13 CFR 142.38 – Can the administrative complaint be settled voluntarily?
(a) Parties may make offers of compromise or settlement at any time. Any compromise or settlement must be in writing.
Terms Used In 13 CFR 142.38
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
(b) The reviewing official has the exclusive authority to compromise or settle the case from the date on which the reviewing official is permitted to issue a complaint until the ALJ issues an initial decision.
(c) The Administrator has exclusive authority to compromise or settle the case from the date of the ALJ’s initial decision until initiation of any judicial review or any action to collect the penalties and assessments.
(d) The Attorney General has exclusive authority to compromise or settle the case while any judicial review or any action to recover penalties and assessments is pending.
(e) The investigating official may recommend settlement terms to the reviewing official, the Administrator, or the Attorney General, as appropriate. The reviewing official may recommend settlement terms to the Administrator or the Attorney General, as appropriate.