[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 7, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2005]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 7CFR3.4]

[Page 261-262]
 
                          TITLE 7--AGRICULTURE
 
PART 3_DEBT MANAGEMENT--Table of Contents
 
               Subpart A_Settlement of Small or Old Debts
 
Sec. 3.4  Investigations and findings.

    The heads of agencies designated in Sec. 3.5 shall prescribe 
procedures for the conduct of investigations to determine the facts 
incident to the settlement of any indebtedness. These procedures should 
include, among other things, provisions for consultations with local 
authorities, businessmen, or local representatives of other Government 
agencies, or for obtaining the recommendations of committees or other 
groups or persons designated by each agency for assistance in its 
regular program, or otherwise. The file relating to each debtor shall 
contain the formal findings required by Sec. 3.3, together with such 
evidence as has been obtained in support of such findings.
    In order to effect uniformity in settlements, agency procedures 
should also provide that, where it appears from the application of the 
debtor or from investigation that the debtor is otherwise indebted to 
the United States, to the extent practicable consultation should be had 
(other than in cases under Sec. 3.3(b)(1) and (4) with any other 
creditor agencies, to ascertain pertinent information as to the status 
of such other obligation or obligations. Such information shall be 
considered in connection with the settlement and for inclusion in the 
findings.

[[Page 262]]

    The head of each agency shall provide for review of proposed 
indebtedness settlements within his agency by officers or employees 
designated for that purpose under such conditions as he shall determine 
to be adequate to insure the protection of the interests of the United 
States.