Act means the Federal Crop Insurance Reform and Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994, Public Law No. 103-354 (7 U.S.C. 6991 et seq.).

Agency means the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), the Rural Housing Service (RHS), and the Rural Business-Cooperative Development Service (RBS), or their successor agencies.

Refer to 7 CFR 11.1 for other definitions applicable to appeals of adverse decisions covered by this subpart.

This subpart specifies procedures for use by USDA personnel and program participants to ensure that full and complete consideration is given to program participants who are affected by an agency adverse decision.

(a) Appeals of adverse decisions covered by this subpart will be governed by 7 CFR part 11.

(b) The provisions of this subpart apply to adverse decisions concerning direct loans, loan guarantees, and grants under the following programs: RUS Water and Waste Disposal Facility Loans and Grants Program; RHS Housing and Community Facilities Loan Programs; RBS Loan, Grant, and Guarantee Programs and the Intermediary Relending Program; and determinations of the Rural Housing Trust 1987-1 Master Servicer.

(c) This subpart does not apply to decisions made by parties outside an agency even when those decisions are used as a basis for decisions falling within paragraph (b) of this section, for example: decisions by state governmental construction standards-setting agencies (which may determine whether RHS will finance certain houses); Davis-Bacon wage rates; flood plain determinations; archaeological and historical areas preservation requirements; and designations of areas inhabited by endangered species.

(a) Assistance will not be discontinued pending the outcome of an appeal of a complete or partial adverse decision.

(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, administrative offsets initiated under subpart C of part 1951 will not be stayed pending the outcome of an appeal and any further review of the decision to initiate the offset.

(a) If an applicant, guaranteed lender, a holder, borrower or grantee is adversely affected by a decision covered by this subpart, the decision maker will inform the participant of the adverse decision and whether the adverse decision is appealable. A participant has the right to request the Director of NAD to review the agency's finding of nonappealability in accordance with 7 CFR 11.6(a). In cases where the adverse decision is based on both appealable and nonappealable actions, the adverse action is not appealable.

(b) A participant affected by an adverse decision of an agency is entitled under section 275 of the Act to an opportunity for a separate informal meeting with the agency before commencing an appeal to NAD under 7 CFR part 11.

(c) Participants also have the right under section 275 of the Act to seek mediation involving any adverse decision appealable under this subpart if the mediation program of the State in which the participant's farming operation giving rise to the decision is located has been certified by the Secretary for the program involved in the decision. An agency shall cooperate in such mediation. Any time limitation for appeal will be stayed pending completion of the mediation process (7 CFR 11.5(c)).

The following are examples of decisions which are not appealable:

(a) Decisions which do not fall within the scope of this subpart as set out in § 1900.53.

(b) Decisions that do not meet the definition of an “adverse decision” under 7 CFR part 11.

(c) Decisions involving parties who do not meet the definition of “participant” under 7 CFR part 11.

(d) Decisions with subject matters not covered by 7 CFR part 11.

(e) Interest rates as set forth in agency procedures, except for appeals alleging application of an incorrect interest rate.

(f) The State RECD Director's refusal to request an administrative waiver provided for in agency program regulations.

(g) Denials of assistance due to lack of funds or authority to guarantee.

Dear ____________:

After careful consideration, we [were unable to take favorable action on your application/request for Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 services] [are cancelling/reducing the assistance you are presently receiving]. The specific reasons for our decision are:

If you have any questions concerning the decision or the facts used in making our decision and desire further explanation, you may call or write the County Office (insert phone number) to request a meeting with (this office) (The County Committee) within 15 calendar days of the date of this letter. You should present any new information or evidence along with possible alternatives for our consideration. You may also bring a representative [or legal counsel] with you. You also have the right to appeal this decision to a hearing officer in lieu of, or in addition to, a meeting with [this office] [the County Committee]. See attachment for your appeal rights. (Attach Form FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 1900-1.) (For guaranteed loans, except loss claims, the applicant and lender must jointly request a meeting and/or an appeal.)

If you do not wish a meeting, as outlined above, a request for a hearing must be sent to the Area Supervisor, National Appeals Staff (address) ____________, postmarked no later than (month) __________, (date) __________.

The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, handicap, or age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract), because all or part of the applicant's income derives from any public assistance program, or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The Federal Agency that administers compliance with the law concerning this creditor is the Federal Trade Commission, Equal Credit Opportunity, Washington, DC 20580.

Dear ____________:

We appreciated the opportunity to review the facts relative to [your application/request for FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 services] [the assistance you are presently receiving]. We regret that our meeting with you did not result in a satisfactory conclusion.

See attachment for your appeal rights. (Attach Form FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 1900-1) (For guaranteed loans, except loss claims, the applicant and lender must jointly request an appeal.)

A request for a hearing must be sent to the Area Supervisor, National Appeals Staff ____________, postmarked no later than (month) ____________, (date) ____________

The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, handicap, or age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract), because all or part of the applicant's income derives from any public assistance program, or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The Federal Agency that administers compliance with the law concerning this creditor is the Federal Trade Commission, Equal Credit Opportunity, Washington, DC 20580.

Dear____________:

After careful consideration, we [were unable to take favorable action on your application/request for Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 services] [are cancelling/reducing the assistance you are presently receiving]. The specific reasons for our decision are:

If you have any questions concerning the decision or the facts used in making our decision and desire further explanation, you may call or write the County Office (insert phone number) to request a meeting with (this office) (The County Committee) within 15 calendar days of the date of this letter. You should present any new information or evidence along with possible alternatives for our consideration. You may also bring a representative or legal counsel with you.

If you do not wish to have a meeting as outlined above, you may contest the appraisal of the property value. In order to contest the appraisal you must first request review of the appraisal by the FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 State Director. Your request for review by the State Director should be made through our office. You will be advised of the results of the State Director's review. If after the State Director's review you still disagree with the appraisal you may request a hearing. When you receive the results of the State Director's review you will be advised on how to ask for a hearing. Your request for review of the appraisal must be postmarked no later than (month)__________, (date) ________ (insert date 15 days from date of letter).

The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, handicap, or age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter

Dear ____________:

At your request we have reviewed the appraisal of the property you wish to purchase. We have determined that the value estimate of the property is both supportable and defensible (as required by FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 regulations and appraisal industry standards) and therefore acceptable.

You have the right to appeal this decision. You must show why the appraisal is in error. You may submit an independent appraisal, at your expense, from a qualified appraiser who is a designated member of [the American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, Society of Real Estate Appraisers, American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, etc.,] or an equivalent organization requiring appraisal education, testing and experience. The appraisal must conform to Agency Appraisal regulations applicable to the loan program.

See attachment for your appeal rights.

A request for a hearing must be sent to the Area Supervisor, National Appeals Staff (address) ____________, postmarked no later than (month) ____________, (date) ____________,

The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, handicap, or age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract), because all or part of the applicant's income derives from any public assistance program, or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The Federal Agency that administers compliance with the law concerning this creditor is the Federal Trade Commission, Equal Credit Opportunity, Washington, DC 20580.

Dear ____________:

After careful consideration we [were unable to take favorable action on your application/request for Farmers Home Administration or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 services] [are cancelling/reducing the assistance you are presently receiving].

If you have any questions about this action, we would like the opportunity to explain in detail why your request has not been approved, explain any possible alternative, or provide any other information you would like. You may bring any additional information you may have and you may bring a representative or counsel if you wish. Please call (telephone number) for an appointment.

Applicants and borrowers generally have a right to appeal adverse decisions, but FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 decisions based on certain reasons are not appealable. We have determined that the reason(s) numbered ________ for the decision in this case make(s) the decision not appealable under FmHA or its successor agency under Public Law 103-354 regulations. You may, however, write the Area Supervisor, National Appeals Staff (insert address) for a review of the accuracy of our finding that the decision is not appealable, postmarked no later than (month) ________, (date) ________ (insert date 30 days from date of letter).

The Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, handicap, or age (provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract), because all or part of the applicant's income derives from any public assistance program, or because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The Federal Agency that administers compliance with the law concerning this creditor is the Federal Trade Commission, Equal Credit Opportunity, Washington, DC 20580.

1. District Director also means Assistant District Director or District Loan Specialist.

2. County Supervisor also means Assistant County Supervisor with loan approval authority.

3. The Director of the National Appeals Staff may designate a staff member to conduct a hearing or review. When the hearing/review is completed, the designee will send the complete case file, hearing notes, tape recordings, and a recommended decision to the Director for a final decision. The Director may, for individual cases, delegate final decision authority to a designee.

4. For decisions not directly covered above, advice should be sought from the Director of the National Appeals Staff.

5. An appellant may elect to have an appeal reviewed by the State Director, or the Director of the National Appeals Staff. The decision of the State Director will be subject to further review by the Director of the National Appeals Staff upon request of the appellant.