(a) An audit of the operator's/lessee's accounts and books may be made or directed by the Minerals Management Service in accordance with the provisions of Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

(b) An audit of the operator's/lessee's accounts and production records by the service may be requested by the authorized officer if, during the process of verification of production, it is determined that an irregularity exists between reported production and production calculated by the authorized officer. Such audits shall be requested when the irregularity cannot be resolved between the operator/lessee and the authorized officer.