39 CFR § 961.12
(Rule 12) Ex parte communications
August 7, 2025
§ 961.12 (Rule 12) Ex parte communications.
Except as described in this section, a party may not communicate with a Hearing Official or other member of the Judicial Officer Department without the other party present. Exceptions:
(a) A Hearing Official or other member of the Judicial Officer Department may talk to a party individually to discuss procedural matters.
(b) A Hearing Official may talk to a party individually when a telephone conference or hearing has been scheduled and the other party does not appear.