(a) Delegation. Within the Department, FNS acts on behalf of the Department in the administration of SNAP with the exception of those functions, which may be delegated to other agencies within the Department. The right is reserved at any time to withdraw, modify, or amend any delegation of authority. When authority is delegated to FNS, the responsibilities may be carried out by the Administrator or by another official of FNS, or by State agencies with respect to claims against households, as designated.

(b) Claims settlement. FNS shall have the power to determine the amount of and to settle and adjust any claim arising under the provisions of the act or this subchapter, and to compromise or deny all or part of any claim.

(c) Demonstration authority. FNS is authorized to undertake demonstration projects which test new methods designed to improve program administration and benefit delivery. FNS is authorized to initiate program research and evaluation efforts for the purposes of improving and assessing program administration and effectiveness. The procedure for initiating and conducting these projects is established in part 282.