The purpose of this part is to describe the factors the Commission considers when determining whether or not to contribute to the cost of an individual, a group of individuals, a public or private organization or association, partnership or corporation (hereinafter “participant”) who participates with the Commission in developing standards. The provisions of this part do not apply to and do not affect the Commission's ability and authority to contract with persons or groups outside the Commission to aid the Commission in developing proposed standards.

The Commission may agree to contribute to the cost of a participant who participates with the Commission in developing a standard in any case in which the Commission determines:

(a) That a contribution is likely to result in a more satisfactory standard than would be developed without a contribution; and

(b) That the participant to whom a contribution is made is financially responsible.

In considering whether a contribution is likely to result in a more satisfactory standard, the Commission shall consider:

(a) The need for representation of one or more particular interests, expertise, or points of view in the development proceeding; and

(b) The extent to which particular interests, points of view, or expertise can reasonably be expected to be represented if the Commission does not provide any financial contribution.

In order to be eligible to receive a financial contribution, a participant must request in advance a specific contribution with an explanation as to why the contribution is likely to result in a more satisfactory standard than would be developed without a contribution. The request for a contribution shall contain, to the fullest extent possible and appropriate, the following information:

(a) A description of the point of view, interest and/or expertise that the participant intends to bring to the proceeding;

(b) The reason(s) that representation of the participant's interest, point of view, or expertise can reasonably be expected to contribute substantially to a full and fair determination of the issues involved in the proceeding;

(c) An explanation of the economic interest, if any, that the participant has (and individuals or groups comprising the participant have) in any Commission determination related to the proceeding;

(d) A discussion, with supporting documentation, of the reason(s) a participant is unable to participate effectively in the proceeding without a financial contribution;

(e) A description of the participant's employment or organization, as appropriate; and

(f) A specific and itemized estimate of the costs for which the contribution is sought.

Applications must be submitted to the Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Washington, D.C. 20207, within the time specified by the Commission in its Federal Register notice beginning the development proceeding.

The Commission may authorize a financial contribution only for participants who meet all of the following criteria:

(a) The participant represents particular interest, expertise or point of view that can reasonably be expected to contribute substantially to a full and fair determination of the issues involved in the proceeding;

(b) The economic interest of the participant in any Commission determination related to the proceeding is small in comparison to the participant's costs of effective participation in the proceeding. If the participant consists of more than one individual or group, the economic interest of each of the individuals or groups comprising the participant shall also be considered, if practicable and appropriate; and

(c) The participant does not have sufficient financial resources available for effective participation in the proceeding, in the absence of a financial contribution.

The Commission may establish a limit on the total amount of financial compensation to be made to all participants in a particular proceeding and may establish a limit on the total amount of compensation to be made to any one participant in a particular proceeding.

The Commission shall compensate participants only for costs that have been authorized and only for such costs actually incurred for participation in a proceeding.

The participant shall be paid upon submission of an itemized voucher listing each item of expense. Each item of expense exceeding $15 must be substantiated by a copy of a receipt, invoice, or appropriate document evidencing the fact that the cost was incurred.

The Commission shall compensate participants only for costs that it determines are reasonable. As guidelines in these determinations, the Commission shall consider market rates and rates normally paid by the Commission for comparable goods and services, as appropriate.

The Commission may compensate participants for any or all of the following costs:

(a) Salaries for participants or employees of participants;

(b) Fees for consultants, experts, contractural services, and attorneys that are incurred by participants;

(c) Transportation costs;

(d) Travel-related costs such as lodging, meals, tipping, telephone calls; and

(e) All other reasonable costs incurred, such as document reproduction, postage, baby-sitting, and the like.

The Commission may make its contribution in advance upon specific request, and the contribution may be made without regard to section 3648 of the Revised States of the United States (31 U.S.C. 529).

The items of cost toward which the Commission will not contribute include:

(a) Costs for the acquisition of any interest in land or buildings;

(b) Costs for the payment of items in excess of the participant's actual cost; and

(c) Costs determined not to be allowable under generally accepted accounting principles and practices or part 1-15, Federal Procurement Regulations (41 CFR part 1-15).

The Commission and the Comptroller General of the United States, or their duly authorized representatives, shall have access for the purpose of audit and examination to any pertinent books, documents, papers and records of a participant receiving compensation under this section. The Commission may establish additional guidelines for accounting, recordkeeping, and other administrative procedures with which participants must comply as a condition of receiving a contribution.