If a transaction at a lower tier is subject to your approval, you, as a Federal agency official, may not approve:

1. (a) A covered transaction with a person who is currently excluded unless you obtain an exception under § 180.135; or
2. (b) A transaction with a person who is disqualified from that transaction unless you obtain a waiver or exception under the statute, Executive Order, or regulation that is the basis for the person's disqualification.