§ 36.233 - Assumption and reassumption of contract programs.

(a) When the Director or his delegate determines that the performance of a contractor under these regulations involves (1) the violation of the rights or endangerment of the health, safety, or welfare or any persons, or (2) gross negligence or the mismanagement in the handling or use of funds under the contract, he will, in writing, notify the contractor of such determination and will request that the contractor take such corrective action within such period of time as the Director or his delegate may prescribe.

(b) When the Director or his delegate determines that a contractor has not taken corrective action (as prescribed by him under paragraph (a) of this section) to his satisfaction, he may, after the contractor has been provided an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section, rescind the contract in whole or in part and, if he deems it appropriate, assume or resume control or operation of the program, activity, or service involved.

(c)(1) When the Director or his delegate has made a determination described in paragraph (b) of this section, he shall in writing notify the contractor of such determination and of the contractor's right to request a review of such determination and of the determination described in paragraph (a) of this section. Such notification by the Director or his delegate shall set forth the reasons for the determination in sufficient detail to enable the contractor to respond and shall inform the contractor of its right to a hearing on the record before a Contract Appeals Board described in paragraph (d) of this section. Upon the request of the contractor for a hearing, the Board, established pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section shall in writing within 10 days of the establishment notify the contractor of the time, place and date of the hearing which will be held not later than 45 days after the request for a hearing.

(2) Where the Director or his delegate determines that a contractor's performance under a contract awarded under this subpart poses an immediate threat to the safety of any person, he may immediately rescind the contract in whole or in part and, if he deems it appropriate, assume or resume control or operation of the program, activity, or service involved. Upon such a decision he will immediately notify the contractor of such action and the basis therefor; and offer the contractor an opportunity for a hearing on the record before the Contract Appeals Board established pursuant to paragraph (d) of this section to be held within 10 days of each action.

(d)(1) The Contract Appeals Board shall be composed of 3 persons appointed by the Director, Indian Health Service. Such persons may not be selected from the immediate office of any person participating in the determinations at issue. The Board shall afford the contractor the right:

(i) To notice of the issues to be considered;

(ii) To be represented by counsel;

(iii) To present witnesses on contractor's behalf;

(iv) To cross-examine other witnesses either orally or through written interrogatories; and

(v) To compel the appearance of Indian Health Service personnel or to take depositions of such persons at reasonable times and places.

(2) The Contracts Appeals Board shall make an initial written decision which shall become final with 20 days unless the Director, Indian Health Service or his representative modifies or reverses the decision. Any such decision by the Director of the Indian Health Service or his representative be in writing, shall be specific as to the reasons for such decision, and shall be considered final.

(3) Where Board is considering issues arising under paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the Board shall within 25 days after the conclusion of the hearing, notify all parties in writing of its decision, which shall be considered final.

(e) In any case where the officer has rescinded a contract under paragraphs (b) or (d) of this section, he may decline to enter into a new contract agreement with the contractor until such time as he is satisfied that the basis for the recission has been corrected.

Nothing in this section shall be construed as contravening the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1590), as amended (29 U.S.C. 651).