§ 1943.137 - Monitoring compliance and penalty for noncompliance.

(a) FSA monitoring. FSA will monitor compliance of the Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance projects through the reports received in accordance with § 1943.128 of this subpart, through information received from field offices and the public, and may include on-site visits to observe the operation and administration of the program.

(b) Audits. Recipients are subject to the audit requirements of 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3016. An audit report will be submitted to the State Office annually in accordance with OMB Circular A-128, A-110, or A-133, whichever is applicable. The State Office will forward the audit to the National Office Project Manager, within 30 days after receipt, with the State Office's comments and recommendations.

(c) Penalty for noncompliance. If the Administrator determines that a Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance project does not meet or no longer meets the objective of the program, that there has been a violation of the cooperative or other agreement, that reporting requirements are not being met, or that funds are not being used only for the operation and administration of the Small Farmer Outreach Training and Technical Assistance Program, the awarding official is authorized to impose any penalties or sanctions established in 7 CFR parts 3015 and 3016. Penalties may include withholding payments, suspension of the cooperative agreement or other agreement, or termination for cause. If a penalty for noncompliance is enforced, the reason(s) will be stated in a letter to the recipient along with appeal rights pursuant to subpart B of part 1900 of this chapter.