Referral to a collection agency
Primary source
Verbatim text below is from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the current version with the eCFR before relying on it for any legal matter.
Full Text
(a) OPM may refer certain debts to commercial collection agencies under the following conditions:
(1) All processing required by § 831.1304 has been completed before the debt is released.
(2) A contract for collection services has been negotiated.
(3) OPM retains the responsibility for resolving disputes, compromising claims, referring the debt for litigation, or suspending or terminating collection action.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.