Other Fields
Agency Scheme: 
PRCOCOMP0001
ADJUDICATION STRUCTURE
Hearing Level: Basic Structure
Name of Hearing Office (local name): 
Office of Secretary and Administration
Name of Hearing Office (global name): 
Postal Regulatory Commission: Office of Secretary and Administration
Sub-Agency/Bureau/Division:: 
Office of Secretary and Administration
Hearing Officer #1 (Title): 
Presiding Officer
Are administrative appeals permitted from final decisions at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (Some Types of Cases)
Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 

Initial complaints are heard by presiding officer who issues an intermediate decision. Any participant in a proceeding may file exceptions to any intermediate decision. Any filed exceptions are reviewed by the Commission. In addition, the Commission may on its own initiative review any intermediate decisions. See 39 CFR 3001.39-.40.

PROCESS & PROCEDURE - General Information
Are private parties permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Who may serve as a private party representative?: 
Attorney
Is the agency permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations): 
39 CFR 3001
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Pre-Hearing Procedure
Is discovery permitted by either party at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Briefly describe the scope and type(s) of discovery available (e.g., depositions, interrogatories, etc.): 
All discovery that is reasonably calculated to lead to admissible evidence during a noticed proceeding is allowed. See 39 CFR 3001.25
Does the hearing officer have subpoena authority?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Are ex parte contacts prohibited?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Are parties provided notice of hearing?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Hearing Procedure
What types of hearings are permitted at the hearing-level stage?: 
Written (Document-Only) Hearing
In-Person
How is the type of hearing selected: 
By Agency
Depends on Nature of Case/Claim
Please describe: 
The presiding officer may permit the presentation of oral argument when in his/her opinion, time permits, and the nature of the proceedings, the complexity or importance of the issues of fact or law involved, and the public interest warrants hearing such argument. See 39 CFR 3001.36.
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?: 
One
Is witness testimony permitted at hearings?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
Witness testimony is permitted in in-person hearings. This question is not applicable to document-only hearings.
Can parties cross-examine witnesses?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
Witness cross-examination is permitted in in-person hearings. This question is not applicable to document-only hearings.
Can third-parties submit amicus briefs and/or evidence?: 
Yes
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?: 
Yes
Are hearings open to the public?: 
Varies by Case
If "Varies by Case," please describe: 
In-person hearings are presumed open (but may be closed under certain conditions). This question is not applicable to document-only hearings.
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Post-Hearing Procedure
Who has authority to issue final decisions?: 
Adjudication Officer
Other
If "Other," please specify: 
The presiding officer issues an intermediate decision, which becomes final if no other party files an exception. However, if an exception is filed, the Commission considers the intermediate decision and issues a final decision. See 39 CFR 3001.39.
Do agency regulations or guidance provide time limits for issuance of final decisions?: 
No
Is judicial review available after issuance of a final decision?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Case Management
Does the agency permit web-based electronic filing of hearing-related briefs or other documents?: 
Yes
Are final decisions published and/or posted on the agency website?: 
Yes (All Decisions)
Do agency regulations/rules of practice specify the contents of the administrative record at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Do agency regulations/rules of practice provide for closure of the record at the hearing-level stage (subject to applicable exce: 
No
ADR: General Information
Is ADR available at one or more points during the hearing process?: 
Yes
If "Yes," when is ADR available?: 
Before Claim/Case Filed
Pre-Hearing
Is ADR a mandatory or voluntary process?: 
Voluntary
What type(s) of ADR are available?: 
Settlement Conference
Who conducts the ADR?: 
Agency Counsel
Verified by Agency: 
Not verified