# 45 C.F.R. § 681.5 (2026): What happens if program fraud is suspected?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_5

## Section

- **Citation:** 45 C.F.R. § 681.5 (2026)
- **Heading:** What happens if program fraud is suspected?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 45 CFR: Public Welfare / Chapter VI: NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION / Part 681: PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT REGULATIONS / § 681.5: § 681.5   What happens if program fraud is suspected?

## Text

(a) If the investigating official concludes that an action under this part is warranted, the investigating official submits a report containing the findings and conclusions of the investigation to the reviewing official. If the reviewing official determines that the report provides adequate evidence that a person made a false, fictitious or fraudulent claim or statement, the reviewing official shall transmit to the Attorney General written notice of an intention to refer the matter for adjudication, with a request for approval of such referral. This notice will include the reviewing official's statements concerning:
(1) The reasons for the referral;
(2) The claims or statements upon which liability would be based;
(3) The evidence that supports liability;
(4) An estimate of the amount of money or the value of property, services, or other benefits requested or demanded in the false claim or statement;
(5) Any exculpatory or mitigating circumstances that may relate to the claims or statements known by the reviewing official or the investigating official; and
(6) A statement that there is a reasonable prospect of collecting an appropriate amount of penalties and assessments.
(b) If, at any time, the Attorney General or his or her designee requests in writing that this administrative process be stayed, the authority head, as identified in § 681.2(c) of this part, must stay the process immediately. The authority head may order the process resumed only upon receipt of the written authorization of the Attorney General.

## Nearby sections

- [45 C.F.R. § 681.1 (2026) § 681.1   Purpose.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_1.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.2 (2026) § 681.2   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_2.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.3 (2026) § 681.3   What is the basis for the imposition of civil penalties and assessments?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_3.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.4 (2026) § 681.4   Who investigates program fraud?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_4.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.5 (2026) § 681.5   What happens if program fraud is suspected?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_5.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.6 (2026) § 681.6   When may NSF issue a complaint?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_6.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.7 (2026) § 681.7   What is contained in a complaint?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_7.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.8 (2026) § 681.8   How will the complaint be served?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_8.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.9 (2026) § 681.9   How does a defendant respond to the complaint?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_9.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.10 (2026) § 681.10   What happens if a defendant fails to file an answer?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_10.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.11 (2026) § 681.11   What happens once an answer is filed?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_11.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.12 (2026) § 681.12   What kind of hearing is contemplated?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_12.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.13 (2026) § 681.13   At the hearing, what rights do the parties have?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_13.md)
- [45 C.F.R. § 681.14 (2026) § 681.14   What is the role of the ALJ?](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T45_P681_S681_5. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.