§ 1500.15 Submission of Dispute.

An Affected Entity or its authorized representative may dispute an Agency Decision by electronically submitting a Dispute to the DDO identified in the Agency Decision. In order for the DDO to consider the Dispute, it must satisfy the following requirements:

(a) Timeliness. The DDO must receive the Dispute no later than 30 calendar days from the date the Agency Decision is electronically sent to the Affected Entity. The DDO will dismiss any Dispute received after the 30-day period unless the DDO grants an extension of time to submit the Dispute. The Affected Entity must submit a written request for extension to the DDO before the expiration of the 30-day period. The DDO may grant a one-time extension of up to 30 calendar days when justified by the situation, which may include the unusual complexity of the Dispute or because of exigent circumstances.

(b) Method of submission. The Affected Entity must submit the Dispute electronically via email to the DDO, with a copy to the AO, using the email addresses specified in the Agency Decision within the 30-day period stated in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Contents of Dispute. The Dispute submitted to the DDO must include:

(1) A copy of the disputed Agency Decision;

(2) A detailed statement of the specific legal and factual grounds for the Dispute, including copies of any supporting documents;

(3) The specific remedy or relief the Affected Entity seeks under the Dispute; and

(4) The name and contact information, including email address, of the Affected Entity's designated point of contact for the Dispute.

[85 FR 61575, Sept. 30, 2020]