(a) Parties may make offers of compromise or settlement at any time.

(b) The reviewing official has the exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this subpart at any time after the date on which the reviewing official is permitted to issue a complaint and before the date on which the ALJ issues an initial decision.

(c) The Board has exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this subpart any time after the date on which the ALJ issues an initial decision, except during the pendency of any review under §308.541 of this subpart or during the pendency of any action to collect penalties and assessments under §308.542 of this subpart.

(d) The Attorney General has exclusive authority to compromise or settle a case under this subpart during the pendency of any review under §308.541 of this subpart or of any action to recover penalties and assessments under 31 U.S.C. 3806.

(e) The investigating official may recommend settlement terms to the reviewing official, the Board, or the Attorney General, as appropriate. The reviewing official may recommend settlement terms to the Board, or the Attorney General, as appropriate.

(f) Any compromise or settlement must be in writing.