{"identifier":"/us/usc/t20/s1018","title_num":"20","num":"§ 1018.","heading":"Performance-Based Organization for delivery of Federal student financial assistance","status":null,"guid":"idcfdd105f-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5","source_credit":"(Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 141, as added Pub. L. 105–244, title I, § 101(a), Oct. 7, 1998, 112 Stat. 1604; amended Pub. L. 110–315, title I, §§ 103(b)(2), 117, Aug. 14, 2008, 122 Stat. 3088, 3114; Pub. L. 111–39, title I, § 101(b)(5), July 1, 2009, 123 Stat. 1935; Pub. L. 116–251, § 5, Dec. 22, 2020, 134 Stat. 1131.)","seq_in_title":403,"parent_identifier":"/us/usc/t20/ch28/schI/ptD","ancestors":[{"identifier":"/us/usc/t20","level":"title","num":"Title 20—","heading":"EDUCATION","status":null,"is_section":false},{"identifier":"/us/usc/t20/ch28","level":"chapter","num":"CHAPTER 28—","heading":"HIGHER EDUCATION RESOURCES AND STUDENT ASSISTANCE","status":null,"is_section":false},{"identifier":"/us/usc/t20/ch28/schI","level":"subchapter","num":"SUBCHAPTER I—","heading":"GENERAL PROVISIONS","status":null,"is_section":false},{"identifier":"/us/usc/t20/ch28/schI/ptD","level":"part","num":"Part D—","heading":"Administrative Provisions for Delivery of Student Financial Assistance","status":null,"is_section":false}],"xml":"<section xmlns=\"http://xml.house.gov/schemas/uslm/1.0\" xmlns:xsi=\"http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance\" xmlns:dc=\"http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/\" xmlns:dcterms=\"http://purl.org/dc/terms/\" style=\"-uslm-lc:I80\" id=\"idcfdd105f-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018\"><num value=\"1018\">§ 1018.</num><heading> Performance-Based Organization for delivery of Federal student financial assistance</heading><subsection style=\"-uslm-lc:I19\" class=\"indent2 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd1060-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/a\"><num value=\"a\" class=\"bold\">(a)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Establishment and purpose</heading><paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd1061-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/a/1\"><num value=\"1\" class=\"bold\">(1)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Establishment</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">There is established in the Department a Performance-Based Organization (hereafter referred to as the “PBO”) which shall be a discrete management unit responsible for managing the administrative and oversight functions supporting the programs authorized under subchapter IV of this chapter, as specified in subsection (b).</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd1062-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/a/2\"><num value=\"2\" class=\"bold\">(2)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Purposes</heading><chapeau style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The purposes of the PBO are—</chapeau><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd1063-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/a/2/A\"><num value=\"A\">(A)</num><content> to improve service to students and other participants in the student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV, including making those programs more understandable to students and their parents;</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd1064-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/a/2/B\"><num value=\"B\">(B)</num><content> to reduce the costs of administering those programs;</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd1065-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/a/2/C\"><num value=\"C\">(C)</num><content> to increase the accountability of the officials responsible for administering the operational aspects of these programs;</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd1066-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/a/2/D\"><num value=\"D\">(D)</num><content> to provide greater flexibility in the management and administration of the Federal student financial assistance programs;</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd1067-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/a/2/E\"><num value=\"E\">(E)</num><content> to integrate the information systems supporting the Federal student financial assistance programs;</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd1068-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/a/2/F\"><num value=\"F\">(F)</num><content> to implement an open, common, integrated system for the delivery of student financial assistance under subchapter IV; and</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd1069-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/a/2/G\"><num value=\"G\">(G)</num><content> to develop and maintain a student financial assistance system that contains complete, accurate, and timely data to ensure program integrity.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n</subsection>\n<subsection style=\"-uslm-lc:I19\" class=\"indent2 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd106a-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b\"><num value=\"b\" class=\"bold\">(b)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> General authority</heading><paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd106b-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/1\"><num value=\"1\" class=\"bold\">(1)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Authority of Secretary</heading><chapeau style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, the Secretary shall maintain responsibility for the development and promulgation of policy and regulations relating to the programs of student financial assistance under subchapter IV. In the exercise of its functions, the PBO shall be subject to the direction of the Secretary. The Secretary shall—</chapeau><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd106c-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/1/A\"><num value=\"A\">(A)</num><content> request the advice of, and work in cooperation with, the Chief Operating Officer in developing regulations, policies, administrative guidance, or procedures affecting the Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV;</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd106d-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/1/B\"><num value=\"B\">(B)</num><content> request cost estimates from the Chief Operating Officer for system changes required by specific policies proposed by the Secretary; and</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd377e-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/1/C\"><num value=\"C\">(C)</num><chapeau> assist the Chief Operating Officer in identifying goals for—</chapeau><clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\" id=\"idcfdd377f-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/1/C/i\"><num value=\"i\">(i)</num><content> the administration of the systems used to administer the Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV; and</content>\n</clause>\n<clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\" id=\"idcfdd3780-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/1/C/ii\"><num value=\"ii\">(ii)</num><content> the updating of such systems to current technology.</content>\n</clause>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd3781-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/2\"><num value=\"2\" class=\"bold\">(2)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> PBO functions</heading><chapeau style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">Subject to paragraph (1), the PBO shall be responsible for the administration of Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV, excluding the development of policy relating to such programs but including the following:</chapeau><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd3782-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/2/A\"><num value=\"A\">(A)</num><chapeau> The administrative, accounting, and financial management functions for the Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV, including—</chapeau><clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\" id=\"idcfdd3783-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/2/A/i\"><num value=\"i\">(i)</num><content> the collection, processing, and transmission of data to students, institutions, lenders, State agencies, and other authorized parties;</content>\n</clause>\n<clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\" id=\"idcfdd3784-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/2/A/ii\"><num value=\"ii\">(ii)</num><content> the design and technical specifications for software development and procurement for systems supporting the Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV;</content>\n</clause>\n<clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\" id=\"idcfdd3785-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/2/A/iii\"><num value=\"iii\">(iii)</num><content> all software and hardware acquisitions and all information technology contracts related to the administration and management of student financial assistance under subchapter IV;</content>\n</clause>\n<clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\" id=\"idcfdd3786-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/2/A/iv\"><num value=\"iv\">(iv)</num><content> all aspects of contracting for the information and financial systems supporting the Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV;</content>\n</clause>\n<clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\" id=\"idcfdd3787-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/2/A/v\"><num value=\"v\">(v)</num><content> providing all customer service, training, and user support related to the administration of the Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV; and</content>\n</clause>\n<clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\" id=\"idcfdd3788-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/2/A/vi\"><num value=\"vi\">(vi)</num><content> ensuring the integrity of the Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV.</content>\n</clause>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd3789-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/2/B\"><num value=\"B\">(B)</num><content> Annual development of a budget for the activities and functions of the PBO, in consultation with the Secretary, and for consideration and inclusion in the Department’s annual budget submission.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd378a-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/3\"><num value=\"3\" class=\"bold\">(3)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Additional functions</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The Secretary may allocate to the PBO such additional functions as the Secretary and the Chief Operating Officer determine are necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of the PBO.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd378b-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/4\"><num value=\"4\" class=\"bold\">(4)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Independence</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">Subject to paragraph (1), in carrying out its functions, the PBO shall exercise independent control of its budget allocations and expenditures, personnel decisions and processes, procurements, and other administrative and management functions.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd378c-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/5\"><num value=\"5\" class=\"bold\">(5)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Audits and review</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The PBO shall be subject to the usual and customary Federal audit procedures and to review by the Inspector General of the Department.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd378d-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/6\"><num value=\"6\" class=\"bold\">(6)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Changes</heading><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd378e-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/6/A\"><num value=\"A\" class=\"bold\">(A)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> In general</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">The Secretary and the Chief Operating Officer shall consult concerning the effects of policy, market, or other changes on the ability of the PBO to achieve the goals and objectives established in the performance plan described in subsection (c).</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd378f-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/b/6/B\"><num value=\"B\" class=\"bold\">(B)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Revisions to agreement</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">The Secretary and the Chief Operating Officer may revise the annual performance agreement described in subsection (d)(4) in light of policy, market, or other changes that occur after the Secretary and the Chief Operating Officer enter into the agreement.</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n</subsection>\n<subsection style=\"-uslm-lc:I19\" class=\"indent2 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd3790-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c\"><num value=\"c\" class=\"bold\">(c)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Performance plan, report, and briefing</heading><paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5ea1-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/1\"><num value=\"1\" class=\"bold\">(1)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Performance plan</heading><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5ea2-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/1/A\"><num value=\"A\" class=\"bold\">(A)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> In general</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">Each year, the Secretary and Chief Operating Officer shall agree on, and make available to the public, a performance plan for the PBO for the succeeding 5 years that establishes measurable goals and objectives for the organization.</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5ea3-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/1/B\"><num value=\"B\" class=\"bold\">(B)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Consultation</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">In developing the 5-year performance plan and any revision to the plan, the Secretary and the Chief Operating Officer shall consult with students, institutions of higher education, Congress, lenders, the Advisory Committee on Student Financial Assistance, and other interested parties not less than 30 days prior to the implementation of the performance plan or revision.</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5ea4-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/1/C\"><num value=\"C\" class=\"bold\">(C)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Areas</heading><chapeau style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">The plan shall include a concise statement of the goals for a modernized system for the delivery of student financial assistance under subchapter IV and identify action steps necessary to achieve such goals. The plan shall address the PBO’s responsibilities in the following areas:</chapeau><clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I77\" class=\"indent5 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5ea5-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/1/C/i\"><num value=\"i\" class=\"bold\">(i)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Improving service</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\">Improving service to students and other participants in student financial aid programs authorized under under <ref class=\"footnoteRef\" idref=\"fn002026\">1</ref><note type=\"footnote\" id=\"fn002026\"><num>1</num> So in original.</note> subchapter IV, including making those programs more understandable to students and their parents.</p>\n</content>\n</clause>\n<clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I77\" class=\"indent5 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5ea6-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/1/C/ii\"><num value=\"ii\" class=\"bold\">(ii)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Reducing costs</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\">Reducing the costs of administering those programs.</p>\n</content>\n</clause>\n<clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I77\" class=\"indent5 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5ea7-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/1/C/iii\"><num value=\"iii\" class=\"bold\">(iii)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Improvement and integration of support systems</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\">Improving and integrating the systems that support those programs.</p>\n</content>\n</clause>\n<clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I77\" class=\"indent5 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5ea8-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/1/C/iv\"><num value=\"iv\" class=\"bold\">(iv)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Delivery and information system</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\">Developing open, common, and integrated systems for programs authorized under under <sup>1</sup> subchapter IV.</p>\n</content>\n</clause>\n<clause style=\"-uslm-lc:I77\" class=\"indent5 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5ea9-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/1/C/v\"><num value=\"v\" class=\"bold\">(v)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Other areas</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3\">Any other areas identified by the Secretary.</p>\n</content>\n</clause>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5eaa-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/2\"><num value=\"2\" class=\"bold\">(2)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Annual report</heading><chapeau style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">Each year, the Chief Operating Officer shall prepare and submit to Congress, through the Secretary, an annual report on the performance of the PBO, including an evaluation of the extent to which the PBO met the goals and objectives contained in the 5-year performance plan described in paragraph (1) for the preceding year. The annual report shall include the following:</chapeau><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd5eab-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/2/A\"><num value=\"A\">(A)</num><content> An independent financial audit of the expenditures of both the PBO and the programs administered by the PBO.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd5eac-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/2/B\"><num value=\"B\">(B)</num><content> Financial and performance requirements applicable to the PBO under the Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990 and the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd5ead-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/2/C\"><num value=\"C\">(C)</num><content> The results achieved by the PBO during the year relative to the goals established in the organization’s performance plan.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd5eae-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/2/D\"><num value=\"D\">(D)</num><content> The evaluation rating of the performance of the Chief Operating Officer and senior managers under subsections (d)(4) and (e)(2), including the amounts of bonus compensation awarded to these individuals.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd5eaf-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/2/E\"><num value=\"E\">(E)</num><content> Recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes to improve service to students and their families, and to improve program efficiency and integrity.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd5eb0-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/2/F\"><num value=\"F\">(F)</num><content> Other such information as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall prescribe for performance based organizations.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd5eb1-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/3\"><num value=\"3\" class=\"bold\">(3)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Consultation with stakeholders</heading><chapeau style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The Chief Operating Officer, in preparing the report described in paragraph (2), shall establish appropriate means to consult with students, borrowers, institutions, lenders, guaranty agencies, secondary markets, and others involved in the delivery system of student aid under subchapter IV—</chapeau><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd5eb2-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/3/A\"><num value=\"A\">(A)</num><content> regarding the degree of satisfaction with the delivery system; and</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd85c3-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/3/B\"><num value=\"B\">(B)</num><content> to seek suggestions on means to improve the delivery system.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85c4-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/4\"><num value=\"4\" class=\"bold\">(4)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Briefing on enforcement of student loan provisions</heading><chapeau style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The Secretary shall, upon request, provide a briefing to the members of the authorizing committees on the steps the Department has taken to ensure—</chapeau><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd85c5-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/4/A\"><num value=\"A\">(A)</num><content> the integrity of the student loan programs; and</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd85c6-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/c/4/B\"><num value=\"B\">(B)</num><content> that lenders and guaranty agencies are adhering to the requirements of subchapter IV.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n</subsection>\n<subsection style=\"-uslm-lc:I19\" class=\"indent2 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85c7-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d\"><num value=\"d\" class=\"bold\">(d)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Chief Operating Officer</heading><paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85c8-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/1\"><num value=\"1\" class=\"bold\">(1)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Appointment</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The management of the PBO shall be vested in a Chief Operating Officer who shall be appointed by the Secretary to a term of not less than 3 and not more than 5 years, and compensated without regard to chapters 33, 51, and 53 of title 5. The appointment shall be made on the basis of demonstrated management ability and expertise in information technology, including experience with financial systems, and without regard to political affiliation or activity.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85c9-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/2\"><num value=\"2\" class=\"bold\">(2)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Reappointment</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The Secretary may reappoint the Chief Operating Officer to subsequent terms of not less than 3 and not more than 5 years, so long as the performance of the Chief Operating Officer, as set forth in the performance agreement described in paragraph (4), is satisfactory.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85ca-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/3\"><num value=\"3\" class=\"bold\">(3)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Removal</heading><chapeau style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The Chief Operating Officer may be removed by—</chapeau><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd85cb-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/3/A\"><num value=\"A\">(A)</num><content> the President; or</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfdd85cc-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/3/B\"><num value=\"B\">(B)</num><content> the Secretary, for misconduct or failure to meet performance goals set forth in the performance agreement in paragraph (4).</content>\n</subparagraph>\n\n<continuation style=\"-uslm-lc:I17\" class=\"indent1 firstIndent0\">The President or Secretary shall communicate the reasons for any such removal to the authorizing committees.</continuation>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85cd-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/4\"><num value=\"4\" class=\"bold\">(4)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Performance agreement</heading><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85ce-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/4/A\"><num value=\"A\" class=\"bold\">(A)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> In general</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">Each year, the Secretary and the Chief Operating Officer shall enter into an annual performance agreement, that shall set forth measurable organization and individual goals for the Chief Operating Officer.</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85cf-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/4/B\"><num value=\"B\" class=\"bold\">(B)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Transmittal</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">The final agreement, and any revision to the final agreement, shall be transmitted to the authorizing committees, and made publicly available.</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85d0-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/5\"><num value=\"5\" class=\"bold\">(5)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Compensation</heading><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85d1-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/5/A\"><num value=\"A\" class=\"bold\">(A)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> In general</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">The Chief Operating Officer is authorized to be paid at an annual rate of basic pay not to exceed the maximum rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive Service under <ref href=\"/us/usc/t5/s5382\">section 5382 of title 5</ref>, including any applicable locality-based comparability payment that may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(B) of such title. The compensation of the Chief Operating Officer shall be considered for purposes of <ref href=\"/us/usc/t18/s207/c/2/A\">section 207(c)(2)(A) of title 18</ref> to be the equivalent of that described under clause (ii) of section 207(c)(2)(A) of such title.</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85d2-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/5/B\"><num value=\"B\" class=\"bold\">(B)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Bonus</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">In addition, the Chief Operating Officer may receive a bonus in an amount that does not exceed 50 percent of such annual rate of basic pay, based upon the Secretary’s evaluation of the Chief Operating Officer’s performance in relation to the goals set forth in the performance agreement described in paragraph (4).</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85d3-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/d/5/C\"><num value=\"C\" class=\"bold\">(C)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Payment</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">Payment of a bonus under subparagraph (B) may be made to the Chief Operating Officer only to the extent that such payment does not cause the Chief Operating Officer’s total aggregate compensation in a calendar year to equal or exceed the amount of the President’s salary under <ref href=\"/us/usc/t3/s102\">section 102 of title 3</ref>.</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n</subsection>\n<subsection style=\"-uslm-lc:I19\" class=\"indent2 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85d4-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/e\"><num value=\"e\" class=\"bold\">(e)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Senior management</heading><paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85d5-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/e/1\"><num value=\"1\" class=\"bold\">(1)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Appointment</heading><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfdd85d6-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/e/1/A\"><num value=\"A\" class=\"bold\">(A)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> In general</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">The Chief Operating Officer may appoint such senior managers as that officer determines necessary without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service.</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddace7-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/e/1/B\"><num value=\"B\" class=\"bold\">(B)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Compensation</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">The senior managers described in subparagraph (A) may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddace8-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/e/2\"><num value=\"2\" class=\"bold\">(2)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Performance agreement</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">Each year, the Chief Operating Officer and each senior manager appointed under this subsection shall enter into an annual performance agreement that sets forth measurable organization and individual goals. The agreement shall be subject to review and renegotiation at the end of each term.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddace9-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/e/3\"><num value=\"3\" class=\"bold\">(3)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Compensation</heading><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddacea-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/e/3/A\"><num value=\"A\" class=\"bold\">(A)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> In general</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">A senior manager appointed under this subsection may be paid at an annual rate of basic pay of not more than the maximum rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive Service under <ref href=\"/us/usc/t5/s5382\">section 5382 of title 5</ref>, including any applicable locality-based comparability payment that may be authorized under section 5304(h)(2)(C) of such title. The compensation of a senior manager shall be considered for purposes of <ref href=\"/us/usc/t18/s207/c/2/A\">section 207(c)(2)(A) of title 18</ref> to be the equivalent of that described under clause (ii) of section 207(c)(2)(A) of such title.</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I18\" class=\"indent4 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddaceb-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/e/3/B\"><num value=\"B\" class=\"bold\">(B)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Bonus</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\">In addition, a senior manager may receive a bonus in an amount such that the manager’s total annual compensation does not exceed 125 percent of the maximum rate of basic pay for the Senior Executive Service, including any applicable locality-based comparability payment, based upon the Chief Operating Officer’s evaluation of the manager’s performance in relation to the goals set forth in the performance agreement described in paragraph (2).</p>\n</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddacec-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/e/4\"><num value=\"4\" class=\"bold\">(4)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Removal</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">A senior manager shall be removable by the Chief Operating Officer, or by the Secretary if the position of Chief Operating Officer is vacant.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n</subsection>\n<subsection style=\"-uslm-lc:I19\" class=\"indent2 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddaced-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/f\"><num value=\"f\" class=\"bold\">(f)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Student Loan Ombudsman</heading><paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddacee-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/f/1\"><num value=\"1\" class=\"bold\">(1)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Appointment</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The Chief Operating Officer, in consultation with the Secretary, shall appoint a Student Loan Ombudsman to provide timely assistance to borrowers of loans made, insured, or guaranteed under subchapter IV by performing the functions described in paragraph (3).</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddacef-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/f/2\"><num value=\"2\" class=\"bold\">(2)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Public information</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The Chief Operating Officer shall disseminate information about the availability and functions of the Ombudsman to students, borrowers, and potential borrowers, as well as institutions of higher education, lenders, guaranty agencies, loan servicers, and other participants in those student loan programs.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddacf0-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/f/3\"><num value=\"3\" class=\"bold\">(3)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Functions of Ombudsman</heading><chapeau style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The Ombudsman shall—</chapeau><subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfddacf1-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/f/3/A\"><num value=\"A\">(A)</num><content> in accordance with regulations of the Secretary, receive, review, and attempt to resolve informally complaints from borrowers of loans described in paragraph (1), including, as appropriate, attempts to resolve such complaints within the Department of Education and with institutions of higher education, lenders, guaranty agencies, loan servicers, and other participants in the loan programs described in paragraph (1); and</content>\n</subparagraph>\n<subparagraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2\" id=\"idcfddacf2-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/f/3/B\"><num value=\"B\">(B)</num><content> compile and analyze data on borrower complaints and make appropriate recommendations.</content>\n</subparagraph>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddacf3-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/f/4\"><num value=\"4\" class=\"bold\">(4)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Report</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">Each year, the Ombudsman shall submit a report to the Chief Operating Officer, for inclusion in the annual report under subsection (c)(2), that describes the activities, and evaluates the effectiveness of the Ombudsman during the preceding year.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n</subsection>\n<subsection style=\"-uslm-lc:I19\" class=\"indent2 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddacf4-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/g\"><num value=\"g\" class=\"bold\">(g)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Personnel flexibility</heading><paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddacf5-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/g/1\"><num value=\"1\" class=\"bold\">(1)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Personnel ceilings</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The PBO shall not be subject to any ceiling relating to the number or grade of employees.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddd406-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/g/2\"><num value=\"2\" class=\"bold\">(2)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Administrative flexibility</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The Chief Operating Officer shall work with the Office of Personnel Management to develop and implement personnel flexibilities in staffing, classification, and pay that meet the needs of the PBO, subject to compliance with title 5.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n<paragraph style=\"-uslm-lc:I79\" class=\"indent3 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddd407-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/g/3\"><num value=\"3\" class=\"bold\">(3)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Excepted service</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I12\" class=\"indent1\">The Chief Operating Officer may appoint, without regard to the provisions of title 5 governing appointments in the competitive service, technical and professional employees to administer the functions of the PBO. These employees may be paid without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.</p>\n</content>\n</paragraph>\n</subsection>\n<subsection style=\"-uslm-lc:I19\" class=\"indent2 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddd408-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/h\"><num value=\"h\" class=\"bold\">(h)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Establishment of fair and equitable system for measuring staff performance</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I11\" class=\"indent0\">The PBO shall establish an annual performance management system, subject to compliance with title 5, and consistent with applicable provisions of law and regulations, which strengthens the effectiveness of the PBO by providing for establishing goals or objectives for individual, group, or organizational performance (or any combination thereof), consistent with the performance plan of the PBO and its performance planning procedures, including those established under the Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, and communicating such goals or objectives to employees.</p>\n</content>\n</subsection>\n<subsection style=\"-uslm-lc:I19\" class=\"indent2 firstIndent-2\" id=\"idcfddd409-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\" identifier=\"/us/usc/t20/s1018/i\"><num value=\"i\" class=\"bold\">(i)</num><heading class=\"bold\"> Authorization of appropriations</heading><content><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I11\" class=\"indent0\">The Secretary shall allocate from funds made available under <ref href=\"/us/usc/t20/s1087h\">section 1087h of this title</ref> such funds as are appropriate to the functions assumed by the PBO. In addition, there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this part.</p>\n</content>\n</subsection>\n<sourceCredit id=\"idcfddd40a-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\">(<ref href=\"/us/pl/89/329/tI/s141\">Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 141</ref>, as added <ref href=\"/us/pl/105/244/tI/s101/a\">Pub. L. 105–244, title I, § 101(a)</ref>, <date date=\"1998-10-07\">Oct. 7, 1998</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/112/1604\">112 Stat. 1604</ref>; amended <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/tI\">Pub. L. 110–315, title I</ref>, §§ 103(b)(2), 117, <date date=\"2008-08-14\">Aug. 14, 2008</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/122/3088\">122 Stat. 3088</ref>, 3114; <ref href=\"/us/pl/111/39/tI/s101/b/5\">Pub. L. 111–39, title I, § 101(b)(5)</ref>, <date date=\"2009-07-01\">July 1, 2009</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/123/1935\">123 Stat. 1935</ref>; <ref href=\"/us/pl/116/251/s5\">Pub. L. 116–251, § 5</ref>, <date date=\"2020-12-22\">Dec. 22, 2020</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/134/1131\">134 Stat. 1131</ref>.)</sourceCredit>\n<notes type=\"uscNote\" id=\"idcfddd40b-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\">\n<note style=\"-uslm-lc:I84\" topic=\"prospectiveAmendment\" id=\"idcfddd40c-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\"><heading class=\"centered fontsize8 smallCaps\">Amendment of Subsection (b)(2)</heading><p><ref href=\"/us/pl/116/251\">Pub. L. 116–251</ref>, §§ 5, 6, <date date=\"2020-12-22\">Dec. 22, 2020</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/134/1131\">134 Stat. 1131</ref>, 1132, provided that, effective 180 days after <date date=\"2020-12-22\">Dec. 22, 2020</date>, subsection (b)(2) of this section is amended by adding at the end the following:</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I13\" class=\"indent2 fontsize8\"><i>(C) Taking action to prevent and address the improper use of access devices, as described in <ref href=\"/us/usc/t20/s1092b/d/7\">section 1092b(d)(7) of this title</ref>, including by—</i></p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3 fontsize8\"><i>(i) detecting common patterns of improper use of any system that processes payments on Federal Direct Loans or other Department information technology systems;</i></p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3 fontsize8\"><i>(ii) maintaining a reporting system for contractors involved in the processing of payments on Federal Direct Loans in order to allow those contractors to alert the Secretary of potentially improper use of Department information technology systems;</i></p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3 fontsize8\"><i>(iii) proactively contacting Federal student loan borrowers whose Federal student loan accounts demonstrate a likelihood of improper use in order to warn those borrowers of suspicious activity or potential fraud regarding their Federal student loan accounts; and</i></p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I14\" class=\"indent3 fontsize8\"><i>(iv) providing clear and simple disclosures in communications with borrowers who are applying for or requesting assistance with Federal Direct Loan programs (including assistance or applications regarding income-driven repayment, forbearance, deferment, consolidation, rehabilitation, cancellation, and forgiveness) to ensure that borrowers are aware that the Department will never require borrowers to pay for such assistance or applications.</i></p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I88\" class=\"indent1 fontsize8 italic\">See 2020 Amendment note below.</p>\n</note>\n<note style=\"-uslm-lc:I75\" topic=\"referencesInText\" id=\"idcfddd40d-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\">\n<heading class=\"centered smallCaps\">References in Text</heading><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">The Chief Financial Officers Act of 1990, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(B), is <ref href=\"/us/pl/101/576\">Pub. L. 101–576</ref>, <date date=\"1990-11-15\">Nov. 15, 1990</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/104/2838\">104 Stat. 2838</ref>. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1990 Amendment note set out under <ref href=\"/us/usc/t31/s501\">section 501 of Title 31</ref>, Money and Finance, and Tables.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">The Government Performance and Results Act of 1993, referred to in subsecs. (c)(2)(B) and (h), is <ref href=\"/us/pl/103/62\">Pub. L. 103–62</ref>, <date date=\"1993-08-03\">Aug. 3, 1993</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/107/285\">107 Stat. 285</ref>, which enacted <ref href=\"/us/usc/t5/s306\">section 306 of Title 5</ref>, Government Organization and Employees, sections 1115 to 1119, 9703, and 9704 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and sections 2801 to 2805 of Title 39, Postal Service, amended <ref href=\"/us/usc/t31/s1105\">section 1105 of Title 31</ref>, and enacted provisions set out as notes under sections 1101 and 1115 of Title 31. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title of 1993 Amendment note set out under <ref href=\"/us/usc/t31/s1101\">section 1101 of Title 31</ref> and Tables.</p>\n</note>\n<note style=\"-uslm-lc:I74\" topic=\"priorProvisions\" id=\"idcfddfb1e-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\"><heading class=\"centered smallCaps\">Prior Provisions</heading><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">A prior section 1018, <ref href=\"/us/pl/89/329/tI/s141\">Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 141</ref>, as added <ref href=\"/us/pl/100/418/tVI/s6201\">Pub. L. 100–418, title VI, § 6201</ref>, <date date=\"1988-08-23\">Aug. 23, 1988</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/102/1514\">102 Stat. 1514</ref>, set out purpose of former part D of this subchapter as being the development of student literacy corps programs, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by <ref href=\"/us/pl/102/325\">Pub. L. 102–325</ref>.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Another prior section 1018, <ref href=\"/us/pl/89/329/tI/s118\">Pub. L. 89–329, title I, § 118</ref>, as added <ref href=\"/us/pl/96/374/tI/s101/a\">Pub. L. 96–374, title I, § 101(a)</ref>, <date date=\"1980-10-03\">Oct. 3, 1980</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/94/1382\">94 Stat. 1382</ref>, defined terms used in former part D of this subchapter, prior to the general amendment of this subchapter by <ref href=\"/us/pl/99/498\">Pub. L. 99–498</ref>.</p>\n</note>\n<note style=\"-uslm-lc:I74\" topic=\"amendments\" id=\"idcfddfb1f-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\"><heading class=\"centered smallCaps\">Amendments</heading><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">2020—Subsec. (b)(2)(C). <ref href=\"/us/pl/116/251\">Pub. L. 116–251</ref> added subpar. (C).</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">2009—Subsec. (c)(3). <ref href=\"/us/pl/111/39/s101/b/5/A\">Pub. L. 111–39, § 101(b)(5)(A)</ref>, substituted “under subchapter IV” for “under this subchapter” in introductory provisions.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (d)(3). <ref href=\"/us/pl/111/39/s101/b/5/B\">Pub. L. 111–39, § 101(b)(5)(B)</ref>, substituted “authorizing committees” for “appropriate committees of Congress” in concluding provisions.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">2008—Subsec. (a)(1). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/1/A\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(1)(A)</ref>, substituted “administrative and oversight” for “operational”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (a)(2)(D). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/1/B\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(1)(B)</ref>, substituted “and administration” for “of the operational functions”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (b)(1)(A). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/2/A/i\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(2)(A)(i)</ref>, substituted “the Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV” for “the information systems administered by the PBO, and other functions performed by the PBO”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (b)(1)(C). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/2/A/ii\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(2)(A)(ii)</ref>, added subpar. (C) and struck out former subpar. (C) which read as follows: “assist the Chief Operating Officer in identifying goals for the administration and modernization of the delivery system for student financial assistance under subchapter IV.”</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (b)(2). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/2/B/i\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(2)(B)(i)</ref>, in introductory provisions, substituted “the administration of Federal” for “administration of the information and financial systems that support” and “subchapter IV” for “this subchapter”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (b)(2)(A). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/2/B/ii/I\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(2)(B)(ii)(I)</ref>, substituted “for the Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV” for “of the delivery system for Federal student assistance” in introductory provisions.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(i), (ii). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/2/B/ii/II\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(2)(B)(ii)(II)</ref>, added cls. (i) and (ii) and struck out former cls. (i) and (ii) which read as follows:</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">“(i) the collection, processing and transmission of applicant data to students, institutions and authorized third parties, as provided for in <ref href=\"/us/usc/t20/s1090\">section 1090 of this title</ref>;</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">“(ii) design and technical specifications for software development and systems supporting the delivery of student financial assistance under subchapter IV;”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iii). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/2/B/ii/III\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(2)(B)(ii)(III)</ref>, substituted “administration” for “delivery”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(iv). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/2/B/ii/IV\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(2)(B)(ii)(IV)</ref>, inserted “the Federal” after “supporting”, substituted “authorized under subchapter IV” for “under this subchapter”, and struck out “and” after the semicolon.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(v). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/2/B/ii/V\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(2)(B)(ii)(V)</ref>, substituted “the administration of the Federal student financial assistance programs authorized under subchapter IV; and” for “systems that support those programs.”</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (b)(2)(A)(vi). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/2/B/ii/VI\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(2)(B)(ii)(VI)</ref>, added cl. (vi).</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (b)(2)(B). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/2/B/iii\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(2)(B)(iii)</ref>, substituted “activities and functions” for “operations and services”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (c). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/3/A\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(3)(A)</ref>, substituted “Performance plan, report, and briefing” for “Performance plan and report” in heading.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(i). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/3/B/i\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(3)(B)(i)</ref>, substituted “under subchapter IV” for “this subchapter”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(iii). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/3/B/ii\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(3)(B)(ii)</ref>, struck out “information and delivery” after “integrating the”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (c)(1)(C)(iv). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/3/B/i\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(3)(B)(i)</ref>, (iii), substituted “Developing” for “Developing an”, “systems” for “delivery and information system”, and “under subchapter IV” for “this subchapter”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (c)(2)(A). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/3/C/i\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(3)(C)(i)</ref>, inserted “the” after “PBO and”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (c)(2)(B). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/3/C/ii\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(3)(C)(ii)</ref>, substituted “Officers” for “Officer”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (c)(3). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/3/D\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(3)(D)</ref>, inserted “students,” after “consult with” in introductory provisions.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (c)(4). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/3/E\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(3)(E)</ref>, added par. (4).</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (d)(1). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/4/A\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(4)(A)</ref>, struck out after first sentence “The Secretary shall appoint the Chief Operating Officer within 6 months after <date date=\"1998-10-07\">October 7, 1998</date>.”</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (d)(4)(B). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s103/b/2\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 103(b)(2)</ref>, substituted “authorizing committees” for “Committee on Education and the Workforce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Labor and Human Resources of the Senate”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (d)(5)(B). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/4/B/i\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(4)(B)(i)</ref>, substituted “paragraph (4)” for “paragraph (2)”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (d)(5)(C). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/4/B/ii\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(4)(B)(ii)</ref>, struck out “this” before “subparagraph (B)”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (f)(2). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/5/A\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(5)(A)</ref>, substituted “to students, borrowers,” for “to borrowers”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (f)(3)(A). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/5/B\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(5)(B)</ref>, substituted “paragraph (1);” for “paragraph (1)(A);”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (g)(3). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/6\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(6)</ref>, struck out “not more than 25” before “technical and professional employees”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsec. (h). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/7\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(7)</ref>, substituted “effectiveness” for “organizational effectiveness”.</p>\n<p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Subsecs. (i), (j). <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/s117/8\">Pub. L. 110–315, § 117(8)</ref>–(10), redesignated subsec. (j) as (i), struck out “, including transition costs” before period at end, and struck out former subsec. (i). Text of former subsec. (i) read as follows: “The Secretary and the Chief Operating Officer, not later than 180 days after <date date=\"1998-10-07\">October 7, 1998</date>, shall report to Congress on the proposed budget and sources of funding for the operation of the PBO.”</p>\n</note>\n<note style=\"-uslm-lc:I74\" topic=\"effectiveDateOfAmendment\" id=\"idcfde2230-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\"><heading class=\"centered smallCaps\">Effective Date of 2020 Amendment</heading><p><ref href=\"/us/pl/116/251/s6\">Pub. L. 116–251, § 6</ref>, <date date=\"2020-12-22\">Dec. 22, 2020</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/134/1132\">134 Stat. 1132</ref>, provided that: <quotedContent origin=\"/us/pl/116/251/s6\">“This Act [see Short Title of 2020 Amendment note set out under <ref href=\"/us/usc/t20/s1001\">section 1001 of this title</ref>], and the amendments made by this Act, shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act [<date date=\"2020-12-22\">Dec. 22, 2020</date>].”</quotedContent>\n</p>\n</note>\n<note style=\"-uslm-lc:I74\" topic=\"effectiveDateOfAmendment\" id=\"idcfde2231-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\"><heading class=\"centered smallCaps\">Effective Date of 2009 Amendment</heading><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\">Amendment by <ref href=\"/us/pl/111/39\">Pub. L. 111–39</ref> effective as if enacted on the date of enactment of <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315\">Pub. L. 110–315</ref> (<date date=\"2008-08-14\">Aug. 14, 2008</date>), see <ref href=\"/us/pl/111/39/s3\">section 3 of Pub. L. 111–39</ref>, set out as a note under <ref href=\"/us/usc/t20/s1001\">section 1001 of this title</ref>.</p>\n</note>\n<note style=\"-uslm-lc:I74\" topic=\"miscellaneous\" id=\"idcfde2232-4aa6-11eb-afbc-da62fdf49fd5\"><heading class=\"centered smallCaps\">Study of Market Mechanisms in Federal Student Loan Programs</heading><p style=\"-uslm-lc:I21\" class=\"indent0\"><ref href=\"/us/pl/105/244/tVIII/s801\">Pub. L. 105–244, title VIII, § 801</ref>, <date date=\"1998-10-07\">Oct. 7, 1998</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/112/1803\">112 Stat. 1803</ref>, which directed the Comptroller General and Secretary of Education, in consultation with a study group, to design and conduct a study to identify and evaluate means of establishing a market mechanism for the delivery of certain student loans made pursuant to title IV of the Higher Education Act (<ref href=\"/us/usc/t20/s1070\">20 U.S.C. 1070</ref> et seq.) and to transmit a final report to congressional committees not later than <date date=\"2001-05-15\">May 15, 2001</date>, was repealed by <ref href=\"/us/pl/110/315/tIX/s931/1\">Pub. L. 110–315, title IX, § 931(1)</ref>, <date date=\"2008-08-14\">Aug. 14, 2008</date>, <ref href=\"/us/stat/122/3456\">122 Stat. 3456</ref>.</p>\n</note>\n</notes>\n</section>","provision":null,"duplicates":[],"release":{"label":"116-252","currency_date":"2020-12-22","congress":116,"law_num":252,"excluded_laws":[],"update_num":null,"seq":222,"is_partial":false,"caveat":null,"titles_affected":["18","20","31","34","40","42"],"ingested_titles":[]},"served_from":{"label":"116-252","currency_date":"2020-12-22","congress":116,"law_num":252,"excluded_laws":[],"update_num":null,"seq":222,"is_partial":false,"caveat":null,"titles_affected":["18","20","31","34","40","42"],"ingested_titles":[]},"content_first_seen":{"label":"116-252","currency_date":"2020-12-22","congress":116,"law_num":252,"excluded_laws":[],"update_num":null,"seq":222,"is_partial":false,"caveat":null,"titles_affected":["18","20","31","34","40","42"],"ingested_titles":[]},"is_exact":true,"note":null}