[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 10, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2001]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 10CFR15.61]

[Page 294]
 
                            TITLE 10--ENERGY
 
                CHAPTER I--NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION
 
PART 15--DEBT COLLECTION PROCEDURES--Table of Contents
 
                     Subpart E--Referral of a Claim
 
Sec. 15.61  Prompt referral.


    (a) A claim which requires enforced collection action is referred to 
GAO or to DOJ for litigation. A referral is made as early as possible 
consistent with aggressive collection action and in any event well 
within the time required to bring a timely suit against the debtor. 
Ordinarily, referrals are made within one year of the NRC's final 
determination of the fact and the amount of the debt.
    (b) When the merits of the NRC's claim, the amount owed on the 
claim, or the propriety of acceptance of a proposed compromise, 
suspension, or termination of collection actions is in doubt, the NRC 
shall refer the matter to the GAO for resolution and instructions prior 
to proceeding with collection action and/or referral to DOJ for 
litigation.
    (c) The NRC may refer a claim to the GAO or the DOJ even though the 
termination of collection activity might otherwise be given 
consideration under Sec. 15.55(a) or (c) if:
    (1) A significant enforcement policy is involved in reducing a 
statutory penalty or forfeiture to judgment; or
    (2) Recovery of a judgment is a prerequisite to the imposition of 
administrative sanctions, such as suspension or revocation of a license 
or the privilege of participating in a Government sponsored program.
    (d) Once a claim has been referred to GAO or to DOJ under this 
subpart, the NRC shall refrain from having any contact with the debtor 
and shall direct the debtor to GAO or DOJ, as appropriate, when 
questions concerning the claim are raised by the debtor. The NRC shall 
immediately advise GAO or DOJ, as appropriate, of any payments by the 
debtor.

[47 FR 7616, Feb. 22, 1982, as amended at 55 FR 32380, Aug. 9, 1990]