(a) Any VA employee must report a suspected violation of the Gratuities clause to the contracting officer or a higher level VA official.

(b) The report must identify the contractor and the personnel involved, provide a summary of the pertinent evidence and circumstances that indicate a violation, and include any other available supporting documentation.

(c) The contracting officer or higher level official must supplement the file with appropriate information and promptly forward the report to the DSPE, with copies to the VA Office of the Inspector General and the Assistant Secretary for Management.

In providing the notice and hearing required by FAR 3.204, the following applies—

(a) The SDO shall determine whether or not a violation of the Gratuities clause, 52.203-3 has occurred and what action will be taken under FAR 3.204(c).

(c) When the SDO determines that a violation has occurred and that debarment is being considered, he or she shall follow procedures at 809.406-3.