§ 17.79 Administrative actions for nonpayment of debt.

(a) Referrals for nonpayment of debt. When a contractor, grantee, or other participant in a program sponsored by HUD, fails to pay its debt to HUD within a reasonable time after demand, HUD shall take such measures to: (1) Refer such contractor, grantee, or other participant to the Office of General Counsel for investigation of the matter and possible suspension or debarment pursuant to 2 CFR part 2424, 2 CFR 180.800, and 48 CFR subpart 9.4 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR); and (2) In the case of matters involving fraud or suspected fraud, refer such contractor, grantee, or other participant to the Office of Inspector General for investigation. However, the failure to pay HUD within a reasonable time after demand is not a prerequisite for referral for fraud or suspected fraud. (b) Excluded Parties List System (EPLS). Depending upon the outcome of the referral in paragraph (a) of this section, HUD shall take such measures to insure that the contractor, grantee, or other participant is placed on the EPLS. (c) Report to the Treasury. The failure of any surety to honor its obligations in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 9304 shall be reported to the Chief Financial Officer, who shall inform the Treasury.