Other Fields
Agency Scheme: 
USDARDOO0023
ADJUDICATION STRUCTURE
Hearing Level: Basic Structure
Name of Hearing Office (local name): 
RD Operations & Management
Name of Hearing Office (global name): 
Department of Agriculture: RD Operations & Management
Sub-Agency/Bureau/Division:: 
Rural Development (RD)
Hearing Officer #1 (Title): 
Hearing Officer
Are administrative appeals permitted from final decisions at the hearing-level stage?: 
Yes (All Types of Cases)
Comments/Notes on Adjudication Structure: 

Informal adjudication scheme for administrative review of adverse program decisions under Part 1900 by USDA's Rural Development (whose constituent sub-agencies are the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), Rural Housing Service (RHS), and Rural Business-Cooperative Development Service (RBS)) related to specified rural development grant, loan, and guarantee programs. Adverse decisions may include RD determinations related to: denial of participation; compliance with terms and conditions of contracts or program requirements; issuance of payments or other program benefits; failure to issue a decision; or denial of equitable relief. Aggrieved participants also have the right to seek mediation or, with certain exceptions, appeal directly to the National Appeals Division under Part 11.

RD, through its constituent sub-agencies (RUS, RHS, and RBS), operates State and field offices throughout the country.

PROCESS & PROCEDURE - General Information
Regulations/rules of practice for hearings (please include CFR citations): 
7 CFR pt. 1900
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Pre-Hearing Procedure
Does the hearing officer have subpoena authority?: 
No
Are ex parte contacts prohibited?: 
No
PROCESS & PROCEDURE - Post-Hearing Procedure
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
Who conducts the ADR?: 
Third-Party Neutral
Regulations/rules of practice governing ADR process (please include CFR citations): 
7 CFR 1900.55(c)
Other published guidance on ADR process (if any):: 
USDA RD Mediation brochure: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rd/adr/pa1717.pdf
Comments/Notes on ADR Process (Optional): 
Only adverse decisions subject to appeal under Part 11 (National Appeals Division) have right, at party's discretion, to engage in mediation. Mediation is available at party request, and may sought any time between issuance of adverse decision and start of NAD hearing. Costs of mediation are shared equally between RD and party (which, according to RD's website, typically are less than $100). Mediators are outside neutrals selected upon agreement of the parties.
Verified by Agency: 
Not verified