§ 3723 — Small Claims For Privately Owned Property Damage Or Loss

(a) The head of an agency (except a military department of the Department of Defense or the Coast Guard) may settle a claim for not more than $1,000 for damage to, or loss of, privately owned property that— (1) is caused by the negligence of an officer or employee of the United States Government acting within the scope of employment; and (2) may not be settled under chapter 171 of title 28. (b) A claim under this section may be allowed only if it is presented to the head of the agency within one year after it accrues. (c) A claim under this section may be paid as provided in section 1304 of this title only if the claimant accepts the amount of the settlement in complete satisfaction of the claim against the Government.