, have been withheld based upon the assertion of an identified privilege.
(b) If the investigating official concludes that an action under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act may be warranted, the investigating official shall submit a report containing the findings and conclusions of such investigation to the reviewing official.
(c) Nothing in this section shall preclude or limit an investigating official's discretion to refer allegations directly to the Department of Justice for suit under the False Claims Act or other civil relief, or to defer or postpone a report or referral to the reviewing official to avoid interference with a criminal investigation or prosecution.
(d) Nothing in this section modifies any responsibility of an investigating official to report violations of criminal law to the Attorney General.
(a) If, based on the report of the investigating official under § 224.4(b), the reviewing official determines that there is adequate evidence to believe that a person is liable under § 224.3 of this part, the reviewing official shall transmit to the Attorney General a
(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 of property, services, or other benefits requested or demanded in violation of § 224.3 of this part;
(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.
(a) The reviewing official may issue a complaint under § 224.7 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)(1); and
(2) In the case of allegations of liability under § 224.3(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 § 224.3(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.
(a) On or after the date the Department of Justice 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 § 224.8.
(b) The complaint shall state:
(1) 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 a representative; and
(4) 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, as provided in § 224.10.
(c) At the same time the reviewing official serves the complaint, he or she shall serve the defendant with a copy of these regulations.
(a) Service of a complaint must be made by certified or registered mail or by delivery in any manner authorized by Rule 4(d) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Service is complete upon receipt.
(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 serving the complaint by delivery;
(2) A United States Postal Service return receipt card acknowledging receipt; or
(3) Written acknowledgment of receipt by 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 the name, address, and telephone number of the person authorized by the defendant to act as defendant's representative, if any.
(c) If the defendant is unable to file an answer meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section within the time provided, the defendant may, before the expiration of 30 days from service of the complaint, file with the reviewing official a general answer denying liability and requesting a hearing, and a request for an extension of time within which to file an answer meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section. The reviewing official shall file promptly with the ALJ the complaint, the general answer denying liability, and the request for an extension of time as provided in § 224.11. For good cause shown, the ALJ may grant the defendant up to 30 additional days within which to file an answer meeting the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
(a) If the defendant does not file an answer within the time prescribed in § 224.9(a), the reviewing official may refer the complaint to the ALJ.
(b) Upon the referral of the complaint, the ALJ shall promptly serve on defendant in the manner prescribed in § 224.8, a notice that an initial decision will be issued under this section.
(c) The ALJ shall assume the facts alleged in the complaint to be true, and, if such facts establish liability under § 224.3, 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 seeking to reopen on the grounds that extraordinary circumstances prevented the defendant from filing an answer, the initial decision shall be stayed pending the ALJ's decision on the 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 in paragraph (c) of this section, if such a decision has been issued, and shall grant the defendant an opportunity to answer the complaint.
(g) A decision of the ALJ denying defendant's motion under paragraph (e) of this section is not subject to reconsideration under § 224.38.
(h) The defendant may appeal to the A.I.D. Administrator the decision denying a motion to reopen by filing a notice of appeal with the A.I.D. Administrator within 15 days after the ALJ denies the motion. The timely filing of a notice of appeal shall stay the initial decision until the A.I.D. Administrator decides the issue.
(i) If the defendant files a timely notice of appeal with the A.I.D. Administrator, the ALJ shall forward the record of the proceeding to the A.I.D. Administrator.
(j) The A.I.D. Administrator shall decide expeditiously whether extraordinary circumstances excuse the defendant's failure to file a timely answer based solely on the record before the ALJ.
(k) If the A.I.D. Administrator decides that extraordinary circumstances excused the defendant's failure to file a timely answer, the A.I.D. Administrator shall remand the case to the ALJ with instructions to grant the defendant an opportunity to answer.
(l) If the A.I.D. Administrator decides that the defendant's failure to file a timely answer is not excused, the A.I.D. Administrator shall reinstate the initial decision of the ALJ, which shall become final and binding upon the parties 30 days after the A.I.D. Administrator 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 in the manner prescribed by § 224.8. At the same time, the ALJ shall send a copy of such notice to the representative for the Government.
(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 name, address, and telephone number of the representative 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 A.I.D.
(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 A.I.D. 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 A.I.D. Administrator, except as a witness or 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 employed anywhere in A.I.D., including in the offices of either the investigating official or the reviewing official.
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 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 belief that personal bias or other reason for disqualification exists and the time and circumstances of the party's discovery of such facts. It shall be accompanied by a certificate of the representative of record that it is made in good faith.
(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
(f)(1) If the ALJ determines that the reviewing official is disqualified, the ALJ shall dismiss the complaint without prejudice.
(2) If the ALJ disqualifies himself or herself, the case shall be reassigned promptly to another ALJ.
(3) If the ALJ denies a motion to disqualify, the A.I.D. Administrator 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 a representative;
(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 briefs 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 may:
(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) Adminster 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 find Federal statutes or regulations invalid.
(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 and admissions of fact or as to the contents 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 shall 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 defendent may review any relevant and material documents, transcripts, records, and other materials that relate to the allegations set out in the complaint and upon which the findings and conclusions of the investigating official under § 224.4(b) are based, unless such documents are subject to a privilege under Federal law. 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 obtain 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 § 224.5 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 § 224.9.
(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 the truth of any relevant fact;
(3) Written interrogatories; and
(4) Depositions.
(b) For the purpose of this section and § 224.22 and § 224.23, the term “documents” includes information, documents, reports, answers, records, accounts, papers, and other data and 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 § 224.24.
(3) The ALJ may grant a motion for discovery only if he 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 § 224.24.
(e)
(2) The party seeking to depose shall serve the subpoena in the manner prescribed in § 224.8.
(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, 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 § 224.33(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 for the failure or 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 therefore 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 produce.
(e) The party seeking the subpoena shall serve it in the manner prescribed in § 224.8. 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 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
The party requesting a subpoena shall pay the cost of the fee and mileage of any witness subpoenaed in the amounts that would be payable to a witness in a proceeding in the 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 A.I.D., 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 (e.g., motion to quash subpoena).
(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 established 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.
(c) Where a document has been served or issued by placing it in the 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 times 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 upon consent of the parties or following a hearing on the motion, but may overrule or deny such motion without awaiting a response.
(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 severity and 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 § 224.3, and if so, the appropriate amount of any such civil penalty or assessment considering any aggravating or mitigating factors.
(b) A.I.D. shall prove defendant's liability and any aggravating factors by a preponderance of the evidence.
(c) The defendant shall prove 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 assessments, the ALJ and the A.I.D. Administrator, upon appeal, 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, ordinarily double damages and a significant civil penalty should be imposed.
(b) Although not exhaustive, the following factors are among those that may influence the ALJ and the A.I.D. Administrator in determining the amount of penalties and assessments to impose with respect to the misconduct (
(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, including particularly the impact on the intended beneficiaries of such programs;
(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 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 A.I.D. Administrator 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 § 224.22(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 permitted by the ALJ cross-examination on matters outside the scope of direct examination shall be conducted in the manner of direct examination and may proceed by leading questions only if the witness is a hostile witness, an adverse party, or a witness identified with an adverse party.
(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 appearing for the entity pro se or 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
(a) The ALJ shall determine the admissibility of evidence.
(b) Except as provided in this part, the ALJ shall not be bound by the Federal Rules of Evidence. However, the ALJ may apply the Federal Rules of Evidence, where appropriate, e g., to exclude unreliable evidence.
(c) The ALJ shall exclude irrelevant and immaterial 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 § 224.24.
(a) The hearing will be recorded and transcribed. Transcripts may be obtained following the hearing from 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, all papers and requests filed in the proceeding constitute the record for the decision by the ALJ and the A.I.D. Administrator.
(c) The record of the hearing may be inspected and copied (upon payment of a reasonable fee) by anyone, unless otherwise ordered by the ALJ pursuant to § 224.24.
The ALJ may require the parties to file post-hearing briefs. In any event, any party may file a post-hearing brief. The ALJ shall fix the time for filing briefs, at a time not exceeding 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 only on the record, which shall contain findings of fact, conclusions 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 portion thereof, violate § 224.3;
(2) If the person is liable for penalties or 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 § 224.31.
(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 parties 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 the ALJ or a notice of appeal with the A.I.D. Administrator. If the ALJ fails to meet the deadline contained in this paragraph, he or she shall notify the parties of the reason for the delay and shall set a new deadline.
(d) Unless the initial decision of the ALJ is timely appealed to the A.I.D. Administrator, or a motion for reconsideration of the initial decision is timely filed, the initial decision shall constitute the final decision of the A.I.D. Administrator 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) If the ALJ denies a motion for reconsideration, the initial decision shall constitute the final decision of the A.I.D. Administrator and shall be final and binding on the parties 30 days after the ALJ denies the motion, unless the initial decision is timely appealed to the A.I.D. Administrator in accordance with § 224.39.
(g) If the ALJ issues a revised initial decision, that decision shall constitute the final decision of the A.I.D. Administrator and shall be final and binding on the parties 30 days after it is issued, unless it is timely appealed to the A.I.D. Administrator in accordance with § 224.39.
(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 A.I.D. Administrator by filing a notice of appeal with the A.I.D. Administrator in accordance with this section.
(b)(1) A notice of appeal may be filed at any time within 30 days after the ALJ issues an initial decision. However, if another party files a motion for reconsideration under § 224.38, consideration of the appeal shall be stayed automatically pending resolution of the motion for reconsideration.
(2) If a motion for reconsideration is timely filed, a notice of appeal may be filed within 30 days after the ALJ denies the motion or issues a revised initial decision, whichever applies.
(3) The A.I.D. Administrator may extend the initial 30 day period for an additional 30 days if the defendant files with the A.I.D. Administrator a request for an extension within the initial 30 day period and shows good cause.
(c) If the defendant files a timely notice of appeal with the A.I.D. Administrator, and the time for filing motions for reconsideration under § 224.38 has expired, the ALJ shall forward the record of the proceeding to the A.I.D. Administrator.
(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 Government 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 A.I.D. Administrator.
(g) There is no right to appeal any interlocutory ruling by the ALJ.
(h) In reviewing the initial decision, the A.I.D. Administrator 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 A.I.D. Administrator that additional evidence not presented at such hearing is material and that there were reasonable grounds for the failure to present such evidence at such hearing, the A.I.D. Administrator shall remand the matter to the ALJ for consideration of such additional evidence.
(j) The A.I.D. Administrator may affirm, reduce, reverse, compromise, remand, or settle any penalty or assessment determined by the ALJ in an initial decision.
(k) The A.I.D. Administrator shall promptly serve each party to the appeal with a copy of his/her decision and
(l) Unless a petition for 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 A.I.D. Administrator serves the defendant with a copy of his/her decision, a determination that a defendant is liable under § 224.3 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 A.I.D. Administrator 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 A.I.D. Administrator shall stay the process immediately. The A.I.D. Administrator 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 A.I.D. Administrator.
(b) No administrative stay is available following a final decision of the A.I.D. Administrator.
Section 3805 of title 31, United States Code, authorizes judicial review by an appropriate United States District Court of a final decision of the A.I.D. Administrator 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 § 224.42 or § 224.43, or any amount agreed upon in a compromise or settlement under § 224.46, may be collected by administrative offset under 31 U.S.C. 3716, except that an administrative offset may not be made under the subsection against a refund of an overpayment of Federal taxes, then or later owning 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 A.I.D. Administrator 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 pendency of any review under § 224.42 or during the pendency of any action to collect penalties and assessments under § 224.43.
(d) The Attorney General has exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this part during the pendency of any review under § 224.42 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 A.I.D. Administrator, or the Attorney General, as appropriate. The reviewing official may recommend settlement terms to the A.I.D. Administrator, or the Attorney General, as appropriate.
(f) Any compromise or settlement must be in writing.
(a) The notice of hearing with respect to a claim or statement must be served in the manner specified in § 224.8 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 § 224.10(b) shall be deemed notice of hearing for purposes of this section.
(c) The statute of limitations may be extended by agreement of the parties.
5 U.S.C. 301; 42 U.S.C. 300v-1(b), unless otherwise noted.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, this policy applies to all research involving human subjects conducted, supported or otherwise subject to regulation by any federal department or agency which takes appropriate administrative action to make the policy applicable to such research. This includes research conducted by federal civilian employees or military personnel, except that each department or agency head may adopt such procedural modifications as may be appropriate from an administrative standpoint. It also includes research conducted, supported, or otherwise subject to regulation by the federal government outside the United States.
(1) Research that is conducted or supported by a federal department or agency, whether or not it is regulated as defined in § 225.102(e), must comply with all sections of this policy.
(2) Research that is neither conducted nor supported by a federal department or agency but is subject to regulation as defined in § 225.102(e) must be reviewed and approved, in compliance with §§ 225.101, 225.102, and §§ 225.107 through 225.117 of this policy, by an institutional review board (IRB) that operates in accordance with the pertinent requirements of this policy.
(b) Unless otherwise required by department or agency heads, research activities in which the only involvement of human subjects will be in one or more of the following categories are exempt from this policy:
(1) Research conducted in established or commonly accepted educational settings, involving normal educational practices, such as (i) research on regular and special education instructional strategies, or (ii) research on the effectiveness of or the comparison among instructional techniques, curricula, or classroom management methods.
(2) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures or observation of public behavior, unless:
(i) Information obtained is recorded in such a manner that human subjects can be identified, directly or through
(3) Research involving the use of educational tests (cognitive, diagnostic, aptitude, achievement), survey procedures, interview procedures, or observation of public behavior that is not exempt under paragraph (b)(2) of this section, if:
(i) The human subjects are elected or appointed public officials or candidates for public office; or (ii) federal statute(s) require(s) without exception that the confidentiality of the personally identifiable information will be maintained throughout the research and thereafter.
(4) Research, involving the collection or study of existing data, documents, records, pathological specimens, or diagnostic specimens, if these sources are publicly available or if the information is recorded by the investigator in such a manner that subjects cannot be identified, directly or through identifiers linked to the subjects.
(5) Research and demonstration projects which are conducted by or subject to the approval of department or agency heads, and which are designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine:
(i) Public benefit or service programs; (ii) procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs; (iii) possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; or (iv) possible changes in methods or levels of payment for benefits or services under those programs.
(6) Taste and food quality evaluation and consumer acceptance studies, (i) if wholesome foods without additives are consumed or (ii) if a food is consumed that contains a food ingredient at or below the level and for a use found to be safe, or agricultural chemical or environmental contaminant at or below the level found to be safe, by the Food and Drug Administration or approved by the Environmental Protection Agency or the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
(c) Department or agency heads retain final judgment as to whether a particular activity is covered by this policy.
(d) Department or agency heads may require that specific research activities or classes of research activities conducted, supported, or otherwise subject to regulation by the department or agency but not otherwise covered by this policy, comply with some or all of the requirements of this policy.
(e) Compliance with this policy requires compliance with pertinent federal laws or regulations which provide additional protections for human subjects.
(f) This policy does not affect any state or local laws or regulations which may otherwise be applicable and which provide additional protections for human subjects.
(g) This policy does not affect any foreign laws or regulations which may otherwise be applicable and which provide additional protections to human subjects of research.
(h) When research covered by this policy takes place in foreign countries, procedures normally followed in the foreign countries to protect human subjects may differ from those set forth in this policy. [An example is a foreign institution which complies with guidelines consistent with the World Medical Assembly Declaration (Declaration of Helsinki amended 1989) issued either by sovereign states or by an organization whose function for the protection of human research subjects is internationally recognized.] In these circumstances, if a department or agency head determines that the procedures prescribed by the institution afford protections that are at least equivalent to those provided in this policy, the department or agency head may approve the substitution of the foreign procedures in lieu of the procedural requirements provided in this policy. Except when otherwise required by statute, Executive Order, or the department or agency head, notices of these actions as they occur will be published in the
(i) Unless otherwise required by law, department or agency heads may waive
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(1) data through intervention or interaction with the individual, or
(2) identifiable private information.
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(a) Each institution engaged in research which is covered by this policy and which is conducted or supported by a federal department or agency shall provide written assurance satisfactory to the department or agency head that it will comply with the requirements set forth in this policy. In lieu of requiring submission of an assurance, individual department or agency heads shall accept the existence of a current assurance, appropriate for the research in question, on file with the Office for Human Research Protections, HHS, or any successor office, and approved for federalwide use by that office. When the existence of an HHS-approved assurance is accepted in lieu of requiring submission of an assurance, reports (except certification) required by this policy to be made to department and agency heads shall also be made to the Office for Human Research Protections, HHS, or any successor office.
(b) Departments and agencies will conduct or support research covered by this policy only if the institution has an assurance approved as provided in this section, and only if the institution has certified to the department or agency head that the research has been reviewed and approved by an IRB provided for in the assurance, and will be subject to continuing review by the IRB. Assurances applicable to federally supported or conducted research shall at a minimum include:
(1) A statement of principles governing the institution in the discharge of its responsibilities for protecting the rights and welfare of human subjects of research conducted at or sponsored by the institution, regardless of whether the research is subject to federal regulation. This may include an appropriate existing code, declaration, or statement of ethical principles, or a statement formulated by the institution itself. This requirement does not preempt provisions of this policy applicable to department- or agency-supported or regulated research and need not be applicable to any research exempted or waived under § 225.101 (b) or (i).
(2) Designation of one or more IRBs established in accordance with the requirements of this policy, and for which provisions are made for meeting space and sufficient staff to support the IRB's review and recordkeeping duties.
(3) A list of IRB members identified by name; earned degrees; representative capacity; indications of experience such as board certifications, licenses, etc., sufficient to describe each member's chief anticipated contributions to IRB deliberations; and any employment or other relationship between each member and the institution; for example: full-time employee, part-time employee, member of governing panel or board, stockholder, paid or unpaid consultant. Changes in IRB membership shall be reported to the department or agency head, unless in accord with § 225.103(a) of this policy, the existence of an HHS-approved assurance is accepted. In this case, change in IRB membership shall be reported to the Office for Human Research Protections, HHS, or any successor office.
(4) Written procedures which the IRB will follow (i) for conducting its initial and continuing review of research and for reporting its findings and actions to the investigator and the institution; (ii) for determining which projects require review more often than annually
(5) Written procedures for ensuring prompt reporting to the IRB, appropriate institutional officials, and the department or agency head of (i) any unanticipated problems involving risks to subjects or others or any serious or continuing noncompliance with this policy or the requirements or determinations of the IRB and (ii) any suspension or termination of IRB approval.
(c) The assurance shall be executed by an individual authorized to act for the institution and to assume on behalf of the institution the obligations imposed by this policy and shall be filed in such form and manner as the department or agency head prescribes.
(d) The department or agency head will evaluate all assurances submitted in accordance with this policy through such officers and employees of the department or agency and such experts or consultants engaged for this purpose as the department or agency head determines to be appropriate. The department or agency head's evaluation will take into consideration the adequacy of the proposed IRB in light of the anticipated scope of the institution's research activities and the types of subject populations likely to be involved, the appropriateness of the proposed initial and continuing review procedures in light of the probable risks, and the size and complexity of the institution.
(e) On the basis of this evaluation, the department or agency head may approve or disapprove the assurance, or enter into negotiations to develop an approvable one. The department or agency head may limit the period during which any particular approved assurance or class of approved assurances shall remain effective or otherwise condition or restrict approval.
(f) Certification is required when the research is supported by a federal department or agency and not otherwise exempted or waived under § 225.101 (b) or (i). An institution with an approved assurance shall certify that each application or proposal for research covered by the assurance and by § 225.103 of this Policy has been reviewed and approved by the IRB. Such certification must be submitted with the application or proposal or by such later date as may be prescribed by the department or agency to which the application or proposal is submitted. Under no condition shall research covered by § 225.103 of the Policy be supported prior to receipt of the certification that the research has been reviewed and approved by the IRB. Institutions without an approved assurance covering the research shall certify within 30 days after receipt of a request for such a certification from the department or agency, that the application or proposal has been approved by the IRB. If the certification is not submitted within these time limits, the application or proposal may be returned to the institution.
(a) Each IRB shall have at least five members, with varying backgrounds to promote complete and adequate review of research activities commonly conducted by the institution. The IRB shall be sufficiently qualified through the experience and expertise of its members, and the diversity of the members, including consideration of race, gender, and cultural backgrounds and sensitivity to such issues as community attitudes, to promote respect for its advice and counsel in safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects. In addition to possessing the professional competence necessary to review specific research activities, the IRB shall be able to ascertain the acceptability of proposed
(b) Every nondiscriminatory effort will be made to ensure that no IRB consists entirely of men or entirely of women, including the institution's consideration of qualified persons of both sexes, so long as no selection is made to the IRB on the basis of gender. No IRB may consist entirely of members of one profession.
(c) Each IRB shall include at least one member whose primary concerns are in scientific areas and at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonscientific areas.
(d) Each IRB shall include at least one member who is not otherwise affiliated with the institution and who is not part of the immediate family of a person who is affiliated with the institution.
(e) No IRB may have a member participate in the IRB's initial or continuing review of any project in which the member has a conflicting interest, except to provide information requested by the IRB.
(f) An IRB may, in its discretion, invite individuals with competence in special areas to assist in the review of issues which require expertise beyond or in addition to that available on the IRB. These individuals may not vote with the IRB.
In order to fulfill the requirements of this policy each IRB shall:
(a) Follow written procedures in the same detail as described in § 225.103(b)(4) and, to the extent required by, § 225.103(b)(5).
(b) Except when an expedited review procedure is used (see § 225.110), review proposed research at convened meetings at which a majority of the members of the IRB are present, including at least one member whose primary concerns are in nonscientific areas. In order for the research to be approved, it shall receive the approval of a majority of those members present at the meeting.
(a) An IRB shall review and have authority to approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or disapprove all research activities covered by this policy.
(b) An IRB shall require that information given to subjects as part of informed consent is in accordance with § 225.116. The IRB may require that information, in addition to that specifically mentioned in § 225.116, be given to the subjects when in the IRB's judgment the information would meaningfully add to the protection of the rights and welfare of subjects.
(c) An IRB shall require documentation of informed consent or may waive documentation in accordance with § 225.117.
(d) An IRB shall notify investigators and the institution in writing of its decision to approve or disapprove the proposed research activity, or of modifications required to secure IRB approval of the research activity. If the IRB decides to disapprove a research activity, it shall include in its written notification a statement of the reasons for its decision and give the investigator an opportunity to respond in person or in writing.
(e) An IRB shall conduct continuing review of research covered by this policy at intervals appropriate to the degree of risk, but not less than once per year, and shall have authority to observe or have a third party observe the consent process and the research.
(a) The Secretary, HHS, has established, and published as a Notice in the
(b) An IRB may use the expedited review procedure to review either or both of the following:
(1) Some or all of the research appearing on the list and found by the reviewer(s) to involve no more than minimal risk,
(2) Minor changes in previously approved research during the period (of one year or less) for which approval is authorized.
Under an expedited review procedure, the review may be carried out by the IRB chairperson or by one or more experienced reviewers designated by the chairperson from among members of the IRB. In reviewing the research, the reviewers may exercise all of the authorities of the IRB except that the reviewers may not disapprove the research. A research activity may be disapproved only after review in accordance with the non-expedited procedure set forth in § 225.108(b).
(c) Each IRB which uses an expedited review procedure shall adopt a method for keeping all members advised of research proposals which have been approved under the procedure.
(d) The department or agency head may restrict, suspend, terminate, or choose not to authorize an institution's or IRB's use of the expedited review procedure.
(a) In order to approve research covered by this policy the IRB shall determine that all of the following requirements are satisfied:
(1) Risks to subjects are minimized: (i) By using procedures which are consistent with sound research design and which do not unnecessarily expose subjects to risk, and (ii) whenever appropriate, by using procedures already being performed on the subjects for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
(2) Risks to subjects are reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits, if any, to subjects, and the importance of the knowledge that may reasonably be expected to result. In evaluating risks and benefits, the IRB should consider only those risks and benefits that may result from the research (as distinguished from risks and benefits of therapies subjects would receive even if not participating in the research). The IRB should not consider possible long-range effects of applying knowledge gained in the research (for example, the possible effects of the research on public policy) as among those research risks that fall within the purview of its responsibility.
(3) Selection of subjects is equitable. In making this assessment the IRB should take into account the purposes of the research and the setting in which the research will be conducted and should be particularly cognizant of the special problems of research involving vulnerable populations, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, mentally disabled persons, or economically or educationally disadvantaged persons.
(4) Informed consent will be sought from each prospective subject or the subject's legally authorized representative, in accordance with, and to the extent required by § 225.116.
(5) Informed consent will be appropriately documented, in accordance with, and to the extent required by § 225.117.
(6) When appropriate, the research plan makes adequate provision for monitoring the data collected to ensure the safety of subjects.
(7) When appropriate, there are adequate provisions to protect the privacy
(b) When some or all of the subjects are likely to be vulnerable to coercion or undue influence, such as children, prisoners, pregnant women, mentally disabled persons, or economically or educationally disadvantaged persons, additional safeguards have been included in the study to protect the rights and welfare of these subjects.
Research covered by this policy that has been approved by an IRB may be subject to further appropriate review and approval or disapproval by officials of the institution. However, those officials may not approve the research if it has not been approved by an IRB.
An IRB shall have authority to suspend or terminate approval of research that is not being conducted in accordance with the IRB's requirements or that has been associated with unexpected serious harm to subjects. Any suspension or termination of approval shall include a statement of the reasons for the IRB's action and shall be reported promptly to the investigator, appropriate institutional officials, and the department or agency head.
Cooperative research projects are those projects covered by this policy which involve more than one institution. In the conduct of cooperative research projects, each institution is responsible for safeguarding the rights and welfare of human subjects and for complying with this policy. With the approval of the department or agency head, an institution participating in a cooperative project may enter into a joint review arrangement, rely upon the review of another qualified IRB, or make similar arrangements for avoiding duplication of effort.
(a) An institution, or when appropriate an IRB, shall prepare and maintain adequate documentation of IRB activities, including the following:
(1) Copies of all research proposals reviewed, scientific evaluations, if any, that accompany the proposals, approved sample consent documents, progress reports submitted by investigators, and reports of injuries to subjects.
(2) Minutes of IRB meetings which shall be in sufficient detail to show attendance at the meetings; actions taken by the IRB; the vote on these actions including the number of members voting for, against, and abstaining; the basis for requiring changes in or disapproving research; and a written summary of the discussion of controverted issues and their resolution.
(3) Records of continuing review activities.
(4) Copies of all correspondence between the IRB and the investigators.
(5) A list of IRB members in the same detail as described is § 225.103(b)(3).
(6) Written procedures for the IRB in the same detail as described in § 225.103(b)(4) and § 225.103(b)(5).
(7) Statements of significant new findings provided to subjects, as required by § 225.116(b)(5).
(b) The records required by this policy shall be retained for at least 3 years, and records relating to research which is conducted shall be retained for at least 3 years after completion of the research. All records shall be accessible for inspection and copying by authorized representatives of the department or agency at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner.
Except as provided elsewhere in this policy, no investigator may involve a human being as a subject in research covered by this policy unless the investigator has obtained the legally effective informed consent of the subject or
(a) Basic elements of informed consent. Except as provided in paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, in seeking informed consent the following information shall be provided to each subject:
(1) A statement that the study involves research, an explanation of the purposes of the research and the expected duration of the subject's participation, a description of the procedures to be followed, and identification of any procedures which are experimental;
(2) A description of any reasonably foreseeable risks or discomforts to the subject;
(3) A description of any benefits to the subject or to others which may reasonably be expected from the research;
(4) A disclosure of appropriate alternative procedures or courses of treatment, if any, that might be advantageous to the subject;
(5) A statement describing the extent, if any, to which confidentiality of records identifying the subject will be maintained;
(6) For research involving more than minimal risk, an explanation as to whether any compensation and an explanation as to whether any medical treatments are available if injury occurs and, if so, what they consist of, or where further information may be obtained;
(7) An explanation of whom to contact for answers to pertinent questions about the research and research subjects' rights, and whom to contact in the event of a research-related injury to the subject; and
(8) A statement that participation is voluntary, refusal to participate will involve no penalty or loss of benefits to which the subject is otherwise entitled, and the subject may discontinue participation at any time without penalty or loss of benefits to which the subject is otherwise entitled.
(b) Additional elements of informed consent. When appropriate, one or more of the following elements of information shall also be provided to each subject:
(1) A statement that the particular treatment or procedure may involve risks to the subject (or to the embryo or fetus, if the subject is or may become pregnant) which are currently unforeseeable;
(2) Anticipated circumstances under which the subject's participation may be terminated by the investigator without regard to the subject's consent;
(3) Any additional costs to the subject that may result from participation in the research;
(4)The consequences of a subject's decision to withdraw from the research and procedures for orderly termination of participation by the subject;
(5) A statement that significant new findings developed during the course of the research which may relate to the subject's willingness to continue participation will be provided to the subject; and
(6) The approximate number of subjects involved in the study.
(c) An IRB may approve a consent procedure which does not include, or which alters, some or all of the elements of informed consent set forth above, or waive the requirement to obtain informed consent provided the IRB finds and documents that:
(1) The research or demonstration project is to be conducted by or subject to the approval of state or local government officials and is designed to study, evaluate, or otherwise examine: (i) Public benefit of service programs; (ii) procedures for obtaining benefits or services under those programs; (iii) possible changes in or alternatives to those programs or procedures; or (iv)
(2) The research could not practicably be carried out without the waiver or alteration.
(d) An IRB may approve a consent procedure which does not include, or which alters, some or all of the elements of informed consent set forth in this section, or waive the requirements to obtain informed consent provided the IRB finds and documents that:
(1) The research involves no more than minimal risk to the subjects;
(2) The waiver or alteration will not adversely affect the rights and welfare of the subjects;
(3) The research could not practicably be carried out without the waiver or alteration; and
(4) Whenever appropriate, the subjects will be provided with additional pertinent information after participation.
(e) The informed consent requirements in this policy are not intended to preempt any applicable federal, state, or local laws which require additional information to be disclosed in order for informed consent to be legally effective.
(f) Nothing in this policy is intended to limit the authority of a physician to provide emergency medical care, to the extent the physician is permitted to do so under applicable federal, state, or local law.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, informed consent shall be documented by the use of a written consent form approved by the IRB and signed by the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative. A copy shall be given to the person signing the form.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the consent form may be either of the following:
(1) A written consent document that embodies the elements of informed consent required by § 225.116. This form may be read to the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative, but in any event, the investigator shall give either the subject or the representative adequate opportunity to read it before it is signed; or
(2) A short form written consent document stating that the elements of informed consent required by § 225.116 have been presented orally to the subject or the subject's legally authorized representative. When this method is used, there shall be a witness to the oral presentation. Also, the IRB shall approve a written summary of what is to be said to the subject or the representative. Only the short form itself is to be signed by the subject or the representative. However, the witness shall sign both the short form and a copy of the summary, and the person actually obtaining consent shall sign a copy of the summary. A copy of the summary shall be given to the subject or the representative, in addition to a copy of the short form.
(c) An IRB may waive the requirement for the investigator to obtain a signed consent form for some or all subjects if it finds either:
(1) That the only record linking the subject and the research would be the consent document and the principal risk would be potential harm resulting from a breach of confidentiality. Each subject will be asked whether the subject wants documentation linking the subject with the research, and the subject's wishes will govern; or
(2) That the research presents no more than minimal risk of harm to subjects and involves no procedures for which written consent is normally required outside of the research context.
In cases in which the documentation requirement is waived, the IRB may require the investigator to provide subjects with a written statement regarding the research.
Certain types of applications for grants, cooperative agreements, or contracts are submitted to departments or agencies with the knowledge that subjects may be involved within the period of support, but definite plans would not normally be set forth in the application or proposal. These include activities such as institutional type grants when selection of specific projects is the institution's responsibility; research training grants in which the activities involving subjects remain to be selected; and projects in which human subjects' involvement will depend upon completion of instruments, prior animal studies, or purification of compounds. These applications need not be reviewed by an IRB before an award may be made. However, except for research exempted or waived under § 225.101 (b) or (i), no human subjects may be involved in any project supported by these awards until the project has been reviewed and approved by the IRB, as provided in this policy, and certification submitted, by the institution, to the department or agency.
In the event research is undertaken without the intention of involving human subjects, but it is later proposed to involve human subjects in the research, the research shall first be reviewed and approved by an IRB, as provided in this policy, a certification submitted, by the institution, to the department or agency, and final approval given to the proposed change by the department or agency.
The department or agency head will evaluate all applications and proposals involving human subjects submitted to the department or agency through such officers and employees of the department or agency and such experts and consultants as the department or agency head determines to be appropriate. This evaluation will take into consideration the risks to the subjects, the adequacy of protection against these risks, the potential benefits of the research to the subjects and others, and the importance of the knowledge gained or to be gained.
(b) On the basis of this evaluation, the department or agency head may approve or disapprove the application or proposal, or enter into negotiations to develop an approvable one.
Federal funds administered by a department or agency may not be expended for research involving human subjects unless the requirements of this policy have been satisfied.
(a) The department or agency head may require that department or agency support for any project be terminated or suspended in the manner prescribed in applicable program requirements, when the department or agency head finds an institution has materially failed to comply with the terms of this policy.
(b) In making decisions about supporting or approving applications or proposals covered by this policy the department or agency head may take into account, in addition to all other eligibility requirements and program criteria, factors such as whether the applicant has been subject to a termination or suspension under paragarph (a) of this section and whether the applicant or the person or persons who would direct or has have directed the scientific and technical aspects of an activity has have, in the judgment of the department or agency head, materially failed to discharge responsibility for the protection of the rights and welfare of human subjects (whether or not the research was subject to federal regulation).
With respect to any research project or any class of research projects the department or agency head may impose additional conditions prior to or at the time of approval when in the judgment of the department or agency head additional conditions are necessary for the protection of human subjects.
22 U.S.C. 2381(a) and 2401.
Except as otherwise authorized by statute, this part establishes uniform administrative requirements for grants and cooperative agreements awarded by USAID to U.S. institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other non-profit organizations, and to U.S. commercial organizations; and to subawards thereunder. USAID shall not impose additional or inconsistent requirements, except as provided in Sections 226.4, and 226.14, or unless specifically required by Federal statute or executive order. Non-profit and commercial organizations that implement Federal programs for the States are also subject to State requirements. This part shall be administered in compliance with the standards set forth in part 205, Participation by Religious Organizations in USAID Programs, of this chapter.
(1) Goods and other tangible property received;
(2) Services performed by employees, contractors, subrecipients, and other payees; and,
(3) Other amounts becoming owed under programs for which no current services or performance is required.
(1) Earnings during a given period from services performed by the recipient, and goods and other tangible property delivered to purchasers, and
(2) Amounts becoming owed to the recipient for which no current services or performance is required by the recipient.
At 70 FR 50189, Aug. 26, 2005, a definition of
For awards subject to this part, all administrative requirements of codified program regulations, program manuals, handbooks and other nonregulatory materials which are inconsistent with the requirements of this part shall be superseded, except to the extent they are required by statute, or authorized in accordance with the deviations provision § 226.4.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) may grant exceptions for classes of grants or recipients subject to the requirements of this part when exceptions are not prohibited by statute. However, in the interest of maximum uniformity, exceptions from the requirements of this part shall be permitted only in unusual circumstances.
Unless sections of this part specifically exclude subrecipients from coverage, the provisions of this part shall be applied to subrecipients if such subrecipients are organizations which, if receiving awards directly from USAID, would fall within the definition of recipients. State and local government subrecipients are subject to the provisions of regulations implementing the grants management common rule, “Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments,” as amended.
Sections 226.11 through 226.17 prescribe forms and instructions and other pre-award matters to be used in applying for USAID awards.
(a)
(b)
(a) USAID shall comply with the applicable report clearance requirements of 5 CFR part 1320, “Controlling Paperwork Burdens on the Public,” with regard to all forms used in place of or as a supplement to the Standard Form 424 (SF-424) series.
(b) Applicants shall use the SF-424 series or those forms and instructions prescribed by USAID.
(c) For Federal programs covered by E.O. 12372, “Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs,” the applicant shall complete the appropriate sections of the SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) indicating whether the application was subject to review by the State Single Point of Contact (SPOC). The name and address of the SPOC for a particular State can be obtained from the Federal awarding agency or the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. The SPOC shall advise the applicant whether the program for which application is made has been selected by that State for review.
(d) Federal awarding agencies that do not use the SF-424 form should indicate whether the application is subject to review by the State under E.O. 12372.
USAID and recipients shall comply with the nonprocurement debarment and suspension common rule implementing E.O.s 12549 and 12689, “Debarment and Suspension,” 22 CFR Part 208. This common rule restricts subawards and contracts with certain parties that are debarred, suspended or otherwise excluded from or ineligible for participation in Federal assistance programs or activities.
If an applicant or recipient: Has a history of poor performance, is not financially stable, has a management system that does not meet the standards prescribed in this part, has not conformed to the terms and conditions of a previous award, or is not otherwise responsible, the USAID Agreement Officer may impose additional requirements as needed, provided that such applicant or recipient is notified in writing as to: The nature of the additional requirements, the reason why the additional requirements are being imposed, the nature of the corrective action needed, the time allowed for completing the corrective actions, and the method for requesting reconsideration of the additional requirements imposed. Any special conditions will be promptly removed once the conditions that prompted them have been corrected.
(a) The Metric Conversion Act, as amended by the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act (15 U.S.C. 205) declares that the metric system is the preferred measurement system for U.S. trade and commerce.
(b) Wherever measurements are required or authorized, they shall be made, computed, and recorded in metric system units of measurement, unless otherwise authorized by the agreement officer in writing when it has been found that such usage is impractical or is likely to cause U.S. firms to experience significant inefficiencies or the loss of markets. Where the metric system is not the predominant standard for a particular application, measurements may be expressed in both the metric and the traditional equivalent units, provided the metric units are listed first.
Under the Act, any U.S. State agency or agency of a political subdivision of a State which is using appropriated Federal funds must comply with Section 6002. Section 6002 requires that preference be given in procurement programs to the purchase of specific products containing recycled materials identified in guidelines developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (40 CFR parts 247-254). Accordingly, State and local institutions of higher education and hospitals that receive direct Federal awards or other Federal funds shall given preference in their procurement programs funded with Federal funds to the purchase of recycled products pursuant to the EPA guidelines.
Unless prohibited by statute or codified regulation, USAID may at some future date, allow recipients to submit certifications and representations required by statute, executive order, or regulation on an annual basis, if the recipients have ongoing and continuing relationships with the agency. Annual certifications and representations shall be signed by responsible officials with the authority to ensure recipients' compliance with the pertinent requirements.
Sections 226.21 through 226.28 prescribe standards for financial management systems, methods for making payments and rules for: Satisfying cost sharing and matching requirements, accounting for program income, budget revision approvals, making audits, determining allowability of costs and establishing funds availability.
(a) Recipients shall relate financial data to performance data and develop unit cost information whenever practical.
(b) Recipients' financial management systems shall provide for the following.
(1) Accurate, current and complete disclosure of the financial results of each federally-sponsored project or program in accordance with the reporting requirements set forth in § 226.52.
(2) Records that identify adequately the source and application of funds for federally-sponsored activities. These records shall contain information pertaining to all Federal awards, authorizations, obligations, unobligated balances, assets, outlays, income and interest.
(3) Effective control over and accountability for all funds, property and other assets. Recipients shall adequately safeguard all such assets and assure they are used solely for authorized purposes.
(4) Comparison of outlays with budget amounts for each award. Whenever appropriate, financial information should be related to performance and unit cost data.
(5) Written procedures to minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds to the recipient from the U.S. Treasury and the issuance or redemption of checks, warrants or payments by other means for program purposes by the recipient. To the extent that the provisions of the Cash Management Improvement Act (CMIA) (Pub. L. 101-453) govern, payment methods of State agencies, instrumentalities, and fiscal agents shall be consistent with CMIA Treasury-State Agreements or the CMIA default procedures codified at 31 CFR part 205, “Withdrawal of Cash from the Treasury for Advances under Federal Grant and Other Programs.”
(6) Written procedures for determining the reasonableness, allocability and allowability of costs in accordance with the provisions of the applicable Federal cost principles and the terms and conditions of the award.
(7) Accounting records, including cost accounting records, that are supported by source documentation.
(c) Where the Federal Government guarantees or insures the repayment of money borrowed by the recipient, USAID, at its discretion, may require adequate bonding and insurance if the bonding and insurance requirements of the recipient are not deemed adequate to protect the interest of the Federal Government.
(d) USAID may require adequate fidelity bond coverage where the recipient lacks sufficient coverage to protect the Federal Government's interest.
(e) Where bonds are required in the situations described above, the bonds shall be obtained from companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable sureties, as prescribed in 31 CFR part 223, “Surety Companies Doing Business with the United States.”
(a) Payment methods shall minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds from the United States Treasury and the issuance or redemption of checks, warrants, or payment by other means by the recipients. Payment methods of State agencies or instrumentalities shall be consistent with Treasury-State CMIA agreements or default procedures codified at 31 CFR part 205.
(b)(1) Recipients will be paid in advance, provided they maintain or demonstrate the willingness to maintain:
(i) Written procedures that minimize the time elapsing between the transfer of funds and disbursement by the recipient, and
(ii) financial management systems that meet the standards for fund control and accountability as established in Section 226.21.
(2) Cash advances to a recipient organization shall be limited to the minimum amounts needed and be timed to be in accordance with the actual, immediate cash requirements of the recipient organization in carrying out the purpose of the approved program or project. The timing and amount of cash advances shall be as close as is administratively feasible to the actual disbursements by the recipient organization for direct program or project costs and the proportionate share of any allowable indirect costs.
(c) Whenever possible, advances will be consolidated to cover anticipated cash needs for all awards made by USAID to the recipient.
(1) Advance payment mechanisms include, but are not limited to, USAID
(2) Advance payment mechanisms are subject to 31 CFR part 205.
(3) Recipients will be authorized to submit requests for advances and reimbursements at least monthly when electronic fund transfers are not used.
(d) Requests for Treasury check advance payment shall be submitted on SF-270, “Request for Advance or Reimbursement,” or other forms as may be authorized by OMB. This form is not to be used when Treasury check advance payments are made to the recipient automatically through the use of a predetermined payment schedule or if precluded by special USAID instructions for electronic funds transfer.
(e) Reimbursement is the preferred method when the requirements in paragraph (b) of this section cannot be met. USAID may also use this method on any construction agreement, or if the major portion of the construction project is accomplished through private market financing or Federal loans, and the Federal assistance constitutes a minor portion of the project.
(1) When the reimbursement method is used, USAID shall make payment within 30 days after receipt of the billing, unless the billing is improper.
(2) Recipients are authorized to submit a request for reimbursement at least monthly when electronic funds transfers are not used.
(f) If a recipient cannot meet the criteria for advance payments and USAID has determined that reimbursement is not feasible because the recipient lacks sufficient working capital, the USAID Agreement Officer may provide cash on a working capital advance basis. Under this procedure, USAID shall advance cash to the recipient to cover its estimated disbursement needs for an initial period generally geared to the recipient's disbursing cycle, normally 30 days. Thereafter, USAID shall reimburse the recipient for its actual cash disbursements. The working capital advance method of payment will not be used for recipients unwilling or unable to provide timely advances to their subrecipients to meet the subrecipients' actual cash disbursements.
(g) To the extent available, recipients shall disburse funds available from repayments to and interest earned on a revolving fund, program income, rebates, refunds, contract settlements, audit recoveries and interest earned on such funds before requesting additional cash payments. This paragraph is not applicable to such earnings which are generated as foreign currencies.
(h) Unless otherwise required by statute, USAID will not withhold payments for proper charges made by recipients at any time during the project period unless:
(1) A recipient has failed to comply with the project objectives, the terms and conditions of the award, or Federal reporting requirements, or
(2) The recipient or subrecipient is delinquent in a debt to the United States as defined in OMB Circular A-129, “Managing Federal Credit Programs.” Under such conditions, USAID may, upon reasonable notice, inform the recipient that payments shall not be made for obligations incurred after a specified date until the conditions are corrected or the indebtedness to the Federal Government is liquidated.
(i) Standards governing the use of banks and other institutions as depositories of funds advanced under awards are as follows.
(1) Except for situations described in paragraph (i)(2) of this section, or as otherwise provided in USAID regulations or implementing guidance governing endowment funds, USAID does not require separate depository accounts for funds provided to a recipient or establish any eligibility requirements for depositories for funds provided to a recipient. However, recipients must be able to account for the receipt, obligation and expenditure of funds.
(2) Advances of Federal funds shall be deposited and maintained in insured accounts whenever possible.
(j) Consistent with the national goal of expanding the opportunities for women-owned and minority-owned business enterprises, recipients are encouraged to use women-owned and minority-owned banks (a bank which is owned at least 50 percent by women or minority group members).
(k) Recipients shall maintain advances of Federal funds in interest bearing accounts, unless:
(1) The recipient receives less than $120,000 in Federal awards per year,
(2) The best reasonably available interest bearing account would not be expected to earn interest in excess of $250 per year on Federal cash balances, or
(3) The depository would require an average or minimum balance so high that it would not be feasible within the expected Federal and non-Federal cash resources.
(l) Except as otherwise provided in the terms and conditions of the award in accordance with USAID regulations or other implementing guidance, for those entities where CMIA and its implementing regulations do not apply, interest earned on Federal advances deposited in interest bearing accounts shall be remitted annually to Department of Health and Human Services, Payment Management System, Rockville, MD 20852. Interest amounts up to $250 per year may be retained by the recipient for administrative expense. State universities and hospitals shall comply with CMIA, as it pertains to interest. If an entity subject to CMIA uses its own funds to pay pre-award costs for discretionary awards without prior written approval from the Federal awarding agency, it waives its right to recover the interest under CMIA.
(m) Except as noted elsewhere in this part, only the following forms shall be authorized for the recipients in requesting advances and reimbursements. USAID shall not require more than an original and two copies of these forms.
(1) The SF-270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement, is the standard form for all nonconstruction programs when electronic funds transfer or predetermined advance methods are not used. USAID has the option of using this form for construction programs in lieu of the SF-271, “Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs.”
(2) The SF-271, Outlay Report and Request for Reimbursement for Construction Programs, is the standard form to be used for requesting reimbursement for construction programs. However, USAID may substitute the SF-270 when it determines that it provides adequate information to meet Federal needs.
(a) All contributions, including cash and third party inkind, shall be accepted as part of the recipient's cost sharing or matching when such contributions meet all of the following criteria.
(1) Are verifiable from the recipient's records.
(2) Are not included as contributions for any other federally-assisted project or program.
(3) Are necessary and reasonable for proper and efficient accomplishment of project or program objectives.
(4) Are allowable under the applicable cost principles.
(5) Are not paid by the Federal Government under another award, except where authorized by Federal statute to be used for cost sharing or matching.
(6) Are provided for in the approved budget.
(7) Conform to other provisions of this part, as applicable.
(b) Unrecovered indirect costs may be included as part of cost sharing or matching.
(c) Values for recipient contributions of services and property shall be established in accordance with the applicable cost principles. If USAID authorizes recipients to donate buildings or land for construction/facilities acquisition projects or long-term use, the value of the donated property for cost sharing or matching shall be the lesser of:
(1) The certified value of the remaining life of the property recorded in the recipient's accounting records at the time of donation, or
(2) The current fair market value. However, when there is sufficient justification, the USAID Agreement Officer may approve the use of the current fair market value of the donated property, even if it exceeds the certified value at the time of donation to the project.
(d) Volunteer services furnished by professional and technical personnel, consultants, and other skilled and unskilled labor may be counted as cost sharing or matching if the service is an integral and necessary part of an approved project or program. Rates for volunteer services shall be consistent
(e) When an employer other than the recipient furnishes the services of an employee, these services shall be valued at the employee's regular rate of pay (plus an amount of fringe benefits that are reasonable, allowable, and allocable, but exclusive of overhead costs), provided these services are in the same skill for which the employee is normally paid.
(f) Donated supplies may include such items as expendable equipment, office supplies, laboratory supplies or workshop and classroom supplies. Value assessed to donated supplies included in the cost sharing or matching share shall be reasonable and shall not exceed the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation.
(g) The method used for determining cost sharing or matching for donated equipment, buildings and land for which title passes to the recipient may differ according to the purpose of the award, if:
(1) If the purpose of the award is to assist the recipient in the acquisition of equipment, buildings or land, the total value of the donated property may be claimed as cost sharing or matching, or
(2) If the purpose of the award is to support activities that require the use of equipment, buildings or land, normally only depreciation or use charges for equipment and buildings may be made. However, the full value of equipment or other capital assets and fair rental charges for land may be allowed, provided that the USAID Agreement Officer has approved the charges.
(h) The value of donated property shall be determined in accordance with the usual accounting policies of the recipient, with the following qualifications.
(1) The value of donated land and buildings shall not exceed its fair market value at the time of donation to the recipient as established by an independent appraiser (e.g., certified real property appraiser or General Services Administration representative) and certified by a responsible official of the recipient.
(2) The value of donated equipment shall not exceed the fair market value of equipment of the same age and condition at the time of donation.
(3) The value of donated space shall not exceed the fair rental value of comparable space as established by an independent appraisal of comparable space and facilities in a privately-owned building in the same locality.
(4) The value of loaned equipment shall not exceed its fair rental value.
(i) The following requirements pertain to the recipient's supporting records for in-kind contributions from third parties.
(1) Volunteer services shall be documented and, to the extent feasible, supported by the same methods used by the recipient for its own employees,
(2) The basis for determining the valuation for personal services, material, equipment, buildings and land shall be documented.
(a) Recipients shall apply the standards set forth in this section to account for program income related to projects financed in whole or in part with Federal funds.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (h) of this section, program income earned during the project period shall be retained by the recipient and, in accordance with USAID regulations, other implementing guidance, or the terms and conditions of the award, shall be used in one or more of the following ways:
(1) Added to funds committed by USAID and the recipient to the project or program, and used to further eligible project or program objectives.
(2) Used to finance the non-Federal share of the project or program.
(3) Deducted from the total project or program allowable cost in determining the net allowable costs on which the Federal share of costs is based.
(c) When the agreement authorizes the disposition of program income as
(d) If the terms and conditions of the award do not specify how program income is to be used, paragraph (b)(3) of this section shall apply automatically to all projects or programs except research. For awards that support research, paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall apply automatically unless the terms and conditions of the award provide another alternative, or the recipient is subject to special award conditions, as indicated in § 226.14. Recipients which are commercial organizations may not apply paragraph (b)(1) of this section, in accordance with § 226.82 of this part.
(e) Unless the terms and conditions of the award provide otherwise, recipients shall have no obligation to the Federal Government regarding program income earned after the end of the project period.
(f) Costs incident to the generation of program income may be deducted from gross income to determine program income, provided these costs have not been charged to the award and they comply with the cost principles applicable to the award funds.
(g) Proceeds from the sale of property shall be handled in accordance with the requirements of the Property Standards (See §§ 226.30 through 226.37).
(h) Unless the terms and condition of the award provide otherwise, recipients shall have no obligation to the Federal Government with respect to program income earned from license fees and royalties for copyrighted material, patents, patent applications, trademarks, and inventions produced under an award. However, Patent and Trademark Amendments (35 U.S.C. 18) apply to inventions made under an experimental, developmental, or research award.
(a) The budget plan is the financial expression of the project or program as approved during the award process. It may include either the sum of the Federal and non-Federal shares, or only the Federal share, depending upon USAID requirements as reflected in the terms and conditions of the agreement. It shall be related to performance for program evaluation purposes whenever appropriate.
(b) Recipients are required to report deviations from budget and program plans, and request prior approvals for budget and program plan revisions, in accordance with this section.
(c) For nonconstruction awards, recipients shall request prior approvals from the USAID Agreement Officer for one or more of the following program or budget related reasons:
(1) Change in the scope or the objective of the project or program (even if there is no associated budget revision requiring prior written approval).
(2) Change in a key person specified in the application or award document.
(3) The absence for more than three months, or a 25 percent reduction in time devoted to the project, by the approved project director or principal investigator.
(4) The need for additional Federal funding.
(5) The transfer of amounts budgeted for indirect costs to absorb increases in direct costs, or vice versa.
(6) The inclusion, unless waived in the agreement by USAID, of costs that require prior approval in accordance with OMB Circular A-21, “Cost Principles for Institutions of Higher Education,” OMB Circular A-122, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations,” or 45 CFR part 74, Appendix E, “Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Research and Development under Grants and Contracts with Hospitals,” or 48 CFR part 31, “Contract Cost Principles and Procedures,” as applicable.
(7) The transfer of funds allotted for training allowances (direct payment to trainees) to other categories of expense.
(8) Unless described in the application and funded in the approved budget of the award, the subaward, transfer or contracting out of any work under an award. This provision does not apply to the purchase of supplies, material, equipment or general support services.
(d) No other prior approval requirements for specific items may be imposed unless a deviation has been approved by OMB.
(e) USAID may waive cost-related and administrative prior written approvals required by this part and OMB Circulars A-21 and A-122, except for requirements listed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(4) of this section. Such waivers may authorize recipients to do any one or more of the following:
(1) Incur pre-award costs 90 calendar days prior to award or more than 90 calendar days with the prior approval of the USAID Agreement Officer. All pre-award costs are incurred at the recipient's risk (
(2) Initiate a one-time extension of the expiration date of the award of up to 12 months. For one-time extensions, the recipient must notify the USAID Agreement Officer in writing, with the supporting reasons and revised expiration date, at least 10 days before the expiration date specified in the award. This one-time extension may not be exercised merely for the purpose of using unobligated balances. The recipient may initiate a one-time extension unless one or more of the following conditions apply:
(i) The terms and conditions of award prohibit the extension.
(ii) The extension requires additional Federal funds.
(iii) The extension involves any change in the approved objectives or scope of the project.
(3) Carry forward unobligated balances to subsequent funding periods.
(4) Except for awards under Section 226.14 and Subpart E of this part, for awards that support research, unless USAID provides otherwise in the award or in its regulations or other implementing guidance, the prior approval requirements described in paragraphs (e) (1) through (3) of this section are automatically waived (
(f) USAID may, at its option, restrict the transfer of funds among direct cost categories or programs, functions and activities for awards in which the Federal share of the project exceeds $100,000 and the cumulative amount of such transfers exceeds or is expected to exceed 10 percent of the total budget as last approved by the USAID Agreement Officer. USAID shall not permit a transfer that would cause any Federal appropriation or part thereof to be used for purposes other than those consistent with the original intent of the appropriation.
(g) All other changes to non-construction budgets, except for the changes described in paragraph (j) of this section, do not require prior approval.
(h) For construction awards, recipients shall request prior written approval promptly from the USAID Agreement Officer for budget revisions whenever:
(1) The revision results from changes in the scope or the objective of the project or program,
(2) The need arises for additional Federal funds to complete the project, or
(3) A revision is desired which involves specific costs for which prior written approval requirements may be imposed consistent with the applicable cost principles listed in § 226.27.
(i) No other prior approval requirements for specific items may be imposed unless a deviation has been approved by OMB.
(j) When USAID makes an award that provides support for both construction and nonconstruction work, the USAID Agreement Officer may require the recipient to request prior approval before making any fund or budget transfers between the two types of work supported.
(k) For both construction and nonconstruction awards, recipients shall notify the USAID Agreement Officer in writing promptly whenever the amount of Federal authorized funds is expected to exceed the needs of the recipient for the project period by more than $5000 or five percent of the Federal award, whichever is greater. This notification shall not be required if an application
(l) When requesting approval for budget revisions, recipients shall use the budget forms that were used in the application unless the USAID Agreement Officer indicates a letter of request suffices.
(m) Within 30 calendar days from the date of receipt of the request for budget revisions, the USAID Agreement Officer shall review the request and notify the recipient whether the budget revisions have been approved. If the revision is still under consideration at the end of 30 calendar days, the USAID Agreement Officer shall inform the recipient in writing of the date when the recipient may expect the decision.
(a) Recipients and subrecipients that are institutions of higher education or other non-profit organizations (including hospitals) shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.”
(b) State and local governments shall be subject to the audit requirements contained in the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501-7507) and revised OMB Circular A-133, “Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations.”
(c) For-profit hospitals not covered by the audit provisions of revised OMB Circular A-133 shall be subject to the audit requirements of the Federal awarding agencies.
(d) Commercial organizations shall be subject to the audit requirements of USAID or the prime recipient as incorporated in the award document.
For each kind of recipient, there is a set of Federal principles for determining allowable costs. Allowability of costs shall be determined by the Agreement Officer in accordance with the cost principles applicable to the entity incurring the costs. Thus, allowability of costs incurred by State, local or federally-recognized Indian tribal governments is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-87, “Cost Principles for State and Local Governments.” The allowability of costs incurred by non-profit organizations is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-122, “Cost Principles for Non-Profit Organizations.” The allowability of costs incurred by institutions of higher education is determined in accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-21, “Cost Principles for Educational Institutions.” The allowability of costs incurred by hospitals is determined in accordance with the provisions of Appendix E of 45 CFR part 74, “Principles for Determining Costs Applicable to Research and Development Under Grants and Contracts with Hospitals.” The allowability of costs incurred by commercial organizations and those non-profit organizations listed in Attachment C to Circular A-122 is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) at 48 CFR part 31.
Where a funding period is specified, a recipient may charge to the award only allowable costs resulting from obligations incurred during the funding period and any pre-award costs authorized by the USAID Agreement Officer.
Sections 226.31 through 226.37 set forth uniform standards governing management and or disposition of property furnished by the Federal Government or whose cost was charged to a project supported by a Federal award. USAID shall not impose additional requirements unless specifically required by statute. The recipient may use its own property management standards and procedures provided it observes the provisions of §§ 226.31 through 226.37.
Recipients shall, at a minimum, provide the equivalent insurance coverage for real property and equipment acquired with Federal funds as provided
(a) Unless the agreement provides otherwise, title to real property shall vest in the recipient subject to the condition that the recipient shall use the real property for the authorized purpose of the project as long as it is needed and shall not encumber the property without approval of the Agreement Officer.
(b) The recipient shall obtain written approval from the Agreement Officer for the use of real property in other federally-sponsored projects when the recipient determines that the property is no longer needed for the purpose of the original project. Use in other projects shall be limited to those under federally-sponsored projects (
(c) When the real property is no longer needed as provided in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the recipient shall request disposition instructions from the Agreement Officer. The Agreement Officer will give one or more of the following disposition instructions:
(1) The recipient may be permitted to retain title without further obligation to the Federal Government after it compensates the Federal Government for that percentage of the current fair market value of the property attributable to the Federal participation in the project.
(2) The recipient may be directed to sell the property under guidelines provided by USAID and pay the Federal Government for that percentage of the current fair market value of the property attributable to the Federal participation in the project (after deducting actual and reasonable selling and fix-up expenses, if any, from the sales proceeds). When the recipient is authorized or required to sell the property, proper sales procedures shall be established that provide for competition to the extent practicable and result in the highest possible return.
(3) The recipient may be directed to transfer title to the property to the Federal Government or to an eligible third party provided that, in such cases, the recipient shall be entitled to compensation for its attributable percentage of the current fair market value of the property.
(a)
(2) If USAID has no further need for the property, it shall be declared excess and reported to the General Services Administration, unless USAID has statutory authority to dispose of the property by alternative methods (e.g., the authority provided by the Federal Technology Transfer Act (15 U.S.C. 3710(I)) to donate research equipment to educational and non-profit organizations in accordance with E.O. 12821, “Improving Mathematics and Science Education in Support of the National Education Goals.”) Appropriate instructions shall be issued to the recipient by USAID.
(b)
(a) Unless the agreement provides otherwise, title to equipment acquired by a recipient with Federal funds shall vest in the recipient, subject to conditions of this part.
(b) The recipient shall not use equipment acquired with Federal funds to provide services to non-Federal outside organizations for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services, unless specifically authorized by Federal statute, for as long as the Federal Government retains an interest in the equipment.
(c) The recipient shall use the equipment in the project or program for which it was acquired as long as needed, whether or not the project or program continues to be supported by Federal funds and shall not encumber the property without approval of USAID. When no longer needed for the original project or program, the recipient shall use the equipment in connection with its other federally-sponsored activities, in the following order of priority:
(1) Activities sponsored by USAID, then
(2) Activities sponsored by other Federal agencies.
(d) During the time that equipment is used on the project or program for which it was acquired, the recipient shall make it available for use on other projects or programs if such other use will not interfere with the work on the project or program for which the equipment was originally acquired. First preference for such other use shall be given to other projects or programs sponsored by USAID; second preference shall be given to projects or programs sponsored by other Federal agencies. If the equipment is owned by the Federal Government, use on other activities not sponsored by the Federal Government shall be permissible if authorized by USAID. User charges shall be treated as program income.
(e) When acquiring replacement equipment, the recipient may use the equipment to be replaced as trade-in or sell the equipment and use the proceeds to offset the costs of the replacement equipment subject to the approval of USAID.
(f) The recipient's property management standards for equipment acquired with Federal funds and federally-owned equipment shall include all of the following.
(1) Equipment records shall be maintained accurately and shall include the following information.
(i) A description of the equipment.
(ii) Manufacturer's serial number, model number, Federal stock number, national stock number, or other identification number.
(iii) Source of the equipment, including the award number.
(iv) Whether title vests in the recipient, the Federal Government, or other specified entity.
(v) Acquisition date (or date received, if the equipment was furnished by the Federal Government) and cost.
(vi) Information from which one can calculate the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the equipment (not applicable to equipment furnished by the Federal Government).
(vii) Location and condition of the equipment and the date the information was reported.
(viii) Unit acquisition cost.
(ix) Ultimate disposition data, including date of disposal and sales price or the method used to determine current fair market value where a recipient compensates USAID for its share.
(2) Equipment owned by the Federal Government shall be identified to indicate Federal ownership.
(3) A physical inventory of equipment shall be taken and the results reconciled with the equipment records at least once every two years. Any differences between quantities determined by the physical inspection and those shown in the accounting records shall be investigated to determine the causes of the difference. The recipient shall, in connection with the inventory, verify the existence, current utilization, and continued need for the equipment.
(4) A control system shall be in effect to insure adequate safeguards to prevent loss, damage, or theft of the equipment. Any loss, damage, or theft of equipment shall be investigated and fully documented; if the equipment was owned by the Federal Government, the recipient shall promptly notify the Federal awarding agency with whose funds the equipment was purchased.
(5) Adequate maintenance procedures shall be implemented to keep the equipment in good condition.
(6) Where the recipient is authorized or required to sell the equipment, proper sales procedures shall be established
(g) When the recipient no longer needs the equipment, the equipment may be used for other activities in accordance with the following standards. For equipment with a current per unit fair market value of $5000 or more, the recipient may retain the equipment for other uses provided that compensation is made to the original Federal awarding agency or its successor. The amount of compensation shall be computed by applying the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the original project or program to the current fair market value of the equipment. If the recipient has no need for USAID-financed equipment, the recipient shall request disposition instructions from the Agreement Officer. USAID shall determine whether the equipment can be used to meet the agency's requirements. If no requirement exists within USAID, the availability of the equipment shall be reported to the General Services Administration to determine whether a requirement for the equipment exists in other Federal agencies. The USAID Agreement Officer shall issue instructions to the recipient no later than 120 calendar days after the recipient's request and the following procedures shall govern:
(1) If so instructed or if disposition instructions are not issued within 120 calendar days after the recipient's request, the recipient shall sell the equipment and reimburse USAID an amount computed by applying to the sales proceeds the percentage of Federal participation in the cost of the original project or program. However, the recipient shall be permitted to deduct and retain from the Federal share $500 or ten percent of the proceeds, whichever is less, for the recipient's selling and handling expenses.
(2) If the recipient is instructed to ship the equipment elsewhere, the recipient shall be reimbursed by the Federal Government by an amount which is computed by applying the percentage of the recipient's participation in the cost of the original project or program to the current fair market value of the equipment, plus any reasonable shipping or interim storage costs incurred.
(3) If the recipient is instructed to otherwise dispose of the equipment, the recipient will be reimbursed by USAID for such costs incurred in its disposition.
(h) USAID reserves the right to transfer the title to the Federal Government or to a third party named by the Federal Government when such third party is otherwise eligible under existing statutes. Such transfer shall be subject to the following standards:
(1) The equipment shall be appropriately identified in the award or otherwise made known to the recipient in writing.
(2) USAID shall issue disposition instructions within 120 calendar days after receipt of a final inventory. The final inventory shall list all equipment acquired with award funds and federally-owned equipment. If USAID fails to issue disposition instructions within the 120 calendar day period, the recipient shall apply the standards of this section, as appropriate.
(3) When USAID exercises its right to take title, the equipment shall be subject to the provisions for federally-owned equipment.
(a) Title to supplies and other expendable equipment shall vest in the recipient upon acquisition. If there is a residual inventory of unused supplies exceeding $5000 in total aggregate value upon termination or completion of the project or program and the supplies are not needed for any other federally-sponsored project or program, the recipient shall retain the supplies for use on non-Federal sponsored activities or sell them, but shall, in either case, compensate the Federal Government for its share. The amount of compensation shall be computed in the same manner as for equipment.
(b) The recipient shall not use supplies acquired with Federal funds to provide services to non-Federal outside organizations for a fee that is less than private companies charge for equivalent services, unless specifically authorized by Federal statute as long as
(a) The recipient may copyright any work that is subject to copyright and was developed, or for which ownership was purchased, under an award. USAID reserves a royalty-free, nonexclusive and irrevocable right to reproduce, publish, or otherwise use the work for Federal purposes, and to authorize others to do so.
(b) Recipients are subject to applicable regulations governing patents and inventions, including government-wide regulations issued by the Department of Commerce at 37 CFR part 401, “Rights to Inventions Made by Nonprofit Organizations and Small Business Firms Under Government Grants, Contracts and Cooperative Agreements.”
(c) The Federal Government has the right to:
(1) Obtain, reproduce, publish or otherwise use the data first produced under an award; and
(2) Authorize others to receive, reproduce, publish, or otherwise use such data for Federal purposes.
(d) (1) In addition, in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for research data relating to published research findings produced under an award that were used by the Federal Government in developing an agency action that has the force and effect of law, the Federal awarding agency shall request, and the recipient shall provide, within a reasonable time, the research data so that they can be made available to the public through the procedures established under the FOIA. If the Federal awarding agency obtains the research data solely in response to a FOIA request, the agency may charge the requester a reasonable fee equaling the full incremental cost of obtaining the research data. This fee should reflect costs incurred by the agency, the recipient, and applicable subrecipients. This fee is in addition to any fees the agency may assess under the FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552(a)(4)(A)).
(2) The following definitions apply for purposes of this paragraph (d):
(i)
(A) Trade secrets, commercial information, materials necessary to be held confidential by a researcher until they are published, or similar information which is protected under law; and
(B) Personnel and medical information and similar information the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, such as information that could be used to identify a particular person in a research study.
(ii)
(A) Research findings are published in a peer-reviewed scientific or technical journal; or
(B) A Federal agency publicly and officially cites the research findings in support of an agency action that has the force and effect of law.
(iii)
(e) Title to intangible property and debt instruments acquired under an award or subaward vests upon acquisition in the recipient. The recipient shall use that property for the originally-authorized purpose, and the recipient shall not encumber the property without approval of USAID. When no longer needed for the originally authorized purpose, disposition of the intangible property shall occur in accordance with the provisions of § 226.34(g).
Real property, equipment, intangible property and debt instruments that are acquired or improved with Federal funds shall be held in trust by the recipient as trustee for the beneficiaries
Sections 226.41 through 226.48 set forth standards for use by recipients in establishing procedures for the procurement of supplies and other expendable property, equipment, real property and other services with Federal funds. These standards are furnished to ensure that such materials and services are obtained in an effective manner and in compliance with the provisions of applicable Federal statutes and executive orders. No additional procurement standards or requirements shall be imposed by USAID upon recipients, unless specifically required by Federal statute or executive order or approved by OMB.
The standards contained in this section do not relieve the recipient of the contractual responsibilities arising under its contract(s). The recipient is the responsible authority, without recourse to USAID, regarding the settlement and satisfaction of all contractual and administrative issues arising out of procurements entered into in support of an award or other agreement. This includes disputes, claims, protests of award, source evaluation or other matters of a contractual nature. Matters concerning violation of statute are to be referred to such Federal, State or local authority as may have proper jurisdiction.
The recipient shall maintain written standards of conduct governing the performance of its employees engaged in the award and administration of contracts. No employee, officer, or agent shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by Federal funds if a real or apparent conflict of interest would be involved. Such a conflict would arise when the employee, officer, or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in the firm selected for an award. The officers, employees, and agents of the recipient shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors, or parties to subagreements. However, recipients may set standards for situations in which the financial interest is not substantial or the gift is an unsolicited item of nominal value. The standards of conduct shall provide for disciplinary actions to be applied for violations of such standards by officers, employees, or agents of the recipient.
All procurement transactions shall be conducted in a manner to provide, to the maximum extent practical, open and free competition. The recipient shall be alert to organizational conflicts of interest as well as noncompetitive practices among contractors that may restrict or eliminate competition or otherwise restrain trade. In order to ensure objective contractor performance and eliminate unfair competitive advantage, contractors that develop or draft specifications, requirements, statements of work, invitations for bids and/or requests for proposals shall be excluded from competing for such procurements. Awards shall be made to the bidder or offeror whose bid or offer is responsive to the solicitation and is most advantageous to the recipient, price, quality and other factors considered. Solicitations shall clearly establish all requirements that the bidder or offeror shall fulfill in order for the bid or offer to be evaluated by the recipient. Any and all bids or offers may be rejected when it is in the recipient's interest to do so.
(a) All recipients shall establish written procurement procedures. These
(1) Recipients avoid purchasing unnecessary items,
(2) Where appropriate, an analysis is made of lease and purchase alternatives to determine which would be the most economical and practical procurement for the Federal Government, and
(3) Solicitations for goods and services provide for all of the following.
(i) A clear and accurate description of the technical requirements for the material, product or service to be procured. In competitive procurements, such a description shall not contain features which unduly restrict competition.
(ii) Requirements which the bidder/offeror must fulfill and all other factors to be used in evaluating bids or proposals.
(iii) A description, whenever practicable, of technical requirements in terms of functions to be performed or performance required, including the range of acceptable characteristics or minimum acceptable standards.
(iv) The specific features of “brand name or equal” descriptions that bidders are required to meet when such items are included in the solicitation.
(v) The acceptance, to the extent practicable and economically feasible, of products and services dimensioned in the metric system of measurement.
(vi) Preference, to the extent practicable and economically feasible, for products and services that conserve natural resources and protect the environment and are energy efficient.
(b) Positive efforts shall be made by recipients to utilize small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises, whenever possible. Recipients of USAID awards shall take all of the following steps to further this goal.
(1) Ensure that small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises are used to the fullest extent practicable.
(2) Make information on forthcoming opportunities available and arrange time frames for purchases and contracts to encourage and facilitate participation by small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises. To permit USAID, in accordance with the small business provisions of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, to give United States small business firms an opportunity to participate in supplying commodities and services procured under the award, the recipient shall to the maximum extent possible provide the following information to the Office of Small Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU/MRC), USAID Washington, DC 20523, at least 45 days prior to placing any order or contract in excess of the small purchase threshold:
(i) Brief general description and quantity of goods or services;
(ii) Closing date for receiving quotations, proposals or bids; and
(iii) Address where solicitations or specifications can be obtained.
(3) Consider in the contract process whether firms competing for larger contracts intend to subcontract with small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises.
(4) Encourage contracting with consortiums of small businesses, minority-owned firms and women's business enterprises when a contract is too large for one of these firms to handle individually.
(5) Use the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency in the solicitation and utilization of small businesses, minority-owned firms and women's business enterprises.
(c) The type of procuring instruments used (e.g., fixed price contracts, cost reimbursable contracts, purchase orders, and incentive contracts) shall be determined by the recipient but shall be appropriate for the particular procurement and for promoting the best interest of the program or project involved. The “cost-plus-a-percentage-of-cost” or “percentage of construction cost” methods of contracting shall not be used.
(d) Contracts shall be made only with responsible contractors who possess the potential ability to perform successfully under the terms and conditions of the proposed procurement. Consideration shall be given to such
(e) Recipients shall, on request, make available for USAID, pre-award review and procurement documents, such as request for proposals or invitations for bids, independent cost estimates, etc., when any of the following conditions apply.
(1) A recipient's procurement procedures or operation fails to comply with the procurement standards in this part.
(2) The procurement is expected to exceed the small purchase threshold fixed at 41 U.S.C. 403(11) and is to be awarded without competition or only one bid or offer is received in response to a solicitation.
(3) The procurement, which is expected to exceed the small purchase threshold, specifies a “brand name” product.
(4) The proposed award over the small purchase threshold is to be awarded to other than the apparent low bidder under a sealed bid procurement.
(5) A proposed contract modification changes the scope of a contract or increases the contract amount by more than the amount of the small purchase threshold.
Some form of cost or price analysis shall be made and documented in the procurement files in connection with every procurement action. Price analysis may be accomplished in various ways, including the comparison of price quotations submitted, market prices and similar indicia, together with discounts. Cost analysis is the review and evaluation of each element of cost to determine reasonableness, allocability and allowability.
Procurement records and files for purchases in excess of the small purchase threshold shall include the following at a minimum:
(a) Basis for contractor selection,
(b) Justification for lack of competition when competitive bids or offers are not obtained, and
(c) Basis for award cost or price.
A system for contract administration shall be maintained to ensure contractor conformance with the terms, conditions and specifications of the contract and to ensure adequate and timely follow up of all purchases. Recipients shall evaluate contractor performance and document, as appropriate, whether contractors have met the terms, conditions and specifications of the contract.
The recipient shall include, in addition to provisions to define a sound and complete agreement, the following provisions in all contracts. The following provisions shall also be applied to subcontracts.
(a) Contracts in excess of the small purchase threshold shall contain contractual provisions or conditions that allow for administrative, contractual, or legal remedies in instances in which a contractor violates or breaches the contract terms, and provide for such remedial actions as may be appropriate.
(b) All contracts in excess of the small purchase threshold shall contain suitable provisions for termination by the recipient, including the manner by which termination shall be effected and the basis for settlement. In addition, such contracts shall describe conditions under which the contract may be terminated for default as well as conditions where the contract may be terminated because of circumstances beyond the control of the contractor.
(c) Except as otherwise required by statute, an award that requires the contracting (or subcontracting) for construction or facility improvements shall provide for the recipient to follow its own requirements relating to bid guarantees, performance bonds, and payment bonds unless the construction contract or subcontract exceeds $100,000. For those contracts or subcontracts exceeding $100,000, the USAID Agreement Officer may accept the bonding policy and requirements of
(1) A bid guarantee from each bidder equivalent to five percent of the bid price. The “bid guarantee” shall consist of a firm commitment such as a bid bond, certified check, or other negotiable instrument accompanying a bid as assurance that the bidder shall, upon acceptance of its bid, execute such contractual documents as may be required within the time specified.
(2) A performance bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of the contract price. A “performance bond” is one executed in connection with a contract to secure fulfillment of all the contractor's obligations under such contract.
(3) A payment bond on the part of the contractor for 100 percent of the contract price. A “payment bond” is one executed in connection with a contract to assure payment as required by statute of all persons supplying labor and material in the execution of the work provided for in the contract.
(4) Where bonds are required, the bonds shall be obtained from companies holding certificates of authority as acceptable sureties pursuant to 31 CFR part 223, “Surety Companies Doing Business with the United States.”
(d) All negotiated contracts (except those for less than the small purchase threshold) awarded by recipients shall include a provision to the effect that the recipient, USAID, the Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, documents, papers and records of the contractor which are directly pertinent to a specific program for the purpose of making audits, examinations, excerpts and transcriptions.
(e) All contracts, including small purchases, awarded by recipients and their contractors shall contain the procurement provisions of Appendix A to this part, as applicable. Whenever a provision is required to be inserted in a contract under an agreement, the recipient shall insert a statement in the contract that in all instances where the U.S. Government or USAID is mentioned, the recipient's name shall be substituted.
Procurement requirements which are applicable to USAID because of statute and regulation are in Subpart G.
Sections 226.51 through 226.53 establish the procedures for monitoring and reporting on the recipient's financial and program performance and the necessary standard reporting forms. They also set forth record retention requirements.
(a) Recipients are responsible for managing and monitoring each project, program, subaward, function or activity supported by the award. Recipients shall monitor subawards to ensure subrecipients have met the audit requirements as delineated in Section 226.26.
(b) The terms and conditions of the agreement will prescribe the frequency with which the performance reports shall be submitted. Except as provided in paragraph 226.51(f), performance reports will not be required more frequently than quarterly or, less frequently than annually. Annual reports shall be due 90 calendar days after the award year; quarterly or semi-annual reports shall be due 30 days after the reporting period. USAID may require annual reports before the anniversary dates of multiple year awards in lieu of these requirements. The final performance reports are due 90 calendar days after the expiration or termination of the award.
(c) If inappropriate, a final technical or performance report shall not be required after completion of the project.
(d) Performance reports shall generally contain, for each award, brief information on each of the following:
(1) A comparison of actual accomplishments with the goals and objectives established for the period, the findings of the investigator, or both. Whenever appropriate and the output of programs or projects can be readily quantified, such quantitative data should be related to cost data for computation of unit costs.
(2) Reasons why established goals were not met, if appropriate.
(3) Other pertinent information including, when appropriate, analysis and explanation of cost overruns or high unit costs.
(e) Recipients shall submit the original and two copies of performance reports.
(f) Recipients shall immediately notify USAID of developments that have a significant impact on the award-supported activities. Also, notification shall be given in the case of problems, delays, or adverse conditions which materially impair the ability to meet the objectives of the award. This notification shall include a statement of the action taken or contemplated, and any assistance needed to resolve the situation.
(g) USAID may make site visits, as needed.
(h) USAID shall comply with clearance requirements of 5 CFR part 1320 when requesting performance data from recipients.
(a) The following forms are used for obtaining financial information from recipients.
(1) SF-269 or SF-269A, Financial Status Report.
(i) USAID will require recipients to use either the SF-269 or SF-269A to report the status of funds for all nonconstruction projects or programs. The type of form required will be established in the award. USAID may, however, have the option of not requiring the SF-269 or SF-269A when the SF-270, Request for Advance or Reimbursement, or SF-272, Report of Federal Cash Transactions, is determined to provide adequate information to meet its needs, except that a final SF-269 or SF-269A shall be required at the completion of the project when the SF-270 is used only for advances.
(ii) The type of reporting required will be established in the agreement. If USAID requires accrual information and the recipient's accounting records are not normally kept on the accrual basis, the recipient shall not be required to convert its accounting system, but shall develop such accrual information through best estimates based on an analysis of the documentation on hand.
(iii) USAID will determine the frequency of the Financial Status Report for each project or program, considering the size and complexity of the particular project or program. The frequency of reports will be established in the agreement. However, the report shall not be required more frequently than quarterly or less frequently than annually. A final report shall be required at the completion of the agreement.
(iv) Recipients shall submit the SF-269 or SF-269A (an original and two copies) no later than 30 days after the end of each specified reporting period for quarterly and semi-annual reports, and 90 calendar days for annual and final reports. Extensions of reporting due dates may be approved by USAID upon request of the recipient.
(2) SF-272, Report of Federal Cash Transactions.
(i) When funds are advanced to recipients USAID shall require each recipient to submit the SF-272 and, when necessary, its continuation sheet, SF-272a. USAID shall use this report to monitor cash advanced to recipients and to obtain disbursement information for each agreement with the recipients.
(ii) USAID may require forecasts of Federal cash requirements in the “Remarks” section of the report.
(iii) When practical and deemed necessary, USAID may require recipients to report in the “Remarks” section the amount of cash advances received in excess of three days. Recipients shall provide short narrative explanations of actions taken to reduce the excess balances.
(iv) Recipients shall be required to submit not more than the original and
(v) USAID may waive the requirement for submission of the SF-272 for any one of the following reasons:
(A) When monthly advances do not exceed $25,000 per recipient, provided that such advances are monitored through other forms contained in this section;
(B) If, in USAID's opinion, the recipient's accounting controls are adequate to minimize excessive Federal advances; or,
(C) When the electronic payment mechanisms provide adequate data.
(b) When USAID needs additional information or more frequent reports, the following shall be observed.
(1) When additional information is needed to comply with legislative requirements, USAID shall issue instructions to require recipients to submit such information under the “Remarks” section of the reports.
(2) When USAID determines that a recipient's accounting system does not meet the standards in Section 226.21, additional pertinent information to further monitor awards may be obtained upon written notice to the recipient until such time as the system is brought up to standard. USAID, in obtaining this information, shall comply with report clearance requirements of 5 CFR part 1320.
(3) USAID may accept the identical information from the recipients in machine readable format or computer printouts or electronic outputs in lieu of prescribed formats.
(4) USAID may provide computer or electronic outputs to recipients when such expedites or contributes to the accuracy of reporting.
(a) This section sets forth requirements for record retention and access to records for awards to recipients. USAID shall not impose any other record retention or access requirements upon recipients.
(b) Financial records, supporting documents, statistical records, and all other records pertinent to an award shall be retained for a period of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report or, for awards that are renewed quarterly or annually, from the date of the submission of the quarterly or annual financial report, as authorized by USAID. The only exceptions are the following:
(1) If any litigation, claim, or audit is started before the expiration of the 3-year period, the records shall be retained until all litigation, claims or audit findings involving the records have been resolved and final action taken.
(2) Records for real property and equipment acquired with Federal funds shall be retained for 3 years after final disposition.
(3) When records are transferred to or maintained by USAID, the 3-year retention requirements is not applicable to the recipient.
(4) Indirect cost rate proposals, cost allocations plans, etc. as specified in paragraph 226.53(g).
(c) Copies of original records may be substituted for the original records if authorized by USAID.
(d) USAID shall request transfer of certain records to its custody from recipients when it determines that the records possess long term retention value. However, in order to avoid duplicate recordkeeping, USAID may make arrangements for recipients to retain any records that are continuously needed for joint use.
(e) USAID, the Inspector General, Comptroller General of the United States, or any of their duly authorized representatives, have the right of timely and unrestricted access to any books, documents, papers, or other records of recipients that are pertinent to the awards, in order to make audits, examinations, excerpts, transcripts and copies of such documents. This right also includes timely and reasonable access to a recipient's personnel for the purpose of interview and discussion related to such documents. The rights of access in this paragraph are not limited to the required retention period, but shall last as long as records are retained.
(f) Unless required by statute, USAID will not place restrictions on recipients that limit public access to the records of recipients that are pertinent to an award, except when USAID can demonstrate that such records shall be kept confidential and would have been exempted from disclosure pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) if the records had belonged to USAID.
(g) Indirect cost rate proposals, cost allocations plans, etc. Paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this section apply to the following types of documents, and their supporting records: indirect cost rate computations or proposals, cost allocation plans, and any similar accounting computations of the rate at which a particular group of costs is chargeable (such as computer usage chargeback rates or composite fringe benefit rates).
(1) If submitted for negotiation. If the recipient submits to the Federal awarding agency or the subrecipient submits to the recipient the proposal, plan, or other computation to form the basis for negotiation of the rate, then the 3-year retention period for its supporting records starts on the date of such submission.
(2) If not submitted for negotiation. If the recipient is not required to submit to the Federal awarding agency or the subrecipient is not required to submit to the recipient the proposal, plan, or other computation for negotiation purposes, then the 3-year retention period for the proposal, plan, or other computation and its supporting records starts at the end of the fiscal year (or other accounting period) covered by the proposal, plan, or other computation.
Sections 226.61 and 226.62 set forth uniform suspension, termination and enforcement procedures.
(a) Awards may be terminated (or, with respect to paragraphs (a) (1) and (3) of this section, suspended) in whole or in part if any of the circumstances stated in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section apply.
(1) By USAID, if a recipient materially fails to comply with the terms and conditions of an award.
(2) By USAID with the consent of the recipient, in which case the two parties shall agree upon the termination conditions, including the effective date and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated.
(3) If at any time USAID determines that continuation of all or part of the funding for a program should be suspended or terminated because such assistance would not be in the national interest of the United States or would be in violation of an applicable law, then USAID may, following notice to the recipient, suspend or terminate the award in whole or in part and prohibit the recipient from incurring additional obligations chargeable to the award other than those costs specified in the notice of suspension. If a suspension is effected and the situation causing the suspension continues for 60 days or more, then USAID may terminate the award in whole or in part on written notice to the recipient and cancel any portion of the award which has not been disbursed or irrevocably committed to third parties.
(4) By the recipient upon sending to USAID written notification setting forth the reasons for such termination, the effective date, and, in the case of partial termination, the portion to be terminated. However, if USAID determines in the case of partial termination that the reduced or modified portion of the award will not accomplish the purposes for which the grant was made, it may terminate the award in its entirety under paragraph (a)(1), (a)(2) or (a)(3) of this section.
(b) If costs are allowed under an award, the responsibilities of the recipient referred to in paragraph 226.71(a), including those for property management as applicable, shall be considered in the termination of the award, and provision shall be made for continuing responsibilities of the recipient after termination, as appropriate.
(a)
(1) Temporarily withhold cash payments pending correction of the deficiency by the recipient or more severe enforcement action by USAID.
(2) Disallow (that is, deny both use of funds and any applicable matching credit for) all or part of the cost of the activity or action not in compliance.
(3) Wholly or partly suspend or terminate the current award.
(4) Withhold further awards for the project or program.
(5) Take other remedies that may be legally available.
(b)
(c)
(1) The costs result from obligations which were properly incurred by the recipient before the effective date of suspension or termination, are not in anticipation of it, and in the case of a termination, are noncancellable, and
(2) The costs would be allowable if the award were not suspended or expired normally at the end of the funding period in which the termination takes effect.
(d)
Sections 226.71 through 226.73 contain closeout procedures and other procedures for subsequent disallowances and adjustments.
(a) Recipients shall submit, within 90 calendar days after the date of completion of the award, all financial, performance, and other reports as required by the terms and conditions of the award. USAID may approve extensions when requested by the recipient.
(b) Unless USAID authorizes an extension, a recipient shall liquidate all obligations incurred under the award not later than 90 calendar days after the funding period or the date of completion as specified in the terms and conditions of the award or in agency implementing instructions.
(c) USAID will make prompt payments to a recipient for allowable reimbursable costs under the award being closed out.
(d) The recipient shall promptly refund any balances of unobligated cash that USAID has advanced or paid and that is not authorized to be retained by the recipient for use in other projects. OMB Circular A-129 governs unreturned amounts that become delinquent debts.
(e) When authorized by the terms and conditions of the award, USAID shall make a settlement for any upward or downward adjustments to the Federal share of costs after closeout reports are received.
(f) The recipient shall account for any real and personal property acquired with Federal funds or received from the Federal Government in accordance with §§ 226.31 through 226.37.
(g) In the event a final audit has not been performed prior to the closeout of an award, USAID retains the right to recover an appropriate amount after fully considering the recommendations
(a) The closeout of an award does not affect any of the following.
(1) The right of USAID to disallow costs and recover funds on the basis of a later audit or other review.
(2) The obligation of the recipient to return any funds due as a result of later refunds, corrections, or other transactions.
(3) Audit requirements in §§ 226.26.
(4) Property management requirements in §§ 226.31 through 226.37.
(5) Records retention as required in § 226.53.
(b) After closeout of an award, a relationship created under an award may be modified or ended in whole or in part with the consent of USAID and the recipient, provided the responsibilities of the recipient referred to in paragraph 226.73(a), including those for property management as applicable, are considered and provisions made for continuing responsibilities of the recipient, as appropriate.
(a) Any funds paid to a recipient in excess of the amount to which the recipient is finally determined to be entitled under the terms and conditions of the award constitute a debt to the Federal Government. USAID reserves the right to require refund by the recipient of any amount which USAID determines to have been expended for purposes not in accordance with the terms and condition of the award, including but not limited to costs which are not allowable in accordance with the applicable Federal cost principles or other terms and conditions of the award. If not paid within a reasonable period after the demand for payment, USAID may reduce the debt by:
(1) Making an administrative offset against other requests for reimbursements,
(2) Withholding advance payments otherwise due to the recipient, or
(3) Taking other action permitted by law.
(b) Except as otherwise provided by law, USAID will charge interest on an overdue debt in accordance with 4 CFR Chapter II, “Federal Claims Collection Standards.”
This subpart contains additional provisions that apply to awards to commercial organizations. These provisions supplement and make exceptions for awards to commercial organizations from other provisions of this part.
No funds shall be paid as profit to any recipient that is a commercial organization. Profit is any amount in excess of allowable direct and indirect costs.
The additional costs alternative described in § 226.24(b)(1) may not be applied to program income earned by a commercial organization.
(a) Any dispute under or relating to a grant or agreement shall be decided by the USAID Agreement Officer. The Agreement Officer shall furnish the recipient a written copy of the decision.
(b) Decisions of the USAID Agreement Officer shall be final unless, within 30 days of receipt of the decision, the grantee appeals the decision to USAID's Deputy Assistant Administrator for Management, USAID, Washington, DC 20523. Appeals must be in writing with a copy concurrently furnished to the Agreement Officer.
(c) In order to facilitate review on the record by the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Management, the recipient shall be given an opportunity to submit written evidence in support of its appeal. No hearing will be provided.
(d) Decisions by the Deputy Assistant Administrator for Management shall be final.
(a) USAID policy is that all programs, projects, activities, public communications, and commodities, specified further at paragraph (b)-(e) of this section, partially or fully funded by a USAID grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award or subaward must be marked appropriately overseas with the USAID Identity, of a size and prominence equivalent to or greater than the recipient's, other donor's or any other third party's identity or logo.
(1) USAID reserves the right to require the USAID Identity to be larger and more prominent if it is the majority donor, or to require that a cooperating country government's identity be larger and more prominent if circumstances warrant; any such requirement will be on a case-by-case basis depending on the audience, program goals and materials produced.
(2) USAID reserves the right to request pre-production review of USAID funded public communications and program materials for compliance with the approved Marking Plan.
(3) USAID reserves the right to require marking with the USAID Identity in the event the recipient does not choose to mark with its own identity or logo.
(4) To ensure that the marking requirements “flow down” to subrecipients of subawards, recipients of USAID funded grants and cooperative agreements or other assistance awards are required to include a USAID-approved marking provision in any USAID funded subaward, as follows:
As a condition of receipt of this subaward, marking with the USAID Identity of a size and prominence equivalent to or greater than the recipient's, subrecipient's, other donor's or third party's is required. In the event the recipient chooses not to require marking with its own identity or logo by the subrecipient, USAID may, at its discretion, require marking by the subrecipient with the USAID Identity.
(b) Subject to § 226.91 (a), (h), and (j), program, project, or activity sites funded by USAID, including visible infrastructure projects (for example, roads, bridges, buildings) or other programs, projects, or activities that are physical in nature (for example, agriculture, forestry, water management), must be marked with the USAID Identity. Temporary signs or plaques should be erected early in the construction or implementation phase. When construction or implementation is complete, a permanent, durable sign, plaque or other marking must be installed.
(c) Subject to § 226.91 (a), (h), and (j), technical assistance, studies, reports, papers, publications, audio-visual productions, public service announcements, Web sites/Internet activities and other promotional, informational, media, or communications products funded by USAID must be marked with the USAID Identity.
(1) Any “public communications” as defined in § 226.2, funded by USAID, in which the content has not been approved by USAID, must contain the following disclaimer:
This study/report/audio/visual/other information/media product (specify) is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of [insert recipient name] and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
(2) The recipient shall provide the Cognizant Technical Officer (CTO) or other USAID personnel designated in the grant or cooperative agreement with at least two copies of all program and communications materials produced under the award. In addition, the recipient shall submit one electronic and/or one hard copy of all final documents to USAID's Development Experience Clearinghouse.
(d) Subject to § 226.91 (a), (h), and (j), events financed by USAID such as training courses, conferences, seminars, exhibitions, fairs, workshops, press conferences and other public activities, must be marked appropriately with the USAID Identity. Unless directly prohibited and as appropriate to the surroundings, recipients should display additional materials such as signs and banners with the USAID Identity. In circumstances in which the USAID Identity cannot be displayed visually, recipients are encouraged otherwise to acknowledge USAID and the American people's support.
(e) Subject to § 226.91 (a), (h), and (j), all commodities financed by USAID, including commodities or equipment provided under humanitarian assistance or disaster relief programs, and all other equipment, supplies and other materials funded by USAID, and their export packaging, must be marked with the USAID Identity.
(f) After technical evaluation of applications for USAID funding, USAID Agreement Officers will request Apparent Successful Applicants to submit a Branding Strategy, defined in § 226.2. The proposed Branding Strategy will not be evaluated competitively. The Agreement Officer shall review for adequacy the proposed Branding Strategy, and will negotiate, approve and include the Branding Strategy in the award. Failure to submit or negotiate a Branding Strategy within the time specified by the Agreement Officer will make the Apparent Successful Applicant ineligible for award.
(g) After technical evaluation of applications for USAID funding, USAID Agreement Officers will request Apparent Successful Applicants to submit a Marking Plan, defined in § 226.2. The Marking Plan may include requests for approval of Presumptive Exceptions, paragraph (h) of this section. All estimated costs associated with branding and marking USAID programs, such as plaques, labels, banners, press events, promotional materials, and the like, must be included in the total cost estimate of the grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award, and are subject to revision and negotiation with the Agreement Officer upon submission of the Marking Plan. The Marking Plan will not be evaluated competitively. The Agreement Officer shall review for adequacy the proposed Marking Plan, and will negotiate, approve and include the Marking Plan in the award. Failure to submit or negotiate a Marking Plan within the time specified by the Agreement Officer will make the Apparent Successful Applicant ineligible for award. Agreement Officers have the discretion to suspend the implementation requirements of the Marking Plan if circumstances warrant. Recipients of USAID funded grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award or subaward should retain copies of any specific marking instructions or waivers in their project, program or activity files. Cognizant Technical Officers will be assigned responsibility to monitor marking requirements on the basis of the approved Marking Plan.
(h)
(i) Compromise the intrinsic independence or neutrality of a program or materials where independence or neutrality is an inherent aspect of the program and materials, such as election monitoring or ballots, and voter information literature; political party support or public policy advocacy or reform; independent media, such as television and radio broadcasts, newspaper articles and editorials; public service announcements or public opinion polls and surveys.
(ii) Diminish the credibility of audits, reports, analyses, studies, or policy recommendations whose data or findings must be seen as independent.
(iii) Undercut host-country government “ownership” of constitutions, laws, regulations, policies, studies, assessments, reports, publications, surveys or audits, public service announcements, or other communications better positioned as “by” or “from” a cooperating country ministry or government official.
(iv) Impair the functionality of an item, such as sterilized equipment or spare parts.
(v) Incur substantial costs or be impractical, such as items too small or other otherwise unsuited for individual marking, such as food in bulk.
(vi) Offend local cultural or social norms, or be considered inappropriate on such items as condoms, toilets, bed pans, or similar commodities.
(vii) Conflict with international law.
(2) These exceptions are presumptive, not automatic and must be approved by the Agreement Officer. Apparent Successful Applicants may request approval of one or more of the presumptive exceptions, depending on the circumstances, in their Marking Plan. The Agreement Officer will review requests for presumptive exceptions for adequacy, along with the rest of the
(i) In cases where the Marking Plan has not been complied with, the Agreement Officer will initiate corrective action. Such action may involve informing the recipient of a USAID grant or cooperative agreement or other assistance award or subaward of instances of noncompliance and requesting that the recipient carry out it's responsibilities as set forth in the Marking Plan and award. Major or repeated non-compliance with the Marking Plan will be governed by the uniform suspension and termination procedures set forth at 22 CFR 226.61 and 226.62.
(j) USAID Principal Officers, defined for purposes of this provision at § 226.2, may at any time after award waive in whole or in part the USAID approved Marking Plan, including USAID marking requirements for each USAID funded program, project, activity, public communication or commodity, or in exceptional circumstances may make a waiver by region or country, if the Principal Officer determines that otherwise USAID required marking would pose compelling political, safety, or security concerns, or marking would have an adverse impact in the cooperating country. USAID recipients may request waivers of the Marking Plan in whole or in part, through the Cognizant Technical Officer. No marking is required while a waiver determination is pending. The waiver determination on safety or security grounds must be made in consultation with U.S. Government security personnel if available, and must consider the same information that applies to determinations of the safety and security of U.S. Government employees in the cooperating country, as well as any information supplied by the Cognizant Technical Officer or the recipient for whom the waiver is sought. When reviewing a request for approval of a waiver, the Principal Officer may review how program materials will be marked (if at all) if the USAID Identity is removed. Approved waivers are not limited in duration but are subject to Principal Officer review at any time due to changed circumstances. Approved waivers “flow down” to recipients of subawards unless specified otherwise. Principal Officers may also authorize the removal of USAID markings already affixed if circumstances warrant. Principal Officers' determinations regarding waiver requests are subject to appeal to the Principal Officer's cognizant Assistant Administrator. Recipients may appeal by submitting a written request to reconsider the Principal Officer's waiver determination to the cognizant Assistant Administrator.
(k)
(l) The USAID Identity, USAID Partner Co-Branding Guide, and other guidance will be provided at no cost or fee to recipients of USAID grants, cooperative agreements or other assistance awards or subawards. Additional costs associated with marking requirements will be met by USAID if reasonable, allowable, and allocable under the cost principles of OMB Cost Circular A-122. The standard cost reimbursement provisions of the grant, cooperative agreement, other assistance award or
(m) This section shall become effective on January 2, 2006.
All contracts, awarded by a recipient including small purchases, shall contain the following provisions as applicable:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. Contracts which require performance outside the United States shall contain a provision requiring Worker's Compensation Insurance (42 U.S.C. 1651,
Section 319, Public Law 101-121 (31 U.S.C. 1352); Sec. 621, Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, 75 Stat. 445 (22 U.S.C. 2381).
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 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 any of the following covered Federal actions: the awarding of any Federal
(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,
(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 paragraphs (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 paragraphs (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,
(e) All disclosure forms, but not certifications, shall be forwarded from tier to tier until received by the person referred to in paragraphs (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 § 227.100 (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 if the payment is for agency and legislative liaison activities not directly related to a covered Federal action.
(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 Public Law 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 § 227.100 (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 or negotiation of a covered Federal action.
(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
(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 § 227.100 (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 § 227.110 (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 $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such expenditure.
(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
(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 the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives or the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives (whichever such committees have jurisdiction of matters involving such information) and to the
(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 civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
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
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.
Sec. 621, Pub. L. 87-195, 75 Stat. 445 (22 U.S.C. 2381), as amended, E.O. 12163, Sept. 29, 1979, 44 FR 56673: 3 CFR 1979 Comp., p. 435.
As used in this part, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
This part is applicable to goods and services financed directly with program funds under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, unless otherwise provided by statute or regulation. If different conditions apply to a USAID-financed procurement, by statute or regulation, those conditions shall be incorporated in the implementing document and shall prevail in the event of any conflict with this part 228. The implementing documents will indicate the authorized source of procurement. The terms and conditions applicable to a procurement of goods or services shall be those in effect on the date of the issuance of a contract for goods or services by USAID or by the cooperating country.
The USAID Geographic Code Book sets forth the official description of all geographic codes used by USAID in authorizing or implementing documents, to designate authorized source countries or areas. The following are summaries of the principal codes:
(a) Code 000—
(b) Code 899—Any area or country, except the cooperating country itself and the following foreign policy restricted countries: Cuba, Iraq, Iran, Laos, Libya, North Korea, and Syria.
(c) Code 935—Any area or country including the cooperating country, but excluding the foreign policy restricted countries.
(d) Code 941—The United States and any independent country (except foreign policy restricted countries) except the cooperating country itself and the
* Has the status of a “Geopolitical Entity”, rather than as independent country.
Sections 228.11 through 228.14 set forth the rules governing the eligible source of commodities and nationality of commodity suppliers for USAID financing. These rules may be waived in accordance with the provisions in subpart F of this part.
(a) The source and origin of a commodity as defined in § 228.01 shall be a country or countries authorized in the implementing document by name or by reference to a USAID geographic code.
(b) Any component from a foreign policy restricted country makes the commodity ineligible for USAID financing.
(c) When the commodity being purchased is a kit (e.g., scientific instruments, tools, or medical supplies packaged as a single unit), the kit will be considered a produced commodity.
(d) When spare parts for vehicles or equipment are purchased, each separate shipment will be considered a produced commodity, rather than each individual spare or replacement part. The parts must be packed in and shipped from an eligible country.
(e)
(f) In order to be eligible for USAID financing, when items are considered produced commodities under paragraphs (c), (d), or (e) of this section, the total cost (to the system supplier) of the commodities making up the kit, spare parts, or system which were manufactured in countries not included in the authorized geographic code may not exceed 50 percent of the lowest price (not including ocean transportation and marine insurance) at which the supplier makes the final product available for export sale.
Any commodity obtained under a long-term lease agreement is subject to the source and origin requirements of this subpart B. For purposes of this subpart B, a long-term lease is defined as a single lease of more than 180 days, or repetitive or intermittent leases under a single activity or program within a one-year period totalling more
(a) Agricultural commodities and products thereof must be procured in the United States if the domestic price is less than parity, unless the commodity cannot reasonably be procured in the United States in fulfillment of the objectives of a particular assistance program under which such commodity procurement is to be financed. (22 U.S.C. 2354)
(b) Motor vehicles must be manufactured in the United States to be eligible for USAID financing. Also, any vehicle to be financed by USAID under a long-term lease or where the sale is to be guaranteed by USAID must be manufactured in the United States. (22 U.S.C. 2396) For purposes of this section, motor vehicles are defined as self-propelled vehicles with passenger carriage capacity, such as highway trucks, passenger cars and buses, motorcycles, scooters, motorized bicycles and utility vehicles. Excluded from this definition are industrial vehicles for materials handling and earthmoving, such as lift trucks, tractors, graders, scrapers, off-the-highway trucks (such as off-road dump trucks) and other vehicles that are not designed for travel at normal road speeds (40 kilometers per hour and above).
(c) Pharmaceutical products must be manufactured in the United States in order to be eligible for USAID financing. USAID shall not finance any pharmaceutical product manufactured outside the United States if the manufacture of such product in the United States would involve the use of, or be covered by, a valid patent of the United States unless such manufacture is expressly authorized by the owner of such patent. (22 U.S.C. 2356)
(a) The rules on nationality of suppliers of commodities relate only to the suppliers, and not to the commodities they supply. The nationality of the supplier is an additional eligibility criterion to the rules on source, origin and componentry.
(b) A supplier providing commodities must fit one of the following categories for the transaction to be eligible for USAID financing:
(1) An individual who is a citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident of a country or area included in the authorized geographic source code, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section;
(2) A corporation or partnership organized under the laws of a country or area included in the authorized geographic source code and with a place of business in such country;
(3) A controlled foreign corporation (within the meaning of section 957
(4) A joint venture or unincorporated association consisting entirely of individuals, corporations, or partnerships which are eligible under either paragraph (b) (1), (2) or (3) of this section.
(c) Citizens of any country or area, or firms or organizations located in, organized under the laws of, or owned in any part by citizens or organizations of any country or area not included in Geographic Code 935 are ineligible for financing by USAID as suppliers of commodities. Limited exceptions to this rule are:
(1) Individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States are eligible, as individuals or owners, regardless of their citizenship; and
(2) The USAID Procurement Executive may authorize the eligibility of organizations having minimal ownership by citizens or organizations of non-Geographic Code 935 countries.
Sections 228.21 through 228.25 set forth the rules governing the eligibility of commodity-related services, both delivery services and incidental services, for USAID financing. These rules may be waived in accordance with the provisions in subpart F of this part. Waivers granted pursuant to subpart F for individual shipments requiring ocean transportation which are not based on a determination of non-availability shall not reduce the requirement that the applicable percentage of USAID cargoes be transported on U.S.-flag vessels pursuant to the Cargo Preference Act of 1954, Section 901(b)(1) of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended, 46 U.S.C. 1241(b). The rules on delivery services apply whether or not USAID is also financing the commodities being transported. In order to be identified and eligible as incidental services, such services must be connected with a USAID-financed commodity procurement.
(a) The Cargo Preference Act of 1954, Section 901(b)(1) of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended, 46 U.S.C. 1241(b)(1), is applicable to ocean shipment of goods subject to this part. USAID's policy on implementation of the Cargo Preference Act is in USAID's Automated Directives System, Chapter 315.
(b) In addition to cargo preference requirements, ocean shipments of USAID-financed goods must meet the requirements in paragraph (c) of this section in order for the freight cost to be eligible for USAID financing.
(c) The eligibility of ocean transportation services is determined by the flag registry of the vessel.
(1) When the authorized source for procurement is Geographic Code 000 (U.S.A.), USAID will finance ocean transportation only on U.S. flag vessels.
(2) When the authorized source for procurement is Geographic Code 941 (selected Free World), USAID will finance ocean transportation on vessels under flag registry of any country in Code 935.
(3) When commodities whose eligibility is restricted to Geographic Code 000 are purchased under agreements which authorize Geographic Code 941 for the procurement of all other commodities, USAID will finance the ocean transportation in accordance with paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
(4) USAID will finance costs incurred on vessels under flag registry of any Geographic Code 935 country if the costs are part of the total cost on a through bill of lading that is paid to a carrier for initial carriage on a vessel which is eligible in accordance with paragraphs (c)(1), (2) or (3) of this section; provided that for shipments originating on a U.S. flag vessel with transshipment to a non-U.S. flag vessel, the supplier must obtain a determination that direct serve on a U.S. flag vessel is not available from USAID's Office of Procurement, Transportation Division, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20523-7900.
(a) The eligibility of air transportation is determined by the flag registry of the aircraft. The term “U.S. flag air carrier” means one of a class of air carriers holding a certificate under Section 401 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 (49 U.S.C. 1371) authorizing operations between the United States or its territories and one or more foreign countries.
(b) For air transport financed under USAID grants, there is a U.S. Government statute that requires the use of U.S. flag air carriers for all international air travel and transportation, unless such service is not available. When U.S. flag air carriers are not available, any Geographic Code 935 flag air carrier may be used.
(c) Different requirements may be authorized in the implementing document if the transaction is financed under a USAID loan.
(d) The Comptroller General's memorandum (B-138942), dated March 31, 1981, entitled “Revised Guidelines for
(e) While the Comptroller General's memorandum does not establish specific criteria for determining when freight service is unavailable, it is USAID's policy that such service is not available when the following criteria are met:
(1) When no U.S. flag air carrier provides scheduled air freight service from the airport serving the shipment's point of origin and a non-U.S. flag carrier does;
(2) When the U.S. flag air carrier(s) serving the shipment's point of origin decline to issue a through air waybill for transportation at the shipment's final destination airport;
(3) When use of a U.S.-flag air carrier would result in delivery to final destination at least seven days later than delivery by means of a non-U.S. carrier;
(4) When the total weight of the consignment exceeds the maximum weight per shipment which the U.S. flag air carrier will accept and transport as a single shipment and a non-U.S. flag air carrier will accept and transport the entire consignment as a single shipment;
(5) When the dimensions (length, width, or height) of one or more of the items of a consignment exceed the limitations of the U.S. flag aircraft's cargo door opening, but do not exceed the acceptable dimensions for shipment on an available non-U.S. flag scheduled air carrier.
The eligibility of marine insurance is determined by the country in which it is “placed”. Insurance is “placed” in a country if payment of the insurance premium is made to, and the insurance policy is issued by, an insurance company office located in that country. Eligible countries for placement are governed by the authorized geographic code. However, if Geographic Code 941 is authorized, the cooperating country is also eligible to provide such services, unless the implementing document specified otherwise based on the following:
(a) If a cooperating country discriminates against marine insurance companies authorized to do business in any State of the United States, then all USAID-financed goods for that country must be insured in the United States against marine risk. The term “authorized to do business in any State of the United States” means that foreign-owned insurance companies licensed to do business in the United States (by any State) are treated the same as comparable U.S.-owned companies.
(b) The prima facie test of discrimination is that a cooperating country takes actions which hinder private importers in USAID-financed transactions from making cost, insurance and freight (C.I.F.) or cost and insurance (C.&I.) contracts with United States commodity suppliers, or which hinder importers in instructing such suppliers to place marine insurance with companies authorized to do business in the United States.
(c) When discrimination is found to exist and the cooperating country fails to correct the discriminatory practice, USAID requires that all commodities procured with USAID funds be insured in the United States against marine loss. The decision of any cooperating country to insure all public sector procurements locally with a government-owned insurance agency is not considered discrimination.
No source or nationality rules apply to other delivery services, such as export packing, loading, commodity inspection services, and services of a freight forwarder. Such services are eligible in connection with a commodity which is financed by USAID.
Source and nationality rules do not apply to suppliers of incidental services specified in a purchase contract relating to equipment. However, citizens or firms of any country not included in
Sections 228.31 through 228.37 set forth the nationality rules governing the eligibility for USAID financing of suppliers of services which are not commodity-related. These rules may be waived in accordance with the provisions in subpart F of this part.
(a) In order to be eligible for USAID financing as a supplier of services, whether as a contractor or subcontractor at any tier, an individual must meet the requirements of paragraph (a)(1) of this section (except that individual personal services contractors are not subject to this requirement), and a privately owned commercial firm must meet the requirements in paragraph (a)(2) of this section. In the case of the categories described in paragraphs (a)(2) (i) and (ii) of this section, the certification requirements in paragraph (b) of this section must be met.
(1) An individual must be a citizen of and have a principal place of business in a country or area included in the authorized geographic code, or a non-U.S. citizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States whose principal place of business is in the United States;
(2) A privately owned commercial (
(i) The corporation or partnership is more than 50 percent beneficially owned by individuals who are citizens of a country or area included in the authorized geographic code or non-U.S. citizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. In the case of corporations, “more than 50 percent beneficially owned” means that more than 50 percent of each class of stock is owned by such individuals; in the case of partnerships, “more than 50 percent beneficially owned” means that more than 50 percent of each category of partnership interest (e.g., general, limited) is owned by such individuals.
(ii) The corporation or partnership:
(A) Has been incorporated or legally organized in the United States for more than 3 years prior to the issuance date of the invitation for bids or requests for proposals,
(B) Has performed within the United States administrative and technical, professional, or construction services, similar in complexity, type and value to the services being contracted (under a contract, or contracts, for services) and derived revenue therefrom in each of the 3 years prior to the date described in paragraph (a)(2)(ii)(A) of this section,
(C) Employs United States citizens and non-U.S. citizens lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States in more than half its permanent full-time positions in the United States and more than half of its principal management positions, and
(D) Has the existing technical and financial capability in the United States to perform the contract.
(b) A duly authorized officer of a firm or nonprofit organization shall certify that the participating firm or nonprofit organization meets either the requirements of paragraph (a)(2) (i) or (ii) of this section or § 228.32. In the case of corporations, the certifying officer shall be the corporate secretary. With respect to the requirements of paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this section, the certifying officer may presume citizenship on the basis of the stockholders' record
(a) Nonprofit organizations, such as educational institutions, foundations, and associations, must meet the criteria listed in this section and the certification requirement in § 228.31(b) to be eligible as suppliers of services, whether as contractors or subcontractors at any tier. Any such institution must:
(1) Be organized under the laws of a country or area included in the authorized geographic code;
(2) Be controlled and managed by a governing body, a majority of whose members are citizens of countries or areas included in the authorized geographic code; and
(3) Have its principal facilities and offices in a country or area included in the authorized geographic code.
(b) International agricultural research centers and such other international research centers as may be, from time to time, formally listed as such by the USAID Assistant Administrator, Global Bureau, are considered to be of U.S. nationality.
Firms operated as commercial companies or other organizations (including nonprofit organizations other than public educational institutions) which are wholly or partially owned by foreign governments or agencies thereof are not eligible for financing by USAID as contractors or subcontractors, except if their eligibility has been established by a waiver approved by USAID in accordance with § 228.54. This does not apply to foreign government ministries or agencies.
A joint venture or unincorporated association is eligible only if each of its members is eligible in accordance with §§ 228.31, 228.32, or 228.33.
(a) When the estimated cost of a contract for construction services is $5 million or less and only local firms will be solicited, a local corporation or partnership which does not meet the test in § 228.31(a)(2)(i) for eligibility based on ownership by citizens of the cooperating country (
(b) A foreign-owned local firm is an integral part of the local economy provided:
(1) It has done business in the cooperating country on a continuing basis for not less than three years prior to the issuance date of invitations for bids or requests for proposals to be financed by USAID;
(2) It has a demonstrated capability to undertake the proposed activity;
(3) All, or substantially all, of its directors of local operations, senior staff and operating personnel are resident in the cooperating country;
(4) Most of its operating equipment and physical plant are in the cooperating country.
Citizens of any country or area not included in Geographic Code 935, and firms and organizations located in, organized under the laws of, or owned in any part by citizens or organizations of any country or area not included in Geographic Code 935 are ineligible for financing by USAID as suppliers of services, or as agents in connection with the supply of services. The limited exceptions to this rule are:
(a) Individuals lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States are eligible, as individuals or owners, regardless of their citizenship, and
(b) The Procurement Executive may authorize the eligibility of organizations having minimal ownership by citizens or organizations of non-Geographic Code 935 countries.
(a) The rules set forth in §§ 228.31 through 228.36 do not apply to the employees of contractors or subcontractors. Such employees must, however, be citizens of countries included in Geographic Code 935 or, if they are not, have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
(b) When the contractor on a USAID-financed construction project is a United States firm, at least half of the supervisors and other specified key personnel working at the project site must be citizens or permanent legal residents of the United States. Exceptions may be authorized by the USAID Mission Director in writing if special circumstances exist which make compliance impractical.
This section sets forth rules governing certain miscellaneous services.
(a)
(b)
(c)
Advanced developing countries, eligible under Geographic Code 941, which have attained a competitive capability in international markets for construction services or engineering services are not eligible to furnish USAID-financed construction and engineering services. There is no waiver of this provision. (22 U.S.C. 2354)
Local procurement in the cooperating country involves the use of appropriated funds to finance the procurement of goods and services supplied by local businesses, dealers or producers, with payment normally being in the currency of the cooperating country. Unless otherwise specified in an implementing document, or a waiver is approved by USAID in accordance with subpart F of this part, local procurement is eligible for USAID financing only in the following situations:
(a) Locally available commodities of U.S. origin, which are otherwise eligible for financing, if the value of the transaction is estimated not to exceed the local currency equivalent of $100,000 (exclusive of transportation costs).
(b) Commodities of Geographic Code 935 origin if the value of the transaction does not exceed $5,000.
(c) Professional services contracts estimated not to exceed the local currency equivalent of $250,000.
(d) Construction services contracts, including construction materials required under the contract, estimated not to exceed the local currency equivalent of $5,000,000.
(e) Under a fixed-price construction contract of any value, the prime contractor may procure locally produced goods and services under subcontracts.
(f) The following commodities and services which are only available locally:
(1) Utilities, including fuel for heating and cooking, waste disposal and trash collection;
(2) Communications—telephone, telex, facsimile, postal and courier services;
(3) Rental costs for housing and office space;
(4) Petroleum, oils and lubricants for operating vehicles and equipment;
(5) Newspapers, periodicals and books published in the cooperating country;
(6) Other commodities and services (and related expenses) that, by their nature or as a practical matter, can only be acquired, performed, or incurred in the cooperating country, e.g., vehicle maintenance, hotel accommodations, etc.
USAID may expand the authorized source in order to accomplish project or program objectives by processing a waiver. When a waiver is processed to include a new country, area, or geographic code, procurement is not limited to the added source(s), but may be from any country included in the authorized geographic code. All waivers must be in writing.
(a)
(1) A commodity required for assistance is of a type that is not produced in or available for purchase in the United States; in addition, for waivers to any country or Geographic code beyond Code 941 and the cooperating country, the commodity is of a type that is not produced in or available for purchase in any country in Code 941 or the cooperating country.
(2) It is necessary to permit procurement in a country not otherwise eligible in order to meet unforeseen circumstances, such as emergency situations.
(3) It is necessary to promote efficiency in the use of United States foreign assistance resources, including to avoid impairment of foreign assistance objectives.
(4) For waivers to authorize procurement from Geographic Code 941 or the cooperating country:
(i) For assistance other than commodity import programs, when the lowest available delivered price from the United States is reasonably estimated to be 50 percent or more higher than the delivered price from a country or area included in Geographic Code 941 or the cooperating country.
(ii) For assistance other than commodity import programs, when the estimated cost of U.S. construction materials (including transportation and handling charges) is at least 50 percent higher than the cost of locally produced materials.
(iii) For commodity import programs or similar sector assistance, an acute shortage exists in the United States for a commodity generally available elsewhere.
(iv) Persuasive political considerations.
(v) Procurement in the cooperating country would best promote the objectives of the foreign assistance program.
(vi) Such other circumstances as are determined to be critical to the success of project objectives.
(b)
(c) Any individual transaction not exceeding $5,000 (not including transportation) does not require a waiver. In no event, however, shall procurement be from a non-Code 935 source.
Geographic code changes authorized by waiver with respect to the source of commodities automatically apply to the nationality of their suppliers. A waiver to effect a change in the geographic code only with respect to the nationality of the supplier of commodities, but not in the source of the commodities, may be sought if the situation requires it based on the appropriate criteria in § 228.51.
(a) Services required for assistance are of a type that are not available for purchase in the United States; in addition, for waivers to any country or Geographic Code beyond Code 941 and the cooperating country, the services are of a type that are not available for purchase in any country in Code 941 or the cooperating country.
(b) It is necessary to permit procurement in a country not otherwise eligible in order to meet unforeseen circumstances, such as emergency situations.
(c) It is necessary to promote efficiency in the use of United States foreign assistance resources, including to avoid impairment of foreign assistance objectives.
(d) For waivers to authorize procurement from Geographic Code 941 or the cooperating country:
(1) There is an emergency requirement for which non-USAID funds are not available and the requirement can be met in time only from suppliers in a country or area not included in the authorized geographic code.
(2) No suppliers from countries or areas included in the authorized geographic code are able to provide the required services.
(3) Persuasive political considerations.
(4) Procurement of locally available services would best promote the objectives of the foreign assistance program.
(5) Such other circumstances as are determined to be critical to the achievement of project objectives.
A waiver to make foreign government-owned organizations, described in § 228.33, eligible for financing by USAID must be justified on the basis of the following criteria:
(a) The competition for obtaining a contract will be limited to cooperating country firms/organizations meeting the criteria set forth in §§ 228.31 or 228.32.
(b) The competition for obtaining a contract will be open to firms from countries or areas included in the authorized geographic code and eligible under the provisions of §§ 228.31 or 228.32, and it has been demonstrated that no U.S. firm is interested in competing for the contract.
(c) Services are not available from any other source.
(d) Foreign policy interests of the United States outweigh any competitive disadvantage at which United States firms might be placed or any conflict of interest that might arise by permitting a foreign government-owned organization to compete for the contract.
(a) Ocean transportation. A waiver to expand the flag eligibility requirements to allow the use of vessels under flag registry of the cooperating country, or Geographic Code 899 or 935 countries may be authorized under the circumstances provided for in this section. Any waiver granted under this section for a particular shipment which is not based on a determination of non-availability does not reduce the pool of cargo from which the applicable percentage required to be shipped on U.S.-flag vessels under the Cargo Preference Act of 1954, Section 901(b)(1) of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, as amended, 46 U.S.C. 1241(b), is determined. A waiver to expand the flag registry of any
(1) It is necessary to assure adequate competition in the shipping market in order to obtain competitive pricing, particularly in the case of bulk cargoes and large cargoes carried by liners;
(2) Eligible vessels provide liner service, only by transshipment, for commodities that cannot be containerized, and vessels under flag registry of countries to be authorized by the waiver provide liner service without transshipment;
(3) Eligible vessels are not available, and cargo is ready and available for shipment, provided it is reasonably evident that delaying shipment would increase costs or significantly delay receipt of the cargo;
(4) Eligible vessels are found unsuitable for loading, carriage, or unloading methods required, or for the available port handling facilities;
(5) Eligible vessels do not provide liner service from the port of loading stated in the procurement's port of export delivery terms, provided the port is named in a manner consistent with normal trade practices; or
(6) Eligible vessels decline to accept an offered consignment.
(b) Air transportation. The preferences for use of United States flag air carriers or for use of United States, other Geographic Code 941 countries, or cooperating country flag air carriers are not subject to waiver. Other free world air carriers may be used only as provided in § 228.22.
The authority to approve waivers of established policies on source, origin and nationality are delegated authorities within USAID, as set forth in the Automated Directives System Chapter 103 and any redelegations. USAID contractors or recipients of assistance agreements shall request any necessary waivers through the USAID contract or agreement officer.
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
(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 §§ 229.205 through 229.235(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 §§ 229.205 through 229.235(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
(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 applicants separately on such basis, or otherwise;
(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 § 229.235(d), shall treat disabilities related to pregnancy, childbirth, termination of pregnancy, or recovery therefrom in the same manner
(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 §§ 229.300 through 229.310 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 §§ 229.300 through 229.310.
(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 take such reasonable action as may be necessary to assure itself that such housing as is provided to students of one sex, when compared to that provided to students of the other sex, is as a whole:
(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
(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 § 229.450.
(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 § 229.235(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 §§ 229.500 through 229.550 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 § 229.235(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
(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 §§ 229.500 through 229.550, 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
(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 § 229.550.
(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 §§ 229.500 through 229.550 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
The investigative, compliance, and enforcement procedural provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. 2000d) (“Title VI”) are hereby adopted and applied to these Title IX regulations. These procedures may be found at 22 CFR part 209.
Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003, Pub. L. 108-11, chapter 5, title I, “Loan Guarantees to Israel.”
The purpose of this regulation is to prescribe the procedures and standard terms and conditions applicable to loan guarantees issued for the benefit of the Government of Israel on behalf of the State of Israel (“Borrower”), pursuant to the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2003, Pub. L. 108-11. The loan guarantees will apply to sums borrowed from time to time between the date hereof and September 30, 2006, not exceeding an aggregate total of nine billion United States Dollars ($9,000,000,000) in principal amount. The loan guarantees shall insure the Borrower's repayment of 100% of principal and interest due under such loans. The full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged for the full payment and performance of such guarantee obligations. The loan guarantees will be issued pursuant to a Loan Guarantee Commitment Agreement between the Borrower and the United States Government dated August 18, 2003.
Wherever used in these standard terms and conditions:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(1) In the case of any Eligible Note issued having a notional amount, but no principal balance, the original issue price (excluding any transaction costs) thereof; and
(2) In the case of any Eligible Note issued with a principal balance, the stated principal amount thereof.
(i)
(j)
(1) Defaulted Payment unpaid as of the Date of Application,
(2) Further Guaranteed Payments unpaid as of the Date of Application, and
(3) Interest accrued and unpaid at the Interest Rate(s) specified in the Eligible Note(s) on the Defaulted Payment and Further Guaranteed Payments, in each case from the date of default with respect to such payment to and including the date on which full payment thereof is made to the Noteholder.
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
Subject to these terms and conditions, the United States of America, acting through USAID, guarantees to Noteholders the Borrower's repayment of 100 percent of principal and interest due on Eligible Notes. Under this Guarantee, USAID agrees to pay to any Noteholder compensation in Dollars equal to such Noteholder's Loss of Investment under its Eligible Note; provided, however, that no such payment shall be made to any Noteholder for any such loss arising out of fraud or misrepresentation for which such Noteholder is responsible or of which it had knowledge at the time it became such Noteholder. This Guarantee shall apply to each Eligible Note registered on the Note Register required to be maintained by the Fiscal Agent.
(a) Eligible Notes only are guaranteed hereunder. Notes in order to achieve Eligible Note status:
(1) Must be signed on behalf of the Borrower, manually or in facsimile, by
(2) Must contain a certificate of authentication manually executed by a Fiscal Agent whose appointment by the Borrower is consented to by USAID in the Fiscal Agency Agreement; and
(3) Shall be approved and authenticated by USAID by either:
(i) The affixing by USAID on the Notes of a guarantee legend incorporating these Standard Terms and Conditions signed on behalf of USAID by either a manual signature or a facsimile signature of an authorized representative of USAID or
(ii) the delivery by USAID to the Fiscal Agent of a guarantee certificate incorporating these Standard Terms and Conditions signed on behalf of USAID by either a manual signature or a facsimile signature of an authorized representative of USAID.
(b) The authorized USAID representatives for purposes of this regulation whose signature(s) shall be binding on USAID shall include the USAID Chief and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Assistant Administrator and Deputy, Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, Director and Deputy Director, Office of Development Credit, and such other individual(s) designated in a certificate executed by an authorized USAID Representative and delivered to the Fiscal Agent. The certificate of authentication of the Fiscal Agent issued pursuant to the Fiscal Agency Agreement shall, when manually executed by the Fiscal Agent, be conclusive evidence binding on USAID that an Eligible Note has been duly executed on behalf of the Borrower and delivered.
The full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged to the performance of this Guarantee. The Guarantee shall be unconditional, and shall not be affected or impaired by:
(a) Any defect in the authorization, execution, delivery or enforceability of any agreement or other document executed by a Noteholder, USAID, the Fiscal Agent or the Borrower in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Guarantee or
(b) The suspension or termination of the program pursuant to which USAID is authorized to guarantee the Eligible Notes. This non-impairment of the guarantee provision shall not, however, be operative with respect to any loss arising out of fraud or misrepresentation for which the claiming Noteholder is responsible or of which it had knowledge at the time it became a Noteholder.
A Noteholder may assign, transfer or pledge an Eligible Note to any Person. Any such assignment, transfer or pledge shall be effective on the date that the name of the new Noteholder is entered on the Note Register required to be maintained by the Fiscal Agent pursuant to the Fiscal Agency Agreement. USAID shall be entitled to treat the Persons in whose names the Eligible Notes are registered as the owners thereof for all purposes of this Guarantee and USAID shall not be affected by notice to the contrary.
Failure of the Fiscal Agent to perform any of its obligations pursuant to the Fiscal Agency Agreement shall not impair any Noteholder's rights under this Guarantee, but may be the subject of action for damages against the Fiscal Agent by USAID as a result of such failure or neglect. A Noteholder may appoint the Fiscal Agent to make demand for payment on its behalf under this Guarantee.
At any time after an Event of Default, as this term is defined in an Eligible Note, any Noteholder hereunder, or the Fiscal Agent on behalf of a Noteholder hereunder, may file with USAID an Application for Compensation in the form provided in Appendix A to this part. USAID shall pay or cause to be paid to any such Applicant any compensation specified in such Application for Compensation that is due to the Applicant pursuant to the Guarantee as a Loss of Investment not later than three (3) Business Days after the Date of Application. In the event that
Eligible Notes shall not be subject to acceleration, in whole or in part, by USAID, the Noteholder or any other party. USAID shall not have the right to pay any amounts in respect of the Eligible Notes other than in accordance with the original payment terms of such Eligible Notes.
If a Noteholder shall, as a result of USAID paying compensation under this Guarantee, receive an excess payment, it shall refund the excess to USAID.
In the event of payment by USAID to a Noteholder under this Guarantee, USAID shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of such Noteholder against the Borrower under the related Note.
After payment by USAID to an Applicant hereunder, USAID shall have exclusive power to prosecute all claims related to rights to receive payments under the Eligible Notes to which it is thereby subrogated. If a Noteholder continues to have an interest in the outstanding Eligible Notes, such a Noteholder and USAID shall consult with each other with respect to their respective interests in such Eligible Notes and the manner of and responsibility for prosecuting claims.
No Noteholder will consent to any change or waiver of any provision of any document contemplated by this Guarantee without the prior written consent of USAID.
Any controversy or claim between USAID and any noteholder arising out of this Guarantee shall be settled by arbitration to be held in Washington, DC in accordance with the then prevailing rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Any communication to USAID pursuant to this Guarantee shall be in writing in the English language, shall refer to the Israel Loan Guarantee Number inscribed on the Eligible Note and shall be complete on the day it shall be actually received by USAID at the Office of Development Credit, Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC 20523-0030. Other addresses may be substituted for the above upon the giving of notice of such substitution to each Noteholder by first class mail at the address set forth in the Note Register.
This Guarantee shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States of America governing contracts and commercial transactions of the United States Government.
You are hereby advised that payment of $__ (consisting of $__ of principal, $__ of interest and $__ in Further Guaranteed Payments, as defined in § 230.02(f) of the Standard Terms and Conditions of the above-mentioned Guarantee) was due on ___, 20_, on $__ principal amount of Notes held by the undersigned of the Government of Israel, on behalf of the State of Israel (the “Borrower”). Of such amount $__ was not received on such date and has not been received by the undersigned at the date hereof. In accordance with the terms and provisions
All capitalized terms herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Standard Terms and Conditions of the above-mentioned Guarantee.
Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003, Pub. L. 108-11, chapter 5, title I, “Economic Support Fund”, para. (2).
The purpose of the regulations in this part is to prescribe the procedures and standard terms and conditions applicable to loan guarantees issued for the benefit of the Arab Republic of Egypt (“Borrower”), pursuant to the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2003, Public Law 108-11. The loan guarantees will apply to sums borrowed from time to time between September 23, 2005 and September 30, 2005, not exceeding an aggregate total of two billion United States Dollars ($2,000,000,000) in principal amount. The loan guarantees shall insure the Borrower's repayment of 100% of principal and interest due under such loans. The full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged for the full payment and performance of such guarantee obligations. The loan guarantees will be issued pursuant to a Loan Guarantee Commitment Agreement between the Borrower and the United States dated September 12, 2005.
Wherever used in the standard terms and conditions set out in this part:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(i)
(j)
(1) Defaulted Payment unpaid as of the Date of Application,
(2) Further Guaranteed Payments unpaid as of the Date of Application, and
(3) Interest accrued and unpaid at the Interest Rate(s) specified in the Eligible Note(s) on the Defaulted Payment and Further Guaranteed Payments, in each case from the date of default with respect to such payment to and including the date on which full payment thereof is made to the Noteholder.
(k)
(l)
(m)
(n)
(o)
(p)
(q)
(r)
(s)
(t)
Subject to the terms and conditions set out in this part, the United States of America, acting through USAID, guarantees to Noteholders the Borrower's repayment of 100 percent of principal and interest due on Eligible Notes. Under this Guarantee, USAID agrees to pay to any Noteholder compensation in Dollars equal to such Noteholder's Loss of Investment under its Eligible Note; provided, however, that no such payment shall be made to any Noteholder for any such loss arising out of fraud or misrepresentation for which such Noteholder is responsible or of which it had knowledge at the time it became such Noteholder.
(a) Eligible Notes only are guaranteed hereunder. Notes in order to achieve Eligible Note status:
(1) Must be signed on behalf of the Borrower, manually or in facsimile, by a duly authorized representative of the Borrower;
(2) Must contain a certificate of authentication manually executed by a Fiscal Agent whose appointment by the Borrower is consented to by USAID in the Fiscal Agency Agreement; and
(3) Shall be approved and authenticated by USAID by either:
(i) The affixing by USAID on the Notes of a guarantee legend incorporating these Standard Terms and Conditions signed on behalf of USAID by either a manual signature or a facsimile signature of an authorized representative of USAID or
(ii) The delivery by USAID to the Fiscal Agent of a guarantee certificate incorporating these Standard Terms and Conditions signed on behalf of USAID by either a manual signature or a facsimile signature of an authorized representative of USAID.
(b) The authorized USAID representatives for purposes of the regulations in this part whose signature(s) shall be binding on USAID shall include the USAID Chief and Deputy Chief Financial Officer, Assistant Administrator and Deputy, Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, Director and Deputy Director, Office of Development Credit, and such other individual(s) designated in a certificate executed by an authorized USAID Representative and delivered to the Fiscal Agent. The certificate of authentication of the Fiscal Agent issued pursuant to the Fiscal Agency Agreement shall, when manually executed by the Fiscal Agent, be conclusive evidence binding on USAID that an Eligible Note has been duly executed on behalf of the Borrower and delivered.
The full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged to the performance of this Guarantee. The Guarantee shall be unconditional, and shall not be affected or impaired by:
(a) Any defect in the authorization, execution, delivery or enforceability of any agreement or other document executed by a Noteholder, USAID, the Fiscal Agent or the Borrower in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Guarantee or
(b) The suspension or termination of the program pursuant to which USAID is authorized to guarantee the Eligible Notes. This non-impairment of the guarantee provision shall not, however, be operative with respect to any loss arising out of fraud or misrepresentation for which the claiming Noteholder is responsible or of which it had knowledge at the time it became a Noteholder.
A Noteholder may assign, transfer or pledge an Eligible Note to any Person. Any such assignment, transfer or pledge shall be effective on the date that the name of the new Noteholder is entered on the Note Register required to be maintained by the Fiscal Agent pursuant to the Fiscal Agency Agreement. USAID shall be entitled to treat the Persons in whose names the Eligible Notes are registered as the owners thereof for all purposes of this Guarantee and USAID shall not be affected by notice to the contrary.
Failure of the Fiscal Agent to perform any of its obligations pursuant to the Fiscal Agency Agreement shall not impair any Noteholder's rights under this Guarantee, but may be the subject of action for damages against the Fiscal Agent by USAID as a result of such failure or neglect. A Noteholder may appoint the Fiscal Agent to make demand for payment on its behalf under this Guarantee.
At any time after an Event of Default, as this term is defined in an Eligible Note, any Noteholder hereunder, or the Fiscal Agent on behalf of a Noteholder hereunder, may file with USAID an Application for Compensation in the form provided in Appendix A to this part. USAID shall pay or cause to be paid to any such Applicant any compensation specified in such Application for Compensation that is due to the Applicant pursuant to the Guarantee as a Loss of Investment not later than three (3) Business Days after the Date of Application. In the event that USAID receives any other notice of an Event of Default, USAID may pay any compensation that is due to any Noteholder pursuant to a Guarantee, whether or not such Noteholder has filed with USAID an Application for Compensation in respect of such amount.
Eligible Notes shall not be subject to acceleration, in whole or in part, by USAID, the Noteholder or any other party. USAID shall not have the right to pay any amounts in respect of the Eligible Notes other than in accordance with the original payment terms of such Eligible Notes.
If a Noteholder shall, as a result of USAID paying compensation under this Guarantee, receive an excess payment, it shall refund the excess to USAID.
In the event of payment by USAID to a Noteholder under this Guarantee, USAID shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of such Noteholder against the Borrower under the related Note.
After payment by USAID to an Applicant hereunder, USAID shall have exclusive power to prosecute all claims related to rights to receive payments under the Eligible Notes to which it is thereby subrogated. If a Noteholder continues to have an interest in the outstanding Eligible Notes, such a Noteholder and USAID shall consult with each other with respect to their respective interests in such Eligible Notes and the manner of and responsibility for prosecuting claims.
No Noteholder will consent to any change or waiver of any provision of any document contemplated by this Guarantee without the prior written consent of USAID.
Any controversy or claim between USAID and any noteholder arising out of this Guarantee shall be settled by arbitration to be held in Washington, DC in accordance with the then prevailing rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment on the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.
Any communication to USAID pursuant to this Guarantee shall be in writing in the English language, shall refer to the Arab Republic of Egypt Loan Guarantee Number inscribed on the Eligible Note and shall be complete on the day it shall be actually received by USAID at the Office of Development Credit, Bureau for Economic Growth, Agriculture and Trade, United States Agency for International Development, Washington, DC 20523-0030. Other addresses may be substituted for the above upon the giving of notice of such substitution to each Noteholder by first class mail at the address set forth in the Note Register.
This Guarantee shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the United States of America governing contracts and commercial transactions of the United States Government.
You are hereby advised that payment of $____ (consisting of $____ of principal, $____ of interest and $____ in Further Guaranteed Payments, as defined in § 231.02(f) of the Standard Terms and Conditions of the above-mentioned Guarantee) was due on ______, 20__, on $____ principal amount of Notes issued by the Arab Republic of Egypt (the “Borrower”) held by the undersigned. Of such amount $____ was not received on such date and has not been received by the undersigned at the date hereof. In accordance with the terms and provisions of the above-mentioned Guarantee, the undersigned hereby applies, under § 231.08 of said Guarantee, for payment of $____, representing $____, the Principal Amount of the presently outstanding Note(s) of the Borrower held by the undersigned that was due and payable on ____ and that remains unpaid, and $____, the Interest Amount on such Note(s) that was due and payable by the Borrower on ____ and that remains unpaid, and $____ in Further Guaranteed Payments,
All capitalized terms herein that are not otherwise defined shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Standard Terms and Conditions of the above-mentioned Guarantee.
A list of CFR titles, subtitles, chapters, subchapters and parts and an alphabetical list of agencies publishing in the CFR are included in the CFR Index and Finding Aids volume to the Code of Federal Regulations which is published separately and revised annually.
Material Approved for Incorporation by Reference
Table of CFR Titles and Chapters
Alphabetical List of Agencies Appearing in the CFR
List of CFR Sections Affected
The Director of the Federal Register has approved under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51 the incorporation by reference of the following publications. This list contains only those incorporations by reference effective as of the revision date of this volume. Incorporations by reference found within a regulation are effective upon the effective date of that regulation. For more information on incorporation by reference, see the preliminary pages of this volume.
All changes in this volume of the Code of Federal Regulations that were made by documents published in the
For the period before January 1, 2001, see the “List of CFR Sections Affected, 1949-1963, 1964-1972, 1973-1985, and 1986-2000,” published in 11 separate volumes.