This regulation provides guidance in investigating and processing contractual claims involving real estate which are to be settled and adjusted by the General Accounting Office according to the authority in this regulation. All claims and demands whatever by the Government of the United States or against it, and all accounts whatever in which the Government of the United States is concerned, either as debtor or creditor, will be settled and adjusted in the GAO. The GAO discharges its settlement and adjusting responsibilities Through the audit of transactions after paymen and by adjudication before payment is made or denied.