appropriate, render on the record oral summary findings of fact, conclusions, and a decision of the appeal. Whenever such an oral decision is rendered, the Board will subsequently furnish the parties a typed copy of such oral decision for record and payment purposes and to establish the starting date for the period for filing a motion for reconsideration under Rule 29.

(d) No Precedent-Not Appealable. A decision against the Government or the contractor shall have no value as precedent, and in the absence of fraud shall be final and conclusive and may not be appealed or set aside.

Rule 12.3. The ACCELERATED Procedure (a) Time Periods for Proceedings. In cases proceeding under the ACCELERATED procedure, the parties are encouraged, to the extent possible consistent with adequate presentation of their factual and legal positions, to waive pleadings, discovery, and briefs. The Board, in its discretion, may shorten time periods prescribed elsewhere in these Rules, including Rule 4, as necessary to enable the Board to decide the appeal within 180 days after the Board has received the appellant's notice of election of the ACCELERATED procedure, any may reserve 30 days for preparation of the decision.

(b) Decisions-180 Days. Pleadings, discovery and other prehearing activity will be allowed only as consistent with the requirement to conduct the hearing on the dates scheduled, or if no hearing is scheduled, to close the record on a date that will allow decision within the 180-day limit. The Board, in its discretion, may impose shortened time periods for any actions prescribed or allowed under these rules, as necessary to enable the Board to decide the appeal within the 180-day limit, allowing whatever time, up to 30 days, that the Board considers necessary for the preparation of the decision after closing the record and the filing of briefs, if any.

(c) Form of Decisions. Written decisions by the Board in cases processed under the ACCELERATED procedure will normally be short and contain only summary findings of fact and conclusions. Decisions will be rendered for the Board by a single Administrative Judge with the concurrence of the Chair or a Vice Chair or other designated Administrative Judge, or by a majority among these two and an additional designated member in case of disagreement. Alternatively, in cases where the amount in dispute is $50,000 or less as to which the ACCELERATED procedure has been elected and in which there has been a hearing, the single Administrative Judge presiding at the hearing may, with the concurrence of both parties, at the conclusion of the hearing and after entertaining such oral arguments as deemed appropriate, render on the record oral summary findings of fact, conclusions, and a decision of the appeal. Whenever such an oral decision is rendered,

the Board will subsequently furnish the parties a typed copy of such oral decision for record and payment purposes and to establish the starting date for the period for filing a motion for reconsideration under Rule 29.

Rule 12.4. Motions for Reconsideration in Rule 12 Cases

Motions for Reconsideration of cases decided under either the SMALL CLAIMS (EXPEDITED) procedure or the ACCELERATED procedure need not be decided within the original 120-day or 180-day limit, but all such motions shall be processed and decided rapidly so as to fulfill the intent of this Rule.

Rule 13. Settling the Record

(a) Components of the Record. The record upon which the Board's decision will be rendered consists of the documents furnished under Rules 4 and 12, to the extent admitted in evidence, and the following items, if any: pleadings, prehearing conference memoranda or orders, prehearing briefs, depositions or interrogatories received in evidence, admissions, stipulations, transcripts of conferences and hearings, hearings exhibits, posthearing briefs, and documents which the Board has specifically designated be made a part of the record. The record will, at all reasonable times, be available for inspection by the parties at the office of the Board.

(b) Closing Dates for Inclusion of Material. Except as the Board may otherwise order in its discretion, no proof shall be received in evidence after completion of an oral hearing or, in cases submitted on the record, after notification by the Board that the case is ready for decision.

(c) Weight Given to Evidence. The weight to be attached to any evidence of record will rest within the sound discretion of the Board. The Board may in any case require either party, with appropriate notice to the other party, to submit additional evidence on any matter relevant to the appeal.

Rule 14. Discovery-Depositions

(a) General Policy and Protective Orders. The parties are encouraged to engage in voluntary discovery procedures. In connection with any deposition or other discovery procedure, the Board may make any order required to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, or undue burden or expense. Those orders may include limitations on the scope, method, time and place for discovery, and provisions for protecting the secrecy of confidential information or documents.

(b) When Depositions Permitted. After an appeal has been docketed and Complaint filed, the parties may mutually agree, or the Board may, upon application of either party, order the taking of testimony of any person

by deposition upon oral examination or written interrogatories before any officer authorized to administer oaths at the place of examination, for use as evidence or for purpose of discovery. The application for order shall specify whether the purpose of the deposition is discovery or for use as evidence.

(c) Orders on Depositions. The time, place, and manner of taking depositions shall be as mutually agreed by the parties, or failing such agreement, governed by order of the Board.

(d) Use as Evidence. No testimony taken by depositions shall be considered as part of the evidence in the hearing of an appeal until such testimony is offered and received in evidence at such hearing. It will not ordinarily be received in evidence if the deponent is present and can testify at the hearing. In such instances, however, the deposition may be used to contradict or impeach the testimony of the deponent given at the hearing. In cases submitted on the record, the Board may, in its discretion, receive depositions to supplement the record.

(e) Expenses. Each party shall bear its own expenses associated with the taking of any deposition.

(f) Subpoenas. Where appropriate, a party may request the issuance of a subpoena under the provisions of Rule 21.

Rule 15. Interrogatories to Parties, Admission of Facts, and Production and Inspection of Documents

After an appeal has been docketed and Complaint filed with the Board, a party may serve on the other party: (a) Written interrogatories to be answered separately in writing, signed under oath and answered or objected to within 30 days; (b) a request for the admission of specified facts and the authenticity of any documents, to be answered or objected to within 30 days after service (the factual statements and the authenticity of the documents to be deemed admitted upon failure of a party to respond to the request); and (c) a request for the production, inspection and copying of any documents or objects not privileged, which reasonably may lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. Any discovery engaged in under this Rule shall be subject to the provisions of Rule 14(a) with respect to general policy and protective orders and of Rule 33 with respect to sanctions.

Rule 16. Service of Papers Other Than
Subpoenas

(a) Service of Papers. Papers shall be served personally or by certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed to the Board or to the party upon whom service is to be made. Parties shall furnish three copies of Complaints directly to the Board. Parties shall furnish two copies of Answers and briefs di

rectly with the Board, with one copy being served on the opposing party and the Board's copies containing a notation to that effect. The party filing any other paper with the Board shall send a copy thereof to the opposing party, noting on the paper filed with the Board that a copy has been so furnished. Subpoenas shall be served as provided in Rule 21.

(b) Facsimle Transmissions. Facsimile transmissions to the Board and the parties are permitted. Parties are expected to submit their facsimile machine numbers with their filings. The Board's facsimile number is (202) 720-3059. The filing of a document by facsimile transmission occurs upon receipt by the Board of the entire printed submission. Parties are specifically cautioned that deadlines for the filing of appeals will not be extended merely because the Board's facsimile machine is busy or otherwise unavailable at the time the filing is due. A document submitted by facsimile should be followed by a copy of the document sent by U.S. Postal Service or other delivery method.

HEARINGS

Rule 17. Where and When Held

Hearings will be held at such places determined by the Board to best serve the interests of the parties and the Board. Hearings will be scheduled at the discretion of the Board with due consideration to the regular order of appeals, Rule 12 requirements, and other pertinent factors. On request on motion by either party and for good cause, the Board may, in its discretion, adjust the date of a hearing.

Rule 18. Notice of Hearings

The parties shall be given at least 15 days notice of the time and place set for hearings. In scheduled hearings, the Board will consider the desires of the parties and the requirement for just and inexpensive determination of appeals without unnecessary delay.

Rule 19. Unexcused Absence of a Party

The unexcused absence of a party at the time and place set for hearing will not be occasion for delay. In the event of such absence, the hearing will proceed and the case will be regarded as submitted by the absent party as provided in Rule 11.

Rule 20. Hearings: Nature; Examination of
Witnesses

(a) Nature of Hearings. Hearings shall be as informal as may be reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. Appellant and the Government may offer such evidence as they deem appropriate and as would be admissible under the Federal Rules of Evidence. Stipulations of fact agreed upon by

the parties may be regarded and used as evidence at the hearing. The parties may stipulate the testimony that would be given by a witness if the witness were present. The Board may require evidence in addition to that offered by the parties.

(b) Examination of Witnesses. Witnesses before the Board will be examined orally under oath or affirmation, unless the presiding Administrative Judge or examiner shall otherwise order. If the testimony of a witness is not given under oath, the Board may advise the witness that his statements may be subject to the provisions of 18 U.S.C. 287 and 1001, and any other provision of law imposing penalties for knowingly making false representations in connection with claims against the United States or in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency thereof.

Rule 21. Subpoenas for CDA Appeals

(a) General. For appeals under §24.4(a), upon written request of either party filed with the recorder, or on the initiative of the Administrative Judge to whom a case is assigned, or who is otherwise designated by the Chair, such Administrative Judge may issue a subpoena requiring:

(1) Testimony at a deposition-the deposing of a witness in the city or county where such witness resides or is employed or transacts business in person, or at another location convenient for such witness that is specifically determined by the Board;

(2) Testimony at a hearing-the attendance of a witness for the purpose of taking testimony at a hearing; and

(3) Production of books and papers-in addition to (1) or (2), the production by the witness at the deposition or hearing of books and papers designated in the subpoena.

(b) Voluntary Cooperation. Each party is expected (1) to cooperate and make available witnesses and evidence under its control as

requested by the other party, without issuance of a subpoena, and (2) to secure voluntary attendance of desired third-party witnesses and production of desired third-party books, papers, documents, or tangible things whenever possible.

(c) Requests for Subpoenas.

(1) A request for a subpoena shall normally be filed at least:

(i) 15 days before a scheduled deposition where the attendance of a witness at a deposition is sought;

(ii) 30 days before a scheduled hearing where the attendance of a witness at a hearing is sought.

In its discretion the Board may honor requests for subpoenas not made within these time limitations.

(2) A request for a subpoena shall state the reasonable scope and general relevance to the case of the testimony and of any books and papers sought.

(d) Requests to Quash or Modify. Upon written request by the person subpoenaed or by a party, made within 10 days after service but in any event not later than the time specified in the subpoena for compliance, the Board may (1) quash or modify the subpoena if it is unreasonable and oppressive or for other good cause shown, or (2) require the person in whose behalf the subpoena was issued to advance the reasonable cost of producing subpoenaed books and papers. Where circumstances require, the Board may act upon such a request at any time after a copy has been served upon the opposing party. (e) Form; Issuance.

(1) Every subpoena shall state the name of the Board and the title of the appeal, and shall command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony, and if appropriate, to produce specified books and papers at a time and place therein specified. In issuing a subpoena to a requesting party, the Administrative Judge shall sign the subpoena and may, in the Judge's discretion, enter the name of the witness and otherwise leave it blank. The party to whom the subpoena is issued shall complete the subpoena before service.

(2) Where the witness is located in a foreign country, a letter rogatory or subpoena may be issued and served under the circumstances and in the manner provided in 28 U.S.C. 1781-1784.

(f) Service.

(1) The party requesting issuance of a subpoena shall arrange for service.

(2) A subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness at a deposition or hearing may be served at any place. A subpoena may be served by a United States marshal or deputy marshal, or by any other person who is not a party and not less than 18 years of age. Service of a subpoena upon a person named therein shall be made by personally delivering a copy to that person and tendering the fees for one day's attendance and the mileage provided by 28 U.S.C. 1821 or other applicable law; however, where the subpoena is issued on behalf of the Government, money payments need not be tendered in advance of attendance.

(3) The party at whose instance a subpoena is issued shall be responsible for the payment of fees and mileage of the witness and of the officer who serves the subpoena. The failure to make payment of such charges on demand may be deemed by the Board as sufficient ground for striking the testimony of the witness and the evidence the witness has produced.

(g) Contumacy or Refusal to Obey a Subpoena. In case of contumacy or refusal to obey a subpoena by a person who resides, is found, or transacts business within the jurisdiction of a United States District Court, the Board will apply to the Court through the Attorney General of the United States for an

order requiring the person to appear before the Board or a member thereof to give testimony or produce evidence or both. Any failure of any such person to obey the order of the Court may be punished by the Court as a contempt thereof.

Rule 21.1. Subpoenas for Non-CDA Appeals

For appeals under §§ 24.4(b), (c), and (d), the Chair has authority by delegation from the Secretary to request the appropriate United States Attorney to apply to the appropriate United States District Court for the issuance of subpoenas pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 304.

Rule 22. Copies of Papers

When books, records, papers, or documents have been received in evidence, a true copy thereof or of such part thereof as may be material or relevant may be substituted therefor, during the hearing or at the conclusion thereof.

Rule 23. Posthearing Briefs

Posthearing briefs may be submitted upon such terms as may be agreed upon by the parties and the presiding Administrative Judge or examiner at the conclusion of the hearing.

Rule 24. Transcript of Proceedings Testimony and argument at hearings shall be reported verbatim, unless the Board otherwise orders. Waiver of transcript may be especially suitable for hearings under Rule 12.2. Transcripts or copies of the proceedings shall be made available by the Board to the Government attorney. Appellant may order transcripts of the proceedings from the contract reporter at the hearing.

Rule 25. Withdrawal of Exhibits

After a decision has become final, the Board may, upon request and after notice to the other party, in its discretion permit the withdrawal of original exhibits, or any part thereof, by the party entitled thereto. The substitution of true copies of exhibits or any part thereof may be required by the Board in its discretion as a condition of granting permission for such withdrawal.

REPRESENTATION

Rule 26. The Appellant

An individual appellant may appear before the Board in person; a corporation by one of its officers; and a partnership or joint venture by one of its members; or any of these by an attorney at law duly licensed in any state, commonwealth, territory, the District of Columbia, or in a foreign country. An attorney representing an appellant shall file a written notice of appearance with the Board.

Rule 27. The Government

Government counsel may, in accordance with their authority, represent the interest of the Government before the Board. They shall file notices of appearance with the Board, and notice thereof will be given appellant or appellant's attorney in the form specified by the Board from time to time. Whenever appellant and the Government counsel are in agreement as to disposition of the controversy, the Board may suspend further processing of the appeal. However, if the Board is advised thereafter by either party that the controversy has not been disposed of by agreement, the case shall be restored to the Board's calendar without loss of position.

MISCELLANEOUS

Rule 28. Decisions

Decisions of the Board will be made in writing and authenticated copies of the decision will be forwarded simultaneously to both parties. The rules of the Board and all final orders and decisions (except those required for good cause to be held confidential and not cited as precedents) shall be open for public inspection at the offices of the Board in Washington, D.C. Decisions of the Board will be made solely upon the record, as described in Rule 13.

Rule 29. Motion for Reconsideration

A motion for reconsideration may be filed by either party. It shall set forth specifically the grounds relied upon to sustain the motion. The motion shall be filed within 30 days from the date of the receipt of a copy of the decision of the Board by the party filing the motion.

Rule 30. Dismissal Without Prejudice

In certain cases, appeals docketed before the Board are required to be placed in a suspense status and the Board is unable to proceed with disposition thereof for reasons not within the control of the Board. Where the suspension has continued, or may continue, for an inordinate length of time, the Board may, in its discretion, dismiss such appeals from its docket without prejudice to their restoration when the cause for suspension has been removed. Unless either party or the Board acts within three years, or such shorter time as ordered by the Board, to reinstate any appeal dismissed without prejudice, the dismissal shall be deemed with prejudice.

Rule 31. Dismissal for Failure to Prosecute or Defend

Whenever a record discloses the failure of either party to file documents required by these rules, respond to notices of correspondence from the Board, comply with orders of

the Board or otherwise indicates an intention not to continue the prosecution of defense of an appeal, the Board may, in the case of a default by the appellant, issue an order to show cause why the appeal should not be dismissed or, in the case of a default by the Government, issue an order to show cause why the Board should not act thereon pursuant to Rule 33. If good cause is not shown, the Board may take appropriate action.

Rule 32. Remand From Court

Whenever any court remands a case to the Board for further proceedings, each of the parties shall, within 20 days of such remand, submit a report to the Board recommending procedures to be followed so as to comply with the court's order. The Board shall consider the reports and enter special orders governing the handling of the remanded case. To the extent the court's directive and tie limitations permit, such orders shall conform to these rules.

Rule 33. Sanctions

If any party fails or refuses to obey an order issued by the Board, the Board may then make such order as it considers necessary to the just and expeditious conduct of the appeal.

Rule 34. Alternative Dispute Resolution Upon joint motion or with the consent of both parties, the Board may permit the use of methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). The Board shall notify parties of the availability of ADR methods by transmitting information with its notice of docketing (Rule 3).

Rule 35. Application for Attorneys' Fees and Expenses Under the Equal Access to Justice Act

The Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), 5 U.S.C. 504, allows payment of attorneys' fees and expenses to certain prevailing parties in administrative adjudications with the Government unless the Government's position was substantially justified. Rules governing applications for fees and expenses under EAJA can be found in 7 CFR 1.180 et seq.

Subpart B-Area Requirements

25.100 Eligibility requirements. 25.101 Data utilized for eligibility determinations.

25.102 Pervasive poverty, unemployment and general distress.

25.103 Area size and boundary requirements. 25.104 Poverty rate. 25.105-25.199 [Reserved]

Subpart C-Nomination Procedure

25.200 Nominations by State and local gov

ernments.

25.201 Application. 25.202 Strategic plan.

25.203 Submission of applications.

25.204 Evaluation of the strategic plan. 25.205-25.299 [Reserved]

Subpart D-Designation Process

25.300 USDA action and review of nominations for designation.

25.301 Selection factors for designation of nominated rural areas. 25.302-25.399 [Reserved]

Subpart E-Post-Designation Requirements 25.400 Reporting.

25.401 Responsibility of lead managing entity.

25.402 Periodic performance reviews. 25.403 Ongoing 2-year work plan require

ment.

25.404 Validation of designation. 25.405 Revocation of designation. 25.406-25.499 [Reserved]

Subpart F-Special Rules

25.500 Indian reservations. 25.501

Governments.

25.502 Nominations by state-chartered economic development corporations. 25.503 Rural areas.

25.504-25.999 [Reserved]

AUTHORITY: 5 U.S.C. 301, 26 U.S.C. 1391.

SOURCE: 63 FR 19114, Apr. 16, 1998, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart A-General Provisions

§ 25.1 Applicability and scope.

(a) Applicability. This part sets forth policies and procedures applicable to rural Empowerment Zones and Enterprise Communities, authorized under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993, title XIII, subchapter C,