(a) Any NSF employee who becomes aware of circumstances that may serve as the basis for suspension of a contractor will promptly report them to the NSF Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the suspending official. OIG will investigate the circumstances and, if it determines appropriate, prepare a written referral of the matter to the suspending official.

(b) Upon receipt of a referral from the NSF Office of Inspector General, the suspending official will determine, in consultation as appropriate with OIG, the NSF Office of the General Counsel, the NSF Procurement Executive, and program officials, what additional steps are necessary and appropriate to make a decision in accordance with the requirements of 48 CFR 9.407-3.