16.46—Compromise or settlement.
               		
               	 	
               	 	
               	 	               	 	               	 	               	 	               	 	
               	 	
    
        
        (a) 
         Parties may make offers of compromise or
 settlement at any time.
     
    
        
        (b) 
         The reviewing official has the exclusive
 authority to compromise or settle a case under
 this part at any time after the date on which the
 reviewing official is permitted to issue a
 complaint and before the date on which the ALJ
 issues an initial decision.
     
    
        
        (c) 
         The authority head has exclusive authority
 to compromise or settle a case under this part at
 any time after the date on which the ALJ issues an
 initial decision, except during the pendency of
 any review under  § 16.42 or during the pendency of
 any action to collect penalties and assessments
 under  § 16.43.
     
    
        
        (d) 
         The Attorney General has exclusive
 authority to compromise or settle  a case under this part during the pendency of
 any review under  § 16.42 or of any action to
 recover penalties and assessments under 31 U.S.C.
 3806.
     
    
        
        (e) 
         The investigating official may recommend
 settlement terms to the reviewing official, the
 authority head, or the Attorney General, as
 appropriate. The reviewing official may recommend
 settlement terms to the authority head, or the
 Attorney General, as appropriate.
     
    
        
        (f) 
         Any compromise or settlement must be in
 writing and signed by all parties and their
 representatives.