(a) General. Upon request, Ex-Im Bank shall consider a discretionary fee waiver or reduction of the fees chargeable under §404.9.

(b) Form of request for fee waiver. Ex-Im Bank shall deny a request for a waiver or reduction of fees that does not clearly address each of the following:

(1) The proposed use of the records and whether the requester will derive income or other benefit from such use;

(2) An explanation of the reasons why the public will benefit from such use; and

(3) If specialized use of the records is contemplated, a statement of the requester's qualifications that are relevant to the specialized use.

(d) Burden of proof. In all cases, the requester has the burden of presenting sufficient evidence or information to justify the fee waiver or reduction. The requester may use the procedures set forth in §404.11 to appeal a denial of a fee waiver request.

(e) Employee requests. Fees of less than $50.00 shall be waived in connection with any request by an employee, former employee, or applicant for employment, related to a grievance or complaint of discrimination against Ex-Im Bank.