(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Commission shall conduct proceedings in conformance with the notice and comment procedures of this subpart whenever:

(1) The Commission is considering the issuance, amendment, or repeal of any Commission rule or regulation;

(2) The Commission is seeking information to inform potential future Commission action with or without the issuance of a final decision; or

(3) The Commission in the exercise of its discretion determines it is appropriate.

(b) Unless the Commission orders otherwise, the rules in this subpart shall not apply to proceedings governed by subpart F of this part (Proceedings with an Opportunity for a Hearing on the Record). The rules in this subpart also shall not apply to the following parts of subchapter D of chapter III (Special Rules of Practice for Specific Proceeding Types) of this title: part 3020 (Rules Applicable to Requests for Changes in the Nature of Postal Services) of this chapter, part 3021 (Rules for Appeals of Postal Service Determinations to Close or Consolidate Post Offices) of this chapter, part 3022 (Rules for Complaints) of this chapter, part 3023 (Rules for Rate or Service Inquiries) of this chapter, and part 3024 (Special Rules for Complaints Alleging Violations of 39 U.S.C. 404a) of this chapter.