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represented by counsel or other authorized representatives. If the grantee and any delegate agencies which have a right to participate in an informal meeting pursuant to paragraphs (d) and (e) of this section do not have an attorney acting in that capacity as a regular member of the staff of the organization, the Boards of Directors of such grantees and delegate agencies will be authorized to designate an attorney to represent their organizations at any termination hearing and transfer sufficient funds from their current operating grants to pay the fees, travel, and per diem expenses of such attorney. The fees for such attorney shall be the reasonable and customary fees for an attorney. However, such fees shall not exceed $100 per day without the express written approval of CSA. Travel and per diem expenses may be paid to such attorney from grant funds only in accordance with the policies set forth in the Standard Government. Travel Regulations and 45 CFR 1069.3-1, 1069.3-6 (CSA Instruction 6910-1a). The Board of Directors of the grantee or any delegate agency which has a right to participate in an informal meeting pursuant to paragraph (d) and (e) of this section will also be authorized to designate two persons in addition to an attorney whose travel and per diem expenses to attend the meeting or hearing may be paid from the organization's current operating grant. Such travel and per diem expenses shall conform to the policies set forth in the Standard Government Travel Regulations and in 45 CFR 1069.3-1 to 1069.3-6 (CSA Instruction 6910-1a).

§ 1050.115-8 CSA implementing policies and procedures governing termination of assistance.

(a) Purpose and scope. (1) This section establishes rules for the termination of assistance provided under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, as amended (hereinafter the Act), if the assistance is administered by the Community Services Administration; a grantee may be terminated for failure to comply with the terms and conditions of its grant, including applicable Laws, regulations, CSA Instructions,

grant conditions, or approved work programs.

(2) However, this section shall not apply to any administrative action of the Community Services Administration based upon any violation or alleged violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; in case of such violation or alleged violation the provisions of 45 CFR Part 1010 (CSA Instruction 6004-01a) shall apply.

(3) Pursuant to section 604(3) of the Act and CSA Instruction 6800-13, the responsible CSA official may terminate a grant under the circumstances outlined in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(b) Definitions. (1) The term "responsible CSA official" means the Director, Deputy Director, and any other official who is authorized to make the grant in question.

(2) The term "party" means CSA, the grantee concerned, and any other agency or organization which, by right or by permission of the presiding officer, is a participant in a termination hearing.

(c) Notice and pre-hearing procedures. (1) If the responsible CSA official believes à grantee's violation of the terms and conditions of its grant is sufficiently serious to warrant termination, whether or not the grant has been suspended, he shall state that there appear to be grounds which warrant termination and shall set forth the specific reasons therefor. If the reasons result in whole or substantial part from the activities of a delegate agency, the notice shall identify that delegate agency. The notice shall also advise the grantee that the matter has been set down for hearing at a stated time and place, in accordance with paragraph (d) of this section. In the alternative the notice shall advise the grantee of its right to request a hearing and shall fix a period of time which shall not be less than 10 days in which the grantee may request such a hearing. (If the grant is Regionally administered, the Regional Director of the grantee's Region may initiate the notice of intent to terminate on behalf of CSA. Any notice initiated by the Regional Director shall inform the grantee of the name and address of the responsible CSA official and shall

direct the grantee to address all communications concerning the termination hearing to that official.)

(2) Termination hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (e) and (f) of this section. They shall be scheduled for the earliest practicable date, but not later than 30 days after a grantee has requested such a hearing. Consideration shall be given to a request by a grantee to advance or postpone the date of a hearing scheduled by CSA. Any such hearing shall afford the grantee a full and fair opportunity to demonstrate that it is in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and other requirements specified in paragraph (a) of this section. In any termination hearing, CSA shall have the burden of justifying the proposed termination. However, if the basis of the proposed termination is the failure of a grantee to take action required by law, regulation, or other requirement specified in paragraph (a) of this section, the grantee shall have the burden of proving that such action was timely taken.

(3) If a grantee requests CSA to hold a hearing in accordance with paragraph (c)(1) of this section, it shall send a copy of its request for such a hearing to all delegate agencies which would be financially affected by termination and to each delegate agency identified in the notice pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section. This material shall be sent to these delegate agencies at the same time the grantee's request is made to CSA. The grantee shall promptly send CSA a list of the delegate agencies to which it has sent such material and the date on which it was sent.

(4) If the responsible CSA official pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section informs a grantee that a proposed termination action has been set for hearing, the grantee shall within 5 days of its receipt of this notice send a copy of it to all delegate agencies which would be financially affected by the termination and to each delegate agency identified in the notice pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of this section. The grantee shall send the responsible CSA official a list of all delegate agen

cies notified and the date of notification.

(5) If the responsible CSA official has initiated termination proceedings because of the activities of a delegate agency, that delegate agency may participate in the hearing as a matter of right. Any other delegate agency, person, agency or organization that wishes to participate in the hearing may, in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section, request permission to do so from the presiding officer of the hearing. Such participation shall not, without the consent of CSA and the grantee, alter the time limitations for the delivery of papers or other procedures set forth in this section.

(6) The results of the proceeding and any measure taken thereafter by CSA pursuant to this section shall be fully binding upon the grantee and all its delegate agencies whether or not they actually participated in the hearing.

(7) A grantee may waive a hearing and submit written information and argument for the record. Such material shall be submitted to the responsible CSA official within a reasonable period of time to be fixed by him upon the request of the grantee. The failure of a grantee to request a hearing, or to appear at a hearing for which a date has been set, unless excused for good cause shall be deemed a waiver of the right to a hearing and consent to the making of a decision on the basis of such information as is then in the possession of CSA.

(8) The responsible CSA official may attempt, either personally or through a representative, to resolve the issues in dispute by informal means prior to the date of any applicable hearing.

(d) Time and place of termination hearings. The termination hearing shall be held in Washington, D.C., or in the appropriate Regional Office, at a time and place fixed by the responsible CSA official, unless he determines that the convenience of CSA or of the parties or their representatives requires that another place be selected.

(e) Termination hearing procedures (1) General. The termination hearing, the decision on termination and any review thereof shall be con

ducted in accordance with paragraphs (e), (f), and (g) of this section.

(2) Presiding officer. (i) The presiding officer at the hearing shall be the responsible CSA official or, at the discretion of the responsible CSA official an independent hearing examiner designated as promptly as possible in accordance with section 3105 of title 5 of the United States Code. The presiding officer shall conduct a full and fair hearing, avoid delay, maintain order, and make a sufficient record for a full and true disclosure of the facts and issues. To accomplish these ends, the presiding officer shall have all powers authorized by law, and he may make all procedural and evidentiary rulings necessary for the conduct of the hearing. The hearing shall be open to the public unless the presiding officer for good cause shown shall otherwise determine.

(ii) After the notice described in paragraph (e)(6) of this section is filed with the presiding officer, he shall not consult any person or party on a fact in issue unless on notice and opportunity for all parties to participate. However, in performing his functions under this part the presiding officer may use the assistance and advice of an attorney designated by the General Counsel of CSA or the appropriate Regional Counsel: Provided, That the attorney designated to assist him has not represented CSA or any other party or otherwise participated in a proceeding, recommendation, or decision in the particular matter.

(3) Presentation of evidence. Both CSA and the grantee are entitled to present their case by oral or documentary evidence, to submit rebuttal evidence and to conduct such examination and cross-examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts bearing on the issues. The issues shall be those stated in the notice required to be filed by paragraph (e)(6) of this section, those stipulated in a prehearing conference or those agreed to by the parties.

(4) Participation. (i) In addition to CSA, the grantee, and any delegate agencies which have a right to appear, the presiding officer in his discretion may permit the participation in the proceedings of such persons or organi

zations as he deems necessary for a proper determination of the issues involved. Such participation may be limited to those issues or activities which the presiding officer believes will meet the needs of the proceeding, and may be limited to the filing of written material. (ii) Any person or organization that wishes to participate in a proceeding may apply for permission to do so from the presiding officer. This application, which shall be made as soon as possible after the notice of proposed termination has been received by the grantee, shall state the applicant's interest in the proceeding, the evidence or arguments the applicant intends to contribute, and the necessity for the introduction of such evidence or arguments. (iii) The presiding officer shall permit or deny such participation and shall give notice of his decision to the applicant, the grantee, and CSA, and, in the case of denial, a brief statement of the reasons therefor: Provided however, That the presiding officer may subsequently permit such participation if, in his opinion, it is warranted by subsequent circumstances. If participation is granted, the presiding officer shall notify all parties of that fact and may, in appropriate cases, include in the notification a brief statement of the issues as to which participation is permitted. (iv) Permission to participate to any extent is not a recognition that the participant has any interest which may be adversely affected or that the participant may be aggrieved by any decision, but is allowed solely for the aid and information of the presiding officer.

(5) Filing. All papers and documents which are required to be filed shall be filed with the presiding officer. Prior to filing, copies shall be sent to the other parties.

(6) Notice. The responsible CSA official shall send the grantee and any other party a notice which states the time, place, and nature of the hearing, and the legal authority and jurisdiction under which the hearing is to be held. The notice shall also identify with reasonable specificity the facts relied on as justifying termination and the CSA requirements which it is contended the grantee has violated. The

notice shall be filed and served not later than 10 days prior to the hearing and a copy thereof shali be filed with the presiding officer.

(7) Notice of intention to appear. The grantee and any other party which has a right or permission to participate in the hearing shall give written confirmation to CSA of its intention to appear at the hearing 3 days before it is scheduled to occur. Failure to do so may, at the discretion of the presiding officer, be deemed a waiver of the right to a hearing.

(8) Form and date of service. All papers and documents filed or sent to a party shall be signed in ink by the appropriate party or his authorized representative. The date on which papers are filed shall be the day on which the papers or documents are deposited, postage prepaid in the U.S. mail, or are delivered in person: Provided however, that the effective date of the notice that there appear grounds which warrant termination shall be the date of its delivery or attempted delivery at the grantee's last known address as reflected in the records of CSA.

(9) Prehearing conferences. Prior to the commencement of a hearing the presiding officer may, subject to the provisions of paragraph (e)(2)(ii) of this section, require the parties to meet with him or correspond with him concerning the settlement of any matter which will expedite a quick and fair conclusion of the hearing.

(10) Evidence. Technical rules of evidence shall not apply to hearings conducted pursuant to this section but the presiding officer shall apply rules or principles designed to assure production of relevant evidence and to subject testimony to such examination and cross-examination as may be required for a full and true disclosure of the facts. The presiding officer may exclude irrelevant, immaterial, or unduly repetitious evidence. A transcript shall be made of the oral evidence and shall be made available to any participant upon payment of the prescribed costs. All documents and other evidence submitted shall be open to examination by the parties and opportunity shall be given to

refute facts and arguments advanced on either side of the issues.

(11) Depositions. If the presiding officer determines that the interests of justice would be served, he may authorize the taking of depositions provided that all parties are afforded an opportunity to participate in the taking of the depositions. The party who requested the deposition shall arrange for a transcript to be made of the proceedings and shall upon request, and at his expense, furnish all other parties with copies of the transcript.

(12) Official notice. Official notice may be taken of a public document, or part thereof, such as a statute, official report, decision, opinion or published scientific data issued by any agency of the Federal Government or a State or local government and such document or data may be entered on the record without further proof of authenticity. Official notice may also be taken of such matters as may be judicially noticed in the courts of the United States, or any other matter of established fact within the general knowledge of CSA. If the decision of the presiding officer rests on official notice of a material fact not appearing in evidence, a party shall on timely request be afforded an opportunity to show the contrary.

(13) Proposed findings and conclusions. After the hearing has concluded, but before the presiding officer makes his decision, he shall afford each participant a reasonable opportunity to submit proposed findings of fact and conclusions. After considering each proposed finding or conclusion the presiding officer shall state in his decision whether he has accepted or rejected them in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (f)(1) of this section.

(f) Decisions, termination notices, and review by the director. (1) Each decision of a presiding officer shall set forth his findings of fact, and conclusions, and shall state whether he has accepted or rejected each proposed finding of fact and conclusion submitted by the parties, pursuant to paragraph (e)(13) of this section. Findings of fact shall be based only upon evidence submitted to the presiding offi

cer

and matters of which official notice has been taken. The decision shall also specify the requirement or requirements with which it is found that the grantee has failed to comply.

(2) The decision of the presiding officer may provide for continued suspension or termination of the grant in whole or in part, and may contain such terms, conditions, and other provisions as are consistent with and will effectuate the purposes of the Act.

(3) If the hearing is held by an independent hearing examiner rather than by the responsible CSA official, he shall make an initial decision, and a copy of this initial decision shall be mailed to all parties. Any party may, within 20 days of the mailing of such initial decision, or such longer period of time as the presiding officer specifies, file with the responsible CSA official his exceptions to the initial decision and any supporting brief or statement. Upon the filing of such exceptions, the responsible CSA official shall, within 20 days of the mailing of the exceptions, review the initial decision and issue his own decision thereon, including the reasons therefor. The decision of the responsible CSA official may increase, modify, approve, vacate, remit, or mitigate any sanction imposed in the initial decision or may remand the matter to the presiding officer for further hearing or consideration.

(4) Whenever a hearing is waived, a decision shall be made by the responsible CSA official and a written copy of the final decision of the responsible CSA official shall be given to the grantee.

(5) The grantee may request the Director to review a final decision by the responsible CSA official which provides for termination. Such a request must be made in writing within 15 days after the grantee has been notified of the decision in question and must state in detail the reasons for seeking the review. In the event the grantee requests such a review, the Director or his designee shall consider the reasons stated by the grantee for seeking the review and shall approve, modify, vacate or mitigate any sanction imposed by the responsible CSA official or remand the matter to the

responsible CSA official for further hearing or consideration. The decision of the responsible CSA official will be given great weight by the Director or his designee during the review. During the course of his review the Director or his designee may, but is not required to, hold a hearing or allow the filing of briefs and arguments. Pending the decision of the Director or his designee, the grant shall remain suspended under the terms and the conditions specified by the responsible CSA official, unless the responsible CSA official or the Director or his designee otherwise determines. Every reasonable effort shall be made to complete the review by the Director or his designee within 30 days of receipt by the Director of the grantee's request. The Director or his designee may however extend this period of time if he determines that additional time is necessary for an adequate review.

(g) Right to counsel: Travel expenses. In all proceedings under this section whether formal or informal, the grantee and CSA shall have the right to be represented by counsel or other authorized representatives. If the grantee and any delegate agencies which have a right to participate in a termination hearing pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section do not have an attorney acting in that capacity as a regular member of the staff of the organization, the Boards of Directors of such grantees and delegate agencies will be authorized to designate an attorney to represent their organizations at any termination hearing and to transfer sufficient funds from their current operating grants to pay the fees, travel, and per diem expenses of such attorney. The fees for such attorney shall be the reasonable and customary fees for an attorney practicing in the locality of the attorney. However, such fees shall not exceed $100 per day without the express written approval of CSA. Travel and per diem expenses may be paid to such attorney from grant funds only in accordance with the policies set forth in the Standard Travel Regulation and in 45 CFR 1069.3-1 to 3-6 (CSA Instruction 6910-1a). The Board of Directors of the grantee or any delegate agency which has a right to participate in a

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