(a) When in the opinion of the NASA official designated in §1261.308, Department of Justice approval or consultation may be required, pursuant to 28 CFR part 14, in connection with a claim being acted upon under the Federal Tort Claims Act, the following papers shall be forwarded to the General Counsel:

(1) A short and concise statement of the facts of the claim.

(2) Copies of all relevant portions of the claim file.

(3) A statement of the recommendations or views of the forwarding official.

(b) A claim forwarded to the General Counsel in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section, or upon which the General Counsel is acting pursuant to §1261.308(c), shall be referred to the Department of Justice when, in the opinion of the General Counsel, Department of Justice approval or consultation is required or may be appropriate.