General Administrative Regulations; Interpretations of Statutory Provisions, Policy Provisions, and Procedures, 66574-66583 [2018-27858]

Agencies

• DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
• Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 247 (Thursday, December 27, 2018)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 66574-66583]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-27858]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Federal Crop Insurance Corporation

7 CFR Part 400

[Docket No. FCIC-14-0001]
RIN 0563-AC45


General Administrative Regulations; Interpretations of Statutory 
Provisions, Policy Provisions, and Procedures

AGENCY: Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, USDA.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) finalizes the 
General and Administrative Regulation Subpart X- Interpretations of 
Statutory and Regulatory Provisions (Subpart X) to incorporate 
interpretations of procedures previously issued and administered in 
accordance with Manager's Bulletin MGR-05-018, and to provide a 
mechanism for interpretations of policy provisions that are not 
codified in the Code of Federal Regulations. The effect of this action 
is to provide requestors with information on how to request a final 
agency determination or an interpretation of FCIC procedures within one 
administrative regulation, and bring consistency and clarity to the 
processes used and existing provisions.

DATES: This rule is effective January 28, 2019.

ADDRESSES: Anyone can to search the electronic form of all comments 
received for any dockets by the name of the person submitting the 
comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an 
association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the complete 
User Notice and Privacy Notice for Regulations.gov at https://www.regulations.gov/#!privacyNotice.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Francie Tolle, Director, Product 
Management, Product Administration and Standards Division, Risk 
Management Agency, United States Department of Agriculture, Beacon 
Facility, Stop 0812, Room 421, PO Box 419205, Kansas City, MO 64141-
6205, telephone (816) 926- 7730.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    This rule finalizes changes to Subpart X that were published by 
FCIC on March 18, 2015, as a notice of proposed rulemaking in the 
Federal Register at 80 FR 14030-14033. The public was afforded 30 days 
to submit comments after the regulation was published in the Federal 
Register.
    A total of 18 comments were received from 5 commenters. The 
commenters included persons or entities from the following categories: 
Financial, insurance provider, legal, trade association, and other. The 
public comments received regarding the proposed rule and FCIC's 
responses to the comments are as follows:
    Comment: A commenter stated Subpart X--Interpretations of statutory 
provisions could provide asset management improvements. Driving these 
types of assets would be a dynamic and unprecedented improvement in the 
field of asset management.
    Response: FCIC does not understand the comment and does not see a 
connection between asset management and interpretations of policy and 
procedures. Subpart X intended to ensure that the Federal crop 
insurance program policy provisions and procedures are interpreted in a 
consistent manner for all participants. No change has been made.
    Comment: A commenter questioned the use of ``calendar year(s)'' in 
Sec.  400.766(a)(1) when Sec.  400.766(a)(2) refers to ``crop years''. 
For the calendar years 2011-2014 used in the example, these could 
include policies for crop years from 2010-2016, depending on the time 
of the calendar year the request was submitted. The commenter suggested 
only referencing crop years in these two sections.
    Response: FCIC agrees that the use of the term calendar year can be 
confusing since all crop insurance, except for Whole-Farm Revenue 
Protection, is conducted on a crop year basis. Further, although crop 
years may differ, since the opinion is about a specific provision in a 
policy and effects producers with that policy, crop years is more 
appropriate. FCIC has revised the provisions accordingly.
    Comment: A commenter stated in proposed rule Sec.  400.766(a)(2), 
FCIC states that it will reject requests for interpretations of crop 
year policy provisions that are older than four years prior to the 
calendar year in which the request was submitted. The commenter did not 
understand the purpose of this time limit. It is not unusual for 
litigation or arbitration to drag on for quite some time due to 
continuances, changes in attorneys, changes in arbitrators, etc. There 
may be situations in which it does not become clear that an 
interpretation of a policy provision or procedure is necessary until 
the time limit set forth in this section has already passed, 
particularly if the dispute involves a claim overpayment discovered in 
a subsequent crop year. As a result, the commenter believed this time 
limit should be stricken or revised to include any crop year(s) of 
policies subject to current litigation or arbitration.
    Response: As stated above, FCIC is moving to a crop year basis 
instead of a calendar year basis. However, FCIC does not agree the time 
limit should be stricken or revised to include any crop years of 
policies subject to current litigation or arbitration. The policy 
provisions require filing of a request for mediation, arbitration or 
litigation within one year of the determination by the insurance 
provider in the event of a dispute. The current time limit is set to 
allow an additional two years to pass before an interpretation must be 
requested to permit time for the appeals process to proceed. FCIC 
believes that most proceedings initiated within one-year of a 
determination that is in dispute would be readily able to request an 
interpretation within the timeframes established by this regulation. 
Further, the published interpretations state that to the extent the 
language in the provisions interpreted is identical to the language 
applicable for any other crop year, including previous crop years, the 
same interpretation can be applied to such other crop year provided the 
person seeking to use the published interpretation for a different crop 
year provided that the language of the

[[Page 66575]]

provisions is identical. Therefore, to the extent that policy language 
is the same, interpretations made for one year may apply to numerous 
years. No change has been made.
    Comment: A commenter recommended the wording in Sec.  400.766(a)(3) 
be changed to ``. . . starting with the 2014 crop year, you must submit 
. . .''
    Response: FCIC agrees and has revised the provisions accordingly.
    Comment: A commenter recommended the wording in Sec.  400.766(b)(2) 
be changed to ``. . . matters of general applicability and are not. . 
.''
    Response: FCIC agrees with the revisions, however this provision 
has been moved and can now be found in Sec.  400.766(b)(5).
    Comment: A commenter stated, the proposed rule neither defines 
``nullify'' or ``nullification'' nor explains the legal process by 
which FCIC will nullify a mediation, arbitration, or judicial decision. 
Is the term ``nullify'' synonymous with the term ``vacate'' as used in 
the Federal Arbitration Act (``FAA'')? Which division within the RMA 
Compliance Division will manage the nullification process? Will the 
insurance provider or policyholder be afforded appeal rights if FCIC 
nullifies an award? If a policyholder disputes the nullification of an 
award, does a cause of action lie against the insurance provider or 
FCIC? Because the proposed rule does not describe the process by which 
FCIC will nullify an award, the commenter cannot adequately evaluate 
the impact of the proposed rule or assess its risk in the event 
nullification occurs.
    Another commenter also questioned whether FCIC has the authority to 
nullify an arbitration award as set forth in proposed section Sec.  
400.766(b). On a prefatory note, FCIC is not a party to the Common Crop 
Insurance Policy Basic Provisions (Basic Provisions), is not a party to 
arbitration arising under the policy and, consequently, may not 
intervene in an arbitration proceeding. Assuming arguendo that FCIC, as 
a non-party, may vacate an arbitration award, its ability to do so is 
subject to Federal Arbitration Association (FAA), which governs 
arbitration proceedings, including judicial review, arising under 
section 20 of the Basic Provisions. With respect to the vacation or 
modification or arbitration awards, section 10 of the FAA provides, in 
pertinent part:
    (a) In any of the following cases the United States court in and 
for the district where in the award was made may make an order vacating 
the award upon the application of any party to the arbitration--
    (1) where the award was procured by corruption, fraud, or undue 
means:
    (2) Where there was evident partiality or corruption in the 
arbitrators, or either of them;
    (3) where the arbitrators were guilty of misconduct in refusing to 
postpone the hearing, upon sufficient cause shown, or in refusing to 
hear evidence pertinent and material to the controversy; or any other 
misbehavior by which the rights of any party have been prejudiced; or
    (4) where the arbitrators exceeded their powers, or so imperfectly 
executed them that a mutual, final, and definite award upon the subject 
matter submitted was not made.
    9 U.S.C. 10. The Supreme Court has held that the FAA's grounds for 
vacating any award are exclusive. Section 10 does not empower FCIC to 
nullify an arbitration award simply because the arbitrator did not 
enforce or request a final agency determination.
    The commenter also believed section 10(a)(4) of the FAA is the only 
provision tangentially related to an arbitrator's enforcement of a 
final agency determination, and case law demonstrates that FCIC cannot 
rely on section 10(a)(4) to nullify an arbitration award. When a party 
invokes section 10(a)(4) of the FAA as a basis for vacating an award on 
the basis that the arbitrator exceeded his power, the court must:
    ``. . . determine if the form of the arbitrator's award can be 
rationally derived either from the agreement between the parties or 
from the parties' submissions to the arbitrators, and we do not revise 
the terms of the award ``unless they are `completely irrational.' ''
    The commenter stated this standard of reviews is so deferential, 
that a Court may overturn an award only if there is ``absolutely no 
support at all in the record justifying the arbitrator's 
determinations.'' (A court may not overrule the arbitrator simply 
because it disagrees. ``There must be absolutely no support at all in 
the record.'') Thus, even if an arbitrator does not apply a final 
agency determination to a particular dispute, case law suggests that 
this alone does not merit vacating an award.
    Response: The definition of ``null'' and ``nullification'' is not 
provided for in the administrative regulation as it intends the common 
meaning to apply. The term ``null'' is defined in Merriam- Webster's 
Online Dictionary, as ``having no legal or binding force; invalid.'' 
This means that if an arbitration award was based upon an 
interpretation of a policy provision or procedure that was not provided 
by FCIC, the arbitration award would have no legal or binding force and 
would be invalid.
    While FCIC is not a party to the insurance contract, this is a 
Federal crop insurance program, and FCIC is the regulator of the 
program. It is FCIC's duty and obligation to ensure compliance with all 
policy and procedure, especially since taxpayer dollars are used in 
part to fund the program. Government funds can only be spent in the 
manner authorized by law.
    In the past, one problem in the program that was reoccurring was 
inconsistent interpretations of policy and procedures by arbitrators 
and courts, resulting in the inequitable application of the policy 
provisions and procedures based on geography. As a result, Congress 
enacted section 506(r) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (Act), which 
mandates that FCIC will provide an interpretation of all statutes and 
regulations. This ensures that taxpayer dollars are spent in accordance 
with the law.
    With respect to the American Arbitration Act, there is a long-
standing legal principle of statutory construction that states that 
later in time statutes preempt earlier enacted statutes. That is the 
case here. Section 506(r) of the Act was enacted after the American 
Arbitration Act and to the extent there is a conflict, section 506(r) 
of the Act takes precedence. Therefore, while the American Arbitration 
Act may apply to certain circumstances, it cannot be used to require 
the payment of awards that would use taxpayer dollars that are not 
authorized by law. Those provisions of the American Arbitration Act 
that could be interpreted to require the payment of awards that are 
otherwise not authorized by law are not applicable.
    Congress has determined that FCIC interprets its statutes and 
regulations, but it left to FCIC the manner in which it does so. In 
carrying out that mandate, FCIC promulgated Subpart X to administer the 
process of obtaining the requisite interpretations and, under 
prevailing Supreme Court precedence, FCIC's administration of section 
506(r) of the Act is to be given deference if it is reasonable and not 
arbitrary, capricious, or not in accordance with the law. FCIC's 
determination that there must be consequences for failure to obtain an 
interpretation when required is reasonable. Further, since all parties 
to the legal proceeding have the obligation to seek an interpretation 
when there is a dispute regarding the meaning of a provision, the 
consequences cannot unfairly affect one party over another. 
Nullification of an

[[Page 66576]]

award has been the only process FCIC has determined that will not 
unfairly affect one party over another. It simply resets the process 
and the appeal proceeds using the interpretation obtained from FCIC. 
Requiring nullification of an award when no final agency determination 
or FCIC interpretation has been sought or it has been disregarded is 
reasonable and not arbitrary and capricious or is in accordance with 
the law.
    Requiring FCIC to provide interpretations of statutes and 
regulations ensures that all producers nationwide are treated the same. 
FCIC determined the only way to effectuate this provision and ensure 
that its interpretations are binding on all parties, including in the 
appeals process, is to require that awards that failed to obtain an 
interpretation or disregarded an interpretation will be nullified. 
Therefore, if any party in a dispute believes an agreement or award was 
rendered based on an interpretation of a statutory or regulatory 
provision that is in dispute and an official interpretation from FCIC 
was not sought or was disregarded, it is incumbent upon the aggrieved 
party to request from FCIC whether an official interpretation was 
sought or disregarded.
    Comment: A commenter stated history suggests that FCIC does not 
nullify arbitration awards if the parties do not request a final agency 
determination or the arbitrator does not abide by the final agency 
determination. Instead, RMA issues compliance findings directed at the 
insurance provider and denies reinsurance on any amount awarded to the 
policyholder. Although this sanction may be justified if an insurance 
provider does not request a final agency determination or offers an 
argument contrary to FCIC interpretation of policy or procedures, this 
penalty is unconscionable if the insurance provider obtains either a 
final agency determination or the testimony of an FCIC employee and the 
arbitrator disregards the FCIC's interpretation. The Standard 
Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) authorizes the denial of reinsurance or the 
imposition of other penalties if an insurance provider does not comply 
with the SRA or FCIC policies and procedures. If an insurance provider 
obtains and offers a final agency determination during a legal 
proceeding, and the arbitrator, judge or jury ignores the final agency 
determination, the insurance provider has not violated the SRA and may 
not be penalized.
    Response: FCIC agrees that if an insurance provider obtains a final 
agency determination or FCIC interpretation and it is disregarded by 
the person hearing the appeal, or if no final agency determination or 
FCIC interpretation has been sought by any party, the proper remedy is 
nullification of the award under Subpart X.
    Comment: A commenter recognized that FCIC expects arbitrators, 
judges, and juries to adhere to a final agency determination's 
interpretation of policies and procedures. However, the commenter did 
not believe that an insurance provider may force an arbitrator or judge 
to halt proceedings and request a final agency determination if a 
dispute arises as to the meaning of a policy or procedure. At best, an 
insurance provider may request that the arbitrator motion the court for 
a stay in the proceedings. An insurance provider cannot control whether 
or not an arbitrator or judge grants such a request or motion, and the 
refusal of an arbitrator or judge to stay proceeding should not be the 
basis for sanctioning an insurance provider.
    Response: FCIC agrees an insurance provider cannot force an 
arbitrator or judge to halt proceedings and request a final agency 
determination or FCIC interpretation if a dispute arises as to the 
meaning of a policy or procedure. However, an insurance provider may 
request a stay in the proceedings. As stated above, while no judge or 
arbitrator may be forced to delay a proceeding for the parties to 
obtain a final agency determination or FCIC interpretation, this rule 
puts all persons involved in the appeal on notice that failure to 
obtain a final agency determination or FCIC interpretation when there 
is a dispute regarding the meaning of a provision will result in the 
nullification of any agreement or award. It is incumbent upon the 
aggrieved party to request from FCIC whether an official interpretation 
was sought or disregarded.
    Comment: A commenter stated FCIC should clarify the process for 
nullification of an award or deem it to occur automatically. The 
proposed rule indicates that the failure to obtain or adhere to a final 
agency determination will result in nullification of any award. 
However, it is not clear from the proposed rule how a party can seek 
nullification of an arbitration award, or whether nullification is a 
self-executing, automatic occurrence.
    In Great American Ins. Co. v. Moye, a Federal district court ruled 
that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) (9 U.S.C. 1 et seq.) applies to 
crop insurance arbitrations. The FAA severely limits a reviewing 
court's ability to review an arbitration award. In that case, which has 
been cited by many cases since, the court ruled that a ``court will not 
sit as the arbitrator to re-evaluate the merits,'' and that ``an 
arbitrator does not exceed his authority every time he makes an 
interpretive error.'' Therefore, even though the policy terms and 
regulations in Subpart X require nullification of an award if the 
arbitrator engages in unauthorized interpretation, the FAA requires a 
reviewing court to defer to the arbitrator's judgment except in 
extraordinary circumstances.
    The commenter stated it is clear that FCIC intends that the parties 
have some process for determining whether an arbitration award is 
nullified, as it recently stated in FAD-232, ``the policy allows for 
nullification of the award if the party seeking nullification can show 
that the inconsistent interpretation resulted in an improper award 
being made.'' It is not clear where there is a process available for a 
party seeking nullification to make that type of showing. Once the 
arbitrator has rendered the final award under American Arbitration 
Association (AAA) rules, the arbitrator's duties are complete (except 
in very specific circumstances requiring revision for obvious 
mathematical errors). AAA rules do provide a procedure for appeals, but 
only in the event that both parties agree, which would be unlikely in 
the event one party is satisfied with an award in its favor.
    FCIC should revise the proposed rule so that nullification is an 
automatic process, where an arbitration award containing unauthorized 
interpretation is automatically void and unenforceable in Federal 
Court. Alternatively, FCIC should make it clear where and how the 
process for determining nullification must occur, whether that be 
before the arbitrator who issued the award, through the AAA appeals 
process made mandatory for crop insurance cases, or through a reviewing 
court. Otherwise, nullification will usually be unenforceable in 
practice.
    Response: While the courts have agreed that the American 
Arbitration Act applies in arbitrations, its application cannot be 
absolute. Taxpayer dollars are used to fund the Federal crop insurance 
program and FCIC has an obligation to ensure such funds are expended in 
accordance with policy and procedure. Congress strengthened this 
obligation by imposing on FCIC the express mandate to provide 
interpretations of law and regulations in section 506(r) of the Act. 
This later in time statute supersedes the American Arbitration Act 
preclusion against reviewing arbitrator's interpretations.

[[Page 66577]]

    FCIC agrees that if there is a failure to obtain, or adhere to, a 
final agency determination or FCIC interpretation, any award is 
nullified but there is no way for anyone to know or the parties may not 
agree whether such a failure existed. Therefore, FCIC has revised this 
rule to allow persons to obtain a determination by FCIC when that 
person believes that a failure to comply with this subpart took place 
during an arbitration by not obtaining, adhering, or requesting a final 
agency determination or FCIC interpretation. Once FCIC determines that 
a final agency determination or FCIC interpretation was required in an 
arbitration or litigation, the provisions are revised to specify the 
award is automatically nullified.
    Comment: The commenter stated there is a word missing after ``any 
other'' in the first sentence of proposed rule Sec.  400.766(c)(1).
    Response: FCIC has revised Sec.  400.766 and this phrase is no 
longer used. Therefore, the comment is not applicable.
    Comment: A commenter recommended the wording in Sec.  400.767(b)(1) 
be changed to ``. . . proceeding (e.g., mediation . . .''
    Response: FCIC agrees and has revised the provision accordingly.
    Comment: A commenter suggested FCIC clarify that nullification of 
an arbitration award occurs when the decision made by the arbitrator 
disregards, or the parties fail to obtain, any form of interpretation 
from FCIC, not just those that are final agency determinations. The 
proposed rule provides that the parties' failure to submit a timely 
request for a final agency determination results in ``nullification of 
any agreement or award'' (proposed Sec.  400.767(b)(3)(ii)(B)). The 
proposed rule also provides that ``failure of the National Appeals 
Division, arbitrator, or mediator to adhere to the final agency 
determination provided under this subpart will result in the 
nullification of any award or agreement in arbitration or mediation.'' 
The commenter agreed failure to obtain or adhere to a final agency 
determination should result in nullification of the award, but the 
commenter suggested FCIC revise the final rule so that it is clear that 
the failure to obtain or adhere to any type of interpretation from FCIC 
results in nullification. Another commenter stated final agency 
determinations are not the only form of interpretation that FCIC 
provides under existing processes nor will they be the only form under 
the proposed revisions to Subpart X. In FAD-225, FCIC acknowledged that 
the agency has multiple avenues under which it may deliver binding 
interpretations of policy and procedure, including formal 
interpretations of procedure under Manager's Bulletin MGR-05-018 and 
witness testimony pursuant to 7 CFR part 1, subpart H. FCIC further 
indicated, ``any interpretation provided by FCIC, in writing or orally, 
will be binding in any mediation or arbitration. Subsequently, the 
failure to obtain the required interpretation from FCIC or if an 
arbitrator disregards an interpretation provided by FCIC, the award is 
nullified.'' As written, the proposed rule does not clearly state that 
the failure to obtain or adhere to other forms of interpretations from 
FCIC will result in nullification. Since, the agency has already made 
clear in a binding final agency determination that it is so, FCIC 
should incorporate that principle into the final rule.
    Response: FCIC agrees with the commenter. Section 20(a)(1)(ii) of 
the Common Crop Insurance Policy Basic Provisions states ``Failure to 
obtain any required interpretation from FCIC will result in the 
nullification of any agreement or award.'' Therefore, FCIC has revised 
the relevant provisions to clarify that FCIC interpretations may take 
other forms and the nullification provisions apply to all FCIC 
interpretations. However, FCIC has revised the language to state that 
if an official interpretation from FCIC was not sought or was 
disregarded it is incumbent upon the aggrieved party to request a 
determination of whether such interpretation was required or 
disregarded and, if it was, the award is automatically nullified.
    Comment: A commenter stated Sec.  400.767(b)(3)(ii) of the proposed 
rule is missing ``or interpretations of procedure or policy provision 
not codified in the Code of Federal Regulations'' before ``may result 
in''.
    Response: As stated above, FCIC has revised the provisions to apply 
to all FCIC interpretations. However, FCIC determined these provisions 
regarding nullification are more appropriately contained in Sec.  
400.766 and has revised the provisions accordingly. Additionally, FCIC 
has revised the regulation to define ``FCIC interpretation'' as an 
interpretation of a policy provision not codified in the Code of 
Federal Regulations or any procedure used in the administration of any 
Federal crop insurance program. Therefore, any references to 
``interpretations of procedure or policy provision not codified in the 
Code of Federal Regulations'' have been removed and replaced with the 
term ``FCIC interpretation'' throughout the regulation.
    Comment: A commenter requested that FCIC delete the reference to 
nullification of arbitration awards contained Sec.  400.767(b). 
Language, which mirrors this provision, is already contained in the 
Basic Provisions, so it is redundant to include the reference to 
nullification in this rule.
    Response: Proposed section 400.767(b) reiterates and expands the 
provisions in section 20(a)(1)(ii) of the Basic Provisions which simply 
states that a failure to obtain any required interpretation from FCIC 
will result in the nullification of any agreement or award. FCIC has 
revised the provisions to include requests to be made to FCIC regarding 
whether there has been non-compliance with section 20 of the Basic 
Provisions and Subpart X and failure of the National Appeals Division, 
arbitrator, mediator, or judge to adhere to the final agency 
determination or FCIC interpretation provided under this subpart will 
result in the nullification of any award or agreement in arbitration or 
mediation. However, as stated above, all these provisions regarding 
nullification have been moved to Sec.  400.766.
    Comment: A commenter stated FCIC's stated purpose for promulgating 
the new regulations is to ``clarify existing provisions, eliminate 
redundancies, remove or update obsolete references, simplify the 
regulation to address final agency determinations and interpretations 
of procedures or policy provisions not codified in the Code of Federal 
Regulations in the same regulation, simplify program administration, 
and improve clarity of the requestor and FCIC obligations.'' The 
commenter supported this worthy goal. However, there are several 
portions of the proposed rule which the commenter believed require 
revision or clarification so that the new rule is compatible with the 
practicalities of policyholder and insurance provider disputes and 
arbitration proceedings.
    The commenter noted the proposed rule describes several types of 
interpretations by FCIC, including final agency determinations and 
interpretations of procedure. The commenter stated the proposed rule 
will promote unnecessary litigation, since it provides that no one may 
request an interpretation without first initiating arbitration, suit, 
or mediation (see proposed Sec.  400.767(b)).
    Final agency determinations and interpretations of procedure from 
FCIC should be available to program participants as a tool to resolve 
disputes before formal dispute resolution processes commence, to avoid 
costly

[[Page 66578]]

and possibly unnecessary arbitration or litigation proceedings. There 
are times when the policy terms, procedure, or how policies and 
procedures apply to specific factual situations are not entirely clear, 
and an insurance provider must seek guidance from FCIC. Those instances 
may occur during the adjustment of a claim, or when a policyholder 
disagrees with an insurance provider determination, but has not yet 
filed a Demand for Arbitration. It has been the commenter's experience 
that in those cases, a formal interpretation from RMA can help avert or 
resolve a dispute without having to resort to arbitration, which can be 
costly for both parties. For that reason, the commenter suggested FCIC 
remove from the final rule the requirement that arbitration be 
initiated prior to submission of the request for interpretation.
    Another commenter stated proposed rule Sec.  400.767(b) limits 
requests for interpretations to formal judicial review, mediation, or 
arbitration. There are frequently situations where insurance providers 
may need binding clarification of FCIC policies or procedures to ensure 
that they are accurately administering policies in a uniform manner. It 
is a benefit to insurance providers, insureds, and the program to be 
able to submit such requests before the expense and exposure of 
adversarial proceedings takes place. Although there are other means 
which insurance providers may use to request an interpretation, they 
may be inadequate because they do not contain the 90-day time limit 
imposed by the final agency determination process and may not result in 
published interpretations. As a result, the commenter believed this 
section should be deleted or revised to carve out a separate right for 
insurance providers to request interpretations of policy provisions or 
procedures even if they are not related to a formal arbitration or 
mediation.
    Response: FCIC agrees and has removed the requirement that formal 
judicial review, mediation, or arbitration must be initiated before a 
final agency determination or FCIC interpretation can be requested.
    Comment: A commenter stated language in the proposed rule suggests 
that only the party who initiated arbitration or suit can request an 
interpretation from FCIC. As currently worded, only the party who 
actually initiates the legal proceeding may request a final agency 
determination or an interpretation of procedure. A defendant or 
arbitration respondent cannot (see proposed Sec.  400.767(b): ``You may 
request . . . only if you have legally filed or formally initiated. . 
.''). Both parties to an arbitration should be permitted to request an 
interpretation from FCIC. It is not uncommon for parties to disagree 
about whether an interpretation is necessary, and in those cases, one 
party may need to seek the interpretation unilaterally. Further, 
respondents in arbitration and defendant in suits, which in most cases 
will be the insurance providers, have just as much a right to avail 
themselves of FCIC's interpretation process as claimants/plaintiffs.
    Response: Either party may request an interpretation, not just the 
party that initiated the proceeding. Further, as stated above, parties 
no longer have to wait until arbitration, mediation or judicial review 
before a request may be made. The language has been revised 
accordingly.
    Comment: A commenter stated the new request timing requirements in 
proposed Sec.  400.767(b)(3) will conflict with certain AAA rules and 
be impractical in many cases. FCIC should clarify how the 
interpretation request process should proceed in those cases. Section 
20 of the Basic Provisions (7 CFR 457.8) provides that the rules of the 
American Arbitration Association (AAA) apply to disputes regarding 
insurance provider determinations. The AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules 
contain a set of ``Expedited Procedures'' that apply in cases where the 
amount in controversy is $75,000 or less. Those Expedited Procedures 
require that the hearing occur within 30 days of the appointment of the 
arbitrator. The proposed rule requires that all interpretation requests 
be submitted ``90 days before the date the mediation, arbitration or 
litigation in which the interpretation will be used is scheduled to 
begin'' (Sec.  400.767(b)(3)), but not until after arbitration has 
commenced (Sec.  400.767(b)). In cases where the AAA Expedited 
Procedures apply, it would be impossible for the parties to comply with 
those conflicting requirements.
    The commenter suggested FCIC either remove the timeliness 
requirement, or state clearly in the final rule that any AAA rule that 
does not allow the parties sufficient time to request an interpretation 
prior to the hearing is in conflict with the policy terms and does not 
apply to crop insurance arbitrations.
    A commenter also stated the new request timing requirements in 
Sec.  400.767(b)(3) will be impractical in many cases. FCIC should 
clarify the meaning of ``proceeding'' in Sec.  400.767(b)(3)(iii) to 
ensure that necessary interpretations from the agency are available in 
all cases. Even in cases where the Expedited Procedures do not apply, 
the timeliness rule will cause difficulty. It is not always clear at 
the outset of an arbitration that the dispute involves a matter of 
interpretation. Arbitration demands typically contain only a cursory 
description of the dispute and it is not until the parties have engaged 
in some exchange of discovery materials or legal briefing that the 
parties identify a dispute over interpretation. It is not uncommon for 
that to occur within 90 days of the arbitration hearing date.
    The proposed rule contains a contingency to allow the arbitrator, 
mediator, or judge to request an interpretation in instances when an 
interpretation dispute arises ``during the mediation, arbitration, or 
litigation proceeding.'' It is not clear whether the term 
``proceeding'' as used in the proposed rule refers only to the 
mediation, arbitration hearing, or trial, or whether the term refers to 
any proceedings, including discovery and briefing occurring in the 
course of the mediation, arbitration, or litigation. FCIC should 
clarify the meaning of that term.
    The commenter suggested the final rule allow the parties to seek 
interpretations whenever a dispute arises in the process. If FCIC has a 
compelling reason to restrict require requests from the parties to be 
submitted 90-days prior to the hearing, the final rule should provide 
an avenue for making a request if an interpretation dispute arises 
within 90-days of the hearing.
    Response: The AAA rules only apply to the extent they do not 
conflict with the policy. The policy requires obtaining an 
interpretation of policy and procedure if there is a dispute regarding 
its meaning and Subpart X prescribes how such requests are to be made. 
Therefore, Subpart X supersedes the AAA rules if there is a conflict. 
Further, the 90-day time-period is necessary to allow FCIC time to 
provide an interpretation in writing given its limited resources. In 
addition, as stated above, FCIC has revised the rule to allow requests 
for interpretations be made at any time, not just when mediation, 
arbitration or litigation has been initiated. This should mitigate the 
timing issues in many cases. However, when it is discovered that an 
interpretation is required after the proceedings have been initiated, 
FCIC acknowledges there are times when such a time limit is 
impracticable. Therefore, FCIC has revised the rule to provide some 
flexibility when cases are operating under the expedited procedures 
under AAA rules or there is

[[Page 66579]]

an appeal between a producer and RMA before NAD. However, these appeals 
processes have set deadlines and FCIC is adding flexibility to 
accommodate them but in all other cases, the parties have the 
flexibility to set the actual date of the mediation, arbitration, etc. 
Therefore, FCIC is maintaining the 90-day rule for all other 
proceedings to allow FCIC sufficient time to go through the 
administrative process of making an interpretation. Further, FCIC has 
added a definition of ``proceeding'' that clarifies that the proceeding 
commences on the day the complaint or notice of appeal is filed for 
arbitration or litigation and ends when the decision has been rendered 
so it encompasses the discovery process. This should allow the parties 
sufficient time to make a request 90 days prior to the date of 
mediation, hearing, arbitration or trial.
    As noted by the commenter, the proposed rule contains a contingency 
to allow the NAD hearing officer, arbitrator, mediator, or judge, to 
request an interpretation in instances when a dispute arises during the 
mediation, arbitration, or litigation proceeding.
    Comment: A commenter recommended the wording in Sec.  400.767(c) be 
changed to ``. . . opposing interpretations, a joint request. . .''
    Response: FCIC agrees and has revised the provisions accordingly.
    Comment: A commenter recommended the wording in Sec.  400.768(a) be 
changed to ``. . . regarding, or that contains, specific factual 
information. . .''
    Response: FCIC agrees and has revised the provisions accordingly.
    Comment: A commenter recommended the wording in Sec.  400.768(a)(2) 
be changed to ``. . . those are fact-specific and could. . .''
    Response: FCIC agrees and has revised the provisions accordingly.
    Comment: A commenter recommended FCIC not forbid parties seeking 
interpretation requests from offering hypothetical examples. The 
proposed rule provides at Sec.  400.768(a)(2), ``FCIC will not consider 
any examples provided in your interpretation because those are fact 
specific and could be construed as a finding of fact by FCIC,'' and 
that FCIC will provide any examples that are necessary. Parties should 
be permitted to provide hypothetical examples. Because an arbitrator 
cannot decide whether or how a policy provision applies to a specific 
set of facts, restricting the parties from using illustrative 
hypotheticals will make it difficult for FCIC to render interpretations 
regarding whether how policy provisions apply with enough specificity 
for the arbitrator to render a compliant award.
    Section 20(a)(1) of the Basic Provisions exempts from the 
arbitrator's authority any disputes ``regarding whether a specific 
policy provision or procedure is applicable to the situation'' or ``how 
it is applicable.'' If the arbitrator does not have authority to 
determine how procedure applies to a specific factual situation, the 
parties must be able to request an interpretation from FCIC with enough 
specificity so that the response gives the arbitrator clear direction 
on how the policy terms apply to that type of situation. The best way 
to do that is with an analogous hypothetical. In many cases, it will 
not be clear to an arbitrator how to apply an interpretation of the 
policy to a specific set of facts without an analogous example, and in 
those cases, the arbitrator will have no choice but to engage in 
unauthorized interpretation.
    In many cases, an interpretive dispute is not even apparent, 
because the policy terms appear to be unambiguous, but only when 
presented with a particular set of circumstances, does the need for 
interpretation arise. It seems unlikely that FCIC would be able to 
generate examples on its own that will direct an arbitrator with 
sufficient specificity regarding how to apply the policy to a peculiar 
factual situation, since FCIC will have no knowledge of the factual 
situation involved in the case.
    The commenter recognized FCIC must avoid making determinations of 
specific facts relating to individual policies and circumstances, but 
suggests that in cases where a requesting party's example is too fact-
specific, FCIC can still reject the request or disregard the example 
pursuant to proposed at Sec.  400.768(a)(1) (``Regardless of whether or 
not FCIC accepts a request, FCIC will not consider specific factual 
information to situations or cases in any final agency 
determination.''). The commenter suggested parties be permitted to 
provide hypothetical examples to aid arbitrators in applying the policy 
to the facts before them.
    Response: Currently, FCIC receives requests for final agency 
determinations with large amounts of specific factual situation or case 
information, so if FCIC were to consider that factual information, FCIC 
would be infringing on the role of the mediator, arbitrator, hearing 
officer, or judge who decides the facts and applies the law to those 
facts. Further, what the commenter is suggesting is the use of 
hypotheticals to let the FCIC inform the arbitrator, mediator, etc. 
know how to apply the interpretation to the facts. However, that is not 
the role given to FCIC in section 506(r) of the Act. FCIC's role is 
simply to provide interpretations of regulations and statutes and 
policy provisions and procedures. It is the role of the mediator, 
arbitrator, etc. to apply that interpretation to the particular facts 
of the case. In addition, hypotheticals can present some facts and not 
others, which can skew the outcome and FCIC is in no position to make 
such determinations. FCIC is revising the rule to clarify that it will 
not accept any request for a final agency determination or FCIC 
interpretation that contains facts or hypotheticals to ensure that its 
interpretation is objective and unbiased. To the extent that FCIC 
believes that a hypothetical will provide clarification of its 
interpretation, FCIC will provide such hypothetical so it cannot to be 
construed as any determination of a factual situation. No change has 
been made.
    Comment: A commenter recommended the wording in Sec.  400.768(b) be 
changed to ``. . . Code of Federal Regulations, but will notify you. . 
.''
    Response: As stated above, FCIC has revised the regulation to 
include the term ``FCIC interpretation.'' Therefore, the phrase the 
commenter is referencing is no longer used and is replaced with the 
term ``FCIC interpretation.''
    Comment: A commenter recommended the wording in Sec.  400.768(c) be 
changed to ``. . . under Sec.  400.768(b), the 90-day time period. . 
.'', and similarly change the two additional references to 90-day time 
period in this section.
    Response: FCIC agrees and has revised the provisions accordingly.
    Comment: A commenter stated in proposed rule Sec.  400.765, the 
definition of a ``final agency determination'' is limited to 
interpretations of ``regulations, or any policy provision that is 
codified in the Federal Register'' but Subpart X is being expanded to 
include interpretations of ``procedure or policy provision not codified 
in the Code of Federal Regulations'', as referenced throughout the 
proposed rule. The only distinction for these two types of 
interpretations is whether or not they are published on RMA's website 
and binding on all program participants, as indicated in Sec.  
400.768(g) and (h). The commenter recommended eliminating Sec.  
400.768(h) and include publication of procedure and policies that are 
not codified in the Federal Register in Sec.  400.768(g). These changes 
ensure that RMA interpretations of procedure or 508(h) and pilot 
policies, which are not codified in the Federal Register, would be 
published and

[[Page 66580]]

binding on all program participants so that all policies and procedures 
would be administered uniformly by every insurance provider.
    Alternatively, eliminating Sec.  400.768(h) would also allow the 
definition for ``final agency determination'' to be expanded to include 
``. . . or interpretations of procedure or policy provision not 
codified in the Code of Federal Regulations''. Modifying the definition 
of final agency determination in this way allows the phrase ``or 
interpretations of procedure or policy provision not codified in the 
Code of Federal Regulations'' referenced throughout the proposed rule 
to be eliminated. For example, Sec.  400.766(a) could be simplified to 
read ``The regulations contained in this subpart prescribe the rules 
and criteria for obtaining a final agency determination.''
    Response: FCIC agrees that the provisions are too narrowly drafted 
but not for the reasons provided by the commenter. The proposed rule 
failed to take into consideration other forms of interpretations, such 
as testimony. Therefore, FCIC is revising a number of provisions to 
identify final agency determinations and FCIC interpretations. These 
revisions will also make distinctions between interpretations of 
statute and regulations and interpretations of unpublished policy 
provisions and procedures as final agency determinations and FCIC 
interpretations respectively. Additionally, FCIC has revised the 
regulation to define ``FCIC interpretation'' as an interpretation of a 
policy provision not codified in the Code of Federal Regulations or any 
procedure used in the administration of any Federal crop insurance 
program. Therefore, any references to ``interpretations of procedure or 
policy provision not codified in the Code of Federal Regulations'' have 
been removed and replaced with the term ``FCIC interpretation'' 
throughout the regulation.
    However, the distinction between published and unpublished final 
determinations and their binding effect stems from section 506(r) of 
the Act, which gives FCIC express authority to provide interpretations 
of statute and regulations. Based on this statutory authority, FCIC 
publishes its final agency determinations and makes them binding on all 
participants. However, there are policies that are published as 
regulations and some policies and policy provisions that are not. Those 
policies that are published as regulations have the force of law. Those 
policies that are not published as regulations have the force of 
contracts but not law. However, to ensure consistency and equitable 
treatment in the program, FCIC interpreted section 506(r) to authorize 
it to issue all interpretations of policy provisions. The same is true 
for procedures. FCIC discovered there was disparate interpretations of 
its procedures and for the sake of consistency and equitable treatment, 
FCIC included procedures as subject to its interpretation. Since, 
interpretations of provisions not included in statute or regulation is 
not statutorily mandated, such FCIC interpretations are only binding on 
the parties to the dispute, including the arbitrator, mediator, judge, 
or the National Appeals Division. No change has been made.
    Comment: A commenter recommended the wording in Sec.  400.768(i) be 
changed to ``. . . loss adjuster as it relates to their performance of 
following FCIC policy provisions. . .''
    Response: FCIC agrees and has revised the provisions accordingly.

Executive Orders 12866, 13563, and 13771

    Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and 
Executive Order 13563, ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' 
direct agencies to assess all costs and benefits of available 
regulatory alternatives and, if regulation is necessary, to select 
regulatory approaches that maximize net benefits (including potential 
economic, environmental, public health and safety effects, distributive 
impacts, and equity). Executive Order 13563 emphasized the importance 
of quantifying both costs and benefits, of reducing costs, of 
harmonizing rules, and of promoting flexibility. The Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) designated this rule as not significant 
under Executive Order 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review,'' and 
therefore, OMB has not reviewed this rule. Executive Order 13771, 
``Reducing Regulation and Controlling Regulatory Costs,'' requires 
that, in order to manage the costs required to comply with Federal 
regulations, that for every new significant or economically significant 
regulation issued, the new costs must be offset by the elimination of 
at least two prior regulations. This rule is not subject to Executive 
Order 13771.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995

    Pursuant to the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(44 U.S.C. chapter 35), the collections of information in this rule 
have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under 
control number 0563-0055.

E-Government Act Compliance

    FCIC is committed to complying with the E-Government Act of 2002, 
to promote the use of the internet and other information technologies 
to provide increased opportunities for citizen access to Government 
information and services, and for other purposes.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    Title II of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (UMRA), Public 
Law 104-4, establishes requirements for Federal agencies to assess the 
effects of their regulatory actions on State, local, and tribal 
governments and the private sector. This rule contains no Federal 
mandates (under the regulatory provisions of title II of the UMRA) for 
State, local, and tribal governments or the private sector. Therefore, 
this rule is not subject to the requirements of sections 202 and 205 of 
UMRA.

Executive Order 13132

    It has been determined under section 1(a) of Executive Order 13132, 
Federalism, that this rule does not have sufficient implications to 
warrant consultation with the States. The provisions contained in this 
rule will not have a substantial direct effect on States, or on the 
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the 
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of 
government.

Executive Order 13175

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with the requirements of 
Executive Order 13175, ``Consultation and Coordination with Indian 
Tribal Governments.'' Executive Order 13175 requires Federal agencies 
to consult and coordinate with tribes on a government-to-government 
basis on policies that have tribal implications, including regulations, 
legislative comments or proposed legislation, and other policy 
statements or actions that have substantial direct effects on one or 
more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government 
and Indian tribes or on the distribution of power and responsibilities 
between the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
    The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation has assessed the impact of 
this rule on Indian tribes and determined that this rule does not, to 
our knowledge, have tribal implications that require tribal 
consultation under E.O. 13175. If a Tribe requests

[[Page 66581]]

consultation, the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation will work with the 
Office of Tribal Relations to ensure meaningful consultation is 
provided where changes, additions and modifications identified herein 
are not expressly mandated by Congress.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    FCIC certifies that this regulation will not have a significant 
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The 
regulation does not require any more action on the part of the small 
entities than is required on the part of large entities. A Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis has not been prepared since this regulation does 
not have an impact on small entities, and, therefore, this regulation 
is exempt from the provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 
U.S.C. 605).

Federal Assistance Program

    This program is listed in the Catalog of Federal Domestic 
Assistance under No. 10.450.

Executive Order 12372

    This program is not subject to the provisions of Executive Order 
12372, which require intergovernmental consultation with State and 
local officials. See the Notice related to 7 CFR part 3015, subpart V, 
published at 48 FR 29115, June 24, 1983.

Executive Order 12988

    This rule has been reviewed in accordance with Executive Order 
12988 on civil justice reform. The provisions of this rule will not 
have a retroactive effect. The provisions of this rule will preempt 
State and local laws to the extent such State and local laws are 
inconsistent herewith. Interpretations of statutory and regulatory 
provisions are matters of general applicability and, therefore, no 
administrative appeals process is available and judicial review may 
only be brought to challenge the interpretation after seeking a 
determination of appealability by the Director of the National Appeals 
Division (NAD) in accordance with 7 CFR part 11. An interpretation of a 
policy provision not codified in the Code of Federal Regulations or any 
procedure used in the administration of any Federal crop insurance 
program (hereinafter referred to as ``FCIC interpretations'') are 
administratively appealable and the appeal provisions published at 7 
CFR part 11 must be exhausted before any action for judicial review may 
be brought against FCIC.

Environmental Evaluation

    This action is not expected to have a significant economic impact 
on the quality of the human environment, health, or safety. Therefore, 
neither an Environmental Assessment nor an Environmental Impact 
Statement is needed.

List of Subjects in 7 CFR Part 400

    Administrative practice and procedure, Crop insurance, Reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements.

Final Rule

    Accordingly, as set forth in the preamble, the Federal Crop 
Insurance Corporation amends 7 CFR part 400 as follows:

PART 400--GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS

0
1. The authority citation for part 400 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1506(1), 1506(o).


0
2. Revise subpart X to read as follows:
Subpart X--Interpretations of Statutory Provisions, Policy Provisions, 
and Procedures
Sec.
400.765 Definitions.
400.766 Basis and applicability.
400.767 Requestor obligations.
400.768 FCIC obligations.

Subpart X--Interpretations of Statutory Provisions, Policy 
Provisions, and Procedures


Sec.  400.765  Definitions.

    The definitions in this section apply to this subpart.
    Act. The Federal Crop Insurance Act, 7 U.S.C. 1501-1524.
    Approved insurance provider. A private insurance company that has 
been approved by FCIC to sell and service Federal crop insurance 
policies under a reinsurance agreement with FCIC.
    FCIC. The Federal Crop Insurance Corporation, a wholly owned 
government corporation within the United States Department of 
Agriculture.
    FCIC interpretation. An interpretation of a policy provision not 
codified in the Code of Federal Regulations or any procedure used in 
the administration of the Federal crop insurance program.
    Final agency determination. Matters of general applicability 
regarding FCIC's interpretation of provisions of the Act or any 
regulation codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, including 
certain policy provisions, which are applicable to all participants in 
the Federal crop insurance program and the appeals process.
    NAD. The USDA National Appeals Division. See 7 CFR part 11.
    Participant. Any applicant for Federal crop insurance, an insured, 
or approved insurance provider or their agent, loss adjuster, employee 
or contractor.
    Procedure. All FCIC issued handbooks, manuals, memoranda, and 
bulletins for any crop insurance policy reinsured by FCIC.
    Proceeding. The process that starts with the filing of a complaint, 
notice of appeal, or other such document that commences the appeals 
process, and ends with the adjudicatory body issuing its decision, and 
includes all necessary activities, such as discovery, that occur within 
that time frame.
    RMA. The Risk Management Agency, an agency of the United States 
Department of Agriculture.
    You. The requestor of a final agency determination or FCIC 
interpretation.


Sec.  400.766  Basis and applicability.

    (a) The regulations contained in this part prescribe the rules and 
criteria for obtaining a final agency determination or a FCIC 
interpretation.
    (1) FCIC will provide a final agency determination or a FCIC 
interpretation, as applicable, for statutory, regulatory, or other 
policy provisions or procedures that were in effect during the four 
most recent crop years from the crop year in which your request was 
submitted. For example, for a request received in the 2014 crop year, 
FCIC will consider requests for the 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011 crop 
years.
    (2) If FCIC determines a request is outside the scope of crop years 
authorized in paragraph (a)(1) of this section, you will be notified 
within 30 days of the date of receipt by FCIC.
    (3) If the statutory, regulatory or other policy provisions or 
procedures have changed for the time period you seek an interpretation 
you must submit a separate request for each policy provision or 
procedure by year. For example, if you seek an interpretation of 
section 6(b) of the Small Grains Crop Provisions for the 2012 through 
2015 crop years but the policy provisions were revised starting with 
the 2014 crop year, you must submit two requests, one for the 2012 and 
2013 crop years and another for the 2014 and 2015 crop years.
    (b) With respect to a final agency determination or a FCIC 
interpretation:
    (1) If there is a dispute between participants that involves a 
final agency determination or a FCIC interpretation:
    (i) The parties are required to seek an interpretation of the 
disputed provision

[[Page 66582]]

from FCIC in accordance with this subpart (This may require that the 
parties seek a stay of the proceedings until an interpretation is 
provided, if such proceedings have been initiated); and
    (ii) The final agency determination or FCIC interpretation may take 
the form of a written interpretation or, at the sole discretion of 
FCIC, may take the form of testimony from an employee of RMA expressly 
authorized in writing to provide interpretations of policy or procedure 
on behalf of FCIC.
    (2) All written final agency determinations issued by FCIC are 
binding on all participants in the Federal crop insurance program for 
the crop years the policy provisions are in effect. All written FCIC 
interpretations and testimony from an employee of RMA are binding on 
the parties to the dispute, including the arbitrator, mediator, judge, 
or NAD.
    (3) Failure to request a final agency determination or FCIC 
interpretation when required by this subpart or failure of NAD, 
arbitrator, mediator, or judge to adhere to the final agency 
determination or FCIC interpretation provided under this subpart will 
result in the nullification of any award or agreement in arbitration or 
mediation in accordance with the provisions in the ``Mediation, 
Arbitration, Appeal, Reconsideration, and Administrative and Judicial 
Review'' section or similar section in all crop insurance policies.
    (4) If either party believes an award or decision was rendered by 
NAD, arbitrator, mediator, or judge based on a disputed provision in 
which there was a failure to request a final agency determination or 
FCIC interpretation or NAD, arbitrator, mediator, or judge's decision 
was not in accordance with the final agency determination or FCIC 
interpretation rendered with respect to the disputed provision, the 
party may request FCIC review the matter to determine if a final agency 
determination or FCIC interpretation should have been sought in 
accordance with Sec.  400.767.
    (i) Requests should be submitted through one of the methods 
contained in Sec.  400.767(a)(1);
    (ii) If FCIC determines that a final agency determination or FCIC 
interpretation should have been sought and it was not, or the decision 
was not in accordance with the final agency determination or FCIC 
interpretation rendered with respect to the disputed provision:
    (A) The award is automatically nullified; and
    (B) Either party may appeal FCIC's determination that a final 
agency determination or FCIC interpretation should have been sought and 
it was not, or the decision was not in accordance with the final agency 
determination or FCIC interpretation rendered with respect to the 
disputed provision to NAD in accordance with 7 CFR part 11.
    (5) All written final agency determinations that are published on 
RMA's website are considered matters of general applicability and are 
not appealable to NAD. Before obtaining judicial review of any final 
agency determination, you must obtain an Administrative Final 
Determination from the Director of NAD on the issue of whether the 
final agency determination is a matter of general applicability.
    (6) With respect to an administrative review of a FCIC 
interpretation:
    (i) If either party to the proceeding does not agree with the 
written FCIC interpretation, a request for administrative review may be 
filed in accordance with 7 CFR part 400, subpart J. If you seek an 
administrative review from FCIC, such request must be submitted in 
accordance with Sec.  400.767(a).
    (ii) FCIC will not accept requests for administrative review from 
NAD, a mediator, or arbitrator.
    (iii) The RMA Office of the Deputy Administrator for Product 
Management will make a determination on the request for administrative 
review not later than 30 days after receipt of the request.
    (iv) Regardless of whether you have sought administrative review, 
you may appeal a FCIC interpretation under this subsection to NAD in 
accordance with 7 CFR part 11.


Sec.  400.767  Requestor obligations.

    (a) All requests for a final agency determination or FCIC 
interpretation submitted under this subpart must:
    (1) Be submitted to the Deputy Administrator using the guidelines 
provided on RMA's website at www.rma.usda.gov through one of the 
following methods:
    (i) In writing by certified mail or overnight delivery, to the 
Deputy Administrator, Risk Management Agency, United States Department 
of Agriculture, Beacon Facility, Stop 0801, Room 421, P.O. Box 419205, 
Kansas City, MO 64141-6205;
    (ii) By facsimile at (816) 926-3049; or
    (iii) By electronic mail at subpartx@rma.usda.gov;
    (2) State whether you are seeking a final agency determination or 
FCIC interpretation;
    (3) Identify and quote the specific provision in the Act, 
regulations, procedure, or policy provision for which you are 
requesting a final agency determination or a FCIC interpretation;
    (4) Contain no more than one request for an interpretation (You 
must make separate requests for each provision if more than one 
provision is at issue. For example, if there is a dispute with the 
interpretation of Paragraph 3 of the Loss Adjustment Manual, then one 
request for an interpretation is required. If there is a dispute with 
the interpretation of Paragraph 3 of the Loss Adjustment Manual and 
Paragraph 2 of the Macadamia Nut Loss Adjustment Standards Handbook, 
then two separate requests for an interpretation are required);
    (5) State the crop, crop year(s), and plan of insurance applicable 
to the request;
    (6) State the name, address, and telephone number of a contact 
person for the request;
    (7) Contain your detailed interpretation of the specific provision 
of the Act, regulations, procedure, or policy provision for which the 
request for interpretation is being requested; and
    (8) Not contain any specific facts, alleged conduct, or 
hypothetical situations or the request will be returned to the 
requestor without consideration.
    (b) You must advise FCIC if the request for a final agency 
determination or FCIC interpretation will be used in a judicial review, 
mediation, or arbitration.
    (1) You must identify the type of proceeding (e.g., mediation, 
arbitration, or litigation), if applicable, in which the interpretation 
will be used, and the date the proceeding is scheduled to begin, or the 
earliest possible date the proceeding would likely begin if a specific 
date has not been established;
    (2) The name, address, telephone number, and if applicable, fax 
number, or email address of a contact person for both parties to the 
dispute;
    (3) Unless the parties elect to use the expedited review process 
available under the AAA rules or the appeal is before NAD, requests 
must be submitted not later than 90 days before the date the mediation, 
arbitration, or litigation proceeding in which the interpretation will 
be used is scheduled to begin.
    (i) If the rules of the court, mediation, or arbitration require 
the interpretation prior to the date the proceeding begins, add 90 days 
to the number of days required prior to the proceeding. For example, if 
a court requires the interpretation 20 days prior to the date the 
proceeding begins, you must submit

[[Page 66583]]

the request 110 days before the proceeding is scheduled to begin.
    (ii) Failure to timely submit a request for a final agency 
determination or FCIC interpretation may result in:
    (A) FCIC issuing a determination that no interpretation could be 
made because the request was not timely submitted; and
    (B) Nullification of any agreement or award in accordance with 
Sec.  400.766 if no final agency determination or FCIC interpretation 
can be provided.
    (iii) Notwithstanding paragraph (b) of this section, if during the 
mediation, arbitration, or litigation proceeding, an issue arises that 
requires a final agency determination or FCIC interpretation the 
mediator, arbitrator, judge, or magistrate must promptly request a 
final agency determination or FCIC interpretation in accordance with 
Sec.  400.767(a).
    (4) FCIC at its sole discretion may authorize personnel to provide 
an oral or written final agency determination or FCIC interpretation, 
as appropriate; and
    (5) Any decision or settlement resulting from such mediation, 
arbitration, or litigation proceeding before FCIC provides its final 
agency determination or FCIC interpretation can be nullified in 
accordance with Sec.  400.766.
    (c) If multiple parties are involved and have opposing 
interpretations, a joint request for a final agency determination or 
FCIC interpretation including both requestor interpretations in one 
request is encouraged. If multiple insured persons are parties to the 
dispute, and the request for a final agency determination or FCIC 
interpretation applies to all parties, one request may be submitted for 
all insured persons instead of separate requests for each person. In 
this case, the information required in this section must be provided 
for each person.


Sec.  400.768  FCIC obligations.

    (a) FCIC will not provide a final agency determination or FCIC 
interpretation for any request regarding, or that contains, specific 
factual information to situations or cases, such as acts or failures to 
act of any participant under the terms of a policy, procedure, or any 
reinsurance agreement.
    (1) FCIC will not consider specific factual information to 
situations or cases in any final agency determination or FCIC 
interpretation.
    (2) FCIC will not consider any examples or hypotheticals provided 
in your interpretation because those are fact-specific and could be 
construed as a finding of fact by FCIC. If an example or hypothetical 
is required to illustrate an interpretation, FCIC will provide the 
example in the interpretation.
    (b) If, in the sole judgment of FCIC, the request is unclear, 
ambiguous, or incomplete, FCIC will not provide a final agency 
determination or FCIC interpretation, but will notify you within 30 
days of the date of receipt by FCIC that the request is unclear, 
ambiguous, or incomplete.
    (c) If FCIC notifies you that a request is unclear, ambiguous or 
incomplete under paragraph (b) of this section, the 90-day time period 
for FCIC to provide a response is stopped on the date FCIC notifies 
you. On the date FCIC receives a clear, complete, and unambiguous 
request, FCIC has the balance of the days remaining in the 90-day time 
period to provide a response to you. For example, FCIC receives a 
request for a final agency determination on January 10. On February 10, 
FCIC notifies you the request is unclear. On March 10, FCIC receives a 
clarified request that meets all requirements for FCIC to provide a 
final agency determination. FCIC has sixty days from March 10, the 
balance of the 90-day time period, to provide a response.
    (d) FCIC reserves the right to modify the request if FCIC 
determines that a request for a final agency determination is really a 
request for a FCIC interpretation or vice versa.
    (e) FCIC will provide you a written final agency determination or a 
FCIC interpretation within 90 days of the date of receipt for a request 
that meets all requirements in Sec.  400.767.
    (f) If FCIC does not provide a response within 90 days of receipt 
of a request, you may assume your interpretation is correct for the 
applicable crop year. However, your interpretation shall not be 
considered generally applicable and shall not be binding on any other 
program participants. Additionally, in the case of a joint request for 
a final agency determination or a FCIC interpretation, if FCIC does not 
provide a response within 90 days, neither party may assume their 
interpretations are correct.
    (g) FCIC will publish all final agency determinations as specially 
numbered documents on the RMA website because they are generally 
applicable to all program participants.
    (h) FCIC will not publish any FCIC interpretation because it is 
only applicable to the parties in the dispute. You are responsible for 
providing copies of the FCIC interpretation to all other parties.
    (i) When issuing a final agency determination or a FCIC 
interpretation, FCIC will not evaluate the insured, insurance provider, 
agent, or loss adjuster as it relates to their performance of following 
FCIC policy provisions or procedures. Interpretations will not include 
any analysis of whether the insured, insurance provider, agent, or loss 
adjuster was in compliance with the policy provision or procedure in 
question.

Martin R. Barbre,
Manager, Federal Crop Insurance Corporation.
[FR Doc. 2018-27858 Filed 12-26-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 3410-08-P