HHS will generally request books, documents, and records from a subcontractor only if one of the following situations exists and the question cannot satisfactorily and efficiently be resolved without access to the books, documents, and records:
- (a) HHS has reason to believe that the costs claimed for services of the subcontractor are excessive or inappropriate.
- (b) There is insufficient information to judge the appropriateness of the costs.
- (c) There is a written accusation with suitable evidence against the provider or subcontractor of kickbacks, bribes, rebates, or other illegal activities.
- (d) There is evidence of a possible nondisclosure of the existence of a related organization.