(a) Letter of interest fee. A letter of interest fee, as specified on the USDA Web site, must be received by CCC before CCC will consider the seller's letter of interest.

(b) Initial application fee. An initial application fee, as specified on the USDA Web site, must be received by CCC before CCC will consider the seller's initial application for a payment guarantee.

(c) Guarantee fee rates. Guarantee fee rates will be based upon the length of the payment terms provided for in the firm sales contract, the degree of risk that CCC assumes, as determined by CCC, and any other factors that CCC determines appropriate for consideration.

(d) Calculation of guarantee fee. The guarantee fee will be computed by multiplying the guaranteed value by the guarantee fee rate.

(e) Payment of guarantee fee. The seller shall remit, with his final application, the full amount of the guarantee fee, less the previously paid letter of interest fee, if applicable, and the initial application fee. CCC will not issue a payment guarantee until the full amount of the guarantee fee has been received by CCC. The seller's wire transfer or check for the guarantee fee shall be made payable to CCC and be submitted in the manner specified on the USDA Web site.

(f) Refunds of fees. Letter of interest fees, initial application fees, and guarantee fees will ordinarily not be refundable unless the Director determines that such refund will be in the best interest of CCC.