(a) An appeal will be assigned a docket number by the Board 40 days after receipt of the notice of appeal unless the Board has been properly notified that the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs has assumed jurisdiction over the appeal. If, prior to the time that the Board would ordinarily assign a docket number, the Board receives notice that the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs has decided not to assume jurisdiction over the appeal, the Board will assign a docket number to the appeal upon receipt of that notice. A notice of docketing will be sent to all interested parties as shown by the record on appeal upon receipt of the administrative record and assignment of a docket number. The docketing notice will specify the time within briefs must be filed, cite the procedural regulations governing the appeal, and include a copy of the Table of Contents furnished by the deciding official if it was not previously sent to the interested parties.

(b) Any objection to the administrative record as constituted must be filed with the Board within 15 days of the objecting party's receipt of the Table of Contents.