Other Fields
Agency Scheme: 
USDAFCIC0020
ADJUDICATION STRUCTURE
Hearing Level: Basic Structure
Name of Hearing Office (local name): 
Risk Management Agency
Name of Hearing Office (global name): 
Department of Agriculture: Risk Management Agency
Sub-Agency/Bureau/Division:: 
Federal Crop Insurance Corporation
Hearing Officer #1 (Title): 
Reviewing Authority
Hearing Officer #2 (Title): 
Deputy Administrator for Insurance Services
Are administrative appeals permitted from final decisions at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (Some Types of Cases)
Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 

Informal adjudication scheme for administrative review under Part 400 of adverse program decisions by the Federal Crop Insurance related to contracts insured or reinsured by FCIC. Adverse decisions may include FCIC determinations related to: denial of participation in crop insurance program; compliance with terms and conditions of insurance; and, issuance of payments or other program benefits. Aggrieved participants also have the right to seek mediation (or other forms of alternative dispute resolution) or appeal directly to the National Appeals Division under Part 11, with the exception of appeals related to good farming practice determinations.

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?: 
Either
Is the agency permitted to have representation at hearings?: 
N/A (e.g., Agency Not Party to Hearing)
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations): 
7 CFR pt. 400, subpt. J (7 CFR 400.90 - 400.98)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Pre-Hearing Procedure
Is discovery permitted by either party at the hearing-level stage?: 
No
Does the hearing officer have subpoena authority?: 
No
Are ex parte contacts prohibited?: 
No
Are parties provided notice of hearing?: 
No
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Hearing Procedure
What types of hearings are permitted at the hearing-level stage?: 
Written (Document-Only) Hearing
Please provide the approximate percentage of each type of hearing relative to the total number of hearings (FY2013)
Written (Document-Only) Hearing: 
100%
How is the type of hearing selected: 
Required by Rule
How many hearing officers preside at each hearing?: 
One
Is witness testimony permitted at hearings?: 
N/A (Document-Only Hearings)
Can parties cross-examine witnesses?: 
N/A (Document-Only Hearings)
Can third-parties submit amicus briefs and/or evidence?: 
No
Are hearings recorded and/or transcribed?: 
N/A (Document-Only Hearings)
Are hearings open to the public?: 
N/A (Document-Only Hearing)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Post-Hearing Procedure
Who typically drafts the decision at the hearing-level stage?: 
Adjudication Officer
Who has authority to issue final decisions?: 
Adjudication Officer
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 (Some Types of Cases)
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Case Management
Does the agency permit web-based electronic filing of hearing-related briefs or other documents?: 
No
Are final decisions published and/or posted on the agency website?: 
No
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?: 
Pre-Hearing
Is ADR a mandatory or voluntary process?: 
Voluntary
What type(s) of ADR are available?: 
Mediation
Arbitration
Other
If "Other," please specify:: 
Mediation regulations provide that appellants have a right to seek mediation "or other forms of alternative dispute resolution."
Who conducts the ADR?: 
Third-Party Neutral
Regulations/rules of practice governing ADR process (please include CFR citations): 
7 CFR 400.94
Verified by Agency: 
Not verified