(a) If the Commission, either after reviewing a complaint-generated recommendation as described in 11 CFR 111.7 and any response of a respondent submitted pursuant to 11 CFR 111.6, or after reviewing an internally-generated recommendation as described in 11 CFR 111.8, determines by an affirmative vote of four (4) of its members that it has reason to believe that a respondent has violated a statute or regulation over which the Commission has jurisdiction, its Chairman or Vice Chairman shall notify such respondent of the Commission's finding by letter, setting forth the sections of the statute or regulations alleged to have been violated and the alleged factual basis supporting the finding.

(b) If the Commission finds no reason to believe, or otherwise terminates its proceedings, the General Counsel shall so advise both complainant and respondent by letter.