(a) No independent laboratory may contract or transfer to another person or laboratory the performance or supervision of inspections or tests, or both, required under an applicable subpart for which it is accepted or listed unless—

(1) A request in writing regarding the contract or transfer is submitted to the Commandant before the contract is executed or the transfer is completed; and

(2) The Commandant notifies the laboratory in writing that the contract or the transfer is allowed.

(b) [Reserved]