13 C.F.R. § 142.38

(a) Parties may make offers of compromise or settlement at any time. Any compromise or settlement must be in writing.

(b) The reviewing official has the exclusive authority to compromise or settle the case from the date on which the reviewing official is permitted to issue a complaint until the ALJ issues an initial decision. A reviewing official shall notify the Attorney General in writing not later than 30 days before entering into an agreement to compromise or settle allegations of liability under 31 U.S.C. 3802 and before the date on which the reviewing official is permitted to refer allegations of liability to a Presiding Officer under 31 U.S.C. 3803(d)(2)(B).

(c) The Administrator has exclusive authority to compromise or settle the case from the date of the ALJ's initial decision until initiation of any judicial review or any action to collect the penalties and assessments.

(d) The Attorney General has exclusive authority to compromise or settle the case while any judicial review or any action to recover penalties and assessments is pending.

(e) The investigating official may recommend settlement terms to the reviewing official, the Administrator, or the Attorney General, as appropriate. The reviewing official may recommend settlement terms to the Administrator or the Attorney General, as appropriate.