[Request That GAO Instruct HUD To Settle Claims Arising Under Three Cooperative Agreements]

A firm requested that GAO instruct the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to settle claims that arose under three cooperative agreements. The firm alleged that HUD: (1) incurred costs in excess of amounts authorized by the agreements; (2) is obligated to pay the balance of the costs incurred; and (3) refused to settle the claims in retaliation for a successfully pursued complaint. GAO does not consider complaints concerning the award of grants or cooperative agreements or their administration except in limited circumstances not present here. GAO held that the existence and amounts of the claims were a matter of administration to be resolved by HUD. Accordingly, GAO would not consider the request.