Board of Contract Appeals; BCA Case 2006-61-1; Rules of Procedure of the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, 26947-26952 [E8-10484]

Agencies

• General Services Administration

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 92 (Monday, May 12, 2008)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 26947-26952]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-10484]


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GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

48 CFR Parts 6101, 6102, 6103, 6104, and 6105

[GSA BCA Amendment 2006-01; BCA Case 2006-61-1]
RIN 3090-AI29


Board of Contract Appeals; BCA Case 2006-61-1; Rules of Procedure 
of the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals

AGENCIES: General Services Administration (GSA), Civilian Board of 
Contract Appeals.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document contains final revisions to the interim rules of 
procedure of the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (Board), which was 
published in the Federal Register at 72 FR 36794, July 5, 2007. These 
rules will govern all proceedings before the Board, and will be 
contained in 48 CFR parts 6101 through 6105. These rules of procedure 
supersede the current interim rules of the Board.

DATES: Effective Date: May 12, 2008.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Margaret S. Pfunder, Chief Counsel, 
Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, telephone (202) 606-8800, e-mail 
address Margaret.Pfunder@gsa.gov for clarification of content. For 
information pertaining to status or publication schedules, contact the 
Regulatory Secretariat at (202) 501-4755. Please cite BCA Case 2006-61-
1.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

A. Executive Summary

    Part 6101 contains the rules governing proceedings involving 
contract disputes - both standard proceedings of the Board and 
expedited proceedings, including alternative dispute resolution. Part 
6102 contains the rules governing the resolution of disputes between 
insurance companies and the Department of Agriculture's Risk Management 
Agency (RMA) involving actions of the Federal Crop Insurance 
Corporation (FCIC). Part 6103 contains rules governing proceedings 
involving requests by carriers or freight forwarders to review actions 
taken by the Audit Division of the General Services Administration's 
Office of Transportation and Property Management. Part 6104 contains 
the rules governing the Board's resolution of claims by Federal 
civilian employees for certain travel or relocation expenses. And part 
6105 governs the Board's issuance of decisions, upon the request of an 
agency disbursing or certifying official, or an agency head, on 
questions involving payment of certain travel or relocation expenses. 
The Board has adopted these rules pursuant to its authority contained 
in the Contract Disputes Act of 1978 (41 U.S.C. 601-613).

B. Background

    The Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (Board) published in the 
Federal Register at 72 FR 36794, July 5, 2007, interim rules of 
procedure along with a notice inviting comments on those rules. This 
notice announced the intention to promulgate final rules of procedure, 
following the Board's review and consideration of all comments, to 
govern all proceedings before the Board. The period for comments closed 
on September 28, 2007. The Board has considered all comments received, 
revising the interim rules, in part, as explained in part D below, and 
now promulgates its final rules of procedure.

C. Summary of Comments and Changes:

    The Board received comments from six commentators. Commentators 
included two federal agencies, one law firm, one non-profit 
association, one bar association, and one group of attorneys. The Board 
carefully considered each comment and adopted several of the 
suggestions made by the commentators. All comments received by the 
Board pertained specifically to part 6101 of the Rules. The more 
significant of those comments are discussed below.

Part 6101

     General. In response to one commentator's suggestion, the Board 
amends the Rules throughout to change all references to ``panel chair'' 
to ``presiding judge'' in order to maintain a consistent terminology. 
Similarly, the Board accepts the suggestion of another commentator and 
amends the Rules to substitute the term ``electronically stored 
information'' for ``electronic records'' in order to conform to the 
language in the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
    Several of the rules which pertain to contract disputes (sections 
6101.1(a), 6101.2(a) and (b), 6101.4(a), 6101.5(a), 6101.12(a), and 
6101.54(a)) use the term ``contracting officer''. Cases which arise 
under the Indian Self-Determination Act, 25 U.S.C. 450m-1, are heard 
and decided in the same manner as contract disputes, but the agency 
decisions from which these appeals are taken may have been made by 
someone other than a contracting officer. For these cases, the term 
``contracting officer'' refers to the individual who rendered the 
decision at issue.
    The Board also received comments from a bar association, a non-
profit association, and a law firm suggesting that electronic filing of 
cases and submissions be permitted. The Board agrees that electronic 
filing would be beneficial in that it would permit parties--wherever 
they are in the world--to transmit pleadings and other submissions 
quickly, easily, economically, and reliably. We are exploring means of 
instituting electronic filing and anticipate that before long we will 
be able to adopt one of them. At the present time, however, we are 
unable to accept filings electronically (other than by facsimile 
transmission). As soon as we are able to do so, we expect to propose 
amendments to the rules which explain how such filings may be made.
    6101.1 [Scope of rules; definitions; construction; rulings, orders, 
and directions; panels; location and address]. Two commentators 
suggested changes to the definition of when a document is ``filed'' 
with the Board. Section 6101.1(b)(5)(i) provides: ``Any document, other 
than a notice of appeal or an application for award of fees and other 
expenses, is filed when it is received by the Office of the Clerk of 
the Board during the Board's working hours. A notice of appeal or an 
application for award of fees and other expenses is filed upon the 
earlier of its receipt by the Office of the Clerk of the Board or if 
mailed, the date on which it is mailed.'' One commentator suggested 
expanding the definition to provide that any document is considered 
``filed'' when delivered to the Office of the Clerk or, if mailed or to 
be delivered by a delivery service, when deposited with the United 
States Postal Service or delivery service. A second commentator 
suggested that the closing time for receipt of a document by the Office 
of the Clerk be 4:30 local time of the party's representative rather 
than 4:30 Eastern Time. The Board declines to make either proposed 
change. The Board's practice concerning the filing of documents other 
than a notice of appeal or an application for award of fees and other 
expenses is consistent with the practice of courts which consider 
documents ``filed'' only when they are in the hands of the clerk. As 
for the second suggestion, it would place an undue burden on the clerk 
and the judges to allow filing times to vary according to the time zone 
of a party's

[[Page 26948]]

representative. Section 6101.1(b)(5) is revised, however, to clarify 
that filing by facsimile occurs only once the Office of the Clerk has 
received the entire document, and for a mailed notice of appeal or 
application for award of fees and other expenses, that the date of 
filing is the date the notice or application is mailed to the Board.
    In addition, one commentator recommended revising the rules for 
filing a notice of appeal to allow for delivery of the notice to the 
contracting officer, rather than the Clerk of the Board, arguing that 
appellants may experience confusion because of different practices 
among the Board's predecessor boards. The commentator noted that our 
predecessor boards at the Department of Labor and the Department of the 
Interior, along with the current Armed Services Board, would allow for 
service of notice on the contracting officer. The Board rejects the 
recommendation, however, finding that the current section 6101.1(b)(5) 
is consistent with the practice of the majority of our predecessor 
boards; section 6101.1(b)(5) as stated is sufficiently clear that 
appellants should experience no confusion; and allowing the submittal 
of appeals to contracting officers would unnecessarily delay 
proceedings at the Board. Although there may be occasions when 
misdirecting a notice of appeal would not bar a claim, such unusual 
circumstances would best be dealt with as they arise.
    Finally, one commentator suggested that section 6101.1(e), 
concerning panels, be amended to provide that all panel judges must 
attend the hearings in cases not subject to the small claims or 
accelerated procedures of sections 6101.52 and 6101.53. The 
longstanding practice of all our predecessor boards was to have only 
one presiding judge attend the hearing. That practice is efficient, has 
posed no problems, and will continue here.
    6101.2 [Filing cases; time limits for filing; notice of docketing; 
consolidation]. One commentator suggested changes to section 6101.2(c) 
to require that the notice of docketing include information concerning 
the designation of the presiding judge and the availability of 
alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services. The Board believes that 
the content of the notice of docketing would be more appropriately 
addressed through the Board's internal procedures, so no change to the 
section is warranted.
    6101.4 [Appeal file]. One commentator suggested several amendments 
to section 6101.4 to clarify when the Government must file its appeal 
file and what documents must be contained in the appeal file. Section 
6101.4(a) is revised to provide that the Government must submit its 
appeal file ``within 30 calendar days from receipt of the Board's 
docketing notice or within such time as the Board may allow.'' In 
addition, section 6101.4(a) is revised, as suggested by the 
commentator, to make clear that affidavits and witness statements are 
not necessarily required in an appeal file. The final sentence of 
section 6101.4(a) now begins: ``Exhibits will be numbered as required 
by section 6101.4(b) and will include, if any:'' and the phrase ``if 
any'' is deleted from subsections (1), (2), and (3).
    The Board rejects as unnecessarily restrictive and burdensome 
suggestions that (1) the appellant must provide notice of its intent to 
supplement the appeal file prior to the Government's filing of an 
answer, and (2) specific time frames be established for objections to 
exhibits and for the Board to rule on those objections in advance of a 
hearing. Section 6101.4(g) is revised, however, to clarify that the 
Board may shorten or enlarge time frames for objections.
    6101.5 [Appearances; notice of appearance]. One commentator 
suggested amending section 6101.5 to provide for permissive 
intervention in a case. Whether someone who is not a contractor can be 
a party to an appeal is a debatable point, however, and cannot be 
resolved by procedural rule. Section 6101.5(a)(3) allows nonparties to 
appear in a case as permitted by the presiding judge, and this will 
permit the Board to hear from anyone who can assist in resolving a case 
without the Board conferring ``party'' status.
    6101.6 [Pleadings and amendment of pleadings]. One commentator 
suggested deleting the second sentence of section 6101.6(c), arguing 
that one-word responses stating an allegation is denied may be 
appropriate and therefore should not be specifically discouraged. The 
Board agrees and the sentence is deleted from section 6101.6(c).
    6101.7 [Service of papers other than subpoenas]. In response to the 
suggestions of three commentators, the Board amends section 6101.7(a) 
in order (1) to clarify that the service of papers between parties must 
be by a means of transmittal that is no less expeditious than that used 
to send the document to the Board and (2) to provide that the parties 
will confer and agree upon a method to serve papers on each other, 
which method may be by electronic mail, facsimile, overnight courier, 
hand delivery, or any other method that will accomplish service 
promptly and efficiently. The commentators noted that, due to increased 
security requirements in recent years, service of papers by mail, 
particularly to government offices, may be delayed by weeks, 
prejudicing the receiving party and ultimately delaying processing of 
the case.
    6101.8 [Motions]. One commentator suggested revising section 
6101.8(e), which addresses the raising of jurisdictional questions, to 
require resolution of such questions prior to any briefing or hearing 
on the merits. Although the Board declines to adopt the suggested 
revision, given that jurisdictional questions may not always be timely 
recognized, the Board agrees that such questions should be resolved as 
early as possible in a case. To avoid encouraging litigants to delay 
raising jurisdictional issues, the second sentence of section 6101.8(e) 
is deleted.
    6101.10 [Admissibility of evidence]. One commentator suggested 
revising section 6101.10(b) to acknowledge that the Board may determine 
the credibility as well as the weight of evidence. The Board has now 
determined, however, that section 6101.10(b) is unnecessary and more 
properly a rule of substantive law rather than procedure, so that 
section is deleted.
    6101.16 [Subpoenas]. The Board received comments from a group of 
lawyers, a non-profit association, and a government agency regarding 
section 6101.16. The Board believes section 6101.16 as proposed is 
appropriate and has not made any modification to it (other than 
substituting the phrase ``electronically stored information'' for the 
phrase ``electronic records'').
    6101.17 [Exhibits]. The Board rejects one commentator's suggestion 
that parties be required to include printed versions of electronic 
documents in the record. Such a requirement might not always be 
feasible or necessary, and section 6101.17 already provides that the 
Board may order a party to provide printed versions of electronically 
stored information to be included in the record. In addition, section 
6101.4(e) similarly provides that the Board may require a party to file 
either copies or printed versions of electronically stored information.
    6101.18 [Election of hearing or record submission]. One commentator 
suggested that if one party has elected to submit its case on the 
record and has included affidavits or depositions with its submittal, 
that party should be required to present at the hearing, for cross-
examination by the opposing party, those witnesses for whom it has 
submitted affidavits or depositions. The Board rejects the suggestion, 
finding not only that it would not serve the purpose of section 
6101.18, which is to permit

[[Page 26949]]

submittal of a case on the written record, but also that the opposing 
party may still call to testify those individuals for whom affidavits 
or depositions were submitted.
    6101.21 [Hearing procedures]. One commentator suggested that 
section 6101.21(a)(4) be amended to restrict the Board's ability to 
limit a hearing to issues of entitlement, while reserving the 
determination of damages, if any, for later proceedings. The 
commentator argued that bifurcation often results in inefficiency, 
duplication of efforts, and delay. While this may be true in many 
cases, it has been the Board's experience that, when parties receive a 
decision on entitlement, they are usually able to settle the quantum 
portion of the case without the need for a hearing. In addition, the 
practice of the Board is to notify the parties of its decision to 
bifurcate as early as possible before the hearing in order to relieve 
the parties from unnecessary costs they might incur in preparing to 
address the issue of damages. The Board believes that bifurcation is a 
matter best left to the presiding judge's discretion.
    A second commentator suggested that section 6101.21(a)(2), which 
allows the Board to order a joint hearing on matters in separate cases 
that involve common questions of law or fact, be limited to cases in 
which the parties or the underlying transaction or occurrence are the 
same. The Board believes that this, too, is a matter best left to the 
presiding judge's discretion.
    The same commentator also suggested that section 6101.21(g) be 
revised to require, rather than merely allow, the presiding judge to 
state for the record the inferences drawn from the refusal of a witness 
to answer. The commentator argues that the parties should then be 
permitted to provide additional testimony or evidence to support or 
rebut those inferences. The Board rejects the suggested change as 
impractical, given that proper inferences may not be clear until the 
hearing has been completed and the judge has reviewed all of the 
evidence.
    6101.23 [Briefs and memoranda of law]. A commentator suggested that 
section 6101.23(b) be revised to require the filing of posthearing 
reply briefs in 21 rather than 15 days, given the complexity of many 
cases before the Board. If needed, a party may request an enlargement 
of time, and no change in the rule is necessary. Section 6101.23(a) is 
amended, however, to clarify its intent to permit the presiding judge 
to request prehearing and posthearing briefs and, at any point in the 
proceedings, memoranda of law.
    6101.30 [Award of fees and other expenses]. The Board has revised 
section 6101.30(b), in response to one commentator's concerns, to add 
the following sentence: ``An application for fees or other expenses may 
not be filed before the Board's decision is final; a request for fees 
or other expenses made before the Board's decision is final does not 
constitute an application.'' The Board rejected the commentator's 
suggestion, however, that section 6101.30 include a requirement that an 
applicant seeking recovery of fees and expenses under the Equal Access 
to Justice Act (EAJA), 5 U.S.C. 504, file a net worth exhibit. The 
agency often agrees that the applicant meets the net worth 
qualification for EAJA recovery, and such an exhibit would therefore be 
unnecessary.
    6101.31 [Payment of Board awards]. To be consistent with the 
definitions provided at section 6101.1(b), section 6101.31(c) is 
revised to change ``government agency'' to ``respondent''.
    6101.51 [Variation from standard proceedings]. Section 6101.51 has 
been revised in response to a comment that the initial paragraph of the 
section may be misconstrued to limit the availability of the 
alternative procedures in sections 6101.51 through 6101.54 to 
individuals and small businesses. The penultimate sentence of that 
paragraph is revised to read: ``Although any party may ask the Board to 
vary from standard proceedings, individuals and small businesses may 
find such variations to be especially useful.''
    6101.52 [Small claims procedure]. To be consistent with the 
definitions provided at section 6101.1(b), section 6101.52 is revised 
to change ``Government'' to ``respondent''.
    6101.53 [Accelerated procedure]. To be consistent with the 
definitions provided at section 6101.1(b), section 6101.53 is revised 
to change ``Government'' to ``respondent''.
    6101.54 [Alternative dispute resolution]. Several comments were 
received concerning section 6101.54. One commentator suggested that, to 
avoid the appearance of judicial pressure on the parties to participate 
in alternative dispute resolution (ADR) proceedings, section 6101.54 be 
amended to prohibit the presiding judge or a panel judge in a case from 
serving as an ADR neutral. The Board notes that no party should ever 
feel pressured to participate in ADR or to select the presiding judge 
to conduct ADR proceedings. There may, however, be good reasons for the 
parties to request the presiding judge to serve as an ADR neutral, such 
as the judge's familiarity with the facts and issues of the case. The 
Board therefore has not amended the section as suggested.
    Similarly, the Board declines the suggestion of another commentator 
that a judge who has participated as a neutral in an unsuccessful ADR 
proceeding may not continue with the case in subsequent proceedings 
before the Board. As with the selection of a presiding or panel judge 
to serve as ADR neutral, there may be good reasons for the parties to 
want the ADR neutral to continue to serve on the panel or as the 
presiding judge, such as familiarity with the facts and issues of the 
case. The same commentator also suggested that section 6101.54(c)(1) 
and (2) be amended to preclude any judge who has participated in 
discussions about mediation in a case from participating in a Board 
decision of the case if the ADR is unsuccessful. The suggested 
prohibition is overly broad, encompassing even casual conversations 
between judges, and therefore is not adopted.

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The General Services Administration certifies that this final rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities within the meaning of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 
U.S.C. 601, et seq., because the rule does not impose any additional 
costs on large or small businesses.

E. Paperwork Reduction Act

    The Paperwork Reduction Act does not apply because the changes do 
not impose recordkeeping or information collection requirements, or 
otherwise collect information from offerors, contractors, or members of 
the public that require approval of the Office of Management and Budget 
under 44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.

List of Subjects in 48 CFR Parts 6101, 6102, 6103, 6104, and 6105

    Administrative practice and procedure, Agriculture, Freight 
forwarders, Government procurement, Travel and relocation expenses.

    Dated: February 7, 2008.
Stephen M. Daniels,
Chairman, Civilian Board of Contract Appeals, General Services 
Administration.

0
Accordingly, the interim rule amending 48 CFR Chapter 61 which was 
published in the Federal Register at 72 FR 36794, July 5, 2007, is 
adopted as a final rule with changes to Part 6101.

[[Page 26950]]

CHAPTER 61--RULES OF PROCEDURE OF THE CIVILIAN BOARD OF CONTRACT 
APPEALS

0
1. The authority citation for 48 CFR Part 6101 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority:  41 U.S.C. 601-613.
0
2. Amend Chapter 61 by revising the Chapter heading as set forth above.

PART 6101--CONTRACT DISPUTE CASES

0
3. Amend Part 6101 by revising the Part heading as set forth above.
0
4. Amend section 6101.1 by revising paragraphs (b)(5) and (e) to read 
as follows:


6101.1   Scope of rules; definitions; construction; rulings, orders, 
and directions; panels; location and address [Rule 1].

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (5) Filing. (i) Any document, other than a notice of appeal or an 
application for award of fees and other expenses, is filed when it is 
received by the Office of the Clerk of the Board during the Board's 
working hours. A notice of appeal or an application for award of fees 
and other expenses is filed upon the earlier of its receipt by the 
Office of the Clerk of the Board or if mailed, the date on which it is 
mailed to the Board. A United States Postal Service postmark shall be 
prima facie evidence that the document with which it is associated was 
mailed on the date of the postmark.
    (ii) Facsimile transmissions to the Board and the parties are 
permitted. The filing of a document by facsimile transmission occurs 
upon receipt by the Board of the entire submission by facsimile. 
Parties are specifically cautioned that a deadline for filing will not 
be extended merely because the Board's facsimile machine is busy or 
otherwise unavailable when a filing is due. Parties are expected to 
submit their facsimile machine numbers with their filings.
* * * * *
    (e) Panels. Each case will be assigned to a panel consisting of 
three judges, with one member designated as the presiding judge, in 
accordance with such procedures as may be established by the Board. The 
presiding judge is responsible for processing the case, including 
scheduling and conducting proceedings and hearings. In addition, the 
presiding judge may, without participation by other panel members, 
decide an appeal under the small claims procedure in 6101.52 [Rule 52], 
rule on nondispositive motions (except for amounts in controversy under 
6101.52(a)(2) [Rule 52(a)(2)] and 6101.53(a)(2) [Rule 53(a)(2)]), and 
dismiss a case as permitted by 6101.12(e) [Rule 12(e)]). All other 
matters, except for those before the full Board under 6101.28 [Rule 
28], are decided for the Board by a majority of the panel.
* * * * *
0
5. Amend section 6101.4 by revising the introductory text of paragraph 
(a), and paragraphs (a)(1) thru (a)(3), (e), and (g) to read as 
follows:


6101.4   Appeal file [Rule 4].

    (a) Submission to the Board by the respondent. Within 30 calendar 
days from receipt of the Board's docketing notice or within such time 
as the Board may allow, the respondent shall file with the Board appeal 
file exhibits consisting of all documents and other tangible things 
relevant to the claim and to the contracting officer's decision which 
has been appealed. Exhibits will be numbered as required by 6101.4(b) 
[Rule 4(b)] and will include, if any:
    (1) The contracting officer's decision from which the appeal is 
taken;
    (2) The contract, including amendments, specifications, plans, and 
drawings;
    (3) All correspondence between the parties that is relevant to the 
appeal, including the written claim or claims that are the subject of 
the appeal, and evidence of their certification;
* * * * *
    (e) Submissions on order of the Board. The Board may, at any time 
during the pendency of the appeal, require any party to file other 
documents and tangible things as additional exhibits. The Board may 
also require a party to file either copies of electronically stored 
information or printed versions of electronically stored information.
* * * * *
    (g) Use of appeal file as evidence. All exhibits in the appeal 
file, except for those as to which an objection has been sustained, are 
part of the evidentiary record upon which the Board will render its 
decision. Unless otherwise ordered by the Board, objection to any 
exhibit may be made at any time before the first witness is sworn or, 
if the appeal is submitted on the record without a hearing pursuant to 
6101.19 [Rule 19], at any time prior to or concurrent with the first 
record submission. The Board may shorten or enlarge the time for such 
objections and will consider an objection made during a hearing if the 
ground for objection could not reasonably have been earlier known to 
the objecting party. If an objection is sustained, the Board will so 
note in the record.
* * * * *
0
6. Amend section 6101.6 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


6101.6   Pleadings and amendment of pleadings [Rule 6].

* * * * *
    (c) Answer. No later than 30 calendar days after the filing of the 
complaint or of the Board's designation of a complaint, the respondent 
shall file with the Board an answer setting forth simple, concise, and 
direct statements of its defenses to the claim or claims asserted in 
the complaint, as well as any affirmative defenses it chooses to 
assert. A dispositive motion or a motion for a more definite statement 
may be filed in lieu of the answer only with the permission of the 
Board. If no answer is timely filed, the Board may enter a general 
denial, in which case the respondent may thereafter amend the answer to 
assert affirmative defenses only by leave of the Board and as otherwise 
prescribed by paragraph (e) of this section. The Board will inform the 
parties when it enters a general denial on behalf of the respondent.
* * * * *
0
7. Amend section 6101.7 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:


6101.7   Service of papers other than subpoenas [Rule 7].

    (a) On whom and when service must be made. Except for subpoenas 
(6101.16 [Rule 16]) and documents filed in camera (6101.9(c) [Rule 
9(c)]), when a party sends a document to the Board it must at the same 
time send a copy to the other party by an equally or more expeditious 
means of transmittal. The parties will confer and agree upon the method 
they will use to serve one another. They may agree to use electronic 
mail, facsimile, overnight courier, hand delivery, or any other 
mutually acceptable method for accomplishing service promptly and 
efficiently.
* * * * *
0
8. Amend section 6101.8 by revising paragraph (e) to read as follows:


6101.8   Motions [Rule 8].

* * * * *
    (e) Jurisdictional questions. The Board may at any time consider 
the issue of its jurisdiction to decide a case.
* * * * *
0
9. Revise section 6101.10 to read as follows:

[[Page 26951]]

6101.10   Admissibility of evidence [Rule 10].

    In general, any relevant and material evidence will be admitted 
into the record. The Board may exclude evidence to avoid unfair 
prejudice, confusion of the issues, undue delay, waste of time, or 
needless presentation of cumulative evidence. Hearsay evidence is 
admissible unless the Board finds it unreliable or untrustworthy. As a 
general matter, and subject to the other provisions of 6101.10 [Rule 
10], the Board will look to the Federal Rules of Evidence for guidance 
when it makes evidentiary rulings.
    10. Amend section 6101.12 by revising paragraph (e) to read as 
follows:


6101.12   Suspensions and dismissals [Rule 12].

* * * * *
    (e) Issuance of order. The presiding judge alone may issue an order 
suspending proceedings. An order of dismissal shall be issued by the 
panel of judges to which the case has been assigned if the motion is 
contested or if the Board is acting consequent to its own show cause 
order. An order of dismissal may be issued by the presiding judge alone 
if the motion to dismiss is not contested.
0
11. Amend section 6101.13 by revising paragraphs (a)(3), (b), and (g) 
to read as follows:


6101.13   General provisions governing discovery [Rule 13].

    (a) * * *
    (3) Requests for production of documents, electronically stored 
information, or other tangible or intangible things; and
* * * * *
    (b) Scope of discovery. Except as otherwise limited by order of the 
Board, the parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not 
privileged, which is relevant to the subject matter involved in the 
pending case, whether it relates to the claim or defense of a party, 
including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition, and 
location of any books, documents, electronically stored information, or 
other tangible or intangible things, and the identity and location of 
persons having knowledge of any discoverable matter. It is not a ground 
for objection that the information sought will be inadmissible if the 
information sought appears reasonably calculated to lead to the 
discovery of admissible evidence.
* * * * *
    (g) Failure to make or cooperate in discovery. If a party fails to 
appear for a deposition, after being served with a proper notice; to 
serve answers or objections to interrogatories submitted under 6101.14 
[Rule 14], after proper service of interrogatories; or to serve a 
written response to a request for inspection, production, and copying 
of any documents, electronically stored information, and things under 
6101.14 [Rule 14], the party seeking discovery may move the Board to 
impose appropriate sanctions under 6101.33 [Rule 33].
* * * * *
0
12. Amend section 6101.14 by revising paragraphs (c), (d), and (f) to 
read as follows:


6101.14   Interrogatories to parties; requests for admission; requests 
for production [Rule 14].

* * * * *
    (c) Written requests for admission. A written request for the 
admission of the truth of any matter, within the proper scope of 
discovery, that relates to statements or opinions of fact or of the 
application of law to fact, including the genuineness of any documents 
or electronically stored information, is to be answered in writing and 
signed within 30 calendar days after service. Objections shall be filed 
within the time limits set forth in 6101.13(f)(2) [Rule 13(f)(2)]. 
Otherwise, the matter therein may be deemed to be admitted. Any matter 
admitted is conclusively established for the purpose of the pending 
action, unless the Board on motion permits withdrawal or amendment of 
the admission. Any admission made by a party under this paragraph (c) 
is for the purpose of the pending action only and is not an admission 
for any other purpose, nor may it be used against the party in any 
other proceeding.
    (d) Written requests for production. A written request for the 
production, inspection, and copying of any documents, electronically 
stored information, or things shall be answered within 30 calendar days 
after service. Objections shall be filed within the time limits set 
forth in 6101.13(f)(2) [Rule 13(f)(2)].
* * * * *
    (f) Responses. A party that has responded to written 
interrogatories, requests for admission, or requests for production of 
documents, electronically stored information, or things, upon becoming 
aware of deficiencies or inaccuracies in its original responses, or 
upon acquiring additional information or additional documents, 
electronically stored information, or things relevant thereto, shall, 
as quickly as practicable, and as often as necessary, supplement its 
responses to the requesting party with correct and sufficient 
additional information and such additional documents, electronically 
stored information, and things as are necessary to give a complete and 
accurate response to the request.
0
13. Amend section 6101.16 by revising paragraph (b)(3) to read as 
follows:


6101.16   Subpoenas [Rule 16].

* * * * *
    (b) * * *
    (3) Produce the books, papers, documents, electronically stored 
information, and other tangible and intangible things designated in the 
subpoena.
* * * * *
0
14. Amend section 6101.17 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


6101.17   Exhibits [Rule 17].

* * * * *
    (b) Copies as exhibits. Except upon objection sustained by the 
Board for good cause shown, copies of documents may be offered and 
received into evidence as exhibits, provided they are of equal 
legibility and quality as the originals, and such copies shall have the 
same force and effect as if they were the originals. If the Board 
directs, a party offering a copy of a document as an exhibit shall have 
the original available at the hearing for examination by the Board and 
any other party. When the original of a document has been received into 
evidence as an exhibit, an accurate copy may be substituted in evidence 
for the original by leave of the Board at any time. The Board may 
require a party to provide either copies of electronically stored 
information or printed versions of electronically stored information to 
be included in the record.
* * * * *
0
15. Amend section 6101.23 by revising the introductory text of 
paragraph (a) to read as follows:


6101.23   Briefs and memoranda of law [Rule 23].

    (a)  Form and content of briefs and memoranda of law. Briefs and 
memoranda of law shall be on standard size 8 1/2 by 11-inch paper. They 
shall be double-spaced with text in the body and in the footnotes no 
smaller than 12 point. Otherwise, no particular form or organization is 
prescribed. The presiding judge may request prehearing and posthearing 
briefs and may also request, at any point in the proceedings, memoranda 
of law. Prehearing and posthearing briefs should, at a minimum, 
succinctly set forth:
* * * * *

[[Page 26952]]

0
16. Amend section 6101.30 by revising paragraph (b) to read as follows:


6101.30   Award of fees and other expenses [Rule 30].

* * * * *
    (b) Time for filing. A party seeking an award may submit an 
application no later than 30 calendar days after a final disposition in 
the underlying appeal. The Board's decision becomes final (for purposes 
of 6101.30 [Rule 30]) when it is not appealed to the United States 
Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit within the time permitted for 
appeal or, if the decision is appealed, when the time for petitioning 
the Supreme Court for certiorari has expired. An application for fees 
or other expenses may not be filed before the Board's decision is 
final; a request for fees or other expenses made before the Board's 
decision is final does not constitute an application.
* * * * *
0
17. Amend section 6101.31 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:


6101.31   Payment of Board awards [Rule 31].

* * * * *
    (c) Procedure. Whenever the Board issues a decision or an order 
awarding an appellant any amount of money, it will attach to the copy 
of the decision sent to each party forms such as those contained in the 
Appendix to the rules of this chapter. Unless the appellant files a 
timely appeal from the decision, the appellant will complete the 
Certificate of Finality, sign it, and forward it to the person or 
persons who entered an appearance in the appeal on behalf of the 
respondent. Upon receipt of a completed and executed Certificate of 
Finality, unless the respondent files a timely appeal from the 
decision, the person or persons who entered an appearance in the appeal 
on behalf of the respondent will promptly transmit the appellant's 
Certificate of Finality, along with a certified copy of the Board's 
decision and any other necessary documentation, to the United States 
Department of the Treasury for payment.
0
18. Amend section 6101.51 by revising the introductory paragraph and 
paragraph (d) to read as follows:


6101.51   Variation from standard proceedings [Rule 51].

    The ultimate purpose of any Board proceeding is to resolve fairly 
and expeditiously any dispute properly before the Board. When, during 
the normal course of a Board proceeding, the parties agree that a 
change in established procedure will promote this purpose, the Board 
will make that change if it is deemed to be feasible and in the best 
interest of the parties, the Board, and the resolution of the issue(s) 
in controversy. Although any party may ask the Board to vary from 
standard proceedings, individuals and small businesses may find such 
variations to be especially useful. The following are examples of these 
changes:
* * * * *
    (d) Developing a record regarding relevant facts through an on-the-
record round-table discussion with sworn witnesses, counsel, and the 
presiding judge rather than through formal direct and cross-examination 
of each of these same witnesses. This discussion shall be controlled by 
the presiding judge. It may be conducted, for example, through the 
presentation of narrative statements of witnesses or on an issue by 
issue basis. The presiding judge may also request that the parties' 
counsel or representatives present opening and/or closing statements in 
lieu of written briefs.
0
19. Amend section 6101.52 by revising the introductory text of 
paragraph (a)(1), and paragraphs (a)(2), (b), and (d) to read as 
follows:


6101.52   Small claims procedure [Rule 52].

    (a) Election. (1) The small claims procedure is available solely at 
the appellant's election. Such election shall be made no later than 30 
calendar days after the appellant's receipt of the agency answer, 
unless the presiding judge enlarges the time for good cause shown. The 
appellant may elect this procedure when:
* * * * *
    (2) At the request of the respondent, or on its own initiative, the 
Board may determine whether the amount in dispute and/or the 
appellant's status makes the election inappropriate. The respondent 
shall raise any objection to the election no later than 10 working days 
after receipt of a notice of election.
    (b) Decision. The presiding judge may issue a decision, which may 
be in summary form, orally or in writing. A decision which is issued 
orally shall be reduced to writing; however, such a decision takes 
effect at the time it is rendered, prior to being reduced to writing. A 
decision shall be final and conclusive and shall not be set aside 
except in case of fraud. A decision shall have no value as precedent.
* * * * *
    (d) Time of decision. Whenever possible, the presiding judge shall 
resolve an appeal under this procedure within 120 calendar days from 
the Board's receipt of the election. The time for processing an appeal 
under this procedure may be extended if the appellant has not adhered 
to the established schedule. Either party's failure to abide by the 
Board's schedule may result in the Board drawing evidentiary inferences 
adverse to the party at fault.
0
20. Amend section 6101.53 by revising paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as 
follows:


6101.53   Accelerated procedure [Rule 53].

    (a) Election. (1) The accelerated procedure is available solely at 
the appellant's election, and only when there is a monetary amount in 
dispute and that amount is $100,000 or less. Such election shall be 
made no later than 30 calendar days after the appellant's receipt of 
the agency answer, unless the presiding judge enlarges the time for 
good cause shown.
    (2) At the request of the respondent, or on its own initiative, the 
Board may determine whether the amount in dispute is greater than 
$100,000, such that the election is inappropriate. The respondent shall 
raise any objection to the election no later than 10 working days after 
receipt of a notice of election.
    (b) Decision. Each decision shall be rendered by the presiding 
judge with the concurrence of one of the other judges assigned to the 
panel; in the event the two judges disagree, the third judge assigned 
to the panel will participate in the decision.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. E8-10484 Filed 5-9-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6820-AL-S