(8) "Grantee" means a person who applies for or receives a grant directly from a Federal agency;

(9) "Individual" means a natural person.

§ 620.610 Coverage.

(a) This subpart applies to any grantee of the agency.

(b) This subpart applies to any grant, except where application of this subpart would be inconsistent with the international obligations of the United States or the laws or regulations of a foreign government.

(c) The provisions of Subparts A, B, C, D and E of this part apply to matters covered by this subpart, except where specifically modified by this subpart. In the event of any conflict between provisions of this subpart and other provisions of this part, the provisions of this subpart are deemed to control with respect to the implementation of drug-free workplace requirements concerning grants.

§ 620.615 Grounds for suspension of payments, suspension or termination of grants, or suspension or debarment.

A grantee shall be deemed in violation of the requirements of this subpart if the agency head or his or her official designee determines, in writing, that

(a) The grantee has made a false certificaiton under 620.630;

(b) The grantee has violated the certification by failing to carry out the requirements of subparagraphs (A.)(a)-(g) of the certification for grantees other than individuals (Alternate I to Appendix C) or by failing to carry out the requirements of the certification for grantees who are individuals (Alternate II to Appendix C); or

(c) Such a number of employees of the grantee have been convicted of violations of criminal drug statutes for violations occurring in the workplace as to indicate that the grantee has failed to make a good faith effort to provide a drug-free workplace.

$620.620 Effect of violation.

(a) In the event of a violation of this subpart as provided in § 620.615, and in accordance with applicable law, the

grantee shall be subject to one or more of the following actions:

(1) Suspension of payments under the grant;

(2) Suspension or termination of the grant; and

(3) Suspension or debarment of the grantee under the provisions of this part.

(b) Upon issuance of any final decision under this part requiring debarment of a grantee, the debarred grantee shall be ineligible for award of any grant from any Federal agency for a period specified in the decision, not to exceed five years (see § 620.320(a)(2) of this part).

§ 620.625 Exception provision.

The agency head may waive with respect to a particular grant, in writing, a suspension of payments under a grant, suspension or termination of a grant, or suspension or debarment of a grantee if the agency head determines that such a waiver would be in the public interest. This exception authority cannot be delegated to any other official.

§ 620.630 Grantees' responsibilities.

(a) As a prior condition of being awarded a grant, each grantee shall make the appropriate certification to the agency, as provided in Appendix C to this part.

(b) Except as provided in this paragraph, a grantee shall make the required certification for each grant. A grantee that is a State may elect to submit an annual certification to each Federal agency from which it obtains grants in lieu of certifications for each grant during the year covered by the certification.

(c) Grantees are not required to provide a certification in order to continue receiving funds under a grant awarded before the effective date of this subpart or under a no-cost time extension of any grant.

APPENDIX A-CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY MATTERPRIMARY COVERED TRANSACTIONS

Instructions for Certification

1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective primary participant is providing the certification set out below.

2. The inability of a person to provide the certification required below will not necessarily result in denial of participation in this covered transaction. The prospective participant shall submit an explanation of why it cannot provide the certification set out below. The certification or explanation will be considered in connection with the department or agency's determination whether to enter into this transaction. However, failure of the prospective primary participant to furnish a certification or an explanation shall disqualify such person from participation in this transaction.

3. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when the department or agency determined to enter into this transaction. If it is later determined that the prospective primary participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause of default.

4. The prospective primary participant shall privide immediate written notice to the department or agency to whom this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective primary participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

5. The terms "covered transaction," "debarred,' "suspended," "ineligible," "lower tier covered transaction," "participant,' "person," "primary covered transaction," "principal," "proposal," and "voluntarily excluded," as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of the rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the department or agency to which this proposal is being submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations.

6. The prospective primary participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency entering into this transaction.

7. The prospective primary participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include the clause titled "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary ExclusionLower Tier Covered Transaction," provided by the department or agency entering into this covered transaction, without modifica tion, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.

8. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the Nonprocurement List (Tel. #).

9. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

10. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 6 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency may terminate this transaction for cause or default.

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility MattersPrimary Covered Transactions

(1) The prospective primary participant certifies to the best of its knowledge and belief, that it and its principals:

(a) Are not presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from covered transactions by any Federal department or

agency;

(b) Have not within a three-year period preceding this proposal been convicted of or had a civil judgment rendered against them for commission of fraud or a criminal offense in connection with obtaining, attempting to obtain, or performing a public (Federal, State of local) transaction or contract under a public transaction; violation of Federal or State antitrust statutes or commission of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records,

making false statements, or receiving stolen property;

(c) Are not presently indicted for or otherwise criminally or civilly charged by a governmental entity (Federal, State or local) with commission of any of the offenses enumerated in paragraph (1)(b) of this certification; and

(d) Have not within a three-year period preceding this application/proposal had one or more public transactions (Federal, State or local) terminated for cause or default.

(2) Where the prospective primary participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.

APPENDIX B-CERTIFICATION REGARDING DEBARMENT, SUSPENSION, INELIGIBILTY AND VOLUNTARY EXCLUSION-LOWER TIER COVERED TRANSACTIONS

Instructions for Certification

1. By signing and submitting this proposal, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out below.

2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.

4. The terms "covered transaction," "debarred," "suspended," "ineligible," "lower tier covered transaction," "participant," "person," "primary covered transaction," "principal," "proposal," and "voluntarily excluded," as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of rules implementing Executive Order 12549. You may contact the person to which this proposal is submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations.

5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this proposal that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, de

clared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated.

6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this proposal that it will include this clause titled "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion

Lower Tier Covered Transaction," without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.

7. A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that it is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the Nonprocurement List (Tel. #).

8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.

9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph 5 of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion-Lower Tier Covered Transactions

(1) The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal department or agency. (2) Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.

APPENDIX C TO PART 620-CERTIFICATION REGARDING DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE REQUIREMENTS

Instructions for Certification

1. By signing and/or submitting this application or grant agreement, the grantee is providing the certification set out below.

2. The certification set out below is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when the agency determined to award the grant. If it is later determined that the grantee knowingly rendered a false certification, or otherwise violates the requirements of the Drug-Free Workplace Act, the agency, in addition to any other remedies available to the Federal Government, may take action authorized under the Drug-Free Workplace Act.

3. For grantees other than individuals, Alternate I applies.

4. For grantees who are individuals, Alternate II applies.

Certification Regarding Drug-Free
Workplace Requirements

Alternate I

A. The grantee certifies that it will provide a drug-free workplace by:

(a) Publishing a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the grantee's workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition;

(b) Establishing a drug-free awareness program to inform employees about

(1) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace;

(2) The grantee's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace;

(3) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and

(4) The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace;

(c) Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph (a);

(d) Notifying the employee in the statement required by paragraph (a) that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will

(1) Abide by the terms of the statement; and

(2) Notify the employer of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five days after such conviction;

(e) Notifying the agency within ten days after receiving notice under subparagraph

(d)(2) from an employee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction;

(f) Taking one of the following actions, within 30 days of receiving notice under subparagraph (d)(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted

(1) Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and includ. ing termination; or

(2) Requiring such employee to partici pate satisfactorily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency;

(g) Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f).

B. The grantee shall insert in the space provided below the site(s) for the performance of work done in connection with the specific grant:

Place of Performance (Street address, city, county, state, zip code)

(a) "Fellowship Review Panel" (also referred to as "Panel") means a panel of from nine to twelve members selected by the Director, with the approval of the National Science Board, for such terms as may be designated by him, which shall include at least four representatives of the legal discipline and at least four representatives of the field of higher education. At least eight members of the Panel shall be selected from sources outside the Foundation.

(b) "Panel Chairman" means one of the panel members designated by the Director, with the approval of the National Science Board, to serve Chairman of the Panel for such time as shall be indicated in the designation.

"Fellowship

as

(c) Review Board" means not less than three members of the Panel designated by the Panel Chairman for the consideration of one or more cases submitted by the Director. At least two Fellowship Review Board members shall be persons other than employees of the Foundation, and the Fellowship Review Board shall include at least one representative of the legal discipline and one from the field of higher education. In no event shall anyone who participated in any previous consideration of a case be eligible to serve on a board in connection with its consideration of that case. The Panel Chairman may designate himself as one of the members of a Fellowship Review Board or as the Chairman thereof.

(d) “Fellowship Review Board Chairman" means a member of a Fellowship

Review Board who has been designated as Chairman of such Board by the Panel Chairman.

(e) "Foundation" means the National Science Foundation.

(f) "Submission" means a referral (of an individual's request for a hearing) by the Director pursuant to § 610.5 of this chapter.

(g) "Preliminary decision" means the recommended decision, including findings of fact and conclusions reached in the light of the applicable criteria, prepared by a Hearing Officer and submitted to the Fellowship Review Board.

(h) "Initial decision" means the recommended decision of the Fellowship Review Board, which shall include (1) findings of fact and conclusion reached in the light of the applicable criteria and when applicable, (2) the reasons for any changes or modifications made by the Fellowship Review Board in a preliminary decision.

(i) "Director" means the Director of the National Science Foundation.

(j) "Applicable criteria" means those set forth in § 610.4 of this chapter, or in manual or other issuances of the Foundation pertaining to denial or discontinuance of fellowship or scholarship awards on grounds involving moral character or loyalty.

§ 630.3 Fellowship Review Panel; Fellowship Review Board; in general.

Upon receipt of a submission from the Director, the Chairman of the Fellowship Review Panel shall refer the case to a Fellowship Review Board, constituted as provided in § 630.2(c), for the purpose of recommending to the Director and the National Science Board, on the basis of a preponderance of the evidence, after affording to the individual concerned an opportunity for a fair hearing, whether the fellowship or scholarship award should be denied or discontinued by the Foundation on grounds involving, in accordance with applicable criteria, the moral character or loyalty of the applicant for, or holder of the award. The Fellowship Review Board's recommendation shall be embodied in an initial decision in accordance with § 630.2(h).