porting and transcription of the testimony shall be made, the costs thereof to be borne by the agency involved in the contract dispute. In addition, the following general rules will apply:

(a) The parties may be represented at a hearing by any authorized person meeting the requirements of 7 CFR 1.26 (1 AR 441).

(b) The parties may present to the Board a signed stipulation setting forth any agreed facts or stating the matters in dispute.

(c) In addition to the presentation of witnesses and documentary evidence, the parties may, in the discretion of the Board and upon application in advance of the hearing and with notice to the opposing party, submit evidence by deposition based upon oral examination or written interrogatories or in such other form as the Board may approve.

(d) Witnesses before the Board may be required to testify under oath, and attention of the witnesses may be invited to 18 U.S.C. 287 and 1001, and any other appropriate provisions of law imposing penalties for knowlingly making false statements or representations in connection with claims against the United States or in any matter within the jurisdiction of any department or agency thereof.

(e) All witnesses shall be subject to cross-examination, and also to examination by the Board.

(f) On proof of authenticity, copies of papers, books, records, or documents will be accepted as evidence in lieu of the submission of the original documents where such submission is not practicable.

The Board will make specific findings of fact and conclusions disposing of the appeal. The chairman of the Board shall be responsible for the preparation and submission of the decision of the Board, which shall be signed by all members of the Board who concur therein. A copy of the findings, conclusions and decision shall be submitted to the contracting agency, to the appellant and to the Director of Plant and Operations. § 4-50.212 Finality of decision.

The decision of the Board based upon the appeal record shall be final and conclusive and binding on the parties thereto, except as it may be subject to review as provided by law. A request for reconsideration may be made to the Board within 30 days from the date of the decision. Reconsideration of a decision, which may include a hearing or rehearing, may be granted or denied in the discretion of the Board.