682.502—The application to be a lender.
(a)
To be considered for participation in the Federal GSL programs, a lender shall submit an application to the Secretary.
(b)
In determining whether to enter into a guarantee agreement with an applicant, and, if so, what the terms of the agreement will be, the Secretary considers—
(1)
Whether the applicant meets the definition of an “eligible lender” in section 435(d) of the Act and the definition of “lender” in § 682.200 ;
(2)
Whether the applicant is capable of complying with the regulations in this part as they apply to lenders;
(3)
Whether the applicant is capable of implementing adequate procedures for making, servicing, and collecting loans;
(4)
Whether the applicant has had prior experience with a similar Federal, State, or private nonprofit student loan program, and the amount and percentage of loans that are currently delinquent or in default under that program;
(c)
The Secretary may require an applicant to submit sufficient materials with its application so that the Secretary may fairly evaluate it in accordance with the criteria in this section.
(d)
(1)
If the Secretary decides not to approve the application for a guarantee agreement, the Secretary's response includes the reason for the decision.
(2)
The Secretary provides the lender an opportunity for the lender to meet with a designated Department official if the lender wishes to appeal the Secretary's decision.
(3)
However, the Secretary need not explain the reasons for the denial or grant the lender an opportunity to appeal if the lender submits its application within six months of a previous denial.