The Secretary may initiate offset to collect a debt owed another Federal agency if:

1. (a) An official of that agency certifies in writing:

   1. (1) That the debtor owes a debt to the United States;
   2. (2) The amount of the debt; and
   3. (3) That the agency has complied with 4 CFR 102.3; and

2. (b) For offsets under 31 U.S.C. 3716, the Secretary makes an independent determination that the offset meets the standards under § 30.21(a)(2).

   (Authority: 20 U.S.C. 1221e-3(a)(1) and 1226a-1, 31 U.S.C. 3716(b))