Any person or organization, either a party or a witness to the proceeding, shall be accorded the right to be accompanied, represented, and/or advised by counsel if he so chooses. § 6-60.504 Absence of parties. The unexcused absence of a party or his authorized representative at the time or place set for the hearing will not be an occasion for delay of the hearing. In such an event the hearing may proceed and the case will be regarded as submitted on the record by the absent party. § 6-60.505 Content of hearings. § 6-60.505-1 Nature of hearings. Hearings will be as informal as reasonably appropriate and are intended to provide the Board with the pertinent facts and the positions of the parties as a basis for the Board's decision. (a) Motions preliminary or subsequent to the hearing shall be submitted to the board in writing. A copy of the motion must be sent to all parties to a dispute by the Permanent Secretary to the Board. (b) The Board shall consider and rule on any motions for extension of time to file; to dismiss for lack of jurisdiction; to request a prehearing conference; to reconsider a decision; or any other motions which the Board deems relevant to the appeal. A party receiving notice of a motion has 20 days after the date he receives the notice to file any answering material with the Board. The Board may, in its discretion, permit oral hearings or argument and the presentation of briefs concerning motions. § 6-60.507 Post hearing information. Any party may submit, or at the direction of the Board shall submit, additional argument or evidence subsequent to a hearing within 20 days after the hearing. Each party will be afforded opportunity for rebuttal within 20 days after receiving a copy of the additional argument or evidence submitted by the other party. Each party will furnish the Board with his post-hearing submission and the Board will supply the other party with a copy thereof. The failure of a party to submit additional arguments or evidence at the request of the Board shall not prevent another party from doing so nor shall it prevent the Board from rendering its decision. Decisions of the Board and the reasons therefor shall be made in writing. Copies of decisions shall be submitted by registered or certified mail to the parties. Board decisions shall be available for inspection by interested persons. § 6-60.602 Motions for reconsideration. Motions for reconsideration must be filed with the Board within 30 days of the receipt of the Boards decision and must be based upon new information or argument not presented before the decision. Reconsideration of the decision, which may include a hearing or rehearing, may be granted if, in the judgment of the Board there is sufficient reason. § 6-60.603 Transcripts of hearings. The Board shall make provision for a verbatim transcript of all oral hearings, copies of which can be obtained by appellant upon paying the cost thereof. § 6-60.604 Releases. Any release or other contractual instruments entered into as a result of a decision by the Board shall include a provision to the effect that the instrument is not binding if the decision of the Board is later found to be in violation of the standards set forth in 41 U.S.C. 321. |