(a) The purpose of this part is to delegate authority to settle or deny claims under the Federal Tort Claims Act (in part, 28 U.S.C. 2671-2680) as amended by Pub. L. 89-506, 80 Stat. 306, and to establish procedures for the administrative adjudication of such claims accruing on or after January 18, 1967.
[32 FR 3769, Mar. 7, 1967, as amended at 48 FR 31636, July 11, 1983]
(a) The General Counsel is hereby named as the designee of the Secretary ofCommerce with respect to tort claims filed under section 2672 of Title 28, U.S. Code, as described in § 2.2, with authority to act on such claims as provided in said section 2672, including denial thereof.
(b) Authority delegated under this section may, with the approval of the General Counsel, be redelegated to other designees.
(c) [Reserved]
[48 FR 31636, July 11, 1983, as amended at 91 FR 1679, Jan. 15, 2026]
(a) The procedure for filing and the contents of claims shall be pursuant to §§ 14.2, 14.3, and 14.4 of the Regulations (28 CFR part 14).
(b) Claims shall be filed with the Assistant General Counsel for Employment, Litigation and Information, Department of Commerce, Washington, DC 20230.
(c) [Reserved]
[91 FR 1679, Jan. 15, 2026]
(a) Upon receipt of a claim by the Assistant General Counsel for Employment, Litigation and Information, the time and date of receipt shall be recorded. The Assistant General Counsel may, after recording the claim, transmit it to the Departmental office or primary operating unit involved in the claim and request that an investigation be conducted. The appropriate Departmental office or primary operating unit shall designate an official to conduct the investigation, who shall prepare a file, obtain additional information as necessary, and prepare for the Assistant General Counsel's signature a proposed award or denial of the claim. If the investigation capabilities of the office or unit are insufficient for a proper and complete investigation, the office or unit shall consult with the Departmental Office of Investigations and Security to:
(1) Have that Office conduct the investigation; or
(2) Request another Federal agency to conduct the investigation as necessary, pursuant to § 14.8 of the regulations (28 CFR part 14), all on a reimbursable basis.
(b) If the amount of the proposed award exceeds $25,000 (in which case, approval by the Attorney General is required), or if consultation with the Department of Justice is desired or required pursuant to § 14.6 of the regulations, the Assistant General Counsel for Employment, Litigation and Information will prepare and compile the material required by the Department of Justice under § 14.7 of the Regulations.
(c) Denial of a claim shall be communicated as provided by § 14.9 of the regulations (28 CFR part 14).
(d) [Reserved]
[91 FR 1679, Jan. 15, 2026]
When an award is made, the file on the case shall be transmitted to the appropriate fiscal office for payment by the Department or for transmittal for payment as prescribed by § 14.10 of the Regulations (28 CFR Part 14). Prior to payment appropriate releases shall be obtained, as provided in said section.
[32 FR 3769, Mar. 7, 1967]