(a) If pre-offset hearing is held. Within 60 days of the filing of the employee's petition for a pre-offset hearing, the hearing official will issue a written decision setting forth the basis of his/her findings in accordance with 5 CFR 550.1104(g)(3).

(b) If the employee challenges the pre-offset notice under §204.34, Employee response and/or §204.35, Petition for pre-offset hearing, without requesting a hearing or a hearing is denied, the program official must notify the employee of his/her final determination in writing before offset can begin. The agency's execution of a voluntary repayment agreement satisfies this requirement.