[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 48, Volume 1] [Revised as of October 1, 2005] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 48CFR9.402] [Page 160-161] TITLE 48--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATIONS SYSTEM CHAPTER 1--FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION PART 9_CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS--Table of Contents Subpart 9.4_Debarment, Suspension, and Ineligibility Sec. 9.402 Policy. (a) Agencies shall solicit offers from, award contracts to, and consent to subcontracts with responsible contractors only. Debarment and suspension are discretionary actions that, taken in accordance with this subpart, are appropriate means to effectuate this policy. (b) The serious nature of debarment and suspension requires that these sanctions be imposed only in the public [[Page 161]] interest for the Government's protection and not for purposes of punishment. Agencies shall impose debarment or suspension to protect the Government's interest and only for the causes and in accordance with the procedures set forth in this subpart. (c) When more than one agency has an interest in the debarment or suspension of a contractor, consideration shall be given to designating one agency as the lead agency for making the decision. Agencies are encouraged to establish methods and procedures for coordinating their debarment or suspension actions. (d) Agencies shall establish appropriate procedures to implement the policies and procedures of this subpart. [48 FR 42142, Sept. 19, 1983, as amended at 54 FR 19814, May 8, 1989]