Limitation, Suspension, or Termination of Lender or Third-Party Servicer Eligibility and Disqualification of Lenders

34 C.F.R. Part ..., Subpart G
in effectEffective: 2024-07-01

34 C.F.R. § 682.700 Purpose and scope.

(a) This subpart governs the limitation, suspension, or termination by the Secretary of the eligibility of an otherwise eligible lender to participate in the FFEL programs or the eligibility of a third-party servicer to enter into a contract with an eligible lender to administer any aspect of the lender's FFEL programs. The regulations in this subpart apply to a lender or third-party servicer that violates any statutory provision governing the FFEL programs or any regulations, special arrangements, agreements, or limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA prescribed under the FFEL programs. These regulations apply to lenders that participate only in a guaranty agency program, lenders that participate in the FFEL programs, and third-party servicers that administer aspects of a lender's FFELP portfolio. These regulations also govern the Secretary's disqualification of a lender from participation in the FFEL programs under section 432(h)(2) of the Act. (b) This subpart does not apply— (1)(i) To a determination that an organization fails to meet the definition of “eligible lender” in section 435(d)(1) of the Act or the definition of “lender” in § 682.200, for any reason other than a violation of the prohibitions in section 435(d)(5) of the Act; or (ii) To a determination that an organization fails to meet the standards in § 682.416; or (2) To an administrative action by the Department of Education based on any alleged violation of— (i) The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (section 438 of the General Education Provisions Act), which is governed by 34 CFR part 99; (ii) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which is governed by 34 CFR parts 100 and 101; (iii) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (relating to discrimination on the basis of handicap), which is governed by 34 CFR part 104; or (iv) Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (relating to sex discrimination), which is governed by 34 CFR part 106. (c) This subpart does not supplant any rights or remedies that the Secretary may have against participating lenders under other authorities.

34 C.F.R. § 682.701 Definitions of terms used in this subpart.

The following definitions apply to terms used in this subpart: Designated Departmental Official: An official of the Department of Education to whom the Secretary has delegated the responsibility for initiating and pursuing disqualification or limitation, suspension, or termination proceedings. Disqualification. The removal of a lender's eligibility for an indefinite period of time by the Secretary on review of limitation, suspension, or termination action taken against the lender by a guaranty agency. Limitation. The continuation of a lender's or third-party servicer's eligibility subject to compliance with special conditions established by agreement with the Secretary or a guaranty agency, as applicable, or imposed as the result of a limitation or termination proceeding. Suspension. The removal of a lender's eligibility, or a third-party servicer's eligibility to contract with a lender or guaranty agency, for a specified period of time or until the lender or servicer fulfills certain requirements. Termination. (1) The removal of a lender's eligibility for an indefinite period of time— (i) By a guaranty agency; or (ii) By the Secretary, based on an action taken by the Secretary, or a designated Departmental official under § 682.706; or (2) The removal of a third-party servicer's eligibility to contract with a lender or guaranty agency for an indefinite period of time by the Secretary based on an action taken by the Secretary, or a designated Departmental official under § 682.706.

34 C.F.R. § 682.702 Effect on participation.

(a) Limitation, suspension, or termination proceedings by the Secretary do not affect a lender's responsibilities or rights to benefits and claim payments that are based on the lender's prior participation in the program, except as provided in § 682.709. (b) A limitation imposes on a lender— (1) A limit on the number or total amount of loans that a lender may purchase or hold under the FFEL Program; or (2) Other reasonable requirements or conditions, including those described in § 682.709. (c) A limitation imposes on a third-party servicer— (1) A limit on the number of loans or accounts or total amount of loans that the servicer may service; (2) A limit on the number of loans or accounts or total amount of loans that the servicer is administering under its contract with a lender or guaranty agency; or (3) Other reasonable requirements or conditions, including those described in § 682.709.

34 C.F.R. § 682.703 Informal compliance procedure.

(a) The Secretary may use the informal compliance procedure in paragraph (b) of this section if the Secretary receives a complaint or other reliable information indicating that a lender or third-party servicer may be in violation of applicable laws, regulations, special arrangements, agreements, or limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA. (b) Under the informal compliance procedure, the Secretary gives the lender or servicer a reasonable opportunity to— (1) Respond to the complaint or information; and (2) Show that the violation has been corrected or submit an acceptable plan for correcting the violation and preventing its recurrence. (c) The Secretary does not delay limitation, suspension, or termination procedures during the informal compliance procedure if— (1) The delay would harm the FFEL programs; or (2) The informal compliance procedure will not result in correction of the alleged violation.

34 C.F.R. § 682.704 Emergency action.

(a) The Secretary, or a designated Departmental official, may take emergency action to withhold payment of interest benefits and special allowance to a lender if the Secretary— (1) Receives reliable information that the lender or a third-party servicer with which the lender contracts is in violation of applicable laws, regulations, special arrangements, agreements, or limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA pertaining to the lender's portfolio of loans; (2) Determines that immediate action is necessary to prevent the likelihood of substantial losses by the Federal Government, parent borrowers, or students; and (3) Determines that the likelihood of loss exceeds the importance of following the procedures for limitation, suspension, or termination. (b) The Secretary begins an emergency action by notifying the lender or third-party servicer, by certified mail, return receipt requested, of the action and the basis for the action. (c) The action becomes effective on the date the notice is mailed to the lender or third-party servicer. (d)(1) An emergency action does not exceed 30 days unless a limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding is begun before that time expires. (2) If a limitation, suspension, or termination proceeding is begun before the expiration of the 30-day period— (i) The emergency action may be extended until completion of the proceeding, including any appeal to the Secretary; and (ii) Upon the written request of the lender or third-party servicer, the Secretary may provide the lender or servicer with an opportunity to demonstrate that the emergency action is unwarranted.

34 C.F.R. § 682.705 Suspension proceedings.

(a) Scope. (1) A suspension by the Secretary removes a lender's eligibility under the FFEL programs or a third-party servicer's ability to enter into contracts with eligible lenders, and the Secretary does not guarantee or reinsure a new loan serviced by the servicer during a period not to exceed 60 days from the date the suspension becomes effective, unless— (i) The lender or servicer and the Secretary agree to an extension of the suspension period, if the lender or third-party servicer has not requested a hearing; or (ii) The Secretary begins a limitation or a termination proceeding. (2) If the Secretary begins a limitation or a termination proceeding before the suspension period ends, the Secretary may extend the suspension period until the completion of that proceeding, including any appeal to the Secretary. (b) Notice. (1) The Secretary, or a designated Departmental official, begins a suspension proceeding by sending the lender or servicer a notice by certified mail with return receipt requested. (2) The notice— (i) Informs the lender or servicer of the Secretary's intent to suspend the lender's or servicer's eligibility for a period not to exceed 60 days; (ii) Describes the consequences of a suspension; (iii) Identifies the alleged violations on which the proposed suspension is based; (iv) States the proposed date the suspension becomes effective, which is at least 20 days after the date of mailing of the notice; (v) Informs the lender or servicer that the suspension will not take effect on the proposed date if the Secretary receives at least five days prior to that date a request for an oral hearing or written material showing why the suspension should not take effect; and (vi) Asks the lender or servicer to correct voluntarily any alleged violations.

34 C.F.R. § 682.706 Limitation or termination proceedings.

(a) Notice. (1) The Secretary, or a designated Departmental official, begins a limitation or termination proceeding, whether a suspension proceeding has begun, by sending the lender or third-party servicer a notice by certified mail with return receipt requested. (2) The notice— (i) Informs the lender or servicer of the Secretary's intent to limit or terminate the lender's or servicer's eligibility; (ii) Describes the consequences of a limitation or termination; (iii) Identifies the alleged violations on which the proposed limitation or termination is based; (iv) States the limits which may be imposed, in the case of a limitation proceeding; (v) States the proposed date the limitation or termination becomes effective, which is at least 20 days after the date of mailing of the notice; (vi) Informs the lender or servicer that the limitation or termination will not take effect on the proposed date if the Secretary receives, at least five days prior to that date, a request for an oral hearing or written material showing why the limitation or termination should not take effect; (vii) Asks the lender or servicer to correct voluntarily any alleged violations; and (viii) Notifies the lender or servicer that the Secretary may collect any amount owed by means of offset against amounts owed to the lender by the Department and other Federal agencies. (b) Hearing. (1) If the lender or servicer does not request an oral hearing but submits written material, the Secretary, or a designated Departmental official, considers the material and— (i) Dismisses the proposed limitation or termination; or (ii) Notifies the lender or servicer of the date the limitation or termination becomes effective. (2) If the lender or servicer requests a hearing within the time specified in paragraph (a)(2)(vi) of this section, the Secretary schedules the date and place of the hearing. The date is at least 15 days after receipt of the request from the lender or servicer. No proposed limitation or termination takes effect until a hearing is held. (3) The hearing is conducted by a presiding officer who— (i) Ensures that a written record of the hearing is made; (ii) Considers relevant written material presented before the hearing and other relevant evidence presented during the hearing; and (iii) Issues an initial decision, based on findings of fact and conclusions of law, that may limit or terminate the lender's or servicer's eligibility if the presiding officer is persuaded that the limitation or termination is warranted by the evidence. (4) The formal rules of evidence do not apply, and no discovery, as provided in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure (28 U.S.C. appendix), is required. (5) The presiding officer shall base findings of fact only on evidence presented at or before the hearing and matters given official notice. (6) If a termination action is brought against a lender or third-party servicer and the presiding officer concludes that a limitation is more appropriate, the presiding officer may issue a decision imposing one or more limitations on a lender or third-party servicer rather than terminating the lender's or servicer's eligibility. (7) In a termination action against a lender or third-party servicer based on a debarment under Executive Order 12549 or under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4 that does not meet the standards described in 2 CFR 3485.612(d), the presiding official finds that the debarment constitutes prima facie evidence that cause for debarment and termination under this subpart exists. (8) The initial decision of the presiding officer is mailed to the lender or servicer. (9) Any time schedule specified in this section may be shortened with the approval of the presiding officer and the consent of the lender or servicer and the Secretary or designated Departmental official. (10) The presiding officer's initial decision automatically becomes the Secretary's final decision 20 days after it is issued and received by both parties unless the lender, servicer, or designated Departmental official appeals the decision to the Secretary within this period. (c) Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section, if a lender or a lender's owner or officer or third-party servicer or servicer's owner or officer, respectively, is convicted of or pled nolo contendere or guilty to a crime involving the unlawful acquisition, use, or expenditure of FFEL program funds, that conviction or guilty plea is grounds for terminating the lender's or servicer's eligibility, respectively, to participate in the FFEL programs.

34 C.F.R. § 682.707 Appeals in a limitation or termination proceeding.

(a) If the lender, third-party servicer, or designated Departmental official appeals the initial decision of the presiding officer in accordance with § 682.706(b)(10)— (1) An appeal is made to the Secretary by submitting to the Secretary and the opposing party within 15 days of the date of the appealing party's receipt of the presiding officer's decision, a brief or other written material explaining why the decision of the presiding officer should be overturned or modified; and (2) The opposing party shall submit its brief or other written material to the Secretary and the appealing party within 15 days of its receipt of the brief or written material of the appealing party. (b) The Secretary issues a final decision affirming, modifying, or reversing the initial decision, including a statement of the reasons for the Secretary's decision. (c) Any party submitting material to the Secretary shall provide a copy to each party that participates in the hearing. (d) If the presiding officer's initial decision would limit or terminate the lender's or servicer's eligibility, it does not take effect pending the appeal unless the Secretary determines that a stay of the date it becomes effective would seriously and adversely affect the FFEL programs or student or parent borrowers.

34 C.F.R. § 682.708 Evidence of mailing and receipt dates.

(a) All mailing dates and receipt dates referred to in this subpart must be substantiated by the original receipts from the U.S. Postal Service. (b) If a lender or third-party servicer refuses to accept a notice mailed under this subpart, the Secretary considers the notice as being received on the date that the lender or servicer refuses to accept the notice.

34 C.F.R. § 682.709 Reimbursements, refunds, and offsets.

(a) As part of a limitation or termination proceeding, the Secretary, or a designated Departmental official, may require a lender or third-party servicer to take reasonable corrective action to remedy a violation of applicable laws, regulations, special arrangements, agreements, or limitations entered into under the authority of statutes applicable to Title IV of the HEA. (b) The corrective action may include payment to the Secretary or recipients designated by the Secretary of any funds, and any interest thereon, that the lender, or, in the case of a third-party servicer, the servicer or the lender that has a contract with a third-party servicer, improperly received, withheld, disbursed, or caused to be disbursed. A third-party servicer may be held liable up to the amounts specified in § 682.413(a)(2). (c) If a final decision requires a lender, a lender that has a contract with a third-party servicer, or a third-party servicer to reimburse or make any payment to the Secretary, the Secretary may, without further notice or opportunity for a hearing, proceed to offset or arrange for another Federal agency to offset the amount due against any interest benefits, special allowance, or other payments due to the lender, the lender that has a contract with the third-party servicer, or the third-party servicer. A third-party servicer may be held liable up to the amounts specified in § 682.413(a)(2). (d) In any action under this part based on a violation of the prohibitions in section 435(d)(5) of the Act, if the Secretary, the designated Department official, or the hearing official finds that the lender provided or offered the payments or activities described in paragraph (5)(i) of the definition of “lender” in § 682.200(b), the Secretary or the official applies a rebuttable presumption that the payments or activities were offered or provided to secure applications for FFEL loans. To reverse the presumption, the lender must present evidence that the activities or payments were provided for a reason unrelated to securing applications for FFEL loans or securing FFEL loan volume.

34 C.F.R. § 682.710 Removal of limitation.

(a) A lender or third-party servicer may request removal of a limitation imposed by the Secretary in accordance with the regulations in this subpart at any time more than 12 months after the date the limitation becomes effective. (b) The request must be in writing and must show that the lender or servicer has corrected any violations on which the limitation was based. (c) Within 60 days after receiving the request, the Secretary— (1) Grants the request; (2) Denies the request; or (3) Grants the request subject to other limitations. (d)(1) If the Secretary denies the request or establishes other limitations, the lender or servicer, upon request, is given an opportunity to show why all limitations should be removed. (2) A lender or third-party servicer may continue to participate in the FFEL programs, subject to any limitation imposed by the Secretary under paragraph (c)(3) of this section, pending a decision by the Secretary on a request under paragraph (d)(1) of this section.

34 C.F.R. § 682.711 Reinstatement after termination.

(a) A lender or third-party servicer whose eligibility has been terminated by the Secretary in accordance with the procedures of this subpart may request reinstatement of its eligibility after the later of— (1) Eighteen months from the effective date of the termination; or (2) The expiration of the period of debarment under Executive Order 12459 or the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), 48 CFR part 9, subpart 9.4. (b) The request must be in writing and must show that— (1) The lender or servicer has corrected any violations on which the termination was based; and (2) The lender or servicer meets all requirements for eligibility. (c) Within 60 days after receiving a request for reinstatement, the Secretary— (1) Grants the request; (2) Denies the request; or (3) Grants the request subject to limitations. (d)(1) If the Secretary denies the lender's or servicer's request or allows reinstatement subject to limitations, the lender or servicer, upon request, is given an opportunity to show why its eligibility should be reinstated and all limitations removed. (2) A lender or third-party servicer whose eligibility to participate in the FFEL programs is reinstated subject to limitations imposed by the Secretary pursuant to paragraph (c)(3) of this section, may participate in those programs, subject to those limitations, pending a decision by the Secretary on a request under paragraph (d)(1) of this section.

34 C.F.R. § 682.712 Disqualification review of limitation, suspension, and termination actions taken by guarantee agencies against lenders.

(a) The Secretary reviews a limitation, suspension, or termination action taken by a guaranty agency against a lender participating in the FFEL programs to determine if national disqualification is appropriate. Upon completion of the Secretary's review, the Secretary notifies the guaranty agency and the lender of the Secretary's decision by mail. (b) The Secretary disqualifies a lender from participation in the FFEL programs if— (1) The lender waives review by the Secretary; or (2) The Secretary conducts the review and determines that the limitation, suspension, or termination was imposed in accordance with section 428(b)(1)(U) of the Act. (c)(1) Disqualification by the Secretary continues until the Secretary is satisfied that— (i) The lender has corrected the failure that led to the limitation, suspension, or termination; and (ii) There are reasonable assurances that the lender will comply with the requirements of the FFEL programs in the future. (2) Revocation of disqualification by the Secretary does not remove any limitation, suspension, or termination imposed by the agency whose action resulted in the disqualification. (d) A guaranty agency shall refer a limitation, suspension, or termination action that it takes against a lender to the Secretary within 30 days of its final decision to limit, suspend, or terminate the lender's eligibility to participate in the agency's program. (e) The Secretary reviews an agency's limitation, suspension, or termination of a lender's eligibility only when the guaranty agency's action is final, e.g, the lender is not entitled to any further appeals within the guaranty agency. A subsequent court challenge to an agency's action does not by itself affect the timing of the Secretary's review. (f) The guaranty agency's notice to the Secretary regarding a termination action must include a certified copy of the administrative record compiled by the agency with regard to the action. The record must include certified copies of the following documents: (1) The guaranty agency's letter initiating the action. (2) The lender's response. (3) The transcript of the agency's hearing. (4) The decision of the agency's hearing officer. (5) The decision of the agency on appeal from the hearing officer's decision, if any. (6) The regulations and written procedures of the agency under which the action was taken. (7) The audit or lender review report or documented basis that led to the action. (8) All other documents relevant to the action. (g) The guaranty agency's referral notice to the Secretary regarding a limitation or suspension action must include— (1) The documents described in paragraph (f) of this section; and (2) Documents describing and substantiating the existence of one or more of the circumstances described in paragraph (i) of this section. (h)(1) Within 60 days of the Secretary's receipt of a referral notice described in paragraph (f) or (g) of this section, the Secretary makes an initial assessment, based on the agency's record, as to whether the agency's action appears to comply with section 428(b)(1)(U) of the Act. (2) In the case of a referral notice described in paragraph (g) of this section, the Secretary also determines whether one or more of the circumstances described in paragraph (i) of this section exist. (3) If the Secretary concludes that the agency's action appears to comply with section 428(b)(1)(U) of the Act and, if applicable, one or more of the circumstances described in paragraph (i) of this section exist, the Secretary notifies the lender that the Secretary will review the guaranty agency's action to determine whether to disqualify the lender from further participation in the FFEL programs and affords the lender an opportunity— (i) To waive the review and be disqualified immediately; or (ii) To request a review. (i) In the case of an action by an agency that limits or suspends a lender's eligibility to participate in the agency's program, the agency shall provide the Secretary with a referral as described in paragraph (g) of this section only if— (1) The lender has not corrected the violation. A violation is corrected if, among other things, the lender has satisfied fully all liabilities incurred by the lender as a result of the violation, including its liability to the Secretary, or the lender has arranged to satisfy those liabilities in a manner acceptable to the parties to whom the liabilities are owed; (2) The lender has not provided satisfactory assurances to the agency of future compliance with program requirements; or (3) The guaranty agency determines that special circumstances warrant disqualification of the lender from the FFEL programs for a significant period, notwithstanding the agency's decision not to terminate the lender's eligibility to participate in the agency's program.

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