Program compliance and integrity

Section 515(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1515(b)) is amended— (1) in the subsection heading, by inserting, RESPONSE, AND FINAL DETERMINATION after NOTIFICATION; (2) in paragraph (1), by striking shall notify in writing and inserting shall, through an initial finding in writing, notify (unless such notification is pursuant to the responsibilities to conduct reviews and make corrections); (3) in paragraph (2)— (A) by striking the paragraph designation and heading and all that follows through Notice and inserting the following: (2) Required timing (A) Initial finding Notice; and (B) by adding at the end the following: (B) Response During the 90-day period beginning on the date on which the Corporation notifies an approved insurance provider of an initial finding under paragraph (1), the approved insurance provider may appeal that initial finding in writing. (C) Final finding Not later than 90 days after the date on which an approved insurance provider submits an appeal under subparagraph (B), the Corporation shall issue a final finding in writing to the approved insurance provider. (D) Request for final administrative determination Not later than 90 days after the date of a final finding of the Corporation under subparagraph (C), an approved insurance provider may request, in writing, a final administrative determination if the approved insurance provider has reason to believe that the final finding under subparagraph (C) is not in accordance with— (i) the applicable laws, regulations, custom, or practice of the crop insurance industry; or (ii) the approved policy and procedure of the Corporation. (E) Final determination Not later than 90 days after the receipt of a request for a final administrative determination under subparagraph (D), the Corporation shall provide a final administrative determination, unless substantial new information, as determined by the Corporation, is provided by the approved insurance provider. (F) Appeal to civilian board of contract appeals Not later than 90 days after receipt of a final administrative determination under subparagraph (E), an approved insurance provider may appeal that determination to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals.; and (4) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following: (3) Effect of failure to timely notify (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), failure of the Corporation to comply with the requirements under paragraph (2) shall relieve the approved insurance provider from the debt owed to the Corporation. (B) Exception Subparagraph (A) shall not apply to any matters referred to the Office of the Inspector General or the Department of Justice..