Common use of Informal Appeals Clause in Contracts

Informal Appeals. The goal of the informal appeals process is to maximize opportunity for resolution of factual disputes between participants and NRCS at the lowest possible level within the agency. The informal appeals process provides opportunity for review by persons or committees with detailed knowledge of natural resources or NRCS programs, knowledge of farming and ranching operations, and expertise in farm and ranch management. This is in contrast to appeals administered by NAD under rules at 7 CFR Part 11. While participants have the option to seek review at NAD, typically more difficult and complex unresolved disputes proceed to further appeals before NAD. Types of informal appeals include— A field visit, office visit, or other designated location meeting site and reconsideration of a preliminary technical determination by the designated conservationist at the local level (7 CFR Section 614.7(b)(1)). Mediation or other forms of alternative dispute resolution of technical determinations or program decisions (7 CFR Sections 614.7(a)(2) and 614.9(b)(2) respectively). An informal hearing before NRCS about programmatic decisions (7 CFR Section 614.9(a)(1)). Informal appeal to the FSA county committee (COC) on final technical determinations and program decisions (7 CFR Sections 614.8(b)(1) and 614.9(a)(3)).