1720.180—Settlements.
Parties may propose in writing, at any time during the course of a proceeding, offers of settlement which shall be submitted to the Secretary. If determined to be appropriate, the party making the offer may be given an opportunity to make an oral presentation in support of such offer. If an offer of settlement is rejected, the party making the offer shall be so notified and the offer shall be deemed withdrawn and shall not constitute a part of the record in the proceeding. Final acceptance by the Secretary of any offer of settlement will terminate any proceeding related thereto upon notification to the administrative law judge or the appeals officer.