(a) The Authorized Officer may, at his or her discretion, pay from penalties collected under §§ 291.28 through 291.36 , or from appropriated funds, an amount up to half of the penalties collected to any person who furnishes information which leads to a finding of the civil violation(s) or to the criminal conviction(s).(b) If several persons provided the information, the amount may be divided at the discretion of the Authorized Officer among the persons.(c) No officer or employee of the United States or of any State or local government who furnishes information or renders service in the performance of their official duties shall be eligible for payment.