§ 17.100 - Scope.

(a) The standards set forth in §§17.100 through 17.118 are the Department's procedures for the collection of money owed to the government by means of administrative offset. These procedures apply to the collection of debts as authorized by common law, by 31 U.S.C. 3716, or under other statutory authority. These procedures will not be used when a statute provides its own collection procedure, for procedures for grant reduction as a remedial action in grant programs (including the CDBG program), when explicitly prohibited by a statute, or when the United States has a judgment against the debtor. Unless otherwise provided for by statute, these procedures do not apply to an agency of the United States, a State government, or unit of general local government. In addition, these procedures do not apply to debts arising under the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 1–9602), the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 301–1397f), or the tariff laws of the United States.

(b) The Secretary will use administrative offset to collect claims which are certain in amount in every instance in which collection is determined to be feasible and not prohibited by law. The Secretary will determine feasibility on a case-by-case basis, exercising sound discretion. In determining feasibility the Secretary will consider:

(1) The debtor's financial condition;

(2) Whether offset would substantially interfere with or defeat the purposes of the program authorizing the payments against which offset is contemplated; and

(3) Whether offset best serves to further and protect all of the interests of the United States.