98-32479. Barring Delinquent Debtors From Obtaining Federal Loans or Loan Insurance or Guarantees  

  • [Federal Register Volume 63, Number 235 (Tuesday, December 8, 1998)]
    [Rules and Regulations]
    [Pages 67754-67758]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 98-32479]
    
    
    
    [[Page 67753]]
    
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    Part III
    
    
    
    
    
    Department of the Treasury
    
    
    
    
    
    _______________________________________________________________________
    
    
    
    Fiscal Service
    
    
    
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    31 CFR Part 285
    
    
    
    Barring Delinquent Debtors From Obtaining Federal Loans or Loan 
    Insurance or Guarantees; Final Rule
    
    Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 235 / Tuesday, December 8, 1998 / 
    Rules and Regulations
    
    [[Page 67754]]
    
    
    
    DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
    
    Fiscal Service
    
    31 CFR Part 285
    
    RIN 1510-AA71
    
    
    Barring Delinquent Debtors From Obtaining Federal Loans or Loan 
    Insurance or Guarantees
    
    AGENCY: Financial Management Service, Fiscal Service, Treasury.
    
    ACTION: Final rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA) mandated a 
    new eligibility requirement for persons seeking Federal financial 
    assistance, namely that delinquent Federal debtors are ineligible for 
    Federal direct and indirect loan assistance (other than disaster 
    loans). On April 22, 1998, the Financial Management Service issued a 
    notice of proposed rulemaking proposing rules to define when a debt is 
    in delinquent status and when a delinquency is resolved for purposes of 
    determining whether the DCIA bars a person from receiving financial 
    assistance. The notice of proposed rulemaking also proposed rules 
    governing when the Secretary of the Treasury may exempt a class of 
    delinquent debts from affecting a debtor's loan eligibility, and 
    proposed factors for authorized agency officials to consider when 
    deciding whether to waive the DCIA eligibility requirement. This final 
    rule finalizes the proposed rule, with changes, and addresses issues 
    raised in comments received on the notice of proposed rulemaking.
    
    EFFECTIVE DATE: January 7, 1999.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Gerry Isenberg, Financial Program 
    Specialist, at (202) 874-6859; Ellen Neubauer or Randall Lewis, Senior 
    Attorneys, at (202) 874-6680. A copy of this final rule is being made 
    available for downloading from the Financial Management Service web 
    site at the following address: http://www.fms.treas.gov/debt.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        Section 31001(j)(1) of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 
    (DCIA), Pub. L. 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321-358 (Apr. 26, 1996), codified 
    at 31 U.S.C. 3720B (section 3720B), provides that a person owing a 
    delinquent nontax debt to the Federal Government is ineligible for 
    Federal financial assistance in the form of a loan (other than a 
    disaster loan) or loan insurance or guarantee. The head of an agency 
    that administers a Federal financial assistance program may waive this 
    provision. The waiver authority may be delegated only to the agency's 
    Chief Financial Officer or Deputy Chief Financial Officer. In addition, 
    the Secretary of the Treasury may exempt any class of debts from 
    affecting a person's eligibility for receiving financial assistance.
        The DCIA requires the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe 
    standards under which agencies will determine whether a person has an 
    outstanding delinquent debt that would trigger the DCIA bar to Federal 
    financial assistance. As the lead agency for the collection of 
    delinquent nontax debt in the Federal Government, the Financial 
    Management Service (FMS), a bureau of the Department of the Treasury, 
    is responsible for promulgating the regulations governing this and 
    other provisions of the DCIA. This final rule defines when a debt is in 
    delinquent status and when the delinquency is resolved for purposes of 
    determining whether the DCIA bars a person from receiving financial 
    assistance. This final rule also prescribes standards under which a 
    Treasury exemption may be granted and sets forth factors for an agency 
    to consider when deciding whether an agency waiver is appropriate.
    
    Summary of Comments
    
        On April 22, 1998, FMS published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in 
    the Federal Register (63 FR 20006) entitled ``Barring Delinquent 
    Debtors from Obtaining Federal Loans or Loan Insurance or Guarantees.'' 
    FMS received written comments from three Federal agencies, two 
    financial institutions, and one university.
    
    Delinquency Standards
    
        One commenter recommended that determinations of delinquency and 
    resolutions of defaults be made based on existing eligibility criteria 
    under applicable program specific statutes and regulations. Another 
    commenter suggested that individual creditor agencies be allowed to 
    determine when its debts are sufficiently delinquent for purposes of 
    barring a debtor from obtaining additional Federal financial 
    assistance. A third commenter recommended that the rule authorize 
    credit-granting agencies to determine when debt reported as delinquent 
    by a creditor agency is sufficiently delinquent to warrant 
    ineligibility for assistance.
        The DCIA created a new eligibility requirement applicable to all 
    Federal financial assistance programs and directed the Secretary of the 
    Treasury to issue government-wide standards for determining when a debt 
    is delinquent for purposes of barring delinquent debtors from obtaining 
    additional Federal financial assistance. Thus, as required by the DCIA, 
    the final rule retains uniform government-wide guidelines. While 
    government-wide standards apply to this particular eligibility 
    criteria, nothing in this rule precludes an agency from setting its own 
    standards with regard to other eligibility criteria applicable to a 
    specific program. Paragraph 285.13(b)(3) specifically states that 
    nothing in this rule requires an agency to grant Federal financial 
    assistance if denial otherwise is authorized by statute, regulation or 
    agency policies and procedures. For instance, if a delinquent debt is 
    resolved in accordance with paragraph 285.13(e), an agency still may 
    deny an application if the applicant fails to meet other requirements 
    imposed under a specific program. Additionally, under the DCIA and in 
    accordance with paragraph 285.13(g) of this rule, agencies also may 
    waive the requirements of this section under appropriate circumstances.
    
    Application of This Rule to Financial Institutions
    
        One commenter requested clarification on whether the regulation 
    applies to parties other than Federal agencies, such as financial 
    institutions which issue loans which are federally insured or 
    guaranteed. Another commenter suggested that the rule be clarified with 
    regard to who has the responsibility for determining whether a 
    prospective borrower is delinquent, and whether a delinquent debt has 
    been resolved.
        This rule applies to Federal loans, loan insurance and loan 
    guarantees. The responsibilities of financial institutions that issue 
    federally guaranteed or insured loans continue to be governed by 
    program specific statutes, regulations, and agency policies and 
    procedures, as well as individual agreements between agencies and 
    lenders. Federal agencies will have to ensure that such regulations, 
    policies and procedures, and agreements address the eligibility 
    requirements of the DCIA and this regulation.
    
    Application of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act
    
        One commenter asked whether protected classes comprise a 
    significant number of delinquent debtors impacted by this rule, and 
    expressed concern that denial of credit under this rule might violate 
    the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
    
    [[Page 67755]]
    
        The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits a creditor from 
    discriminating against an applicant on a prohibited basis regarding any 
    aspect of a credit transaction. The fact that an applicant owes a 
    delinquent debt to the United States is not a prohibited basis. See 12 
    CFR 202.2 (Regulation B). Even if the effect of the DCIA and this rule 
    would be to disadvantage protected classes, as a general matter, a 
    lender acting pursuant to a regulation or statute when denying credit 
    would have a non-discriminatory business reason for doing so. 
    Consequently, compliance with the DCIA and this rule does not, in and 
    of itself, constitute a violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.
    
    Application of the Fair Credit Reporting Act
    
        Another commenter expressed concern that, under the Fair Credit 
    Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. 1681, lenders would be unable to obtain credit 
    reports relating to the status of loans for which an applicant is a 
    guarantor. While the commenter is correct, for purposes of the bar 
    imposed by the DCIA and this rule, the fact that an applicant is a 
    guarantor on another loan is irrelevant unless the applicant/guarantor 
    becomes responsible for repaying the loan and subsequently becomes 
    delinquent. In the event the applicant/guarantor does become 
    responsible for the loan, any delinquency should appear on the 
    applicant's credit report.
    
    Section 285.13(a)  Definitions
    
        One commenter requested that the definition of Federal financial 
    assistance or financial assistance be revised to specifically include 
    price support loans with non-recourse provisions issued by the 
    Commodity Credit Corporation of the Department of Agriculture. The 
    definition of ``Federal financial assistance'' or ``financial 
    assistance'' includes all loans (other than disaster loans), including 
    non-recourse loans. Therefore, because price support loans are a type 
    of loan already covered by the definition, a specific reference to one 
    type of loan is not necessary.
    
    Section 285.13(b)  Purpose and Scope
    
        One commenter requested that the rule be revised to include 
    guidance regarding whether a person, such as a corporation, would be 
    barred from obtaining Federal financial assistance where the 
    corporation seeking Federal financial assistance is not a delinquent 
    debtor, but a person with a controlling interest in the corporation, 
    such as an officer, director, or shareholder, is a delinquent debtor. 
    In response, FMS has revised the rule to clarify that a person seeking 
    Federal financial assistance may be ineligible for such financial 
    assistance if that person either controls or is controlled by a person 
    who owes a delinquent nontax debt to the United States. Whether or not 
    a person controls or is controlled by a delinquent debtor and the 
    extent to which such person is ineligible for Federal financial 
    assistance is to be determined in accordance with standards and 
    procedures established by the credit granting agency. See paragraph 
    285.13(c)(2).
        Another commenter asked whether this rule applies to applicants for 
    Federal grants. The DCIA defines Federal financial assistance as any 
    loan (other than a disaster loan), loan insurance or loan guarantee. 
    Thus this rule does not apply to applicants for grants.
    
    Section 285.13(c)  General Rule
    
        FMS received several comments regarding the methods to determine 
    whether an applicant has delinquent Federal debts that bar the 
    applicant from obtaining new Federal financial assistance. Commenters 
    suggested that the list of possible sources of information included in 
    the preamble to the proposed rule be added to the text of the final 
    rule. FMS has incorporated this suggestion. Commenters also suggested 
    that the list be expanded to include FMS' delinquent debtor database. 
    FMS is resolving legal and technical issues involved in making the 
    information contained in FMS' delinquent debtor database available to 
    Federal agencies. Thus, although not currently available, we anticipate 
    that FMS' database will be available in the future as one of many 
    sources of information concerning delinquent debtors. A commenter also 
    suggested that the rule require applications for Federal financial 
    assistance to include a self-certification, under penalty of perjury, 
    by which applicants would be required to list outstanding obligations 
    to the Federal government and whether such obligations were current. 
    FMS agrees that a self-certification could assist in identifying 
    delinquent debtors and recommends that agencies adopt this approach. A 
    mandatory self-certification requirement is not included in this rule 
    because loan application procedures are established by the credit-
    granting agency.
        Two agencies requested clarification regarding the meaning of the 
    term ``guarantor'' for purposes of this rule. The reference to 
    ``guarantor'' in Sec. 285.13(c)(1) of the final rule is intended to 
    cover credit applicants who owe delinquent debt as a result of an 
    obligation to pay under a guaranty. Once the guarantor's obligation to 
    pay is triggered and the obligation is not paid in accordance with the 
    terms and conditions of the guaranty, the defaulted obligation would be 
    an outstanding debt in delinquent status.
        The DCIA bar also applies if the entity seeking to guarantee a loan 
    is a delinquent debtor since the entity seeking to guarantee a loan may 
    ultimately become obligated for repayment of the loan. Therefore, a 
    person owing a delinquent debt is ineligible for additional Federal 
    financial assistance whether applying for such assistance as a direct 
    borrower or as a guarantor.
        As noted above, one commenter requested that the rule be revised to 
    include guidance under circumstances where an applicant for Federal 
    financial assistance controls or is controlled by a delinquent debtor. 
    A new paragraph has been added to Sec. 285.13(c) clarifying that an 
    agency may, under standards issued by the agency, deny Federal 
    financial assistance to persons who control or are controlled by a 
    delinquent debtor.
    
    Section 285.13(d)  Delinquent Status
    
        Several commenters objected to the proposed standards in 
    Sec. 285.13(d)(1) under which a debt would be in delinquent status if 
    not paid by the payment due date. Commenters pointed out that under the 
    standards contained in the proposed rule, a debt on which a payment was 
    one day late would be considered a debt in delinquent status. Under 
    such a standard agencies would have no practical way to determine if a 
    debt was delinquent nor any way to distinguish between payments which 
    are merely late (or timely payments which are posted late) and those 
    which are seriously delinquent. Additionally, commenters noted that 
    being a day late on a single payment was not a valid indication of 
    credit worthiness.
        In response to these comments, Sec. 285.13(d)(1) of the final rule 
    is revised to provide that a debt is delinquent for purposes of barring 
    additional Federal financial assistance when the debt has not been paid 
    within 90 days of the due date. FMS agrees that agencies may have no 
    practical way of knowing about a debt which is less than 90 days past-
    due. Credit granting agencies will rely on credit reports as a way to 
    determine that an applicant owes a delinquent debt to the United 
    States. Federal agencies must give debtors at least 60 days notice 
    before reporting a debt to a consumer credit bureau. Thus, providing 
    that a debt is not in delinquent status for purposes of this
    
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    rule until it is 90 days past-due allows sufficient time for the debt 
    to be reported to a credit bureau.
        Additionally, the 90-day period ensures that only those debtors 
    owing debts in delinquent status, and not debtors whose payments are 
    late or untimely posted, will be denied financial assistance as 
    required by the DCIA. Consistent with standard lending practices which 
    classify a loan as non-performing when the loan is 90 days past-due, 
    the final rule classifies a debt as being in a delinquent status when 
    the debt is 90 days past-due. See, e.g., 12 CFR 933.1(u), 26 CFR 1.585-
    6(d)(iii)(A). The 90-day provision protects against an applicant being 
    denied financial assistance merely because of a late payment or an 
    untimely posting. At the same time the rule furthers the intent of the 
    DCIA to reduce losses by screening potential borrowers.
        As noted in the preamble to the proposed rule, nothing in this rule 
    defines the term ``delinquent'' for any purpose other than the 
    application of section 3720B of the DCIA and this rule. In addition, 
    nothing in this rule precludes a credit-granting agency from denying 
    loans if an applicant owes a delinquent debt which is less than 90 days 
    past-due if otherwise authorized.
    
    Section 285.13(e)  Delinquency Resolution
    
        One commenter suggested that the rule be revised to clarify the 
    difference between portions of debt that have been written-off after a 
    compromise, and debts that have been written-off because they were 
    uncollectible. Under Sec. 285.13(e)(2), a delinquent debt which has 
    been written off is not considered resolved unless the provisions of 
    paragraph (e)(1) apply. Under paragraph (e)(1), a debt is resolved if a 
    compromise amount has been paid in full. Thus, where a debt has been 
    compromised and the debtor pays the full compromised amount, the 
    compromised portion of the debt which has been written-off is not in 
    delinquent status. Clarifying language has been added to paragraph 
    (e)(2) of the final rule.
        Another commenter suggested that the rule be revised to include a 
    requirement that a lender determine whether an applicant is in default 
    on a repayment agreement before approving additional Federal financial 
    assistance. The rule does not need to be revised because 
    Sec. 285.13(d)(1) addresses this concern. The definition of delinquent 
    status in Sec. 285.13(d)(1) of the final rule provides that a debt is 
    delinquent if not paid within 90 days of the due date. Due date is 
    defined in that paragraph as the date specified in, among other things, 
    an applicable agreement, including a post-delinquency repayment 
    agreement. Therefore, the rule does require that Federal financial 
    assistance be denied if a repayment agreement is in a delinquent 
    status.
    
    Section 285.13(f)  Exemptions by the Secretary
    
        One commenter suggested that the language of the proposed rule be 
    revised to clarify whether, under Sec. 285.13(f), exemptions may be 
    requested by both the credit-granting agency and/or the creditor 
    agency. In response to this comment, paragraph 285.13(f) has been 
    revised to clearly state that requests for exemptions may be made only 
    by ``creditor'' agencies. Because the authority of the Secretary to 
    grant exemptions in 31 U.S.C. 3720B(a) is limited to classes of debt, 
    only the agency which holds the debt, i.e., the creditor agency, may 
    request such exemptions. Section 285.13(g) governs the authority of 
    credit-granting agencies to waive the ineligibility requirement 
    contained in the DCIA on a person by person basis under appropriate 
    circumstances.
    
    Regulatory Analysis
    
        This final rule is not a significant regulatory action as defined 
    in Executive Order 12866. It is hereby certified that this rule will 
    not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
    entities. The basis for this certification is that the DCIA provides 
    that entities owing delinquent debt to the Federal Government are 
    ineligible for Federal direct and indirect loan assistance (other than 
    disaster loans). This final rule provides definitions for purposes of 
    determining whether the DCIA mandate applies. Therefore a regulatory 
    flexibility analysis is not required.
    
    List of Subjects in 31 CFR Part 285
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Credit, Debt, Loan programs.
    
    Authority and Issuance
    
        For the reasons set forth in the preamble, 31 CFR part 285 is 
    amended as follows:
    
        1. The authority citation for part 285 is revised to read as 
    follows:
    
        Authority: 26 U.S.C. 6402; 31 U.S.C. 321, 3701, 3711, 3716, 
    3720A, 3720B, 3720D; E.O. 13019; 3 CFR, 1996 Comp., p. 216.
    
        2. Section 285.13 is added to subpart B to read as follows:
    
    
    Sec. 285.13  Barring delinquent debtors from obtaining federal loans or 
    loan insurance or guarantees.
    
        (a) Definitions. For purposes of this section:
        Agency means a department, agency, court, court administrative 
    office, or instrumentality in the executive, judicial, or legislative 
    branch of the Federal Government, including government corporations.
        Creditor agency means any Federal agency that is owed a debt.
        Debt means any amount of money, funds or property that has been 
    determined by an appropriate official of the Federal Government to be 
    owed to the United States or an agency thereof by a person, including 
    debt administered by a third party as an agent for the Federal 
    Government.
        Federal financial assistance or financial assistance means any 
    Federal loan (other than a disaster loan), loan insurance, or loan 
    guarantee.
        FMS means the Financial Management Service, a bureau of the 
    Department of the Treasury.
        Nontax debt means any debt other than a debt under the Internal 
    Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).
        Person means an individual, corporation, partnership, association, 
    organization, State or local government, or any other type of entity 
    other than a Federal agency.
        Secretary means the Secretary of the Treasury.
        (b) Purpose and scope. (1) This section prescribes standards for 
    determining whether an outstanding nontax debt owed to the Federal 
    Government is in delinquent status and whether such delinquency is 
    resolved for the purpose of denying Federal financial assistance to a 
    debtor. In addition, this section prescribes the circumstances under 
    which the Secretary may exempt a class of debts from affecting a 
    debtor's loan eligibility. This section also outlines the factors an 
    agency should consider when determining whether waiver of the general 
    rule in paragraph (c) of this section is appropriate.
        (2) Additional guidance concerning debt collection and debt 
    management is provided in ``Managing Federal Receivables'' and other 
    FMS publications.
        (3) Nothing in this section requires an agency to grant Federal 
    financial assistance if denial otherwise is authorized by statute, 
    regulation, or agency policies and procedures. For example, if an 
    agency requires borrowers to have a satisfactory credit history, the 
    agency may deny financial
    
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    assistance even if a delinquent debt has been resolved.
        (4) This section does not confer any new rights or benefits on 
    persons seeking Federal financial assistance.
        (5) This section applies to any person owing delinquent nontax debt 
    and to any agency that administers a program that grants Federal 
    financial assistance.
        (c) General rule. (1) As required by the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 
    3720B, a person owing an outstanding nontax debt that is in delinquent 
    status shall not be eligible for Federal financial assistance. This 
    eligibility requirement applies to all persons seeking Federal 
    financial assistance and owing an outstanding nontax debt in delinquent 
    status, including, but not limited to, guarantors. This eligibility 
    requirement applies to all Federal financial assistance even if 
    creditworthiness or credit history is not otherwise a factor for 
    eligibility purposes, e.g., student loans. A person may be eligible for 
    Federal financial assistance only after the delinquency is resolved in 
    accordance with this section. An agency may waive this eligibility 
    requirement in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.
        (2) An agency from which a person seeks Federal financial 
    assistance may determine, under standards issued by the agency, that a 
    person is ineligible for Federal financial assistance under this 
    section if:
        (i) The person is controlled by a person owing an outstanding 
    nontax debt that is in delinquent status (e.g., a corporation is 
    controlled by an officer, director, or shareholder who owes a debt); or
        (ii) The person controls a person owing an outstanding nontax debt 
    that is in delinquent status (e.g., a corporation controls a wholly-
    owned or partially-owned subsidiary which owes a debt).
        (3) A creditor agency may obtain information concerning whether or 
    not a person seeking Federal financial assistance owes a delinquent 
    debt from, among other sources, credit reports, information contained 
    on credit applications, and the Department of Housing and Urban 
    Development's Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System (CAIVRS). 
    For information about participating in the CAIVRS program, agencies 
    should contact the Director of Information Resources Management, Policy 
    and Management Division, Office of Information Technology, Department 
    of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 
    20410.
        (d) Delinquent status. (1) Except as otherwise provided in 
    paragraph (d)(2) of this section, a debt is in ``delinquent status'' 
    for purposes of this section if the debt has not been paid within 90 
    days of the payment due date. The payment due date is the date 
    specified in the creditor agency's initial written demand for payment 
    or applicable agreement or instrument (including a post-delinquency 
    repayment agreement).
        (2) For purposes of this section, a debt is not in delinquent 
    status if:
        (i) The person seeking Federal financial assistance has been 
    released by the creditor agency from any obligation to pay the debt, or 
    there has been an adjudication or determination that such person does 
    not owe or does not have to pay the debt;
        (ii) The debtor is the subject of, or has been discharged in, a 
    bankruptcy proceeding, and if applicable, the person seeking Federal 
    financial assistance is current on any court authorized repayment plan; 
    or
        (iii) The existence of the debt or the agency's determination that 
    the debt is delinquent is being challenged under an ongoing 
    administrative appeal or contested judicial proceeding and the appeal 
    was filed by the debtor in a timely manner. Unless otherwise 
    prohibited, an agency may defer making a determination as to whether or 
    not to extend credit until the appeal process is completed.
        (3) Unless the provisions of paragraph (d)(2) apply, a debt is in 
    delinquent status even if the creditor agency has suspended or 
    terminated collection activity with respect to such debt. For example, 
    a delinquent nontax debt that has been written off the books of the 
    creditor agency or reported to the Internal Revenue Service as 
    discharged (i.e., canceled) is in delinquent status for purposes of 
    this section.
        (4) Nothing in this section defines the terms ``delinquent'' or 
    ``delinquent status'' for any purposes other than those described in 
    this section.
        (e) Delinquency resolution. (1) For purposes of this section, a 
    person's delinquent debt is resolved only if the person:
        (i) Pays or otherwise satisfies the delinquent debt in full;
        (ii) Pays the delinquent debt in part if the creditor agency 
    accepts such part payment as a compromise in lieu of payment in full;
        (iii) Cures the delinquency under terms acceptable to the creditor 
    agency in that the person pays any overdue payments, plus all interest, 
    penalties, late charges, and administrative charges assessed by the 
    creditor agency as a result of the delinquency; or
        (iv) Enters into a written repayment agreement with the creditor 
    agency to pay the debt, in whole or in part, under terms and conditions 
    acceptable to the creditor agency.
        (2) Unless the provisions of paragraph (e)(1) of this section 
    apply, a delinquent debt is not resolved even if the creditor agency 
    has suspended or terminated collection activity with respect to such 
    debt. For example, a delinquent nontax debt that has been written off 
    the books of the creditor agency or reported to the Internal Revenue 
    Service as discharged (i.e., canceled) would not be ``resolved.'' If 
    the provisions of paragraph (e)(1) of this section do apply, a 
    delinquent debt is considered resolved. For example, if a portion of a 
    debt has been written off after the person has paid the debt in part 
    where the creditor agency accepts such part payment as a compromise in 
    lieu of payment in full, the entire debt would be deemed ``resolved'' 
    for purposes of this section in accordance with paragraph (e)(1)(ii) of 
    this section.
        (f) Exemptions by the Secretary. (1) Upon the written request and 
    recommendation of the head of the creditor agency to which a class of 
    debts is owed, the Secretary may exempt any class of debts from 
    affecting a debtor's eligibility for Federal financial assistance based 
    on the provisions of 31 U.S.C. 3720B and this section.
        (2) The creditor agency recommending an exemption for a class of 
    debts will provide the Secretary with information about:
        (i) The nature of the program under which the delinquencies have 
    arisen;
        (ii) The number, dollar amount, and age of the debts in the program 
    for which exemption is recommended;
        (iii) The reasons why an exemption is justified, including why the 
    granting of financial assistance to persons owing the type of debt for 
    which exemption is requested would not be contrary to the Government's 
    goal to reduce losses by requiring proper screening of potential 
    borrowers; and,
        (iv) Other information the Secretary deems necessary to consider 
    the exemption request.
        (3) The Secretary may exempt a class of debts if exemption is in 
    the best interests of the Federal Government.
        (g) Waivers by the agency. (1) The head of an agency from which a 
    person seeks to obtain Federal financial assistance may waive the 
    eligibility requirement described in paragraph (c) of this section. 
    Waivers shall be granted only on a person by person basis. The head of 
    the agency may delegate the waiver authority only to the Chief 
    Financial Officer of the agency. The Chief Financial Officer may 
    redelegate the authority only to the Deputy Chief Financial Officer of 
    the agency.
    
    [[Page 67758]]
    
        (2) The authorized agency official should balance the following 
    factors when deciding whether to grant a waiver under paragraph (g)(1) 
    of this section:
        (i) Whether the denial of the financial assistance to the person 
    would tend to interfere substantially with or defeat the purposes of 
    the financial assistance program or otherwise would not be in the best 
    interests of the Federal Government; and
        (ii) Whether the agency's granting of the financial assistance to 
    the person is contrary to the Government's goal to reduce losses from 
    debt management activities by requiring proper screening of potential 
    borrowers.
        (3) When balancing the factors described in paragraph (d)(2) of 
    this section, the authorized agency official should consider:
        (i) The age, amount, and cause(s) of the delinquency and the 
    likelihood that the person will resolve the delinquent debt; and
        (ii) The amount of total debt, delinquent or otherwise, owed by the 
    person and the person's credit history with respect to repayment of 
    debt.
        (4) Each agency shall retain a centralized record of the number and 
    type of waivers granted under this section.
        (h) Effect of denial of Federal financial assistance. Nothing 
    contained in this section precludes a person who has been denied 
    Federal financial assistance from obtaining such assistance after that 
    person's delinquent debt has been resolved in accordance with paragraph 
    (e)(1) of this section.
    
        Dated: December 2, 1998.
    Richard L. Gregg,
    Commissioner.
    [FR Doc. 98-32479 Filed 12-7-98; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4810-35-P
    
    
    

Document Information

Effective Date:
1/7/1999
Published:
12/08/1998
Department:
Fiscal Service
Entry Type:
Rule
Action:
Final rule.
Document Number:
98-32479
Dates:
January 7, 1999.
Pages:
67754-67758 (5 pages)
RINs:
1510-AA71: Barring Delinquent Debtors From Obtaining Federal Financial Assistance in the Form of Loans or Loan Guarantees
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1510-AA71/barring-delinquent-debtors-from-obtaining-federal-financial-assistance-in-the-form-of-loans-or-loan-
PDF File:
98-32479.pdf
CFR: (2)
31 CFR 285.13(d)(1)
31 CFR 285.13