Section 1532.1140 - Can an exception be made to allow me to receive an award even though I may be disqualified?(a) After consulting with the EPA debarring official, the head of any Federal department or agency (or designee) may exempt any particular award or a class of awards with that department or agency from CAA or CWA disqualification. In the event an exemption is granted, the exemption must: (2) State why the exemption is in the paramount interests of the United States.(b) In the event an exemption is granted, the exempting department or agency must send a copy of the exemption decision to the EPA debarring official for inclusion in the official record.