transferred, OPM may agree, on request of the transferee and if necessary to accomplish the financing, and on conditions as he deems appropriate, to subordinate a right of reversion to the lien of a mortgage or other encumbrance.

(b) Assurances from government agencies. In the case of an application from a department, agency, or office of a State or local government for Federal financial assistance for a specified purpose, the assurance required by this section shall extend to any other department, agency, or office of the same governmental unit if the policies of the other department, agency, or office will substantially affect the project for which Federal financial assistance is requested. That requirement may be waived by the responsible OPM official if the applicant establishes, to the satisfaction of the responsible OPM official, that the practices in other agencies or parts or programs of the governmental unit will in no way affect (1) its practices in the program for which Federal financial assistance is sought, or (2) the beneficiaries of or participants in or persons affected by the program, or (3) full compliance with this subpart as respects the program.

(c) Assurance from academic and other institutions. (1) In the case of an application for Federal financial assistance by an academic institution, the assurance required by this section extends to admission practices and to all other practices relating to the treatment of students.

(2) The assurance required by an academic institution, detention or correctional facility, or any other institution or facility, relating to the institution's practices with respect to admission or other treatment of individuals as students, patients, wards, inmates, persons subject to control, or clients of the institution or facility or to the opportunity to participate in the provision of services, disposition, treatment, or benefits to these individuals, is applicable to the entire institution or facility unless the applicant establishes, to the satisfaction of the responsible OPM official, that the practices in designated parts or programs of the institution or facility will in no way affect its practices in the program of the in

stitution or facility for which Federal financial assistance is sought, or the beneficiaries of or participants in the program. If the assistance sought is for the construction of a facility or part of a facility, the assurance shall extend to the entire facility and to facilities operated in connection therewith.

(d) Continuing State programs. Every application by a State or a State agency to carry out a program involving continuing Federal financial assistance to which this subpart applies (including the programs listed in appendix A to this subpart) shall as a condition to its approval and the extension of Federal financial assistance pursuant to the application (1) contain or be accompanied by a statement that the program is (or, in the case of a new program, will be) conducted in compliance with the requirements imposed by or pursuant to this subpart, and (2) provide or be accompanied by provision for methods of administration for the program as are found by OPM to give reasonable guarantee that the applicant and all recipients of Federal financial assistance under the program will comply with the requirements imposed by or pursuant to this subpart.

§ 900.406 Compliance information.

(a) Cooperation and assistance. OPM, to the fullest extent practicable, shall seek the cooperation of recipients in obtaining compliance with this subpart and shall provide assistance and guidance to recipients to help them comply voluntarily with this subpart.

(b) Compliance reports. Each recipient shall keep records and submit to OPM timely, complete, and accurate compliance reports at the times, and in the form and containing the information OPM may determine necessary to enable it to ascertain whether the recipient has complied or is complying with this subpart. In the case of a program under which a primary recipient extends Federal financial assistance to other recipients, the other recipients shall also submit compliance reports to the primary recipient as may be necessary to enable the primary recipient to carry out its obligations under this subpart.

(c) Access to sources of information. Each recipient shall permit access by

OPM during normal business hours to its books, records, accounts, and other sources of information, and its facilities as may be pertinent to ascertain compliance with this subpart. When information required of a recipient is in the exclusive possession of another agency, institution, or person and this agency, institution, or person fails or refuses to furnish this information, the recipient shall so certify in its report and shall set forth what efforts it has made to obtain the information.

(d) Information to beneficiaries and participants. Each recipient shall make available to participants, beneficiaries, and other interested persons the information regarding the provisions of this subpart and its applicability to the program under which the recipient received Federal financial assistance, and make this information available to them in the manner, as OPM finds necessary, to apprise the persons of the protections against discrimination assured them by title VI and this subpart.

§ 900.407 Conduct of investigations.

(a) Periodic compliance reviews. OPM may from time to time review the practices of recipients to determine whether they are complying with this subpart.

(b) Complaints. Any person who believes himself or any specific class of persons to be subjected to discrimination prohibited by this subpart may by himself or by a representative file with the Director, Office of Personnel Management a written complaint. A complaint shall be filed not later than 90 days after the date of the alleged discrimination, unless the time for filing is extended by OPM.

(c) Investigations. OPM will make a prompt investigation whenever a compliance review, report, complaint, or other information indicates a possible failure to comply with this subpart. The investigation will include, when appropriate, a review of the pertinent practices and policies of the recipient, the circumstances under which the possible noncompliance with this subpart occurred, and other factors relevant to a determination as to whether the recipient has failed to comply with this subpart.

(d) Resolution of matters. (1) If an investigation pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section indicates a failure to comply with this subpart, OPM will so inform the recipient and the matter will be resolved by voluntary means whenever possible. If it has been determined that the matter cannot be resolved by voluntary means, action will be taken as provided for in §900.408.

(2) If an investigation does not warrant action pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this section, OPM will so inform, in writing, the recipient and the complainant, if any.

(e) Intimidatory or retaliatory acts prohibited. A recipient or other person shall not intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against an individual for the purpose of interfering with a right or privilege secured by section 601 of title VI or this subpart, or because he has made a complaint, testified, assisted, or participated in any manner in an investigation, proceeding, or hearing under this subpart. The identity of complainants shall be kept confidential; except to the extent necessary to carry out the purposes of this subpart, including the conduct of an investigation, hearing, or judicial proceeding arising thereunder.

§ 900.408 Procedure for effecting compliance.

(a) General. (1) If there appears to be a failure or threatened failure to comply with this subpart, and if the noncompliance or threatened noncompliance cannot be corrected by informal means, compliance with this subpart may be effected by the suspension or termination of or refusal to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance or by other means authorized by law.

(2) Other means may include, but are not limited to, (i) a reference to the Department of Justice with a recommendation that appropriate proceedings be brought to enforce the rights of the United States under a law of the United States (including other titles of the Civil Rights Act of 1964), or an assurance or other contractual undertaking, and (ii) an applicable proceeding under State or local law.

(b) Noncompliance with $900.405. If an applicant fails or refuses to furnish an assurance required under $900.405 or

otherwise fails or refuses to comply with a requirement imposed by or pursuant to that section, Federal financial assistance may be refused in accordance with the procedures of paragraph (c) of this section. OPM shall not be required to provide assistance in that case during the pendency of the administrative proceedings under this paragraph. Subject, however, to $900.412, OPM shall continue assistance during the pendency of the proceedings where the assistance is due and payable pursuant to an application approved prior to the effective date of this subpart.

(c) Termination of or refusal to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance. An order suspending, terminating, or refusing to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance shall not become effective until—

(1) OPM has advised the applicant or recipient of his failure to comply and has determined that compliance cannot be secured by informal voluntary means;

(2) There has been an express finding on the record, after opportunity for hearing, of a failure by the applicant or recipient to comply with a requirement imposed by or pursuant to this subpart;

(3) The action has been approved by the Office of Personnel Management pursuant to §900.410(e); and

(4) The expiration of 30 days after the Director, Office of Personnel Management has filed with the committee of the House and the committee of the Senate having legislative jurisdiction over the program involved, a full written report of the circumstances and the grounds for the action.

An action to suspend or terminate or refuse to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance shall be limited to the particular political entity, or part thereof, or other applicant or recipient as to whom a finding has been made and shall be limited in its effect to the particular program, or part thereof, in which the noncompliance has been so found.

(d) Other means authorized by law. An action to effect compliance with title VI by other means authorized by law shall not be taken by OPM until—

(1) OPM has determined that compliance cannot be secured by voluntary means;

(2) The recipient or other person has been notified of its failure to comply and of the action to be taken to effect compliance; and

(3) The expiration of at least 10 days from the mailing of a notice to the recipient or person. During this period of at least 10 days, additional efforts shall be made to persuade the recipient or other person to comply with the regulation and to take corrective action as may be appropriate.

§ 900.409 Hearings.

(a) Opportunity for hearing. When an opportunity for a hearing is required by $900.408(c), reasonable notice shall be given by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to the affected applicant or recipient. This notice shall advise the applicant or recipient of the action proposed to be taken, the specific provision under which the proposed action against it is to be taken, and the matters of fact or law asserted as the basis for this action, and either (1) fix a date not less than 20 days after the date of notice within which the applicant or recipient may request of OPM that the matter be scheduled for hearing or (2) advise the applicant or recipient that the matter in question has been set down for hearing at a stated time and place. The time and place so fixed shall be reasonable and subject to change for cause. The complainant, if any, shall be advised of the time and place of the hearing. An applicant or recipient may waive a hearing and submit written information and argument for the record. The failure of an applicant or recipient to request a hearing under this paragraph or to appear at a hearing for which a date has been set is deemed to be a waiver of the right to a hearing under section 602 of title VI and § 900.408(c) and consent to the making of a decision on the basis of the information as is available.

(b) Time and place of hearing. Hearings shall be held at the offices of OPM in Washington, DC, at a time fixed by OPM unless it determines that the convenience of the applicant or recipient or of OPM requires that another place be selected. Hearings shall be held before the Director of Office of Personnel Management, or at his/her discretion,

before a hearing examiner appointed in accordance with section 3105 of title 5, United States Code, or detailed under section 3344 of title 5, United States Code.

(c) Right to counsel. In all proceedings under this section, the applicant or recipient and OPM have the right to be represented by counsel.

(d) Procedures, evidence, and record. (1) The hearing, decision, and an administrative review thereof shall be conducted in conformity with sections 554 through 557 of title 5, United States Code, and in accordance with the rules of procedure as are proper (and not inconsistent with this section) relating to the conduct of the hearing, giving of notices subsequent to those provided for in paragraph (a) of this section, taking of testimony, exhibits, arguments and briefs, requests for findings, and other related matters. Both OPM and the applicant or recipient are entitled to introduce relevant evidence on the issues as stated in the notice for hearing or as determined by the officer conducting the hearing at the outset of or during the hearing.

(2) Technical rules of evidence do not apply to hearings conducted pursuant to this subpart, but rules or principles designed to assure production of the most credible evidence available and to subject testimony to test by cross-examination shall be applied where determined reasonably necessary by the officer conducting the hearing. The hearing officer may exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. Documents and other evidence offered or taken for the record shall be open to examination by the parties and opportunity shall be given to refute facts and arguments advanced on either side of the issues. A transcript shall be made of the oral evidence except to the extent the substance thereof is stipulated for the record. Decisions shall be based on the hearing record and written findings shall be made.

(e) Consolidated or joint hearings. In cases in which the same or related facts are asserted to constitute noncompliance with this subpart with respect to two or more programs to which this subpart applies, or noncompliance with this subpart and the

regulations of one or more other Federal departments or agencies issued under title VI, OPM may, by agreement with the other departments or agencies, when applicable, provide for the conduct of consolidated or joint hearings, and for the application to these hearings of rules or procedures not inconsistent with this subpart. Final decisions in these cases, insofar as this regulation is concerned, shall be made in accordance with §900.410.

§ 900.410 Decisions and notices.

(a) Procedure on decisions by hearing examiner. If the hearing is held by a hearing examiner, the hearing examiner shall either make an initial decision, if so authorized, or certify the entire record including his recommended findings and proposed decision to the Director of Office of Personnel Management, for a final decision, and a copy of the initial decision or certification shall be mailed to the applicant or recipient. When the initial decision is made by the hearing examiner, the applicant or recipient may, within 30 days after the mailing of a notice of initial decision, file with the Director of Office of Personnel Management his exceptions to the initial decision, with his reasons therefore. In the absence of exceptions, the Director, Office of Personnel Management may, on his/her own motion, within 45 days after the initial decision, serve on the applicant or recipient a notice that he/she will review the decision. On the filing of the exceptions or of notice of review, the Director, Office of Personnel Management shall review the initial decision and issue his/her own decision thereon including the reasons therefor. In the absence of either exceptions or a notice of review the initial decision, subject to paragraph (e) of this section, shall constitute the final decision of OPM.

(b) Decisions on record or review by the Office of Personnel Management. When a record is certified to the Office of Personnel Management for decision or the Office of Personnel Management reviews the decision of a hearing examiner pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, or when the Office of Personnel Management conducts the hearing, the applicant or recipient shall be given reasonable opportunity to file

with it briefs or other written statements of the recipient's contentions, and a written copy of the final decision of the Office of Personnel Management will be sent to the applicant or recipient and to the complainant, if any.

(c) Decisions on record where a hearing is waived. When a hearing is waived pursuant to §900.409, a decision shall be made by the Office of Personnel Management on the record and a written copy of the decision shall be sent to the applicant or recipient, and to the complainant, if any.

(d) Rulings required. Each decision of a hearing examiner or the Office of Personnel Management shall set forth a ruling on each finding, conclusion, or exception presented, and shall identify the requirement or requirements imposed by or pursuant to this subpart with which it is found that the applicant or recipient has failed to comply.

(e) Approval by OPM. A final decision by an official of OPM other than by the Director, which provides for the suspension or termination of, or the refusal to grant or continue Federal financial assistance, or the imposition of any other sanction available under this subpart or title VI, shall promptly be transmitted to the Director, Office of Personnel Management, who may approve the decision, vacate it, or remit or mitigate a sanction imposed.

(f) Content of orders. The final decision may provide for suspension or termination of, or refusal to grant or continue Federal financial assistance, in whole or in part, under the program involved, and may contain the terms, conditions, and other provisions as are consistent with and will effectuate the purposes of title VI and this subpart, including provisions designed to assure that Federal financial assistance will not thereafter be extended under the programs to the applicant or recipient determined by the decision to be in default in its performance of an assurance given by it under this subpart, or to have otherwise failed to comply with this subpart, unless and until it corrects its noncompliance and satisfies OPM that it will fully comply with this subpart.

(g) Post termination proceedings. (1) An applicant or recipient adversely affected by an order issued under para

graph (f) of this section shall be restored to full eligibility to receive Federal financial assistance if it satisfies the terms and conditions of the order for eligibility, or if it brings itself into compliance with this subpart and provides reasonable assurance that it will fully comply with this subpart.

(2) An applicant or recipient adversely affected by an order entered pursuant to paragraph (f) of this section may at any time request the Director, Office of Personnel Management to restore fully its eligibility to receive Federal financial assistance. A request shall be supported by information showing that the applicant or recipient has met the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section. If the Director, Office of Personnel Management determines that those requirements have been satisfied, he/she shall restore the eligibility.

(3) If OPM denies a request, the applicant or recipient may submit a request for hearing in writing, specifying why it believes OPM is in error. The applicant or recipient shall be given an expeditious hearing, with a decision on the record in accordance with the rules or procedures issued by OPM. The applicant or recipient shall be restored to eligibility if it proves at the hearing that it satisfied the requirements of paragraph (g)(1) of this section. While proceedings under this paragraph are pending, the sanctions imposed by the order issued under paragraph (f) of this section remain in effect.

§ 900.411 Judicial review.

Action taken pursuant to section 602 of title VI is subject to judicial review as provided in section 603 of title VI.

§ 900.412 Effect on other regulations, forms, and instructions.

(a) Effect on other regulations. Regulations, orders, or like directions issued before the effective date of this subpart by OPM which impose requirements designed to prohibit discrimination against individuals on the ground of race, color, or national origin under a program to which this subpart applies, and which authorizes the suspension or termination of or refusal to grant or to continue Federal financial assistance