(a) If no conciliation agreement is finalized within the applicable minimum period specified by 11 CFR 111.18(c) the General Counsel may recommend to the Commission that the Commission authorize a civil action for relief in an appropriate court of the United States.

(b) Upon recommendation of the General Counsel, the Commission may, by an affirmative vote of four (4) of its members, authorize the General Counsel to commence a civil action for relief in an appropriate court of the United States.

(c) The provisions of 11 CFR 111.18(c) shall not preclude the Commission upon request of a respondent, from entering into a conciliation agreement even after a recommendation to file a civil action has been made pursuant to this section. Any conciliation agreement reached under this subsection is subject to the provisions of 11 CFR 111.18(b) and shall have the same force and effect as a conciliation agreement reached under 11 CFR 111.18(c).