The suspending official may modify or terminate the suspension (for
example, see Sec. 98.320(c) for reasons for reducing the period or scope
of debarment) or may leave it in force. However, a decision to modify or
terminate the suspension shall be without prejudice to the subsequent
imposition of suspension by any other agency or debarment by any agency.
The decision shall be rendered in accordance with the following
provisions:
(a) No additional proceedings necessary. In actions: based on an
indictment, conviction, or civil judgment; in which there is no genuine
dispute over material facts; or in which additional proceedings to
determine disputed material facts have been denied on the basis of
Department of Justice advice, the suspending official shall make a
decision on the basis of all the information in the administrative
record, including any submission made by the respondent. The decision
shall be made within 45 days after receipt of any information and
argument submitted by the respondent, unless the suspending official
extends this period for good cause.
(b) Additional proceedings necessary. (1) In actions in which
additional proceedings are necessary to determine
disputed material facts, written findings of fact shall be prepared. The
suspending official shall base the decision on the facts as found,
together with any information and argument submitted by the respondent
and any other information in the administrative record.
(2) The suspending official may refer matters involving disputed
material facts to another official for findings of fact. The suspending
official may reject any such findings, in whole or in part, only after
specifically determining them to be arbitrary or capricious or clearly
erroneous.
(c) Notice of suspending official's decision. Prompt written notice
of the suspending official's decision shall be sent to the respondent.
