(a) Informal investigation. (1) Treasury will investigate complaints that are unresolved after mediation or are reopened because of a violation of a mediation agreement.

(2) As part of the initial investigation, Treasury will use informal fact finding methods, including joint or separate discussions with the complainant and recipient, to establish the facts and, if possible, settle the complaint on terms that are mutually agreeable to the parties. Treasury may seek the assistance of any involved State agency.

(3) Any settlement agreement will be put in writing and the parties will sign it.

(4) The settlement shall not affect the operation of any other enforcement effort of Treasury, including compliance reviews and investigation of other complaints that may involve the recipient.

(5) The settlement is not a finding of discrimination against a recipient.

(b) Formal investigation. If Treasury cannot resolve the complaint through informal investigation, it will begin to develop formal findings through further investigation of the complaint. If the investigation indicates a violation of these regulations, Treasury will attempt to obtain voluntary compliance. If Treasury cannot obtain voluntary compliance, it will begin enforcement as described in § 23.46