Source: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2003/08/14/03-20378/collection-of-claims-owed-the-united-states
Timestamp: 2018-07-18 21:00:01
Document Index: 734408389

Matched Legal Cases: ['ART 1018', 'ART 1018', 'arts 1015', 'art 285', 'art 1018', 'art 1015', 'art 1015', 'art 1018', 'art 1015', 'art 1015', 'art 1015', 'art 1015', 'art 1015', 'art 1015', 'art 1015', '§\u20091015', 'art 1015', 'art 1015', 'art 1021', 'art 1015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091010', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', 'arts 900', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', '§\u20091015', 'art 1018', 'art 1018']

A Rule by the Energy Department on 08/14/2003
This direct final rule will be effective November 12, 2003 without further action, unless significant adverse comment is received by September 15, 2003. If significant adverse comment is received, the Department will publish a timely withdrawal of the rule in the Federal Register. (See also ``Discussion of Direct Final Rulemaking'' in Section III of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.)
68 FR 48531
48531-48543 (13 pages)
03-20378
II. Discussion of Direct Final Rule
Subpart B—Standards for the Administrative Collection of Claims.
Subpart C—Standards for Compromise of Claims.
Subpart D—Standards for Suspending or Terminating Collection Activity.
Subpart E—Referrals to the Department of Justice.
PART 1018—REFERRAL OF DEBTS TO IRS FOR TAX REFUND OFFSET
PART 1018—[REMOVED]
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/03-20378 https://www.federalregister.gov/d/03-20378
This direct final rule adopts revisions to the regulations on Collection of Claims Owed the United States to conform to the Federal Claims Collection Standards issued by the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Justice. The revisions clarify and simplify the Department of Energy's debt collection standards and reflect changes to Federal debt collection procedures that were made by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 and the General Accounting Office Act of 1996.
This direct final rule will be effective November 12, 2003 without further action, unless significant adverse comment is received by September 15, 2003. If significant adverse comment is received, the Department will publish a timely withdrawal of the rule in the Federal Register. (See also “Discussion of Direct Final Rulemaking” in Section III of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section of this notice.)
All comments should be addressed to Helen O. Sherman, Director, Office of Finance and Accounting Policy (ME-10); Office of Management, Budget and Evaluation, U.S. Department of Energy, 1000 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20585.
Philip R. Pegnato, Team Leader, Management Accounting and Cash Management Team, U.S. Department of Energy, at (301) 903-9704; or Susan A. Donahue, Accountant, Management Accounting and Cash Management Team, U.S. Department of Energy, at (301) 903-4666.
The Department of Energy (DOE) today revises and consolidates its debt collection regulations that are codified at 10 CFR parts 1015 and 1018. The principal purpose of this rulemaking is to conform DOE's regulations to the government-wide debt collection regulations that were published by the Treasury and Justice Departments (65 FR 70390, November 22, 2000). Consistent with that purpose, today's revised regulations largely track the wording of the government-wide regulations. Any significant differences are discussed below. The Secretary of Energy has approved the revised regulations for application to all divisions of DOE including the National Nuclear Security Administration.
More specifically, this rulemaking is intended:
(a) To reflect changes to Federal debt collection procedures made by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA), Public Law 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1358 (April 26, 1996) as part of the Omnibus Consolidated Rescissions and Appropriations Act of 1996; and the publication of the revised Federal Start Printed Page 48532Claims Collection Standards (FCCS) under new chapter IX, Title 31, Code of Federal Regulations (65 FR 70390, November 22, 2000) by the Department of the Treasury (Treasury) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
(b) To reflect the detailed guidance issued by Treasury and codified at 31 CFR part 285, Debt Collection Authorities under the DCIA. See, e.g., Offset of Tax Refund Payments to Collect Past-Due, Legally Enforceable Non-Tax Debt (63 FR 46140, Aug. 28, 1998); Offset of Federal Benefit Payments to Collect Past-Due, Legally Enforceable Non-Tax Debt (63 FR 71204, Dec. 23, 1998); Salary Offset (63 FR 23354, Apr. 28, 1998); Administrative Wage Garnishment (65 FR 51867, Oct. 11, 2001); Transfer of Debts to Treasury for Collection (64 FR 22906, Apr. 28, 1999); Barring Delinquent Debtors From Obtaining Federal Loans or Loan Insurance or Guarantees (63 FR 67754, Dec. 8, 1998).
(c) To incorporate 10 CFR part 1018, Referral of Debts to IRS for Tax Refund Offset, into 10 CFR part 1015, Collection of Claims Owed the United States.
Revised 10 CFR part 1015 includes the following major changes from DOE's existing regulations:
(1) The content of 10 CFR part 1018, Referral of Debts to IRS for Tax Refund Offset, was merged into 10 CFR part 1015.
(2) The revised 10 CFR part 1015 reflects the elimination of the Comptroller General's role in Federal debt collection.
(3) The revised 10 CFR part 1015 reflects the requirement that DOE use government-wide debt collection contracts (with certain exceptions) for referrals to private collection contractors.
(4) The revised 10 CFR part 1015 contains a new requirement that DOE and debtors exchange mutual releases of non-tax liabilities in all appropriate instances when a claim is compromised.
(5) The revised 10 CFR part 1015 reflects the increase in the principal claim amount from up to $20,000 to up to $100,000, or such other amount as the Attorney General may direct, that DOE is authorized to compromise or to suspend or terminate collection activity thereon, without concurrence by the DOJ. In addition, the minimum amount of a claim that may be referred to the DOJ is increased from $600 to $2,500, or such other amount as the Attorney General may direct. The circumstances under which the DOJ will litigate when the claim amount does not meet the minimum threshold have not been changed.
(6) The revised 10 CFR part 1015 reflects several new debt collection procedures under the DCIA, including, but not limited to:
(a) The Treasury Regulations provide that agencies shall set forth in their regulations the circumstances under which interest and related charges will not be imposed for periods during which collection activity has been suspended pending agency review. The revised 10 CFR 1015.212(h) provides that when a debtor requests a waiver or review of the debt, DOE will continue to accrue interest, penalties and administrative costs during the period collection activity is suspended. Upon completion of DOE's review, interest, penalties and administrative costs related to the portion of the debt found to be without merit will be waived;
(b) Transfer or referral of delinquent debt to Treasury or Treasury-designated debt collection centers for collection, known as “cross-servicing'';
(c) Mandatory credit bureau reporting, and;
(d) Mandatory prohibition against extending Federal financial assistance in the form of a loan or loan guarantee to delinquent debtors.
(7) The revised 10 CFR part 1015 requires one demand letter before taking appropriate collection actions. Previously DOE required three letters before taking further collection action.
(8) A section on cost analysis has been added to 10 CFR 1015.212, Interest, penalties and administrative costs. This section ensures that the most cost effective alternative collection techniques are used with respect to the extensiveness of collection efforts, the evaluation of offers of compromise, and the establishment of minimum debt amounts below which collection efforts need not be taken.
(9) A new § 1015.207, Suspension or revocation of eligibility for loans and loan guarantees, licenses, permits, or privileges, has been added.
DOE is publishing this final rule without prior proposal because we view this as a noncontroversial amendment and anticipate no significant adverse comment. This rulemaking merely conforms DOE's regulations on debt collection to Treasury and DOJ standards and to procedures required by statute. However, in the “Proposed Rules” section of today's Federal Register, we are publishing a separate document that will serve as the proposal to amend 10 CFR part 1015 if significant adverse comment is filed. This rule will be effective on November 12, 2003 without further notice unless we receive significant adverse comment by September 15, 2003. If DOE receives such an adverse comment on one or more distinct amendments, paragraphs, or sections of this direct final rule, DOE will publish a timely withdrawal in the Federal Register indicating which provisions will become effective and which provisions are being withdrawn due to adverse comment. Any distinct amendment, paragraph, or section of today's direct final rule for which we do not receive significant adverse comment will become effective on the date set forth in this direct final rule, notwithstanding any adverse comment on any other distinct amendment, paragraph, or section of today's rule. If significant adverse comment is received, we will address all public comments in a subsequent final rule. We will not institute a second comment period on this action. Any parties interested in commenting must do so at this time.
Today's regulatory action has been determined not to be “a significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866, “Regulatory Planning and Review,” (58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993). Accordingly, this action was not subject to review under that Executive Order by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs of OMB.
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) requires preparation of an initial regulatory flexibility analysis for any rule that by law must be proposed for public comment, unless the agency certifies that the rule, if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. This rule amends 10 CFR part 1015 to incorporate revisions to the Federal Claims Collection Standards issued by Treasury and DOJ and to reflect changes to Federal debt collection procedures made by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 and the General Accounting Office Act of 1996. Most of the rule provisions relate to agency management and procedure or are stated as policy statements. This rule contains few, if any, new substantive requirements that directly apply to members of the public. Any incremental economic impact of this rule on small entities would be small. For these reasons, DOE certifies that this direct final rule will not have a significant Start Printed Page 48533economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Accordingly, DOE did not prepare a regulatory flexibility analysis for the rule.
No new collection of information is imposed by this direct final rule. Accordingly, no clearance by OMB is required under the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.).
DOE has concluded that promulgation of this rule falls into a class of actions that would not individually or cumulatively have a significant impact on the human environment, as determined by DOE's regulations implementing the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.). Specifically, this rule deals only with agency procedures and, therefore, is covered under the Categorical Exclusion in paragraph A6 to subpart D, 10 CFR part 1021. Accordingly, neither an environmental assessment nor an environmental impact statement is required.
With respect to the review of existing regulations and the promulgation of new regulations, section 3(a) of Executive Order 12988, “Civil Justice Reform,” (61 FR 4729, February 7, 1996), imposes on Federal agencies the general duty to adhere to the following requirements: (1) Eliminate drafting errors and ambiguity; (2) write regulations to minimize litigation; and (3) provide a clear legal standard for affected conduct rather than a general standard and promote simplification and burden reduction. Section 3(b) of Executive Order 12988 specifically requires that Executive agencies make every reasonable effort to ensure that the regulation: (1) Clearly specifies the preemptive effect, if any; (2) clearly specifies any effect on existing Federal law or regulation; (3) provides a clear legal standard for affected conduct while promoting simplification and burden reduction; (4) specifies the retroactive effect, if any; (5) adequately defines key terms; and (6) addresses other important issues affecting clarity and general draftsmanship under any guidelines issued by the Attorney General. Section 3(c) of Executive Order 12988 requires Executive agencies to review regulations in light of applicable standards in section 3(a) and section 3(b) to determine whether they are met or it is unreasonable to meet one or more of them. DOE has completed the required review and determined that, to the extent permitted by law, this final rule meets the relevant standards of Executive Order 12988.
Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-4) requires each Federal agency to prepare a written assessment of the effects of any Federal mandate in a proposed or final rule that may result in the expenditure by state, local, and tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 million in any one year. The Act also requires a Federal agency to develop an effective process to permit timely input by elected officers of State, local, and tribal governments on a proposed “significant intergovernmental mandate,” and it requires an agency to develop a plan for giving notice and opportunity for timely input to potentially affected small governments before establishing any requirement that might significantly or uniquely affect small governments. The rule published today does not contain any Federal mandate; therefore, these requirements do not apply.
Section 654 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act, 1999 (Pub. L. 105-277) requires Federal agencies to issue a Family Policymaking Assessment for any proposed rule or policy that may affect family well-being. This rulemaking is not subject to a requirement to propose for public comment, and section 654 therefore does not apply.
For the reasons set out in the preamble, DOE hereby amends title 10 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:
1. Part 1015 is revised to read as follows:
1015.100
1015.101
1015.103
Antitrust, fraud, tax, interagency, transportation account audit, acquisition contract, and financial assistance instrument claims excluded.
1015.104
1015.105
1015.106
Subdivision of claims not authorized. Start Printed Page 48534
1015.107
1015.108
1015.201
1015.202
1015.203
1015.204
1015.205
1015.206
1015.207
1015.208
1015.209
Tax refund offset.
1015.210
1015.212
1015.213
1015.214
1015.215
Federal salary offset.
1015.216
1015.301
1015.302
1015.303
1015.304
1015.305
1015.306
1015.307
1015.401
1015.402
1015.403
1015.404
1015.405
Disharge of indebtedness; reporting requirements.
1015.500
1015.501
Referrals to the Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury's Cross-Servicing Program.
1015.502
1015.503
1015.504
1015.505
§ 1015.100
§ 1015.101
§ 1015.102
§ 1015.103
(a) The standards in this part relating to compromise, suspension, and termination of collection activity do not apply to any debt based in whole or in part on conduct in violation of the antitrust laws or to any debt 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. Only the DOJ has the Start Printed Page 48535authority to compromise, suspend, or terminate collection activity on such claims. The standards in this part relating to the administrative collection of claims do apply, but only to the extent authorized by the DOJ in a particular case. Upon identification of a claim based in whole or in part on conduct in violation of the antitrust laws or any claim 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, DOE will promptly refer the case to the DOJ for action. At its discretion, the DOJ may return the claim to DOE for further handling in accordance with the standards in this part.
§ 1015.104
§ 1015.105
§ 1015.106
§ 1015.107
§ 1015.108
§ 1015.200
§ 1015.201
(f) Treasury is authorized to charge a fee for services rendered regarding referred or transferred debts. DOE will add the fee to the debt as an administrative cost (see § 1015.212(c)).
§ 1015.202
(a) Written demand as described in paragraph (b) of this section will be made promptly upon a debtor of the United States in terms that inform the debtor of the consequences of failing to cooperate with DOE to resolve the debt. Generally, one demand letter issued 30 days after the initial notice, bill, or written demand should suffice. When necessary to protect the Government's interest (for example, to prevent the running of a statute of limitations), written demand may be preceded by other appropriate actions under this Part, including immediate referral for litigation. Start Printed Page 48536
(e) Prior to the initiation of the demand process or at any time during or after completion of the demand process, if DOE determines to pursue, or is required to pursue, offset, the procedures applicable to offset should be followed (see § 1015.203 of this subpart). The availability of funds or money for debt satisfaction by offset and DOE's determination to pursue collection by offset shall release DOE from the necessity of further compliance with paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section.
§ 1015.203
(b) Mandatory centralized administrative offset. (1) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA, DOE is required to refer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (i.e., cross-servicing). Administrative offset is one type of collection tool used by Treasury to collect debts referred under 31 CFR 285.12. Thus, by transferring debts to Treasury, DOE will satisfy the requirement to notify Treasury of debts for the purposes of administrative offset and duplicate referrals are not required. A debt, which is not transferred to Treasury for purposes of debt collection, however, may be subject to the DCIA requirement of notification to Treasury for purposes of administrative offset.
(2) The names and taxpayer identifying numbers (TINs) of debtors who owe debts referred to Treasury as described in paragraph (b)(1) of this section shall be compared to the names and TINs on payments to be made by Federal disbursing officials. Federal disbursing officials include disbursing officials of Treasury, the Department of Start Printed Page 48537Defense, the United States Postal Service, other Government corporations, and disbursing officials of the United States designated by the Secretary of the Treasury. When the name and TIN of a debtor match the name and TIN of a payee and all other requirements for offset have been met, the payment will be offset to satisfy the debt.
(iv) When DOE previously has given a debtor any of the required notice and review opportunities with respect to a particular debt (see § 1015.202), DOE need not duplicate such notice and review opportunities before administrative offset may be initiated.
(3) 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 DOE has determined that review of the written record is ordinarily an adequate means to correct prior mistakes. Start Printed Page 48538
§ 1015.204
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (i.e., cross-servicing). As part of its regular debt collection procedures, Treasury will report debts it is collecting to the appropriate designated credit reporting agencies on behalf of DOE. A debt not transferred to Treasury for purposes of debt collection, however, may be subject to the DCIA requirement to report all non-tax delinquent consumer debts to credit reporting agencies.
§ 1015.205
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (i.e., cross-servicing). As part of its regular debt collection procedures, Treasury may also institute a credit investigation of the debtor on behalf of DOE.
§ 1015.206
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA, DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (i.e., cross-servicing) under 31 U.S.C. 3711(g). As part of its regular debt collection procedures, Treasury may refer delinquent debts to private collection contractors on behalf of DOE.
§ 1015.207
§ 1015.208
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e) of this part, under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (i.e., cross-servicing). As part of its regular debt collection procedures, Treasury may use administrative wage garnishment on behalf of DOE.
§ 1015.209
(a) DOE may authorize the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to offset a tax refund to satisfy delinquent debt in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3720A, Reduction of Tax Refund by Amount of Debt. Treasury has issued regulations implementing the tax refund offset as part of Treasury's mandatory centralized offset at 31 CFR 285.2, Offset of Tax Refund to Collect Past-Due, Legally Start Printed Page 48539Enforceable Non-tax Debt. DOE has adopted 31 U.S.C. 3720A and 31 CFR 285.2 in their entirety. The due process requirements of 31 U.S.C. 3720A are contained in §§ 1015.203(b)(4), and 1015.203(e) of this part.
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e) of this part, under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (i.e., cross-servicing). As part of its regular debt collection procedures, Treasury may use tax refund offset on behalf of DOE.
§ 1015.210
§ 1015.211
(a) Whenever feasible, DOE shall collect the total amount of a debt in one lump sum. If a debtor is financially unable to pay a debt in one lump sum, DOE may accept payment in regular installments. DOE will obtain a current financial statement showing the debtor's assets, liabilities, income, and expenses from debtors who represent that they are unable to pay in one lump sum, and independently verify such representations whenever possible. DOE may also obtain credit reports or other financial information to assess installment requests. DOE may use its own financial information form or a DOJ form, such as the Financial Statement of Debtor (OBD-500) (see § 1015.302(g) of this part). When DOE agrees to accept payments in regular installments, it will obtain a legally enforceable, written agreement from the debtor that specifies all of the terms of the arrangement and that contains a provision accelerating the debt in the event of default.
§ 1015.212
(h) When a debtor requests a waiver or review of the debt, DOE will continue Start Printed Page 48540to accrue interest, penalties, and administrative costs during the period collection activity is suspended. Upon completion of DOE's review, interest, penalties, and administrative costs related to the portion of the debt found to be without merit will be waived.
§ 1015.213
§ 1015.214
(a) When attempting to locate a debtor in order to collect or compromise a debt under §§ 1015.100-105 of this part or other authority, DOE may send a request to Treasury to obtain a debtor's mailing address from the records of the IRS.
§ 1015.215
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to refer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (i.e., cross-servicing). As part of its regular debt collection procedures, Treasury may use Federal salary offset on behalf of DOE.
§ 1015.216
§ 1015.300
§ 1015.301
§ 1015.302
(d) If there is significant doubt concerning the Government's ability to Start Printed Page 48541prove its case in court for the full amount claimed, either because of the legal issues involved or because of a bona fide dispute as to the facts, then the amount accepted in compromise of such cases should fairly reflect the probabilities of successful prosecution to judgment, with due regard given to the availability of witnesses and other evidentiary support for the Government's claim. In determining the litigative risks involved, DOE will consider the probable amount of court costs and attorney fees pursuant to the Equal Access to Justice Act, 28 U.S.C. 2412, that may be imposed against the Government if it is unsuccessful in litigation.
§ 1015.303
§ 1015.304
§ 1015.305
§ 1015.306
In negotiating a compromise, DOE will consider the tax consequences to the Government. In particular, DOE will consider requiring a waiver of tax-loss-carry-forward and tax-loss-carry-back rights of the debtor. For information on discharge of indebtedness reporting requirements see § 1015.405 of this part.
§ 1015.307
§ 1015.400
§ 1015.401
§ 1015.402
(2) The debtor's financial condition is expected to improve; or Start Printed Page 48542
(c)(1) DOE shall suspend collection activity during the time required for consideration of the debtor's request for waiver or administrative review of the debt if the statute under which the request is sought prohibits DOE from collecting the debt during that time. As indicated in § 1015.212(h), DOE will continue to accrue interest, penalties, and administrative costs during the period collection activity is suspended.
§ 1015.403
§ 1015.404
§ 1015.405
(a) Before discharging a delinquent debt (also referred to as a close out of the debt), DOE shall take all appropriate steps to collect the debt in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3711(g), including, as applicable, administrative offset, tax refund offset, Federal salary offset, referral to Treasury, Treasury-designated debt collection centers or private collection contractors, credit bureau reporting, wage garnishment, litigation, and foreclosure. Discharge of indebtedness is distinct from termination or suspension of collection activity under § 1015.400 of this part 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 subpart. When DOE discharges a debt in full or in part, further collection action is prohibited. Therefore, DOE will make the determination that collection action is no longer warranted before discharging a debt. Before discharging a debt, DOE must terminate debt collection action.
§ 1010.500
§ 1015.501
(b) As described in § 1015.201(e), under the DCIA (31 U.S.C. 3711(g)), DOE is required to transfer all debts over 180 days delinquent to Treasury for purposes of debt collection (i.e., cross-servicing). As part of its regular debt collection procedures, Treasury will refer debts to the DOJ for litigation on behalf of DOE.
§ 1015.502
(a) If a debt is not referred to the DOJ through Treasury's cross-servicing program, DOE shall promptly refer to the DOJ for litigation debts on which aggressive collection activity has been taken in accordance with § 1015.200 of this part and that cannot be compromised, or on which collection activity cannot be suspended or terminated, in accordance with §§ 1015.300 and 1015.400 of this part. DOE may refer those debts arising out of activities of DOE. Debts for which the principal amount is over $1,000,000, or such other amount as the Attorney General may direct, exclusive of interest and penalties, shall be referred to the Civil Division or other division responsible for litigating such debts at the DOJ, Washington, DC. Debts for which the principal amount is $1,000,000, or less, or such other amount as the Attorney General may direct, exclusive of interest or penalties, shall be referred to the DOJ's Nationwide Central Intake Facility as required by the CCLR instructions. Claims will be referred as early as possible, consistent with aggressive agency collection activity and the observance of the standards contained in the Federal Claims Collection Standards (31 CFR parts 900-904), and, in any event, well within the period for initiating timely lawsuits against the debtors. DOE shall make every effort to refer delinquent debts to the DOJ for litigation within one year of the date such debts last became delinquent. In the case of guaranteed or insured loans, DOE will make every effort to refer these delinquent debts to the DOJ for litigation within one year from the date the loan was presented to DOE for payment or re-insurance.
§ 1015.503
(a) Unless excepted by the DOJ, DOE shall complete the CCLR (see § 1015.301 of this part), accompanied by a signed Certificate of Indebtedness, to refer all administratively uncollectible claims to the DOJ for litigation. DOE shall complete all of the sections of the CCLR appropriate to each claim as required by the CCLR instructions and furnish such other information as may be required in specific cases.
§ 1015.504
§ 1015.505
2. The authority citation for Part 1018 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3720A; Pub. L. 98-369; 98 Stat. 1153.
3. Part 1018 is removed.
[FR Doc. 03-20378 Filed 8-13-03; 8:45 am]