# 45 CFR § 681.7: What is contained in a complaint?

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-45-681.7

## Section

- **Citation:** 45 CFR § 681.7
- **Heading:** What is contained in a complaint?
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** September 22, 2026
- **Source:** Publisher's official text
- **Location:** Title 45—Public Welfare > Subtitle B—Regulations Relating to Public Welfare > CHAPTER VI—NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION > PART 681—PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES ACT REGULATIONS > Procedures Leading to Issuance of a Complaint

## Text

(a) A complaint is a written statement giving notice to the person alleged to be liable under 31 U.S.C. 3802 of the specific allegations being referred for adjudication and of the person's right to request a hearing with respect to those allegations.
(b) The complaint will state that NSF seeks to impose civil penalties, assessments, or both, against the defendant and will include:
(1) The allegations of liability against the defendant, including the statutory basis for liability, identification of the claims or statements involved, and the reasons liability allegedly arises from such claims or statements;
(2) The maximum amount of penalties and assessments for which the defendant may be held liable;
(3) A statement that the defendant may request a hearing by filing an answer and may be represented by a representative;
(4) Instructions for filing such an answer; and
(5) A warning that failure to file an answer within 30 days of service of the complaint will result in imposition of the maximum amount of penalties and assessments.
(c) The reviewing official must serve any complaint on the defendant and, if a hearing is requested by the defendant, provide a copy to the ALJ assigned to the case.

## Nearby sections

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

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/ecfr-45-681.7. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.