(a) Any firm or individual suspended under chapter 3, section 7 of the Postal Service Purchasing Manual who believes that the suspension has not been in accordance with the provisions thereof, or with applicable laws or regulations, may appeal to the Judicial Officer for a review of the suspension.
(b) Any such appeal shall be addressed to the Judicial Officer through the Vice President who ordered the suspension within 20 days of the date upon which the respondent has been notified of the suspension. Such appeal shall concisely and in the manner of a pleading set forth the grounds upon which the suspension is contested and may be supported by a brief and such evidence as the respondent may desire to submit.
(c) Should the respondent desire oral argument or a hearing before the Judicial Officer in connection with the appeal, application therefor shall be included in the appeal. In the event that the Judicial Officer grants the respondent's application for a hearing the notice of suspension and the appeal shall constitute the pleadings defining the issues therein and the hearing shall be regulated in accordance with the rules in this part concerning debarment proceedings.
(d) The decision of the Judicial Officer in any appeal shall constitute the final agency determination of the issues presented thereby. Either party thereto may, however, file a motion for reconsideration thereof, in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 957.22. [36 FR 11574, June 16, 1971, as amended at 41 FR 19309, May 12, 1976; 63 FR 66051, Dec. 1, 1998]