(a) A minimum performance bond of not less than 20 percent of the total contract price shall be required for all contracts of $2,500 or more, but the amount of the bond shall not be in excess of $500,000, except when the purchaser opts to increase the minimum bond as provided in §5451.2 of this title. A minimum performance bond of not less than $500 will be required for all installment contracts less than $2,500. For cash sales less than $2,500, bond requirements, if any, will be in the discretion of the authorized officer. The performance bond may be:

(1) Bond of a corporate surety shown on the approved list issued by the United States Treasury Department and executed on an approved standard form; or

(2) Personal surety bond, executed on an approved standard form if the authorized officer determines the principals and bondsmen are capable of carrying out the terms of the contract; or

(3) Cash bond; or

(4) Negotiable securities of the United States.

(5) Any guaranteed remittance approved by the authorized officer.

[35 FR 9786, June 13, 1970, as amended at 38 FR 6281, Mar. 8, 1973; 46 FR 42673, Aug. 24, 1981; 47 FR 38696, Sept. 2, 1982]